The New York Herald Newspaper, December 10, 1875, Page 3

WASHINGTON. The Committees Appointed for the Several Departments, The Blunder of the Democrats in the House Regarding the Louisiana Members. FERNANDO WOOD IN EXPLANATION What “a Small Mind in This Small Age” Is Equal To. A LAND SWINDLING CASE. Church and State in Connection with the Indian Appointments. FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Wasuinron, Dec. 9, 1875, THE ACTION OF THE DEMOCRATS ON THE CRE- DENTIALS OF THE LOUISIANA MEMBERS AT THE OPENING SESSION—AN ENERGETIC EX- PLANATION FROM MR, WOOD. The blunder of the democratic leaders at the qpening of Congress on Monday is a theme that does not die out of public discussion; in fact, the chance of another mistake before this one shall have been forgotten, is so dreaded that the House will dodge holding any session until a line of policy shall have been laid out for the democratic majority and the committees are made up. Hence itis understood that on reassembling to-morrow an adjournment will be taken for another three days, which will carry the recess over Monday. , Iv issaid inexplanation of Fernando Wood's resolution ‘that he offered it at the suggestion of the Louisiana delegation, whose ,interests ho felt himself bound to champion as soon as he had been asked to be their spokesman, The democratic leaders wish to discour- age the belief that they or any portion of them had decided, ata preliminary conference, upon the policy of defending the McEnery claimant, In an interview. this evening with Mr, Fernando Wood he was asked if he had anything to explain about his introduction of the Louisiana mat- ter at the opening session of the House the other day. He assumed the look of a French general at a court- martial, and said that he did not know that he was bound to give an account of his acts nor his motives for hem. He had done nothing that he was ashamed of. ‘He was an independent man, and under no obligations to any newspaper or party. “] want the press and the public,” said he, rising to a dramatic and imposing posture, “to understand that I shall do as I picase, and make no explanations of my conduct, 1 am accountable only to my constituents. If they wish an explanation T am ready to give it. Tne record of what I have said speaks for itself, . 1 bave nothing to add,. nothing to retract. I can assure you there is nothing im this whole thing, so far as I know there was, nor is there, any intention or desire to reopen the Louisiana question. Certainly pot on my part, and I know that neither Mr. Lamar nor Mr, Cox had such in- tention, My action was solely my own, for which I am solely and entirely responsible. Iam governed by no party clique or caucus, and ef all the 135 mem- bers who voted and aro of my views, I don’t know that any of them bad any intention or wish to touch Louisiana affairs. If the press wish to make a sensation over it and say that the democrats wanted to have more biood and sI jhter down there it is their look out, not mine, I am not responsible for what they may tay nor for the action of designing men who don't care whether Kellogg or McEnery be Governor so long as they can accomplish their schemes, ‘These are the men who make dupes of the reporters and lead them to disseminate im] ns which will some way farther thet desigiis, 1 see no reason for all this cry over the simple fact that I made a motion for an inquiry to be made concerning the validity of Mr. Morey’s credentials. Papers were presented to the Clerk, claiming to come from the Governor of Louisiana, I merely moved that they be examined br referred to the proper committee, which would haye taken, perhaps, two days. If the committee had ques- tioned the legality of Mr, Kellogg’s official position as Governor that would have been another thing, but even ihat is a supposition. I repeat that I had no intention to reopen the Louisiana question, and there is no foundation for this outery, It dnly shows to what depth of imbecility the common intelligence of the country can reach, This attack on me and my friends is the smallest exhibition of a small mind that this small age can produce, It is too damned small to laugh at.” THE QUESTION OF CHURCH AND STATE—WHO APPOINTS THE INDIAN AGENTS? The passage in the Message which demands the en- tire separation of Church and State is not unlikely to come up in the Senate in a curious shape. The Indian agents, who are selected under the President’s order by the heads of religions bodies, are nominated by the President and have to be confirmed by the Senate, When their names come up before the Committee on Indian Affairs and inquiry is made about. them Senators complain that neither the Senate nor the Indian Bureau nor the In- terior Department knows anything of them. It is said titat some democratic Senators mean to inquire into this matter, with a view to ascertaining how far the churches gre really concerned in these appointments, and who are the persons to whom each denomination delegates the nominating power, THE ALLEGED LAND SWINDLE OF THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD—HOW A CITIZEN WAS CREATED OUT OF HIS PROPERTY. The alleged Jand swindling operations of the Union Pacific Railroad, revealed in the case of Carroll against Hodgeman and the company, a rehearing of which has Veen ordered by Land Comfuissioner Burdett, is likely tg, be followed by turther similar disclosures, twelve additional claims having been already filed for adjudication, The facts in the Carroll cuse expose a scheme of rascality that finds no palliation, The allegations made before the Land Commissioner are briefly as follows :— Michael A. Carroll, in 1869, settled in good faith under the pre-emption laws upon the land in dispute, amounting to about seventy-three acres in Laramio City, the plot being now covered by property of the railroad, comprising a hotel, depot, roundhouse and like buildings jelonging ‘to a railway establish. ment. In the ‘year 1868 Hodgeman had settled on aa adjoining tract and filed a declaratory statement with the Surveyor General, there being at the time no local land office open, This state. ment, with a description of the land, he caused to by put on the county records in the year 1870. Meantime ho was in the service of the company, starting as brake- man and being promoted to engineer and to conductor, The laud thus described Is altogether separate from Carroll's land, as appears from the wording of the de- scription, Both tracts were as yet unsurveyed. Mean- time the railroad company had taken posses- ion of the seventy-three acres, forming part of the section owned by Carroll. Hodgeman, seeing the blunder of the company, thought to avail himself of it. Accordingly, when the approved government sur- veye were filed at the local land office at Cheyenne, he went there, sixty miles distant, with two witnesses, proved up his claim to Carroll's land, paid the cash entry under the Homestead law and got his patent or title to the land from the United States, He then made yasne with the railroad company, who endeavored to vithate has claim on the ground that his entry upon the jand was made for speculation and not in good faith, The company were unaware of tho falsity of his title. After #omo litigation they bovght his claimed interest, and, being in turn proceeded asainst by Carroll, who mean- time had discovered the trespass of the railroad on his Jand, but not until he had been furnished with the official survey, went to work to defend Hodgeman and themselves, It should be mentioned hore that the i@.loficers at Cheyenne failed to forward Carroll's p10 eof and other papers vo Washington, and the Land NEW ¥ Commizsioner, in their absence, and not know- ing of an adverse claim, issued the patent to Hodgeman under date of April 1, 1875. On the very next day the claim of Carroll was filed through A. H. Jackson, bis attorney doing business im Wash- ington, who informed Commissioner Burdett of tho suspicious action of the local officers at Cheyenne. The Commissioner in turn declared his determination to discharge these officers 1f proof of their partiality toward Hodgeman should be given bim. This proof was given bim and they were discharged. The froot so adduced was subsequently enlarged by the fall evidence of Carroll's direct claim and the fraud which fs alleged to have been connected with the case was, it is asserted, made so apparent that the Land Commissioner directed the reopening of the case, Thirty days’ notice has been given to all parties of the intended rehearing, which will take place at the local office at Cheyenne, When the testimony has been all taken the case willbe referred to Attorney General Pierrepont in order that he may bring an action in the name of the United States for the rescission or forfeit- ure of Hodgeman’s patent, GOVERNOR MORTON’S ALLEGED COMPLICITY WITH THE WHISKEY RING AUTHORITATIVELY DENIED. The statement made ag to Governor Morton’s com- plicity fn any whiskey ring or operations in Indiana or elsewhere is pronounced, on the best authority, forgery and an entirely inconsistent fabrication on its face. Bluford Wilson, who is Solicitor of the Treasury, was appointed to investigate these misdoings, and pro- nounces it a base misrepresentation, OFFICIALS AND DIGNITARIES TO VISIT THE CEN- + | WENNIAL GROUNDS, Invitations have been extended to the President and Cabinet, the United States Supreme Court, to both Houses of Congress and to all leading dignitaries and officials in Washington to visit the Centennial grounds and buildings at Philadelphia, on Friday, December 17. The invitations having been generally accepted, a high-toned excursion party will be the consequence, GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. Wasninatox, Dec. 9, 1875. APPOINTMENT OF THB STANDING COMMITTEES IN THE SENATE. Mr. Wright, of Iowa, moved that the Senate pro- cced to appoint the standing committees for the present session, This was agreed to, and on his motion the rule requiring that such committees be selected by ballot was suspended. He then submitted a resolution declaring that the standing commitices of the Senate shall be as follows:- On PrivitxGEs xp Exrortons.—Mr. Morton, Chair- man; Messrs. Logan, Mitchell, Wadleigh, Cameron of Wisconsin, McMillan, Saulsbury, Merrimon and Cooper, ‘ON ForsicN ReLATIONS,—Mr. Cameron of Pennsyl- yauia, chairman; Messrs. Morton, Hamlin, Howe, Fre- linghuysen, Conkling, MeCreery, Bogy and Eaton. Ow “Fixaxce.—Mr. Sherman, chairman; Messrs, Morrill of Vermont, Ferry, Frelimghuysen, Logan, Boutwell, Jones of Nevada, Bayard and Kernan. On ArrKOPRIATIONS.—Mr, Morrell of Maine, Chair- man; Messrs. Windom, West, Sargent, Allison, Dorsey, Davis, Withers and Wall Ox CommERcE.—Mr, at airman; Messrs, Spencer, Boutwell, Cameron of sin, Barnside, chillan, Ransom, Dennis and McDonald. On Manxcractures.—Mr. Robertson, Chairman; Messrs. Booth, Bruce igh and Wallace, On AGricuLrcry.—Mr, Frelinghuysen, Chairman; Messrs. Robertson, Harvey, Davis and Gordon, Ox MILITARY ‘Mr. Logan, Chairman; Messrs, Cameron. eunsylvania, penser, Clayton, Wadleigh, Burnside, Gordon, Randolph and Cockrell. ON Navan ‘Arrams.—Mr, in, Chairman; Messrs. Anthony ‘Morrill of Maine, Sargent, Conover, Norwood a te, ON Coes dorcaNee, Lats Edmunds, Chairman; Messrs, Conkling, Frelinghuysen, Wrignt, Howe, Thurman and Stevenson. , On Post Orvicrs and Post Roapvs,—Mr. Hamlin, Chairman; Messi ry, Dorsey, Jones of Nevada, Dawes, Paddi Maxey’and Key. ‘Ow Ponute L, ‘Oulesby, Chairman; Messrs. Windom, Harve; ‘addock, Booth, Kelly, MeDonald and Jones. ida, On Privare La} 8.—Mr, Thurman, Chair- than; Messrs. , Edmunds and Christiancy, Ow InpiaAN AFPrarRs.—Mr. Allison, Chairman’; Messrs. 9 year Morril of Maine, Ingalls, Clayton, Bogy and sti revy, ON PeNsions.—Mr, Ingalls, Ohairman; Messrs, Alli- som, Hamilton, Booth, Bruce, McDonald and Withers. On RevoLcTionaRy CLAiMs.—Mr, Stevenson, Chair- man; Messrs. Johnsop, Goldthwaite, Morrill of Ver- moni, and Wright. On CLaims,—Mr. Wright, Chairman; Messrs. Mit- chell, Wadleigh, uratiany McMillan, Cameron of Wiseonsin, Carpente ‘krill and Jones of Florida, ON hi DistRicr gh = age By) ne ale man; Messrs. Hitcheock, Dorgey, rtso) sare tee sig On Pareyts.—Mr. Wadleigh, Chairman; Messrs, Windom, Dawes, Johnson and Kernan. Oy Puaiic BorLpincs aNd Grounvs.—Mr. Morrill of Vermont, Chairman; Messrs. Cameron of Penusylva- nia, Paddock, Cooper and Whyte. On Tenritorixs.—Mr. Hitchcock, Chairman; Messrs. Cragin, Patterson, Christiancy, Sharon, Cooper and axey. « On Raitroans.—Mr. West, Chairman; Messrs.[Hitch- cock, Cragin, Howe, Hamilton, Mitchell, Dawes, Ran- som, Kelly, Caperton and Eaton. ON Mixes axp MuvinG.—Mr. Sargent, Chairman; Messrs. Hamlin, Alcorn, Harvey, Sharon, Goldthwaite and Randolph. Ox tue Revision or THR Laws or tHe Unrrep Srates.—Mr. Boutwell, Chairman; Messrs. Alcorn, Christiancy, Caperton and Wallace. On Epvcation anp Lasor.—Mr. Patterson, Chairman ; Messrs. Morton, Morrilll of Vermont, Burnside, Bruce, Sharon, Gordon, Maxey and Key. Ox Givi, Service aND RurkeNcmwent.—Mr. Clayton, Chairman; Messrs. Wright, Oglesby, Alcorn, Patterson, MeCreery and Randolph, ‘To Avbit AND CONTROL THE CONTINGENT EXPENSES OF tux Sexate.—Mr, Jones of Nevada, Chairman; Messrs. Dawes and Dennis, On Printixc.—Mr.. Anthony, Chairman; Sherman and Saulsbury. On tHe Lisrary.—Mr. Howe, Chhirman; Edmunds and Ransom. Ox Ruves.—Mr, Ferry, Chairman; Messrs, Hamlin and Merrimon, Messrs. Messrs, Ox ExGrossep Brig—Mr. Bayard, Chairman; Messrs. Withers and Anthony. On ep Briis.—Mr, Conover, Chairman; Messrs. Robertson and Kelly, On THE Levees oF THE Mississirrt River.—Mr. Alcorn, Chairman; Messrs, Clayton, Harvey, Cooper and Cockrell, To Examine THR SEVERAL Braycnes or tHe Crvit Service Rovres.—mr. Boutwell, Chairman; Messrs. Conkling, Allison, Merrimon and Eaton.. ON TRANSPORTATION TO THE SBABOARD.—Mr, Windom, Chairman; Messrs. Sherman, West, Conover, Mitchell, Burnside, Norwood, Davis and Jonnston, Mr. Bayar, of Delaware, said, on behalf of the minority of the Senate, he desired to express regret that upon the Committee on Finance, numbering nino members, they bad not been allowed the same propor. tion which the sense of justice on the part of the ma- jority had given the minority on other committees. At this time, considering the importance of the dutics of that committee, the number of the minority and their share of the résponsibilty in moulding the legislation in regard to fnances, the ratio deemed by the majority and minority a just one upoa other committees snould prevail upon this committee. He had understood, however, that two members of the Finance Committee. the Senator from Illinois (Mr. Logan) and the Senator from Nevada (Mr. Jones) would be here soon, and upon their arrival it was proposed to consider the subject of allowing the minority a greater representation. He hoped the proposition would be carried out, ‘The resolution of Mr, Wright appointing the com- mittees Was then agreed to, NOMINATIONS BY THE PRESIDENT. ‘The President sent to the Senate to-day a very large number of nominations, almost all of them being ap- pointments made during the recess, Among them aro the following:—Ayres P. Merrill, of Mississipp}, Minister Resident to Belgium; Richard Gibbs, of New York, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleni- potentiary to Peru; Christian Wullweber, of Iowa, Minister Resident to Ecuador; John ©, New, Treasurer of the Unitea States; Curtis F. Burnham, of Kentucky, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury; Henry A. Lockwood, Commissioner of Customs; R. Hol- land Duell, of New York, Commissioner of Patents; John Q. Smith, of Obio, Commissioner of Indian Affairs; Edward 8. Tobey, Postmaster at Boston; Austin C, Chase, Postmaster at Syracuse, N. Y.; Major Robert MacFeely, Commissary of Subsistence, to be Commissary General of Subsistence, with the rank of brigadier general; Colonel William McKee Dunn, As: sistant Judge Advocate General, to be Judge Advocate General, with the rank of brigadier general; First Lieutenants F. F, Whitehead and Jobn F. Weston to be captains and commissaries of subsistence; First Lieu- tenants T. T. Thorwburgh and William Arthur and Mossrs, William M. Maynadier, of Maryland, and J, A. Brodhead, of Massachusetts, to be majors and paymas- ters; Comunodore 8. D. Trenchard to be rear admiral; Commodore John Irwin to be captain; Commodore Daniel Ammen to be Chief of the Bureau of Navigation; Lieutenant Commanders F, R. Smith and 0, L. Hunt ington to be commanders; George W, Emery of Tenn exsee, Governor of Utah; 8 B, Axtell, of Cali- fornia, Governor of Now Mexico Territory; John Taffee, Secretary of Colorado Territory; William Sanborn. Secretary of Arizona: Edward C. David to be Surveyor General for Wyoming Territory; L. D. Ball to be Surveyor General for Florida; Joha R. Clark for the District of Nebraska and Iowa; Jacob M. Patterson, Jr., to be Pension Agent at New York oity; Mark Tilton to be Pension Agent at Madison, Ind. ; B. C. Watkins to be Inspector of Indian’ Affairs; Thomas C. Woodward, of Towa, and Virgil D. Stockbridge, of Maine, to be Ex” aminers in Chief of the Patent Office; David D. Cone, of the District of Columbia, to be Secretary to the Presi- dent to sign land patents; J. M. McGrew to be Auditor of the Treasury for the Post Office Departinent;. F. B. Lilly to be Deputy Auditor of the same; William Hemp- hill Jones to be Deputy First Comptroller of the Treasury; Levi Dague to be Coiner of the Mint at Car_ son, Ney.; Ferdinand Meyor, A. C. Matthews, Thomas J. Brady and George B, Chamberlain to be Supervisors of Internal Revenue. To be Collectors of Internal Revenue—E. H. Rhodes, for Rhode Island» Lynch, for the Nineteenth districs | sui; Joseph D. Web- ster, for the First diet illinois; Thomas J. Kin- ney, for the Ninth district of Ulinois; Charics B. Pet- tengill, for the Eighteenth district of Ohio; J, M. Bean, for the Fifth district of Wiscovsin; L. B. Trowbridge, for the First district of Michigan; R. T. Van Horn, for the Sixth district of Missouri; J. H. Sturgeon, for the First district of Missouri; W. S. Holden, for the Sixth district of Kentucky; J. L, Conley, for the Fourth dis- trict of Georgia; Andrew Clark, for the Second district of Georgia; W. F. Green, for the Sixth district of Ten- nessee; R, F, Campbell, for the Third district of Texas; O. H. Russell, for the Third district of Virginia, Collectors of Customs—Joseph A. Jones, for the Dis- trict of Chicago, IL; Elias Root, for Oswego, N. Y.; William C, Marshall, for Belfast, Me.; Moses Lowell, for Saco, Me.; A. S. DeWolf, for Bristol, R, L; Ridge Paschal, for Corpus Christi, Texas; F. E. Grossman, for Fernandina, Fla,; James B, Mitchell, for York- town, Va Appraisers ot Merchandise—C. W. Ringgold, at New Orleans, La. ; Barbour Lewis, at Memphis, Tenn. ; L. S. Howlett, at Louisville, Ky.; R. ©. Feldkump, at Chi- cago, 1, Surveyors of Ports—J. M. Weils, at New Orleans, La.; W. & Chichester, at Lavaca, Texas; Charles Lee, at Angusta, Ga, Consuls—Solomon Steinberger, of New York, at Min- atitlan; Edward A. Farrington, of New York, at Osaka and Hiogo; L. E. Dyer, of Tennessee, at Olessa; Charies R. Douglass, of the District of Columbia, at Puerto Plata; Bendix Koppel, at Bogota; Joseph Knotts, of Iowa, at Chihuahua; Charles P. Lincoln, of Mississippi, at Canton; Lewis Richmond, of Rhode Island, at Cork; George Howen, of Vermont, at Messina; V, N. Smith, of Arkansas, at St. Thomas; William G. Riley, of, Virginia, at Zanzibar; A. G. Webster, at Hobartown; D. C. Van Remondt, at St. Martins. Daniel 8. Richardson, of California, to be Secretary of tne Legation in Mexico; Gratiot Washburne to be Secretary of the Legation at St, Petersburg; Eugene Schuyler, to be Secretary of the Legation to Turkey and Consul General at Constantinople; Henry Vignaud tobe Second Secretary of the Legation at Paris, Postmasters—C. W. Goddard, at Portland, Me. ; J. W. Knowlton, at Bridgeport, Ct.; W. F. Hall, at Moriden Ct #7. 8. Blodgett, Cooperstown, N. ¥.; Charles H. Hop king, at Utica, N. Y.; 8. G. Hamlin, at Schenectady” N. Y.; Jobn J. Smith, at Sunbury, Penn. ; J. M. G. Par? ker, at New Orleans, La. ; B. G. Conley, at Atlanta, Ga, ; Clinton Spencer, at Ypsilanti, Mich. ; Thomas Saylor, at East Saginaw, Mich.; W. P. Forsythe, at Jefferson, Wis.; M. ©. Garber, at Madison, Ind; B. W. Davis, at Richmond, Ind; D, D. ‘Taylor, at Cambridge, Ohio; D, W. Simmons, at Jackson- ville, Il; W. ©. Snyder, at Fulton, UL; 8. Y. Smith, at Peru, IL; Charlies F, Toll, at Clinton, Iowa; N. P. Sunderland, at Burlington, Jowa; David Day, at. St. Paul, Minn.; Luke Marvin, at Duluth, Minn.; John G. Compton, at Columbus, Neb. ; Charles F, Meyers, at Porche, Nev.; Ora Haley, a, Laramie, Wy. Ter.; N. J. Sharp, at Ogden, Utah; Theo. dore W. Otis, at Prescott, Arizona, together with many others for post offices of less importance, for which ap. pointments were made during the recess, There were also sent in a large numberof nomina- tions of Registers aud Receivers and Indian Agents, and promotions in the lower grades of the army and navy, all being appointments made during the recess of Congress, and heretofore ptblished, CONFIRMATIONS BY THE SENATE. The Senate, in executive session this aflernoon, con- firmed the following nominations:—Z. Chandler to be Secretary of the Interior; EdwaraS. Pierrepont to be Attorney General; David Day to de Postmaster at St. Paul, Minn,; John C. New, of Indiana, to de Treasurer of the United States; John Q Smith, of Ohio, to be Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and John Taffo, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of the Territory of Colorado; Vice John Jenkins suspended during the recess of the Senate, A REBUKE TO MR. HENDERSON, SPECIAL COUN- SEL IN THE WHISKEY TRIALS. The Attorney Goneral to-day sent a telegram to United States Attorney Dyer at St. Louis, saying that advices had reached him to the effect that special counsel Henderson had, in the course of the Avery trial, made an attack upon the President, and assuring the United States Attorney that the department will not continue to pay special counsel for this kind of service. A COMMISSION FROM THE IMPERIAL GOVERN- MENT OF JAPAN TO EUROPE. General George B, Williams, formerly Deputy Com- missioner of Internal Revenue, is at the Arlington, en route for Europe in the capacity of Commissioner of tho Imperial Government of Japan to Europe. He is accompanied by two Japanese officers of rank, Mr. Tomito and Mr. Minami. We understand the mission to have reference to financial and commercial matters. General Williams is accompanied by his wife. THE CANAL FRAUDS. YESTERDAY'S SESSION OF THE JOINT LEGISLA- TIVE COMMITTRE—INQUIRY INTO THE VALID- ITY OF ORISKANY CREEK CLAIMS, AuBany, Deo, 9, 1875, The Joint Legislative Committee to investigate alleged canal frauds reassembled at the Canal Ap- praiser’s office this morning. A number of witnesses were examined as to the dam- age caused by the divergency of the waters of the Oris- kany Creck, The witnesses were nearly unanimous in asserting the excessive character of the claims and the appropriations therefor. Adjourned till ten A. M. to-morrow. UNION LEAGUE CLUB. Ataregular monthly meeting of the Union League Club Jast night, Hon Jobn Jay, chairman of the com- mittee appointed to act upon a communication re, ceived by the club from Mr. Edward Laboulaye, Presi- dent of the Franco-American Society, asking its co- operation in the erection of the proposed statue in the harbor, presented a report recommending that the committee place the matter before Congress and invoke the aid of the national government in the undertaking. The report was adopted. After the routine business had been disposed of Mr. Elliot C. Cowdin delivered a sympathetic review of the life, churacter and genius of Henry Wilson, late Vice President of the United States. He eulogised Mr. Wilson for his devotion to principles in defiance of the temptations of pelf, his freedom from shamnd great bravery. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. A meeting of merchants was held last might at Green- wich Hall, at the corner of Hudson and Christopher streets, for the purpose of taking action toward obtaining some relief from the exorbitant foes charged at present by the sealers and inspectors of weights and measures, A committee was appointed and authorized to confer with the city authorities in relation to some. definite action for the correction of these abuses. EXEMPT FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION. A meeting was held last evening at the Bleecker Buildings by the old exempt firemen of New York, at which resolutions were passed eulogistic of the late William B. Astor, who was an old member of the Vol- unteer Fire Departinent, The Committee on the Cen- tennial excursion to Philadelphia reported that all arrangements bad been made, Robert Ingram, Chief of the Dublin Fire Department, and Robert Littler, Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of Davenport, Ohio, were elected honorary members. Among those resontgyere ex-Alderinen Ward, Edward Stevenson, of the Firth National Bank; EB. O, Jackson, and ex-Coun- cilman William Lamb. VIOLATION OF THE EXCISE LAW. Sixteen violators of the Excise law were arrested last night by the police of the Kighteenth and Twenty. firet precinots—ten by the former and six by the Lauer, LD, FRIDAY; DECEMBER 10, 1875.—-TRIPLE SHEET. TWEED. A Strange Story from One of the Boss’ Employes. IS IT ANOTHER “BLIND?” What a Reporter Learned While Looking After a Mysterious Tugboat. Detectives Searching Canada for the Convict. ‘Where do you think Tweed is? How did he get away? Will he ever be retaken? These are samples of the questions which since Saturday last have usurped the time-honored inquiries relative to the state of the weather by way of introducing conversa- tion. Everywhere the subject of Tweed’s escape pro- dominates, and, although six days have now elapsed since the event occurred, it still holds a promipent place in the public mind. ‘The story so glibly narrated at the Heap office by the ex-employé of the Tweed family has a strange appearance, On first view, it must be admitted, the narrative seems worthy of credence; but, when taken in connection with the subsequent interview with the informant’s wife, she being examined, as the lawyers say, “apart from her husband,” it points strongly to the theory that it was concocted as a part of the exten- sive system of ‘blinds’? put into operation by those who planned the escape. Thus far each succeeding clew obtained by the Heratp but confirms what bas gone before, and establishes beyond doubt the fact that the escape was long and well planned before it was attempted, In conversation with a reporter, yesterday, Sheriff Conner corrects some popular mistakes made with re- gard to his policy touching the past confinement of Tweed, The general impression has hitherto been that Tweed was free to leave his prison wails with a keeper at such times as pleased him, and that the Sheriff knew and permitted such freedom. This he denies, and asserts that on only four different occasions during Tweed’s confinement in Ludlow Street Ja\l did the Boss go outside with the knowledge of Mr. Conner, THE HUNT'S POINT MYSTERY. It will be remembered that a few days ago the eran described the investigations of a reporter in search of information as to the mysterious carriage that was seen driving up the Boulevard, in Westchester county, in the direction of Spofford’s (formerly Hunt’s) Point, from which {t was reported a tug had steamed on Saturday night. This point is a summer resort, and the old Hunt mansion {s now known Cottage Lawn, The lessee was formerly an employé of the Metropolitan Hotel when it was kept by Dick Tweed and his partner, Yester- day a reporter met this gentleman in this city and ques- tioning him obtained from him-a very remarkable story, which, if true, gives color to the belief that Tweed either embarked at that point on a little tug or that the movement of suspicious persons and the tug about the point were a part of a plan carefully devised to give the public and the authorties the impression that “Big Six” has'loft for parts unknown, instead of hiding tn the city until a more convenient season presonts itself for him to getaway. The fact that the lessee of the place was formerly tn Tweed’s employ gives color to the latter theory. “Before procceding to detail the circumstances as re- ported by the lessee we give a diagram of the Point: FENC DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAM, The lane shown on the above diagram leads out to the Hunt's Point Station and the Southern Boulevard. At the lower end of the lane, at A, is a gate which is kept locked. It will be seen that opposite the gate leading to the hotel garden {s another, leading to Spof- ford’s barn. In the fence that divide#gpofford’s barn- yard from the river front is a gate that could be easily removed, So mach by way of explanation of the ground, STATEMENT OF THE LESSER, This gentleman says that on returning home last Friday evening his wife informed him that two of bis friends had called to see him, He asked her to describe them, when she said that about noon two men drove up in a light sido bar wagon drawn by a large mahogany colored horse, and having a dark plush carriage robe ‘and a hght colored lap blanket, One of the callers, she ated, was a tall gentleman with dark bair and black side whiskers, and that when he stood up in the car- riage to arrange the robe she noticed that he wore a heavy locket on his watch chain and a heavy seal ring. “It was the exact DESCRIPTION OF WILLIAM M. TWEED, JR.,” said the gentleman, “His companion was a sandy- haired, small man, quite fleshy. They asked if I was at home, and being answered = in the negative, they inquired if boats ever stopped at the dock, how deep the water was at low tide, and if there were any boarders remaining in the house. My wife answered that boats did stop, that she had heard me say there were ten foot of water, and that all the boarders had gone. They also asked which direction Hell Gate was from the cottage. They re. mained there fifteen or twenty minutes, but she does not know whether they drove down qndexamined the wharf or not. The wharf was built by Mr. Paul W. Spofford, owner of the property, at a cost of $16,000, I remained at home all day Saturday. About noon my wife called my attention toa little steam tug running up the Sound, andexclaimed, ‘There isa boat we have never seen.’ Larose, and looking at ber remarked, ‘She isa little beauty.’ Between two and three that afternoon she came alongside, and made fast to my dock.” @ “Did you go out and investigate, and collect wharf- age?’ asked tho reporter. “No, we never charge wharfage, and I thought noth- ing of it, as tugs are accustomed to wait there to tow vessels, ’” “Deseribe her, please 2”? “Shg was newly paiuted; her cabins appeared to be grained oak, her hull @ light color, Sho was a small craft; I saw her there at eight P, M. Saturday, when I had occasion to go out, . SHE SHOWED BUT ONE LiGHT, Next morning sbe was gone.” “Did you make an examination for carriage tracks?" inquired the reporter, “flold on! that 1s the most suspicious part of it! On Sunday and Monday I remained at home; I did not get my Herato on Monday and had not hoard of Tweed’s escape. On Tuesday | started for town; the conductor of the train showed me the Henaun with reference to the Hunt’s Point mystery, and said, ‘Oh, you have beon helping the Boss off, Have you?’ Como, divyy!? the authorities the impression that Tweed has left, ee: bales to enable aise to remain in hiding untih a venient time for * “Well,” said he, with @ lau; 3 you what I know he a estate man on Broadway, ought to tell what I knew ‘of the matter. } turned home on Tuesday night 1 looked for tracks, and found what astonished me. There were tracks of ' vehicle of some kind down the lane to the entrance of (see point marked A), which was and back again to the gate leading to Spofford’s farmyard. There the car- had entered, and had been driven to barred gate ‘in the fence dividing the barnyard from the shore of the Sound. The bars had been taken down and the carriage’ had been driven through to the carriage way leading to the deck, The tracks show that the vehicle returned the aame way. ‘The tracks are still there, and if you will send a re- porter out he can see them to-day, as they are still there, I have hot seen young William Tweed for somo time, and don’t know whether he still wears his whis- kers The description of one of the men is that of young Tweed as he used to look, I haven't seen the elder Tweed for some time, and while he was at the Metropolitan Hotel rarely saw him, although | knew he was in the house, as I often received wine orders for him, Jim Kelso and others.” This story is certainly one that justifies careful in- vestigation by the authorities. The author insisted that his name shouid pot be published, as he wished wo avoid notoriety. One of the strongest reasons to justify the belief that these movements were INTENDED AS A “OOV: to put the detectives off the scent is the fact that the carriage made a detour through the barnyard, opening one gate and taking down aset of bars. Had Tweed been of the party he would have been in too great a hurry to brook this delay, and would, with the aid of his associates, have scaled the fence at the point inarked A, and get on board the tug in the shortest possible time. The story is given for what it is worth, and asa possible clew that will bear investigation. ‘Vhis statement was voluntarily made in the Herary office yesterday by the lessee of Cottage Lawn, aud, to Lee ¢ same, @ HeRALD reporter was set Lo work, WHAT TI MISTRESS OF COTTAGBR LAWN SAYS. Shortly afer two P. M. yesterday he arrived at Spofford’s Point, and presented himself at the point marked A in the diagram. The gate was locked, and he scaled the fence. In answer to his knock the door was opened and a lady appeared, carrying in her arms apretty little girl The detective was at once ad- mitted to a cosey parior, and, after explaining that he was in the confidential ‘employ of the HenaLp be was invited to aseat, The lidy hesitated to speak until her visitor presented a diagram of the premises, drawn by her husband, whose hand she at once recognized, ‘This proved a key to her confidence, and, belore long, tho detective was installed in her good graces, He opened by the remark “I have seen your husband, and he wanted me to come out here. Will you tell me what occurred here on Friday last? Was there anything wousual or any- thing mysterious about your grounds?” ‘The answer of the mistress of Cottage Lawn came quickly :—“Only two men came here on Friday—and,”” after a pause, ‘they insulted me??? “Flow did they insult you ?’? was inquired. “They asked if I was alone, I told them I was not They then said they would come in, and they attempted to. I put my hand on the door and told them my brother was here, and if they attempted to come in 1 WOULD BLOW THEIR BRAINS OUT.’ “Where was this ?”” “] was on the stoop with the baby.” “Did they come in ?”” “No; they lett. They looked like ‘city men’ and acted as if intoxicated. M ‘What do you think was their motive?” “Oh, I guess they thought we kept a bar, and they wanted a drink.” “Do you keep a bar??? “No, not now; but we do tn summer for the sale of wine. “Please describe the men?” “Tcan’t, I was so frightened that I did not notice them.” “What kind of a horse did they drive?” “A little black one.” “And the vehicle?” it was @ wagon.” “Did they both get out?” ment the answer came :— “Yes. One was a man with a little mustache," “What color?” “Light” “And the other??? “IT can’t exactly tell.” “But, madame, you say they insulted you, and you must have fixed their features in your mind Give me the best description you can." “One was tall, with very dark face and dark whiskers,” “And the other??? _“T dou't know; I was frightened.”? “Did they both remain in the vehicle?” “No; both got out.’ “pid both insult you?” “No; the one who remazned {n the carriage appeared 4o be a gentleman. ” % “While they were trying to force their way tnte your house where was tbe team ?”” “Right there! (pointing to the carriage way in front of the cottage looking over the Sound).. They got in and left.” “Thank you, madame. Now did picious nature occur on Saturday?’ The lady looked inquiringly to the querist for a cue that did notcome. The detective remembered what the pod. re had said, and did not propose to give the madame a chance to confirm him. Finally, she said:— “1 don’t know. I was not here on Saturday. I had a lady friend visiting me, and 1 jay Saturday all lay.” Tre will be remembered that the proprietor states above that his wife called bis attention to a suspicious tug at noon on Saturday. } The next question was as follows: — “Was your husband at home on Saturday ?”? Her answer came :— ‘ “Yes, he stayed at home on Saturday to take care of the baby.’? “When you told the men who had insulted you that you would blow. their brains out HAD YOU A PISTOL, MADAME??? “No; I had my hands under a waterproof.” “Your husband stated in the Hera.o office to-day that you were at home on Saturday and that there was a tug off here ?? “Ob, yes,” responded the madame, “I had forgotten I saw One pass and pointed it out to my husband.” “What time was that?’ “About two or three P, M. of Saturday.’? “But your husband stated this morning that you called his attention it about noon, You tell me now you weré not here on Saturday until between two and three P.M. Your husband says, as well, that the men put other questions to you.” “Oh, I forgot,” she answered, quickly. two other men came Friday.” “What did they want?” “They asked if boats stopped at the wharf.” “Anything else?” “And how deep was the Can you describe thi 0}, 1 was so frightened, I couldn’t."* “What kind of a horse did they have ?”” “A large dark horse.’ “Thank you, madame, Now, did you see any tug at the dock Saturday ¥” “No, sir.” Was your husband home Sunday?” “Yes,” “He was in the city Monday?” “Yen.” é “And you saw no carriage here Saturday night?” No, sir.” othing suspicious ?”” ©, sir, except what I have already told you,” * “When was the gate I have just scaled locked ?” “After I told my husband oa Friday night that 1 had been insulted.” “Were the bars leading from Mr. Spofford’s barn- yard to your carriageway to the dock closed on Savur- day night?” “No, sir.’ {It will be seen that, in the above interview, her husband says they were. ] “Have any carriages entered your grounds, madamo, since Friday last?" 7 Yes: a grocer’s wagon came in since."? “Did it go down to the dock or come around the house?” “It came here direct through the gate leading to Spofford’s barn.”” “Why didn’t it come through the front gate?”” “Because when I told my basband they had been here he went out and locked the gate and it has been locked ever since,” “Your husband said I could find the carriage tracks, Iam sorry he is not here to show them to me, Has any carriage been driven down to the dock since Satur. day?” “IT think not’? Politely bidding the lady of Cottage Lawn good day, the special detective examined the ground and, sure enough, there were carriage tracks, but they sustained the theory given above, that the “Hunt's Foiat mys. tery’ 18 what experts would term a ‘‘a put up job’ cover other movements. A careful examination of every foot of ground showed that a light carriage bad entered just where the proprietor of Cottage Lawn indicated that this carriage made a detour of the carriageway, and, entering the dock, had gone upon itand had been pushed or pulled back by hand, Unfor+ tunately for the authors of THE LITTLE GAME OF SPOFFORD’S POINT, the detective. knew that the shoes of @ borse or horses would makea more indelible mark in the soil than the wheels of a carringe loaded to its utmost capacity. In vain he looked for the track of a horse from the point where the proprietor of Cottage Lawn says they en- tered through Paul M. Spofford’s fence to. the dock. There was not a single track of a horse, but cows had been driven over the route. The dock, as the lady in- dicated, certainty bore the impross of wheels, but no marks of horses. The detective found at the end of the dock further evidence that the story was a “eover.” Every schoolboy knows that acarriage to which horses are attached cannot turn except in a given space, The marks of the carriage wheels distinctly show that no horses were used; that he vehicle was pushed or drawn down the dock by and; that it was not turned, for there would havo been A curve, whereas the marks show that it was drawo back on a close angle. After hesitating a mo- Anything of asus- “There were water,” p SHERIFF CONNER EXPLAINS, In conversation with a Hgeratp reporter yesterday, Sheriff Conner said that he knew that the friends of Mr, Tweed had been constantly holding private meetings for the past four months, for the purpose of arranging for the $3,000,000 bail that was required, but about a month ago they had abandoned that idea and concluded, to take a different course, “I presume,” he said, Then I read it, and am satisfied that Tweed left that dock that uight,”” “Well, | am not,” said the reporter, looking the gentioman in the eye to note the effect, ‘This is, in mv opinion. one of the clever ‘blinds’ devised to give “they thought of bribing the keepers. I did not learn until two days ago that they had abandoned the idea of bailing Tweed,’? “Do you think, then. that the plan adopted by his friends was to aid him in his escape?” asked the re porter, Suxriry—I certainly do; it must be apparent te every ove that Tweed has been sided by iriends, and some very prominent men they were, too. He never could have got away alone, Their plans were well laid and well carried out, Certainly it was the cheapest way, as they, bis friends, I presume, now fear ne after: claps, but it remains to be seen what may turn up be- fore long. Rerorrer—How many times was Tweed let out of Ludiow Street Jail? Saenivy—That I cam only answer so far ag concerns myselt. He was in the jail about five months, during which time 1 granted bim a pass ‘only on four occasions, imeluding the last; if be was out at any other time it was without my censent, It has always been the custom for prison ers confined on civil suits w be allowed to go outside accompanied by deputies, The fact is that lat first REFUSED TO ALLOW TWEED OUTSIDE, bat I was bored to death by his friends, Charles Devin Timothy Campbell and others, who charged me wi trying to persecute the man, saying that | had no feel ing, and that all they asked was that I should allow Bim tobe driven out for fresh air. ‘This I finally ranted, and forbade them to stop at any place, t¢ ive up on the west siae Boulevard, and down on the Fast Side Boulovard. I never knew that Tweed ever visited his house before. I gave strict orders tor him not to be allowed so to do, visited him every day at the jail, and be had there all the freedom that hé could desire. My orders were most stringent against his stopping at a public house, Rerorter—How is it that Dunham and Hagan state that they were only twenty minutes in the house when they were there over an hour and a half, Susxivy—Their stories don't wash with me. They can say what yd pas, bat tl remained there over an hour, and ba good, hearty dinner atter Tweed went up stairs to see his wife. He must bave deen gone a full half hour before Dunham called for him. Hagan’s story is also sae transparent, especially where he says that as soon as Tweed started to go up stairs he started out to wash his hands, He never thought of washing them before sitting down to din- ner, and his hands, if washed at all, wore washed with grecnbacks, Reroxren—Had you full confidence in Dunham? Snenivy—i had every confidence in the man; but I must say it is sadly shaken now. THE TWEED STRUCK JURY. The junior counsel for Mr. Tweed, Messrs. Dudley Field and William Edleston, and Wheeler H. Peckham, the prosecuting counsel on behalf of the people, after quite a lengthy conference yesterday agreed upon the order to be entered persuant to the decision given om the day previous by Judge Davis in Supreme Court, Chambers, granting the applicatton fora struck jury. The following was the order agreed upon, which was duly presented to Judge Davis and rendered imperative by his official sanction and autograph :— On reading ana filing the affidavit of Wheeler A. Peckham and the notice of motion for a struck jury and reading the pleadings and papers on which thé order of arrest was granted, and on ‘reading and filing due proof of due service of notice of this motion on the defendant, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New York, and on reading and filing the affidavit of the defendant, William M. Tweed, and on reading the novice of trial and after hearing Mr. Peckliam, | for plaints, | and Mr. Field, for the defendant, Tweed, and the other defendant not appearing, it is ordered that a special jury be strack for the trial of this cause, and ft appearing by the affidavit of the defendant, William M. Tweed, that the Clerk of the county of New York is not indifferent between the parties to this cause, it is further ordered that said jury shall.be struck by the Hon. Charles A. Peabody and Samuel D. Babcock, who are hereby ap- pointed by the Court as proper persons to strike said Jury. N. DAVIS, J. 8. G Eight days are allowed for notice of trial, which with the subsequent six days claimed to be permitted by statute for empanelling the jury, will make it after Christmas before the case Could at the earliest be reached for trial. ‘This at least is the interpretation iven tbe statutes by Mr. Tweed’s counsel, Mr. Peck- jam, however, claims that only twenty-four hours’ notice is required for empanelling the jury, and go it is not.unlikely there may be a little wrangling over this pretimif@f branch of the case. Taking all the facts into consideration it looks very much as though the trial would not begin before the next term of the Court, 1S THB BOSS IN CANADA? Orrawa, Ont, Dec 9, 1675, Three New York detectives arrived here to-day in pursuitof W. M. Tweed, who they have reason to be- Neve has reached Ottawa. With the assistance of a city detective they are making strict search for the fugitive: WHAT A CLEW LED TO. STORY OF A DESPERATE MUTINY OUTSIDE. THR BAY, The escape of Tweed has naturally been the cause of much comment and discussion among the working men of the lower districts, and particularly among tne vast army of loungers who infest the liquor stores and prow! about the docks along the East River, Various curious theories of the manner of the big chief's fight have been evolved from the frequently ingenious brains ot this class of people, and various highly colored stories have been put in circulation by them. Only yesterday a cartman of a very melodramatic turn of mind divulged a secret, with a strong smack of the elder Weiler about it, to the effect that he had carried from a downtown house a pianoforte of uncommon weight and unwieldi- ness, which he bad no doubt contained the fugitive Boss; and this veracious story teller could only be staggered by the production of statistics touching ‘Tweed’s bulk and length of limb. Along the dock, however, @ somewhat plansible rumor has been in wide circulation lately about & mysterious steam tug which crept up to Peck slip late on Friday night and lay at the dock as if awaiting a passenger.’ One or two denizens of the neighborhood had their attention drawn. to the tug by the unusual lateness of the hour for such aboatto be abroad. Being mystery secking mortais, they accordingly kept a strict watch upon it, and were soon repaid for their scrutiny. Just as the clock was siriking eleven several men emerged from some by- streets in the Fourth ward and hurried down to the slip. There were five tn all, threo clad in the dress of ordinary citizens, bat a couple of them, one of whom was a man of large proportions, seemed habited insome loose fitting garments, resembling the smocks ‘iong- shoremen sometimes wear. The party passed rapidly along thé dock and were received on board the tug, which immediately steamed out tnto the rtver and di- rected !ts course toward the Bay. One or two of tho watchers who followed the course of the boat saw it put on full steam and watched {t till it disappeared in the darkness far down the river. At eight o'clock on Saturday morning some 'longshoremen working on tho pier had with them one ot the dock loungers of night before, and he drew their attention to a steamtug out in the river as the one which had attracted so much notice from him and his companions, While they wero watching it altered its course, steamed up to Peck slip and landed three passeagers, who at once hurried away. Ou the news of Tweed’s escape becoming known local gossip at once associated his disappearance with the mystrious tug, and a Henatp reporter who beard tho story set out at once to investigate it. He found that in his cage the oid proverb of shoot- ing at the goose and killing the gander was especiaily applicable, for while he succeeded in completely dis- connecting the nocturnal cruiser with complicity in Tweed's escape, be happened upon the details ofa crime which has been as yet unreported and might probably remain unknown. After following up the slight clew afforded by the dock lounger’s story be nally suc. ceeded in establishing the personality of the parties who had been associated in the mysterious midnight mission, and from that he soon was able to make him- self acquainted with the circumstances which had given rise to go much suspicion. Various downtown residents were familiar with (he tacts, and out of their state- ments the following narrative is woven:— - ‘On Friday last the ship Albanta, of Nova Scotia, cleared for Liverpool, having on board a newly col: lected crew, under the command ot Captain Seeley. Before coming on board some of the sailors had been drinking, and during the trip down the bay a difficult: arose between them and the officers of the vessel, which was to all {ntent a mutiny by the time they reached the Narrows, Captain Seeley was anxious to ve off, and thinking to pacify the malcontents he kgpt on his course. When two miles beyond the Lightship the most violent of the tmiutineers attacked the commander himself, With a large dirk knife uplifted in his hand he sprang upon Captain Seeley and aimed a down blow at tis left breast. In all probability the stroke would have been fatal had not the monaced man interpSsed his arm, which the knife entered, laying it open to the bone.’ A general fracas ensued, during which the boatswain in‘licted a severe wound upon the neck of the chief mutineer, effectually quieting him and putting an end to the fray, Captain Seeley was badly hurt; but, not to be diverted from his purpose of making sali as'soon as possiple, he offered a very con- siderable sum to a tugboat captain to bring him @ doe- tor from the city. The principal malcontents were sent back in the tug, and, no doubt, set at liberty, and a couple of gentlemen interested in seafari matters, Who were apprised of the facts, Rare off and brought Dr. Dwyer, of East Broadway, to at- tend the wounded man. On the way throngh the Fourth ward a couple of sailors were recruited to fill the vacancies made in the crew, and the whole party, five in number, embarked and returned on the tug, au so they most thoroughly convinced the nocturnal by 's- ry mongers that the gravest cause for suspicion should be entertained regarding them. ‘The large man in the loose clothing, to whom rumor pointed as the fleving ‘Boss, was found to be ongot the seamen recruited on the way, and it is to be hoped that his proportions are not quite so ample and Tweed- like ag they were represented to be, or no doubt Cap- tain Seeley will have serious misgivings about Wis bulky mariner’s efficiency on the yards and rigging. BLACKWELL'S ISLAND. The Commissioners of Charities and Correction havo appointed Mr, P. Golden to the office of Assistant Wi dev on Blackwell's Island, in place of Edward Me! siismissed ; and Mr, William O'Brien hos been a keeper in room of T. Raywood, dismissed an tha re. commendation of Warden Raw