The New York Herald Newspaper, February 20, 1877, Page 4

4 ~ TNE FLORIDA SW Pauitien Lb Lat aN AMPS, Camping Under the Shade of |! the Palmettoes. MUSIC AND ARCHITECTURE. Visiting “Yarmints” from the Wilderness ona Tour of Inspection. “POR TO DIE LIKE LAZRUS Selections of Negi Melodies Arranged for Several Yoices by “Brodder” Jake Byrd, Sixx o’ Pinnooks, Feb. 3, 1877. Erecting a catop i a Florida swamp is an interest. ing ailair, “Water, water everywhero” is scarcely an exaggeration, and the tirst labor to be performed is the selection of an oasis tn the liquid waste. Fortunately former buntivg parties bad tested the merits of a mping ground close to the margin of the Upper Sink of the Vinbook River, and we dewermined to forego originality aud tw here estublish our temporary abodes The nogroes were set at work on the morning after our arrival in telling pines und hauling loads of the great palmetto fang The first edifice reared was*a quarter for the servants, It was constructed in this fashion ‘oles ‘were nailed together to orm the frame for a slunting, one-sided roof, which reached nearly to the ground. Smaller poles were then fastened us rafters with te dons of palmetto Obre, and to these again the broad glossy fans were tied with strips of their own tissue. They were placed in rows, the higher ones overlap- ping the lower, and thus they tormed a dense and im- Pervious roof, almost as good as the best shingles that Qn architect could choose fora palace. The walls wero constructed of the same material. The negroes built ‘very merrily, and as they lubored they would break into songs, composed of stanzas like the following :— Sister Martha, when your foot strikes Zion, De Jamps all lit up in de view, nt to bid old hell A long farewell, Wid de lamps ull lit up in de view. © mourn, childre For low iz de way An’ de way to git to’Zion 18 By faith and buwble prayer! This edifice was finished in two hours and tev min- ‘utes, and was declared by *‘Aunt” Hanoub ‘‘a’most too good a place for us darkie folk.’? Considering thut bn the previons night they had ali nad no retuge from the rain except the wagon bodies ander which they crawled, and that they bad uot murroured, but rather enjoyed such near intimacy with the elements, 1 was got astonisned at the exclamation of satisfaction which she uttered. NOVEL HOUSES. The next enterprise was the erection of houses for de quality,” that is, myself and the engineer and our ladies, The ox team wus sent to bring logs of hard yellow pine which had been cut. These were speedily hotched and joined together in the true fashion of the ploneer, so as to form substantial, though rude walls, They were surmyunted with ridge poles and rafters, und over these the canvas was stretched. Pic ture a house thus formed and it will un- doubtedly strike you as both cheap und comfortable, lt was thus that the army of the evolution at Valtey Forge made themselves a city; and we felt an exaltation in following such a heroic precedent, so munch go that we discussed the qualities of Washington aud Stonewall Jackson as chieftains, and compared Abeir prayerful traits; whether the latter General had not always in his miad’s eye the image of the Father of bis Country as he knelt in the snow by the wayside in the wintry woods of Peunsylvania, The gable. of the building was thatchea with pal- metto leaves, in the same manner as the roof of the eervants’ quarters, and the pediment looked pic- turesque with a rich green fringe of that giant foliage. Walis thus constructed aiford constant ventilation through the minute but thousand interstices of such an intricu@@of leaves. The eod of the house which was to face the fire was but half closed, fo that the glow from the hearts of the Jong-haired pines could always enter and fill the interior with the beauty of light and warmth, The chinks between the logs were crowded with Span- ish moss, A bedstead, as rude and primitive as the house itseif, was made of two logs, supporting thin sluts of yellow pine, which had as much of the springy quality as could have been imparted to a couch by a modern aphoisterer. A matiress and white linen and warm blankets made this as inviting a corner as one could desire in which to “le down to pleasant dreams.” The house was not complete without a floor, and palmetto tans were also used to form this, at the same time constituting a cool and dry matting, Joe Dallas, one of the malattoes, constructed several shelves with no other tools thana hatchet and froe. A mosquito netting was suspended over the couch by a rope fust- ened to the ratters, andthus was finished an edifice which rivals, 1 ween, the famous “House that Jack Built.” ‘THE PAVILION, A dining hall was constrncted of pine poles and thatched and walled with tbe ever-useiul palmetto It was dubbed ‘The Pavilion,’’ aud at nizht the principal fire of the camp was built immediately before its open front, A beautiful wide board of tue wood of the pride of fodia, supported on posts which were sunk wm the ground the banqueting table, where stag and doe und duck and wild turkey were to receive in full their traditionary rites of worship. PROWLING “VARMINTS.”” The camp is most inviting and interesting at night, When the contrast of its bright precincts, with sug- gestive shadows of the deep surrounding forest, in- luses into the heart a mingled sense of comfort and security. Let it not be supposed, however, that no hocturnal prowlers approach it, nor that they do not long to feast upon the invaders of their sacred soli- tude, No sooner is the twilight spent, whon the car of Dian bas not yet eome in view, than the stealthy pace and restices breath of panthers and catamounte fall pon the ear of the acute listener; and let him step juto the shade of yonder robust pine and look steadily At the black tapestry of night, and he will soon see derce, wicked eyes glaring out of its folds, and, per, chance, only a quick Withdrawal will save him trom the concentrated spring of one of death’s messengers, Alter we retire to rest, with orders to our henchmen to pile the logs on the tire at intervals till dawn, so ua fo keep tho “varmints’’ at a safe distance, they may ve beard stealing away through the rusting palmettos, aud giving vent to their unearthly cries of disappointment, SVIRITS OF THE D¥AD, ‘These are far from being ail of the pests of the night, however, The tnir face of Cynthia bas paled the glamour of the stars, toward the “wee, sma’ hours” when the wind bears Lither from the (wr depths of the woods the mourniul aud weird halloo—“towhit, to-whoo-0-0! to-whit, tu-whoo-0-0!” followed by a pro- longed aud hideous sereeeh, to which the Kuglisp vowels can give no adequate expression, seem that the spirits of the remorsetul dead were embodied in the creatures that give turin such ua- earthly voices, as they —~— revisit thus the glimpses of the moon, Making night hideous, It tw dificult to think on ® more cheerfal subject than Griy’s revery among the tombs, while ‘The moping ow! dves to the moon complain. NKGKO MBLODY. ‘The unconventional atinosplere of the camp tempts us often to prolonged watches in the merry dickering of the blazing logs. The negroes are prone to the sane indulgouce of revery and lazy content. At sucha dime their melodies come to their lips in their fall richness, and it is impossible not to feel their speil of pathos aod faith, Much has been written about the: tiueh toore might be written. The printed examples of theie minsirelsy do pot comprise all those which are deserving of mere than a youal record, A lady who graces our comp bas caught and written sov- eral of those whieh are still unknown at the North. Ove of the most popular of those “spiritual bymus’’ is the following, of which I give both the Words wud ihe melody. There is » whole soullul of leaf, DIED.” It would | NEW | power:— POOR LAzaRus. | 8 dic like Laz-'rus died—To be sure! Die like Laz-'rus died—To bo sure ! Die like Laz-'rus ‘rus died,I’m will'n’ to die like Laz'rus died, 'm will'n’ to die like Laz’rus died—Poor Laz'rus died, The tale of Lazarus seems to appeal particularly to the negro’s heart, and if he were to choose a patron saint i would not be St, Augustine, who honored Alrica with his residence, but “poor old Lazarus,” who sat in rags at the gate of Dives, A vew version of “Tho Charming Bells,” with a different melody from that sung by the Jubilee Sing. ers, contains the following verse “Come along, poor mourner, come along, For do time 1s drawing nigh; For de angels’ say tbero’s nothing to do But to ring them charming bells, Wo’re almost home, Wo’re almost home, We're almost ho} For to riug those charming bells 1”” The singer continucs in this strain and invites his pastor, his oeigfbor ana all his relatives to ‘come along. What an idea of bliss! those charming belis!”” piece of rythm is this:— Run, Mary, roof Run, Mary, rout Run, Mary, ruu! 1 know t’other world’s not like this— Fire in the East and fire in the Wost, I know t’other world’s not like this-- ‘The Gre will bur up the witderness ; I know Wother world’s not like this, Ron, Mary, run, &e. 4 SONG OF PRAISE, Tne chief singer of our black folk 18a negro with foutures resembling the Malay type, curled lips, eyes lit by « sort of drowsy twinkle, and a voice well suited tothe monotonous and minor music of bis people, ‘‘Aunv” Hannah supports him ina clear falsetto to a tenor, part, or in unison, as ber fancy or mood dictates, | Brother” Jake Byrd rolls outadeep buss rendering of the air an octave lower than the leader, wile the others give vent to responses und swell the chorus, A specimen of a song of praise is suilicient:— euorvs. Hallelujah to de Lamb! Sing it so sweet ! My Lord is on de givin’ band— Sing it so sweet! { had a little book was give to me— Sing it so sweet! ‘Au’ every word was victory— Sing It so sweet! My broiher, don’t you think it is best— Sing it go sweet! To let de witness in your own breast? Sing it so sweet! What sort 0’ shoes are dose you wear? Sing it so sweet! ‘That you can walk upon de air? | Sing it so sweet! The following Mungo is sung to an air which is full of feeling :— I come out to watch, I come out to pray, De warfare’ll soon be ended; 1 come to drive the devil away— De warfare’ll soon be ended; To take your feet from de miry clay— De wartare’il soon be ended! He’ll place ’em on de rock de ternal ages, By and by; De wind may blow an’ de storm may bray— De warture’!l soou be ended; Never prevail my feet out de way— De warfure’ll soon be ended! I wish that moorner’d rise and tell, , De warfare’ll soon be ended ; How dey shun both death and hell, De wartare?ll soon be ended; He’ll build you safe where de storm never rages, By and by, &e., &, HYMN OF ASPIRATION. “Nothing to do but to ring ! A hymn of aspiration is sung toa really vigorous and expressive alr. I give both words and inelody :— I want to climb up Jacob's lad-der, O Jacob's ladder, O Ja-cob’s lad-der! O, I want to climb p high and high-er, But I praise him till I die! Yes, I'l! praise him ¢ sy: cages rele I want to die like good old Daniel— 0, good old Daniel! 0, good old Daniel! An? Christ will spare me from de lions; But he will not till 1 make my peace with de Lord! 1 will praine ye the Lord! ¥ea, 1’ praise Him while I live, Yes, I'l praise Him while I live, An’ sing Jerusalem! 1 want to be like Virgin Mary, O, Virgin Mary! 0, Virgin Mary ! 1 want to have de love of Jesus, But I cannot till 1 make my peace with de Lord! 1 will praise ye de Lord! Yes, Dl praise Him while I live Yes, Vl praise Him white 1 |: An’ sing Jerus: ‘The negroes goothe their tired nerves with music and drop to sleep with its accents on their hps. The night resumes absolute reign, with only the minstreisy | of the tree frogs and the shouting of the owls to ro sound through the far alcoves of the wilderness. WHAT HE LEFT. A rather daring robbery was successfully carried out in broad daylight inthe main office of the Western | Union Telegraph Company about the middle of last week. A small tin box was standing on the desk of | he cashier of the money order department, and just | beyoud it a package of $1,600 in bills, The door open- ing into the office stood ajar, and some sneak thief pushed his arm round the door and got away with the tin box. if be had reached about three inches further be would also have securca the package of money, but he must evidently have been afraid of exposing his body to the view of the clerks in tho office, At the time of the robbery the cashier was sitting with his back to the desk and facing the window. The box was found next day in Barclay street, aud wae brought by the finder to the Western Union office. When the box Was taken i Contained only $127 in greevbacks and rng ipportant papers. The thiet absiracted nothing e MOU, as the papers were found to bt . reet when the box was revurned, , ee A RASH VENTURE, Quite & sensation was created at the fre which oc- currea Mouday morning at No. 105 Mott street, occu. pied by Adam Adams, whowe loss will probably not exceed $200, The building was damaged to the extent of $200, The cause of tho excitement was the rash feap made by Thowas Aduins, uged sixty-two, residing on the second floor, trom the Window of bis apurtinent to the pavement, a distance of twenty-five feet, He was seriously if not fatuliy injured, aud was removed to tho L Chambers Strvet Huspital, pity in the refrain of “Poor Lazarus died,” which only the negro modulation can render with its trae pathetic Another equally ridiculous | THE CONGO, SOURCE OF THE GREAT AFRICAN RIVER DIs- COVERED BY A PORTUGUESE MERCHANT— LIVINGSTONE REACHES ITS HEAD WATERS. The following information is gathered trom a small colonial Portuguese paper little known to fame. statements made in its correspoudence are clear and intelligent and carry with them @ certain conviction. There is nothing in the story of the discovery of the source of the Congo, or, asthe Portuguese prefer to | call this great river, the Zaire, which would lead us 10 reject its truthtulness, as it 18 un everyday oncur- rence for the Portuguese ‘traders in Africa to } Wander far beyond the limita of civilization and into | wholly unknown regions in pureuit of their com- mercial enterprises, Among these men still exists something of the knight errantry of commerce which | was common in Europe in the Middle Ages. It 1s there- | fore quite possible that one of th adventurous traders bas pushed into the mterior from the west coust and solved one of the great problems of geo- graphical selence while secking a favorable market to dispose of nis wares, Should the claim put forth by this nameless Portugese prove correct it will dispose of Litutenant Cameron’s theory that the Luulaba flows into the Congo. The following article is from the | Diario de Mantra, of Lisbon, the data on which it is based being furnished by Senhor Luciano Cordeiro, Seo retary of the Geographical Society :— DISCOVERY OF THE SOURCH OP THE RIVER ZAIRE, “In the Mercantil, an Augola jgyrual, almost un- known on the Portuguese conun@ht, an important correspondence bas appeared, which presents us with the solution of the most important problem of Airican geography, a problem which Liqutenant Cameron in | vain strove to solve, but one which has been solved by a Portuguese merchant whose name tx, unfortu- pately, not mentioned in the journal to which we refer, In the «Mercantil there appeared a correspond. | ence signed by a Portuguese merchant who uided the German explorer Pogye 1m his tribulations, The said Pogge, alter having escaped trom the clutches of Muthialyo, reached Malange completely broken down in health, when he was kindly succored by the mer- chant who signed the correspondence. ‘The merchant 1 his correspondence states that Pogge does justice to | the Portuguese, in thts point diflering greatly trom the | | English, Whoavail themselves of all opportunities to depress’ us and appropridte to themselves the glory of our discoveries, He laments that oir own colonies are so imperfectly known in Portugal | that a person occupying an elevated —positi told the German, Von Mayer, that the Portuguese traders do not ‘puss beyoud Cussange, wien it ts quite certuin that they pevetrate much further into the interior of the Airican continent, The source of | the Zaire is twenty days march trom Melange, in the | direction of the east, On quitting Melange, following the road of Songo Grande straight on to Moua-Cavulla, and after crossing the mountains of Quimungo« Camugne-Nuca, on passing the capital of Dumb Tembo, in # plain, a day’s march distant from the last meutioned village, exists the source of the Zaire, which is a spring gushing from the ground, On leav- ing its source tho river flows to the north, being then culled by the natives Kassui or Kassabj, which neme also solves another problem, because Kassabi is the name of # river crossed by Livingstone, who little | thought he was crossing the Zaire, although he sup. | posed it might prove to be a branch of that river. It then crosses the territory of Lumda, and then takes the name of Nzare, which is not much unlike Zaire, a ume which it assumes in the last part of its course, and which ts the native name, although tiw English insist on calling it Congo.’? The editor of the Diario de Mantra remarks (that this information is most im- portant, us it completely destroys Cameron's versio which 18 based on the identity of the Luulaba with the dare, NEW EXPLORATIONS, It would seem that Portugul has at last thrown aside the indifference she bas for years displayed in connec- tion with the development ot her African possession: It may be shrewdly suspecied that the sudden juterest she bas pow resolved on taking in the welfare of ner colonies ig not entirely spontaneous, but that her eyes have been opened to the importance of the question by the great attention foreign explorers are bestowing on cverytning that bears relorence to Alrican investi- gation, In any case, a step in the right direction has cen taken, and the expedition that sailed from the Tagus on the 11th inst., bound for Mozambique, on bourd the government steam transport Africa, may be regarded us the precursor of a new era of prosperity tor the loug neglected African colonies, The Minister of Marine has spared no expense in equipping the expedition; everything that care and foresight could conceive has been provided, This first exploring party is divided into three sections, which will commence operations at Mozambique, Quilimane and Lorenzo Margres. The steam transport India 1s under orders to convey the second exploring party to Angola, us the plan decided on is for one party to enter by the east coast while the other will peuctrate into the interior from the western side, The Portuguese press 1s loud 10 itg encomiums as to the eflicient maner in which | everything bas been prepared. Ove Portuguese jour- nal, especially devoted tu the tntercsts of the colonies, thus speaks of the expedition :— “Phe expedition takes with it idea and actiop—the head that thinks and the arm that executes, Mozam- vique, Quilimune and Lorenzo Margres are avout to ceicbtave a grand festival. A new era has dawned on our ultramurine possessions,” The expedition, it is calculated, will complete its labors in four years, and the estimate of expenses 18 stated at £360,000, CAPTURK OF TUR PORTUGUESE BRIG OVARENSE. A Portuguese brig, engaged in transporting free laborers from the maimland to the island of St. Thomas, has been lately captured by an English war vessel abd carried to Sierra Leone, where, according to the statement of the captain und owners, it has been uvjastly aud illegally condemucd as a siaver, The mutter hus been taken up by the Portuguese and the conduct of the British authorities ha: severcly censured, At the legislative session helt the 15th inst, Doputy Barros de Cunha called the at- tention of the goverumeut to the question. He stated ‘‘thatan English war vessel lately captured a Portuguese brig named the Ovurense, and that he cop- sidered the capture quite illegal, because ue could by ho means admit that after the law voted in the Cortes with reference to Portugal’s ultramarine possessions any ailied pation should even suspect that a Portu- guese transport could engage in the shametol trafic ot slaves,’”? The following vigorous sentence concluded the Deputy’s address ingist upon the govern- ment using every effort to make England, or any other nation, kuow that Portugal needs no guardians to enable her to maintam complete individual iberty wherever the Portuguese flag waves and holds sway.’? STREET CAR POLITENESS, DOESN'T CARE FOR MANY THANKS, To THe Epitor or tie HeRaLp:— Any gentieman who would make a practice of giving up his seat in a car to a lady would find that he neve, would be seated, and he hesitates, as he feels that he Js not conferring a favor on the lady, but was obliging and encouraging our much mistnavaged railroad cor- poration, Again, | sev much complaint about ladies, on accepting & weal, acknowledging the same, As far ag my experience govs they make too much acknowl- edgement for the courtesy, and no gentieman wants to be bothered by thanks, as he only has to descend to deceit and state he intends to leave at the next corner Yours, CITY MAN, WHAT FINE FEATHERS CAN DO, | To rue Eprtor or Tux HeRaLD:— The communication in the Heraup of “8, A.M.’ containg one positive and indisputable fact when the writer avers that upon the entrance of a female pos sessing the exterior of a lady men invariably yield up their seats, while if a shabbily dressed female enters— though she might bave a child in her arms or a pons derous puckage—the ouly recognition she obtains from | these gentlemen (?) is a glance of indifference, Thus it | is that a Ime of demarcation is drawn betw j well dressed and the pooriy clad. 1 will, with your permission, relate up anecdote or au tn- cident that transpired recently in a street j car in which 1 then bappened to ve:—Upon | tbe entrauce of uu apparently poor woman, | as her upparel attested her to be, no one appeared solicitoug to endeavor to procure ber a seat and she clung on to the strap as best she could, Immediately | a well dressed lady, ostensibly in well to do cireut | stances, got In and in wo instant iour men simaltaue- | ously arose, each of whom obsequiously proitered ber hig seat. The lady occupied one of the seats and the other three men sat down, none of whom deemed the poorly clad woman as deserving of any murk of ap» precittion of common courtesy, The woman who was yet standing was now relieved by a ten year uid girl, who arose to let her sit down, | deprecute out Taging the sensibilities of poor women, while appreciat- ing the dress of their more prosperous sisters, Yours, H. SIMON, MUNICIPAL NOTES. Comptrollor Kelly aud Commissioner of Vublic Works Cainpbell will be present at the joint meeting of the Senate and Assembly Committees on Cities, which is to take place to-day in Albany. Through pressure of business Mayor Ely will ve unable to at- tend. Antonio Leon and John Leon, implicated in the at- tempted murder of Rose Massimino, have been ree moved by Commissioner Campbell from the positions which they held under the city government. They re ceived $900 4 year each, and Were detailed as night watchmen m the New Court House and First Judicial District Court House. It 18 anderstood that they rep. resented themselves as living up town in this city, while they really resided in Brovklyn. Antonto, it is stuted, recently threatened the life of the Keeper of the City tail for some fancied grievance. The Rajiroad Committee of the Bourd of Aldermen, announced toassemble for the purpuse of consideriug the application of the North Side Association relative | to the franchise of the Sixih avenue road, did not meet esterday alternoon, as A quorum Was not present, Two of the committee designated by the North Side Association attended, but thor cbairinab did not put | | nan appeurance, The committee will come togetver | at the call of the hair, ‘The toliowing i eriain Tappon’s financial The | | 4 yours old, 101 lbs. ; Whisper, 7 years old, 107 Ibs; YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1877. -TRIPLE HORSE NOTES. The Spirit of the Times Stake for throe-year-olus of 1875 closes on Thursday, March 1, at the Spirit of the Times office. The entrance is $250 each, $50 to be paid at the time of entering and the balance on or be- fore September | preceding the race, after which the whole stake becomes play or pay. The race is to be trotted on the second Tuesday of September, 1878, good day und track, the latter to be to the vicinity of this city. The weights tof the Lexington Handicap Sweep- stakes, one mile and a ball, have been announced and | are as follows:—Chesapeake, 5 years, 115 Iba, ; Big Fel- low, 6 years, lo tbs,; Emma C., 6 years, 115 lbs; Phyllis, 5 years, 112 Ibs; Calvin, 6 years, 112 Ibe. ; Aramis, 6 years, 110 Ibs.; Bombay, 4 years, 110 Ibs, ; Kaue, 5 years, 108 Iba ; Heretog, 4 years, 108 Iba; Necy Hale, 4 years, 105 Ibs, ; Linsmore, 4 years, 103 jbs.; Lantenac, 4 years, 100 Ibs.: Leamingionian, 4 years, 100 Ibs. ; Aniella, 5 years, 95 Ibs. ; Tile Bret, 4 years, and Joe Kodes, 4 years, 90 Ibs., and Spring Branch, 3 years, 87 Ibs. | ‘The weights tor the Louisville Cup, two miles and a half, are as follows:—Kilbarn, 6 years old, 104 !b: Leamingtoniun, 4 yours old, 90 Ibs, ; The Nipper, 4 years | old, 97 Ibs. ; Aramis, 5 yours old, 100 Ibs.; Patriot, + years old, 91 bs; Joe Rhodes, 4 years old, 88 Ibs, ; Verdigris, 5 years old, 100 Ibs. ; Jack Sheppard, 4 years old, 104 Ibs,; Emma C,, 6 years old, 106 lbs. ; Bombay, Phyllis, 5 yoars old, 103 Ibs; Aristides, 5 years old, 120 Ibs. ; Chesapeake, 5 years old, 108 Ibs. ; Largeateen, 4 yeurs old, 101 ibs. ; Ten Broeck, & years old, 120 Ibs. ; Necy Hale, 4 yeara old, 101 Ibs.; Big Fellow, 6 years old, 110 lbs; Harry Hill, 4 years old, 102 Ibs.; Uncle ‘Tom, 4 years old, 100 (bs, ; Clemmie G., 4 years old, 103 lus.; Henry Owens, 4 yours old, 91 Ibs.; Redman, 5 years old, 107 lbs.; Bob Woolley, 6 yeurs old, 107 ibs. It is said that stringhalt can be cured by digging a pit in a dirt floor of a stable, about four feet deep, under the hind legs of the horse, the fore fect standing. in the usual position, This throws the weight of the horse on his hind legs, and he 18 compelicd to stand in this position about half a day, during which time he suffers a great deal of pain, his legs frequently swelling badiy; but when taken out of the pit he is cured, and is never known to be stringhalt agaia, The total number of borses in the State of Colorado in 1876 was 48,349, valued at $1,605,784. ‘This shows » gain of nearly 10,000 horses on 1875, there being, ac- cording to the Auditor's report of that year, 38,650 horses, valued at $1,823,932, which shows a greut shrinkage m their vuluc, notwithstauding that the horses, as a whole, are much improved in quality in 1876. Kentucky Live Stock Record ;—Ten Broeck and Aris- tides are each handicapped ut 120 Ibs,, and a meoting of these two cracks for the Louisville Cup, 244 miles, will be the event of the year. Interest im tho race will rival that of tho great races of Wagner and Gray Engle over the Oakland Course at Louisville 1n 1839; of Fashion and Boston in 1842; of Peytona and Fashion in 1545, and Longfellow aud Harry Bassett in 1872, It is too early to speculate on the result or to express opinions as to the merits of the hundicap, but we think the weights will give satisfaction to much tho larger number of nom{nators, The management of the Dexter Park have arranged race meeting, to come off next summer, commenc- ing Saturday, June 30, and continuing on Monday, Tucsday and Wednesday of the fullowing week. A 4 trotting contest will be added each day for those who admire that kind of sport, All the purses are liberal, and the added money to the three stakes offered can- not fail Lo be acceptable, The stukes aro the Garden City Stakes, for three-year-olds; play or pay; $50 each, $300 added; second horse to receive $100; to close Juno 1.. The second is the Hotel Stake, for two- year-olds; $25 each; play or pay; $150 added; second horse to receive $50; dash of three-quarters of a mile; to close June 1, The third is the Dexter Stake, for three-year-olds; $50 exch; play or pay; $300 added; a dash of one and a half miles; the winner of the Gardon City Stakes to carry a five pound penalty; second horse to receive $100; to close June 1, The stewards of the Michigan Circuit nave arranged their programme of meetings in the following order:— egon, Juve 5, 6 and 7; Kalamazoo, June 12, 13, 14 and 16; Grand Rapids, June 19, 20,21 anu 22; Jack- son, June 26, 27, 28 and 29; Detroit, July 3, 4, 5 and 6, Entries close tor Muskegon and Kalamazoo on May 30, Grand Rapids, Jacksou and Detroit Juve 4. It is atated that Count Tasslio Festetics, Jr., has purchased the whole of Mr. Hector Bultazz\’s racing establishment in England, with the exception of the horaes Plunger and Shuilelagh. Alired Hayboe will still hold the post as trainer. Captain Machel), it 1 said, has sold all his steepie- chasers to Lord Lonsdale. Rye, the steeplechaser, has been sold for 610 guineas, PACING AND TROLLING IN CALI. FORNIA, [From the Morning Call, Feb, 11.) Beautiful was the afternoon of yesterday, and there was a large and fashionable attendance at the course, The track was in good condition, and most of the horse- meu pronounced it favoravle for a display of speed, ‘The first race on the programme was a pacing match between Nimrod and Jim Brown for the sum of $2,000, ‘There was not agreat deal of speculation on the match, and what betting there wus the odds were tong on ‘The ruce justified this estimate, as it was scurcely in doubt at any period, SUMMARY, Bay District Course, Saturday, Feb. 10, 1877.— Pacing match for $2,000; mile heats, best three in five, iu harness, O, A. Hickock’s ch. g. Nimrod. ~lL.ii P, Mclntyre’s cb. g. Jim Brown +222 Time, 2:21 ¢—2:24 4 — The next event was @ trotting contest, in which Rarus was handicapped to a wagon; St James and May Howard in burness, mile heats, best thi n tive, In the firet heat it was evident that the driver of Rarus did not care to secure that ip his favor, as it was palpable to every one that this fleet Bastern rep- resentative was “laid up.” He was nearly a distance behind at the bali-mile pole, but mending bis pace, dropped cleverly inside of the red flag, 51. James win- ning. The botting was greatly in fuvor of Rarus be- fore the start, and after the heat he brought about $200 to $50 on voth the otners, The second heat St. James, aided by a brisk run down the homestretch, reac! the wire first, but the judges awarded the heat to Raras, und he scored the ‘tollowing two with. ‘out a great effort, SUMMARY, John Splann’s b. g. Rara Budd Doble’s b. g. St. Jame: George F, Jacob’s gm, May Howard. ‘Time, 2:26 4;— 2:203¢ 2:26}, Between the heats Goldymith Maid, Bodine and Sam Purdy were exhibited, and were driven at full speed up and down the stretch, All were much admired, but the old empress of the track was received with perfect ovation, ATHLETIC COMPETITION. A grand congress of athletes will be held at Contral Park Garden next Thursday in commemoration of Washington’s Birthday, The exercises will embrace all the notable exploits of athletic proficiency, inciud- ing @ Roman Wrestling, club swinging aud swords manship. | SOUTH SID SPORTSMEN'S CLUB. The South Side Sportsmen's Club, of Islip, L. L, held its annual meeting last evening at No. 62 Kast Fourteenth street. Vice President Charles Banks pre- sided, The Treasurer's report showed the financial con- dition of the club to be exceedingly flattering. During the year past several of its bunds have been taken up, wnd there is now a large sum to its credit, The sports of the coming season promise to be excelient, all the ish preserves particuluriy being weil stocked, The following officers were elected for the current year:— President—John K, Hackett. Vice President—Cuaries Banks, Seeretary—Roland Reamond, Treasurer—W illiom M. Fhiess, Counsel—-Jobn FE, Develin, Executive Committee—Joseph Allen, Roland Redmond, John A. Lowery and Jumes Bonkard, PIGEON SHOOTING AT MONACO. | in particular the bloody battle of SHEET.. CHEAP CITY GOVERNMENT. WHAT IT COSTS AND WHAT IT OUGHT TO COST—A SUGGESTION FOR RETRENCHMENT— HELL GATE V8, CENTRAL PARK FINANCIERING, To tne Epitor oy tHe Herat Your ablo articles touching the necessity for a sys tematic plan in the reformation of the many abuses in the government of the city of Now York have struck the right koy. The history of the reform move- ment, if truthfully written, would bo both inter- esting and instructive, affording another proof of the | homely saw that ‘too many cooks spoil the broth.”” Upon one point it is almost certain all would agree, and that is the title of the last chapter, which should be designated faiture. Nevertheless thero are thore who were sanguine enough to look for something beneficial from the “conferences” of the heads of de- partments with prominent citizens, lately inaugurated by his Honor the Mayor, in imitation, I presume, of thal lately held over the ‘Sick Man” of the Kast, Whata scone was that a -week ago in tho City Hall! Mayor Ely and the heads of all the departments of the city government under whose direction is spent annu- ally the enormous sum of $30,000,000 and not a ‘head’? capable of making a suggestion by which the slightest reduction could be effected, Yes, the Mayor offered to abate ten per cent of his own salary, waich would save about $1,000! That rising young states. man, Alderman Purroy, however, stopped the ap- plause with which this solf-sacrificing offer was re- ceived by stating that the wise and intellectual body over which he presides for an hour or two once a week im the City Hall are poorly paid, recetving the smal pittance of $4,000 » year, with an occasional allowance when any labor i# to be performed of a clerk to each Alderman, Never, since the existence of Now York, was there a greater need for the cutting down of ex- penses, and never was there a more favorable opportu. nity presented for doing so. ‘The problem to be solved in New York to-day is this:—The reduction of taxution of every description to the lowest possible limits; the employment of the greater part of the 50,000 artisans and laborers now walking our streets, numbers of whom are incited by their own und their children’s bunger to acts of vio- lence and crime, By the employment of those now out of work we will greatly diminish the effects of taxation, For it is readily seen that It $10 a week, which 1s far fram unreasonable, be given to 50,000 men, you will have the snug sum of $500, the greater purt if not gil of which would be circulating 1 business now suffering most severely, Auy step which will, therolore, reduce bis great army of unwilling adlers Without — increasing the burdens of the taxpayers will be in the right direction, The great number of men paid by the city large suluries tor little or no work bas long beon a curse, and ove trom which it seems almost impo: sible to become reheved, and yet itis here whore the pruning knife, us Senator Morrissey justly remarks, should be first Introducea, Ip this connection | beg to offer a few suggestior culled to mind by the report of General Newton on the improvements at Hell Gate, which appeared in your paper afew duys ago, According to General Newton he spent during the year about $200,000, one tom of whieh struck me very forcibly, 1 mean that for ‘‘en- gincering, contingencies, &e.,’’ and which I take to mean the pay of engineers, foremea, &c., and amounted to $5,000, or say two und a halt per cent of his dis- bursements. Suppose one of the departments of the city govern- meut, even the most eilicient, whichever that may be, was charged with tbis work of General Newton, docs any one think the cost of engineers, clerks, &¢., or as it 18 denominated in city affairs, ‘sala would have been contined to two-and a-lall per cent? On the contrary, it would be as it is tn all city work, fitty per cent, It is in this very case of salaries that an im- mense saving can be elfeoted, the greater part of which could be devoted to the employment of those ulready roferred to, in work which would be of some substan- tial benefv to the metropolis. Without wa’ for any action on the part of the Legislature, which is uncertain at best, let Charies ©’Conor and Governor Tilden (ior it seems certain that the latter will not obtain the Presidency, and will, therelore, re- quire some active employment) be called upon to make ‘a thorough examination of cactdepartment in the city tor the last: year, beginning with the Dock Department tor example, Let them have a list made giving the pame, residence, occupation and amount olf money paid ‘to every individual duriug that tine. Let the press of tho city publish this hist in tull, which will go very far toward preventing any false statements, After collecting whatever other information these gentlemen may require, let them call in Ge: ton, General Gilmore, or somo equally impartial and capable judge, ind ge ve him pay What the cost of su- pervision for the Coming year should he, and let thy be strictly adhered to, Lev‘tliem go through each dé- partinent in the same manner, and there will be more genuine reform accomplished thau by the passage of all tho bills that even Dorman B. Eaton ever dreamed of, The report ot Commissioner Martin, of the Depurt- men: of Parks, in this day’s H&RALo, is a case in point. Mr. Martin gives the total amount appropriated for 1877, $357,000, which is double what it costs General Newton for the supervision of Hell Gate improvements, we havo $17,850 for salaries. Now, ot us seo what it costs to superintend our parks aside, of course, from the $90,000 for police. Mr. Martin's first item is, tor “gularies,’? 000, OF the items for ‘general main- tenance, museums and Harlem River Bridge” itis not known’ whether the pay of ioremen is included, but we will presume not. Of the item of $26,000 for ‘‘matn- tenance Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth wards” it is certain that the pay of a supermtendent, foreman, &c., ig included together with other expenses, which should be properly changed to superintendence, making, say, $8,000 at least. The item of $10,000 tor “surveying Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth wards,” ought certainly to, be charged to ‘salaries,’ as every one there knows no work is done, and you have the sunt of $63,000 for sularies, or about eighteen per cent of the whole. A further examination will show that out of the total amount appropriaied, only something over one-halt is spent for actual tabor, What wonder, then, that complaints arise on all sides? The working- man desirous of obtaining work in the Twenty-third or Twenty-fourth ward bas to produce evidence of his labors at a fammany primary vefore the ‘Alderman’ will even listen to hira, mucu Jess give him a ‘ticket,’ which, it seoms, would mean permission to go to work. With thia state of affairs, how can any one hope for re- trenchment’ By having Charles O’Gouor and Gover- nor Tilden crown their carecr inthe performance of this herculcan task, aided by the press of the city. TRemoNT, Feb. 16, 1877. OLDER THAN THE REPUBLIC, In o peat but poorly-lurmshed back room on the first floor of the tenement bouse No, 330 East Sevonty- fourth street were gathered yesterday afternoon a number ot persons of both sexea and all ages, the sole descendants, now living, of Mary Sharkey, to mourn over the remains of their aged ancestress, Her son, bow a man of over sixty years; several grandenildren, some toddling boys and girls ana ababe at its mother’s breast composed the group. There were no signs of demonstrative grief at the loss of one who had long since ceased to have any connection with their active life, but the scene brought forcibly to mind the various stages of human existence aud the historic events that had been contemporaneous with one lite, The deceased Mary Sharkey, whose maiden name was Dunleavy, was born in Ireland, in the town of Ballygiuss, county Sligo, in the year 1776, a few months velore the outbreak of the Ainorican Revolu tion, In the rebellion of 1798 tho most exciting scenes occtrred in her immediate neighborhood, ‘the French, who triea to assist the Lrish, landed their Hl-fated expedition at Kiliala Bay, only a few mics from her birthpla‘e, She remembered many of the incidents of the “French war,’’ as it was called, and rrig-na-Gut, mountain pass near Batlysadare, where hundreds of Irish patriots dyed the soil with their Diood. ducution among the Irish peasaniry was at the period of her girlhood but litue diffused. Mra. Sharkey did not know how to read or write, and her recollections uot being committed to paper mixed, us she grew older, with legends aud ; unul the memory ef the real fucts was almost entirely obliterated from her mind Her father died at the great uge of [10, In the beginning of the present century she was married at Sligo to her first busband, whose name she subso- quently resumed and bore at her death, By him she had seven children—four sons and three daughters, Her youngest daughter was born alter she bad attained the remarkable age of sixty-tive years, She was murried asccond time to a Mr, Keat- ley, who died 57. Mra. Sharkey had never left her ni me to America ‘Two ot her sons died in Iroiand, a third was killed at the battle of Coid Harbor, Virginia; during the late war, Her only sur- viving son is Mr. Michael Sharkey, a hale old man of The chiet event for decision, February 2, was the Prix de Monte Carlo, « free handicap, for an objet dart, of the value of 1,500f., ana 8,000f. added, the entrance being 1,0001. each; the second best shot received 750f. and thirty-Gve per cent of the entrance feos; the third b00f und twenty-five per cent, and the fourth best shot 2601, and tiiteen per cent. The seventy-five com. petitors bad three blue rocks each, and alter some very fine sbooting Ube first prize was wou M4 Mr. Arundel Yeo, 20}, metres; the second money fell \o Mr, D, Kl- phitstoue, 25 metres; the third to Mr, Evang Steven- 26 metres, and the foarth prize was won by Count Montesquiou, 26 metres. Tho winner shot with a Purdey central fire, The weather being fine there was @ large atteudauce, BELGIAN CABLE TOWING. A meeting of the sub-commitice of the conference to nquire into the practicability of the Belgian cable tow- ing systom was held yesterday afternoon at the rooms Jol the Cheap Transportation Association, This was the second session held by this body, They havecome to the conclusion to report in favor of ustaining the ofiginal report made by the conference commit statement for the past week —Dulance, February 10, | ¥1,024,702 O1; receipts, $1,403,846 96; payments, | $1,244,740 2; valnuce, Fobrussy 17, $1,104,100 Os sixty-three years, who lives in the bouse where his mother died. One daughter alone survives. While the second geueration has ulmost passed away during the Ile of the first, the third, ing of seventeen grandchildren, remains intact, re has been mar- tying and giving in marriage among theso, too, and in greatgrandchildrs re the fruit of the third gen. eration, They aro ail healthy looking young ones and promise to rival their ancestors im physical strength and endurance, Iu a polished rosewood collin lay the emaciated form of the poor old woman, The lid bore the simple in- goription:— , angoascumeais TC a TS eaaaaaateinn 4 2 MARY SHARKEY, 3 Died February 14, 1817, aged 101. POOLE DOLE DE OEDEEEELELE DED BOFOEELO LENE DE DEDD ENED For the last month she bad been feeling unwell, and Jor eighteen days retused to take any food. of her doath was old age and general debility. Michael Flyun, of No. 1,434 Second avenue, who at. tended her in ner last days, said that the only cause of her death was extreme weakness and greatage, The body was worn out and refased to porform its ordinary functions, Butthe old lady remained tn tull pos. session of all hor tacaities wil the fast moment, under. standing everything se was suid to her und ireely conversing with all. She spent her last hodra in prayer, aud passed away ‘ike the suufl of » candle” appointed some time ago by the various commercial bodies iu favor of adopting the Bolgian system, | 4m Calvary to-day, Gt three o'clock Sunday toi —t— NS, SHALL WOMEN PREACH?—THE METHODISTS DECIDE THE QUESTION—FRESHNESS IN BAP+ TIST PREACHING AND THE MODERN SCIEN- TIFIC BIBLE—THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH. For a time yesterday in the Methodist ministers? meetings things took a lively turn, It was all about a woman, and the question was, Shall she preach or not? Miss Anna Oliver, M. A. and B. D., as tho colleges have honored her, 1s the lady in controversy, and the question turned on the meeting tnviting her to preach orto deliver a temperance address or talk about any- thing and everything she pleased. Some brethren, with a gram or two more of Calvinism in their compo- sition, quoted Paul against a woman attempting to teach men; but, in the minds of the brethren of Ar- minian proclivities, these excellent reasons why & woman, and especially this particular woman, should be invited to preach, and the present time wag more fitting than any future occasion, because now the Presbyterians are agitated about {tana have, as it were, “hung up one of their ministers by the gills” for permitting or inviting women to speak from hig pulpit, But, moreover, Miss Oliver is a regularly heensed local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Chureh, ana has been the acting pastor of a church in Passaic for four months, and is doing a good work there. CLERICAL DISCUSSIO MISSIONARY ITINERANCY. But the brethren were presented yesterday with very able essay on modifications of the itinerancy by the Rev. J, Simmons, For a long time—some say for more than forty years, but for half that period at loast—they aamit that Methodism has been declining in our large cities, The doctors have recommended all sorts of specifics, but the patient does not seem to grow better, but rathor worse, especially in this vicinity. But within a few years past somebody hae discovered the remedy. It is simply to extend the pastoral term in New York and Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia and elsewhere from year to year indefl- nitely, or so long as the work demands: and the ar- rangement 18 mutually agreeab.e to the local church and the pastor, This was what Brother Simmons ad- vocated in his paper, giving as his chief reason that ‘time’? was no essential part of the itinerant system of Methodism; that for the first forty years of its exist- ence here ministers were changed every three or six months, ard that some sixty odd years ago the pas- toral term was limited to two years, THK BAPTIST MINISTERS, ‘The Baptists had two interesting sessions yester- day or one prolonged one. The first was composed! largely if not wholly of ministers, to whom Dr, Broadus delivered an address on freshness th preach- ing. He took the ground that there must be a rela- tion between a text and the rost of Scripture in every sermon which 1a not intended tor a special occasion, Ministers ought to read chapters in the Bible every day, together with all the helps they can command, They should systematize theology, and then doctriual sermons would become popular, ‘The second purt of the meeting was occupied by Dr. Tnomas, of Brookiyn, who spoke to the ministers an ‘a tntsccllanedus congregation besides, in the audience room of the Oliver street church, on the Bible that the scientists offer to givo us instead of the one we buve, discussed the different theories ‘of modern sclen- tists, touching the vitality of matter, selection of apes cies, survival of the fittest, aud exposed their weak ports, The Inst named doctrine, he said, would relegate us to barbarism again, The Doctor will con- Unae his lectures in the same place next Mouday, be- ginning at uoon, ti DUTCH REFORMED MINISTERS, A conference of the German ministers of the Re» formed Dutch Church of America was held yesterday afternvon in the Reformed church, corner of Firtl street and avenue B. ‘I'he Rev, Mr. F, Kern, ol New- ark, presided, and Rev. Julius Hines, of Brooklyn, uoted us secretary. The attention of the meeting was exclusively occupied by the reading of the constitution, which was submitted by a committee appointed tor th purpose of preparing it some montus ago, ‘The Churc 1s now to be called ‘The Reformed Church in Americ (formerly Dutch Reformed),”” Besides making changes bere and there in the old constitution the committee presented an entirely new article relas tive to the reception of new ministers. No licontiate or ordained minister from any other ecclesiastical body shall be received into any *‘classis’”’ until either vy documentary evidence or examination the heads of the classis shall be satisfied of his tbeolugical well a literary qualilications, the soundness of his faith aud his general piety. A ean te for acceptance sha!l Iso show u certificate that he attended soine theoloz cai seminary, and he must show that he does not de- sire to enter the ministry of the Reformed Church from any other denomination in order thereby to ve admitted on easier terms than tho students of the Ro- formed seminaries, church a list of licentidtes shall be submitted to that church by the standing committee on doctrine, and during the vacancy the classis shall exercise a guar- dianship over the church 1n or guard against casual und indiscriminate winis:ration, No toreiga minister shall be received on mere private letters of in- troduction, but in all cases full ecch tical certificates must be shown. Moreover, he must undergo a year’s probatign under the supervision of the classis aud thea present his testimonials and pass an examination, The commitice likewise added about fifteen to the present twelve rules of order, which were accepted, The rest of the constitution was likewise accepted as read, with the exception of the title, over which considers able discussion began, many ministers desiring to drop the words ‘formerly Dutch Reformed.” It was nally decided, however, to retain them, as otherwise the identity of the Church could no tunger be recog mized, CHEAP TELEGRAPHY. THE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC COMPANY'S MEET ING—GREAT EXPECTATIONS—ALL RATES TO BE CUT DOWN—NEW BOARD OF DfRECTORS. Avery important meeting of tho direcwrs of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company was held at their Broadway office yesterday morning. The meet- ing was fully attended, owing to the general interest felt in the contemplated changes, which are announced, semi-oflicially, to amount to an enure reorganization of the Board. On the organization of the meeting the resignations of the following gentlemen were tendercd and accepted:—Mr. Charles J, Osborne, of C. G. Osborne & Co; Mr. James D, Smith, of Jameson, Smith & Cotting; Mr. William H. Guion, Mr. Albert B, Chandler and Mr, 8. M. Mills, ‘Yo fill'the Vacancies thus made the following entio- men were nominated aud unanimously electe Mr. J. W. Garrett, President Baltimore and Uhio Railroad Compauy; Mr, Thomas A. Scott, Presideut Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company; Mr. H. J. Jewett, receiver Erie Railway Company; Commodore ©. K. Garrison, aud Mr, James R, Keene, PRESIDENT KCKERT’S RRPORT, Mr. Thomas T. Eckert, President of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company, then submitted a special report, in which he recommended the con- struction Of 10,000 miles of new lines, completing the present system of wires operated by the company aud connecting every important city and town in the Union, Work on the main lines, in his judgment, should be commenced immediately, and the branch network extending to the small towns should be constructed ufterward as rapidly ag possible. The? report was adopted enthusiastically and the work on the new lines will, it is stated, be bezun at once im uccordance with the vote. ‘To provide the sinews of war $600,000 was subscribed, to be paid into the treasury of the company by inatalments of twenty five per cent a month, This subscription takes up the remaining $3,000,000 of authorized stock previousiy Undisposed of at the market rate oi twenty per cent of its face value, REDUCTION OF RATES. A swoeping reduction of rates was determined upon, but the details were left to ve periected ut a subse. quent meeting, which will be held ow Febraary 20, Numerous advantages will, it is claimed, result (rom the new movement, but the directors profess not to challenge comparison and competition but to conduct their lines on an jependent basis, Iu conversations with several prominent directors tl sition and cuits of the company wero substanually stated as follows :-— A PIONBER LINK, They take the ground that the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company has been the pioneer in extouding the benefits or choup telegraphic communication to the public, Wherever they bave beeu in competition with the Western Union 4 roduction of rates been the result, Twioe already thor rates on messages have been reduced, aud the Western Union have forced ajter a contest of some length to accept the standard set them. They propose to join the Atlantic aud Pacific, the great jakes and the Gull of Mexicu ia one comprebensive electric bond. If a due regard for the just claims of the stockholders shall justily the step the cities and towns of the Union will be placed in close communication with each other at so slight @ cost that long messages may be seut from town to town, which are now slowly deliver by mail, This sounds a trifle ecstatic, but the enti siosm of the mani ind their faith in such resuite seom to be sincere, ONRAP MESSAORS, Exactly what reduction will be made cannot be stated positively, and iv has not yet been decided whether a standard in which the distance shall govern the rates with comparative exactness saball ve adopted or not. The charge of twenty-tive conte per message of ten words betWeen any two points east of sissippl, and of $1 tor similar mesa nt across the continent, has been favorably consi and may be decided upon, The reductions will be made and go into effect within a week or two upon the lines now Under the control of the company, without waiting for the completion of the new lines, LIST OF DIKKCTORS, A complote list of the Board of ‘trustees of the reor- ganized company is appended:—Oliver Amos, Elisva Atxing, Benjamnti B. Bates, J, W. Garrett, 'f.’ Gordon Dexter, Sidney Dillon, @. M. Doago, Thom day Gould, J. R. Keene, ©. P. Hunt i ig » Garrison, ing, She will be buried li af J. Jewevt, J. H. Morumer, ©, pson, Thomas A. Scott, W, J, Syms, Heury: When a@ vacancy occars in the ministry of any"