The New York Herald Newspaper, January 18, 1877, Page 5

ee ) => a ees WASHINGTON. Light on the Electoral Ques- tion at Last. AGREEMENT OF THE COMMITTEES. How the Happy Conclusion Has Been Reached. , CHARACTER OF THE PROPOSED PLAN. | A Tribunal of Senators, Representatives and Members of the Supreme Bench, PROSPECTS OF THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL. Intrigues of the Extremists Against Any Settlement, THE PRESIDENT WILL SIGN IT. Exuberance of Business Men Over the Result. —_——__-__—_ FROM OUR SPECML CORRESPONDENT. Wasuixertos, Jan. 17, 1877, AGREEMENT OF THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON A PLAN FOB COUNTING THE ELECTORAL VOTE—IMMENSE BELIEF IN WASHINGTON— THE DANGERS THAT HAVE BEEN HAPPILY AVOIDED—PROSPECTS OF A RENEWAL OF BUSINESS—CHARACTER OF THE PLAN PRO- POBED. ” The joint committee have ag last agreed, and though the nature of tho plan on which they have united will pot be revealed until they bring port to-morrow, there is a intense relief all over the town, even at the knowledge that they have brought their labors to a successful conciusion, The strain of ex- citement here has been extreme and constantly in- creasing fora number of days. There has been a growing leelng that if the committee failed to agree upon a plan very serious trouble was inevitable, It ‘was preity generally known that the extremists of both parties were sccretly opposing all accommodation, and that they would spare no means to defeat an agreement, and the beliof that a failure to agroe was equivalent to @ declaration of civil war was 80 strong tbat the people » Sho are most accurately iniormed of what goes on here in political circles have been groatly depressed and alarmed. The wisest men in Washington of both Parties have expressed the belief that without some preliminary agreement the meeting of ‘the two houses on the 14th of February would break ‘Up in disorder and in such excitement as would in- “evitably lead to public outbreaks in many parts of the ‘Pountry. Nor is it believed that the danger ts yet on- “Airely over, for there isan apprehension that: efforts * will bo mado in both houses to defeat the measure on which the joint committee have agreed, and it is urged hero very strongly that meetings shall be beld in all the large cities, as soon as possible, of citizens of both political parties, to urge and demand that Congress shall adopt the measure at once, in their re- sensation of An old and wise republican hore, not in office or in Congresh, said to-night:—“It the joint committee’s plan, whatever it may be, is adopted, the country will be safe, and not only that, but all cause for uncasiness will be removed and business will tako an immediate start, All the signs of the times point to an almost immediate return of great pros- perity to the country if only we can get this question settled, There !s good reason to believe that we shall havea great and contirual in- crease of business and commerce, Events in the Old World are such as will give usthe command once more of foreign markets, Numerous public enter- prises at home only wait for.an assurance of peace, and the people all over tho country ought to mect at once and demand that Congress shall adopt the joint committce’s plan. The mere adoption of it will re- store confidenco and startthe wheels of business all over the land.” Mr. Payne, chairman of tho House branch of the Joint committee, refused to-night to give any details of the bill or its accompanying report, He said that be- fore the members of the committee parted, which was {8 the vieinity of half-past six o’clock this evening, they adopted a resolution continuing tho injunction of Becrocy concerning their proceedings, exccpt as to the fact that a plan had been agreed upon and that it would be reported to both houses to-morrow. Mr. Payne said that the object of allowing this much of their business to be made public now was to allay, at the earliest possible moment, the excitement prevailing $n the puolic mind, and to contribute, as faras they could by so doing, to help the immediate revival of trade and commerce. There were cases, no said, where twenty-four hours mado difference enough _to @ merchant to save him from bank. ruptey, and the committee, in their solic. ftude the vast intercets which for business were suffering by the pending anxiety as to the result | ef the Presidential controversy, were desirous of af- fording hope and relief at the earlicst practicable moment. The joint committee did not, it is understood, come to an agreement without great labor and much 4iM- ity, bat the members of tho two pai ro said to | havo parted from each other this cvening with most cordial handsbakings and expressions of respect | and esteem at the patriotic and unpartisan attitude in | which each side found the other, Some of the mem- | bers, while revealing nothing that paseed in the com- | Mittee room, have not withheld from their friends their admiration of members of the opposite party, | end their amazement and plensure that only a patri- ote) desire to come to a just conclusion saitated the mombers, It is evident that the com- + mittee themsolves felt the full importance of the work | put mpor them. Some of the members declare that | they havo scarcely slept for several nights, and ail are | thie evening M@the frame of mind of men who have escaped a great danger. § There aro a good many merchants and business men — hefo from different parts of the eountry, and those aro i ail rejoicing at the report this evening of an agroe- ment. A good deal of emotion was showa among men not politicians at the happy result, «fhe country gets new lite, n renewal of its life,” sardan elderly man. “Wo may now hope that our | possession bearing upon the mysteries in the republi- | ready to sell oult—this time in some Northwestern will oneo more go out in useful directions; what moves me is that there has becn patriotism, love of justice and of country enough to enable tho mombers of this Joint committee to agree,” Men who take a business view of the beppy event are ovidently relieved of an oppressive burden, and declare that “Now nothing can prevent the country from going abead on the way to an unprecedented prosperity. Tho only obstacle is as good as removed; confidence will be restored, and Inaustry and trade will Fevive.’? The plan agreed upon is for to-night kept very pri- vate, but enough has dropped from various persons in various ways to make it certain that the following statement will pot vary from the actual report:— The Grand Committeo is to consist of five members of the Senate and five of the House, each party choosing its own members in caucus, and, besides these, of four memtork of the Supreme Bench, selected from the whole number according to geographical divisions of the country. Accordingly it is belicved the judges of the First, Third, Eighth and Ninth circuits have been agreed upon, these being Justices Clifford, Millor, Strong and Field, Theso four are to select a fifth. To the com- mittee of fifteen members, thus composed, are to be referred the questions relating to the disputed States, which are understood to be Florida, Louisiana and Oregon, The committec, compused of members of both houses and experts, as muny other committecs have been formed, notably the Silver Commission, will Teport its conclusions to the two houses, and its re- port will stand unless both houses unite in reject- ing it. Fwally, the measures will come into oporation as soon ag it is passed and signed by the President, and the count of the vote will not therefore wait until the usual time, the 14th of February, but will proceed at once. Thus the country will be the sooner relieved of its anxiety. ‘The two committees will report to the two houses to- morrow soon after the session opens, and there will be a formal report accompanying the bill, in which the na- ture and effects of the mcasuro will be explained at some length, and all its points defenied on constitu- tional grounds, There Is the best roagon to believe that the bill will pass both houses with bat little delay. The joint com- mittee is nearly unanimous, standing this evening thirteen to one, and it is still hoped that this ono op- posing member willto-morrow morning agrce to sign thereport. There have been rumors all the time tbat one member stood out and was opposed to any plan, believing that goue could bo agrged on. Your correspondont is enabled to say positively that the President will sign the bill as soon as it is brought before bim, and that he does not mean to delay the measure a moment. There is no probability of any objections being made in the houses which will carry weight against the bill, Tt is said that some of the more extreme democrats contend that the House, being a moro numerous body than the Senate, ‘its share of tho Grand Committee ought to be the greatest, but is is doubtful it any one will raise so absurd a point. The objections, if any are made, will come from men of both sides who are opposed to any agreement whatever, and whose plans look to no com- promise ofany kind. There are sueh men, whose only reply to moderate counsels is, ‘‘Hayes is elected and must be pat in,’’or, “Tilden is elocted and must be put in.’? It does not seem probable to-night that the houses ‘will listen with much patience to arguments having this for their baso. In the presence of tho great danger to the country the moderate men of both sides have been + drawn togother,in iriendly counsel, and they are cer. || tain to be found acting together in numbers sufficient to pass the moasaro after proper and not prolonged debate, Members and Senatots of both partics hava been made to feel, through their private corre- spondence, that every interest of the country is suflering severely from the anxiety caused by the Presidential squabble, and that relief is imperatively demandod, If there should be immediate and strong expressions of satisfaction from business men in dit- ferent parts of the country, itis not improbable that all opposition would disappear and that the bill would be adopted unanimously in both houses, It is folt that such a result, though it would not add foree to tho measure, which covers all points and is a finality ag soon as itis passed and signed, would yet boa happy event forthe country as showing the universality of Patriotic feoling, but it is already evident, even beforo the precise nature of the measure is known, that those who may stand out against it, if any there shall bo on either side, will incur odsum as unreasonable malcon- tents, THE ELECTION INVESTIGATIONS—REPUBLICAN MANAGERS SHIELDING THEMSELVES BEHIND THEIR OFFICIAL POSITIONS—IMPRESSION THAT THE GHANDLERS AND THE LOUISIANA REWORN- ING BOARD HAVE SOMETHING TO CONCEAL, | Addisagreeable impression is produced here to-day by the refomal of Mr. W. E. Chandler to answer ques | trons put to him by the House Committee In regard to | the Florida election, Secretary handler disgusted | many republicans on Saturday by declining to answer questions on the ground that he was ao Cabinot officer. It was said that in a enso «like this be should have nothing to conceal, and that his rofusal would be construed by | the country as an admission that there was somothing wrong which would not bear daylight. The refusal of the Louisiana Retarning Board to oxhibit their papers has been a lasting cause of disgust to many honest | republicans here, who would like to believe that Gov- | ernor Hayes was elected, but who are shocked and | made doubtful by such obstinate mystery about a | matter which, if it was not fraudulent, ought to be | open to every citizen, To-day comes another case of mystery, Mr. W. FE. Chandler, who went to Florida | at the request of tho President as one of tho “visiting statesmen,” was before the committce and rofused to answer certain questions on the ground | that he was bound to secrecy because he was counsel for Governor Stearns and the republican electors. Such evasians make honest republicans imdignant and | ashamed, They say, as Senatur Kernan has repeatedly | said to democratic witnesses in the Oregon Commit. teo;—"Nothing ought to be concealod. and if anything | wrong has been done it must come ont.” People are | wondering to-night whose counsel Governor Siearns will prove to have been when be comes before the committee, of on what excuse he will rouse to an- awer, The House committee are believed to have brought out as yet but a smell part of the information in their can management in Florida, SENATOR MORTON'S DISCOVERTES—REPUBLI- CAN ELECTORS OFFERING THEMSELVES FOR | SALE. In the Senate Commitice to-day Mr. Morton suc. ceeded in making it probable that there wus a repub- lican elector in South Curohna tor sale for $30,000, but ax none was bought this effort was damaging rather to his own purty than to tho other side, Colonel Pelton was induced to admit to Mr. Morton that another republican elector had been reported Btate, FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. | Wasmixerox, Jan, 17, 1877. LOUISIANA AFFAIRS -THE STATU QUO STILL MAINTAINED <PROSIDENT GnANY —watTiNe | dchildron will live in a united Jand, It is ae’ eoly that business will revive, that our onergivs FURTHER INFORMATIO! NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 1877.-WITH SUPPLEMENT. | nearly stationary baromet | perature, generally clear weather, southerly to west- The Secretary of War says at a late hour to-night ‘that, so far as he knows or has heard, there 1s nothing new in the situation of Louisiana affaire, There are, he adds, a good many sensational rumors afloat, but there is nothing which should excite the people. The Attorncy General says that no additional in- structions have been given by Department of Jus- Uce, The report of Marshal Pitkin, of Louisiana, is still under consideration and has not been finally acted ‘pon. Thus far the President has not decided upos any further oficial executive action in regard to Louisiana, but assoon as he can get full information, verbally, trom Collector Casey and others about the real state of affairs ho will act as circumstances require. GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. Wasuinctox, Jan. 17, 1877. COLONEL PELTON'S EXAMINATION CONTINUED— SENATOR MORTON ON A NEW BBANCH OF THE SUBJECT, Tho examination of Colonel Pelton was continued before the Senato Committeo on Privileges and Elec- tions this morning. He testified, in answer to Senator Morton, that he knows Smith Weed, of Plattsburg, N. Y.; Weed went to South Carolina after the leection; don’t think the Democfatic National Committeo sug- gested the mission; don’t know Weed’s busines: don’t know why be went to South Carolina, except to gee a tair count; don’t know under what name Weed went while in South Curolina, but bas no reason to beheve that he went under any other than his own; received no despatch in December last from the Pre: dent of the Charleston, Columbus and Augusta Rai road; has no knowledgo of adespatch sont to bim at the National Democratic Committee, in which the question was asked whether the committce would pay $30,000 for an electoral vote; such a question was asked, but witn don’t know from what source it came; thero was a letter received irom one of the Northwestern States (not Oregon), saying that an electoral vote could be had for money. Mr. Morton asked witness if he had in his possession any letters from Smith Weed. Witness answered that he did not know, as most of his correspondence had been destroyed trom time to time; did not remember receiving a despatch from Smith Weed or any other person saying that the vote of acolored clector in South Carolina could be obtained for moncy; thought he would remember had he re- ceived such @ despatch. At this point Cvlonel Pelton was excused until Friday morning, when he will bo tarther examined. THE POLITICAL TELKGRAMS—WILLIAM E. CHANDLER BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE— HE REFUSES TO ANSWER QUESTIONS CON- CERNING MONEY AND TROOPS FOR FLORIDA. The Select Committec on the Rights, Powers and Privileges of the House in counting the electoral vote examined to-day William E. Chandlor. Ho tes- tifled that he was a member of tne National Republi- can Committee and of the Executive Committee, and that he left Concord, N. H.,on the afternoon of the day of the Presidential election, arriving in New York early on the morning of Wednesday, the 8th of No- vember, Mr. Field conductod the examination, In reply to the question whether be or any other momber of the committce sent telegrams to Loulstana, Florida, North or South Carolina, the witness replied affirmatively; he had seon copies of tho telegrams pro- duced yosterday by Mr. Clancey, but did not remem- ber any others particularly; he, however, sent tele. grams early in the morning, before Clancoy was up; he thought he sent thom sustantially to the samo persons herotofore mentioned in thoze States, but briefer; his recollection was that he telegraphed that Hayes had received 185 votes with Florida, Louisiana and Oregon; that the democrats wocld attempt to wrest these States from the repub- licans by fraud or other improper means, and requested’ them to be diligent in ascertaining the rosult and communicate it as soon scertained, Q. Were any promises made in those telegrams of money or troops? A. None to my recollection. In response to the question ag tothe names of the two friends mentioned in his despatch to Mr. Keogh, who bad lett tor Raleigh, witness replied, General Kilpatrice ana K. C. Crapsey. Q Did you give instructions to these gentlemen? A. I think not; none to my knowledge. Q. Were they furnished with money? A, Simply to pay their expenses; no more, Jn response to a question the witness said that while in Tallahassee he becamo counsel fox the Governor of Florida and other republican candidates tor Congress and electors. Q@ While in Florida did you receive any lotters or telegrams from apy member of the National Com- mitteo in which mention was mado of money or troops? A. 1 ought not to answer without the consent of my clisnts, whoin I will advise to give me permis- sion to answer, Tho commitice, after private coneultation, unani- mously decided that the witness must answer the question, and that thero could be no privileged com- munications between an attorney and his clients as against a commlttev of the House. Tho witness said as at present advised he declinod to answer the question without: the consent of his clients, and he declined with all due respect tothe committee, ‘ Q Did you while in Florida sond a letter or telo- gram to aby member of the National Committee men- tioning money or troops? A. I make the same an- swor as ubove, On being farther interrogated tho witness said he was not certain the letter to Mr. Keogh produced yes- terday was actually scnt to that gentleman; he thought many of the telegrams were known to Z Chandler and Governor McCormick, and that he (the witnesa) ot them; some of the telegrams were sont tation with members of the committee, and others were rent on hia own authority, The committee then wont into private consultation and considered tho declination of Mr. Chandler to answor the qnestions, and, although no fortmal action was taken, it seems certain that they will report the case to the House to-morrow for its action in order to compel! him to answer, or be punished for alleged con- tempt. THE COMMISSIONEBSHIP OF PATENTS, Congressman McDougall, of New York, to-day for- mally declined the appointment of Commissioner of Patents, which was tendered him by the President, whereupon the President decided to nomiaate for tho position Ellis H, Spear, of Maine, who was formerly Deputy Commissionor, His nomination will probably be sent to the Senate to-morrow. MIDNIGHT WEATHER REPORT. Wan Drrantugst, } Orrics or THk CimKe Sioxat, Ovvicrr, Wasmisotos, Jan, 18—1 A. M. Indications, During Toursday in the South Atlantic and East Gulf States rising oF nearly stationary barometer, generally lower tomperature, northeast to southenst winds, partly cloudy or cloudy weather and lignt rains, In tho West Gulf Stater, nearly stationary baromeser, enstorly to southerly winds, warmer, partly clouay weather and light rains, possibly succeeded by colder | nortperly winds, In Tenpesave and the Ohio Valley, slight changes tn pressure, easterly to southerly winds, ge warmer, partly cloudy weather and possibly hght rains, In the upper lake region, Upper Mississipp! and Lower Missouri valleys, rising and bigh barometer, winds shifting tocoldor vortherly or westerly, partly cloudy weather and occasionally light snow, in the lower lake region, slight changes in pressure, variable winds, generally warmer and clear weather. In the Middle and Fastern States, slowly falling or tationary to rising tem- orly winds in pho latter and easterly winds, shitting to southerly, in the fornier. ‘The tivers in Wostern Pennsylvania will continne to fall, The Obijo will probably commence to fall at Pitts. burg, but continue rising and dangerous below. The Mississippi will continue to rise from Cairo to Vieks- burg. Cautionary signals continue along the North Carolina const, THE WEATHER YESTENDAY, Tho following record will show the changes iu tho temperature for the past twenty-four hours, in com- parison with tho corresponaing date of last year, as Indicated by the thermometer at Hudnut’s pharmacy, Henavy Building: 1876, 177. 3A. My 39 2 GAM, 40 23 a 260 9 P.M. 3 oat 18h M, Average temperature yesterday, ‘ Average temperature tor corrosponding date last YOM ss eseveveereverseeees ratty | j charged bim. THE SAILOR PRINCES, AMERICAN AND RUSSIAN ADMIRALS EXCHANGING SALUTES:—FESTIVITIES ASHORE—ALEXIS AND CONSTANTINE HAVING A QUIET, GOOD TIME. (sx TxLzGnapH ro THE HERALD.) Nonvork, Va., Jan, 17, 1877. Rear Admiral Stephen D, Trenchard, commanding the North Atlantic squadron, came up from Hampton Roads to-day in the sloop-of-war Essex, and visited Adaural Bantakoff and the sailor princes on board tho Russian frigato Svetlana, Tho usual salutes in honor of the event followed from the Powbatan and the Svetlana to-night, A grand german is given at the Masonic Temple by the naval officers to the Russian dignitaries, and Alexis and Constantine aro to honor the festivitios with their presonce. Manager Strakosch haw piaced an opera bouse box at the disposal of the Grand Dukes for Adelaide Nelison on Monday night, The royal party are onjoying their sojourn here in a quiet way, but are not seeking to make a flutter. CHARTER OAK LIFE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S REFLY TO THE POLICY HOLDERS’; PETITION TO THE CONNEC- TICUT LEGISLATURE. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HEMALD.1 Hanrroxp, Conn., Jun. 17, 1877. Inreply to the policy holders’ potition to the Legis lature, asking an investigation of its condition, the Charter Oak Life Insurance Company ‘to-day sub- mitted a memorial in which It stated that the attack on the company is at the bottom instigated by por- sonal malice, and in support of this theory the memortalists cite the fact that neither the company nor the Insurance Commissioner was asked to give in- | formation to satisily or explain a single grievance. ‘The memorialists deny the asgertion that the company has over $1,000,000 invested in worthless securities orany amount whatever. Xomo time ngo, when tho new managoment entered upon their duties, the com- pany Id certain sccurities, including Connecticut Vulley Railroad second mortgage bonds, not by any means valueless, but which were unproductive and henco had no immediate market price. These have been chavged for valuable and productive property, including tho Broadway pur- chases, and all investments have been carefully ex- amined ana additional security or payment has been requi in every c of a doubtful loan, On the subject of the fnyestigution that is demanded tho memorialists represent that th investigation has been annually made by the Insurance Commissioner, and the results have been reported to the Lexislature, and the memorial ask whether it is probabie that his reports, as to their company, cannot be dependod upon, while trustworthy with regard to all other com- panies, and whetber it is probable that the honorable Commissioner has perjured himself. In conclusion it ig requested that the Logistature give immediate at- tention to the request of the petitioners, the memorial. ists oflering all possible agsistance, and asking that if the company ts found to be sound that action be takon bs the Legislaturo removing every reflection cost by the petition. The legislative Committeo on Insurance hold a meeting this afternoon with closed doors, and after discussing the matter gencrally fatled to reach a con- clusion whether or not to make an investigation of tho company. NEW JERSEY TEMPERANCE MEN, ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STATE SOCIETY— ELECTION OF OFFICERS—BUSINESS OF THE PAST YEAR, [BY TELEGRAPH Tv THE HERALD.) Trextoy, Jan, 17, 187%. Tho seventh annual meeting of the State Temperanco Society was hold here to-day, George Sheppard lage, Prosident, in thochair, There was a larger attondarco from all parts of the State, Mr. Pago made an address reviewing the work of the past yoar, which was flatter. ing to tho temperanco cause and in praise of the Ladies’ Unions for the great zeal shown by them in the good work, Tho Executiyo Committee reported a steady progress in tho cause, and recommended that applica- tion be made to the Leguwlature for the passage of a local option law. A bill was drafted, limiting tho sale of liquors to quantities not less than five gallons, Which ‘was ordered to be presentod to the Legislature, Assomblyman’Voorhees, who was prosent, sald he thought the Legislature would not pass the bill, Mr, Suter, a reclaimed drunkard {rom Newark, made atecling address, Ho attribated his reclamation to the kind influonce of the Women’s Temperance Unions. OMcera for the ensuing year wero elected as fol. lows:—P'rekident, George Sheppard Page; Secrotary, G, R, Snyder; Treasurer, H. B, Howell, together with a large number of Vice Presidents and an executive committeo, ‘Tho Treasuror reported tho receipts for the yoar $923 38, and disbursements flity-eigut cents over that amount. A collection was taken up to wipo out that deiicit, Iu the evening a large meeung held was uddressed by J. R. Osgood, from Maino; Mrs, Mary Ann Denman, of Newark, and others, HIS LAST NIGHT. DANIEL PRICE,: THE NEGRO MURDERER TO BE HANGED TO-DAY. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.1 St. Lovis, Jan. 17, 197%, Daniel Price, the negro convicted of the murder of Sam Taylor, a white man, last July, and who, sifce he broke prison at Warrenton, Mo., has been confined in the St, Charles County Jail, was brought back to War. renton to-day. rice will be executed to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, according to the terms of his sentence. Ho continues stoutly to protest his inno- cence and maintains that he will do so to tho last. He says he i the victim ot a conspiracy in which his own daughter took part. A YOUNG ASSASSIN. A WHITE LAD STABBFD IN THE HEART BY A COLORED Boy, (sx TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) St. Lous, Jan. 17, 1877, Last night, about eight o'clock, two lads, named William Plumb, aged sixteen, colored, and Charlies Wilhamson aged fitteen, whilo engaged in a quarrel in a restaurant at Holton, on the narrow gauge road, west of Leavenworth, Kausas, were expelled froin tho house by tie prone ees and when out upon the side. walk Plumb drew a lurge knife and stabbed Witliam- son in the left breast, the binde entering his bew killing him tostantly. Plumb was arrested, Witham. son Wi the son of a promiment stock deuler of Holton. AN EXPRESS TRAIN ROBBED. ARMED AND MASKED ROBBERS AT WORK~DAG- GAGE MASTER AND EXPRESS MESSENGER BOUND--PISTOLS USED—THE SAFE RIFLED, (Bx TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ] Buoomrie.y, Tl,, Jan. 17, 1877, While the south bound night express, Chicago and Alton, was leaving Chicago to-night, about hall-past nine o’clock, the United States Express car was entered at Halsted street, in the city limit, by three armed and masked men, who placed plstols to the heads of the express mossenger, Bevan, and tho baggageman, who wero to- gether in one car, bound them and robbed the sate of a part of its contents, the value of which is not yet known, but supposed to be quite great, One pack- age of $17,000 was dropped by the robbers on the floor of the car and recovered. jeling their work they left the train at Arch Cotcago, The express messenger says he can identify the robbers, although they were musked. Detective Price, of Chi- cngo, who Was on the train, bas a description and is in pursuit, A SHOWER OF LIVE SNAKES. Muarais, Tonn., Jan, 17, 1877. Daring a heavy rainstorm on Mond y a fall of small live snakes was observed in tho southern part of the city, where thousands of thom ‘could be scen yex- terday. The snakes are from ono toot to eighteen inches 10 Jength. THE ASHTABULA DISASTER, Cuny », Ohio, Jan. 17, 18 The Legisiative committee appointed for that pur- pose took the testimony of Amaga Stone, Jr., formor manager of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern road, this forenoon, regarding the Axhtabula dis- aster, Among other matters Mr, Stone testified that ho was the original designer of the bridge at Ashta- buia and that he oaly superintended the plans; that there was no change of plans after the work was projected by him, but there was un error made by the constructors which gave considerable trouble; a brace was put in horizontaily when it should have been ver~ tieal; she change of righting the braces was made before the bridge was fiuished. Mr. Stone says tho | superintendence of constraciion was in the hands of Mr. Tomlinson antl he found him ineiicient and dis- Tho bridge wos then putin the hands ot Mr. whom le thinks never had put tos gether an iron’ bridge before. The dropping out of Ove of two counter-braces would not aflect the de. airuction of a bridge, as they bave but little service to periorm except to A HOTEL BURNED DOWN. Loge | encore, | 20th of December on a charge of forgery, by virtue of @ | Miawauaen, Wis,, Jan, 17, 187%, The Rovere House at Ushkosh was destroyed by fire this morning. Losa, $23,000; insurane, AMUSEMENTS, BENEFIT OF THE! POOR OF S&T. STEPHEN'S * PARISH, The matinée performance in ald of the poor of St Stephen's parish took place yesterday at the Filth Avenue Theatre before a very large avd appreciative audience, The programme embraced the comedies of “The Rough Diamond” and “His Last Legs,’” as well a8 musical selections during the interval between the Plays, Miss Sydney Cowell's Margery was, of course, the chief attraction in “The Rough Diamond,” and the lady performed her part with « delightiul archness avd finish that won warm applause from the diel The amusing duct with Mr, James Lewis Joe) received au enccre, whico w: turedly responded tv. Cot house with his droll disreg: Mie and the minutences wit hia cousin Margery, The other parts in tho piece were very pleasingly performed by Misses ton and Post und Messrs. Crisp, Bennett and Franc! st pamed gentleman taking that of Lord Pla ity of deportment. ham was immense, Wit! imvested the character jody that he pro- duced, Of course Miss Rigt was charming, as usual, in tho part of Julia, and Mr. Bennett, as the plotung lover Charles, riormed his part with great apiett, Mrs. Gilbert, as Mrs. Montague, did the part of the impressionable widow full justice, — Misses Richmond and Post and Messrs, Willard, Deveau wand Morris invested their parts with much interest considering that they had but little to do, Between the periurmances Miss Franklin sang two charming sougs Which were warmly applauded, the second being given in response to an The orchestra, under the direction ot Mr. James &. Kenny, rendered some familar selections from the operas with great skill, and added groatly to the enjoyment of the audience. Much credit 1s due to Mr, Augustin Daly, Mr. John Brougham and Mr. Stephen Fiske for the manner in which tho matingo way conducted, and to the several ladies and gentle. | men who #0 generously volunteered their services in the cause of charity, The financial resalte will, it is believed, prove very satisfactory. WINDSOR DRAMATIC CLUB, The third porformance and reception of the Windsor Dramatic Club astracted a large and fashionable audi- ence It evening to the dimly lighted and insuf- ciently heated Lexington Avenue Upera House. The programme consisted of S. Thayro Smith’s comme- dietta, ‘My Unclo’s Will,” an average society mor- ceau, followed by tho two-act drama “Among the Breakers,’ In the former Mrs. RK. H. 1. W: rivalled a professional as Florence Mariggid, and Mr. Joromo Stivers turned and twisted and fidvetted admir- ably as Charles Cashmere; besides he bowed well in the sarcastic pagsuges and wooed with the tenderness of adecided adept. The cast in antag 2 the Break. ers’’ included Miss Sophie Gordoo as Minnie Daze, Mrs. W. B, Stover as Bess Starbright, Mra. J. Wil as Mother Carey, Mrs. C. Nelson as Biday au and Messrs, Washington Burrow, P. 8. M. Munro, W. B. Stover, G. Suydam, RH. 1, Waters, and, P. Britt, as Daniel Murray, Larry Devine, Hon, Bruce Hunter, Clarence Hunter, Peter Paragraph and Scud, Mr. James Ituy us Barker in tho comedictta looked bis part, but was rather indistinct in his ufter- ance, The two acts of ‘Among the Breakers” passed off smoothly, and were enlightened with occasional gleams ot really good ucting in the midst of much that was amateurism, But, of course, plaudits were sowed in compensating plenty upon the effective passages, and bouquets were occastonal. MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES, Rabinstein’s Ocean” symphony will be the feature of Mr. Schmelz’s concert at Steinway Hall on Tuesday next. The Philadelphia Bulletin calls “Miss Multon’’ the “monotony of force,” and judges it by “cold, hara senso,’ ‘The snow blockade in Northorn New York hns com- pelled Mr. Theodore Thomas and his orchestra to re- turn to this city, The Boston critics aro sounding the praises of a Mile. Tarelli from Milan, who ts to appear, with the big organ, at tho Music Hall, Tho features at Gilmore’s Garden on Saturday even- ing will be a match betwoen tho horses Myron Perry and Bay Billy, and a fat man’s foot race, A benefit will be given at the Lyceum Theatro on tho ‘Sd of February in aid of the Rosendale Mission, Mrs, Sheridan Shook and an excellent company havo vol- unteered to act In the ‘School for Scandal,” ‘The first performance of Wagner’s “Fiying Datch- man’ next week at the Academy of Music by the Kel- logg troupe will be the most interesting operatic event of the prosent season, The sale of seats begins to-lay, Hueffer says:—'In Wagner melody and harmony are go closely connected with the dramatic action that their separate existenco becomes imperceptibly mixed up with the goneral harmony of the work of artasa whole,” Mr. Leonard Grover’s now comedy, ‘Our Boarding House,” will be played at the Park Theatre January 29, If all the boarding hous» keepers and boarders in New York wil study their lite in this mirror the com- edy will have a long run. Tho engagement of Lawrence Barrett at Booth’s Theatro ends on Saturday night, and ‘van’! Druce’ will, therefore, thon bo withdrawn, Mr, George Rig- nold sailed from England yesterday and will play the hero in Mr, Rowe's new local drama, “Fifth Avenuo.”” Migs Cary’s farewell benefit in Moscow was quite an ovent in the carcer of the falr contralto, She appzarod in acts from ‘Linda’ and ‘Martha.’ In the begin- ning of the performance Miss Cary sprained her ankle, but bravely endured the pain until tho conclusion of the act from ‘Martha."’ She was favored with many valuable presente on the stage, among them a butterfly of alamonds, a gold cup and saucer, and laurel wreaths, The ovation was unoxampled. “Azurine,”’ which has successfully held the boards at Niblo’s Garden the past month, will be with drawn at the end of the week owing to other ar® rangements of the managers, Tho public will lose nothing, however, as the Kirallys announzo that next Monday evening the brilliant spectacular play ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’? will be brought out with magnificent scenery and a now ballet, This | celebrated piece ran over 600 nights in aris, and in Philadelphia, under the direction of the Kiralfy Brothers, for over six months, The Boston Transcript thus describes the new play, | “All for Her,’? in which Mr. Loster Wallack appears next week:--“The new drama ts a consummate Peceof art, The motives aro not those morbid subtic- tes of the modern society drama, bat broad, simple, healthy and strongly picturesque natural passions, The hero is a scapegrace cavalier, reckless and ‘down | on his luck,’ but neither low nor bad-hearted-—a great- hearted gentleman, The character is drawn toa fine | conception of ono of nature’s noblemen, and 1s ther. | oughly well sustained, Tho lines to be spoken by the two femalo characters are not only sweetly feminine and cloquent, but always natural, Tho merdents are | of the most stirring and picturosque dramatic char- acter, and the groat situations succced ono another #o | rapidly aud unexpectedly that the Interest is over | inaintained at the highest plte of expectancy, Mr. | Lester Wallack is the central figure of the drama, as | who could baven better right to be? His ueting was | Irank, graceful, suflicient, unaffected, manly and alto- gother charming, Thy noncbalance and freedom that | have grown upon the New York fayorite worked in | admirably ag a part of tho characterization of this dovikmay-care here, With all the resources of tne ‘old sehool’ of acting at his command he yet reso- lutely disdained to gush of rant." THE AMARANTH RECEPTION, The third reception of the Amaranth Dramatic So- ciety took place last evening at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Tho theatre was crowded with invited quests, and the performance of a two-act drama, on- | titied “Chimney Corner,” was successtul, The charac- were takon by Dr.’ James [. Farley, Me, Horry g W. D. Spicer, Mr. € Downs, Mr. G. A. Doty, Miss Laura Craig, and Miss Jeaute Roverts, and the music was furnished by Mr. 1. Conterno, Tho art gallery and nsse wore used by the guosts | alter the conclu; dramatic entertainment, Dancing was indulged m by those present, As the society is the leading organization of ita kind in Brooke lyn it wasattended by the élite of that city. THE FORGED RECORDS, RE-ALREST OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CONKLING, ALIAS “ASHWORTH,” Detectives Fields and O'Connor brought to the Tombs yesterday atternoon F. A. Conkling, alias Avh- worth, @ prisoner from the Raymond Street Jail, Brookiyn, whero ho has been incarcerated since tho bench warrant issued by Judge Gilvorsiceve, and also With the vonsent of the District Attorney of Brooklyn, Evidence has been obtained which proves that Conk- ling 1s tmplicated with Francis Covert in the forge of records in the Ragister’s Uiileo, as published in yer torday’s Hxrano, and that andor the alias of Ashwort ho was the protonded granter to Covert of Mrs. Atwill’s $25,000 worth of vacant lots in Sixty-nioth street, | img Mattors 6 CONCLUSION OF THE BERDELL CASE. Mippietows, N. ¥., Jan. 17, 1977. ‘The case of Robert H, Herdell against his divorced wife and others, to recover for conversion of personal Property—mostiy wedding presents, removed by her when she lett him o ‘ember 9, 1575—was concluded at Goshen to-day, by the nonsuit of the piaimiil, Tae plaintif’ bad amended the complaint by dropping Mrs. Berdell's wardrobe and jewelry from the list, thas reducing bis claim from $30,000 10 $15,000, Mr. Berdell was his own principal witness, Experts from Now York testified to $3,000 worth of paintings and ornamental tables which were romoved. An item t quork, some of which were sixty-seven years old. Carmen testis fled to the remova!, and all of tne defendants except Mrs. Berdell, to their connection therewith. Hugh Masterson, a New York private detective, who was engaged by Mrs, Herdell’s counsel to super intend the removal, was called by the plaintif ta swear to that fact. At the close of the plaiotif’s testimony, on mution of counsel for the defence, Judge Dykeman ordered the discharge of the defendants, Hon. A. 8. Murray, Frances Murray (bis wit jertrude (widow of Wisner Murray) and Mrs, Parkburst, on the ground of insutfie cient eviaence, and of Mrs. Berdell herself, on the ground that ahusband cannot matutain action fot Property against his wile, this action having becr commences before the civorco was granted. The caso will provably be appealed. SOUTH CAROLINA RACES. FIRST DAY OF THE SPRING MEETING OF THE JOCKEY. CLUB-—FIRST CHANCE, BROWN ASsT& ROID AND JIM HINTON THE WINNERS. Cuanrestos, Jan. 17, 1877. TLe spring meeting of tho Soutn Carolina Jockey Club, at the Washington course, oponed to-day. ‘The weather was damp and foggy and tho track heavy. The first race, a mile dash, for allages, for a purse of $120, was won by First Cnanoo, Ascot second and Ab dalinh third. Time, 1:5034. The sccond race, mile heats, for all ages, tor a purse ot $150, was run between Brown Asteroid and Libbie 1, The first was a dead heat, Brown Asteroid woo the next two hvats and the race, in 1:53 and 1:55, Tho third raco was a hurdie race, Welter weights, over eight hurdies, two miles, for a purse of $120, The entries were Jim Hinton and Prang. The race was won by Jim Hinton by tive lengths. Time, 4:11. THE SHERIFF'S JURY DINNER. The annual dinnor of the Sherif’s jury, first panel took placo last evening at Delmonico’s in the usual do lightiul style, and if anything far surpassed in the goodly company, in the good dinner and in the apposite speeches and appropriate toasts any of theit prior annual social repasis, About 125 were presout, Mr. A. H, Cardozo, the foreman, was exceedingly happy in introducing Judge Brady, who presided on the occasion and who jn turn made a eharacteristically humorous acknowicdgment of the honor conterred op him. For that matter, Judge Mrady never seemed belore in happier mood tn his announcement of the toasts of the evening. Among the speakers were Messrs, R. J, Do Cordova, Chauncey M. Depew, Hoson §. Perkins, T. C. Ecclesti ‘ev. Stephen H. ‘yng, Je, Dimirict At. torney Phos, Messrs. U. O. Hubbell, Josep Struthers and 8, M, Harriott. Among the guests present were Judge J. F, Daly, Messrs. C. 0, Hubbell, ©. G, Landoy, R. G. Rolston, J. H. Bailey, © W. Brooke, B.C Van. dock, F. KR. 'Coudert, J. ©. Wyman, Ciark Boil, F. H, Landon, W. H. Appleton, 8. P. Nichols, George Star, Samuel A Lewis, Floyd F. Kane, 2, Underhill and other distinguishod New Yorkers prominent in ail professions, Pleasantly sandwiched among the Rpeeches were songs by the’ quartet of the Temple Kmanuel, Altogether it was ony of the tmost deligntiv social gatherings of the Sheriil’s jury there has been in this city for years, The speeches were tull of humor, the company fullot appreciation, and it was late when tho assembly rose. CURLING. The New York Caledonian and the Patterson Curflag clubs contended in a match at Central Park yost . which ended in the victory of the former, the seurcs standing, New York 49 and Patterson 43 pointe. ‘time of game, three anda haif hours, Umpire, G, Green, Congressman Josinh G. Abbott, of Boston, is at the Clarendon. Lieutenant Governor George G, Sill, of Connectiout; Adjutant General James A. Canningham and ex-Congressman John M. 8. Willinms, of Massa. chusetts; General W. D, Washburn, of Minnesota, and Smith M. Weed, of Plattsburg, N. Y., are at tno Fifth Avenue. Hamilton A. Hill, of Boston, 15 at the Windsor. United States Marshal Isaac F. Quimby, of Rochester, igat the St. James. Ex-Congressman Theodore M. Pomefoy, of Auburn, N, Y.. is at the St. Nicholas. George M. Pallman, of Chicago, is at tho Brevoort.. Ex-Senator Daniel P. Wood, of Syracuse, and General Duncan 8, Walker, of Washington, are at the Hoflman, State Senator Daniel B. St. John, of Newburg, and Hollis Hunnewell, of Boston, are at the Hotel Brunswick. A. I. Hopkins, receiver of tho Toledo, Peoria and Warsaw Railway Company, is at the Gilecy House. THE WEEKLY HERALD. ONE DOLLAR PER YEAR. THE CHEAPEST AND BEST NEWSPAPER IN THB COUNTRY—NOW READY. The Weexty Hxrano for this week contains tete. graphic news from all parts of the world; Political News; full reports of the fearful Ice rgos in the Monongahola and Obie rivers; Perils of the Sea; de- tails of Genoral Miles’ Operations Against Sitting Buil; Dynamite Fiends; Another Divorce Scandal im High Life; New Kogland Antiquities; Burglars Trapped; The King of the Bill Stickers; Wedded Woes; A Rough Voyago; Professors Parkhurst and Boss on Stellar Conflagration; a select Story, entitled “Dr. Mary Bunn,” and Washington Correspondenca It also contains editorial articles on the prom iment topics of the day; Amusements, Personal Intelligence, Religious, Literury and Sea Notes; Reviews of the Horso and Cattle Markets; Finan. cial and Commercial Reports; Agricultural and 8; Obituary Notices, and the most im. portant events of tho week. Treaus—One dollar per year; single copies, throe cents, An extra copy will bo sent to every club of tea or more. 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