The New York Herald Newspaper, December 23, 1876, Page 5

‘ FBLEGRAPHIC. NEWS EUROPE’S UNSOLVED PROBLEM. The Plenary Conference to Meet To-Day. EMPEROR WILLIAM HOPEFUL OF PEACE. The French Senate at Loggerheads with the Popular Assembly, THE EMPRESS OF INDIA. Marine Disasters, with Loss of Life. feito [Br CABLE TO THE HERALD. Loxpos, Dec, 23, 1876. A formal conference is to meet at last, and we may soon expect to hear decisive news of some sort, A despatch from Constantinople announces that the Plenary Conference bas been summoned to meet at moon to-day and Savict Pacha will preside. BELGIAN OCCUPATION OF BULGARIA. A telegram from Brussels says itis positively as- serted that Belgium has been officiatly requested to send troops into Buigarja. The Brussels press gen- erally disapproves of such action, FAILURE OF PLANS O¥ OCCUPATION. A Berlin correspondecs telegraphs that the plan for tho temporary transfer of a certain number of foreign soldiers into the Turkish service 18a failure. No sec- ond rate State will meddle with the Eastern question. Belgium had been confidentially sounded, ard bad de- clined to take any part in Eastern affairs. Thereupon it appears the plan of introducing a foreign police into the Turkish service was mooted by England, but it was rejected by Russia. It any plan involving the pres- ence of a foreign torce be submitted to Turkey it can only bo a revival of the first of the above mentioned schemes framed in general terms and recommended without very strong hopes of its success, BELGIUM REFUSES. It is announced officially this morning that Belgium has refused to supply soldiers forthe occupation of Torkey. lt iseaia that 1t 1s now proposed that each Commissioner be accompanied by 1,000 of his own countrymen as a police force. TURKEY JEALOUS OF WER INDEPENDENCE. Aspecial despatch from Pera says Midhat Pacha on Thursday communicated to the Sultan the intormal conclusiens of the European plenipotentiarics. At this interview it was resolved that Turkey could yield in pething which would impeach her independence. A DIFFEREST VIEW. Other special despatches, however, oxpress the be- Wef that Turkey will accopt the proposals of the Yowors. Some of tho representatives of the London papers at Pera express themselves strongly of this opinion, One desprtch declares that the majority of tho Turks seem disposed to bo reasonable, WHY RUSSIA’S PREPARATIONS ARE CONTINUED, A despatch to the Russian Telegraphic Agency says the preliminary conference has terminated bappily. ‘Tne accord of the Powers is complete, The disposi- tion of the Porte, however, docs not look very favor- able, Military preparations continue in Russia, KMPEROR WILLIAM HOPES FOR PEACE. Emperor Wilham thinks thero is good reason to hope for the prescrvation ot peace, if wo are to judge by n somewhat vague speech he made yesterday. The Emperor closed the session of tho German Parliamont yosterday with aspeech from the throne. He said in reference to foreign affairs:—*'The negotiations of tho Powers upon the Eastern question, as faras proceeded with, justily the hope that my eiforts and the mutually, conciliatory and peacolul intentions of the Powers immediately concerned will be successful tn solving the pending questions without prejudice to the good rela- tious now existing. Germany will continue by friendly, disinterested mediation to lend her ¢o- operation for tho attainment of this end.”” THE SULTAN ILL. A tologram from Pera states that the Sultan is ill, and his indisposition ts of a nature to cause some un- easiness. He is preparing to go to the neighborhood of Adrianople and resin thero a month, THE AUSTRO-ABRVIAX DIFFICULTY. A Vienna correspondent roports that the Maros affair caused excitement which almost overbears intorost in the Conference. A Berlin despatch says it appears that tho aggressors in this case belonged to the Russian part of the garrison of Bolgrade. A Vienna telegram reports that Austria has accepted the reparation offered by Servia and the Hungarian authorities have been di- rected to use all their influence toward tranquilizing the popular feeling in Hungary, SOCIALISM IN RUSSIA, Tho arrest of a few students, malo and female, a few days ago, for giving utterance to some meaningless cries avout “liberty and equality,’’ gave no reason to anticipate any serious social troubles in Russia, Re- ports from other sources, however, would sccm to in- dicate the existence of au organized movement of which these students wero probably members, A Vienna despatch says that a sccret socialistic consp!- racy has been discovered in Russia THN PRENCH SENATE, The French Sonate scems determined to provokoa conflict with the popular House. A telegram from Vorsailles says:-——The Senate yeslerday reinserted in the budget two more grants—viz., for tho Catholic theological faculties of Aix and Ronen, which had been stricken out by the Chamber of Deputies, PROCLAIMING VICTORIA BMPRESS OF INDIA. Victoria 1s at last to be formally proclaimed Empress of Indiain the country from which the title is taken, A despatch from Deibi say: ‘Preparations on a magnificent scale aro making for the proclamation of Queen Victoria as ‘Empress of India’ here on the Ist of January, Native princes and chiefs are arriving daily to be present on the occasion. A roview of tho troops took placo to-day before the Commander-in-Chiet 1 the Indian forces.’ AN MNGLISH LIBERAL BLECTED TO PARLIAMENT. Mr. Leonard Courteney, liberal, has been clected to the House ot Commons (or Liskeard, to fill the vacancy ‘caused by the death of Mr. Horsman. SUIPWRECK AND LOSS OF LIFE, Many wrecks on the coast of Arberdeenshire and Kinkairdineshire were reported yesterday in conse- quence of the gale, and upward of sixty lives have been lost, Inaddition to these disasters tho Italian bark, Maria Gardella, which sailed trom Rotter- dam November 20 for Baltimore, has been totally Jost off Stabbshead and twelve persons on board drowned, These, with other casualties reported during the Jast fow days, make the total pumber of lives lost ‘on the east coast of Scotland and Bogland during the recent gales fully 156. STERS ON THE TYXR ‘A despatch from Shields says the shores of the Tyne are strown tor three or four miles with wrecks, Simi Jar accounts come from all along the east coast. PROVIDING AGAINST ACOIDENTS IN THEATRES, The Lord Chamberiain bas issued a momorandam threatening to rigorously prosecute theatrical mana- gers who flagrantly violate the rules concerning the facilities for exit of their audicncos, The maximum penalty under the act is $2,500. YAIR WEATHER, The weather yeetorday was fair, REARREST OF A MEDICAL MAN, [vy TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Baitimony, Md., Dec, 22, 1876, Dr. T. Clay Maddox, who was arrested here a week fgei with efiminal malpractice, was to-day re. mado by tho Grand Jury ainsthim by Mrs. M. A. been his victim. Ile fur- ago char; rrested on a presentment for asimiar rps Lawless, # ho clati ished b Bail 1n $5,000, | THR GALLOWS IN NORTH CAROLINA. A WINTE MAN EX £) YOR THE MURDER OF HIS MOTHER-IN-L.AW-—A PRIVATE EXECUTION OF THE DEATH SENTENCE. 3 Starxsvitte, Iredell County, N. C., Dec. 22, 1876. The murder of a mother-in-law was expiated to-day at this place, the county seat of Iredell, North Caro- lina, intheexecation upon the gallows of William Messimer, a white man, who resided in Rowan county, not far from Salisbury, The murdered woman was a Mrs. Sarab Hetlig, The animas of the crime was not the proverbial antipathy of sons-in-law toward the mothers of their wives, ot which we bear so much and which is made the point of so many half-witted jokes, Dut that more ancient and universal passion—the un- holy hunger for gold. It was a “murder for mero money,”’ and its horror had hardly an extenuating circumstance. ‘The unfortunate man who bas just paid with his life the extreme penalty of the law was, like his victim, of German descent, and belonged to the humbier class of Southern whites, He had married a daughter of Mrs. Heilig, and their residences were not very far apart. On the morning of the murder, on the 14th of May, 1875, the sons of Mrs, Heilig, who lived with her, were away from home, and upon returning found tho dead body of their mother in the wel) on the premises. Suspicion was directed to Messimer, her son-in-law, and he was ted without resistance, having made no effort to escap THK SCENE AT THE GALLOWS. But few spectators were permitted to enter tho en- closure arouna the jail. The statute law of thia State requires that death sentences shall be executed pri- vately. Ip addition to the necessary guard to prevent escape or rescuc, two pbysicians and assistants and “pot more than thirty-six nor less than eighteen re- Spectable citizens” are admittea by the Sheriff “to witness tor the State the due observance of the iaw. ‘The statute was in these respects complied with to the lester, greatly to the disappointment of many hunareds of curious persons who came into the village atan early hour to gaze upon the grim and guastly spectacle Of the deliberate putting to death of a fellow man, Rev. Dr. Bruton and Rev. ‘t. A. Coon were with the prisoner until nine last night and for several hours this morning. They finally obtainea from him a written contession of the murder. He breakiasted about eight this morning, and was shaved and dressed, Atiorty-five minutes aitor noon the Court House beil was rung, and again atone, Twelve miuutes later the guard ol seventy-tive men arrived with shotcuns and muskets, and entered the high plank enclosure about seailoid and formed a hollow square. The day was and cloudy, with a dense fog. The gallows ‘was a rough structure, the trap being secured by a rope fastened to a tall post. Atmong the persons ad- mitted were three sons of the murdered woman. Dr. William M. Campbell and Or. J, Allison attended as physicians. A group of men stood on the root of the Lanier House, seeking a bird's vye view. At soven- teen minutes alter ove Messimer was brought out of the jail with me fatal rope about his neck, and was assisted” up the steps leading to tho scaffold by Sheriff Thomas A, Watts, who remained standing at his 1oft, He was faced tothe east, Kev. Mr. Coon then read hymn 380 of the Methodist collection, “Show pity, Lord; 0 Lerd, for- ive,” which was sung by some of the bystanders. The minister then prayed fervently, the spectators standing with uncovered heads, Messimer stood un- moved throughout, At’ half-past one the rope was fastened to the’ «nsverse beam above the prisoner's head and bis arms and legs were tightly tied. A long white cap was then drawn over his face, Messi- mor did not utter a word and be- trayed no emotion At thirty-five minutes after one Sheriff Watts, with one blow of an axe, cut the rope which held tne trap; the fall was twenty-two inches. In ten minutes Messimel ulse ceased; the neck was not broken. Alter hang- ng precisely half an hour the corpse was taken down ‘and placed in a poplar coffin, stained brown. No friend er relation appeared to clnim the remains, and the ‘were curried away to be buricd in an open field half a mile trom the town, This was Messimer’s twenty- fourth birthday. Though young ho was hardened in crime, His spiritual advisers told me his moral sense was remarkably obtuse, There was no sympathy for bim io the entire community, His wife had not visited him sinco his arrest, upward of « year ago. TO BE HANGED. [ex TELEGRAPH Tu THE HERALD.] Concorn, N. H., Doc, 22, 1876, Edward W. Major, of Wilton, who was convicted about a year since of poisoning his wife, is to be hanged in the prison yard in this city on Friday, January 5, This decision was arrived at by the Governor and Council to-day, THE LUNACY QUESTION. WHAT DR, ORDRONAUX SAYS ABOUT MRS NORTON’S CASE AND THE BLOOMINGDALE ASSLUM, (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Aupany, Deo, 22, 1876. Dr. Ordronaux, Commissioner of Lunacy, is here to-night at Congress Hall, having recently made an in- spection of the Lunatic Asylum at Utica, In convor- sation upon the general subject of lunacy he said to your correspondent that the public mind ought not to become inflamed suddenly or unreasonably against the insane asylums of the State on account of any recent revolations. In this State the guards against illegal and unjust confinement are manifold and usuully sut- ficient to prevent injustice, He bad already rendered his opinion in the case of Mrs. Norton and 1 bad been made public, but he would like to bave it stated that multiplicity of cases which upon their faces are as incxcusable hers are really gonuine eases of insanity, while tho mistreatment is as surely the result of an accident. Through- out the State there are Jocal visiting commit- toes to every asylum, besides the committees ap- pointed by the State Board of Charitics, and be himself visited every asylum in the State, and that any serious case of unjust ‘mprisonment should escape all of these was very improbable indeed, He proposed in bis forthcoming report to recommend that even more vis- iting committees be provided for, as he belicved that untrammelled publicity was the su basis of public contiuence, At tho same time ho felt very sure that a prospect of release was Irequently very likely to upset the patient’s balance. , In many cascs secresy im. posed upon the ollicers of the asylum and on all the persons caring for tho patient, and in many otbers a close seclusion Was necessary toa cure, As Comimis- sioner of Lunacy he had investigated Bloomingdale Asylum, among others, very closely, and believed the complaints against its management to be ill-founded. THE WAY OF TKANSG#ESSORS. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Bostox, Mass., Dec. 22, 1876. Tho life of a once honored and prosperous business man of Boston bad a sad termination at the State Prison this morning !n the suicide of James H. Coo, He was at one time ono of the principal brokers in the city, and tn nis greed for wealth went into the bond and check raising basiness, the result of which was that in Soptemper, 1874, he was convicted of tor- wery and sentenced to eight years im prison. Daring the months which have since oiapsed he bas been very much depressed, and the sudden deatn of his wile on Monday last and ber burial on Wednesday seems to to have been the last straw of bis misiortuac, Yest day aftcrucon, about three o'clock, while at his in tne office of the Tucker Manutacturing Com pany, where ho was employed us w clerk, he at- tempted suicide by swaliowing a mixiure of muriaie acid and paris green, both of which artices are used in the bronzing depurtment carried on by the Tucker Company. All that medical skill could do to suve him was done, but tue unfortunate man died this morning. Previous tu his death his suflerings were so intense that he begged attendants to kill him, Upon the death of Mrs. Coo, a gentleman who resided in the vicinity of her late dwelling, in Soutu Boston, visited the State Prison aud had an interview with the unfortunate prisoner, On being iniormed of his wite’s death Coe staggered as if about to tall senseless, and on recovering remarked to the iriend, “Ab, well! ll soon follow ber. She is not long before me.’ A METEOR ON THE RAMPAGE. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.1 Enik, Pa., Dec 22, 1876 A largo and brilliant meteor, supposed to be the samo which was reported passing over Lawrence, Kan- sas, on Thursday, evening, passed over this city last evening aod burst with a terrible explosion near Con- cori station, thirty miles from this city, between the hours of nine and ten o’slock, The report was dis- tinctly heard here and sounded like the roar of a can- noo. Eye-witnesses say that the meteor resembled a huge engine headight When first scen its course was easterly, and Whea it ourst white fragments {oll to the ground; others apparently coutinued their wild course. If it was the same that passed its velocity must have been try ‘ raed being nesriy 1,000 miles tn a direct course, 6 time consumed in passing about ono hour, KENDUSKEAG HOLEL BURNED. [py TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Bascor, Me., Dec. #2, 1976, The town of Kenduskeag bad a largo fire this morn- ing, which very nearly consumed the whole town, It broke ous about four o'clock in the Kenduskeag Hotel, occupied by David Stockbridge, which was entirely destroyed. Siut very litte was saved from the hotel The logs is about $18,006, on which thero was somo Under the hotel was a store occupied by insurance 0 Mr. I. P, Batchelder as agrocery. Everything here was lost and tbere was no insurance, The baluing next to the hotel, occupred by L. J. Blanchurd asa ary goods store, and aise 4s the Post Otlics, was entirely destroyed. Mr. Biancbard lost aimost everything, The buik of the property trom the Post office was raved, Next to the buliding was a small dwelling house which was dest re This is the second time this year that there has veeu a large fire jn that town, WASHINGTON. Congressional Action for the Settlement of the Electoral Question. PERSONNEL OF THE COMM:TTEES. +. Mr. Morton's Views as Expressed by Him- self in the Senate. THE VICE PRESIDENT'S ONLY DUTY. Alleged Defection Among South- ern Democrats, FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Wasurxctox, Dec. 22, 1876. THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON PROVIDING A METHOD FOR EXAMINING THE ELECTORAL VOIE—THE STATUS AND OPINIONS OF ITS MEMBERS AS KNOWN. The Spéaker to-day appointed the Houso part of the joint committee to “report a method of examining’’ the electoral votes. Fourteen men now have this im- portant quesiion before them, seven republicans, Sena- tors Edmunds, Morton, Freiinghuysen and Logan, and Messrs, McCrary, Hoar and Willard and seven democrats, Senators Thurman, Bayard and Ransom, and Mossrs, Payne, Hunton, Hewitt and Springer, They have from now until the 14th of February to deliberate and agree upon a meas- ure, for itis not until then that the vote is counted, and it 18 probable that the two aouses will accept any “method of examining the votes’? on which the com- mitioe may agree, On the whole, the committee 1s thought to have beon well selectod. it contains only two or three men who are believed to be unreasonable. The remainder of both sides are sound lawyers, cap- able of sifting and naturally respecting precedents, and who are hkely to be guided to conclusion by what they shall find, on a careful in- vestigation of the manner in which this question has been treated and regarded in Congress from the begin- Bing, to be the proper way of counting the votes. Whatever conclusion their wishes may point to it is probable that most of them will be surprised at tho facts which a careful investigation into precedents on the question will bring. It is not be- Neved that more than three or four men in this Congress have stadied the matter thor / oughly. Senator Morton has probably examined {t more carefully than any other member of the pres- ent joint committee, He has been for several years desiroug of a constitutional amendment changing the method of electing the President, and in the debates on his amendment and on the bill whicn, at the last session, passed the Senate to take the place of the twenty-second joint rule, he took a very prominent part and showed that ho mastered the question. ‘That bill, under his vigorous leadership, received the support of almost every republican in the Senate and of some democrats. Inthe course of the debate, which lasted many days, Mr, Morton laid down two important points as beyond controversy. As to the powers of the Vice President ne said:— I do not accept the suggestion that the Vice Presi- dent of the United States has anytaing moro to doin the business of counting the votes for President and Vice President than that specitic duty which is pre- scribed for and enjoined upon him by the constitution. That auty is, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, to open the certificates. There being no other duty assigned to him I infer, naturally, that he Isto do nothing more. In regard to the decision where two sels of electoral returns come up from a State he thus oxplained the effect of a section in nis own bill:— The effect of this section is to determine which set of electoral returns is to be counted, and ifthe two houses do not agree neither set is to bo counted; and again, the vote goes out. Tho State has no vote be- cause, unless there is some tribunal to settle which vote shall be counted, you cannot count both, aad, therefore, you cannot count either. You mast have some tribunal to settic that difliculty; and what tri- bunal is safer than the two houses of Congress? In the light of these remarks it is probable that those who have circulated a rumor that Mr. Morton is ot the decreasing number who hold that the Vice President alone has the right to count the vote and de- termine all questions regarding it are mistaken. Of Senator Edmund’s opinions less is known, He and Mr. Frelinghuysen have favored a sub- mission of disputed questions to the Su- preme Court, but th's coald not be done without a constitutional amendment for which no one is now inclined. Senators Thurman, Frelicghuysen and Logan voted for Mr. Morton’s Dill last session and are thus com- mitted to Mr. Morton’s views as above expressed. Senators Bayard, Edmunds and Ransom voted against it, but they are known to bave been of late re-examin- ing the whole subject and may see cause to come toa different conclusion. Of the Representatives on the Joint Committee Mr. McCrary has probably given the most caroful at- tention to the question, He is the author of a standard — troati: on the law of elections, and is a sound and painstaking lawyer, ono of the ablest men inthe House on either side, Mr. Willord, also a republican, 1s also a careful and con- servative man. It is not known that he has paid special attention to the question of counting the vote, He is a member of. tho Silver Commission, ‘and is greatly respected ‘by his fellow republicans, Mr, George F. Hoar 18 sometimes called a partisan, but he is alearned Jawyer and an honest man. Of the demo- crats on the committee Mr. Payne is a banker, Mr, Hewitt a manufacturer, Messrs, Hunton and Springer lawyers. It is not yet known whether tho two committees will work together at first. They will at any rate fre- quently confer, and they have Senator Morton's old Ddillto work on. They will probably not be content without a complete investigation of all the precedents since the foundation of the government upon the elec- toral count, and an examination of what has been held upon the powers uf the Vice President and tho two houses In the somewhat numerous debates in which this question has come up. VICE PRESIDENT FERRY AND THE ELECTORAL MESSENGERS. Vice President Ferry now receives allroturns that are brought him by messenger, but where there are two sets brought by the messengers, as in the case of Florida, ho does not receipt for either, He has also re- fused to receipt for the republican returns from South Carolina, and itis understood that he will receipt for no returns from the disputed States, caeendestlibiniaietanbet FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Wasuixcton, Deo, 22, 1876. COUNTING THE ELECTORAL VOTE—COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY SPEAKER RANDALL ON THE SUBJECT. In the House to-day Speaker Randall announced tho following committees To ascertain and report what are the priv- ileges, powers and duties of the “House in counting votes for President and Vice President:— Messrs. Knott, of Kentucky; Sparks, of lilinois Tucker, of Virginia; Marsh, of Pennsylvania; Bur- chard, of Iiinots; Seelye, of Massachusetts, and Monroe, of Ohio. On counting the electoral votes to meot a like com- mitteo on the part of the Sena ‘Messrs. Payne, otf Ohio; Hanton, of Virginia; Hewitt, of New York; Springer, of Iilinots; McCrary, of Iowa; Honr, of Mussachusetts, and Willard, of Michigan, SENATOR MORTON ON THE INVESTIGATIONS IN THE SOUTHERN STATES—ANTICIPATING THE EVIDENCE. Senator Morton to-night, im discussing the progress of the tnvestigitions going on in the Southern States ol the recent Presidential election, said that he did not see anything thus far to warrant the democrats in tuking comtort or any cause to make the republicans feel concerned about the event. “Why, he said, “when the whole testimony is io and everything is known 1 will be enough to blow the democratic pretensions to success sky high, | and will show such a state of things as will set the American people thinking. The democratic Senators are already disgusted with the Oregon case as it has been shown up in the Sonate, as is evidenced in only a few of them attempting to defend it. When attention was called to a possibly new soiution of the Presidential problom, by the plan suggested by some very partisan republicans—namely, to talk the issue in the Senate until the 4th of March, and then deteat both Tilden and Hayes, and require, under the constitution, a new election, the time tor which | should be fixed for May next—Senator Sorion laughed | and pronounced the whole thing absurd, adding | that it was the frst time ho had ever heard of sueb an | | idea, “Why,” said he, “how are we going to do such athing? How can we give up Hayes when he has 185 | votes? We bave got to hold on to him, as be is legally elected, The democrats are caving now, and notwith- Standing their talk they know it 1s ail over with them d their Presidential candidate,” | A DEFECTION AMONG SOUTHERN DEMOCRATS | CLAIMED. One of tho leading officers of tho Republican Na- tional Executive Committee said to-day that, so lar from its being tho case that there was any break in the republican lines, endangering a solid front for Hayes, certain steps had beeu taken within the past twenty-four hours which would show a material ‘road made into the ranks of the democratic party which will astonish its managers. This, 1t was further said, was in the diroction of the South and would re- sult in a strong defection of Southern politicians favorble to Governor Hayes’ inauguration, RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION TO THE INDIANS. The report of the commission to negotiate an agree- ment with Sioux Indians and parties to tho Treaty of 1868 has been presented. Afler tho details of a plan to bring tho Indians under eivilizing influences, tho | romedy for the evils that exist is given, and the Com. | missioners submit “that it is not be found by again placing the care of the Indians in tho War Depart- ment,” and recommends the continu.uce “of the hu- mane policy maugurated by President Grant.” ‘The report concludes as follows:— Our Indian affairs should he managed by an tnde- pendent department. It ongnt to ha‘ tits head one Of the Grst men of the nation, whose recommenda- tions would be heedod, and who as a memter ot the Cabinet could confer with the be: ot the War and Interior departments, and devise such wiso und just plans as would equally protect the rights ot the Indi and of our own citizens, Wo are painfully impressed with the fact that most of our Indian wars have not only been cruel and unjuet to the savage, but havo largely grown out of conflict of jurisdiction between different departments of the government, In conclusion your commission respectfully urge that every cffort shall be made to secure the ratifica- fon and faithful fulfilment of the agreement which we have made by direction of the government with this hapless people. We entered upon this work with the tull knowledge that those who had heretofore made with these Indians had seen their promises We accepted the trust as a solemn duty to our broken. country, to the perishing and to God. THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT ATTORNEYSHIP AT NEW YORK—GENERAL SICKLES’ CHANCES FOR THE APPOINTMENT. Attorney General Taft, he was leaving for his | home in Ohio to-night to spend the holidays, said that | the United States District Attorneyship at New York | bas not yet been decided, and he was not pow able to | gay who would be selected to fill the position. It wilt be settled when he returns from Ohio, which will be | in a fow days. General Sickles has had frequent interviows, in an advisory way, with Presi- dent Grant during the past month upon tho | condition of public affairs, and thd friends of the for- mer, on acconnt of ‘these favorable circumstances, have lost no opportunity to say a good word about General Sickles to the President, who thinks highly of him. But it is said the New York machine politicians do not think that any person but one who has been continuously connected with politics there should be selected for so important and leading a position; be- sides, the most ential requistte for the successful candidate will be the indorsement and advocacy of Senator Conkling, which, it is believed, General Sickles has not yet secured, Hence the present indications are that be {s not the foremost man in the race, GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. Wasnixaton, Dec. 22, 1876, THE OREGON ELECTORAL VOTE—PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTION AGREED TO IN THE BSEN- ATE. The following is the preamble and resolatian adopted by the Senate to-day on the acigon of Governor Grover in giving a certificate of election to Cronin :— Whereas it is alleged that the Governor of the State of Oregon has issued a certificate of election to one E. ‘A, Crouin a8 one of the electors of said State, instead of issuing snid certificate to J. W. Watts, alleging that the said Watts was ineligible to said office of elector, on November 7, 1876, the time of said election; thero- fore be it Resolved, That the Committee on Privileges and Elections is hereby instructed to inquire into the eli- gibility of said J. W, Watts and investigate the tacts attending the appointment of said elector and pro- tenaed elector and report the same to the Senate, and for this purpose may employ a stenographer, send for persons and papers, administer oaths and examine witnesses. KILLED FOR REVENGE. BRIAN COLLINS SHOT IN A CROWDED STREET BY PATRICK QUINNAN—ARREST OF THE MURDERER. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Scranton, Pa., Dec. 22, 1878, Shanty Hill, a poor and thickly populated suburb of this city, was the scene of the wildest oxcitement to- night, owing to the murder of Brian Collins at the hands ot a young man named Patrick Quinnan, who fired six shots at him from his revoiver in the middle of a crowded stroct. Only one of the bullets took effect, but it lodged in a vital portion of the abdomen, and as soon as it strack him he (Col- ling) threw up his arms and fell im the snow, exclaiming, ‘Good God, I am shot? Modical tendance was called, and it was found that ho was fatally injured. A posso of police went tn search of the murderer, and, at eleven o'clock, after scouring tho place, found him in a drinking saloon among a lot of men and women carousing. A Henanp roporter visited Quinnan in his cell, Wat could ascertain nothing [rom him, He is dogged and silent. Outside parties say it is the result of a secrot grudgo, and that Quinnan was bound to follow Collins to his grave for revenge. AN INCENDIARY FIRE. New Onueays, Dec. 22, 1876, A special to the Democrat from Homer says a dis- astrous fire broke out there this morning, which 1s thought to be the work of an incenaiary. Twenty business houses wero burned and two dwellings. Three of the louding firms were burned out—namely, McCreary, Gill and Ous & Barro. Tho loss 18 $150,000 and the imsurance $54,500, MIDNIGHT WEATHER REPORT. War Derartweyt, OFFICR OF THR Ciixr SIGNAL Orricer, WastinGtox, Dec, 23—1 A. M. Probabilities. For New England, generally cloady weather, light snow and northeast to northwest winds, followed during the night by colder, clearing weather and ris- Ing barometer. For the Middle States, clearing weather and a slight fall in temperature, with northwost winds and rising barometer. For the South Atlantic and Gulf States, Tennessee and the Obio Valley, clear or fair weathor, colder northerly to westerly winds ana rising barometer. For the lower lake region, light snow, followed by cloaring, colder weather, westerly or northwesterly winds and rising barometer. For. the upper lake region, Upper Mississippi and Lower Missouri valleys, partly cloudy and colder weather, with northerly to northwesterly winds and rising barometer oast of tho Missouri Valley during the day. Cautionary signals are ordered for stations on tho New Jersey coast and for Portland and Eastport. THE WEATHER YESTERDAY. Tho following record will show the changes In the temperature for the past twenty-four hours, in com- parison with the corresponaing date of Jast year, as indicated by the thermometer at Hudnut’s pharmacy, HeRALD mes — | A VISIT TO” SHERIDAN’S 1876, wy 3:30 P. 19 6PM 24 9 P.M. « 2 27 12P. Me. Average temperature yestorday.... . Averago vemporatare for corresponding date wa NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1876, THB RANDALL MASSACRE. Positive Denial of the Report by General Sheridan. RECENT How the News W Received at Headquarters in Chicago, | RANDALL'S ROUTE AND MOVEMENTS EXPLAINED. allt initatn Wasuinoroy, Dee, 22, 1876, General Sherman this evening received the follow. ing telegram from Lieutenant General Sheridan :— CurcaGo, 1i., Dec. 22, 1876. General W. T. SmeRMAS, Washington, D, C ‘There 18 no truto in ‘the reports published in some of the Eastern papers of (ne massacre of Major Randall and hig Crow scouts, Major Randall was at Ola Fort Reno, with his seventy scquts, on the 14th of December, on bis way to join General’ Crook, whe, with lis command, was ou the Belle Fourghe, about thirty miles northeast of Reno. ¥, H. SHERIDAN, Licutenant General. AT ARMY BEADQUARTERS, Upon inquiry at Army Headquarters it 1s ascertained that no information has been received there in regard to the reported massacre of Major Randall and party, but it is thought the report may be truce, Brevet Licutenant Colonel! Randall is with General Crook's command, and it is feared that he may have been sent on the mission to obtain econts, as reported, and ran into Crazy Horse's band, fér which General Crook has been looking or some time past, HEADQUARTERS—- THE REPORT DISCREDITED BY THE GENEKAL— THE ROUTE OF RANDALL IN GOING AND RETURNING—HOW THE STORY MAY HAVE ORIGINATED. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ] Cuicaco, Dee, 22, 1876 The Hexaup special trom Bozeman, M. T., giving tho” startling report that Major Randall, of Crook's staff, and his entire party had been massacred by Indians was telegraphed to Chicago from New York this morn- ing. The Heray correspondent immediately called upon Assistant Adjutant General Dram, at Sheridan's headquarters, and upon asking him if there was any. thing new from the West he replied that thero was not, The correspondent then gave him the substance ot the Heratp telegram. Ho was amazed and said tt could not be so; *but,’? ho added, “the Heratp has facilities that we have not, and its correspondent may have heard of this before tho news reached Rono or Fetterman, Ho then asked if he could not sec the original despatch, The correspond- | ent procured tt,and upon bis return found General heridan, Generai Drum and several members of tho staff in consuitauion. One and all of them seemed to view the matter ina very serious light. The corre- spondent was requested to read a little trom the man- itold, which he did. 5 GENERAL SUKRIDAN’S LAST NEWS. Goneral Shoridan then produced a telegram of an earlier date from Fort Fotierman in relation to the ar- rival at that point of some army stores, and at the ead e which were the words, ‘Randall has arrived at Reno.”” +This," said General Sheridan, ‘almost convinces me that thero 1s a mistake. It may bo possiblo that the Heratp posuere nai at Bozeman had not beard ot Randall’s arrival ut Reno, and the latter being be- hind time he took it for granted that Randail’s force ‘was cut off and massacred, ”” RANDALL'S ROUTE. Genoral Sheridan then took your correspondent into his own office and pounted ovt on a map the relative distances between the Crow Agency, where Kandall had beon, and Forts Fetterman and Keno. “In going to the Crow Agency,” said General Sheri- dan, ‘Randall ook tho lower trail—that is, by way of Feterman, It is much longer this way than by tho upper trail, but the country is better for grazing. Now, in coming back, having secured first class guides, he took the more direct route. WHY THR REPORT 18 NOT CREDITED, “At Bozeman they probably expected to heartrom bim on the lower trail, aad not hearing they became unoasy. Another reason why I believe tho report 1s nob true,’ continued the General, ‘is that Crook, within a few days, has left Reno for Fetterman, a distance of sixty miles, Unless Randall had arrived with his force 1 don’t think be would have lett the garrison, because he required Randall’s party for its protection.’” “Then, you have not much confidence in the report, General ?* asked the correspondent. “No,” he replied, “I bave not the least. ’” Although telegrams were sent from tho military headquarters here to-day, nothing bas been received contradicting the Hxratp’s despatch. and even whilo the General emphatically denied that there was any truth in the report, his actions betrayed him, for he ecemed to be very nervous and anxious about it, WRECK OF THE YACHT OSPREY, [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Newvort, R. 1, Dec. 22, 187 The yacht Osprey, reportod ashore on Beaver Tail, was brought into this port this evening almost a com- plete wreck. The Usprey was built two years ago at Noank, Conn., for Mr. Schuyler Hamilton, of New York, and coat $6,000. She went on a rovt last night, on ber way to this port, wina being light from the northeast and a snow storm prevailing. The captain got sight of Beaver Tail nght, and shuped his course for shis port. He alleges that bis compuss being out of order was the cause of tho accident. Joon Waters & Co,, wreckers, went to her assist- ance and found her on her beam euds, with masts under water. The sea had nove her off the reef. tho fishing smack Hullorion, of Boston, had a lino to her to prevent her from going to eca. The line was swept under her bottom, and with the ata ot two tackles she was righted, While her captain wens for the steamer Jamestown to tow her in the revenue cutter Samuel Dexter, Irom Vineyard, hove in sight, and seeing the colors union down on board the wreckers’ schooner went to their as#istance and towed both ves. sels to this portto-night. The sails are all washed to pieces and her bottom 18 badly broken up and ner Mainmast js out of step. No insurance, PHILADELPHIA HARBOR. SERIOUS ICE BLOCKADE IN THE DELAWARE— WORSE THAN FOR MANY YEARS. PHILADELPHIA, Dec, 22, 1876, The ice blockade in the Delaware at the Horse Shoo Rend, just below this city, is assuming serious propor- tions. [tis causing much delay and damage to ship- ping, and is more troublesome even than it was two years ago, when the winter was more severe than for many preceding yeara, Heretofore there have been intervals of open channel, but since the first formation of ice this year it has continued to accumulate, ana the blockade is almost betel el so except when vessels arc atded by the iceboats. Phe steamer Pennsylvania, which left Philadelphia yesterday morn- ing for Liverpool, was five hours in reaching New Cas- Ue with the assistance of au iceboat. A number of steamers are now Waiting at New Castle for an oppor- so Shoe and reach Philadelphia, that tho ice has carried the wreck in the main ship cl above the buoy of the middio channel has been cai away by ice, Tho Horse Shoe buoy has also disap. peared. “AMUSEMENTS. STEINWAY HALL—ESSIPOFF. Back from Boston, a few hours at tho Belvidere House, and then at Steinway hall in a formidable pro- gramme that would daunt any other pianist, Mme. Annette Essipof! appeared last night before the metro- politan public, She excelled her former successes, She played the following works maguificentiy, but want of space prevents us from character- izing in detail the peculiar beauties of her interpretation :—"Kreisleriana” (No. 2 and 8), “Fania. wiestueck,"’ “Chants Expagnols’’ (contrevandiers), Sehumanu; “Nocturne,” G major, Rubenstein “Etude de Concert,” ute et Sch Menqaelasonn; “s! Orsenu j’Ktais,” Henselt; ‘Valse Chromatique,"’ Leschetizkt, Mr. Alfred Vivien played a gavotte by Bach on tho violip, and played it so well that on instantaneous en- core wns tbe consequence, Miss Palma sat and at Essipofl concerts a more desirable singer would be very mach in order ITALIAN OPERA, Mr, Max Strakosch generously gave the services of his [tallan opera company last night at the Academy of Music for the benefit of the sufferers from the Brook- lyn Theatre fire, YE OLDE FOLKES’ CONCERTE. An “Old Folkes’ Centennial Concerto” took place evening at the Lexington Avenue Opera House, Fifty: eighth street, near Third avenue, for the benefit of St, Thomas’ chapel. The-house was crowded, The exercises consisted of ‘Tunes and lykewite worldiye songs of ye olden dares.’ Miss Aramipta Sparks, Miss Susanna Prisciliy Graves and Deliveranco Higgaus were dressed in the old he dae a hondrod years ago, Grand- mother Toots atte to “tryming ye candies,” and Father Ezekiel psssed around ‘ye cider for ye men and women singers who got drye,’ NEWS FROM THE COMMAND. | ——~ THE OPERA HOUSE SHOOTING. Willlam Dudley, of 61 Tillary street, Brooklyn, charged with shooting and severely wounding Samuel E |, of 443 West Sevenicenth street, in the gallery of the Grand Opera House on Thursday night, was bronght | betore Justice Bixby at tho Washington’ lace Pol'ce Court yesterday and discharges Ely ret make any ebarge against bim, stating that the shooting ‘wus accidental. HOTEL ARRIVALS. ex-Governor J. B. Page, of Vermont, aud Writiam Smyth, Superintendent of the New York Insurance Department, are at the St. Nicholas Hotel Wiltanr BE Chandler, of New Hampshire, and Colonel ‘Witham of Rhode Isiand, are atthe Fifth Avenue Protessor M, B. Anderson, Prosideut of Roch+ ester University; Major A. 8. Nicholson, United States Marine Corps; Signor P. Brignoli, ang Jobn La Fay the artist, are at the Everett House, Congres Benjamin A. Willis, of Now York, and Brooks Adams, ot Boston, are at the Windsor Hotel, United States District Judge William J. Wallace, of Syracuse, is at the Hoffman House, Congressman Charles C. B, Walker, of Corning, N. ¥.; Secretary of State Henry C. Kelsey and Attorney General Jacob Vanatta, of | Now Jersey, and Senator Augustus Schoonmaker, Jr,, ot Kingston, N. Y., are at the Metropolitan Hotel, Professor T. R, Lounsbury, of Yalo College, is at the Sturtevant House, Congressman Jobn 0. Whitehouse, ot Poughkeepsie, aod General John G. Hazard, of Rbode Isiand, are at the Albemarle Hotol, Paymaster i L. Davis, United States Navy, is at the Grand Hote) ANS’ HAS BEEN Gusxy's Sutraum to that standard qisinfeetan Black or Brown, 50e, TOR, GRACEFULLY Y. Ttne's Hare axp Wintsner Dy A LADIES’ CHEST PROTE formed tothe shape of the bust; sure preventive of lung complaints. Suldty A. l. Stewart & Co. Lord & Taylor, Arnold & Constable, 1. & C. Johnson, Macy, Ridley, drag stores, de, ANNOUNCEMENT, & BROTIL No. repared to offer Je styles of good: E, A, NEWELL, sirable style in D Muitle: tai holiday presents, at price: A.—PARKER’S GINGER TONIC FORTIFIES THB system against extremes of heat and cold, A.—GENTLEMEN WILL FIND THE MOST STYLISH. and elegant dress Hats at ESPENSCHEID'S, 118 Nassow st. A $1 50 DERBY 70C.; SOFT HATS, 60C., WORTH $1 25, (ime Harts a specialty.) 333 Canal st., corner Greene. A.—FURS! FURS! than cost of the skins; Seal Sacqi Ermine, Front Foot Muffs loves; Mink, 3 f fs, jacturer, 214 Broadway, G $3 So, worth 815 New FRENCH CHAM E (SAMAUR) AT 915 ase. Carte Blanche, $15 50 «sweet Catawba, $2 per gallon; per ion; 8. O. P. allon: all the reliable . KIRK & CO., 68 Fule man's Dry ¥. Wine Co per: ine zood sound Sherries, $i 50 to S17 randy, $1.50 per Uottle, 87 per brands of Wines and Liquors, Hy ton at. and 709 Broadway. —FURS, FI The fur that warms # monarch warmed 8 bear.” Ni rontent Made gtorious 10 Fons of KNOX. —Shakespearo improved. Morrs, Suman Ronxs, for sale by KNOX, the Hatter, A large and cheap assortment Fulton st. or under Fifth Avenue Hote Broadway, corner of GRADUATED CHEST AND LU. PROTECTORS aro the best undergarments for securing sound lungs, health and. comfort, — Sold every: jailed &L SINGER manufacturer, 704 Broadwa; KEEP’S CUSTOM SHIRTS MADE TO MEASURE.— The very best, six for 9; not the slightest oblixation to tuke or keep any of KEEP'S shirts unless perfectly satie- factory. 571 Broadway, and 921 Arch st., Philadelphia. MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY “NEW YEAR! Buy Paxsest at NICOLL'S, the tailor. Come and see bis beautifully ‘ated store, 145 Bowery, between Grand and Broome. POMEROY’S TRUSSES ARE BY FAR THE BEST in use; ask your phys POMEROY TRUSS COMPANY, 746 Broadway. REYNIER’S FRENCH DOGSKIN GLOVES FOR gentlemen are the best, because they are pertect in fit and give sclid, zoud wear.’ Each genuine pair must beer the stamp “Keyuler.” For sale in all gentlemen's furnishing departments. SODA WATER APPARATUS FOR MAKING ALL bevel eee oe Te MATTHEWS, Ist av. and 26th st., elt. WATCHES ALTERED TO STEM-WINDERS. Send for price list. 110 Wall ot, wigs, TOUP . RAUCHFUSS, PRACTICAL wix m: WITCHES, LS, INVISIBLES, BANDEAUX, Enst st., near Broa NEW PUBLICATIONS. : “(WAPPY NEW YEAR!-1F You WISH “TO SEE A ‘magazine that surpasses a!l ite contemporaries in fresh- Ress, variety, beauty and excellence, see the bolle day January number of DEMOREST’S MONTHLY MAGAZIN with three artistic and beautiful oil chro- oxides numerous other . Mox, worth soveral times its cor ow ready; 25 cents; attractive and valuable noveltic (jiearest BOOKSTORE [8 THE WORLD.—08,723 magnificent Gift Books at our price. 53,072 American Noliday Books at your price, 112.436 gorgeous Juventie Books at any price. Bibles, Prayer Booxs, &c.. almost given away. Coo or, Dickens, Thackeray, Scott, eott, Baverott Jey, Hawthorn unprecedented prices. LEGGAT BROTHERS, ; st, opporite Post office, Canon KIDNEY, BLADDER; THEIR COGNATI o fatal disenses, with full directions for thet) as in Dr. li book uf 100 pages, gratis, at 208 01 NEW TREATISE, SENT FREE: HOW red without knife or minerals. Dr. STODDARD, 8 West 14th st. FLOuDAY GIFT BOOKS” AT AGL PRICES AND FOR ALL AGES, SCRIBNER, ARMSTRONG & CO, Broadway, opposite Astor place. until } OLIDAY BOOKS Al WHOLESALE FKiveD, Al JeNKINS' Uptown Bookstore. 430 6th av. (between 41th and 48th ot) low's Armor,” published at $5, for 1 “Lotos Leaves iblished ‘Skeleton in o) . $15; and one se Quincey's Works, ers’ Eneyclopwdia, tew edition, pol its for $40; one set in cloth, publi 15, for $25, “Chatterbox,” 70¢, « An immense stock of standard and popular beoks a¢ equally low prices. Children's Books rman. in gront variety. 10c, and upward, m, 1877. JANUARY NUMBER NOW READY. Mary Da it Wyllys Tatton —Madeap Viol Th By Char Hy Joaquin Miller. aathor of “A Princess of By Hownrd Glyndon. —Love's Messen The itend of Morentes.. Hy da ™ By J. W. DeForest, —Beer. Rendin: Plava of ‘the Richar Secretary of Legation, By T. Chartes Carrot. —Dritt Wood. By tile Miscellany.—Curreut Literature.—! itor, Ini Sain THE GADAXY isthe BEST AMERICAN MAGAZINE, No family ean afford to do without It It gives more good and attractive roading matter for money than any other periodical or book published im country, NOW IS THE TIM TO SURSCRIBI Price, Be. per number; $4 per year, including postage, SUBLDON & CO. Now Forte PERT HALL—MRS. HENRY WOOD'S R° in BOOK, nya RUPERT HALL! [SHMAEL! ‘LF-RAISED! EDINA! RUPERT HALL: A LOVE STORY. By. ait 4 “Kast Lynne,” is published this ‘re via, and is tor sale by Ail booksellers 3 AND GOOD NOVBL8 JUST READY. OF poeta cere SYLVESTER SOUND, By wathor THE CONFESSIONS OF A PRE’ THE RIVAL i By Mim LEAT; OR, THE FORSAKEN, =P Above books are any one or all of the: [Pee roa Ea tot RSO: Chestout Congressman Elias W. Leavenworth, of Syracuse; ~