The New York Herald Newspaper, August 6, 1876, Page 4

4 RICHARD WAGNER, Preparations for His Great | Music-Drama. A JOURNEY IN NIBELUNGEN LAND. Searching for the Footprints ot Wagner's Heroes and Heroines. | cena RIUNE GOLD AND SIEGFRIED. | The Story of the Lied of the Nibelungen. ILIAD THE OF FATHERLAND. | Barxvuri, July 24, 1876. Again th Baireuth, the city of the Nibelung Theatre, the home of Wagner and the masic of the future, It is how some five years since I Uirst visited the little city Jo attend the ceremouies connected with the laying of the foundation the Festal Theatre. Great chauges have taken place since then. The new theatre is Hnished, Externally it is as supremely ugly us tt is possible to conceive, though inside it 18 most charm" ingly constructed. ‘Phe people of the place appear to have thrown off their former sleepy characteristics, for there 13 a hurry and bustle about them, both | natives and guesis, and an active lise im the | streets, which would lead one to suppose that Burreuth bas entered upon the promised prosperous juture und is about to see renewed, in another form, the scenes of festal life that made the little capital so charming a residence in the days of the margraves. Ina fow days the King of Bavaria 18 expected to ar- Five, in order to witness the full dress rehearsals of “THE RING OF THK NIBRLUNG,”? Two Weeks later the great festival will nave com- Menced in good earnest, and by the last of the month it will have been recoraed 1m musical bistory either as & bideous nightmare or as a wondrous legendary dream in music. THE JOURNEY TO BAIREUTH, Bairouth is unfortunately situated as regards direct railroad communication— though in Wagner's eyes this would be adecided advantage, sineo it presupposes a minimum of intercourse with the great outer world and a ‘soil pure for the reception of art,” as tho great composer once exprisied 1, The best und easiest way to reach the home of the music of the tuture is Lo come direct to Leipaic, whence a branch route Orings the tourist to his destination, I came here by way of the Rhine, having had a sort of morbid desire to visit Worms before witnessing the Wagner performances, there to fresheu up my legendary mem- ory by viewing the ground where the “N:belungen | Lied”? bas its bistorical ground, For do not the guide | books tell us ali about bow on the open space in front of the southern portal of the Cathedral at Worms Brunnhilda and Kriewhilda, the two female characters of the ‘*Nibelungen Lied” did quarrel and ubuse éach other, as is related in the fourteenth adven, tyre of the old German poom’ And then again they tell us about the “Losengarten,’? whose every foot of toil is thought to be sacred to the memory of Sieg- fried. And was it not inthe Rhine, somewhere about Worms, perhaps, Where the treasures of the Nibelun- yen, the celebrated “Hort,” or “Hoard,’? was cust mto the flood, and has since been caretully guarded by | the mermaids or old Father Xhine himself, With the intent of looking up the legendary footprints of these old German demt-gods, goddesses and berocs, there- fore, 1 Mngered for a day on the Rhine, ON THE RMINK, Do not shrink! 1 have no intention of describing ihe Voyage on the Rhine and all its charms of scenery, thongh of its légenes 1 may speak a word or two, be rause my present journey to Baireuth will embrace a gtudy of so much that is legendary ond mythical There is hardly a rock or a ruined castle that we pass but has its legend, its story of love, war or revenge, | Mough about four-fitths of them are the veriest teash | and have no connection with myth lore—or anything | But at the Lorelei we meet with a legend that has some attraction for us, for the mer- maids who used to beguile the simple youth to the bot. tom of the river ore either the originals or Trelatives of the three ine Daughters who, in tho first part of the Nbelung tetralogy guard tho Rhine gold trom whieh is fashioned the “ring” that brings eventually desth and destruction to all Who possess 1t—the same Rune gold which Wagner bas welded into the fluid gold of his muste and is to bring the composer everlasting fame. 1 was not aware until Iread Simrock’s “Mythology” that the Hbive con- tained any gold at all, Yet read in Bruckmann’s stone of for that matter “Magnalia Del in Subterraneis” (1727):—"Brisgovia (Breisgau) is a stretob of jaud on the Rhine, boonded by Suabia and the Schwarzwald, Breisach is therein the capital, and Washed, whic near by much gold trom the Rhine is there called “RURNISH GOLD? ? And according to Daubrée’s “Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France’? (1846), page 498, even to that Hime 45,000 francs’ worth of gold ts anuually washed from the Rhine between Basle and Mannheim,” “Between Isterm and Mannbeim,’’ remarks Pro- fessor Simrock, “the area of the — gold-pro- ducing ground of the Rhine is 52,000 kilometere, which would represent a grand total of 165,820,800 francs. It we calculate the gold that has been taken out of the river from the fifth century to the present time we get su amount that is not at ali unworthy of mythica glorification.” So says Professor Simrock, who died ouly a few d go at Bonn—the man whose transia- tion of the “Nibelungen Lied’ first appeared in 1827, and Which since then bas passed through thirty editions He has done more than any other German scholar to thake bis countrymen acquainted with the treasures of their mediwva! poetry. THE NIMELUNG TREASURES, An old German poet named Marner, who lived about the middie of the thirteenth century, says that the Nibelung Hort, or treasure, lies beneath the Lorelei tock, while others assert that Kriembilda’s grand bridal treasure was cast into the Rhine somewhere be- tween Gernsbeim ani Uppenteim. If ever such a treasure did exist, then the latter point, being neare to Worms, would most likely be the place; while the Lorelei would bo the more romantic spot where to commit such a foolish act as to throw away those wagon Joads of jewels, pearls and preeious stones, enough to giadden the hearts of all the beautiful girls in Christendom. There were rooms entirely filled with gems, and no matter bow many Were taken away the heap did not appear to | ditminish, Whata fool was Hagan! Then the mer- | maids, or Rhine daughters, took charge of the glitter. | lng gems, and they have them stil! I presume in their | fubterrauean palaces, whither they are or wore occa. | sionally supposed to draw an unlucky love smitten | wight or two, I wonder, however, that the Germans, with all thelr eagerness to excavate Troy, have not paid more attention to the places and incidents meu- tioned in their own Iliad, in the “Nibelungem Lied,’* and made some efforts, at least, to DISCOVER THE LOBT TREASURES which may or may not be legendary. For that the Burgundian kings existed there 1s no doubt, and as for Siegfried and Kriembilda and Bruvnhilda, heroes aud hero! names, tnay have lived, giority them by divinities. ‘The “Nibelungen Lied” itself is a most curious jumble of history and legena, in itself a most | Guinteresting and monviongus story, and the poct or poeta who composed it, or the editor who compiled And added to the various adventures bad scarcely an idea of the great mythological or symbolical ideas which the original writers had vainly endeavored to [rasp, and with them beautify their story and glorify iheir’ heroes. The Christian coilators, in the en- i traces of pagan mythology frow | royed at the same time the grand | poem a8 it may have origivaliy Wagner has done least recomposed and given it its proper Significance. As Huelfor justly says :— @ stones lay there (in the Lied) like cosly jewels wanting for the artificer’s hand to joi them together to adiadem of matchless beauty, This task of com- ing the digecta membra ot a deep, though disturbed ng their half tor- | im fact, to remind one of the places connected with the | narrative, Without beauty and without meaning. But | and show what Wagnor has produced from the q for the spirit of his original than power of recasting it im his individual mouid.”? Tux CITY OF LUTHRR AND SIKGPRIED. But Tam leaving the Rhine and discussing Wagner before speaking of Worms and the traces 1 sound of the old Nibe-ung heroes and heroines, I tound lide there, | events narrated in the Germaw liad, # fact which is ho great credit to Worms. There was the Luther moa- ument, indeed, that ugly collection of beautiful staiues, Just put togetver like the adventures of the “Nibe- lougen Lied,” without apy central idea to connect them, I bought a German guide book of the city, expecting to tind full descriptions of interesting points connected with (he old Burgundians,bat 1 found nothing in it but ridiculous explanation of the legend count of the ‘Lied’ taken trom Vilmar’s *Literarische Gesenichte,”” And yet Worms was the residence of the Burgundian kings Tbe Burgundians were de- stroyed by the Huns, just as the “Lied” tells. Gun- ther and his brothers are historical personages, so are Attila and Bioedel (Bleda), perhaps, too, Kriembilda (bide or Ltico), and certainly Theodoric of Verona and the Bisbop Pilgrim of Passau. Historical events musthave taken place at certain places, historical | persous must haye lived somewhere or other, And the | poet or poets of the Nivelung deseribe to us Worms | and the Rhine ag the theatre of the story. ‘The event supposed to be chronicied in the *Nibelungen Lied’? is the destruction ef Gundicarius by the Huns, which event took place in the year 436. THK STORY OF THR MUKLUNGEN LIED. The legend of the Lied raps im this wise. * In Bur- guudy there lived a beautitul princess named Kriem- | huilda, the daughter of Km, Dankrat and Queen Ute, | after Whose death she was brought up and protected | by her brothers, King Gunther and the younger kings Gernot and Giselher, “Yhus she lived i great a sion at the bourg in Worms, dreaming only of marriage with Church. She did indeed dream once how she saw a young favorite falcon torn to pieces by two eugles, und her mother, Dame Ute, interp: cream for he “The falcon that thou trunedst,” sue said, “48 sure @ noble mate; God shield him in His | mercy, or thou must lose him straight.” In the mean- time, while Kriemhilua is thus dreaming, there lived at Xunten, on the Khine, the youthtul knight called | Stegfried, son of the royal Sigmund and Sieglinde. He bas already done mort mighty deeds, has subjected the gloomy race of theSchilbungs aud the Nibelungs, has taken the Tarnkmppe and mantic of invisibility away | from Alveric, and is the recoyuized ruler of the Nib- | elungs and their treasure (the Hoard). He haw also | slain the dracon ard bathed in the mouster’s blood, so that he is invulnerable except in one place on his back, | whereon a leat lodged during the immersion. Sieg: | fricd has heurd of the ‘warvellous beauty of Kriembtida, and with twe' smpanions he sets out | for Worms. He is weil received, and lingers at tho | Burgundiau Court an entire year before he has a | chance of even seeing the fair Kriembilda, After a | very successtul war with tbe Saxons, in which Siege fried periorms marvellous feats of -kili, King Gunther institutes a grand tournament, at which Kriemhilda | appears, und Siegfried bebolds her. They exchange stolen glances, and are deeply im love with each other. Slegiried would probably have hud to woo and wait a lony Ume tf King Gunther bad not tullen in love from hearsay with the beautiful Princess Brununiida, h souted alar beyond the Nover wieided scept ightier than she; For beauty she wos mutchless, for strength without ay Her love to him she offered who could pass ber wt the sp Who was a queen h She threw the stone and bounded b-hind it to the mark, 0 games each suitor, with sinews still and stark, if fierce maiden whom be sought to wed; Or, if in one succerslens, straight must lose iis heud, Siegiricd, possessing mighty strength of nis own, be- sides the Tarukappe, by meaus of which he could make himseli nvisibie at Any moment, even while present, proposed to assist King Gunther on the coud:tion that if brunnhbilda were won Kriembilda snouid be his bride, With a few followers, Gunther and Siegfried brilnantly clad, and bearing great presents, suiled down the Rhine, and : On tho twelith bright morning, as we have heard it told, ‘The bark was waited ouwacd, iors bold ith those warriors ‘Yo isenstein, a fortress in the martial maidens’ Land, The next adventure in the Lied tells us ‘then Gun- ther won Brunnhiida,”’ by contesting with her in of streugth, assisied and saved by the invisible Sieg- fried. So Gunther was the winner, and Brunnhilda declared her readiness to proceed to Worms, where the war- riay should take place. Arriving there tho two be- trothals take place; Gunther 1s wedded wah Brunn- hilda aud Sieginied with Kriemhilda. Yeu years afterward Brauobiida induced Gunther to invite Siegiried and Kriembilda to Worms, and they accept the invitation, arriving at the Rhine in company with King Sigmund and some thousands of knigite, 1n Worms ail went merry as u marriage bell unil one day THE TWO QUEENS were seated watching tho tournament, when they be gun to quarrel ubout the dignity and rauk of their Tespective husbands. Kriemhiida asserted that Sieg- tried was tho bravest knight in the world and de- served to rule over Burgundy, To this Branabilda objected, saying that Siegiried was but a vassal of Gun- ther’s, Kitemhilda said she would teach Brunnhilda betier when they next weut to the minster, aud would precede her thither, THK ROW BETWEEN TAK QUEE: By tho men oj both our cousorts to-day 1t sh ‘That the church I dure enter belore Kin, So beiore the minster the woméh’s contest took place, Brunohilda the Bitterly und proudly she vade fair Kriembild stand; “No vassaliess precedeth tho lady of the land.” Brunnbilda complained to ber husband. Gunther would have preierred to hear nothing at all about 1 Siegfried, too, wished he bad not beeu #0 1udiscreet as to tell his wie certam things about the other queen, But how the secret was out. Gunther's men feit that their King had been insulted, aud Hagan, of Fronci, deter- mined to revenge the insult, A tuise alarm of war was raised, and Hagan, under pretence of protecting Sieg- fried’s lice, learned from Kriembilda the vuluerable spot of her husband’s body. Before goiny to the war it was arronged by Hagan that the King aud bis guests should spend a day in hunting in the Odenwald torest (in the Voszes). there, while Siegfried was bending down to drink the Water (rom a spring, Hagan plunged his spear into his body and siew him.’ ibus ened the quarrel of the queens. Kricmhilda, though desiring revenge, ad- vises the Burgundians to return home and she will take care of retribution, She sends for ber treasures, whieh belonged to Siegtried and are now bers The tale of that same treasure might well your wonder ral “T was much us twelve huge wagons in four whole nights | and days Could carry irom the mountain down to the salt sea bay, It to ana fro cach wayon thrice journeyed every ua: It was made up of nothing but precions stones and gotd. Were ail the world bought from it and down the value told Not mark the less thereafter were left than erst was seor'd, Good reuson sure bad Hagan to covet such « hoard. Kriembilda, having gone with Gunther on a journey, Hagan got possession of the treasure, and thinking to ure it for sell at a more convenient season, he cast Wanto “the Rhine at Lochhem;” but “he never more could get it for all his vain desire.” Kriembiida jamented the Geath of Siegiried tor a space of thirteen years Dame Uta, tired of the a'ssensions at the Bur- gundian Court, bulit the abbey of Lorseh and a sump- Tuous palace close by, where she found seclusion and peace, Utathen invited Kriemhilda to reside with erat Lorsclh. Kriembhilda promieed todo so if the body of her husband could be taken too, {he com- mand Was given to transfer Siegiried’s remains, aud bow, At Lorsch, beside the min many honor'd guise, There yet, in w long comin, the stately warrior lies. OFY WITH JME OLD LOVE. Kriewhilda was about to leave Worms when a mos- senger arrived irom King Kizel (Aula) asking ber to become hia wife. She accepted, sui harboring thoughts of revenging the dead Siegiried. Alter she bad been married some seven years she 1daced Etzel to invite the Burguudiaus to his Court. King Gunther and his followers, and Hagan, the traitor, journeyed to I. art, Where, afler a few days of festiviti ze Of revenge b and none of the Burgundians ever returned to ory on the Rhice, Iwasa terrible revenge; but Krieinbiida herselt was among the slain, ‘This is in brief the story of the “Nibelungen Lied,” | which is treated by Wayner in the third aud coa- | cluding portion of his tetralogy. But be has given to Siegtried a tur grander character than have the poets of tho belangen.”’ Indeed, the more one reads the poem of the “Nivelungon’’ the greater becomes our surprise that the Germaus can see £0 much beauty im y vestige of symbolic wWeallsm has been ated, and we have nothing butya long, rambling WAGNER'S “'NINKLUNGEN?? is a grand creation, and-were it not for tue alliterative verse, Which with all desire Ltry to like, it would be the greatest version of tbe Nibelung legend that has yet appeared. 1 have, unfortunately, never read Jor- cr version of the Lied. He, too, | believe, connects the story with its true sources, or rather be jliusiraves it by tts comnection with Scandinavian mythology, In describing Waguer’s opera shall have occas: enter more fully into this subject of the SCANDINAVIAN SOURCKS OF THE “NIMELUNGRN,”” and monotonous material found im the Lied, Tbe way in which the composer hus remodelled the old story 1or his drama may be briefly sited in the words of Franz Huefter :— The oldest Teutonic traditions ot national gods and heroes contained in popular tales and songs Were at an carly date collected Ly (he priests and seholars of that brane of the great nation whieh bad settled in lee- jand. The two most tinporiant collections of Sagas in nd are the two Eddas— “great grandmothers,” me applied to th ot likely, owing to their fdda, written’ in alliterative to bave been composed by Sarmunde the who died in 1183; the youuger or Snorra-Edda, a prose tale of similar contents, is conjecturally ascribed to nofra-Sturluson, & priest who lived in Leeland from $ to 1241, Besides these, the Saga of the Volsungs | has bearing on the subjectof Wagner's drama The | same stories whieh thus became fixed in Iceland re- | tajned @ precarious existence in tho floating tradilions | of wandering | PORTS AND SINGERS IY GERMANY, Now and then greater or lesser parts of theso lays were written down or ever translated into Latin by the monks; but this Was never dono in as systemauic a manner as in Iceland, the Christian collectors endeav- oring, moreover, frequently to eflace the traces of pagan mythology from their versions. Hence the sounty remains of mythological Jore in the old German language. In another respect Germany hax well de- served of our story by fixing it lucally and connecting it With its most Deautiul river—the Kbine, From the Rhine Aiberich rol atal gold and to its waves it Must oe restored belore tue whole tale is told and gous and men way resi from their troubles, About the end of the twelith century, that is, during the highest bloom ot the chivalrous epic in Germany, the popular songs relating to our story were collected in the form of a comtinued narrative, kuown as tne Nibelangen-lied— bow and by whom remains at the present day a sub- Joct of internecine feud amongst the diflerent schools ‘of Gorman philologysts, Tn this poem, or calleetion ot pooms, the sory appears entirely divested of (ts myth- | al racter, and intermixed to a great extent with | local traditivus and later historical events, In all | NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 1876 ‘agner has jo essentials ly preferred the pure Ice. landic sources to the mixed ins of laler ages, changing, however, the Icelandic names tor their such as, Odin for Wotan, and his mother, Htordys, for Sieglinde. In a general way, it may be aflirmed that the incidents of Wagner's drama aiso occur im the Icelandic Sagas; only the way tn which these inci- dents are connected with each other and condensed into a dramatic organism, as aiso the deep transcen- dent meaning Which 18 imparted to them, betray the hand of the great modern poet. We shall find an opportunity erman equivalents, Sigurd for Siegtried, in our descrip. tions of the “Ring of the bie ggra to speak further of the sources which Wagner has used and explain why the composer coa- in order to glorify his hero Sieg- to call to lie again ail the gods and goddesses of ancient Gerinan worship. For tho present I would speak more of my RESEARCHES IN WORMS, ‘The Cathedral at Worms plays an important part in the story of the Nibeluogen. The singers have de- scribed the contest between Kriemhilda aod Brann- hilda as baving taken place on the open space at the southern side of the editce. There | stood and tried to conjure up the scene which I have already described, and was not a little disappointed afterward to learn that the coniest took place on the space on the north- ern side OF COUKSE ALL THE GUIDE BOOKS ARN WROXG, which I found to ve the more likely, since King Gun- ther’s bourg 1s said to have been on the northern ride. But the contest could not bave taken place in front of the present church at all, which was built about the eleventh century, but probably before an earlier eaitice, | tor Worms ad a Christian bishop as early as the fourth century. There are no traces of King Gunther's vourg left; its place ts now occupied by a public gare den, ‘The legend tells even the place where Siegfried was buried, It was a huge block of stone, forty feet jong, under which the hero’s body was supposed to he. The Emperor Frederick IIL caused the “Riesen- grab’’ to be opened, but nothing was found but ewamp. The coat of arms of the city represents two winged cragons, a key in the claws of one. This is supposed to have some deep reference to the Siegfried legend. THE FATAL HUNTING EXPEDITION. From Worms took place the hunting expedition | when Stegiried was ihe noble game picked out for slaughter. ‘Those German — savans who have looked into the matter at all are by no means agreed as to whether the Spessurt, the Oden- wald or the Vosges was the scene of Siegiriea’s death. One medieval singer says the Vosges, another the | Odenwald, One old singer says that the village of Edigheim on the Khine was the plice; but the forester and school teacher of the villages of Lindenteis and Graselienbach settled the matter to at least their own satisfaction im the year 1851, when they put up a stone cross near a muddy spring in their distret, and in- seribed thereon a verse from the Nibeluogen:— ‘Then, as to drink Sir Sicgiricd down kaeoling there he found, | He picre'd him through the croslet, that scdden from the woun Forth ths itfe-blood spouted o'en o'er his murderer's weod. Never more will warriur daie so foul a deed, But people refuse to believe the wisdom of the wise schoolinaster aud tho jorester, who 80 boldly set re- search at defiance. THK PLACES AND PERSONS OF THR LIED, Many of the other churacters and places mentioned in the Lied can be quite clearly traced, Whether the Hoard was cast into the Rhine by Hagan at the modern Village of Locbheim, or Whether the name should sig nily a whirlpool, a “strudei” of the Rhine, eitherat the Binger Loch or’ at the Loreiet, is quite as unseitied a point as the whereabouts of Bruunnilda’s home. The poets are equally hazy about the position of Siegfried's home, He appears to have batied from the Neth lands (Xanten), but his treasures and his Nibelungen subjects were tnany days’ journey away—that 18 most probably iu the Land of Romance. Brunnbiida is said to be from Isenstein, the capital of Issland; but where Isenstein 18 it 18 difficult to col ture. Legend points to a score of Isensteins in Germany. in fuct, I do not think it at all necessary to settie these matters. Let the personages of the Lied remain as fur in the Lavd of Romance as possible. ‘There they are ali the more interesting, Wagner takes them further still, and gives them a home tn the realms of mythology und descent from the ancient German divinity, And thither we must follow them if ‘wo would understand the grand tigure of Siegiried and the story of the Nibeiung’s Ring. THR ROSKSGARTEN, I was but little repaid tor my journey to Worms to search for the jootprints 0! the old Germanic legendary heroes, and to catch a glimpse of the lovely Rhine daughters who bed Supposed to guard the Hoard. Across tho Rikne from Worms there a large pwee of ground covered with trees and grass, culléd the Rosengarten. ‘The guidebooks say that this ground (formerly an — island) 18 sacred to the memory of the heroes of the Nibeluo- gen. I sat drinking a glass of beer under pleasant shady trees on the river’s bank, thinking whether or not 1 should take the trouble to cross the old bridge of boats aud penetrate this Siegfried Gomain, But my hostess, with whom I discussed the matter, persuaded me to stay where | was; for ‘Lieber Herr,’’ said she, ‘it looks much prettier and much more romantic from here than it does when you get there. Stay here and drink your beer in a comfortable fashion; you wiil be disappointed if you go over the river.” So I stayed wheio I was, and the Rosengarten is unexplored by ine. Lieft Wor in a Very disappointed mood and in to think the Germans talk more about the Nibelungen Lied than they should—at least if they want to com- pare it with tho [liad they should do something toward nding out the places mentioned !u the narrative, - MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES, Verdi 1s writing a symphony at Busseto, Patti spends her leisure time at Diep Wagner 1s working at a now opera, “Peretva.”? Mile. Zaré Thaiberg has left London for Barcelona. Sothera continues to be the strong attraction at the th Avenue Theatre. Colonel Sellers drew $6,000 m three nights in San Francisco. Mr. Carl Rosa is spending the summer at his nativo place, Hamburg. The Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden, closed its season on July 15. Mayerbeer’s “Lo Prophete’ is in preparation at tho Grand Opera, Paris. Miss Melville reopened the Melbourn Opera House with an opera by Offenbach. The Paris Lyrique will have a mew opera by Camille Saint Sadns next season. Ben de Bar wiil star as Falstaff in some of the princi pal cities during the next season, Kelly & Leon are preparing “Mons. Chouflcuri,” a French opéra bougfe, at their theatre. At Bradford, England, the divine art seems to be concentrated in u troupe of skaters. Mrs Scott-Siddons \s in Adelaide, N. S. W., having succeeded Little Nero at the Theatre Royal. In the new opera house, London, Mr. Mapleson pros pose: to supply bis subscribers with bathrooms, Mr. Henry Neville eaid at his jast London beredt Uhat the kot-of-Leave Mon” was bis best friend, The “Lucky Star’? at Kirally’s Albambra, in the Quaker City, is doing an admirable summer business, ‘The Walnut Strect Star Theatre, of Philadelphia, pre- sents Mrs. Emma Wailer in her great impersonation of Meg Merriltes, Some o( the leading musical and dramatic managers, both metropolitan apd provincial, have not yet com- pleted their engagements for the season. Owing to the death of Mr. William Davidge’s daugh- ter that distinguishea comedian is temporarily re. placed atthe Fifth Avenue Theatre by Mr. 8. Kobner, Miss Rose Eytinge appeared a Julia in “The Huneh- back” at the California Theatre, San Francisco, last week. Mme. Ima Di Murska (Mrs. Anderson) was married to Mr, Strauss Illa (Mr, John Thomas sili) ia Dunedin, New Zealand, on May 26. She was a widow only two months. ‘The London Athenaeum says that Thomas’ “Hamiet’s is Meyerbeer diluted. Why, Thomas and Meyerbeer re- semble each other in style about as much as do Petro- yeum V, Nasby and Carlyle, Mr. Casina, conductor of the London Philharmonic Soctety, thinks tt beneath him to move from his cle+ vated perch when a pianist is playing, and hides the artist from the sight of the audience, “Our Boys,” at the Chestnut Street Theatre, Phila- delphia, is havivg a Jong and successful ran. The houses are filled mghtly, and with a class who appre- ciate dramatic literature and first class representation, Mies Augusia Dargon and Mr. J. H. Taylor wall star through the provinces with a dramatic company next season under the management of Mr. George Becks, playing such pieces as “Macbeth,” “Othello,” VIL,” &e The London Court Circular does not like Verdi's “Aida,”’ because “Egypt and Abyssinia, to English ears, are not jast now the sweetest musie—the one State ean- pot pay her debts; the other cost us six millions sterling not many years ngo."? The London Atheneum calis Peter Von Tschaikowsky, a Russian, whose first plano concerto was played here by Vou Bilow, “one of the most promising musicians of the period,’’ and says that the new opera house om the Thames Embankment is “wu hideous building.” Mrs. Louise M, Pomeroy, whose stage name jg Louise Heath, bas for the last year been studying with a celebrated teacher, She makes her debut with her own company in New York in October a: the Acad of Music as Lady Macbeth and Juliet, Macbeth’? will be elaborately produced, with Locke's music. CREMATE THE GARBAGE, Purapecrmia, August 4, 1876 To Tie Eprror oy tae Herato:— You can get rid of the “garbage nuisance” in your city very readily if housekeepers are notified that they can burn it in their ranges, as | have done tor years, The city might erect one or more large turaaces if deemed necessary. This, perhaps, would be the best method. Yours, &¢, CREMATION, | NEWPORT. The Queen of Watering Places in Summer Splendor. DISTINGUI HED VISITORS. Don Carlos at and Cardinal McCloskey Polo Play. THE LATEST ARRIVALS. Newroar, RL, August 4, 1876. ‘The weather of late at thia place has been quite cool, the recent rains having hed the desired effect, Pleas. ant weather is appreciated here, and the visitors can- not complain ag yet, as there has scarcely been o | stormy day, or at least a day when it was not possible | to be om the “avenue.” Last Sunday and the Sunday previous came the nearest to being stormy days, but, | as the rain was needed, there was scarcely any one who was guilty of finding fault. So far Newport has | had bus few fogs compared to years past, and their non- appearance las been a very noticeable fact. Nota | single polo day has been interfered with by unpleasant | wouther, and, taken altegether, no one has had any cause to complain in rejation to this important item, People who leave their city homes for the summer as | a general thing want fair weather all the time, and they | do not seem to think that their vacation should be in- | terfered with, no matter whether the cisterns or wells | are dry or the crops suffering for rain, At the present writing Newport’s season can be set down as a success, und the real estate agents who have the renting of cottages, the hotel and private boarding- house keepers, the steamboat and railroad companies, have made fully a8 much money as they did last sea- gon, although they are loath to admit it as yet. These parties usually keep their business io themsclyes, aud, agageneral thing, desiro the impression to prevail that they have not done as much business as they ought to. The real estate agents, however, ure willing | to admit that more cottages have boen rented this summer than in the past two soasons. To be sure, | rents have cousiderably fallen off and their commis- | sions have not amounted to the usual figures, but nevertheless they arefirm in the beiief that better times are coming, and that Newport villas will rent atas high figures as ever. Real estate holds is own and shows as yet but little aeprecia- tion, and it 18 claimed that the day is far distant when land can be bought at anything lese than 1s now asked for eligible building sites. Several handsome estates are offered for sale and the reason that the agents do not find a customer for them is because they are held at such high figures. Several new houses will be built in the fall and spring, one of which has already been begun on Narragansett avenue for Mra Lottie Taylor, of New York, and it is thought that consider- avle money will bo expended in and about the city betore the advent of the season of 1877, At present everything is dull in the butiding line, as it usually is at this season of the year, and a large number of me- chanics are out of work. They were, however, em- ployed during the greater part of the fall, winter and spring in building new villas and making improve- ments to others. As already stated in the Hera.p, Mr. A. A. Low, of Brooklyn, will build a large and handsome villa here at once, and it is probable that a hotel will be built near the beach, the two small ones on the cliffs being altogether too small to be of any benefit to the stock- holders, A hotel is needed noar the beach, where the gucsts can have a look at tho blue At- Jantic without being obliged te go such a long distance, It would, without doubt, be a paying investment, and it would not have two-thirds of its room vacant the greater part. of the scason. None of tbe hotels, save the two small ones mentioned above, are even within | sight of the beach, whien is a great disappoint- ment to the visitors, who naturally, upon visiting the weashore, expect to see the wal without being | obliged to hire a carriage to take them there, The Ocean House proprietors this season furnish {reo transpor tation to und from the beach for their guests, which action is duly appreciated. It was a wise move ana they will lose nothing by the arrangement in the end. All the hotel keepers report their business as increns- ing daily, and ovhers are confident that should the weather continue favorable they will be able to report a very successful season, They don’t want the ther- mometer to come down any lower that it is at present, and if they could they would send it up among tne nineties in the large eities, Mr. Isclin, of tne schooner yacht Mcta, of the New York Yucbt Club, recently took outside a large sailing party. ‘The owners of the cchooner yachts Restless and Josephine, who are spending the greater part of the season here—tho former withjhis brother, S. Whit- ney Phoenix, and the latter with his mother, Mrs. De Larcy Kane—are also fond of taking sailing parties up the Narragansett Bay for an afternoon's sail. It is adelightfal sail, aud there are numerous interesting localities to visit between hero and the city of Provi- dence, which boasts of nearly 100,000 inhabitants, und 3 located at the head of the bay. — Excursions are daily made to Rocky Point, Conunicut Park, River- side, Ocean Cottage anil Stlver Spring, in sail as well as in steam boats, the latter being crowded nearly every day, notwishstanding they make at least ball a dozen ‘The sail to Narragansett vlightiul one, but 1b 18 Mot patronized v not'being any steamboat plying between the two Water- tug places for lack of patronage. For several years past asmali steamer has been brought into use during tue sumer months, but ber owners never made ber pay expenses. The yachts, however, aud sailbouts cali at the Pier occesivnaily (rom this port with excur- sion partes Who have friends spending the season at the “Mushroom City,’’ as 1 bas been unjustly termed. ‘The Lote keepers here are said to be jeaious of their rivals at the Pier, and fear that they are getting all the business this season, There is some trath in this, bat bow much remains to be seen. Another tuvoriie Jocality for sailing parties and picnickers ts the Dump- lings, nearly opposite Fort Adains, on the island of Couauicut, You cau secure good suil and row boats at a very reasonable price, and We scarce'y ever hear any one grumbie at the price for au afterzoon’s sail. The boatinea are anxiousiy looking forward to the ime when the New York yacht squadron shall arrive, for upon kuch occasions “in the past they have reaped a bountiful harvest from the liberal y: men, and they ali vie with each other to please the latier and to con- vineo thom that they appreciate their coming here irom year to year tor the purpose of haying the annual races. MISCELLANEOUS GOSSIP, No. 7, Cliff Coitage, near the beach, has been rented for the children of the late Willam T. Gurnee, who was lost, with his wife, by the capsizing of the sellooner ucht Molawk a few Weeks ago, Tuey arrived a lew Jaya ago in charge of their grandmother, Mra. Thorn, Tuorr auat, Mrs. Thomas Garner, is occupying ove of the Citi cottages turther south, belonging to Herman 1. Livingston, of New York, Don Carlos and suite, consisting of the Marquis de Valasco, Merqu Curlos bas an clegant suit of rooms. On Tbursjay bo a his respecis to Cardinal MeCloskey, of Ni Vork, who 18 at the Caldwell Villa, on Kay Street, guest of Mrs, M. J. Andrews Several of the promi- nent cottagers have called upon the distinguisied gen- tleman, and he has received several invitations to dine. He goes to ride several times aday ond takes a bath every morning at the beach. On Wednesday he witnessed several polo games in Company with the gen- Uemen comprising Lis suite, He was very much pleased ‘with ali be saw vu the poio grounds, He expecis to re- main here ut two weeks, when he will probably take a trip to Niagara. Of late several of the cottagers have given dinner parties and receptions. Last week Mr, Royal Phelps aod Judge Blatchiord, of New York, aud Caspar Crowninshield, of Boston, were among the number who entertained their friends, and this week Mrs. Join Jacob Astor, Mrs. Frederic W. Stevens, Mrs. Paran Stevens and dirs, Walden Bell, all of New York, and H. Hollis Hunnewell, of Boston, have also given’ pri- vate entertainments which were attended by the élite of the place, Mrs. General McDowell and daughter have taken Mra M. F. Flagg’s, on Dixon stree . KF, MM. McAllister, rector of Christ church, Elizabeth, N. J., ig the guest of Dr. 8. W. Francis, Right Rev. Bishop U’Reiliy, of Springteld, Mass, and Bishop Feehan, of Tennessee, are also in town, tho Jormer being at the Aquidneck House and the latter at the Ocean House. Mra, Samuel oh, widow of the well known firearms manviacturer of Hartford, is spending a few weeks with Mra, Charies N. Beach, trom the same city, who owns a summer residence here. Mr. Manuila, the Spanish Minister from Wasbing- ton, and wife will remain here about be el days us the ests of Mr. Royal Phelps, ew York, Luis Al- nso and to Bueno, of the Spanish Centennial Commission, are at the Ocean House, and D. Gomez, the secretary of the Spamsh Legation, will’ romain ab the Ai ineck House until the departure of Mr. and Mrs. ia, G. Videla Dorna, the Minister from the Argentine Republic, bas also arrived at the Ocean House, and from present inzications Newport will have her usual number of foreign dignitaries before the close of tho feason. The Italian Minister, Baron Bianc, who has had rooms at tue Cli Cottage Hotel for several weeks, is delighted with the ib society, preferring to fill up his spare time with long He does not mingle much walks and drives in and about the place. His mother ig with him, ‘ The Ocean House has been well patronized by ‘or- elgners this summer, owing, it 18 presumed, to the large number who are im attendance at the Centen- nial Extabition tn Philadelphia, ‘The following, in ad- dition to those above mentioned, have recently ar- Tived at this house:—H, Gon, M. de Gasseque Gatanz, Fillchamps, L. ce Rinequesm, Louis De Erraza, Henry Hirsch, Baron von Pertzen, trom France; General Sir Richard Wilbraham, T. B. Turwood, F. 'R. ‘wemlon, J. Fislin, from England, and Jonn nell and sister, from Ireland. ‘The latest arrivals at the Ocean House include §. L. James, from Supia Barbara, Cal; Dr. Harry L. Sims, Mrs, SM. Rich, Paul Dryson, C. E. ‘iracey, Frank Adams, F. B. Gower and family, W. Bordd, J. Kugh- kist, Julius Levy, W. A. C. Gray, Miss Gray, Miss Monell, F, G, DeWitt. Staniey Mortumer, C. K. Goss, E. P, Richards, W. L. Patton, Mrs i). B. Allen, L. N. Kingbury and wife, James Thompson and tamily, irom New York; W. W. Thurston, Bethlehem, Pa ; E. Cot- ting, W. L, Bradley, Mrs. P,’ Bradiey and 8. 4. Browo Jr. and wife, Boston; Dr. Witham Thurston, Miss C. ‘Thurston, Frank Thurston and wife, J cH Blven, George F. ‘tyler and family, » Pil adelph: Iman, Mra. Hartman, Miss Hartman, jet Engineer W. H. Shock, United W. ¥. Sanders, © San- ders, W. A, Bailey, St Joseph, Ww. T. Blair, H. K. Blair, G. E, Nichols, Chicago; R. W. Gitett, Devo; G. J. F. Bryant and wie, Alabam: George A. Evans, Columbus, Ubio; Frederick Freling- buysen, Newark, N. J. ; General Harden and wile, Gen- eral Hunter and wife and General Cuyler, ‘Tbe United States sioop-ol-war Juniata and the re- ceiving ship Supply have beth been lying at the auchor- nee during the week and uttracted considerable atten- Hon, Assistant Secretary of State William Hunter, of Georgetown, D. C., and the following are among the Tecent arrivals at the Aquidneck House:—Ralph Meeke F, M. Peck, 1. C. Hatfield, A, Vaudeveer, New Yor Sidney L. Wright, G. G. Hilion and wife, Pinladel phi John Evans, Kochester, N. Y.; Charles H. Wyman, Burlington, lowa; W. 2. Faulkner, A. J. Hull, Charies A. Watson, G, 0. Le G, A. Newton, Robert C. Hooper, Boston; ; ol Navy; ; E. #. Wise, United States Navy; H. Herrick and wifc, Amsterdam, N, Y.; A. B. Richardson and family, George B. Davis, Brooklyn; Mrs, G. W. Bartholomew and family, Hartiord; Charles Morse, Chicago; M. ¥. Wright, United Stutes Nav ‘The Kev. Dr. Huntington and family have arrived and reuced the Paimer Cottage on Ayrauit street tor the balance of the season, ‘Yhe Narragansett Gun Club have uot had any matches as yet. They will, however, make up for the and several inseresting matches ure on the tapis, Since writing tbe above paragraph in reierence to the Spanish Minister, we learn that he bag: rented “Clover Patch,” the name of the residence of W. H. Russeil, of New York, on Narragansett avenue. ‘The widow of the late Rey. J. H. Gilhat, of New York, as a memorial of her lamented husband, has presented to the chapel of St. John the Evangelist a beautiful buptismal font, and Hon, John Winthrop Chanler, of New York, in carrying out the wishes of Mrs. Chanier, his wie, Who died in New York last winter, has pre- sented to the same chapel a bandsome communion service, made by Tiffany, of New York. Tue Bellevue Dramatic Clab will give their first en- tertaiument for the season at the Opera House, the pa 1 1 be to be presented Leng the “Happy Pair.” This wi followed by the comic drama, “A Wonderful Woman.” ‘The proceeds of the entertainment will be added io the charitable fund of the club. Last year the club gave upward of $2,0v0 for local charities, LONG BRANCH. PREPARATIONS FOR PRESIDENT GRANT AT HIS SEASIDE HOME—COLLECTOR BOOTH’S RBE- COVERY—TILDEN'S LETTER DISCUSSED BY DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS. Loa Braxcu, N. J., August 5, 1876 The cottage by the sea is being put in readiness to” receive His Excellency, who will be in Long Branch immediately after Congress adjourns in Washington. Mr. Booth, the Collector of the Port ot Baltinore, who ‘was reported to be seriously ill and on the point of re- signing, is at tho West End Hotel enjoying excellent bodily health, rapidly recovering from the numbuess of his limbs, and bas no thought of retiring from his office, A large crowd of visitors is hero to-night, tho Satur- day influx having been enormous ‘The West End Hotel is crowded to its utmogt capacity, A great maby comments are made here to-night on Tilden's letter, The general feeling among the demo- crats is one of triumph at what they pronounce the ablest and most effective campaign document ever pub- lished. They expect to see the campaign mend trom the date of tts appe: Among the republicans there 13 some diversity of feeling. Several careful, conservative men on thut side regard it as a dangerous and shrewdly drawn docu- ment, Well calculated to have an effect on the people who ure not strong in their political sentiments, and rondoring additional efforts and Vigilance nece-sary on the republican side. Mr. Thomas Murphy thinks it an artfully drawn paper, very specious, but dodging some important questions In a manner that will be resented by the peo- ple, who bave been taught to regard Tilden as a straight- forward, honest man. Mr, Hugi J. Hastings says cf the message sim, that it is spoiled in the keeping. ply SARATOGA SPRINGS. THE POLITICAL FLUTTER ABOUT THE LETTERS OF ACCEPTANCE—YREPARING FOR THE DEMO- CRATIC AND REPUBLICAN STATE CONVEN- TIONS—A DISTINGUISHED THRONG OF ViIS- 1TORS—-1OILETS OF THE LADIZs. Saratoga, August 5, 1876, All the politicians here ure discussing Tilden’s and Hendricks’ letters of acceptance, The general impres sion is that they areas much in harmony with each other on the financial question as their respective authors could have made them. The friends of Gover. nor Tilden are expatiating on the soundness of his sen- timents and think the letter will consolidate pis strength and win hun many thousands of independent votes, while the friends of Governor Hendricks aro equally enthusiastic over the manifesto of their cham. pion, and say tt will be acceptable in every way to the people of Indiana, The political interest of the week was centred almost exclusively in the Tilden and Hendricks letters, whose appearance had been looked for each day with an expectaucy which savored strongly of excitement, so that little attention has been paid to local politics, The State Democratic Executive Committee will meet here next Tuesday to appoint a time and place for holding the State Corivention, but in the ineantime the politicians do not seem inclined to expross opinions as to who would probably be the strongest candidates, It is con- ceded, however, that the democratic nominee for Gov- ernor must be a pronounced hard money man, and in all respects in pericct harmony with Governor Tilden’s views of State and national policy, ARRIVAL OF KX-GOVERNOR MORGAN. The Republican State Convention will assemble here in a few weeks, but there does not seem to be much discussion among republicans about it. A week ago some prominent members of the party who were here endeavored to stimt euthusiasm for Evarts; but whatever interest was aroused has apparently subsided Ex-Govervor Morgan arrived with his family last evening to spend the romainder of the mouth of August. He says it is very well known that, having been twice elected Governor, he does not now, after an interval of so many years, seek another nomination for the samo position, but yet if the party should think it dest for him to Le their candidate this fall, he would not decline the comphment. THE RACKS AND THR REGATTA. Next week promises to be an unusually interesting one to the sojourners hore this season. Beside the second regular meeting of the Saratoga Association, during which thero is to be some splendid racing, we are to have the fourth annual interoational regatta on Saratoga Lake. Nearly all the rowers have heretofore won honors on these and other waters, and the interest in these amateur contests increases with each season. Mr. F. EF. Yates, of the Union Springs, will not contest forthe junior single sculs, but will row with Mr, C, FE. Courtney for the double scullg Mr. P. C, Akerman, of the Atalantas, and Mr. Juhan Ken- nedy, of Yale, have been ruled out of the junior single seull race, on the ground that they are seniors and not juniors, A GAY AND ARILLIANT THRONG, As was anticipated August will be ¢he gayest month of the Saratoga season. The principal hotels are doing a lively business. The Union is filled with a jolly crowd, who manage to worry away these brilliant August days with dancing, flirtation, wining, music ind song. Tho uristocratic States is thronged with the creme de la creme of New York, and most of the people that are seen at the grand receptions and balls during the winter are now met on the piaz+ zas and 1n the parlors of this hotel Representatives from almost all parts of the civilized world are here. There are such people from almost every clime, and prominent men and women from every part of our land, Ex-Governors, jndgés, prominent journalists, artists, authors and politicians of every shade sentiinent form a part of the scene of this great Vanity Fair. BALLS, The Bernstein Benett Ball, thet is always looked forward to as ous of the leading balls of the season, oc- curred on Friday evening, at Con Hall, and was largely patronized by the guests o! jotel, who for foes have formed ‘a part of the audience who daily listen to the sweet music of the orchestra that is under the leadership of Bernstein, The handsome toilets and bright eyes of numerous guests from the other hotels also graced the festive scene, Tho little arched bridge leading across from the main part of Cofgress Hall to the ballroom was thronged | turnod to leave the roow, eHOnP Aas —_ with people passing to and fro, and presented—as @ does every evening—a most 76 gta appearance with its rows of bright colored lamps. They are having daneing in the baliroom of the States quite frequently in the evening now, and it always at- tracts a crowd, but by many it }8 not considered 80 de- sirable as the music on ihe piazza, where the cool, breeze can be enjoyed together with the soit strains of the music. THE TOILETS. It 1s a most picturesque scene that the grand piazza presents, with the lights from the cottages jotting ono side, the groups of bewutiful ladies in their soft, gay summer toilets of muslin and lace and grenadine, sitting about—the lgtts within flashing on the gay furuiture of the parlors and the ever varying throng of romenaders, changing like Kaledeioscopic views. Ono apron the eye is tuscinated by the beauty of fa young face, radiant im the treshness of its first ‘scuson; the bext moment it rests upon one that is scamed with caro and darkened by disappointment, Now a dainty Parisian toilet of artistic cut and style passes belore you, and yonder comes up antiquated costume that bas seeu the light of may seasons. The ball room belle, the worn out wo- man of fashion, the aged matron, the statesman, the merchant prince, the unsuccessiul dreamer and the intriguing politician, all mect beneath the light of the siars, while the baud dashes off a gay opera air or throbs forth a sad, sweet, passionate strain, ‘Ybere was a german at tho States this morning, and the third one of he Grand Union series was hold in the ball room of that hotel on Friday. THE GARDEN PARTIE Mueh pleasure is anticipated at the second garden party that 1s to be given at the Union on Monday. A very large number of mnvitutions have been issued, and it will undoubtedly be the occasion of a brilliant gather. ing. PROMINENT GUESTS. Among prominent guests who have recently arrived at the States are ex-Governor Morgan and family, ex- Governor Curis and family, E. 8. Sanford and family, M. Beraldi, of the Indépendence Belge; Arthur Treu- dell, “secretary ot British Commission; ex-Governor Beach and fumily, J. N. A. Griswold, W. R. Travers and family, Samuel Bowles, Gordon W. Burabam, A, Garrison, Chester W. Chapin, Lawrence Tournur Richard Von Stade and family, Schuyler C, Keats an fumily, Algernon S. Sullivan, Among late arrivals at the Grand Union are J. C, Eno and fumily, George R. Blanchard, of the Erié Rail. way; Judge Henry Hilton, Hon. Archibald Bliss, of New York; John L. Thomas of Baltimore; Wilham Kingsley, of Brooklyn; Daniel Dougherty, of Pbitadel- phia; Judge Vanderpoel, Hon. Henry B. Russell, W. A. u er, Judge Williatn J, Wallace, Supreme Court; Henry C, Kelsey and Judge Flanigan, ali of New York. THE ROTTEN TELEGRAPH POLE. New York, August 4, 1876, To tus Epitor or rug HERALD:— In'your report of the death of the poor woman at the corner of Suffolk and Grandistreets yesterday, from the falling of the rotten telegraph pole, your reporter wholly ignored or else was uninformed of the serious injuries inflicted upon my little daughter, of nine years, irom the same cause. Sho had just been sent from her home toa friend of mine across Grand street in order that she should not witness the dying agonies of her youngest sister, when the pole fell, striking und killing ihe poor woman, and then rebounding upon my daughter's head, roiling down the face und nose, and bringing her to the ground with the pole, Her head ia severely injured (she was out ot her mind for hours after) and her tuce terribly brutsed, and, as ‘she cat not yet speak without the blood rusbing from he nose. the doctor says it will take days before the in- juries will be properly d-fined, What with a wife thrown from one convulsion into another from the fright,and the figure of my poor little injured child lying before me, | sball not soon forget the rotten telegraph pole at the corner of Suffoll and Grand, Mr. Editor, who is responsible? Youre respecttully, MOSES FREIDIGER. 16 Surro.k Street, New York. A REASON FOR ROITEN POLES. To THe Epitox or THE HERatp:— I have read your article consuring the telegraph company for having decayed poles throughout the city, and you little know how you have hurt the feelings of the company by bringing this fact before the public, In olden times when a pole became decayed it was re- placed by a new oue, but siuce the dividend has been increased to eight per cent the old rotten pole is uttl- ized by simply dropping it deeper in the ground. Has any one noticed Low short the poles are growing along the lines of the railroads? In some places the wires are low enough to be reached by the hand. D. CROTON WaAtEn. ITS UNPLEASANT TASTE AND ODOR ACCOUNTED FOR—-NO CAUSB FOR ALARM. The Croton water has for some time had a strong sinell and an unpleasant taste, indicating the presence of vegetable matter, Nothing is more crsential to the health of the community than pure water, and some alarm has been felt that it might be pecessary to aban- don the hydrants and fall back upon the tew pamps ow remaining in the city for a supply. A reporter called on the Commissioners of Public Works yestor- day in order to ascertain, if possibie, what causes led to the present condition of the water and what steps would be taken to purify it, They are in receipt of several complaints avout it, and account for it by the late rains. | The cont spell of hot, dry weather filed the ground with fibrous woouen partcies from the withered growtn, and this, saturated with the rain, accounts for the un: pleasant taste of the water. At the. headwaters of tke Croton River the water has been low in dam, and the full of rain not heavy enough to cause a freshet and overflow it; consequently this fibrous matter bas not been carried off. Ordinarily the dam empties off this matter into the Hudson belore it poliutes the water, although there !s more or less of it present at any time. Tho reservoirs are in good condition, and the present impurity wili pass away in a few d. The samo trouble exiats every summer, but not to ® degree to cause apy inconvenience. AUDACIOUS BURGLARY. AN ELDERLY LADY ASSAULTED AND ROBBED IN AMITY STREET, BROOKLYN, At an early hour yesterday morning, be"ore aey- break, Mrs, Ann Bigelow, an elderly lady, residing at No. 92 Amity street, Brooklyn, was sroused from her sleep by a noise io her room, On looking in the diree- tion from which it proceeded tbe lady, who oceupied the back roum on the third floor, was. terrided on ye- holding @ tail man, with black side whiskers, carrying a dork lantera in his hand, steaithily approaching hb Bigelow was about to cry out for help, hi nephew, Churles Bigelow, aud a young man vamed George Brooks, being asleep in the front room on the sume floor, The desperate intrader, seeing ber inter Uon, sprung Upon ber, and in a subdued tone told bi that if she did not keep quiet he would blow her braing out. The thief then told her that he wanted her money, and that if she gave that up quietly he would do her no harm. Mra. Bixelow led him to a closet in which she kept her purse, the raiian having a tigit hoid of her arm meanwhile” When he got posse-sion of the wallet, which did not contain more than $8, he At that juncture the brave woman ran alter him aud suruggied before he could cross the threshbold leading to the hall to recover het property. The struggle, wuich was an unequal one, Was soon ended, the lady being left helpless and un- conscious on the floor. Her groans were heard by the two young men, who slept im the front room, avout tour o’elock, and, repairing to the scene of the struggle, of which they hud beeh entirely unconscious, they were shocked to Und Mrs Bigelow lying on the floor where ghe had fallen, On being placed upon her couch she narrated the thriiling adventure. It was subsequently discovered that the burgiar had also stolen from Mr. Charies Bigelow a gold wateh and chain anda pair of pants coutaimng four five dollar notes, A costly opera nd silver mounted revolver which were beside hot disturbed. The burglar, whose mode of entrance to the house could not be determined, made bis escape by the front hal! door. Roundsman Ferry and Detectives Koche and Mahoney, of the Third precinct, aro engaged in work. jug up the case. SOMETHING WOKLH AN ANSWER, Naw York, August 6, 1876, To Tux Epitor or THe Hexatp:— Is there no law in existence compelling steamboat lines to be provided with gang-plauks having a railing on either side? 1am a daily passenger on the Hariem boats, apd am sorry to notice that these boats at their places of landing throw out a plank—nay, simply a board, without any railing, thereby in case of a crowd angering the lives of passengers. To iny recoliec- ton some cases Of accident have already occurred in consequence of such negligence; and you will well de. serve the gratitade of many if you will mention this ia your columns, thereby cansing tho desired remedy. Very respectiully, JOSEPH WEISSENBACH, No. 416 Hast 120ch street, THIRD AVENUE SAVINGS BANK, ‘The matier of the expenses of Mr. Carman, the late receiver of the deiunct Third Avenue Savings Bank, which bas been before a reteree tor many months, has Deen finally settled, and Judgo Westbrook has com firmed the report of the referee, Mr. Carman receiver $3,000 for the expenses of himself and clerks, and Sur. Togate Calvin, the referee, is allowed $350 for his ab tendanco at thirty-seven incetings, THE NEW PUBLIC BATHS. The first one of the four new free swimming batht has been so far completed that Superintendent Keech, of the Department of Public Works, says he wil open it to the public next Saturday, 1t bas veep, determined to lorate it at the foot of Thirty-third street, East River, Mr. Keech expects to receive another bath ten days later. The buths are being constructed at the foot of Kast 106th street, where the foundation of twe are now on the ways, IMPROVEMENTS ON THE ISLANDS Ata recent meeting of the Board of Apportionmeat $10,000 surplus from the fund for the erection of new pavilions on Hart's Island was transferred to a fund for @ similar purpose for Biackwell’s Island,