The New York Herald Newspaper, December 23, 1875, Page 3

WASHINGTON. The Feeling at the Nationa) Capital Regarding the Anti-Catholic Seeret Society. THE SENTIMENT WHICH ORIGINATED IT The Reverence of the American for the School System. THE OPPORTUNITY OF DEMAGOGUES. pth Fees una alt A Prominent Republican on the Coming Issues and the Third Term. Democratic Preparations for Re- ¢ trenchment. FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Wasuixcroy, Dec. 22, 1875. THE HERALD EXPOSE OF THE SECRET ANTI- CATHOLIC ORDER IN WASHINGTON—WHAT A PROMINENT REPUBLICAN THINES OF THE SENTIMENT WHICH IT EMBODIES AND OF THE THIRD TERM. _. A leading republican, who prefers to haye his name ‘ahknown, said to-day, in conversation concerning the anti-Catholic society exposure in the Heratp:— “If this society exists, and if it bas Wad its origin in the speech of the President at Des Moines, as some people assert, then he has shown himself one of the shrewdest politicians of the day. The anti-Catholic cry is, of course, nonsense and worse, The Catholics are not formidable in this country, not merely because they lack numbers, but because, with our free institu- tions, they cannot obtain such an exclusive foothold as they can in most European States except England, But what still further disables them is that they are and always have been objects of suspicion here and in England, They are so here not only to the farmers and average citizens, but to many of our most thoughtful men, I remember, di- rectly after the close of the late war, hearing one of the most eminent publicists of the Atlantic States, a man so far from being a religious bigot that he is@ Darwinian and disciple of Herbert Spencer, declare his Delict that our next war would be caused by Roman Catholic interference,” “But bow does this make an anti-Catholic society a sbrewd trick now?” “It appeals to the fears and prejudices, not only of the ignoramt, but of many cultivated and enlightened people,” he replied, ‘It adroitly brings up a question which it is not impossible may be made to overslaugh all others for the next canvass. It is one of the most dangerous tricks which a demagoguc ever invented, for, if it becomes a political question, it will over shadow and put aside all others, and it will sweep the country and put off all necessary reforms, I°afn not, 4s you know, a third term man. I believe there are very few such, and that if General Grant, imitating the examploof General Washington, would make @ declaration refusing a third term, there would be no third termers at all the day after it was published, e: cept, perhaps, a few hairbrained Methodist prelates like Bishop Hayen anda few unscrupulous negro leaders in the South, Ihave not the least fear thatthe Re. publican Convention will go for athirdterm. I know dozens of men who now timidly keep silence on that subject because they hold office or need patronage, but who would vigorously oppose itin the convention, It is a thing that has no strength in the country, unless a secret political organization can be manipulated for it, and thisI doubt, But in any event the danger is great that such a society, if there is one, will be used, as all secret political organizations are, to bring uppermost the vilest elements in the party towhich it will turn.’ “Do you believe Mr. Blaine 1s a member of this society, as the Hera. report asserts ?’” “I do not, and the absurdity of such reports is recog- nized by those who have watched Blaine and know bis proverbial caution in all such matters, He comes, be- sides, from an old Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock in Pennsylvania, and that kind of people are not given to sensationalism in either religion or politics.” Here he laughed and said, “Blaine’s friends have a good joke on him to-day, and I would just as soon tell it to youas not, The Heratp says that Cowles, of Cieveland, was in Washington last week and then initiated Blaine, Now this is not true, for he was not here then; but, as it happens, Cowles was in Washington on Mon- day, ana on that evening dined at Blaine’s house, in company with Eugene Hale, Goneral Garfield, MoPher- son and Kasson and several other republicans, who were, no doubt, amazed, and perhaps -annoyed, at the Heraxp’s report, which came here yesterday,” “If Blaine is not a member will he deny it?” “I don’t know,” was the yeply; “I would not if 1 were charged with it, as I may be to-morrow. In the first place a public man almost always blunders if ho @enics anything, and then, in my opinion, it will not ‘hurt any of us to be supposed or sus- pected to belong to such a socicty, it there is one. Very few people but fools and demagognes will Join such a society, because the genius of our people is hos- tile to such things, and our older politicians know, by a disgusting experience of Know Nothingism, how dangerous it is to their personal fortunes to join such a secret order. Tho poor Vice President was annoyed half out of his life by the charge that he had been a Know Nothing; but I give it to youas my deliberate conviction that mobody will suffer in the esteem of the majority of the American people just now by a charge of being an anti-Catholic, If I were Blaine I would not deny anything, He does not need to.”” “Why do you suppose the people so excitable on this subject just now?” “They have always been excitable on it. They are more so just now because the Roman Catholic press, particularly inthe West, has for the last year taken a very positive ground against our common schools, I Dave been amazed at their folly, for they ought to Know that this is one of two subjects on which tho people of the Northern States in particular are quite eapable of becoming crazy. If any one can persuade our people either that the common schools are in dan- ger, or that the rights and lives of the Southern groes are in serious danger, he can sweep the whole Northern States, Hence the extreme danger of such a movement as this and tho folly ot the Roman Catholic journals I speak of. I thought their sudden outburst unaccountable, vntil it was suggested to me by a liberal Catholic friend who agrees with me, as I Lelieve almost ali thinking Catholics do, that the journals in question were of late controlled or inspired by foreign priests, who, driven out by Bismarck, have been sent here and who do not know the habits of thought of our people and simply follow the policy and manner to which they were accustomed in Germany. They aro helping this secret Order by what they write. I happen to know that their edi- toriais are caretully preserved by more than one politi- cian for possible future use, and they would make very eflective campaign docaments, I can tell you. If 1 were « Roman Catholic writer I would fight very shy of the echool question, and if L were a democrat I would make haste to adopt Blaine’s amendment, or a stronger one if it can be made, If they oppose that, as some demo- crats | know mean to do, they will lose the next Presi- dential election as sure as fate, and they may be the means of giving us a President and administration shashelessly corrupt and ignorant. For if this question comes up the worst demagogue in our party is likely to ride into the White Hovse.on it, in my opinion.” “Do you believe General Grant is scheming for a third term ?” “I don’t know, ButIam not afraid of the third term. There was, I think, danger of it at one time, but the President has offended too many of our prominent mon to succeed now if he wants to, Do you really sup- pose our leading men are a pack of sheep? A good ‘many of them want to live in the White House, and ome of them can’t afford to wait much yonger for their — turpe, The republican party je remarkably rich in Presidential timber. Blain, Fish, Bristow, Washburne, Hayes, John Sherman and half @ dozen others are per- fectly good names to bring beforéthetountry. Not one of them would ref d not one of them would Uke to see Grapt renominated. On the other hand, the democrats have hardly one candidate free from susp!- cion of some kind. Bayard {s almost the only one. He, and perhaps Kerr, are the only men whom they coutd trot out without an almost predestined defeat,” FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT, ——+ Wasuinoton, Dec, 22, 1875, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPRO- PRIATIONS AT THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS— HOW MR. BANDALL PROPOSES TO REDUCE EXPENDITURES, © The Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Mr.-Randall, visited several of the departments to-day and had consultations in regard to reduction of ex- penditures, He is fully convinced, after an examina- tion of estimates, that he can save $40,000,000 annually without detriment to the public service. He proposes to begin with the army and navy, and reduce the cost of each $10,000,000. To do this he jntenas to intro- duce a bill cutting down the’“army to 16,000 and to make appropriations im’ accordance with this bill, He expects co-operation in this matter from the republican minority. It is the intention to make this reduction in some manner not yet fully determined, but such as shall cause the least hardship to the officers of both branches of the service, One plan is to place them on the retired list for a certain time; another, to stop all promotion and make no appointments to vacancies. It is possible that employment may be found fora large number of officers in the Indian Bureau if, as 18 now thought probable, Congress turns that over mainly to the War Department, In regard to the navy, {t is proposed to cut off nearly allthe small vessels and a corresponding number of officers and seamen, In this connection it has been ascertained that the sentiment of the committee is de- cidedly against allowing one dollar of ap- Propriation to cover Secretary Robeson’s late extra expenditures, and if he has spent his appropriation without warrant of law, that he must take the conse- quences, F The cost of the Indian Bureau will be sharply re- duced, If it is decided to put the disbursements of annuities and the purchasing and issuing of supplies into the hands of the army, it will be possible to dis- pense with nearly the whole enurmous Indian civil establishment. A talk with the Commissioner of Pensions revealed the conviction that by a smali appropriation for the employment of experts to visit the various agencies and investigate the condition of certain classes of pen- Sioners, the Commissioner believed that from half o million to a million—probably the latter sum—could be stricken at once from the roils. A large saving will be effected in the sums heretofore appropriated for the surveys of public lands, Mr. Randall is convinced that the expenses of the diplomatic and consular service can be so cut down as to reduce the annual appropriation trom $1,300,000 to about $900,000. He regards it as certain that no ap- propriations whatever will be made for new public buildings; that the annual sums heretofore appro- priated to carry on work upon those in progress will be much reduced, with the idea of checking all further extravagance in their construction. The River and Harbor bill will be very materially re- duced, and little will be given for fortifications. The contingent fund of all the dopartments will be cut down more than one-half, and the vsual appropriations for furnishing the public buildings throughout the country will be almost wholly denied, A very large reduction will be made in the cost of the mail service, and the saving here will be chiefly taken from the appropriations for transportation. Mr. Randall expects ful co-operation from the Treas- ury Department in all efforts for reducing expenses. He says he does not intend to cut down a single dollar where it can be fairly shown that itis absolutely needed for the efficiency of the public service; but every item in excess of this will be altogether eliminated, ‘THE LAWBENCE SMUGGLING CASE—VERY SPICE FIC INSTRUCTIONS FROM ATTORNEY GENERAL PIERREPONT. In consequence of the action of District Attorney Bliss, of New York, insisting upon trying Lawrence | upon the whole nine counts in the indictment, being five counts for offences for which he was not extradited from Great Britain, appoal was made by the counsel for Lawrence to the Attorney General, insisting that dei- nite and peremptory instructions should be immedi- ately forwarded to Mr. Bliss ordering him to try Law- rence for the offences for which ho was extradited, and none other. Lawrence, it will be remembered, was ex- tradited for forging and uttering a certain bond and affidavit to secure an entry of goods through the New York Custom House, He was brought from England upon a warrant of extradition issued by the Secretary of State of Great Britain, Upon arraignment before Judge Benedict he refused to plead to five counts in the indictment upon the ground that they were for offences not mentioned in the warrant of ex- wadition The Judge, however, directed pleas of not guilty to be entered on these five counts. Counsel for Lawrence moved to strike out these pleas, upon the ground that the District Attorney had been in- structed by the President and Attorney General not to proceed upon the samo; but the Judge denied the mo- tion, Bliss insisted that he had received no such in- structions, but, on the contrary, be was ordered by the Attorney General to try Lawrence on all nine counts, To-day the Attorney General, in order to settle the matter definitely, and to prevent further avoidance of the instructions of the President and Department of Justice by Mr. Bliss, issued the following pithy commu- nicatioa :— DurartMext or Justice, Wasmixaton, Dec. 22, 1875. Groros Briss, Esq., United States Atioruey, New York City :— Sin—Application 18 again made to me in the Law- rence case, with a long record and opinion of Judge Benedict. 1 now repeat what'l have before written, with carefulness and urgency, and what I carefully tried to impress upon you when I saw you here, that for grave political reasons Lawrence must lirst be tried upon the charge upon whi 6 Was extradited, and upo no other, until that trial is ended. And whetfler subse- quent proceedings for other crimes shall or shall not be taken must await the order of the President. Now, upon the examination of the papers, it 1s perfectly easy tor you and the Court to determine upon what charge Lawrence was extradited, and to proceed to try him upon that charge, and upon that only. This is a matter of very great importance, and you must not b it. Thero are consequences involved in it of nature, as I have already verbally told you, want to proceed in strict conformit; oo intert law and international courtesy. erefore, I merely add, try bim §rst upon the charge for which he iS extradited, and for that only, This instruction isso specific and so definite that it does not seem possible that an honest mistake can be made in this case. Very respectiully, EDWARDS PIERREPONT, Attorney General. The’ Attorney General {s determined that his in- structions shall be so definite that no mistake can be made in the case, The Treasury Department takes a deep interest in this trial and in its earnest and vigor- ous prosecution, as Lawrence is one of the confederates of Des Anges, the Deputy Collector, whose late con- viction is regarded by Secretary Bristow as having effectually broken @ ring in New York, organized to defraud the customs revente on a scale fully equal to the St. Louis Whiskey Ring, RUMOR OF THE RESIGNATION OF MR. MORRISON AS CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS DENIED, Reports were industriously circulated to-day that Mr. Morrison, Chairman of the Committee of W: nd Means, had resigned, and that Mr. Cox would have the offer of his place, Mr. Morrison says there is no truth in these reports, He will hold the place, and, while making no pretensions to be a great man, he means to do his duty faithfully, and hopes to serve the country honestly, GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES, Wasmxatox, Dec. 22, 1875, THE RECENT DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT IN THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD CASE. It is reliably ascertained that Secretary Bristow bas hot yet even read the opinion of the Supfeme Court favorable to the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and therefore has not taken action upon tho subject. The report that he has ordered thet sum adjudged due to be paid to that company 18, therefore, erroneous, THE YIELD OF BULLION IN NEVADA, Information has been received by Dr. Linderman, Director of the Mint. to the effect that the Consolidated iM, | Virgini ¢ in Nevada has its hoisting apparatus re- built and about 600 tons of ore are being raised daily. Of this 500 tons through the shaft of the Consoli: dated Virginia Mine, and 100 tons through the shaft of the Gould and Curry Mine. This amount of ore will Produce about $2,000,000 worth of bullion per month, It is being crushed in the different mills on the Carson River, those of the Consolidated Virginia not being completed, though work upon them is being pushed forward rapidly, and they will soon be in working order, The rain storms in California, as well as snow upon the mountains this year, have commenced about ® month earlier than usual, which insures the exten- sive working of the hydraulic placer gold mines in that section, and the prospect is that the yield of ballon will gradually increase for some months to come. MODIFICATION OF THE ORDER FROM THE: TREASURY DEPARTMENT PROHIBITING THE IM- PORTATION OF HIDES FROM GREAT BRITAIN. The Secretary of the Treasury has written to the Col- lector of Customs at New York with regard to the re- fusal of that officer to allow the entry of certain dry ox hides alleged to be “Peruvian hides,’” imported from Great Britain under the department circular, prohibit- ing the importation of neat cattle and hides of neat cattle from Great Britain. The letter states the circular was issued in consequence of the prevalence of the hoof and mouth disease in that country, and was intended to prevent the introduction of the disease into the United States by importations of cattle and hides which might be infected, but was not intended to prohibit the importation of hides imported into Great Britain from other countries and exported thence to the United States. If the Collector is satisfied that the hides in question are Peruvian hides he is authorized to allow the entry thereof. THE DEPARTURE OF MAILS FROM NEW YORK. The Postmaster General to-day authorized the United States ma'ls to be carried on the new line of War & Co., between New York city and the ports of St. Jago and Cienfuegos, Cuba, commencing December 80, by the steamer Liberty, and monthly thereafter, the compensation tobe the sea postages as in all other cases, The department gives notice that as no steamer of the Inman or White Star lines is to leave New York on the 25th inst., the mails for Europe on that day will be despatched by the steamship Elysia, of the Anchor Line, which, for their quick delivery, will stop at Queenstown. THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE AFFAIRS OF THE SECOND COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE. The commission to investigate the affairs of the Sec- ond Comptroller’s office, in connection with the Sugg Fort and Winowski cases, have completed the hearing of evidence, and the report is now being prepared for transmission tothe Secretary. The members of the commission are entirely reticent concerning whatever conclusions have been reached. Great interest is felt in the report, as involving the transaction of business in the office of the Second Comptroller, and wil! prob- ably reach the Secretary early next week, THE TRANSPORTATION OF UNAPPRAISED MER- CHANDISE—INSTRUCTIONS TO COLLECTORS OF CUSTOMS, The following circular has been addressed to collect- ors of customs with regard to transportation of un- appraised merchandise :— It appearing from evidence before this department that there is some lack of uniformity at the several ports in the practice relating to the iinportation of un- appraised merchandise, and that further instructions upon the subject are necessary, the department has concluded to prescribe the following regulations, which will be strictly observed by the officers concerned;— First,—The trauster of all such inerchandisé & the port of first arrival for delivery to the carriers, and at the port of destination to the Spoilers store for ex- amination, or to a bonded warehouse under general or- der or otherwise, Will be made by the custom house draymen in custom house carts. . Second.—The bill of lading should in all cases be transmitted by mail with the immediate transportation entry invoice and manitest, or if such bill of lading re- Jate to more than one shipment, or embrace con- signed to more than one importer, a copy of the portion thereof sect 4 the merchandise mentioned in the invoice forwarded will be sent, embracing all informa- tion in reference to charges for transportation or other- wise contained in the original bill of lading necessary to enable the officer at the port of arrival to properly estimate the duties legally accruing on such met - ise. Third.—An inspection by the department of entries and accompanying documents gathered at different points, shows that duties’ are not invariably Jovied at the port of destination of . mer- chandise forwarded as aforesaid on such charges and commissions as under the law are dutiable. The attention of the officers at these posts is there- fore called to the subject, and they are enjoimed to ex- ercise the greater care to comply strictly with the laws relating to the addition to the invoice presented of all dutiable commissions and charges, th.—In preparing separate manitests in triplicate for each car Jransporting merchandise as aforesaid, col- lectors witl rve the instructions of articles 636 and 679 of the Department Regulations of 1874, which, in some instances, seem to have been disre; ied, Fifth.—To prevent the inconvenience to the govern- ment and the importer incident to the arrival at the port of destination of a portion only of a consigpment the officer of the customs at the port of departure wil endeavor, as far as practicable, to cause to be forwarded atone time all goods embraced in one invoice and entry. Sizth.—Inasmuch as the transportation of unap- praised merchan for convenience of importers, under even the best rales, must be necessarily attende with some danger to the revenue, collectors of cus- toms are directed to carefully comply with all the regu- tions upon the subject now in force, and to require vigilance on the part of their subordinates in provent- ing any infraction thereof. DOM PEDRO. HIS BRAZILIAN MAJESTY'S PREPARATIONS FOR IS VISI? TO AMERICA—THE IMPERIAL PARTY TO COME DIRECT TO NEW YORK. Rio pe Jaxxino, Nov. 16, 1875, The Jornal do Commercio, of this city, which is usually well posted, said, # few days ago, that their Majesties the Emperor and Empress would go to the United States by England, as the New York packet service 18 at an end. To-day, however, I am able to say that their Majesties are arranging to go direct, the firm of Norton, Megaw & Youle, of this city, agents of the Lamport &' Holt line of Liverpool steamers, having informed the Emperor that they are prepared to place one of their finest steamers at his disposal, to take bim to New York direct, at any date he chooses to name and at short notice. Therefore, some time in April-you may expect their Majesties among you. Viscount Bom Pretero, Viscount de Nioac and Dr, Souza Fontes have been already appointed members of the small suite who will accompany them, THE COMING VISIT OF HIS MAJESTY TO THE UNITED STATES. ‘Wasninctox, Dec. 22, 1875, {Information has been received in Washington that the Emperor of Brazil will leave that country, probably in April, for the United States, He will travel as a private gentleman, as he did four years ago in England, with- out any distinction asto bis rank, and will not only attend ‘ ‘THE CENTENNIAL EXHIMITION, but will travel over much of our country for pleasure and instruction, The Emperor's daughter, the Princess Isabel, will act as regent during his absence. No more favorable time could be selected for the visit, as Brazil is in an entirely peaceful condition, with no apprehen- sion whatever of public disturbance, The recent PARDONING OF THE TWO BISHOPS, who were more thana yearago @dnvicted and im- prisoned for alleged State offences, has had a good ef- fect upon the feelings ot the people. Brazil was one of the first nations to accept the invitation to bo rep- resented at the Centennial Exhibition, The sam of $50,000 was Oe nes by that government, which will have a small building on the grounds for the dis- play ina creditable manner of some of the natural products of that country, NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. ORDERS. Wasntnarton, D. C., Dec. 22, 1875, Commander Alfred Hopkins {s ordered to command the Wyandotte; Assistant Paymaster Reah Frazer ts ordered to the Catskill; Chief Engineer William G. Buchler to special duty at New York, tn connection with the construction of machinery; Cadet ra Ag 6. H, F, Babbitt to the Vandal ‘aptain J. P. De Krafft if detached from the pavy yard at League Island, on the Sist inst., and placed on waiting orders; Com: mander Henry H. Manley from the command of the Wyandotte and placed on waiting orders; Assistant Paymaster Z. T. Brown from the Catskill and placed on waiting orders. THE BATTLE OF TRENTON, Trenton, Dec, 22, 1875. The Committee of Arrangements for the celebration of the battle of Trenton on Monday next hefd another meeting last evening, when a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs, Freese, Exton and Taylor, for the purpose of scouring an orator to wind up the celebra- tion by an oration in the evening. It was decided not to have any cannon in the streets, in order to guard casualties, It is expected that about 1,000 ham battle event will attract to the thousands of visitors: NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1875.—TRIPLE SHEET. THE DYNAMITE ASSASSIN. WHO WAS HE WHEN IN LIFE?—HA HIS IDEN- TITY BEEN ESTABLISHED?—cURIOUS INCI- DENTS OF BLOCKADE BUNNING DURING THE WAR. To rue Epitox or THe HERALD:— From the editorials and communications in the Heraxp | am led to believe that Thompson, alias Thomas, alias Thomassen, is or was a person whose identity is not yet fully established. The writer was in Dresden during the winter of 1869-70. The American Club was then in its second year, and one of its chief sup- porters and leading members was ‘Father Thomas,” a short, thick set, genial person, with full red beard. He lived well, entertained handsomely and was regarded by the resident Americans as a liberal gentleman. No subscription for the relief of the poor was without bis name. In one instance two young American ladies started a school which proved unsuccessful, He called upon them, handed them $1,000 to furnish their rooms and commence again, saying that if successful they could repay him and if not they should not regard it as adebt, “Father” Thomas told the writer that he was in the Confederate service during the entire war, first asa blockade runner, then as a soldier in Lee’s army and afterward againa blockade runner, His last service was as caterer'to Lee’s army when it should arrive in Philadelphia, He received instructions from the jovermment to go to Nassau, N. P., thence to jew York and Philadelphia,’ and in the Jatter arrangements for Lee in his march, For this purpose he _ re- ceived from the federate governmen draft on their English bankers for $35, In due time he ar- rived at Philadelphia and awaited Lee’s advance. The battle of Gettysburg convinced him that the robellion was soon toeud. Me saw that the North was pros- perous while the South was bankrupt. As he hi about $7,000 in the Confederate service he thought it ‘was not robbery to repay himself in the best way he could. He therefore came to New York and asked the advice of a prominent banker, who told him to invest in anything but United States government bonds. After further inquiries he sold his bill of $35,000 and bought United States securities and sailed for Europe. Upon the interest of United States bonds he iniormed me he was then living. ‘One day Commodore Worden was in the club, when “Father” Thomas said to him:—“Commodore, you ruined me once. The Teunessee (I believe that was the name of the biockade runner) was loaded with cotton in Mobile Harbor, ready vo run out by the first opportunity; but you kept too strict watch, and one of your mortar boats sent a shell through her, which de- stroyed her and the whole cargo. Half that cotton was mine.” The Commodore listened attentively and then replied:—‘‘fhomas, if ever I catch you in such bad company again I should take as much pleasure in put- ting a bullet through your heart as I did in putting that bomb through the Tennessee. ? Thomas straightened himself, and, throwing open his coat, said:—“Commodore, if’ you ever do I shall thereat open my coat thus and tell you to fre, for I should deserve it then, as I now deserve it for what I hav piready done, I am a thoroughly reconstructed rebel.’ i Mr. Curtin was then the United States Minister at St. Petersburg. His family were spending the winter in Dresden, and he came down and remained there sove- ral weeks, Just before he left he gave a dinner to the members of the club, At this dinner ‘‘Father’’ Thomas was seated on ex-Governor Curtin’s right hand. Mr. Curtin’s speech was delivered in one of his humorous veing, and, in paying a high compliment to Thomas, he proposed the toast of ‘Our reunited country,” and called upon Thomas to reply. Thomas rose, cried like a baby, finally commanded himself, spoke like a man and won the hearts of all present. The above incidents do not show him to be the devil which tbe originator of this dynamite plot most as- suredly was, It is hard to believe that he sank so low in six years, Yet, from the descriptions given in the Heracp, ‘Father Thomas” resembles him strongly in everything but character. AN EPISODE IN THE CAREER OF THOMPSON. Sr. Lovis, Mo., Dec. 22, 1875. William Henry Thompson, made notorious in conpec- tion with his attempt to destroy the steamor Mosel at Bremerhaven, came to St. Louis just after the war, and boarded several months at the Southern Hotel He represented himself to those with whom he became in- timate as a blockade runner at Nassau. He kept se- cluded, and it was understood that he was liable to arrest at any time upon a charge of abetting the enemy as a blockade runner. The proprietor of the hotel states that he had ample means, having deposited in their safe at one time $76,000 in United States bonds. In 1866 he went to Highland, Il)., where he spent his money freely. He met here a Miss Paris, daughter ofa former modfste of St, Louis, with whom he feil in love and married, The couple came to St, Louis and lived for some time in rather elegant style, but suddenly dis- appeared to no one knows where. THE RAILROAD WAR. THE POSITION OF THE VANDERBILT ROADS— WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY ABOUT IT. Yesterday there was a continugnce of the excitement in raiiroad and mercantile circles in regard to the hos- tilities recently inaugurated by the trunk lines, which has resulted in reducing the rates.of freights to the West. The Cheap Transportation Association, it seems, has endeavored to represent the merchants of New York, and not only in its own meetings, but in confer- ence with the Chamber of Commerce, the speakers have placed the chief odium of the high freight charges upon the New York Central Railroad and its managers, This position was most especially pronounced yester- day, when the Erie Railroad seemed to put forward an effort to rescue the merchants from high freight charges and was the first ostensibly to reduce the tariff. It was undoubtedly true that a meeting of railroad freight agents was held at the Eric offices on Tuesday, and that Messrs. Blanchard and Ward, on the part of the Eric Railway, met Messrs. Rutter and Crawford, of the New York Central, as well as Mr. Goss- lor, representing the Pennsylvania Railroad; but it ‘was not true that Erie had assumed the réle of a public benefactor, for, as it will appear, negotiations had been in progress between the Central and Grand Trunk roads for some time, and the decision arrived at by tho meeting was aforegone conclusion from the position assumed by the latter road and its branches. ‘The complaints, it will be remembered, have been that New York railroads were discriminating against this city in freights to Chicago, and that contracts could be secured from Boston, via the Grand Trunk road, on better terms than by any New York ling In order to ascertain from headquarters on what basis these complaints rested a HERALD reporter yesterday called at the residence of Commodore Vanderbilt, President of the New York Central road, but was re- ferred to the actingenief and Vice President of the company, Mr. William H. Vanderbilt, who was found in his offive in the Grand Central depot. MR. VANDERBILT'S STATEMENT. Ihave no objection to tell the Henatp exactly how the matter stands. The Grand Trunk and the Vermont Central have for a long time been charging for freight to the West a few cents per 100 more than we have. This difference bas been acceded to by the trunk lines—Baltimore and Ohio, Pennsylvania Central and New York Central—on account of the fact that they had a different gauge from the other trunk lines and had to carry 190 miles further. Now that they have altered their gauge and other things are equal, we asked that rates should be made uniform. I tele- graphed to the officers in regard to the matter, and re- ceived a response from Governor Smith, representing the Vermont Central, that they were willing to come into any arrangement on the old basis, which would, in fact, give them a drawback of ten cents per 100 on freights, The schedule is now as follows:— —e a o ry s i - 3 Q y a Chicago, 1 30 20 Cincinnati, 30 20 Cairo, IL 88 26} 19 Columbus, 30 20) 15 Dayton, Ohio. . 30 20] 16 Evansville, Ind. 46 80] 23 Fort Wayne, Ind 30 20) 15 Grand Rapids, Mich. 80 20} 15 Indianapolis, Ina. 80 20] 15 Keokuk, Lowa. 65 40} 33 Kansas City, Mo. ul 65} 46 Kalamazoo, Mich 80) 20| 15 ile, ‘ky. 89] 28) 23 port, ind 39 20) 15 Lafayette, Ind. 30 20) 16 Milwaukee, Wi 80] 20] 15 Memphis, Tenn 7a 46} 37 Nashville, Tena. be 36] 30 Newark, Ohio 20 20) 15 Pittsburg, Pa 30 20] 15 Peoria, Til. 60 87} 28 Quincy, Til. 65) 40) 33 Richmond, Ind. 20) 20) 15 St. Louis, Mo. . 43) 81) 25 Terre Haute, Ind. si 21} 16 Zanesville, Olio. . 30 20} 16 So far from the Erio Railway being the champion of the merchants’ rights in this matter I would say that the proposition from that company was to fix the rate to Chicage at fifty cents. I said “no,” The rates must be as low as from Boston, no matter how low they may be fixed, Any reports in regard to the meeting and any sentiment endeavored to be manu- factured among the merchants against this road I pro- ounce as to the first to be a breach of faith, and as to the second to shallow scheme to build up credit and popularit he New York Cheap Traus- portation Association or anybody else can BOY THIS ROAD IF THEY WANT IT. We will sell it cheaper than they can build it. Asto lost |. thelr double track freight railroad to the West, it seems to be gammon. im willing to meet the mer- chants of New York to-morrow, and always will meet them on Cn eae proper!: lating to the interests and trade of this city, but will have nothing to do with the men whe are ri rT ‘axes to grind, road I offered to leave the matters in dispute to Charles Francis Ada the Raifroad Commissioner of Massachusetts, aud Colonel Thomas Scott, with one other gentler ; but this proposition was not ac- cepted. My opinion is that the other side will get tired first in this disagreement, THE HIRSCH CUSTOM HOUSE FRAUDS. The problem was hotly discussed in the Custom House yesterday whether Mr. Hirsch, of Market street, Philadelphia, recently a passenger by the steamsbip Russia, can be tried for perjury, he having sworn to an affidavit or declaration that all the dutiable goods in his baggage were two pieces of silk worth 230 francs, while in reality he had $5,000 worth of dutiable goods. Mr, Coudert, the well known counsel, was engaged yes- terday by Hirsch’s brother, a lye merchant, of No. 78 Wooster street, to protect bis brother's interests, The following is the law bearing on false oaths, a8 explained to a Hexatp reporter by Deputy Collector Phelps (section 6,892, United States Revised Statutes, chapter 4):— Every person who having taken an oath before a competent tribunal, officer or person in any case in which a law of the United States authorizes ah oath to be sdwivistered, that be will testity, declare, depose er ceriily truly, or that any written testimony, declai tion,” deposition or certificate by him de. clared as true, wilfully and contrary to such oath states or deseril apy material matter which he does not believe to be true, is guilty of perjury, and shall be punished by a fine ef not moro than $2,000 and by imprisonment at bard labor not more than five years, and shall, moreover, thereafter be incapable of giving testimony in any court of the United States until such time as the jndgment against him is reversed, The following further statement was made yesterday by Inspector Crowell to a Heatp reporter, with refer. ence to the seizure of Hirech’s goods, ordered by Deputy Collector General Nichols:— * The oath of Mr, Hirsch was taken before Deputy Col- lector Lockwood, Hirsch’s brother importuned me to “rub off” from his declaration the two pieces of silk. I replied, No, gir, not for you or the Custom House. Hirsch himszif then saia to me, “Get mea good officer, I makes it all right with ybu.” I said, hat de you meant’? Hirsch replied, “I give you $30; 1 be very liberal.” I said, “All right,” and then notified General Nichols, who then ordered Inspector R, P. Eagan to make a searching investigation, A few minutes after Hirsch exclaimed, “My God, that man is GOING THROUGH ALL MY BAGGAGR. T have lots of things 1 don’t want him to see, I don’t waut my tranks opened, I gives you $100 to let my gage ” ‘The penalty of taking a false oath was explained to him and all bis baggage was seized. ‘he following is the hist of articles that Hirsch at- tempted to smuggle His excuse is that his wife was sick and he wanted to hurry matters:—One box linen and cotton lace, 1 bag lace and silk scarfs, 1 package silk ribbons, 1 doze metal jewel boxes, 19 cotton handkerchiefs, 1 cotton handkerchiefs, 2 cartons (1 each) do., 1 package Jerusalem wood and curiosities, 2 packages snuff, 2 packages toys, 6 gilt vest chains, 79 meerschaum cigar holders, 6 pipes of meerschaum, 4 music boxes, 1 locomotive, 1'silk bed- spread, 1 piece woollen dress goods (merino), 1 brown silk dress, 1 green silk dress, 1 velvet dross, 1 black silk skirt, 6 morning dressing gowns, black velvet, 6 pieces of silk, bottle of extract eau de cologne, 36 pack- ages linen goods and embroideries, several em- broidered chemises, 25 pieces embroidery and inser- tion, 4 opera glasses, gold pencil, 3 buntin whistles, 5 knives, 12 peurl vinalgrettes, 66 pairs 0! gloves, 1 dozen ladies’ embroidered ties, 6 table cloths, 10 packages bed sheets, 1 piece shecting, 1 silk sucque fur lined, 1 sealskin overcoat, 1 fur muffler, 1 cape, 1 package engravings, 5 packages umbrella silk, 12 dozen, 18 linen shirts with linen bosoms, 1 piece linen, 1 box Truching, 1 bag ornamental feathers and trimmings. The case will be put into the hands of United States District Attorney Bliss to-day. THE DE GRIEFF REVENUE FRAUDS. Last evening a Henan reporter called at the Custom House upon Deputy Collector Phelps with reference to the De Grieff revenue frauds, and the following is that gentleman's statement:—‘‘We have information of fraud being committed in undervaluation of ninety-five cases of trimmings. We have only been able to capture about seventy-three cases, partially emptied, and their value is estimated. by the appraisers at $14,000, Deputy Collector General Nichols and Inspectors W. H. Benja- min and J, R. Cosgrove, who are now in charge of the establishment of Messrs, De Grieff, at Nos. 489 and 493 Broome street, will be relieved to-morrow, as in all probability the firm will give bail. The amount of bail to be fixed will depend on circumst s. I can posi- tively inform you that no Custom House official has been suspended or dischar, in connection with the appraisement of the Paris dress trimmings, &c., now under seizure.” Subsequently the reporter went to the establishment of Messrs, De Grief! and found Mr. Triacca, the senior partner, in conversa- tion with ex-Judge Hojeboom, his counsel in the present tion, Mr. Iriacca made the foliowing “We believe that these accusations against us of defrauding the revenue emanate from a discharged clerk named phatically that we are not guilty of attempting to defraud the revenue to the extentof asingle cent, The value of the ninety-five cases in oy was about $70,000. Mr. Muller, in charge of the trimming department, is absent in Europe, likewise Mr, De Grieff. Our establishment hag been placed under seizure since last week.’ In conversa- tion with Inspectors Benjamin and Cosgrove, stationed on the premises, they stated “that no goods areallowed to leave the establishment without their knowledge and consent.” THE FIRE COMMISSIONERS. At the meeting of the Fire Commissioners, yesterday, Fire Marshal Sheldon’s report for November was read, of which the following During the month of involving an estimated loss of $5! The insurance on these fires Loss on buildings. Loss on stock .... those 00, ‘Number, the loss on which was between $100 and §, 1 Number, the loss on which was between $1,000 and $5,000 Number, the loss on which was between $5,000 ‘and Namber, $100,000. the loss on which was over $400,000. Nural SR Comparative statement of fires, loas and insurance for No- vember, 1874, and November, 1875 -— Tasw . 900, ‘Average loss for fires November, 1874 ‘Average loss for fires November, 1875. CAUSES. \d employes in using matches, Carelessness of occupant: ipes, clgars, bot ash Children playing with m Coals falling from furm Defective tue Detective arr Fireworks... Fat botling over on fire Foul chimneys... 8 wesTeceee Hieerrare Vapor of benzine igalting. At the same meeting ssioners awarded the following contracts for the supply of hoso:—Eureka ar rd 6,000 feet; New York Company, 15,000 fect, at $1 A CENTENNIAL ENTERTAINMENT. The first great event in this city next year in honor of the centennial anniversary of American independ- ence will be the entertainment which Is to be held on Washington’s birthday, February 22, for the benefit of our local poor, without regard to creed or nationality, The people having the adair in charge are determined to make it a magnificent success, Such gentlemen as Mr. E. A. Quintard, Judge Brady, Mayor Wickham, Mr, Oswald Ottendorfer, Mr. G. K. Lansing, Rev. Alvah Wiswall, Mr. Theodore Moss, Mr, Frank J. Dupignac, Mr. William H. Guion, Hon. John D. Townsend, Hon. Benjamin A. Willis, Mr, James M. Requa and Mr. Townsend Cary are connected with this movement, and these names form a guarantee that it will be conducted with energy and discretion, The Martha Washington Reception Committee, which bas charge of the proposed centennial entertainment, has its head- ‘at the parlors of the Wheeler & Wiison Sewing Company, on Fourteenth street, near Broad- da sub-committee, which goes by the name of len’ Committee, is located at the Astor House, The object of # iter body is to collect relics of the Revolutionary war times from various sources for exhibition upon the night of the entertain- ment, and the committee will be grateful to possessors of such curiosities if they will loan them for this occa- sion, In all preety the Academy of Music, Nilsson Hall and Irving Hall will be used on the 224 of Febra- ary for the purposes of this Martha Washington recep- tion, THE ANTHRACITE COAL TRADE. Ata meeting of the Anthracite Coal Board of Control, held at the office of the Delaware and Hudson Canag Company, No, 73 Broadway, it was decided to make no change in the price of coal for January, thus leaving the seale the same as in October. A committee was ap- pointed to fix the prices of the several varieties of coal tor February, 3 TROTTING AT FLEETWOOD. Although the present lessces seem to have abandonea Fleetwood Park, leaving the grounds without a superin« tendent and closing the hotel, a few gentlemen, by promising to put the track in as good a condition as they found it, were able yesterday to trot two “play on iy”? matches, the Orst of which was between the Jack stallion Carpo and the brown mare Miss Drew, ‘The latter was the favorite, and won easily in three straight heats. The second match was between the gray gelding Billy and the black gelding Ben Harris, the latter being handicapped by having to drag a wagon, while the other had on! ‘sulky, which, with the condition of the track almost fetlook deep in mud, was @ task that Bon was not able to do, although he made a stout effort, He won the first two heats, and became quite a favorite in the pools, But nud did its work effectually, the gray winning the third, fourth and fifth heats easily. There was a fgir attendance of those who usually drive out regularly to Fleetwood. UM MARY. Fiexrwoov Panx, N. ¥., WEDNESDAY, December 22, 1875.—Match, $300, play or pay; mile heats, best three in five, in barness; catch weights. H. Petorson’s br. in. Miss Drew... > ae | 222 Same Dar. G. Crane's bik. h. Carpo... $200, play or pay; mile beat weet hy , play or pay; ts, Time, 3:21—8 a H. Peterson’s gr. g. Billy (tm harness)... 2 2 11 1 G, Crane's bik. g Ben Harris (to wagon) 11 1 2 2 2 Time, 3:07 3 :08—3;1 205—3 07. FOREIGN TURF NOTES. ‘The sale of M. Charles Laffitte’s.(Major Fridolin) stad took place on Wednesday, December 1, at M. Lyon Chéri’s repository, im the Rue de Ponthieu. Most of the French owners of racehorses were present, amon; them being MM. Lupin, Delatre, André, Baron Finet, Count de Berteux. Baron Seillitre, MM. Fould, Staub, Moreau Chasion, &c, Many of the animais in rtraining had already been sold privately, the present lot com- prising two-year-olds aud yearlings. Among the forme: the highest price obtamed was £788, paid Baro. Seilhére, for Mambrin, @ son of Ferragus and MisaMar+ got; Skavoup, a yearling brother to Sabre and Solo, wad vaken by Count de Berteux for £500; Soudard wad bought in at £400, and Bourbon at £380. Severalothers were algo seut back, not having reached the reserved Prices setonthem. Only four of the ten yearlings found purchasers. Lord Dorchester died on the 2a inst., at Greyweil, ear Odiham, aged sixty-four. He was well known asa breeder of blood stock, one of his racehorses being Cruiser, who afterward became go notorious in connec- tion with “the horse trainer” Rarey. His most famous brood maro was Little Red Rover, who, in addition to being the dam of Cruiser, was some years afterward the dam also ofthe more celebrated Buccaneer. Colonel Dudley Carleton succeeds to the title, the latter gentic- man being a member of the Jockey Club, and well known on the turf, CHESS. The New York Downtown Chess Club last evening voted a prize of $100 to be contested for by Messrs, Mason and Bird at their coming match. Mr. Birdis now the guest of the club, and plays exclusively at their rooms. ‘The following games were played last cvening be- tween Messrs. Alberoni and Bird:— Bird. A ni, 1—PwK4 PtoKk4 2-PtoKB4 P takes P 3-K Kt to B3 Pwk Kt4 4—-PwKR4 PtoK Kis 5—Kt to K5 PtoK Kt2 6—P toQ 4 K Kt to B3 7—B takes P Kt takes K P 8—Q takes Kt P B takes Ks 9—B takes B PtoQg4a 10—Q to K Kt 7 RtoKBsq 1l—Kt to Q BS Kt (akes Kt 12—P takes Kt QBwK3 13—K B to Q3 PwQB3 14—Castles Oy R) Q takes RF 16—RtoKB4 x Qwk2 16—-QRwWK Ktto Q2 1i—B toQBT RtoQ Base 18—B toQR5 PwQkKti 19—BtoQKt4é Pog Bs 20—B wQR3 ea oe 21—P takes P P wakes 22-B to R6 Rw QKisq 23—P toQB4 Q to Qs wA—P takes QP Q takes R 25—P takes B P takes P 26—R to Q sq Qto Bich 2i—K to R sq Rto B2 28—Q 10 QBS K toQB2 29—B takes BP Qtakes B 30—R takes Kt ch Kw kta 31—Q takes Q ch K takes ¢ 82—R takes R RtoKtT B3—P to QR 4 Pwké 34—R takes RP Pwoks 35—P Oo QB3 Rto Kts cb 36—K to R 2 PwKSs 3i—R two KT Mr. Alberoui resigns BISHOP'S GAMBIT, Alberont, Bird, 1—Pwké PwkK4a 2—PtoKB4 P takes P rere tilly QtoKRb6cd to B aq PtoK Kus KttoB3 K KttoK2 6—K Kt to BS QwKRS i—PtoKR4 PoKRS 8—K B takes P ch Q takes B 9—Ktto Kt5 QtoK Kta 10—Q to R Sch Ktto Kt 11—Kt takes Kt QwB2 12—P takes P RwoR2 18—Kt to Q5 R to Q sq 14—P takes P QKttobs 15—Q to Kt 5 ch QKttoK2 16—Kt takes Ke B takes Kt 17—Kt takes B A SHOOTING CHALLENGE, Mr. William M. Parks, President of the Long Island Gun Club, makes the following proposition to the Chicago Gun Club, He will name four members of the Long Island Club to shoot with an equal number of the Chicago Club match at pigeons, on or about January 20, for $500 a side; match tobe shot onthe Long Island Club grounds, twenty-five birds each, twenty- eight or thirty yards rise; any gun allowed; Englisa rules; birds furnished by the club tree. HANDBALL. A match In which considerable interest was excited was played at McQuade’s court, Madison street, yester- day afternoon, the contestants being Messrs. Barry and Brown, and unusually good sport was afforded, the game being contested with the most determined efforts ou the part of both players, earning frequent and well merited applause. Tho victory was to be decided by the best two out of three, Brown, having won the gs went ing but finally lost the frst game by a score 2ito 7. The second game tested severely the powers of both players, each in turn being frequently com- pet to retire without adding to the score. M. arty, however, finally succeeded in winning the gam: and match. Mr. Bird resigns ‘THE SCORE. First Game —Brown—l, 0, 0,,0, 0,0, 1, 0, 0, 4—T. 5, 5 “Sie 0, 3, 1, 0 1,0, 0, 1,2,0,1—14 Barry—: , 0, 0, 2 4 . 1, 0; 0, 2, 1—21. naan ead An interesting match was then played between Messrs. Maguire, Fagan and Burns against Messrs. Couiton, Jones and Murphy, the former proving victo- rious by ascore of 21 to 19 im the first game and 21 to 18 in the second, AMERICAN RACKETS. A match then took place—which has been arranged for some time—between Thomas Curry and Martin Gil- martin, The bets have been slightly in favor of Curry in this match, 5 to 4 being freely offered and taken, Mr. Gilmartin, contrary to expectation, more than justified the confidence which his friends had placed in his skill, as he won the match in spite of the really good play of his antagonist THE scone, First Game.—Mr. Gilmarkin—1, 3, 0, 4, 6, 2, 1, 4—21, Mr. Curry—0, 0, 0,3, 5, 2, 1, 6, 2-16. Second Game.—Mr. Gilmartin—3, 5, 2, 0, 8, O—18, Mr. Curry—4, 6, 3, 4, 0, 4—21. Third Game.—Mr. 'Gilmartin—8, 6, 6, 0, 2, & -21, Mr. Curry—2, 0, 0, 7, 6=15. ‘Another match is talked of between these players, BENEFIT TO STEPHEN TAYLOR. Stephen Taylor, the well known Jersey boxer, will be tendered a benefit to-day at Harry Hill's, In addition to the usual attractions there will be given glove con- 8 between Seddons’ Mouse and Eddy Burke ; James Kelly and George Seddons; Mike Coburn and Ned M lahan; William Madden and George Siler; George Roo! and John Dwyer; Johm Saunders and Peter Croke: William McClellan and Mtke Noonan; Professor and John Murphy; William Edwards and Sam Collyer; with a grand wind up between Joe Coburn and Stephen Taylor, A GOOD IDEA. To tae Epiror ov THe Herap:— The privilege accorded by your magniGccmt paper to citizens of calling attention to public maiers bas ine duced me to write this note, 1 am a passenger from twice to six times each day on the New York Elevated Railroad from some one station to another, and fully appreciate the advantages afforded by this road over the street roads, Bat there is one convenience tl railroad company could give to passengers with com- paratively no cost to itself and convenience to the travelling public, That is, to place in each station a clock, and beside the clock @ printed time table for the respective station, the figures bei: aficiently large to bo read fom any part of the station room, Thero are many persons who do not carr, 4 and coneparatively few watches with time ‘the company; but if the company’s time and schedule were kept at each station the convenience would nob. only be great to all, but save of questions being asked eaoh day at each station by t pass sengers. I sincerely hope the company will do patrons the favor to supply this convenience, and n necessitate their asking questions or looking watches that do not agree with the time of the pany. Yeurs, = Dacumpen 2. 187% 5 Bee