The New York Herald Newspaper, December 28, 1876, Page 6

6 “THE MEN OF STRAW The “Captain” and “Lieutenants” Harvested | felder, began to talk among themselves as to the truth- fuluess of certain statements, When they accused each other of all kinds of villainy, Waitzteider coming in for the lion's shure of abuse. It also transpired in this conversational melee that Stewart, after all, bad uot been acting even bonestly with his business friends, for in another envelope in his pocket auother $30 was found, making $200 which be had | received to consummate the job, but bad omy re- by the District Attorney. —_—-— HOW CRIMINALS ARE LIBERATED. What “Influence” and “Friena- ship” are Worth. For months past District Attorney Pifelps and his Assistants have been sorely troubled over the opera- tions of the professional ‘straw’? bondsmen. No matter how mean a thief or how desperate an outlaw Appeured at the bar of justice; no matter what the amount of bail was required, in cases running the range of simple larceny up to manslaughter, prisoners somehow or other, in the majority of instances, found those ready and willing to help them out of their trouble, and “all for friendship, too mercenary considerations in the matter of this signing bail bonds, or rather the gentlemen i the District Attorney's office failed to find anybody who ever ‘took a cent’? for the favor thus upon | pickpockets, shoplilters, big thieves and little thieves, | that they might again snuff the air of hberty. Of course it was known that many of these bail bonds were worthless; that they ofttimes represented no property at all, or if the property existed i¢ was so bur- dened with mortgages that the statements made were false in almost every detatl, But to cateb the villains in their work was found to be very difficult, strange as it may seem, for seldom did the professional bail leave his track suilicient!y uncovered to enable the au- thorities to bring him up with the turn that such rascals require. TROUNLE BREWING POR THE “STRAW"’ MRY, At last District Attorney Phelps felt that extraor- | dinary measures should be taken to stop the further | pperations of these rascals, Av opportunity soon pre- tented, and the oflicers engaged in the werk earnest ‘+went for’? the individual charged with giving a worth- less bond, That person was Alexander McKenzie, of No. | 1,060 Third avenue, who swore that he had lots ot real estate—in fact, swore to anything required—and the result of bis little game was four years and six months in Sing Sing. ‘This was tho starting wedge, and it | There were no conte! berved the District Attorney's ollicers to greater | work. ‘Their war paint was on, and con- sternation was soon felt m the ranks of | the “bogus’? — baiisin Arrest. after arrest followed, until there were six or seven lodged im the | Tombs, where they are now awaiting trial The end | Was not yet, however, as the authorities knew there was still at large the fountain bead or prime movers in nefarious business. To capture them was nec wry or else the root would be lett, while the branches were oniy lopped off, Fortune tavored the otlicers, and on Tuesday and yesterday there were committe tothe Tombs to await the action of the Grand Jury | three of the mest notorivus straw bondsmen that unis | city every was cursed with, and just the nen who have worked great mischief 1n our courts tor years. SPREADING THE NBT. For along time it had veen known im the District Attorney's ollice that oue Ronald MacNichol was a “broker”? in this business of furnishing ‘*straw'? bail, and irom his manner of working he lad acquirea (no titles of “Captain?” and “General? [twas also known that Theodore F. Suratton was a “heutenanv? under | acNichol, and that they were always working some | Hany. To entrap and punish them bas jong been the desire of the prosecuting villcials of the county One evening tm October last Isuac Waitatelder, a | stranger, called at Assistant District Attorney Rus- | geil’s residence and advised that Theodore F. Stratton | had caused to be conveyed to him without consid. | eration the piece of property No. j41 East 122d street, which he supposed atthe time held a titie; suc quently he learned that the equity in it was nothing, as the encumbrances were greater than its full The purpose of this conveyance was a myste | ue. | wo | Waitzielaer, until Straten desired him w go | pail for Various parties, justitying upon — said | property, among them a woman accused of shop. this service Stratton vouchsaled the lder would be well paid, as in | large sums. ‘The advice of Russell to bis visitor was atting, For intelligence that Waitz similar cases he had m Assistant District Attorney to “go abead,” tn order that the designs of Stratton might be more cleariy ascertained, Waitzteluer did 30, and in u short time was imnportuned by Stratton to | zo the bail of George A. Crowtut in a civil action Drought by Isaac W. Miner, in which judgment for Y had been rengered against Crowfut, This tine ation Wanted Waitztelder to justify on some Ulster county property, which he said was worth $200,000, | when its real Value is only about $300. Objectic being made Waitafelder ax to. the propriety | of representing himselt owner of houses a never saw, Stratton went on Crowtut’s bon latter Lieutenant Stratton desired Me, Russell's informant to sy ot Edward A. Condit, in jail on the bogus telegrams; but Waitzielde Condit found another bonuswan, All these eireum- | stances were detailed to tie District Autorney, when Waitzielder continued bis acquaintance with Siratton under the directions and advice of tout official, | CAPTAIN’ SOMICHOL APPEARS. | Lieutenant’ Stratton, evidently feeling that there was some suspicion lurking in the train of his intended | tool, allowed him to rest a short time, when he made a | bold stroke for Waitzfeider’s aid.’ He did not up- | proach him alone, but went to him in company with | plain” MacNichol, who, being introduced in due form, a business confab commenced. “Lt wasa pity that Mr. Waitzielaer was missing | these magnificent chances to make money,” said Stratton, “und if he only knew 1 there was $150 or | 200 a week for bin right wong.” cs,” chimed in the Captain, “there {3 nothing to do but Wo sigh your bame and we'll see that the prop- erty im each of tue cases is all 0, K.” | Other litle temptations were thrown out, when the “‘brokers” asked Waitzfeluer if be would aid n in liberating from the Tombs a friend under | rge of perjury. “his gentleman,” said they, “is Thomas L, Burch, and he is not guilty, bat if you will rign his bond, only for $6,000, why, we can make $150." Further conversation revealed thet $100 of | this sum would be given Waitzielder and the remain- | ing $50 be divided between Stration, MacNichol and a third party, then wuknown, Here matters rested | uptil ihe next day. | TUR THIRD “RROKER, The following day was Saturday last, when Stratton | again sought Waitzielder, bringing with him Robert K. | Stewart, to whom Le was introduced, Mr SI s thing up at ouce,” said Strat- ton, rubbing bis hands gleeluily; “just go up to the District Attorney's olfice With bit and see Mr. Russell, and when the bond is signed you can have the money for the little (rouble you have been putto.” Mr. Waitafelder assented, and Stewart accompanied bim to the District Attorney's office, where Mr. Russell was found at bis desk, Stratton took good care to | remain behind, but was waiting for Stewart's return | Ataconvenient hotel, Stewart stated the case to the gu the bail bond Assistant District Attorn They had come to go | pati tor Thomas 1. Buret, accused of perjury, in giving a straw” Lond some time before. The amount of | sl was $5,000. With a few prelitninary remarks, the | jollowing couversation tock place:— Assistant District Attorney—tHow long, Mr. Stewart, | bave you known Mr. Waitzfelder ? | Stewart —1 bave known him about one month, | Assistant District Attorney—Way does Mr. Waitz- | felder wish to goon this bond; does he Know Bureh? | warl—Oh, ny, sir; it’s a personal favor he is doing for me. The property upon which Waitzfelder was to justify, | of so thought Stewart, upon being asked about it, was found to be the idebtical Harlem tenement house transierred to him by Stratton lastsummer. Mr. i sell got rid of the straw bondsmen for the time by a Fising Stewart to examine the property bimseli that | he might be sure of its real value, He said he would do ro, When the matier was adjoarned until Tuesda: 26tu inst. $= wT anour, pd O'Connor, of the | wot idle, and when WHAT TWO DAYS BROL Meanwhile Detectives Fields Disirict Attorney's office, were Ste sart and his would-be tool Waliztelder arrived on Tuesday everything wes ready for them, in fae there was the biggest kind of a rod in pickle tc Htended to Stewart and bis co s and began filling out the blunk used the matter at one in such case while asking Stewart questions; the latter's answers were corroborative of Dis tal ¢ Saturday previous about Waits. feider's acquaintance; that le was not to receive money for Burch’s bail, it being a matter of frie ship only; that he (Stewart) had examined premises in Harlem, and they were worth $1 In addition he » that h connection Stratton in the matter, bor ¢ w anybody else | 1 dhe ku ‘at all in the case, These statements were mage with a bold face, and then, thinking Stewart had gone tar ough, Mr, Russell began to ecross-examive bin. This was searching, and it resulted in Svewart break- ing, down and conlessing the whole plo He adiMitied that his acquamtance with Wartstelder was Of but two days’ duration instead of «month; that ho | bad in his pocket $150, which he was to deposit in some convenient place where Stratton could get it so soon as the bail baad was signed; that such money was to be divided between Waitztelder, Stration and * tain” MacNichol, Stewart, now alarmed, produced an envelope containing the $150, and gave it to the As- Bistant District Attorney. R “Abt HANDS ROUND. At this juncture Mr. Russoll sent Officer Fields for atton, Whom he knew was awaiting Stowart aud Waituloider at Leggett’ Hote! on Chathfim street, and upon hie arrival Stratton learned, 10 hes intense dis. nen ust, the predicament of his irienc tr. Russell wed Stratton, and he find. that it Woult be best to make a breast of (he whole matter, admitted + be bad conveyed the Hariem property to Wantz- {elder without any consideration whatever; that he | asked Waitaieider to go buil in several cases; that $150 heid by Stewart was to be divided berw iizieider, MacNichol, Stuart and bimseit; Wart felder to rodBive $100, and the others one-taird of the remaining $50, ne RING Thea the (hice men, ACH OTHER.” dation, Siewart and Waite | | their hands, | ated. | matter without putts jr | not aavance the money, but it is all arranged for dis- | esting, bu | of Vases, jars and | antique inrniture, of whieh there are upwards of thirty- | 1,000 | mobairs ana brilliantines, | eigh | besides a large display of camols’ bair plaids. Then | of ait | back ported a8 having obtained $150. When this little secret leaked out there was more trouble aud some very vig- orous language, The conference was rather abruptly ended by Assistant District Attorney Russell causing Stewart and Stratton to be takea before Judge Gil sleeve, Who committed them to Lhe Tombs, ‘CAPTAIN MAC"? POUND, In obedience to directions, Detectives Fields and | O'Connor bunted for MacNichol yesterday morning and arrested him, Being taken to the District Attor- ney's office, be also found his way to the Tombs, la. menting his bad luek. Altidavits embodying the above facts aro ip the hands of Mr. Russeil, and will be produced at the examina. tion of the prisoners t018 morning before Judge Gil- dersivove, They have retained Mr, William F. Kintzing to look alter their case, IMPORTANCE OF THK ARRESTS, The importance of the above arrests cannot be fully estimated by the public * MacNichol and his gang of straw bondsinen held themselves in reddi- ness to go bail for anybody anywhere in the count Their correspondence to this end was widespre, Letters were received by them trom every section, and they lave Leen the means of causing more rascals to be ‘bailed on bogus bonds than all tuo other men of | their tik in the country. When the men were searched they were ound to be in possession of many deeds y to use upon the first occasion presented. Letters in cypher and notes referring to appointments in bail cases were found by the dozen, evidence sutlicient to connect them with the business, The headquarters of these gentry was at No. 6 Centre street, in “Uncle” Smith’s saloon, and here tt it was that mostof their affairs were adjusted ; but they ad various other.meeting pluces, sucn as Leggett’s sa- loon, Cha ; Smith & MeNell’s Hotel, Wash- Inzton street, and ibe Exchaug Xo, Lit Broadway. Ih the latter placo Captain’? MaeNichol and bis friends frequently bought houses and lands, and they would “trade” in real estate, making such represeutations as would enable them to get hold of the property ad manipulate itin such a way that tho owners would find it dificult to again get itin Securities they carried by the scores— miilions on paper at your bidding, aptatw’? Ronald) MacNichol lived at No, 21 Great He 18 a Scotchman and bas been in this s; he was the “starter”? of the Jones siree country eighteen straw bondsmen, “Lieutenant” Theodore F. Stratton resites at No. | 199 Washington street, A sborttime agohe signed a bail bond on which Mary Jones, a shopiifter, was liber- Mary not turning up ior trial the bail was tor- feited, when Stratton was found to have sworn falsely about hus property. | Its probable that Mary will be ti | custody in a lewdays, which may be pleasant news for Stratton, Rovert K. Stewart, of Rutherturd Park, N. J., is rather new to the business, it is thought, but the sus- picious number of deeds in his pocket does not look welitor him, He did business as a real estate broker 1 Cedar street, room G4, Waitzfelder lives at No, 246 West Fitty-third avd is a purchasing agent. He made *Lieuten- Stratton’s acquaintance at arag house in Bayard et, SPECIMEN LETTERS, ome of tbe letters taken from MacNichol’s pocket sr. Nien T waited all the afterne Hitele past 1 Las Horkt—Tnw n for you at ngner or id get the have it ‘now all arranged for the 85.000 paper at the price agreed on v his clerk to bh. All we want is for Mr, ny to am offics up town ering the paper. all up to-morrow, so don’t fail, and meet me for T learned Inst the paper. Yours, ) RICHAWDSON, Saar & MeNuut’s Hor ee 15, Dear S1n—I send you this note up by Mr Brown I saw Fitenett’s party, ‘There is no way to complete the he paper in escrow, ‘The party will jount ine bank, but at [y' necessary to have the paper to do it, It Wagner will put the raper with the President or Secretary of the Manhattan Gas Burners’! Company (con- nected with the Maubattan Gas Company) for forty-eight urs it cun be carried out as agreed o1 RICHARDSON, ©.0. Fripay Eve, Grxerat:—T wish you would call on that man’s wite and say that I was over there with the men but it was too late, aud learn how the matter stands, Better xee her to-night! Twill meet you at Leggett's #28) A.M, Edmunds will be there, Ploase don’t fail to attend to this, and have a second man Fe There will be no difficulty now. RH. W. [ Telegram. | Ruoortyy, N. ¥., Dec. 26. | Captain R. MacNicnot, No. 6 Contre st w York:— Fowl r don't live Bighty~ Bring at her man im- mediately. Answer. Ww. “StRAW?? BONDSMEN IN CUSTODY, There are now in custody in the Tombs, besides the | three avove noticed, the following “straw’’ bondsmen awaiting trial for perjury :— Thomas L. Burch, of No, 375 Lewis avenue, Brook- lyn, Mpavid W, Hubbell, Brooklyn. ‘Timothy Hoyt, of N of Mo, 692 Bedford avenue, 107 Macdonougn street, Brook- “Charles Truax, of East New York, Jobn R. Kimball, of No, 21 Bona street. N. Borden, of Green’s Hotel, ot West Eleventh street, TURKISH GOODS. An important saie of lace curtains, Persian rugs and carpets took place yesterday at Leavitt’s Art Room, No. 817 Broadwoy. The sales were for the most part ated, Four pairs of the finest lace curtains were floss point appliqué knocked down at $15 per window, and four pairs of the finest tain- boured ‘Inco curtains sold for $1750 a window, The American taste is beginning to turn toward Turkish and Persian carpets. Such articles ound rapid sales yesterday, but it must be added that their admiration did not incite them to pay extravagant prices. For instance an elegant Turkish rug sold for the low price of $13; the highest price paid was $31 { ‘Two tive Persian saddlebags soid for $9 a piece and a very pretty Persian satchel sold for the low sum o $1.25, A fine Keim praying rug sold for $12 and a | unique and pretty Daghestan rug was knocked down for $18. A rather ambitious buyer bid for and secured a tine camel's hair table cover for $25. A bargain was din an elegant Persian carpet for $125. An- Jess striking pattern, was sold for $105, -BRAC, The Ingalls collection of bric-i-brac, fine arts and paintings, to bo sold at Leavitt's Clinton Hall sales. room this afternoon, is not only one of the most inter one of the most beautiful that has been seen in this city ina long time. Among the lot are a number of antique Chinese KS in ivory and a | Very fine lot of Chinese cloissonné enamel, consisting carte de visite stands, two ceutre tables trom Tonquin rosewood handsomely inlaid with mother of pearl; vid English pitcher, decorated with Flaxman figures 10 reliet. Dresden, Staflordshire, Wor- cester, old English and Italian ware of rare patterns are here anda pair of Owari vases, a pair of Kiobo vases and a very Gue pair of antique Satsuma vasea Not the least attractive part of this collection ts the tive pieces, & sofa, sideboard, cupboard, clock other articles. The paintings ‘and engravings ar considerable value and bear the names of some well known artists. A VALUABLE VENDUE. Joun Tunley & Co., hich bas recently been purchased at private con- ur large assortment of valuable goods, both black and in colure, The lot includes 525 pieces of black silk, 250 pieces of colored and 100 pieces of fancy silk, besides silk embroidered drab d’été sacques and polo- najse robes suitable for holiday gilts, There are also thirly-two cases of black alpaca, pure of the tama brand, and n cases of catnels’ hatr suitings, in cloth colors, there are nearly 400 pieces of busket wave suitings, votive design, and upward of esd cloak ings. In addition to the above, Messrs. Tunley & Co. are selling the balance of the wholesale stock of Frisbee, McHugh & Co,, consisting of ladies’ and gentlemen's hosiery, underwear and lancy goods, at a re ‘on ot rly oue-balt. The sale will continue until the el of the coming week. LONG BANDITTI. yhn Lowery, the leader of what is known as the | “Lowery gang;” Charles Peterson, and Barney Dailey, arrested for a breach of the peace and attempted rob bery at the saloon of James Scully, iu the village of Jamaica, on Christmas night, were arraigned belore Brush yesterday, and fully the action of the Grand Jury, Last evening two other ot tne gang, Thomas MeGurs and Josepu Crawlord, both of whom were “wanted” for the robbe; 1's hurness store some Weeks ago, called to see Just ther companioas. The cell keeper at once ree nized openipg the corridor dor euding is, tet them = in. As soon as they were sately inside be locked the door, The members of this gang have committed almost needing tnurder ouly to complete the For two years they ave beeu a terror to $ of Jamaica, no one feeling his house n they wer a to be intown. Their from arr beea a source of great every crime, t has iomumity astonishment to reputable citizens, Who, now that the entire gang aren castody, with overwhelming evi. | dence wgainst. them, eall upon the District | Attorney to sce that they get full justices | Searcely a re occurred 1a the village of year in which one or more of py Wes HOt been Ithplicated. Freight cars have been broken open and plundered while standing in the depot yard. Only a short time ago Lowery was arrested wale in the act of rovbing the Southern Railroad depot, and some of the stolen goods were found in tis sexsion. He was committed for the action of tne Grand Jury, After rema:orng tn jail over tWo sessions the Court, the Grand Jury having failed to ine him, be was again set at liverty. [tis now believed that many of (he meendiary fires which have occurred vicinity of Jamaice bave been set by members gang, Who make their Leadqaarters in the low 108 of the village, rea duriug t 1 Broadway, aro selling | the entiro stock of a well known importing jobber, | Their silk department contains a particularly | lity pleces of tur | pommitted to await | of | RELIRE OF DISTRESSRD AMERICANS, A SOCIETY ESTABLISHED IN LONDON FOR THAT OBJECT—WHAT IT HAS ACCOMPLISHED AND WHAT IT PROPOSES TO DO IN THE FUPURE— SAD CASES OF’ DESTITUTION—FOREIGN BORN CITIZENS SELLING THEIR NATURALIZATION PAVERS. ; Loxpox, Dee, 9, 1876. On the 29th of December, 1875, a number of prom!- nent Americans in Londou, inclading members of the Legation, bankers and merchants, met together for the purpose of devising some means of aiding Americans in distress, Individually their purses had been opened again aud again, the Legation had been taxed to its utmost, and the time seewed to have arrived for the establishment of a charitable society. Ata second meeting, held last Febraary, generous donations were Sturgis, Hugh McCulloch, Brown, Shipley & Co.; Bennett & Co., J. 8. Morgan, General Schenck, Colonel Chesborough, J. P. Bigelow, W. I. Wright, Colonel Hoil- man, General Badeau, F, B, Blake, Osgood Field, B. F. Stevens, F. W. Pierce, H. Starr, William W, Cryder, J. Seligniann, R. R, Wazard, 8, R. Van Deuser, Captain W. Mann, W, 8. Rowland, R, Hunting, ©. F, Garner, W. P. Stockwell, K.-W. Hodge, Silas E. Dodge and others—last, but nct least, of whom was Mrs, Hicks, of New York. Twenty-eight bundred dollars were collected, many contributors pledging themselves to annual subscriptions amounting to $1,750, Finding recently that there were but $300 in the treasury (the restof the money having been expended in sending ninety-five persons back to America and in affording | temporary relief to half as many more) American women went to work with their usual energy and dratted Carl Rosa into their army. Through this geutleman’s kindness, and with the valuable co-opera- tion of Mrs. Jennie Van Zandt, Miss Josephine Yorke, Mr, Packard (all Americans), Mr. Celli ana several other English cousin, a performance of “Fuust? produced, as you already know, $1,300, With the exception of $175, taken irom the general | public at the box office of the Lyceum Theatre, every seat was sold by Amorican women, so that the charity was, as it ought to have been, strictly national, ‘The prices were raised, in addition to which Lady Lampson donated $25, Mra, Schlesinger $50, Hugh Mo- Culloch & Go, $50, Mr, Kogerson, o! Liverpool, $25, and Mrs. Brammeshail $5, Deducting $550 for expenses of or- Chestra, chorus, gas, advertising, &c., the young society to-day has a treasury of $1,200 with which to meet the winter's demands.” Of course this will not last tor- ever, and the sensible iriends of this charity aro desirous of raising a fund which will render it sSell-supporting. Ab present it is a beggar— respectabie, certainly, but still a beggar—whereas the small capitai of $50,000 wouid make it independ- | entof further contributions. This 1s a bad ume to ask heip from Americans at home for Americans abroad, but it the former knew how great and how frequent was the suffering among the latter they would soon Gisabuse themselves of the idea that there are uo distressed Americans on this side of tue Atiantic, A SAD CASE. Mr. W. P. Wright, secretary of the society, a kind- hearted Englishman who, baving lived ‘torty-tive years in America, voluntarily gives tis ume Loa inaakless but importaut ollice, assures me that no American applies for relief until the last penny has Deen spent, and that some of the cases ure beartrend- ing. One ‘por woman came to him recently in despair, Gving trom Richmond, Va,, as steward- ess of a ship which the captain said was bound for England, the unfortunate creature was landed in Sweden, sent ashore without ber clothing, which the brutal’ captain retained, or, in plainer words, stole. This noble specimen of manhood treated his crew with equal cousideration, Begging her way to London, the penuiiess woman learsed tbat the brother for whom she had made the juurney wus dead, She found her only providence in’ the American So- ciety, Asa rule there are twice as mauy male appti- canis ay femule. Many of them, being well reared, shrink from returning home in the steerage, but when they find that it is steerage or starvation they submit to fate. The object of the society is not to Keep peo- ple ative iu Europe, but to send them bome. ‘The Se retary 1s not allowed to give more than five shillings without consuliation, so that were Mr. Wright lens discreet than nature and experience have made him he would be curved by the society’s regulation. A MATTER FOR GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION, The greatest need for help came shortly after the Servian war broke out, Then many naturalized citi- zens begged to be sent back to America, They prob- ably fled their native countries to escape being ealied toarms, “But tow did you know they were American citizens” Lasked Mr, Wright. “For the sole and only reason that their naturaliza- tion papers were all right,” he replied. “Are you prool against fraud from this source f”” ‘o,”? suid Mr, Wright, “and that is the worst of it, I can always teil a native born American by lis accent and general appearance, but these foreigners perpiex ‘me. There piace in Whitechapel where American naturalization paperscan be bought. Yes, this is a fact, and the sooner the Upited states government looks into this matter the better, [cis supposed that nataraiized citizens, on returning to Europe with the intention of remaining, sell their papers to those who traific in them. Knowing this tact, uther foreigners, not naturalized, but desirous of geiting out of this | | country, buy such papers as suit their physical char | prompt, but the bids were of such diminished figures | | that even the good natured auctioneer was exasper- acteristics and appeal to us for assistance. We ure helpless, as, $9 Jur as appearances are concerned, the men and their papers agree, Asa rule, all our appli- | cants are native Americans.” W. ¥. WRIGHT, THE VOLUSTERR SECRETARY, Here is a matter (hat requires serious investigation at Washington. Mr. Wright is too well known im New York and the South not to be credited. For many years he was a prominent cotton broker, and, in cou- ‘New York Acaaemy of Design. The already tov geu- erous American Republic should not be made responsi- bie for the ciiizens of other countries, nor should ber pockets be picked of What bejongs to her own, THE MISSING LOVERS. MELANCHOLY SEQUEL TO THE SUPPOSED SUI- CIDE OF GEORGE W. KETCHUM—WHAT HAS BECOME OF MI8S KATIE REDEN? The readers of tho Herap will remember tho publi- cation last month of the romantic story of the my. terious disappearance of George W. Ketchum from his residence, Nu. 244 Dean street, Brooklyn. Yo refresh the memory of the readers it may be well to recite, in brief, the more salient features of the case:—Mr, Ketchum, who was avout twenty-five years of age, was well connected and of fair business prospects in lite. He heid a lucrative position in this city, and was pos- sessed of property and money in bank amounting in the aggregate, it 18 said, to $14,000 or $15,000. He moved in relined circles of society, had a good educa- tion and was of rather handsome appearan: tew relatives living, and they were distant kin. Within the past two years he formed the acquaintance ot a Very intelligent and prepossessing young lady, an or- phan, named Katie Reden, who Was boarding ata bighly select house on Henry street, Brooklyn, His attentions became of a marked character, and his protestations of affection were undoubtedly recipro- cated, as the sequel will tell. A few months ago it ve- came generally understood in the society in which the young people named were wont to move that George and Katie were solemnly engaged, and intended to Jaunch their bark upen the uncertainties of the sea of matrimony. The time set apart for the nuptials was duly noted, and he had purchased the bridal trousseau for his intended wile, who was not yet ip her nine- | teenth year. The 16th of November was the day | named for the marriage. On the eve of that day he disappeared from the midst of bis friends and acquaint. ances In & most unsccountable manner, The bride elect bewailed the unaccountable absence of her trusied lover, and her loneliness excited the deep sympathy of her triends, The same evening on which Mr. Ketcham disappeared a young and well uressed man was secn by passengers and boat hands to spring irom the stern of the Hoboxen terryboat Pavonia into the dark, cold waters, as the vessel was going from New York | to Hoboken. The body of the suicide wus | never recovered, | Brookiyn police, detatied Detective Zundt to work up | Me case, That bas visited the morgues in th city and vieinity regularly since, and has done all in bis power to obtain # clew to unravel the mystery, but all (0 no purpose, IM the suicide woo jumped from the ferryboat was the missing bridegroom it was never | proved, Miss Keden called tor several weeks, almost dally, upon Brooklyn's Police Superintendent in quest of information of her Jost lover, One aiteruoon in | the last week of November K | Campbell that sho felt disheartened, and he told her to return to her home and forget the | past. The following ‘morning the Superintendent received @ telegram from tue Jersey City Chie! ot | Pole telling him that tuey had in custody a young woman who answered the description of Miss Reden, | and who had attempted to drown herselt by jamping off the ferryboat Pavonia, Detective Zandt was dee spatehed to see the lady, and he found her to be the heroiue of the Ketchum case, She then iniormed the | officer that she “bad somothing valuable atihé bot- tom of the river, and that she wauted to go and got i He restored ber to ber boarding house in Henry | street, Brooklyn, where she remained woul about a week ago, when she again left there, and all efforts to obtain any trace of her since that time have proved | fruitless. “Fears are entertained that the poor girl, having lost her reasou, bas gone to tue bottom of the river in quest of her missing lover. THE BURNHAM TESTIMONIAL. On Saturday next the resolutions passed by the New York City Council as a testimonial to Gordon W, Burn- ham, who presented to the city the bronze statue of Daniel Webster, recently placed in the Central Park, wil be formally presented to Mr. Burubam by the Mavor. There resvlutious have been elaborately en- grossed, They are on parchment, U x by therty roehes in dim in oid Engish rman text, with elaborat ‘oil work, An engle purehment. Benoath ts a pen picture of the statue, and tof a base line 18 used that memorable utieraoce | of Webster's, “Haberty and Union, now and forever, ove and inseparable.” The tesumon days’ Invor, at a cost of $250, and hos by framed tu gold, set off by crimson velvety made by Messrs. Rothschily, Baring Brothers, Russell | Juoction with the late John F. Kensett, originated the | He bad | Superintendent Campbell, of the | te called and told Mr. | * the top of tne | | } | or nearly one-iourth of the book. It is mainly duvoted AMERICAN DIPLOMACY. ANNUAL BUDGET OF CORRESPONDENCE FROM OUR FOREIGN MINISTERS— COST OF EUROPEAN STANDING ARMIES—PROGRESS OF 1HE SOUTH AMERICAN STATES IN THE MARCH OF IM- PROVEMENT—MR, SEWARD ON CHINESE IMMI- GRATION. Wasuixaton, Dec. 26, 1876. ‘The -‘papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States,” or, as they are popularly culled, the “diplomatic correspondence,”? have just beon issued from the government printing office. They make a volume of about 650 pages and embrace such portions of the correspondence between our Ministers and agents abroad und the Department of State as Mr. Fis! deems of public interest or value. A large portion of the present volume fs of no valug whatever, and upon reading it one cannot help wondering why !t was ever printed. There are, however, some points of interest relating to different countries which have escaped the teiegraph and the pens of the special correspondents, The correspondence with tho British government is the most voluminous ofall, occupying about 140 pages, to Winslow and the extradition question, and contains, of course, a full and elaborate discussion of the whole subject. Mr. Schenck turns up here and there with some letters relative to cable companies, but there is nota word to be found anywhere in regard tothe Emma Mine, which occupied for so long a time the attention of the two peoples if not of the two govern- monts If there was any correspondence on the sub- ject Mr, Fish did weil in covsigning it to oblivion, TUE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. Judging from the despatches of Mr, Osborn the mission to the Argentine Republic must be a good deal of asinecure. During the year ho has written four short letters, If he has sent any more Mr. Fish bas not deemed them worth publication, RUKOPEAN ARMIES. Mr. Deiaptaine, writing irom the Austrian legation, under date of June 6, gives some interesting military statistics, He say: Tho total expenses of the Sta an (00,000 florins; in Russia to'95:,200.000 Hloring; @ Germairy ty 84,900,000 Horins: in Austria: Hun- eur E florins. Ot these ciphers the war budget absorbs in France 276,00 in Russia, 303,000,000 Jn Germany. 19 ‘and in Austria. » flor 22.6 per cent the expenses necessitated by the territorial armies (land: wehr) of the two halves of the Empire, 1». per cent of tl total budget, The maintenance of ldier renee the averaxe, i 478 fori in, 412 florins; in Germany, 442 florins: and’ Aust ry, 346 florins, ‘The eilective force of the army in time of peace in France ix 460,000 men; in Russla, 663,000 men; in Germany, 433,000 men; and. in’ Austria-Hungary, 247.0007 me he on service in F and in Austria. troops in Russia, in 1874, in France, nee Amounts to 29, 8,887, and in Austri jn German; wary, 14,14, As to the artillery for field service, z ‘army disposes of 726 cannon; the Russian army, the German army, 2.472, and the Austro-Hungariaa atmy, 66 cannon. This'would give to Austria-Hungary the unfavorable proportion of - 4 cannon for each thousand men. Keg rding the number of horses destined for the service of the army, France maintains 99,300; Russia, Germany, $0,800, and Austria-Hungary, 46,000. , the average cost of 4 horse in Fri is 32 ii Russia, 2¢°floring: in Germany, 340 florins, and, in Austria-Hungary, 220 Horiug THE CENTRAL AMERICAN STATES. Mr, Williamson sends to the department a long and apparently a very caroiul letter, dated June 7, in which he gives’ what he cuils a ‘“synoptical report,” respecting tne Central American States, and which probably embodies the latest authentic information concerning those countries, He says:— Our trade with Central America is already larger than tt is with the following named countries and to the extent mentioned :— Denmark and the Danish West Indies.. Austria and the Austrian possessions ortugal and ¢he Portuguese possession: —And in but 864,0 the Swedisu West Indies, $4.42 4,383. gether only have a trade with us of $7,35 As the exported products of Central’ America are all trop- feal and such artistes ax are consumed in the United States, and as all the imports into Central America are such arti: cles as ure produced and manutactured in the United States. it seoms obvious that our proximity ought in time and with pr yand skill to give us control of this valuable tr Migut it not be promoted by reciprocity treaties t THE REPURLIC OF CHItd. There is another letter from Mr. Williamson, written in July from Chih, in which he gives some gratifying intelligence concerning that country. In a review of the political parties in Chit since 1351 he says: 1am probably the first to place on record in the depart- ment the test mony that Chili has now taken a stride far in advance of her sister States, and ifthe promise of proxtess in self government now evinced by the people be realized, she will koon have little to euvy in the political states of older nations. Mr, Williamson, in the samo paper, adds a sentence which, in the light of the last Presidential election in the United States, reads like a cruel bit of irony. It is this:— Lam satisfied that the next President will be as fairly and honestly elected as has been the Chief Magistrate of ‘our own country. CHINA AND THY CHINRSR. Mr. George F. Seward’s correspondence occupies, and deservedly so, a fair shareo! the volume. In Feb- ruary he writes a short but interesting letter relative to the miners and mining operations 1p the country to which he is accredited. The disposition of the govern. ment ( exciude foreigners from mining enterprises still prevails, Itis possible even that an effort will te made to monopolize the ¢ produced in China tor the use of the pative vessels-ol-war and of uative merchant ships running in competition with foreign vessels, The wide sources of supply and the opera- tions of the laws of supply and demand will, I appre. hend, soon break down such attempts, while sooner or later the government must learn that its best policy is to encourage enterprises of foreigners as well as those of natives, THE TRADE DOLLAR AND THE CURRENCY QUESTION. 1n a despatch written 11 the beginning of the year Mr. Seward bas not much comfort or consolation for the owners of the Bonanza min The attempt to in- troduce the trade doliar in China has been a failure, The Mexican dollar, be says, still bolus 1s own, and * there are not more than 500 of the new coins in cir- culation north of Foochow,” and he adds:— doubt whether it can ever come into general or even extensive clreniation, In tho same communication there is an idea for the ae Ma m D. Keliey, upon which he might improve, tis this: We have in China the singulsr spectacle of a great trad- ing people who may ve said to be devoid of a currency, The casi whitch varies from 900 t0 1,900 to the dollar, 1. cure rent for small transactions, but it is too bulky for large ones. All considerable settioments have to be made by wn nge of bullion or mercantile paper. There are no is- of paper money by the government or hy bauking corporations. CHINESE EMIGRATION, Mr. Seward 1s not apprehensive that wo shall be swamped by the Chinese. Writing on the subject, he says the total number who lett tor the United States during 1875 amounted to 19,168, which exceeded the emigration of the preceding year by only 3,180. Less than two per cent of tue emigrants of 1875 were women, Mr, Seward writes ‘The Chinaman i becoming more and more disposed to seck felis for his industry abroad, but he is deterred from gving to America because of politicul fqgiin of unfavorable legislation, because of th@disiculty of setting Hy lite there, ‘and lastly aud mainly because, as T . he shrinks from contact with our reatles He wonid rather go to the district the Straits and Java he there, because civilization, this—> disputably’ more active and acu - f to regions like those of A where found colonies in plac yet by white men. Itiscertain that egreat imml- 6! Chinese into our Pacific States would give rise to grave political diticulties. But to my mind it is quite ‘certain that no such dumigration will take place. “Th tunities open to the C! fn other directions ar nowhere else but they are more in: Yiting to him for the reasons I have isiven. It is to be said, further, that, while he may c than at home, bis expens too ure hi here less than a cent of our money for his sxndal cost him in California perhaps $5, A mere comparison of the rates paid for labor here and there, leaving out of view other considerations, would Jead to. very wrouz conclusions. Aud again, his country ts not 40 overpopulated as is lieved.” Under an imiproved system ot adiinistration, which would embrace ihe working of mines and minerals the construction and operation ol raiiroads, &e., there would be a demand at home for all the labor that would b available, As things are there are perhaps as few by want to be see most Chinese cities as in t If, then, the pe they may safely encouraze immigration Conese will cease tu in ose of the elth the. when they conse me to their aloves, that when the call for labor censes to be an urgent one the Chinaman will Ce his migration in 4 direction. Even with a grent enii for labor in wil onr Wes ern ond Southern country he eannot Ve induced to go to either, PLANTER'S PEREGRINATIONS, On the morning of the 8th inst, a young man named M. Planter met Neilie Osborne at the corner of Mercer and Amity streets and accompsnied ber to a saloon jn Prince street, where he was robbed of bis watch, cham and locket, valued at $130. The girl was afrested by Detective Slevin, of the Fifteeuth precinet, to whom she contessed that ehe had taken tbe locket, but said that the watch and chain had been stolen by Kdwara McLean and a man named Long. She was held in $1,000 bail, Ye-terday morn. mg McLean was captured by Detective Dolan. On being arraigned belore Justice Bixby, avihe Washing- Place Court, he stated that the robbery was committed by the giri's iover, James Usborne, wno sold the watch and chain for $30 in a saloon in n street, near the Bowery and the locket for woller, named Lewis, in Chambers street. Tle bad hardiy signed this confession when Osbort came into the cour! room to see McLean and was at oner arrested by Detective Slevin. He denied having any knowledge of the rovvery. Mr. George Le the Jeweler of Chambers street, identified Osborne as ba’ ing sold the locket, Osberne, in bis formal examin tioa, said bis name was Frederick F. Brown, of Jerse: City, a clerk by occupation, Usborne and McLean wore held for trial in detauls of $1,000. THE ANNEXATION SCHEME, » Tho residents of Weehawken townsh|p are conside: ing the feasibility of annexation to Hoboken. The euizens of Weehawken propose to apply to the Legisla- tare at Treuion im the matior and urge the scheming NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1876.—WITH SUPPLEMENT. THE FRAUD HUNTERS. An Essay on Tammany, Cork and Rome for Four Dollars a Day. WANTED TO SELL OUT. The Investigating Committee Wrestling with a Double Inquiry. When the Congressional committee convened yes- terday morning atthe St Nicholas Hotel, Mr. Wad- dell offered the following resolution, which was at once adopted :-— Whereas the original resolution offered by Mr. Cox, which this comumttt appointed, fails to em; them to send for per wesolved, That this jo empo' rons and papers, to enforce the subpana duces tecum, Ditmas Jewell, of Jersey City, was sworn and testi- fied that he knew of bis own knowledge of no tilegal voting or registration 1 that city. Some evidence was offered rogarding fraudulent voting in New Lots, Jong Island. After considerable wrangling it was stricken out, It was not of importance to either side, A JOURNALISTIC OFFICE-HOLDER'S VIEWS. Franklin J, Ottarson was called and sworn, The gentioman beld a roll of manuscript in his hand as he sat down, and it proved to be the substance of what he proposed to testify to, arranged question and au- swer, Mr, Wells held a key to the document, in the shape of a copied list of the questions, Mr. Wells propounded question after question, and the witness anewered voiubly, keeping his eyes tixea upon the manuscript. He testified that he was a journalist; bad been connected with the Zribune from 1841 to 1865, and since that time had been a writer of special articles for other New York papers; was at present counected with an evening journal as editorial writer; considered that a large number of illegal votes were cast at the last election under the management of the Tammany party. “Ido not,” said he, ‘believe nor do I pretend to charge that all democrats are dishonest, but 1 do men to say that every dishovest man, every vagabond, gambler, illegal rum seller, tramp, loafer, bad citizen, in whatever line of business, from burglary down to French pools, is instinctively and practically in favor of Tammany democracy.” General Rice objected to the answer, as witness was Dot competent 10 give Au Opinion of the moral charace ter of the democratic party. Mr. Cox (deprecatingly)—I would not allow that staff to go Upoo our record, This man comes here jor tbe purpose of rebusutog old editorials of iurty years’ stanuiny. Upon resolution of General Rice tho answer was stricken out Mr. Ojturson’s examination was resumed, and he proceeded to read from hig manuscript and trom news: paper clippings, making a funous onslaught on the democracy of New York. Mr, Cox tually got out of Patience aud exclaimed:—Tuis matter of census and ail the rest bas nothing to do with our investigation, and if my coileagues do not stop it twill, Lovject to the lust question.”? ‘he objection was sustained by a vow of tbree to two, Mr. Weils protesting that sumiar questivns bad been’ put to Mr. Davenport and Mr. Whiuney, His objections were cut short by the Chair- man ordering biw to go on to bis next question, ‘Mr. Wells—How do you account tor the large dem- ocratic majority in this city in the last election? Witness said there were two leading causes. Firet, the democratic party bas always been on the side of the largest liverty—I may say lawlessuess, It draws to 1s support oeerly ali the scum that floats about a great city. But their chief anchor has been the for- eign and especiaily the Irish vote. hat vote has been secured by concessions to the Church of Kome to the amount ol millions of doilars irom the pockets of the city ana State taxpayers.” Mr. Cox—Ask him what he thinks of the infalhbility of the Popot ‘The examination was then proceeded with for a few moments, when Mr, Cox cried out, “1 will not sit Lere as chairinun of \uis committce and have time wasted on such stuil.? “Oh let him go on and read his essay,” said Mr. Waadell, “it the gentlemen wish to bear him, I shal move aiterward tu have it all stricken oul.” THE ROOT OV KVIL. On cross-examination by Mr, Cox Mr. Ottarson stated that he hvids the position of storekeeper in the Custom House, for which he receives $4 per day. Tne duuies, he said, required his attendance tour or five times a week, and sometimes be visited the Custom House every day. ‘A SALABLE CANVARSER, Thomas Duffy wus calles. He proved to be a short, stout young mun of twenty-eight, with smooth shaven, full face and closely cropped bar; Was respeciavly clad and spoke with a strong North of England acceut, although he said he was born in this city, He testitied that he lived at No. 587 West Filty-nimth street, and was chairman of the Board of Canvassers in the Fourth election district of the Fiiteenth Assembly district; Was appointed to that position through the iniluence ot Mr. Henry J. Leask, of Thirty-sixin street, a Tepublican politician; some days velore election one Michael Costello, who ts employed in tue Custom House, came to Witness and, er talking about the political situation, told witness that if hecould change the record of the vote in his district so as to give Hayes a majority he would be given $150; witness con- sulted a {riend as to whother he sbould take it and was advised not to; shortly velore the polls ciosed on elec- tioa day Costello had come to witoess and saio, ‘I don’t think you can do it—you will be well watcheu; witness said he thought he could do itil the money were forthcoming. MOW H® WOULD bo IT. Being cross-examined by General MacDougall and Mr. Wells, Duffy spoke of his :atended crime with a naiveté that showed he had not the faintest idea of right and wrong where ballots were concorned. He lived with his mother, be said, had been out of work and “would have doue double as much” to gain the money. “T never see Hayes and never see Tilden,” he said— whi em to me?’’ In answer to questions to low he would nave effected the change in the record Witness said ho could not tell exactly, as he bad never done such work. ‘But,’ he adaed, with honest zeal, “{ would have doue ‘the best I Kaew how; I would have given Tilden’s vote to Hayes and Hayes’ to Til- den, 11 being a strong democratic a,” DOURTS ABOUT IT. John J. Brown, of No. 36 Downing strect (colored), Supervisor of Elections, was called. At No. 274 sou Fiith avenue, from which six mea registered, witness went from top to bottom and found nobody in the house but a young woman, who said her husband was the only man in the house; I found I had his nam wrong, but tbe Woman said she Was a democrat and he Was a republican; she did not send Dim to correct it, Being pressed by Mr. Cox witness admitted be dia not know of one man who registered aud attempted to vote illegally. “Well, don’t you think that 1s a pretty fair election, Joho, when you don’t know of any fraud?” “Well, have my doubts about it,” was the reply. A REPUBLICAN TRIBUNAL. John Murphy, Inspector of Elections in the Nine- teenth Election district of the Second Assembly dis- trict, testitied that warrants were issued for the arrest of thirteen voters in that district on election day last; eleven of them had been arrested; noticed that repub- cans who were arrested came back and voted in halt an hour, while democrats did not get back until late in the aiternoon ; a warraut for the arrest ofa man named Oscar Brown was placed in the hands of United States Marshal G, W, Matthews, who took the man away; thev both returned soon after, ond the officer ne had taken his man betore Mr. Davenport; Brown con- fessed later that he had not been taken betore Daven- port, but before “Dennis Shea, a republican kicker in the ward ;’’ witness then caused the Marshal to be a rested; heard no more about it, and did aot belie’ ‘was ever brought to trial, Toe committee then took a recess until half-past seven in the evening. THE EVENING &RSSIOX, When the committee reassembled Genera! Rice Stated that it was necessary for him to depart at once for his home in Obio, and an arrangement was made by which his colleague, Mr, Waddell, of North Carolina, Was autborized to cast bis vote upon any question which might artsein his absence. A resolation was passed to adjourn atten o'clock to meet on Thursday nextat noon in the Continental Hotel, Philadelphia, there to — the investigation of election frauds in that city, r. John L. Davenport was called to testily in contradiction of the witness Dean in regard to sev- oral statements made in reference to certain alleged illegal registrations, He aixo commented upon the tes- timony of several otuer witnesses and pointed out fallacies in the! George Bliss, United States District Atto: his belief that ten per cent of the persons naturalized in this city last fall were not Jegully entitied to crt. zenship; ue thought many illegal votes were cast, but vhat on the whole the clection was as fair and honest as any that bad over vecn held in New York, and as fair as any that could ever be had where great politi- cal excitement prevailed. Heury G. Leask, of No. 262 West Thirty-sixth street, the goutieman referred to by Thomas Daily, was called testified that he knew the latter had used his in- fimence to have him appointed inspector, but bad never thought of trying to indace bim to act illegally, Michaei Cosielio, No, 270 West Thirty-seventh street, ‘on whom Dufly said had offered him the $150, Lax lle he had never proposed to pay Dufly or anybody else money for political purposes—that the whole story was Talve. nf The testimony of these witnesses was cut short by the peremptory declaration of the Chairman that he would inexorably adjourn at ten o'clock, just as he would the House if he were there. ben Mr Costello concluded there were but four miuutes lett, ‘And these were seized upon vy Mr. Davenport to make & supplementary statement. It 1 lacked minute of the hour when he sat down, and Mr, Wells read the following protest of the minority :— MINORITY PROTEST. Wo protest against the action of the majority of this committee, in adjourning to meet in Phitedeiphia on Thursday, the 4th of Januaty, inasmuch ns we have witnesses propose (vo show 8 large number of traedulent frnadalent natur- Alisations and fraudulent registrations ia the cities New York, Brookiyu aud Jersey City, wrevious tv aud at indet the last election, the witnesses ew 4 of them being now ready to testify and some of them in this room. ye mi- nority have used due diligence in serving witnesses, and have in most cases met with delay incident to an examina tion extending over so large a territory as the citles of New York, Brooklyn aud Jersey City. We believe aud are in- pressed with the fact that haa we been zrantea more tine the investigation of this committee would heve bson much more satisfactory. 3. M. McDOUGAL, a, W. WELL». Mr, Cox tuatantly rose and read the followin; The majority of the committee repet the prot minority for thre Firet—The rer the minority. asona:— body of the witnesses examined were by been occasioned by Ht the salnority. fr and would be # useless waste of time and money to pursue the mutter of election frauds in suid eities at this time ». 8. COX. A.M. WADDELL, A.V. RICE, The committee then adjourned, Mr. Waddell assur- ing the minority on behalf of himself and General Rice that if it could be shown hereatter that fraud 19 this or the adjo:ning cities could be exposed, they would vote to return and investigate it, THE OPENED LETTER INQUIRY CLOSED, Benjamin K. Shurratts, special agent of the Post Office Department, testified before the Congressional Invest. galing Committee yesterday that he knew of no tam. pering with the mailsin the New York Post Office; have bad many complaints, but apon investigation most of them proved to have been caused by the dis. honesty of the employés of those who sent or received the letters; many boys employed by business men were 1p the habit of taking letters {rom the boxes, open- ing them and then placiog them back in the box alter they were resealed; four or five years ago witness caught a boy inthe employ of Cooper, Hewitt & Co. who used to take away their letters and tamper with them. Postmaster James, sworn, testified that he knew of no tampering with letters io bis oifice; never beard any allegations of pering With letters until notified that Mr, Hewitt bad said something of the kind ia the House; do not think it possible that tampering could occur under the present system; never ‘ran’? the Post Office in the interest of any political party; never regarded himsell as the Postmaster of a party, but the Postmaster of the people; was present y: irday when the committee examined letters from the lamppost boxes brought in by carriers; more than one-third of these resembled, tn point of corrugation, &c., the let. ters exhibited by Mr, Hewitt. Altera number of scattering questions bad been asked by the committ id answered by Mr, James the Inveapigasion into the Post Ollice was declared at an end. A MURDERER’S VISION. REMARKABLE STORY—HOW THE CONDEMNED MAN IMAGINED THAT HE WaS EXECUTLD—* HIS SENTENCE COMMUTED. Derrorr, Mich., Dec, 27, 1876, Had Belcher, the Essex county, Ontario, murderer been executed on the 21st of December, as sentenced, it would have been his second execution. If this assertion reads strangely it is capable of such an exe planation as will rendor it perfectly plain, Belcher is acool man, Hv stained his hands with human blood only after ho bad brooded over his wrongs for weeks and weeks, and only after he bad come to the conclusion that his own life was a burden, He scarcely attempted nce when bis trial came on, He could have secured witnesses whose testimony would have influenced the jury in nis favor more or less, but ne would not send for them, He could have mado a statement excusing his crime in a measure and showing that ho had been deeply wronged, but he would scarcely speak, When the Judge put on the black cap and sentenced Belcher to be hanged the murderer exhibited less emotion than any other person in the court room. It was only alter he had been froned hand and foot and placed in the murder- er’s cell in the grim jail at Sandwich that he seemed to realize his situation. “Ives all right; lil be there when wanted,” ho grimly ovscrved, and he talked freely with the numer- ous journalists who sought interviews, BELCUBR GIVRS WAY. Thero were fow residents of Essex county who wanted an execution to take place. The county has not had one for years, and the influence of the anti- capital punishment people of Michigan 1s strongly felt along the border. Steps were soon taken to secure a commutation of sentence, Beicher was apathetic at lirst, being more inclined to put the noose over bis head than to cast it irom him. There came a reaction, Perhaps the winter sunshine pouring through the cold iron bars and warming the flagstones of the corridor warmed his heart at tho same time. He could near the merry shouts of the boys as they slid down bill or skated on the river below, and the musical jingle of sleigh bells could not ve kept out by the massive walla, Belcher wanted to live, He wrenched at bis irons with the strength of a giant, and calied out because the hours and days were flying so swi(tly. He besought the press to plead his case; he called for lawyers; he remem- bered that he hud witnesses, The strong man broke down and became a child, and every day, and every hour, outside of his sleep, be thought of the grim gal- lows, the fatal noose, and he saw himself dangling in the air, Three days before the reprieve came he said be would die game; but he said 1 with a face as white as snow and every nerve trembling with fear. Had he been taken to execution he could not have walked alone, and be would havo sunk down on the trap, Ail Essex county were at last working 10 his favor, Petitions were circulated, mass meetings held, and an irresistiblo influence was brought to bear on the Gov. ernor General, Belcher hoped and feared, Repricves are not so common in Canada that murderers in the shadow of the gallows can rely on thom end keep their courage up. When sheriff and warden and murderer were counting the huurs the reprieve came, Beicher es- caped the gallows, but the doors of Kingston were to close on him for fife. It was evening when the news came, and when the telegram was read to him he could not utter a word, . A SHOCK TO THE PRISONER. An hour before the sun went down tho jail was very quiet. It is always so when the shadow of death holds the keys. Belcher paced up and down, his face haggard and worn aud ais eyes wearing such a look as one never sees outside of prison walls. Out inthe courtyard men were at work, not at the gallows, but at. some repaire. Belcher believed that the scaffold from which be was to swing was being erocted, and his heart must have stood stil as he heard the hammer and saw at work, Leaning against the wall, his eyes looking into vacancy, the murderer suffered all the pain that a real execution could inflict Some of the prisoners were watching him. They saw him hold out his hands for the Sheriff to remove the trons. They saw bim kneel in prayer. They saw him arise and look around as if following the oflicia's to the gallows Ho looked up as if surveying the swaying nooss and a shudder passed over bim. Tho prisoners could read his thoughts as plainly as if he had written them down, In imagination he mounted the gallows. Ho looked at the noose again ana suddenly jerked his bead aside, as if the rope had touched him, Ho bent his head as if tc haye it passed over and tiyhtened about bis neck, When he = stood as it waiting for tne trap to spring, his face was no longer pale; it was so livid and distorted that almost every line of humanity was crushed out of sight. The trap fell, and with an awful gasp, a shout, a scroam of agony, Belcher fell to the floor, his tongoe protruding, his eyes open aod glassy, and a froth oozing from his mouth, It was a quarter of an hoar before he was fully resuscitated, and his first words wero:— “Oh, God! but how the rope cut into my neck |"? It was another fifteen minutes betore the man could be convinced that his execution was imaginary, ie had suffered all that's hangman's victim suffers, and in piteous tones he cried out, while tears ran down hia face:— “Don’t bang me again! Ob, my throat is so sore! He had on a woollen shirt, Giting loosely aronnd the neck. They unbuttoned the collar, turned it down, and there was @ bright red murk ciear around the throat! Facts only are stated here, and men may theorize ag they feel inclined. Toat mark did not die away for thirty hours, and the murderer complained of swullon tonsils and @ sore throat, His reprieve came only after he had been hanged, and yet 1t saved bis life. REDDY THE BLACKSMITM'S SISTER, Mary Varley, sister of the dead and gone Reddy the Blacksmith, presented herself at the Fourth precines station house yesterday, having heard that she was avoused of being the proprietress of a house at Na, 58 James street, in Which Various articles o clothing, une doudtedly stolen, had veen found. Since that time the police bave been louking jor Miss Varley, and hor volt Unlary entrance into the judicial light was something Of satire upon the espionage of Lhe nest force in tho world. Miss Vurley was taken to the Tombs court. T prosecution tailed to prove the sligatest connection be. tween M ley and the alleged stolen goods, and ‘She Was consequently discharged Her absence trom the city waa expl. by the stateme: 3 pd yo y ment Of a visit Ky