The New York Herald Newspaper, September 25, 1876, Page 5

rr last the sound of the second gun was heard and a few moments after there came a report like the sound of a cannon of large cali- bre, followed about a second after by a serics of four or five vibrations im the time of about two seconds, ‘The atmospheric shock was hke that accompanying & very severe report of thunder Then ail was over, and the whistling of the steamers and the tolitag of the bel!s iniormed the eager sightseers that Hallett’s Point Reef was no more. The tower was soon emptied of its occupants and the grounds around covered with groups ot people discusting the event. There was a general feeling of disappointment among the masses, Every- body had expected that thore would be a very loud re- port, IN JERSBY CITY, The tecling in Jersey City was one of utter disap- pointment. Ascare had been created, and those who lived in houses erécted on “made ground” were so timorous that many left their houses fer the time, re- membering the effect of the shock at Bergen Hill, when houses were rocked and windows shattered. Thou- sands left the city to witness the explosion in Now York. A Henan reporter betook bimself at half-past two o'clock to the rocky ridge on Palisade avenue in Jersey City Heights, and there found thousands con- gregated to witness the spectacl>, Taking bis stand on ®@ large rock, about fifty yards northwest from the site of the dynamite magazine which made such terrible havoc on the 6th of May last, the reporter set a spirit jevel pointing due north and south and a large tumbler flied to the brim with water. The Pain was falling heavily, yet hundreds crowded round the spot so densely that it was difcult to prepare for uy observation. The spectators who were not pro- ‘vided with umbrellas were drenched with the rain, yet thoy stood the tost manfully, What the divil does that thing mane, Jimmy?” said one, drawing the pipe from his mouth, “Suro he doesn’t think they’!l blow up that rock."’ “Howild your tongue, listen and say nothing,’’ was the reply. The little boys crowded close and closer. A pause of four or Ove minutes followed and no voice was heara, At ten minutes to three a low report, as of @ small cannon, was heard, and one man cried out, ‘Now, boys, stand back, ‘that is the signal gun.” yes and cars were strained for half an hour afterward, but no other sound was heard, and that group dispersed with the feeling that tho blast was a failure, A look of disappointment overspread the countenances of tho residonts in the vicinity who had teken positions on their piazzas in high expectation of something wonderful about to be seen after their terrible experience of a few months ago, Thero was no shock, uo sound, no vibration whatever in any part of Jersey City, savo the low re- port above alluded to and which sounded like a report of tho small pieve asod ona trans-Atlantic steamer ‘when coming into port é AT YONKERS the rumbling of the earth was very perceptible in the lower streets and wong the base of the hills, Great interest was taken in the event, and largo numbers of people,proceeded to the city in coaches, carriages and Omnibuses to witness the explosion. er contra, a number of Now Yorkers arrived at Yonkers by the early trains und in carriages, bringing their families away from apprehended dauger in the city. A number spent the day at the Getty House, while many more ‘were the guests of privato friends. On the high hills in the rear of the town the instruments supplied the HERALD reporter were in no way affected by the shock. Tho point selected for tho tests was Oak Hill, about one milo north of the depot, and 310 fect above high water mark on the Hudson. Not the slightest tremor of the earth’s surtace was apparent, yet a rumbling, such as follows the dischargo of a heavy pleco of artillery was distinctly heurd at the time set for the explosion. On Vineyard avenue, near the base of this hill, the houses were slightly shaken by the shoek, which lasted from threeto fourseconds, Captain Ellis’ house, on Warburton avenue; the residence of William Peake, on Ashburton avenue, and that of Mr, Frost, on Palisade avente, were affected slightly by tho concus- von. The latter house ia on high ground on the side pf a ridge, and tho jar was less than on streots noaror she Hydson River, At the police station house on Broadway a slight tremor, lasting threo or four sec- ‘onds, was obsorved by Captain Mangin and Sergeant Austin, Along the river front the concussion was much moro perceptible, but the surface of the water did pot indicate any unusual commotion. AT SPRINGFIELD JUNCTION, The experiment at Springfleld Junction yesterday Under the immeniate direction of Lieuterant Leech, Dnited States Engineers, was very successful. Tho main object which General Abbott had in view wns to get tho exact distance at which the vibration of the earth, in connection with the explosion, was perceptible and also the time ft took to pass overagiven distance, To facilitate the experiment at Springfleld Junction which ia about twelve miles distant from Astoria, the Western Union Company’s wires wero placed at the disposal of Lieutenant Leech, who had erected a tent adjacent to tho railway station, where ho carried on operations, Despite tho very inclement weather, everything worked admirably. It may be explained that by means df a smal! battery Gencral Abbott was enabled to send a aignal to the spot precisely at the moment of the ex- plosion, tho instrument, a Morse register, recording Whe event by making a dot on an ordinary telegraphic cand of white paper. According to arraugemen the instant the dot was made the observer was to look through a delicate instrument constructed for the pur- pose of perceiving the vibration. It consisted of a cup bet upon a level suriace and filled with clear mercury. Across the centre of it was stretched a line so fino as to be invisible to the naked eye. Properly adjusted telescopes were used so that when the mercury marked the arrival of the vibration from the blast, the observer was to strike the key of the telegraphic in- sirument, causing it to make a second dot, and when the vibration ceased a third dot was to be made, thus indicating exactiy the time the vibration arrived, as well as its duration, At twenty minates to three o'clock Lieutenant Leech received the warning despatch, “Prepare to make observations.” Private Lees attenged to the register, and amid the greatest stiliness the announcement of tho event was awaited. At ten minutes to threo o'clock the first click of the ipstrament showed that the biast nad occurred. With one hand on the key, the officer watched through this telescope ‘the fine line stretched across the centre of the cup, and in about tem seconds the vibration arrived, the line quivering for neariy half a minute. It will be un- a ood that as the band of paper on which the dots ‘Were made was moving all the time at a uniform and precisely calculated speed, the distance between the three dots told the story. The dots will be examined by a microscope and the exact data be obtained, al- though the time already mentiored is sufficiently accurate, The sound of the explosion was heard by those in tho vicinity of the tent, though it was very feeble, resembling tho faint ramblo of far distant thunder, Indeed bad the listeners not been expecting the explosion they would not, in all probability, have heard anything. Lieutenant Leech pronounced his experiment to be highly satisfactory. AT FRESH POND, Newtown, L. 1, Licutenant Young, of the United States Engineers, was stationed, with three soldiers, for the purpose of observing the shock. He had his tent pitched in a field some distance from the Fresh Pond telegraph station, on the Southern Railroad of Long Island, and was supplied with a most complete set of instruments for taking the necessary observa- tions, His telegraph was connected with that at the Station, so that he could receive orders direct from the scene of the explosion. In the centre of the tent, ona emall piece of rock which protruded above the surface, was placed an artificial horizun of mercury, protected by glass and having 2 number of horse hairs arranged in such a way as to indicate the most delicate mo- tion or the faintest shock that might be communt- cated to the earth beneath, On a wooden box, stead- tly fixed on tho floor of the tent, was a powerful glass directed toward the mercary level, and behind this sat TAeatenant Young, watching the mercury and the torse hairs closely, ready tu record the instant at Which tho shock was first noticed, the time it coased and whon the report was heard, The soldiers each verformed an allotted portion of the work, one holding sn open watch, with pencil and paper ready to make ais notes, &c, The drenching rain prevented much of acrowd from assembling around the tent, and this ficihtated the work considerably, as the greatest Silence and absence of motion were necessary to enable the officer to make his observations with proper exactness and precision. Lioutenant Young very kindly gave the HeRato reporter a seat in the tent explaited his apparatus with great minute- ness The distance of the spot from the scene of the explosion was about four and a half miles, At 2b, 10m. P, M. word was received from General Abbott that all was ready and to look out for orders from General Newton. At 2h, 3im. a message from Astoria gave the order, “Prepare for observations.” The signal shots fred at 2h. 25m., and at 2h. 40m. were distinctly heard in the tent, though the report was not very loud, but owing to the rain seme of the people standing in tne fleld some distance from the tent did not notice them. At 2h. 48m. 88, the first tremor of the shock was felt, and at 2b. 49m. the sound of the explosion was faintly heard. There was only a very slight shock perceptible—a vibrating, tremulous mo- fron for an instant, and then all was over, There was quite a perceptible shake in tbe mercury level lasting about six seconds, and the horse bairs oscillated vi bly. Though the shock was very alight it was felt dis- tinotly by the feet of all in ihe tent, and aman who was standing erect on a sunken boulder in the field said be felt it “right up through his bones.” At ten minutes past three Licutenant Young received a mes- sage from Astoria that the explosion had come off successfully and tbat all was right, MEASURING THE RESULT. Mr. Boyle, the mining engineer, accompanied by several others, visited the scene of the explosion at nine o'clock last evening. No soundings were taken, but, judging from the old pieces of timber projecting above the surface of the water, Mr. Boyle conc'nded that the rock, eloge in shore, must have lowered ‘ully six feet, The steamer Providence, of the Fall River line, in passing Hallett’s Point last might went closer to the Long Island shore than ever before, and several other boats did the same. The real extent of the dis- placement of rock will be discovered when the sound- ings shall be made, at stack water, this morning. PROFESSOR HENRY’S KXVERIMENTS, Immediately after the blast the Lighthouse Board’s cutter Putnam came up tothe wharf at the works. Sbe had on board four largo spar buoys, each sixty fect long and painted red on top, to bo used for the Purpose of marking tho outlines of the demolished reef, Theso are tobe sunk to-day, and they will bo secured by four immense stones for sinkers, each of which weighs 4,000 pounds, Among the visitors seen on tho grounds after the blast were G. W. Blunt and Professor Henry, of the Smithsonian Institution. The latter gentleman stated to a Henao reporter that he was very mnch inter- ested in the effect the wind would have on tho intensity of the concussion, it being well known that @ second wave moving at the rate of 750 miles an hour Js often heard five times as far to the windward as to tho leeward. There are, he said, instances on record in which a similar effect was observed in the transmission of concussions in the explosion of gun- powder, the mechanical effects being much greater in one direction than in the opposite, Tho wind in the explosion of yesterday was, however, very light, and in the direction against the wind there was merely a slight jaratthe distance of 600 yards from the focus of action. Subsequent ob- servations, to which the Professor will soon call atten- tion, will determine the effects to the leeward, COMMODORE VANDERBILT gavo instructions to his servants that, at twenty min- utes before the time fixed for the explosion of tho mine, he should be carried into the small library near his bedroom. The Commodore awaited eagerly the moment fixed for the firing of the mine. When he felt the shght vibration of the air he sald, “That’s it, I’m sure that is the explosion. If it is suocessful it is a great event and will confer credit on General Newton and the other engineers engaged in the work. It isan evidence of progress and Iam glad to have lived to know it has been accomplished, ’? “EXTRA TELEGRAM’? Hardly had tho explosion taken place when dense crowds of people made their way to the HeRaLD Building to see if any casualty attendant upon the great explosion had occurred. Tho news was soon spread upon their arrival that an extra Telegram would be issued. Thousands consequently remaimod near by to purchase the promised ‘‘exira.”’ Meanwhile allthe news boys and girls in the city had gathered round the Telegram office. Some stood up in the win- dows; others perched themselves 1n perilous positions in mid-air on the iron beams running across the von- tilators from the press rooms; others stood on the sidewalk and yelled, ‘‘Here ye are! Hell Gato extras! Fall details of the fearful blast.’ While beguiling timo in this fashion a wealthy gen- tleman connected with a book publishing firm threw a number of bright, new silver picces amid tho young- sters, who tussied merrily tor the same. Many a roll in the mire did these helps of diurnal literavure experi- ence, and many a mud-besmeared face was thero, but all took part in the sports with great good nature. As all good things come to an end in this world so at last the generous giver of silver coin found his supply ex- hausted. With ten cents to pav his way home to Brooklyn the gentleman discontinued further largesse, and he shouted out, “Boys, I’m busted!” “Bully for you, anyhow!” was the reply, ‘Then a lull ensued, anti! an inventive genius over- hauled an ashbox and found in it some old boots, These were thorooghly wetted and then thrown where the crowd was the densest, The air was soon filled with wet rubbish, and the youngsters laughed and cracked jokes, as if they wanted no better tuo. Mean- while several rushes had been made below, to the press rooms, to get papers, and with euch energy did they storm tho iron gato at its entranco that it was wrenched and dispiaced under their concentrated pressure. They wore finally dislodged by a policeman, and told to wait, The girls were also full of energy and every whit as persevering to get papers, if not as demonstrative as the boys, Nellic Sullivan asked for & pass to go on the clevator to go down to the pressroom to get her papers, as she was suffer- ing from a broken arm, and several of the boys with rough gallantry asked that tho request might bo granted. and it was. Susie Saltbox’? was also granted a priority claim on account ot sickness in her family. Newsboys are not million- naires, and many of them have to support their parents and consequentiy do not possess floating expital. One youngster, whose home has been in the streets almost since he was able to walk, came to the Telegram oflico and said, *l’m cleaned out, boss. Give us a show. I'll pay yor to-morrow. I'vo paid out all my stamps for my sick mother. Here, V'll give you my shoes, and you give mo’em back to-morrow, d’ye hear.” The youth in question soon left the office with 100 papers as proud and happy as ever imperial Cesar was, and so the needy wero helped. At lastthe boys and girls wero all provided with their Telegrams, and, presto! not a boy or girl was to be seen around the place. They had scattered north, south, east and west, in cars and Jerryboats, and there wag not a street in the city or suburbs in which the cry of “Extra Telegram” might not have been heard, and so it remained til night cov- ered the face of the earth and the newsboys and nows- girls returned to their homes, wishing that there might be another explosion at Hell Gato to-morrow and other extra Telegrams. NORTH OF HARLEM BRIDGE tho concussion was distinctly felt, but to a much less extent than had beon anticjpated by the residents of those thickly settled portions of the Twenty-third ward known as Mott Haven, Melrose and Morrisania. Apprehensive of destructive resalts from the explo- sion & large number of families, im the first named place especially, busied themselves during the. fore- ‘noon packing away their most valuable articles of fur- niture, cherished ornaments and fragile crockery, in the hope of saving them from the general rain which it was popularly supposed would follow the application of the electric spark to the bowels of Hell Gate. Some few even went to the unnecessary annoyance of moving their families to what they considered a safer distanco in the country, Asa rate the people vacaied their dwellings a few minutes vefore the time an- nounced when the blast would take place, and most of them regarded each other with a quizzical expression of face, when, after alow rumbling noise, like tho firing of heavy ordnance at a distance, they reluctantly realized that tho great sensation was athing of the past Only a few of those out of doors appeared to bo conscious that a momentary vibration of tho earth had oceurred—so slight was it we to cause a barely por- ceptible tremor in a tumbler of water provided for tho purposo of observing its extent, A spirit ievel de- posited at a point in Mott Havon, about twoand ono half miles from the sceue of the explosion, was not in the least affected by the vibration. In nearly all of the = dwellin howe’ a slight shock was felt, but not euficient to disturb any ar. ticle, however susceptible of being moved. A police officer stationed on the Hariom passenger bridge states that when the explosion ovcurred that ponderous structure trombied as though a heavy wagon was crossing it, In the station house of the Thirty. third police precinct a slight jar was felt, but the sorgeant on duty informed the writer that it was nothing compared with the concussion which followed the explosion of giant powder at Bergen Hill, in May last. A tumbler of water placod in Mott Haven, at a dis- tance of about two and a half miles from Hell Gato, dis- Playaoga slight tremor when the explosion occurred, Tho spirit tube, adjusted on a rock at the same place, showed no movomest or variation, DIRECTIONS OF THE SHOCK. OBSERVATIONS OF THE ATMOSPHEBIO AND TERRESTRIAL VIBRATIONS BY THE HERALD CORPS, A carefully selected corps of Hxratp special observ- ers was distributed at the various points at which it was probable that the atmosphere or the earth’s sur- Jace would be affected by the explosiow. Each observer ‘was supplied with the necessary apparatus wherewith to tess the intensity of the shock and measure the duration of the vibration, The accompanying cuts show the vature of these eimple but delicate tosting Apparatus, and illustrate the eare with which the Heravp has prepared for the description of tho great blast and its effects, NO, L—THR ePIRIF LEVEL, The spirit Jevel test was based on the sensitive na- tare of the buoble, which moves with the least dis- turbance of the earth. The level in each case was Placed either on the bare rock or the compact earth, so that apy vibration through either would at once be indicated, NO, 2.—THR TUMBLER. Tho tumbler test, being a most delicate one, Indi- oaves the intensity of the vertical shock by tho motivn and energy of the wave rings geperated on the surface of the water by the upward blow transmitted through the earth’s su: NO, 3—THE PENDULUM. The pendulum test is, of course; a ruder one, but ‘Was necessary to measure the oscillation caused by the terrestrial disturbanco in a directign at rigut angles to that indicated by the spirit level, The results obtained by tbeso tests have been most satisfactory in determining the radiation of the shock and the peculiar modification of its intensity produced by the medium through which ft was transmitted. Bo- ginning at the points nearest to the centre of explosion the iollowing effects were observed by tho HeRaLp corps:— WARD'S ISLAND. The test was made at a point situated on the pro- Jongation_of the axis.of Hallett’s Point reef northward and distant from the explosion, and beyond the Insane and Inebriate asylums, The spirit bubble vibrated half an inch, while the water in tho tumbler was agi- tated strongly by waves passing from the mm toward the centro, throwing up a globule. The pendulum showed no lateral vibra. tion, Deductions:—The shock was transmitted to this point ina depressed curve, tho force of tho biow beine obliquely upward in the direction of the axis of the reef, The shock was distinctly felt before the noise of tho explosion was heard, sbowing that its velocity exceeded 1,100 feet per second and probably attained three times that speed. There was no percept- ible concussion of the air, because the puint of obsor- vation was below the centre of atmospheric disturb- ance, which was fully 100 feet above the surfaco of tho water and spread on a plain at that level. BLACKWELL'S ISLAND, The point of observation was at the northorn end of the Island, near the lighthouse and nearly on a lino with the axis of the reef The bubble of the spirit level broke in two with the shock. The water iu the tumbler roso to @ point in tho centre, and in the return movement to tho riso over- flowed equally all around the glass. The pendulum showed no lateral movement. Deductions:—Tho shock at this point was almost vertical on account of the deep carve of the river bed between the explosion and the end of Blackwell’s Island, which formed an invert by which the transmission of the shock was controlled, YOOT OF NINRTIRTH STRERT, FAST RIVER. Neither tho spirit level por the pendulum recorded any perceptible vibration at this point, The water in the tumbler was slightly agitated bat no rings were formed on the surface. Thodisturbance being limited toa tremulous movement of the water due to a shght vibration, Deductions:—The observations show that the shock was intercepted first by the depth of the river channel, and, secondly, by tho deadening influence of the lamination of tho rock formation, which prevented the transmission of the vibration, It is certain, however, that the shock passed undor tho pommt through the denser substrata witbout affecting to any extent the surface rock. BELVEDERE TOWER, CENTRAL PARK. Hero the vibration did not affect either the bubble of the spirit level or agitate the water in the tumbler, but moved the pendulum pointer about two seconds toward the east. The observer felt the shock about half a second after hearing the report. It came in a succes. sion of four or five slight vibrations and was entirely atmospheric. Deductions: The transmission of the vibration toward this point was similar to thoso re- ferred to in the case of Ninetieth stroet, which is almost in the same line with Hallott’s Point reef. Tho place being elevated, 1t was affected by the atmospheric concussion, which at this distance moved slowly in a wave of vibration and ata lower velocity than sound. The movement of the pendulum was so little as to indi- cate only un extremely slight lateral movement of the vibration from the reef, which seems to have almost entirely exhausted its force on the line of Lexington avenue, ft SIXTY-FOURTH STREET, NEAR THIRD AVENUE. At this point tho jar was quite perceptible, causing light articles such as knives to move on tables in tho basements, and to shake tho doors with a prolonged vibration, Deductions: The shock hero was vertical, and evidently passed under the intervenin, strata that ex- tend between the point of observation and tho reef, ‘The atmospheric effect was also very perceptible, be- cause tho locality is only a little lowor im lovel than the plane of greatest atmospheric vibration, as before indicated, SIXTIETH STREET, NEAR LEXINGTON AVENUE. Tho observation at this point was limited to the tumbler test, The glass was filled to the brim and pro- tected trom the action of the wind. Before the biast the water remained poriectly motionless, but when the explosion occurred it was covered by a tremulous mo- tion, commencing at the edge and moving toward tho centre, like that surface vibratory movement produced when @ wet floger is rubbed around the rim of a glans, Deductions: At this point the vibration was also nearly, Mf not wholly vertical, and had almost ex- haasted its force by passing obliquely through the vari- ous formations in its course. RESERVOIR SQUARE, SIXTH AVENUE, At this distance the vibration was almost nii, no perceptible effect being produced on the testing ap- paratus. A magnetic disturbance, however, was ob- served, which lends great interest to the observation. About two seconds after the explosion was heard tho HERALD, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1876.—TRIPLE SHEET. orth pole of the compass moved very slowly five de- grees to the eastward, or in the general direction of the reef, and then returned to its normai position with @ still slower motion, Deductions: The itnmonse heat and friction produced by the explosion generated lo- cally @ vast amount of electricity, which, without doubt, effected magnetized objects very decidedly un- Ul {6 was dissipated into the surrounding matter, OTHER POINTS ON MANBATTAN ISLAND, Observers were also stationed at the following points on the island, but failed to perceive any vibration:— Foot of Grand street, East Kiver; Union square, City Hall Park, tho Battery, foot of Twenty-third streot, North River, and High Bridge. Deductions: In the directions from the centre of explosion above indicated the wave of vibration had become entirely exhausted. BROOKLYN URIGNTS. The effect on the bubble of the spirit level at this Point was quite marked. At afew moments after tho explosion the bubble traversed three times from north to south, but with a feeble motion. There was no per- ceptible movement of the pendulum. The report of the explosion followed the vibrations in about seven seconds Deductions: Brooklyn Heights being on almost a direct line with the formation of which Hallett’s Point reet 1@ a part, recoived the shock along that line im a gimilar manner to Ward’s and Blackwell’s islands. The velocity of transmission was very rapid as com- pared with that of the sound, and may bo generally estimated at double along the axis of the reef forma- tion, PAYNTER'S ILL, NEWTOWN CREEK, L. 1 This point is to the eastward of the lino of the recf formation and southward (rom Hallett’s Point, in Long Island City, The vibrations, which were four in nuin- ber, were indicated by the spirit level by a jerky motion of the bubble, witbout any motion of direction. The tumbler test showed a quick agitation of the water, which quickly subsided, — Deduo- ons; The Long Island side of the ex- plosion was more arfected by it than New York. This is due to the fact that no deep water intervenes between rock formations to intercept the passage of the vibrations, The long, marshy tract which extends inside the Ravenswood road to Newtown Creck deadened the eftect somewhat and delayed its transmission, so that in this case the velocity of the Sound exceeded that of the terrestrial shock, OTHER POINTS ON 10NG ISLAND, ‘At Locust Valloy the only indication of the explosion was a low rumbling noise, like that of distaut thunder, but none of the test apparatus showed apy signs by which the !east motion of the earth could be per- ceived, At Jamaica the tests were made in tho pres- ence of tho Hexatp observer by tho engincer officer detailed by General Abbott for that purpose, A slight vibration, lasting half a minute, was observed by the instruments ten seconds after tho explosion took place, The wave of vibration was, therefore, rapidly dimin- ishing at this point. UP TUE HUDSON. The obsorvers at Tarrytown, Irvington and Yonkers felt a very slight tromor in the earth, but beyond this there was nothing to indicate the passage of any wave of vibration, The sensation was less tclt on elevated points than close to the river on the low lands, Tho effects were a source of disappointment to the good people who dwell by the Hudson, for they expected a small earthquake, GENERAL DEDUCTIONS, The predictions of tho HxRaLp regarding the morve- ment of vibration have been completely veritled by tho observations recorded. The line of greatest shock has been along the axis of the reef formation north and south, and it diminished as tho angle of direction with that line increased, Tho East River has played an important part in intercepting the vibration, as is shown by tho difference of motion in the ground at either side. The shock diminished in forco and velocity with distance, but the latier quality'was great in the immediate vicinity of the explosion, Tho velocity of sourd proved ot steadier duration than that of the terrestrial vibra- tion; that is, it decreased less rapidly in a given time Eastward through Long Island tho shock extended very far, with diminishtog intensity, bni nowhere was the shock severe enough to fuilll the auticipal s of the alarmists. IN BOSTON. Boston, Sept. 24, 187¢, ‘The Hell Gato ex»losion was as much a matter of ex- citement and discussion here in Boston to-day as it was in New York. Indeed, for the past week the subject has boen uppermost in the public mind, and such was the general excitement and interest manifested in the progress and final end of the great engineering frat ofthe Period that even the whirl of politics has been iznored for the time being, and everybody has taken to dis- cussing science, with glycerine and dynamite, The railroad trains and steamboats trom this city to Now York yesterday and last evening carriod large crowds of adventurous visitors, Who were anxious to witness the great blow up, which they had heard and read so much about. Besides the general multi. tude which went to make up the crowd thero were not a fow practical scientific minds which have made explosions a special study. Tho elaborate and exhaus- tive accounts of the proparations which have appearod from me to time in the New York Heraup had ren- dered the public familiar with what was to take placo; but here as in New York there were different opinions as to the consequences of the explosion. At the Parker House the crowds began to assomblo early in the afternoon, and by half-past two every available inch of the spacious halls and sitting rooms were filled with an eager multivade, Tho probabilities of the blow-up were discussed pro and con., pending the eventful moment, somo claiming that it would be harmless, and others declaring that {t would topple over high buildings on Manhattan Island, At other leading hotcls there wero the same stirring scenes, ana among the crowds were many who had forsaken their usual Sunday devotions to learn the result of matters at Hell Gato, In State street, where is located the Western Union and Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company's office, thero were largo crowds waiting for the first announcement, One of tho Sun- day papers was suificiently enterprising to advertise the issuance of an extra edition at five o’clock this afternoon, in order to present the sequel of the wanted to be catastrophe. As the news began to arrive, announe- ing the firing of the first gun at ten minutes to threo o’clock and then the account of the explosion, with its grand result of no body hurt, but tho greatest engincering feat of the nineteenth centery fully and successtuily accomplished, it was bulletined on the boards of the telegraph com. panies to the relief of the anxiety felt by crowds who wore waiting about, As these bulletins wero only an- nouncements of the result, everybody waited anxiously tor the newspaper which was to givo the story in detail. SKETCH OF GENERAL NEWTON. Tho distinguished oMcer whose great enginecring work at Holl Gato was yesterday brought to so splon- did a termination was born in Virginia about the year 1823, and graduated at the West Point Military Acadomy in 1842, From the year 1843 until 1846 ho was Assistant Professor of Engineering at West Point, In 1852 he was made a First Liextonant; in July, 1856, Captain; In August, 1861, Mayor; in September, 1861, Brigadier Genoral of Volunteers; in March, 1863, Major Genoral of Volunteers, and in December, 1865, Major General of Volunteers, General Newton was en- gaged in tho Utah expedition in 1858, and assisted at the conetruction of Forts Delaware and Mifflin. Dur. ing the reveliion he commanded a brigado in the cam- paign on the Poninsula, and fought at Games? Mit and Glendale, also ot = =South Monn- tain and = Antietum, for which he w brevetted Lieutenant Colonel September 17, 1862, He commanded a division at Fredericksburg and at Gettysburg, and for his sorvices was brevoted colonel July 3, 1863, He commanded the First corps from July to December, 1863, and tbe Second division of the Fourth corps during the invasion of Georgia, from May to September, 1864 Mo was engaged at Rocky Faced Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Poach Tree Creek, Jonesborough and the siege and capturo of At- Janta. He was commander of the district of Key West and To 8 from October, 1964, to Juno, 1865, For his services at Peach Treo Creek and Atlanta he was brevetted brigadier general, and at the close of the war was brovotted major goneral United States Army Jor gallant and meritorious servi during the robel- lion, Daring the last six years General Nowton has to the mind of the American public been identified with the great works at Hell Gate which were terminated yesterday, and doubtless this great achievement will Jend lustre, both at home and abroad, to a namo al- ready suMciently honorably distinguished in our mili. tary annals, : 5 TAR POLITICAL FIELD. Scramble of the Local Factions for Office, TAMMANY AND ANTI-TAMMANY. Will There Be a Union of Forces ? AN OUTSIDE COMBINATION PROPOSED. Candidates for Principal Offices and Their Chances, AN HONEST LEGISLATURE DEMANDED, The local political caldron begins to bubble with tn- tensity, and republican and democratic statesmen alike | aro busily engaged in a scramblo over the varlous nominations. The probabilities of success on either sido, as far as municipal offices aro concerned, seem at the present writing to bo about evenly balanced, in view of a combination of all the outside elements against Tammany Hall The factions which control metropolitan polities aro represented by the Custom House and Post Office on | the republicun side and Tammany, anti-Tammany and the German domocratic organizations on the other. With the present temper of iocal leaders and the dis- turbed state uf the public mind on pending municipal issues it is not an easy matter to forecast tho result of next election as far as New York city is concerned. CHANCES OF UNION BETWREN TAMMANY AND ANTI-TAM> many,” An absorbing question among our local politicians at present is the probabilities of a fusion between Tam- many Halland the anti-Tammany organization, As time passes difficulties in the way of this union become more and moro apparent, 14 must be recollected that | nearly every individual in the anti-Tammany General Committeo is a candidate for office, Two-thirds of tho inside Tammany organization may be ranked im tho same category. It will, thon, prove a very difficult matter to control and harmonize all those conflicting elements when the time comes to place a fusion ticket beford the voters of this city and county. Should this fusion como to pass {8 is claimed that the basis of representation at Sara- toga will stand as acriterion by which the various offices will be divided between thotwo factions, At the Convention two-iifths of the delegates were awarded to anti-Tammany, and au equal distribution is now said to have been demanded in arranging tho nomina- tions for Sheriff, County Clerk, Surrogate, Aldermen, Assemblymen and other offices. Ono fact ts apparent, however, that no positive contract has yet beon en- tered into by the democratic leaders in connection with these offices. Nor is it likely that any such con- tracts will be made untn a couple of weeks before elec" tion, when committees of conference will be appointed from the different nominating conventions, Although no definite plan has yet been mupped out it 18 well known that Senator John Morrissey and Mr, Jobn Kelly are again on friendly terms, They were un- doubtedly folded ia each other's embtaces while par- taking of copious draughts of Congress water at Sara. toga, Itis stated that Colonel “Tom”? Dunlap offict- ated as high priest upon the occasion, and 11 4s also un- derstood that principally throazh this gentleman's pious ministrations the happy unton has been so far broughtabout, The Tammany Hall General Commitee in the meanwhile look on the tender spectacle with tears in their eyes and congratulation in their hearts, WHAT DOKS IT MEAN? Bat soverai can be found who agree ‘that this won: deriul combination of long-estranged giants does not mean a capture of the 35,000 aatl-Tammany votes cast at the last election. They insist that the day has gone by fur such bargain and salo between two dis. tnguished leaders claiming to hayo 60,000 Tammany suffrage on one side and 35,000 on the other, Public rancor has been awakened against Tammany Hall and its leadership which cannot be appeased by a clasp of the hands and a secrot conference between Senator Morrissey and Mr. Kelly. The following vote: of 1875 for Recorder will show the relative strength of both organizations at the last election :— John K. Hackett (anti-fam. and rep.).. + 77,024 Froderick Smytuce (!ammany).... 50) Giving Recorder Hackett 40,000 republican votes this would leave 37,624 still to be accounted for, neces- sarily coming from democratic ranks, Now this was asignal victory for the people against the “one man power" and ill-advised dictation, ‘The samo elements which strack down Tammany Hall in the election of 2875 aro still in the Hold. They cannot be bartered away ata pleasant interview between Morrissey and Kelly. The laurels that the former gentleman has won as a defender of tho Inborer’s rights and as a sensi. blo, honest Albany legislator may be seriously im- porilied by this latest political somersauit, He surely cannot forget tuat he was ignominiousiy ejecte from the Wigwam by the powerfu: boot of Kelly’ Heutenant, Fouquier Tinville William A. Boyd. But polities make strange bedfellows and great minds are hkely to forget such injuries wher official spoils aro to be earned, ASTI-TAMMANY SLICK. In completing the union between Tammany and anti-Tammany a bitter struggle must onsue over the nominations, Nobody can yet prophesy as to the terms of surrender. Some ambitious statesmen, who claim to know everything that 1s in the wind, assert that Tammany will of course keop the largest slice of the loaf, The Shrievaity or County Clerkship, with a suvall number of the Aldermen, Congressmen and Assomblymen, might satisfy the Morrissey-Bixby- O’Brien crowd.’ This arrangement would suit Tammany Hall admirably if successful at the baliot box. Mr. John Kelly would then be more powertal than ever in this city. The gentioman’s ‘my candi- | date’ for Mayor would necessarily have at his disposal the removal or appomtment of no less than ten com- missioners or heads ot departments. The people of this city bave had enough of close corporations in the man- agement of their municipal affairs. There was a time whon party lines kept steady the 90,000 democratic of New York city, aud the Tammany Ring laughed to scorn all competitors. But a change has come which forebodes disaster to mere politicians. The republican party, not alone in this ety and State bation th has discovered the handwriting on the wall, now propose to piace vetore tho pe as will suit tho honest, thinking m: p that party hacks and ward buinmers shall be cast aside in New York city. It they carry out this policy many of the independent democratic voters will go over to thom on local issues, and Kolly’s ‘‘coadjutor,”” Tammany Ha |, will have a tough fight in November. AN OUTSIOR COMBINATION, Next in Importance tu the proposed fusion between Tammany and anti-Tammany comes the rumored com- bination between republican, Germun and independent forces. Ina Prosidential election it ter to make up « combination ticke! 1 party are more strictly drawp, and the national ticket gener- ally carries along with it ail minor issues. But itis now urged, abd with a decided semblance of truth, that the majority ot people in New York city aro eager and ready to separate upon the local canvass while support ing enthusiastically, as their politics dictate, Tilden and Hayes, They propose to vote for the best candi- dato for Mayor, Sheri! and other county oilices, irre- spective of party considerations, In view of this com- Dination the following programme is talked of:— Comptroller Andrew H. Green, or some other strong man, will be nominated for Mayor by the Germau democrats, this gentleman having already received the imdoraomont of the central organization of that party. Then tho republicans will take up the nominee with ther backing of some 45,000 voter. The independent, middle-class democratic ele- 8, 1618 presumed, will rally into lino for this et against the odious machine dictation which has scandalizod our local politics for pumber of years, It is expectod that many intelligent voters who Jasi your buog to the skirts of Tammany and anti-Tammany will tako sides with the new dispensation. A first class county ticket will be nominated by this combinavop, ulso the best candidates for city offices, Men of the highest capweity and standing will be pat belore the people for sheriff, County Clerk, Surrogate, Congress- men, Assemblymen and other positions. ‘This ts not an impossible combinacion by any means, The Gerwan democrats have just sttuck out on ther own account against (he machine dictation represented by Mr. John Kolly as the ‘Hoss of ‘tammany Hall. Comptroller Green's iriends eciaim th inatigurated among the Freuch re the city (representing quite a large number of voters), to press the gentieman’s claims for the Mayoralty. Both nation is nomination jor Governor. Representatives went io the Convention jor that par. Pap) aod Senator Kernan received a despaten, whict L Rover been published, irom we “Union Domo } organization, [ eratasa of this eity, asking for the Comptroller's nomination on the groued that “he has proved him- selfa practical reiormer,” and thas “he would enlist Lhe support of honest mea, irrespective of party.” This is the temper of these nationalities in support of Any rerpectable candidate who will be pitted against Tammany Hall. The probable yote ot this city on the ith of November will be about 140,000, A tow figures may show the exceliept chances of this outside combi- nation, as foliows:— Republican vote German demoer Independent democratic vote. . 10,000 Total... poiasane 73,000 A first class ticket supported by a combination of this character should certainiy receive 75,000 votes and consequently beat Tammany Hall by a tair majority. MR. JONN KELLY'S LATEST BACK DOWN Since the right hand of fellowship was exvended to Senator Morrissey by Mr. Kelly a good deal of speculation bas been indulged in by local statos- men in canvassing the sudject. The latter gentle man, right or wrong, has been well known tor ad- fast and indomitable perseverance in any course marked out in the government of Tammany Hall since local came he obtained contro! of that body, in the paign of 1876 he carried out his plans despit ings and prophecies of friends who saw de distance. Morrissey, Ledwith, Costigan and others were expelled from Tammany. One year betore he in- sisted upon the nomination of William H. Wickham for Mayor and forced bim upon bis convention. He has lived to regret the choice. Other eandidates equally objectionable were seat before the people at that time and elected. Not oue of them bas brought credit or strength to the democratic party. This political organization 1s the *coadjutor” alluded to at Utiea by Mr, Kelly of woich the people of this city might eel proud, “The gailant heutenant who acted as chairman of the Cominitice on Discipline which kicked Morrissey and others out of the organization has been rewarded with the Corporation Attorneysbip, The position is said to be worth some $50,000 per annui Now, alter so bitter a perso: t, what is the cause of Mr. Kelly's sudden flopping back ‘to tbe embrace of those men he has hitherto tried to crash? The explanation ig simple. A similar defeas next November to that which he experienced last year would leave him bigh and dry upon the island of political desolation, The men he had taken up and placed iu positions of emotument had turned their backs upon him Governor Tilden, Comptroller Recorder Hackett and other gen tlemen of political brains foreeast the wreck of Kelly's influence in New York city polities, His antics at St Louis capped the climax. Mayor Wickham, Senator Fox, swith Weed, Congressman liewitt and others do- livered death blows to their former lly. Where was he to turn from thuse attacks? To stand alono tn Tammany Hail, surrounded by « wavering army, wa certain defeat, Olney, Coopermand others of the General rr Committee had tucsin of attack, He inust look nti, It ts alleged that trusty scouts were sent out to feel the enemy, B. Spinel Wiltam Hy “Tom”? Duni nd Wik wm AL wero deputized to act as skirmishers, and that the wily and adroit Commissioner of Jurors drew outapian of ign, Lue objective point of which was to capture Joho Morrissey, James O'Brien, Frank N. Bixby, Benjamin Wood and Butier N. Tixby, Any one who ean jook at the local political situauon with an unblasea oye that these genties © the bon A tiag o armistie proposed. then and there sm men comp: was seut ont political peace wae nator Morrissey aud ama was the unton pnvention, The next is ex jing oat of the various local and anti-Tammany, should rconsummated, As matvers now in this connection, however, many wrinkles will have to be soothed out before these two contending factions can be brought together to the bailat box. THE PAT LOCAL OFFICES. Important offices are to be filied in this city and conuty at the coming election, Sherif’ Conner, County Clerk Wa'sh, Surrogate Catvin and Mayor Wickham will retire to make room fur others, unless fortune may favor one or two of them in securing a re-election, ‘rhis boon, however, seems somewhat doubtiul, accord- o of be tur jug to the present outlook, THE Cov! CLERKSHIP, on « Tammany and ant-Tam- many fusion nomination for county clerk, Thero is every indication at present, however, tha Colouel Willian R, Roberts will prove the successful competitor in any emergency. The leaders are under- stood Lo favor him, and his nomination seems to bo a matter of certainty. The other candidates talked of are Mr. William Walsh, the present county cierk, Mr. Charles E. Loew, who bas held tho office twice before, and Mr, Henry ‘A, Gumbioton, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, ‘Tho latter gentioman officiated as deputy county clerk for a number of years, aud is con- sequentiy tamiliar with the routine of the office Ob. Hons to @ third term may serioasiy alfect Mr. ‘Loew's chances, Colouel Roberts will make a very strong candidate. In the event of a union between democratic factions the siates of some of those ambitious genticmen may be effectually smashed. If im the apportionment of offices on this basis anti-Tam- should secure the prize ex-Senator O'Brien or to receive the united~ side Alderinan Jacob Hess, Excise Commissioner Jacob M. Patterson, Jt, and several others have been mentioned for the place. THE SURIRVALTY. Owing to the great responsibility resting upom the shoulders of the Sherif of this county our ambitions leading statesmen are not 60 anxious to procure the place as formerly. However, the Sheriff's office, if efficiently managet, may be ranked as the most profitable public department in the city, [t would be well for the Legislature at its next session to pass such Jaws as will at the same time protect the Sherif? and those who have business with him, Every lawyer will testily to the pressing necessity for such legisia- tion, As the statute now stands nobody can tell what is exactly right or wrong in the tinmediate roatine of the Sheriffs duties, and a thorough revision is neces sary, The office also requires a man at ite hoad who understands the business and will hold his depatiea (limited to twelve or filteen) to a strict accounta. bility for their acts, Mr. Bernard Reilly, who was for some fifteen years adeputy himself, seems to be the strongest Tammany candidate at present. Exe Sheriff O'Brien also looms up tor the place, and big former experience is urged as a reason why he shonld again go on the Ucket tor the same position, On the republican side there is somo talk of ex-Collector Thomas Morphy and Alderman Jonn J. Morr, Mr. O'Brien is making an active canvass throughout the city. Meetings are held nightiy im his interest. The Twenty-first ward turned out some five thousend Justice Bixby is hkely - On Lhe repubi: | people at Glass fall and yieintty on Friday night, where resolutions were passed indorsing the gentie- man for Sheriff, Mr. Reilly bas also had several moot+ ings hold in his advocacy, among them one, in the Twenty-second ward, of the Citizens’ Taxpayera’ Asso~ ciation, which represents a largo number of property owners, irrespective of polities, THE TAMMANY CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR, Tammauy Hail bas slated Augustus Scholl for the Mayoralty nomination. In fact, he may be set down as “my lidate’’ of the “Boss ’’ — It is to be hoped that he will prove a more tractable Mayor, if be ever gets into harness, than the gentleman who bas given so much tronbie m that ollice since the Ist of Jaan. 1875. Other canuidates are mentioned, but it is useless to speculate upon their chances while the flat of “Boss”? Kelly goes forth in support of Mr. Sehell, Mayor Wickham bas {aller out completely with the powor that raised him into the Executive char, Where he will xo after the Ist of January next isa conundrum not easy of solution. THY ASSEMULY, Twenty-one members of Assembly are to be elocted from this city. Year after year we have had a sad exe hibition of the peculiar class of mor who are sent to Albany by Tammany Hall to represent usin the halle of the Legislature, | 1s it fair to olect men to pass awa who can scarcely read and write, and whose only quale ification for the important trust is that they keep a corner liquor store and have a following ot ward rougha to do their bidding at the ballot box? Lass winter we had a fair exhibition of this style of Assem- blyman in the attempt made by the people to crush tho borse ear railroad monopolies of this city. Every Just and lair minded citizen felt the necessity of teach- ing (hose graxping corporations a jexson in compelling thom io provide more smitabl mmodations for the public, But the plethoric purses of tho Third aye nue and other city roads defeated all neces- sary legisiation. The class of Assemblymen who go from this city, a8 a rule, go for no other purpose than to keep a sharp lookout for what they cail ‘bones.’ It was this style of legislators that Governor Tilden was competied to fzht vigorously at the close of the session of 1875 when the Rapia Trane't bill was passed. The retorm Governor may be thanked for this fingie act of bis administration if Tor no otuor, Public sentiment in favor of rapid transit, continuously fostered by the Henao and other inaependent iofa- ences, could not be easily trifled with. The operations of the lobby were stifled for the time being, and tl ‘ransit bill,”’ as it was then designat vernor Tilden's measure, was over the shouluers of the frightened city railroad cor- ruptionists, The voters of this metropolis liad botter, thoretore, look welt to their tickets on o day batore they cast a single ballot tor candidates of the above mentioned class. THR SLATE POR CONGRESSMEN, ALDERMEN, CORONERS, 4C. With so many eminent local statesmen in the feld who wish to be Congressinen, aldermen, coroners, &e, it would be impossible to speculate with any dogtee of certainty at this early period as to the sacecsstal can- didaves. It will be sufficient to say just now that all the present officials want to be renominated, rly every Alderman wants to go back to “serve” again the tux-ridden citizens of the tnetropolis, seme of them, however, are in the field for corunerships, and two oub of every threo of the genera! commitieos of Tammany, anti-Tammany and the republican organizations ex: pect to be nominated for something of other velore the last week of October. THE HELPING HAND, Arrangements baving beea made for the erection of a new building tor the ‘Helping Hand tor Men” (Jere. miah McAuley Mission) on tho site of the present build ing, No, 316 Water street, the work wili bo commenced on Tuesday morning, 26th inst. The last meeting in the old building will be held this eveniny Ali are cordially ivited. Coniributions toward the cost of the new building will be thankfully received, and may bo sent to Mr. McAuley, No, 316 Water street, or, after Monday, 26th inst. to No. 71 Henry street, oF to A. 8 Hateh, No. 5 Nassau street. Daring the erection of the new building the meetin; of the Helping Hand will be nei every Rag \ past seven o’viock and Sumlay afternoons at vet mn two o'clock, in the chapel of the No, 187 and 189 Cherry atr Vike streets, SUICIDE OF A YOUNG MAN, Haxtrorp, Conn., Sept. 24, 1876, Frank H. Coolidge, aged seventecn, of Kast Harte ford, killed himself with @ pistol on Sat He leit a note stating that ho was tired of ee? et Seamen's Ex bevwe Market