The New York Herald Newspaper, February 20, 1877, Page 6

NEW YORK HERALD BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. JAMES GORDON “BENNETT, PROPRIETOR. pectin eal INE DAILY HERALD. published every day im the year. ‘Three cents per copy (Sunday excluded). Ten doliars per Jenr, of at rate of ove dolixr per month lor any period less than’ six months, or five dollars for six wonths, Sunday edition ineluded, free of postage. ‘Ail Lusiness, news lettors or telegraphic despatches must be addressed New Yous Hxnat. ters and packnyes should be properly seated. ejectgg communications ‘will not be returned. prin Abad aisha PHILADELPHIA OFFICE—NO. a SOUTH SIXTH STREET, LONDON ‘OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK HERALD— 0, 46 FLEET STREET. PARIS OFFICE—AVENUE DE L'OPEKA. NAPLES OFFICE—NO. 7 STRADA PACE, Rubseriptions and advertis will on received and AMUSEMENTS FIFTH AVENUE THEATR WALLACK'S: THEATRE—Witn ¢ OLYMPIC THEATRE— * BOWERY THEATRE— BROADWAY THEATRE! PARK THEATRE—Ovun KELLY & LEON’S MI UELLER’S THEATRE. EGYPTIAN DALL—Suxsat PARISIAN VARIETIES. COLUMBIA OPERA HOU THEATRE COMIQUE—Var NEW YORK AQUARIU: TIVOLI THEATRE—Vanixty. BKOOKLYN PARK THEAT. SAN FRANCISCO MINSTREL CHICKERING HALL.— BIEINWAY HALL.— GILMORE’S GARDE: EBRUARY 2 1877. TRY DEALERS, The Adams Express Company run a special newspaper train over the Pennsylvania Kailroud and its connections, Jenving Jersey cl M., daily and Sunday, earrsi ALD as far ‘Went us Harrisburg and South to Washington, reaching Ehihateshis at a quarter past six A. M. and Washington at one P.M. Fromour reports this morning the probabilities are that the weather in New York to-day will be colder und clear or partly cloudy, with brisk westerly winds. Watt Streer Yesrerpay.—The stock mar ket was active and excited, with irregular prices, Western Union fell 353 and New York Central %, while Delaware and Hudson advanced 31g end Delaware, Lackawanna and Western 133. Money on call loaned up to 4 per cent during the afternoon, closed at 3 per cent, with rate throughout the day from 4 to 21g per cent. Gold opened at 10534 and declined to 1055s, at ‘which price it closed. A Last of distinguished citizens with expres- sive names appears in our report of the Coburn case. ANOTHER large business ruined by shrinkage in real estate values. Sce special despatch from Bloomington, Ill. Tue Crerica, Conciaves of yesterday show that the righteous do not propose to be outdone in activity by the leader of the opposition, Ovr Report of “A Female Returning Board” annihilates many a sensational letter writer and does justice to a much maligned set of ladies. A Portvevess Mercuant, while attending to his business in the interior of Africa, seems to have discovered the source of the Congo River. Moral: If you want to be 1 y inind your own ‘business. Brooktyn Is To Have an insane retreat for ‘women, to be managed by a board of ladies. It is to be hoped that the fair trustees will maintain to the uttermost their sex’s reputation for curi- osity. Tne Proceepines in the great Molly Ma- guire case yesterday bore hard upon the reputa- tion of Kelly, chief witness for the prosecution; but it cannot be péssible that the man’s revela- tions will be useless if the case for the State is worked as competent detectives could work it. In AnoTnER CoLuMN we present, concerning the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, some figures which we believe are the company’s own, and which are certainly remarkable. The refusal of the company to give its report to the Herawp is, to say the least, a circumstance which may cause the figures named to be re- garded with suspicion. Ovr SrectaL Desratcu from Montreal shows that a brisk financial flurry is disturbing that city, and that at least one large institution is suffering from lack of public confidence. The difference between the bases of trade in Canada and the United States makes it difficult to fore- cast the results of the disturbance in money cireles at Montreal; but in the interest of good business and good will we sincerely hope that our northern neighbors may find themselves more frightened than hurt. Tue Detats oF Street CLEANING described in our article to-day go to show how utterly in efficient for its purpose is the system under which the Street Cleaning Bureau of the Police Department operates. When corruption and neglect enter into the administration and execu- tion of such an important public service we can- not expect any other result than that from which the city now suffers. It desirable it is that the Mayor shall take exclusive control of our streets and their man- agement, for the present officials having them in charge seem to have no conception of their duties as public servants. ‘Tus Wratner.—Tho extensive area of low Pressure which was central over the lake region on Sunday moved rapidly southeastward into the , Middle States yesterday morning, and the centre passed eastward into the Atlantic off the New } Jersey coast during the afternoon. Very light ‘ snow and rain over the lower lakes and Middle ' States accompanied the advance of the area, and brisk winds followed. The union of this area of low pressure and that of last Thursday, which we predicted, has taken place in the Atlantic, and it is probable # heavy and widely catended storm has been already devel- oped, which will reach tho coast of Europo by the end of this week. Generally clear weather prevails northward of Tennessee, and the has fallen over the lakes, the Upper Mississippi and Missouri valleys and Canada, Tho highest pressure is now in Min- nesota, with a falling barometer in the far North- west. Cloudiness in the lower Missis- sippi Valley and the Northeast. The rivers have generally fallen, except the Missouri at Leavenworth, where a rise of eleven inches is re- ported. The weather in New York to-day will be colder and clear or partly cloudy, with brisk westerly winds, shows how | NEW YORK HERALD, ‘TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 1877.--TRIPLE SHEET. .The Delay in Counting the Elec- toral Votes. The unexpected action of the House yes- terday in taking a recess until ten o'clock this morning, althopgh ill-judged and dis- quieting, is strictly within the letter of the law. The fifth section of the Elec- toral act permits either house to take a recess until the next day as often as question arises which makes it necessary for the two houses to sep- arate for deliberation. The reason why this unexpected though perfectly legal movement yesterday is disquieting lies in the possibility of its constant repetition. If the House of Repre- sentatives were so inclined it could carry the proceedings past the 4th of March, and thereby prevent the choice of a President. Only ten days remain for completing the count, and of these ten three or four will be consumed in the case of Oregon, leaving not more than six or seven for the other uncounted States, If the democrats should raise objections, no matter how untenable or frivolous, to one republican State after another, the two houses would have to separate and con- sider them, and. in every such case the House could take a recess until the following day. By this means the democrats could carry the proceedings be- yond the 4th of March, keeping all the while within the strict letter of the law, yet violating its spirit and defeating its pur- pose. But it would be an egregious act of bad faith, involving the suicide of the demo- cratic party. That part of the Electoml act behind which the democrats of the House. shelter their action yesterday is the following :— “And no recess shall be taken unless a question shall have arisen in regard to the counting of any such votes, or other- wise, under this act, in which case it shall be competent for either house, acting separately, in the manner hereinbefore provided, to direct a recess of such house not beyond the next day (Sun- day excepted) at the hour of ten o'clock in the forenoon.” Yesterday a question did arise as to accepting the judgment of the commission respecting the Louisiana votes, and on that question the two houses separated. for deliberation. On every such occasion it is clearly within the authority of either house to take a recess until the next day, blocking all pro- ceedings during the interval. If the House avails itself of this privilege only in the case of Louisiana and the case of Oregon the count will be completed in duetime. But if objections are raised to other States for mere dilatory purposes it is undoubtedly in the power of the democrats to prevent an clection. The consequence would be to put the President of the Senate in the Ex- ecutive Mansion and create a necessity for a new Presidential election next autumn, which, if not victory, would be at least re- venge. It would postpone Mr. Hayes’ hopes for another year, and subject him to the possibility of his party taking up Mr. Blaine or some other new candidate, We do not believe that the democrats in Congress will have recourse to this desperate expedient. It would cover their party with odium by convicting it of bad faith, and insure the republicans an easy victory in a new appeal to the people. It would turn the whole business community against the democratic party; for the business of the country cannot afford another year of agitation and uncertainty. The wiser and cooler heads among the democrats see this as clearly as anybody can tell it to them ; but it may require a great deal of skill and finesse on their part to manage the crazy, intractable element of their party. If the recess yesterday was only a de- vice for getting the reins more securely in the hands of the better class of democrats it may, perhaps, be a pardonable stratagem. The wild and turbulent spirits are bent on having their say, and it may have been thought safer to let them “blow out” in a caucus than on the floor of the House. In a caucus their inflammatory harangues could be re- plied to and their absurdity exposed by the cooler democrats, whereas on the floor of the House they could not be rebuked by democrats without weakening the protest which the whole party desires to make against the action of the commission. As foundation for future party contests it is necessary to make the democratic protest as imposing as possi- ble, which is a good reason for making the action of the party on the floor of the House unanimous. But it could not be very ef- fective if the: democrats did not pre- sent a united front. A united at- titude of submission is necessary to ena- ble them to make an effective remonstrance, and it may have been wise, or at least de- fensible, to resort to an expedient to gain time and save a necessity of opposing the malcontents in a place where demo- cratic division and dissension would be in- convenient. If this was the object of the recess it ought to be regarded with in- dulgence. But whatever may have been the motives of the democrats in causing this procras- tination atatime when every day of the session is important for action on the appropriation bills, the futility of their adjourned caucus last even- ing attests the folly of the delay. The democrats of the House are no more united since the caucus than they were before. Two whole days have been lost near the close of the session, when legislative busi- ness of great urgency demands speedy action, Since the caucus did nothing, but left the subject as it found it, the two recesses will be justly regarded as a blunder, The House will debate the Lén- isiana decision to-day, as it might have de- bated it yesterday or Saturday. It will reach the same decision to-day that it would have reached Saturday, and since its vote will differ from that of the Senate the judg- ment of the commission on the Louisiana ease will stand and the votes of that State be counted for Hayes. The democrats of the House are acting like a set of imbeciles, They are no better oft this morning than they were three days ago, and they must stand responsible to the country for wasting Saturday and Monday at |,@ time when it is doubtful whether, Congress can leave its business in such a shape as to avoid the necessity for an extra session in May or June. The country will regard this needless delay as a trifling with important public interests. The demo- cratic party has gained nothing by the | foolish and blundering double recess, and necessary legislation suffers. If the cau- cus last night had brought the democratic members to a unanimous agreement to keep faith and stand by the decisions of the commission the delay would have been more excusable ; but as the party is as dissentient and distracted as it was yesterday morning, or even on Saturday, it is chargeable | with sheer imbecility and wanton waste | of time, Had the democrats of the House acted in the spirit of the law the Louisiana | case would have been finally disposed of on Saturday and the counting have proceeded on that day until Oregon had been reached and referred to the commis- sion, Had this reasonable course been pursued the result of the Presidential elec- tion might have been officially declared to- morrow, leaving nine full days for necessary legislation, The wasteful delay by which the democrats gain nothing will ‘damage | their party in publi i Turkey and Evidence seems to accugulate in support of the theories of that party in Russia which is understood to have urged that war is un- necessary for the furtherance of Russia's views in regard to the Christians in the Ottoman Empire. It was the argument of these politicians that a condition of anarchy was already initiated at Constantinople which would so far paralyze the Ottoman government as to leave it helpless to prose- cute the Moslem purposes, and that thus the mere opinion of Europe would prove sufficient against it. As to the state of facts contemplated by this theory—the anarchy at Constantinople—there is now no doubt. Midhat’s policy, which, under the cover of constitutional forms tended to the revival of the primitive system of making the strong man of the occasion absolute, was overthrown by the energetic dismissal pf that statesman—an act in- spired, as he himself believed, by Russian intrigues. He was followed by a man so much in sympathy with reactionary ideas that it was thought necessary to announce formally that his accession was not to be contemplated as a danger to the constitution. Now this man in turn is followed by one whose policy is the. abrogation of the constitution, and the evidence. thus given of the domination of opinions not in harmony with those of “Young Turkey” has inspired again that policy which has lately been so effectively applied in Constantinople of limiting absolute authority by showing that every Sultan has only one life. On one hand all effort is against the most vigorous party in the State, and the effort of that party is to strike down succes- sive sultans as they become the tools of its opponents. Incapacity on the part of any one to organize and administer the govern- ment on any set of ideas is a necessary con- sequence; for the parties seem so nearly equal that neither can permanently prevail, and they differ so passionately that compromise is impossible, Every part of the public service is of course crippled by this condi- tion, and it should surprise no one to learn that the Turkish army which wintered in Bulgaria has probably s@§ered far moro from disease in two months than it did from the Servians in six. But all the process to- ward utter demoralization which seems now to menace Turkish authority would be suddenly stayed by the vigorous prosecution of Russian operations, and, therefore, Russia is wise in making haste slowly. It may be that a condition will presently arise in which the humanity of Europe will im- peratively demand that Russia shall advance even to Constantinople in order to prevent the extermination of the Christian people by mere butchery. Newspaper Detectives. The gentlemen who are always complain- ing that newspaper reports of crimes are likely to defeat the ends of justice will per- haps rise to explain how the Staten Island mystery would ever have been unravelled had not the newspaper men (particularly the Heraxp reporters) taken hold of the case. The Staten Island authorities had discovered how not to do it, and the results were enough to cause the ghost of Shakespeare to make things uncomfortable in the shades on account of its inability to reconstruct the character of Dogberry for a new edition of the ‘complete works ;” but those wretched reporters, who cannot keep their noses out of the business of other people, left the local Dogberries to their slumbers, began to ask questions, concoct theories, watch visitors and spend money; and suddenly, in spite of Staten Island incapacity and niggard- liness, enough facts were made known to put the authorities upon the right track. It is time for this senseless outcry against publicity to stop. The human conscience is a very susceptible bit of mechanism, ex- cept when it belongs to beings of the most logical intellects, and persons of this ex- alted order seldom find it necessary to con- ceal their, misdeeds under vulgar crimes. In France, where the detective attains to his highest development, publicity is one of the secrets of success. Mysterious corpses are displayed at, the Morgue to whoever cares to look at them, and near them there is always an Argus-eyed observer who scans the coun- tenances of the lookers-on and detects every one whose interest comes {rom senti- ments deeper than curiosity. When frag- ments of a murdered girl whose body had been chopped to pieces were found in the Seine, at Paris, the police had a wax figure made in proportions indicated by the tell- tale pieces, and the public exposure of this figure led to the detection of the assassin, The public, as well as the officials who join in the silly outery against publicity, should remember that the guilty man never forgets his crime, and that the more the people are informed of his misdeeds the more certain the chances of his detection. Until this fact is admitted the authorities will have to de- pend upon the newspapers, and they may be sure that the work which they them- seives should do will be well and thoroughly done by that able and faithful man of all work—the newspaper roporter. The Louisiana Debate in the Senate. The debate in the Senate on the question of accepting the judgment of the Electoral Commission in the Louisiana case was sharp and animated, but it disclosed no intention on the part of democratic Senators to mutiny against the decision if it could not be re- jected in accordance with the Electoral law. Senator Stevenson, of Kentucky, declared his sentiments with vigorous frankness and emphasis as to the necessity of acting in good faith, and he doubtless represented the views of most of the Southern members of both houses. If a portion of the demo- crats should bolt they would inevitably split the party and destroy all its hopes in the future. Senator Thurman and Senator Bayard made energetic protests against the action of the commission respecting the vote of Louisiana, but they did not pass the bounds of ‘legitimate opposition, and gave no intimation of a purpose to resist after the Senate had accepted the decision. We regret that the democrats of the House did not act in a similar spirit. It would have been perfectly proper and legitimate for them to have made a vehe- ment opposition and have brought the House to a strong vote of non-acceptance, expressing at the same time a determination to abide by the action of the commission if it passed the ordeal of the Senate, While regretting the dilatory policy of the House democrats we trust that their speeches to- day may be conceived in the samo loyal and honorable spirit as that of Senator Stevenson. In the Senate debate yesterday there were two noteworthy speeches on the republican side—one noteworthy for ingenuity of ar- gument, the other for extravagance of ran- corous invective. We refer to the speeches of Senator Morton and Senator Sargent. Mr. Morton’s speech was very able without anything offensive in its tone. He quoted the Louisiana law to prove that a majority of the Returning Board was a quorum to transact business, and cited numer- ous parallels, among them the law of Congress which makes the Supreme Court consist of nine members, although a smaller number can hear and adjudicate cases. He maintained that the ineligibility of particular electors did not destroy the validity of their votes, and illustrated his point by reference to what takes place in both houses of Congress. It often happens that members are seated on the prind facie evidence of regular certificates, but after- ward rejected after a full examina- tion of their claims. But so long as such members retain their seats their votes are perfectly valid, and acts of legislation decided by them are never questioned on the ground that they had no real title. Mr. Morton’s application of this principle to the case of Presidential electors is as ingenious as it is obvious. He also contended, with great logical cogency, that in the case of Presidential electors Congress has no power to review the primd facie title. Each house possesses this power ir the case of its own members, be- cause it is expressly conferred by the con- stitution. Mr. Morton contends with great force and plausibility that if it had been the intention of the framers of the constitution to confer upon Congress a similar power respecting Presidential electors they would have given it in explicit language. There was more argument and less declamation in Mr. Morton’s speech than in any other made in the Senate yesterday. Not only the ablest argument, but the most discreditable harangue was made on the ‘republican side. The intemperate speech of Senator Sargent was utterly inex- cusable. His atrocious insult to the demo- cratic party in charging it with an attempt to assassinate Packard, an intention to assassinate Hayes, and the guilt of assassinating President Lincoln, and saying that it was dripping all over with murder, was in such a spirit of brutal ferocity and so out of place in the Senate, especially on so important an occa- sion, that we are astonished that any Sen- ator could so demean himself as to indulge in that kind of infuriate and senseless vitu- peration. Mr. Morton’s argument will make a favorable impression, at least on the republican party, but Mr. Sargent’s abusive rant can only excite disgust. The Soul of Business. No one who does not own Western Union stock will be sorry to read our statement of the prospects of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company. ; Between lines con- structed and acquirel during the year the company has greatly itcreased its facilities for doing business that course of competition which has of late been of so much benefit to those whose expense accounts are largely increased by the cost of telegraphy. No ill will toward the Western Union Company need be exer- cised in wishing the rival corporation suc- cess, Acountry as large as our own, and with active business interests sprinkled over its entire length and breadth, can certainly support two telegraph companies handsomely, even if both reduce their tolls far below the rates demanded at pres- ent. Telegraphy becomes popular as it de- creases in cost, and for the interests of business, society and the companies them- selves, it is perfectly proper to hope fora competition so spirited and prolonged that promptness and cheapness may be realized to the utmost degree possible, Jersey Justice. We admire ‘Jersey justice.” It is swift and sure. When the New Jersey Legisla- ture, representing the people of that State, yoted by an overwhelming majority to grant Ryan and Oschwald, the alleged murderers of Officer Brock, a new trial, we felt there was some justification for the attack which one of the minority made on the New York practice of allowing technical objections to interfere with the execution of a capital sen- tence. Butareputation such as our sister State is anxious to retain depends upon tho detection and punishment of real offenders, and notin simply convicting some person for every offence committed and punishing the accused, whether guilty or innocent. Ryan and Oschwald are now dead—one per- ishing by his own hand and the other on the gallows; but if they were innocent of the murder of Officer Brock, and if the real and for continuing | only committed a fearful crime, but has proved its inefficiency by suffering the actual murderer to escape. It may be that the two men who now fill dishonored graves suffered justly the ex- treme penalty of death. Their persistent declarations of innocence, after they felt so assured of the utter impossibility of escape that they determined to take their own lives, are calculated to excite the belief that they perished unjustly. There is at least a doubt cast over their guilt, and people will henceforth laugh at “Jersey justice” if this doubt is not cleared up and the truth firmly established. Indeed, the authorities of New Jersey owe it to themselves to investigate the matter to the very foundation. It will not do for them to say that because two men have been laid in their graves, as an offset to the murder of Officer Brock, the affuir is at an end. If they now show an_ indisposition to ferret out the truth people will believe that they dread the proof that they have killed two innocent men. ‘To shield themselves from blame they must not suffer the stigma of a murderer's name to attach to Ryan and Oschwald and permit the real murderer to escape. We again tender them all the ussist- ance the letter received by the Henatp may afford in arriving at the truth. They have not as yet evinced any desire to probe this business to the bottom; but they should not forget that ‘Jersey justice” does not consist simply of hanging some one for a murder, but of bringing the real culprit to the ex- treme penalty of the law. Our Florida Letter. From the engrossing cares of a dangerous explofation our special correspondent in Florida turns to give us.a graphic pen pic- ture of scenes in the wilderness that appeal to our sense of humor and curiosity regard- ing the habits ond customs of the simple- minded inhabitants of the swamps. From an account of the building of the -huts for the Hznatp party and their colored guides, and the movements of uncanny night visit- ors from the forest that prowl around the circle of blazing log fires that sentinel the camp, we turn to the humorous and pa- thetic songs of the negroes, whose voices cheer these solitudes with a weird but swect music. The ambi- tion of the singers ‘for to die like Laz’rus died” and their desire to ‘‘climb up Jacob's ladder” evidences a true religious feeling, somewhat out of training, it is true, but nevertheless tending in the right direc- tion. To preserve for the benefit of the readers of the Henatp the quaint sentiments of religious fervor set in song and the equally interesting melodies with which the negroes lighten their labors and astonish the catamounts and bears, we present to-day both the music and words of several selected hymns, While they may®ot compare favor- ably in the estimation of connoisseurs with the later productions of Wagner or even the lighter but not less pleasing works of Offen- bach, they must be recognized as fulfilling in every degree to their primitive admirers in the Florida swamps the natural love of mankind for sweet sounds. Miss Danser’s Charity. Three hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars is a very handsome sum to be left in charitable bequests presumably for the ben- efit of the poor; but in these days of organ- ized societies for the distribution of such charity it is doubtful if the poor are to be greatly congratulated on the subject. In an economical sense strictly it is a pity that the benevolent are not more practical than they are. It is a rule with them to distribute their wealth in comparatively small sums to a large number of charities— which is as if a man should set up a separate kitchen and pay a separate cook to prepare each particular mutton chop. If any one of our charities, even with good intentions, has a president and two or three secretaries and other officers with handsome salaries, and a heavy rent to pay—in short, is bur- dened with the ordinary budget of charity expenses, the five thousand dollars that passes through its hands must necessa- rily be badly crippled before it begins to relieve the poor; while as the bequest is larger and the number of the bequests smaller, a proportionately larger part of the money is really devoted to the objects for which’ the benevolent giver intended it. But in a community like ours there will al- ways bea proportion of money that must be given away to, ostensible charities in or- der to satisfy the consciences of those who possess it, and in such cases it is better, perhaps, to have the charity machineries that infest this metropolis than no ma- chinery at all. PERSONAL INTELLIGENCE. Canines covet candy. Senator Sharon is a fine entertainer, Harvard stadents attend Moody meetings. General Sherman 1s in Washivgtou again, * Professor Alexander Agassiz bas arrived from Europe. Sam Bard bas purchased the Pensacola (Fla,) xpress, Bradiey would not swap horses while crossing tho stroaun Joaquin Miller says, ‘‘Nay, never more shall love Seek me." George Ticknor Curtis rests on the ends of his fingers when ho talks, Watterson jumps through a door like a man‘ooking for a glass of beer. Fenton is still the fashion on Pennsylvania avenue and he 1s cut biadero, Some one said of an English lord that he dressos not wisely, but too swell. Isn’t it sad to think that the hottest red pepper in the world is called “Chile ?’” Charles O'Conor’s fault 1s that on public occasions ho is likely tu indulge in buncomte. Englishmen boast that they sent us a blessing in that mtolerable little nuisauce the sparrow, General Grant and family will, fora while after leav- ing the White House, be the guests of Secretary Fish. Seftor Don Manuel R. Garcia, the Argentine Min- ister, arrived at tbe Albemarle yesterday trom Wash. ington. When you look at the moon through a telescope it op) like a buzz saw cutting down republican ma- jorities, Whenever a San Francisco man comes East he wishes he were back home to got some good whiskey) yot it has been di:coverod by the Jost of that eny that the whiskey Is adulterated, Evening Telegram:—*Dou Piatt needs a ‘aitjacket and cold water on his head worse even than Bogy. In his newspaper, called the Capital, printed yesterday in Washington, be sys that if Hayes ‘can ride in safety from tue Ixecutive Mansion to the Capitol to be in. angurated we aro fitted for slavery,’ and he makes ap- TELEGRAPHIC NEWS From All Parts of the World. TURKEY AND SERVIA Probable Conclusion of a Peace with the Re- volled Principality. REPLIES 0 THE GORTSCHAKOFF CIRCULAR Reinforcing the Turkish Forces Along the Danube, A GREAT GALE IN ENGLAND. [Bx CABLE TO THE HERALD.1 Lonpon, Feb. 20, 1877. A furious, gale from the northwest burst over~ Quecenstown last evening, causing considerable danger to shipping even in that weil sheltered and land-locked harbor. THE GALE AT LIVERPOOL. The storm has also reached Liverpool, where @ heavy gale from the westward now prevails, which ‘will detain a large number of vessels in port unit] the weather begins to moderate. AT LONDON. The gale over this city is also from the westward, and 1s very severe. ‘THE HERALD'S WARNING VERIFIED. Your cable despatch dated the 14th, giving warn- ing of the approach of the stormand predicting its arrival on the British and French coasts by the loth is completely verified. THE TURKISH FQRCE ON THE DANTBE. A despatch from Rustchuk, Bulgaria, says the number of Turkish troops quartered in the villages along the Danube has increased from 60,000 on the 3ist of January to 75,000, The garrison of Rustchuk numbers 12,000 men. RENGTU OF THE RUSSIAN ARMY. The Political Correspondence givss a detailed account of the strength of the Russian army, derived trom authentic sources. It substantially confirms the statements in the report from Kisho neff, which appeared in the Datly News ow February 15, but it makes the forces even more for. midable, The Russian army south of the Caucasus on the Asiatic frontier of Turkey in readiness for action | pumbers 115,000 and has thirty-five fleld batteries and 250 heavy siege guns. PEACE WITH BERVIA PROBABLE. A telegram from Belgrade says negotiations are pro- gressing satisfactorily, and it 1s expectod that a treaty of peace will be ready to submit to the Great Skupt- schina on tho 20th inst. A despatch from Berlin says it is reported there that the conclusion of peace between Turkey and Servia it now assured, RUSSIA AND MONTENEGRO, A despatch from Vienna says tho report is current that Prince Gortschakoff has expressed nis satistaction to the ’rince ‘of Montenegro that tho latter consented to send Plenipotentiaries to Constantinople, and he wished them good luck. REPLIES TO THE GORTSCHAKOFF CIRCULAR, ‘A Berlin despatch says it is stated in diplomatic quarters that the Pow have already confidentially commanicated to Rus: jhe substance of the replies they intend to make to Prince Gortschakoft’s circular, All bavo agreed to abstain from any interference until the Porte has proved itself incapablo of carrying through the promised reforms, 1t is reported thet Russia on ber part will inform the Powers of her ine tentions and of the circumstances which make itm. possible for her to forego immediately all interference; but she will give no indication of her eventual isnlated action. A CONSERVATIVE ELECTED TO PARLIAMENT. Mr. Sidney Herbert, conservative, was returned to Parliament yesterday for Wilton, defeating Mr. Norris, the liberal candidate, by a poll of 751 to 187, ‘THE INDIAN FAMINE, An official telegraphic despatch from the Viceroy of India, dated February 17, reports that thé number of natives on the relief works show a further reduction of 32,000 In Madras and 41,000 in Bombay. Tho prices of grain are falling in most of the Madras districts owing to large importations. In Bombay prices remain un- changed. ‘THE BAYREUTH PERFORMANCE POSTPONED, ‘A Berlin despatch announces that the proposed rep. etition of Richard Wagner’s ‘‘Ring of the Nibelungen"” at Bayreuth will not take placo this year, having been postponed on account of the impaired healt! of the Com poser. * THE PRICE OF SILVER, Silver closed yesterday at 56/44. per ounce, INTERNATIONAL COURTESIES. A LETTER OF THANKS FROM THE PORTUGUESE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. Paapevrnra, Feb. 19, 1877. Mayor Stokley to-day reccived the following let~ ter:— Exvostcao INTERNACIONAL DE PAILADELPHIA Camsussao DE PORTUGAL, PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 19, 1877. How, Winttam 8. Stoxiey, Mayor of Philadelphia :— Sik—In the pame ot the Portugueso Commi we havo the bonor of thunktog you for the kind manner in which you received us, and through you the citi+ zens of this city for the many official and personal favors tendered to us, We can assure you that on leaving the United States we carry with us tho kindest remembrances of Philadelphia. For tho magnificent snecess of the universal exhibition of the United States you, as Mayor of this city, contributed power fully, aud that should be for you 'a great satisfaction, and for us ouo of the reasons of the profound osteem ir which this great city should be held. Thauking you for your many courtesies, we are, respectiully, your obedient servants, Locrrxco MALIEIRO, Jaye Batauita Ret INSANE ASYLUM ABUSES. } Commissioners for Portugal [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. J Sr. Louis, Feb. 19, 1877, Advices from Topeka, Kan,, to-night state that the House special committee to investigate the manage ment of tho State Insane Asylum at Osawattomie bave returned, and it is given out that their report will ve highly imterdsting reading. The testimony, as far ‘as it can bo obtained, places Dr, “| Knapp, superintendent of the asylum, in a very embarrassing attitude, Several witnesses charge hinw with having had improper relations with the female employés of the institution. There were also hints o veveral cases of medical malpractice in which the Doctor figures. During the taking of part of the evi denco somo of the lady witnesses retused to testity be- foro the full committee. [tis not known wh: defence Dr. Knapp will pursue, Tho evide: entiroly unconficting, but tho ieading facts appear te be preity well substantiated, al BANK SUSPENSION, (DY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. J Bioomtxaroy, liJ., Feb. 19, 1877. The Phenix Savings, Loan and Trust Bank of thie place, owned by Corydon Weed, suspends business to- morrow on account of flaancial difficuities, Mr. Weed | 18 one of the very largest monoy lenders tn the West, ting with capital owned in Hartford and other He bas paid his commercial and sav and says that all his bank liabilitio: secured few thousands, His loans foot up $3,000,000, all indorsed by him, and principally secured by hens on available lands. His embarrassment if caused by shrinkng peal to violence to counteract fraud. We are not sur- prised toread that an appeal to the Grand Jury is culprit is yot at large, Jersey justice has not | likely to result from such an article,” NAVAL IGENCE, For Mosros, Va, Feb. 19, 187%. The United Sta jteamer Ranger bas dropped dowa from Norlolk,