The New York Herald Newspaper, May 3, 1877, Page 5

POLLUTION. A Manure Factory in ‘the Oentre of Harlem. THE SOURCE OF THE STENCH. Skeletons and Entrails Brought from Barren Island. STREET CLEANING FERQUISITES. During the last two months the region around and about the foot of 105th, 106th and 107th sircets, East River, has been intermittently pervaded with offen- sive odors. Occasionally the stench is so oppressive that it Las driven laborers in the adjoining works from their occupation, and in somo instances men have left their employment rather than subject themselves to what they thought wasa risk to their health and toa smell so offensive that it (requently brought on nausea, Persons residing in the neighborhood attributed this Duisance to the filling in of 107th streot with garbage and objectionable retuse; others thought it was ex- halations caused by the mild weather from the old Gilling of the Harlem flats; a tew thought it was from Street garbage that had been surreptitiously deposited in the night, a few months ago, tn the open lots soutb- east of Second avenge and 107th street. ‘THE SOURCE OF THE STEXCH. Tho nuisance is, however, not directly traceable to any of these causes, It isofamuch more malignant and dangerous character than could be produced from any of the causes given above, At the foot of 10sth and 106th streets, East River, 1s situated an oid avat- toir, or slaughter house, thut has not been used for some years. Lately—tbat is, during part of the winter, and notably within the last three months—this baild- ing has been used for the manufacture of what 1s tech- nically known asa ‘‘fertilizer,”’ or, in moro popular language, an artificial manure, The main constituent of this “fertilizer”? 1s made up from the remains of dead animals, These are brought in scows, sometimes a8 often as three times a week, from Barren Island to this old slaughter houso and there deposited for fur- thor manipulation. It is needful for the purposes for which these remains are required that a certain Stage of decomposition should have set tn, and this requisite renders their contact with the light and suna very sufficiont means for the diffusion of the offensive odor of which the neighbors complain. Part of the manipulation brings these skeletons, entrails and skins of dead horses, goats, dogs and cats into contact with sulphuric acid and phospates trom South Carolina, and Biter a further procoss an ingredient is formed which becomes a very marketable commodity under the name of “soluble manure.’’ A reporter of the Hxgap went (through tho manufactory a few days ago, and, without the workmen knowing his object, saw and smelt for bim- self not only the manulactured product, but the material \n its earliest stages, before it became the article of commerce that results from the manipulation. On a kind of dumping board, onthe river side of the estab- lishment, were heaps of the bones and dried entrails of these doad animals from Barren Island, These had been steeped in sulphuric acid, and the smell there- from was even under those circumstance unendura- bie for any protracted periou; but when dumped from the boat at the emptying of the scows 1t could be Teadily 1magined that it was a compound essence of ail the ovjectiopable smelis that even Hariom bas kuown, WHAT 18 TO BK DONE ABOUT IT. It 1s strikingiy tila tive of the oft-repeated proverb that public bodies move slowly, that this manure factory should have beep in operation a reat part ol the winter, all the spring and that even last week 1,000 tons of the manure should have been shipped for sale and yet not aturact the official atten- ton of the Board of Health, It is only within the laet forty-elgot hours, and when there is every reason to believe that the board got @ hint of a probable HERALD exposure, that the preliminary official step for closing this fuctory was initiated, ivory ounce of this manure has been manniactured in de- flance of ‘aw. ‘The proprietors havo never received a permit tre the Board of Health to carry on their work. Unul very recently they did not even make an application. Dr. Veil, the inspector of the district, nod Sanitary Inspector Day never visited the place till Monday last. They had scarcely reached the adjoin- tng avenuo when the reporter of the HERALD was ip the Deignborhood, and very shortly aficrwurd discovered the source of the nuisance of which the neignbors 80 justly complain. Dr. Veil says that he has repurted that the permit must be withheld, and that that re- port was placed on tlie yesterday. The inquiry, how- ever, Baturally arises, Why was not this done before? There bas been negiect, at the leust, by the officials to whom the guardianship of the heaith of the city has doen entrusted. These boat loads of dead animals have been vrought openly and in the daytime to this establishment from Barren lslaud, where city officials have to some extent a supervision, and yet no steps were taken to provent the creation of this nuisance. THE NKIGHBORING ESTABLISHMENTS, Adjoining this manure iactory is a tailow rendering establisument This, however, seems to be conducted in an unobjectionad! » und the peighbors do pot complain. There is an osphere of burnt can- die grease made very maniiest to oliactory nerves that are strangers to the neighborhood, but this can be endured by the occasional visitor. Near vy isthe asphalt tube works, and this manufactory, Dr. Veil says, has mitigated somewhat tho offensive stench from the manure factory and acted, fortu: ly, as a Sanitary corrective. But, as the Doctor says, any- thing that obliges the people to keep their windows and doors closed when it 18 desirable that they should be kept open 1 infringement upon tie laws of bealth, and is a prelude to sickness that in the beated torm will ultimate in contagious disease. THR PILLING IN OF ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH STREET, Whatever Ambrose & Mills, the contractors for till- Ing ip certain streets in Harlem, may have been guilty of in times past, at present they are only dump- 10g at the foot of 107th street dirt und material that u \tirely unobjectionable, A reporter of tho HkRALD erduy the foot of Fourteenth street, Kast River, whero they receive the contents of all the carts, and it was indisputable that all that was dumped on the scow was earth taken from excavated cellars, ashes and cinders trom gasworks, and like material, The people in the neigbbornood of this strect say that they havo no complaint to make now of the filling in, and think that when the mauure factory ts closed their beighborhood will be a tolerable place to reside in. Ambrose & Mills do not receive any reluse from the Streot Cleaning Department, Some time ago an en- deavor was made by them toenter into a contract with that depart it to take uway (he sweepings at filteen cents per load, and subsequently at five cents, but this offer was not entertained, and lately the de- psig has not received any proposals irom them. 1 any one will watch the train of carts that pass aloug in almost continuous succession to the foot of Eust Fourteenth street it will be seen that the contents of the carts are what they are represented to be. It is jd that all persons in connection with the city street cleanin on their good behavior during the gislature, but that ww the adjourn. body the Street Cleaning Bureau will bear 1 of watebing. STRERT CLEANING PERQUIMITES, Ever since the year 1856, by a system introduced in thisoity by Mr. Thomas B. Asten, the Chairman of the Boara of Assessors, a very largo number of tho best streets of the city, including the districts in wnich pearly all tJ residences of the more wealthy in- habitants are situated, are swept by private cont; A stipulated sum o! about one doliar a month fol bouseho is paid to private contractors Smith & Werry, and thereby the regul: Of gangs of sweepers are enabled to have many of the streets of the cenire of the upper part of the city Carefully swept during ali soasons of the year. To the ordinary observer 11 would svem that the Street Cleaning Burcau shouid cheerfally encourage an enter. prise of this kind that saves them so much labor and gives them a reputati among citizens that do not know of the private contract system. The ways of politicians are, however, dark and mysterious, and are not to be judged by the usual cours # human con- duct, In the days when corruptionists wero learning their alphabet of raud the sweepings of the strrets swopt by private contractors would be taken away by tho curts of the Street Cleaning Department by giving the men in cha of the carts “a drink" or Its price, sow, however, a ‘a divvy’? is demanded and obtaiued; tho private contractor 18 known to re- coive a cortain amount for a specified block, or a seo- 'd, and unless a cert: ¢ carts will fail to put in an appe: pri contractor must devise his own tmeaus for the Temoval of these sweopings. The taxpayors of this city are twice taxed; once by tbo city, second by the private contractor, and tne latter must pay the city servants again tor doing the work that they would bo compelled to do if he did not do it. Thote and similar abuses still prevail, and tho citizens appear to be help- Jess amid the corruption that surrounus them, LOOKING FOR A DUMPING GROUND. The Police Board yester ay afternoon ordered a survey of Hart’s Island with the view of learning its adaptability tor a dumping ground. The ordor isto bo carrivd out at once, THE VACANL’ COMMISSIONERSHIPS, The local politicians are considerably in the dark os to whether or not Mayor Ely will send ia any names for Commissionerships to the Board of Aldermen at their meeting this afternoon, A good deal probably depends upon the action of the republican Legislature apon the Omnibus bill, Mayor Ely and Comptroller Kelly, the governing powers in sottling the important question ag to who shall Mill the vacant places, were not present at their offices yesterday. Should matters asto city legislation tuke definite shape betore the Aldermen meet to-day the names will bo sent in. Up to last was updersiooa the list of probable pul HERALD was correct. Sears. B. F. Manierre, Jacob Hess and Jacob M. Patterson are the most prominent candidates for Police Commissioner. Should the contract of last fall between Tammany Hali and the icans be out im good faith, te these gentlemen will be selected. On the same theory Salem Wales will be reap- penises, Dock Commissioner and George H. Andrews ‘ax Commissioner, The reappointment ot Park Com- Mussioner Martin and Heaith Commissioner Chandler is considered very doubttul. City Chamberlain Tappan will be retained This slate, however, may be changed if the Omnibus bill passes in a Particularly offensive to Tam- many interests, the anxious candidates will be compelled to wait another week before nominations are made tothe Aldermen. DISAPPEARANCE OF MR, J. T. DALY. Mr. J. T. Daly, a wealthy resident of New York, and the owner of the Windsor Hotel, nas been missing from his home, No, 4 East Forty-seventh street, since Tuesday morning. For somo time previous be bad been very disconsolate and gloomy, owing to business troubles which preyed on his mind. Prominent among these troubles was a suit against nim tor $60,000 by one of the Park Commissioners, which, in connection with heavy losses by the depreciation of the value of much of big real estate, was considered sufficient in the view of some cf his iriends to war- rant the belief that Mr. Daly has committed suicide while ander temporary derangement of mind. This jw is not entertained at Mr. Dull resideuce. His son stated to a HegaLp reporter jt evening that when Mr. Daly Joft bis home on Tucsday inorning he had no large amount of money with him, but he did bave a number of very valuable law papers. pel een son’s firm belief was that ho nad foully dealt with in order to obtain por > sion of these papers, Young Mr. Daly declined to state Beery What these papers wore, When Mr. Daly left nis home ho stopped tirst at the Windaor Hotel and conversed a few minutes with Mr. Waite, the lessee; from thence he pro Manhattan ‘ket, where he paid a bill, bis movements are unknowy. dir, Wait m to think Mr. Daly’s mind was deranged, he noticed the gloomy and disconsolate uppearance which algo the son bad noticed. When he did not re- turn home on Tuesday evening his family became alarmed, as be was never known \o be away trom home at night without frst announcing his intention. His prolonged absence through yesterday cave iurtber alarm, and Superintendent Wathog was notified. A general alarm was sent to all police stations, und De- tective Dunn espectally dotatled search for the missing man, but although strict search was made he coula not be found. He 1s about fifty years ot age, of medium height, shim build, and has gray hair, mus- tache and whiskers, He was well dreased, and wore diamonds and a goid watch and chain. THE HEREDITY OF CRIME. Dr. W. G, Stevenson, of Poughkeepsie, delivered a lecture last evening belore tho Medivo-Legal Socioty, at their rooms on West Thirty-first street, on the sub- ject of “Criminality.” The lecturer reviewed the general principles of evolution us they pertained to human development. Having seen the obe, dience of man to law in all the manifestations of bodily functions, ho then asked if there was not some rule or law which Influenced the acts of man, and in proportion to this influence are not his respon- sibilities unuer law directly moditied thereby ? Having given the general tacts relative to the nervous centres \d their actions, and shown that mind is dependent on and influenced by tho: physical condition of the brain, Dr. Stevenson entertained no doubt but that the lence is sufficicnt to euablo us to determine with approximate accuracy the bodily and meatal con- ditions whieb give the bias to individual character. CRIMINALITY AND NERVOUS PHYSIOLOGY. The Doctor's argumont relative to criminality was based upon the evidence furnished by nervous physi- ology. He claimed that it is a neurosis, originating in either an inherited or an acquired condition of the brain—a condition of positive disease or of non-de- velopment of certuin faculties—the existence of whic! would preciude the possibility of crime, THE BQUALITY OF MAN, He first reviewed the quesuion of the equality of man and found physical and. mental differences ex- isted among races and Jaodividuals. Tho lecturer then discussed the heredity of theso diflereuces and found that the Jaw of neredity prevailed tos all =the atimbutes of mental as well as ot pbysical life. ‘This boing s he argued that we could not formulate a general law ur a genoral Tule by which to measure the human action, but the acts of each individual must be interpreted accoraing to bis own personal condition and ‘The Doctor then briefly traced 11 and inebriety and showed the exist tion between these and crime, THE NEW STEAMBOAT MASSACHU- SETTS, The new steamboat Massachusetts, of the Providence Hae, will make her first trip for Providence from pier No. 29 North River next Monday ovening, She is the sister boat to the Rhode Island, aod the two steamers are to go direct to Providence from this city, The di- mensions of the Massachusetts are:—Length, 325 fees; beam, 46 feet; beam over all, 76 feet; depth of hold, 16 feet 4 inches Tho frames of the new steamboat are of white oak, locust and cedar, the floor timbers are ol white oak and the top timbers of locust'and cedar, and the deck of white pine. Without the ma- chivery or jomer work the lauoching weight of the Massachusetts was 1,000 tons. The fittings of the in- terior are very handsome, The dining room is on the main deck, and the grand saloon hus two galleries, The berths are commodious and number 220, in addi- ton to the staterooms, The furonure is of Boston manutacture, Sho has all the modern improvements for steamers of this class, and was built by Mr. Steers, of Greenpoint. A PECULIAR PETTICOAT. A demure looking little woman, of about thirty-five years of age, accompanied by a stout, sinister faced map, entered the fancy goods store of Louis V. Holz- master, at No. 403 Broadway, yesterday morning and began pricing goods. It was noticed that the woman continued examining the varioys articles while hor companion talked aside with the salesman, Soon a watobful errand boy, named Luden, saw the woman slip a box of kid gloves beneath her shawl, fects of insanity @ Of & correla- and immediately afterward she walked toward the door, ‘he boy informed bis employers of whut he bad seen, ana they sent him for an officer, Before the latter arrived the man bad escaped, but the policeman took the woman into cus- tody and found the stolen property conceaicd under her shawl, Sho was taken beiore Justice Smith, at the Tombs Police Court, and committed in defauit of $2,000 bail, The Justice eyed her critically, and recog- uized in ber ao old shoplilter who had on previous vc- casions deen before him. Then be whispered to the officer to have Mrs. Foster, the matron o/ the woman's prison, make @ caretul examination of the prisoner's clothing, The mutron soon entered the court room carry ing two large boxes of kid gloves and a petticoat ofa peculiur pattern. It was made of felt of double thickuess, and bore a capacious pocket, which extended nearly the entire length of the garment. The boxes were Mr. Holzmaster’s e property of his em- loyer and gave | $140, The prisoner jooked composedly at the petticoat, and when quas- tioned as to bow the gloves camo there merely sbragged her shoulders, answering in broken Eogiish “Me not know.’’ She gave her nameas Kose Rode, of “No, 408 uptown, near Third avenue.” With th lucid address the Court was obliged to be satistied, us sho declined answering further questions. The prisoner was recognized by Captain Allaire as notorious man shoplitter, whose picture is ta the Rogues’ Gallery. ustice Smith held her in $5,000 to answer, remark- i that ho would critically examine any bail ~be should $ fer, In default of the bail she was committed to the ‘ombs, MATRIMONIAL MISERY. Mary Howard is thirty-nine yoars old and a resi- dent of No, 118 Ridge street, Sho has been married for some time and latterly bas been quite unhappy. She fell out with her husband yesterday and ina fit of despair attempted to commit suicide by cutting the arteries of her sight arm witha razor. She rushed into the Delancey street police station and related her rash conduct to the sergeant, A surgeon was sum- moned and her wounds were attended to, She was romoved to the Chambers Str Hospital. BUSINESS TROUBLES. * A meeting of the creditors of Boyden, Mulloy & Co., hat jobbers at No, 620 Broadway, was held yesterday at tho office of Register Dayton, to act on the offer of the firm to compromise at forty cents on the dollar, being $98,000, Tho creditors finally de- t tho Composition, Register Dayton has received @ warrant in bank- fuptey against Witold Zychlinski & Max Hippler, coal dealers at No, 24 Bast atreet, who have been adjudi- cated bankrupts upon the petitions ot several ol their creditors, They recently made an assignment under the State law to Jon Wuite, Tho following assignment was yesterday filed in the County Clerk’s oitico:—Morris Plonikey to Isaac Barnet GERMAN LUTHERAN SYNOD. The fifty delegates to the German Lutheran Synod of the Eastern District of Missourt reassembied yoster- day morning at St. John’s Church, corner of Graham avenue and Ten Kyck street, Brooklyn, KE. D. Pastor Stuerken, of Baitimore, Md,, presided, and a debate ‘Was commenced on the eight articios of their creed as to the difference, between the law and the gospel. In the course ot the debate secrot sucietics wero de- nounced. The session will bo resumed this morning, CUSTOM HOUSE," INVESTIGATION. THE avpIron AkD wis aneréréwT’ RECOMMEND 4 REDUCTION’ OF ronée—oomLRCTON AnTHUR ON ‘Tie GENERA onpEn éveTedt” ° Secretary Shermans Comfnissionete; Eppolnted to investigate tho system of eolleeting duties'as the Cus- tom House ard its personnel, held: ges- torday in Naval Offlcer Cornell's office, fp phe chairman, presiding. Prior to gol investi- gation % the Custom House ceiitd dhe codiatetion held a protracte® private interview Witt Meséré | Jaek- son 8. Schultz, Thomas Barboar, Danie) @/ Robbie, and their coungol, 8. mittee representing the Chamber 9f Co} an hour subsequently the doors were opened and the members of the Press admitted.’ ‘The iret tetig done was the reading of thé {ollowing létter’by. Sr. Jay, which, he said, he had received trom Boputy Ap- praiser Bausch, who bad boen examined on Tues- day:— Apraaisen’s Orricx, Port or New Yorx, ay 2 1877 To the Honorable Commission Investigating Affairs in the ‘ew York Custom Houne :-~ GeNTLEWEN—1 desire to correct astatement made by me yesterday in my exumination, I atated 1 amount of ‘Assessments unde lust fail was paid to the late Appraiser, 8. K, Freneh, Bsq., whiek I fad, upon reflection, not to be the fact, ‘The money was paid to Mr, H. Sperry, the contractor, for departient. tarnishing portion of the labor for In justice to Mr. French [ make this correction. am, respectfully, J. A. BAUSCH, Arsistant Appraiser. Mr. Robinson, Assistant Solicitor of the Treasury, and of the Commission, baving received telegraphic n- structions rom the Secretary, announced his intention hereulter to administer ap onth to each witness before testifying, persuant to section 183 of the Revised Statutes, ‘MR, OGDEN'S RECOMMENDATIONS, Mr. Samuel Ogden, the Auditor, was then called, Being an invalid, his testimony was almost inaudibie. ‘The gist Of bis evideuce was to the fact that it he could bave the right Kind of men the present force ol the Custom House might be reduced twenty per cent Tne Naval Uitice should be abolished, but 1% might entail some difficulties at first, and in tien thereo! make tue Auditor independent of the Collector, which would bo the proper check on bim, ite in favor of a cr service code and a more certain tenure of office. Ninety- nine inen were employed in wis division, of whom about seventeen clerks and three or four men, Who are pre- paring statistics, might be dispeosed with, The system im vogue in h’s olllce could oot, in bis. opinion, be improved. ‘The office hours should be trom nine to four, He does not know of any gratuities paid to any of bis clerks for lawyors or others The functions of tho Auditor are to disburse moneys and account for the sume, None of bis accounts have ever been ro- turned trom the department incorrect. Contributions for political purposes are usually made voluntarily. Nono of the employés of the Auditor’s department Nold any sinecures; they bave to work hard and rega- larly. Mr. Ogden recommended the abolijon of the fevs upon documents, which now amounted to over” apawo per apoum, and instead add them as dutics. ‘his system causes great trouble, loss of time aud voxation to impartera, In order to get a “check” on apentry persons have to walk arouud a ncmber of departments and then come back to the cashier's office to pay a twenty cent foe, A_RMDUCTION OF TEN PER CENT SUGGESTE Mr. Samue: J, Jacobs, Assistant Auditor sworn, He deposed that be bad beeu in this otiice for a number of years and is fully conversant with the fairs of his department, In his opinion ten per cent of the employés might be dispensed with, His office bours ure from hali-past eight A. M. to five P.M. The personnel is good, but the salaries are too low, Does not know.of any gratuities being received by any of the atiachés of his office. Ho also condemned tue m of piying the twenty-cent fees, which amount to about $25,000a month, ‘There js no check on this paywent, and the opiiection and accounting thers must be trusted entirely to the houesty of the cashier, | ‘TUR GEMKRAL ORDER SYSTEM. A recess was here taken and messengers sent after a number of répresentatives of steamship companies, On reagsewbling the joilowing named gentlemen pre- sented themselvex:—Mr. B. J. Cortis, of tho War Star Line; Mr. William B. Guion, of Wiliams Guion’s line; Mr, Radciife, of the State line; Mr. « Schwab, of the North German Lloyd; Mr. Mayer, ot the Hamburg line; Mr. Allen, Cunara line; Mr. Bebian, Tronsatiantique ‘ine, and Mr. Pim, of the Atlas line, These gentlemen were all ne ab tho examination of Collector Arthur, aud ventilated their opinions pretty freely on the subject of allowing goods to remain on the dock for forty-cight hours instead of pending spam to general order warehouses immediately on arrival. General Arthur said, ‘*As soon as a vessel is entered an order is issued for the yoods to go into general orders, The regulations give authority to the Col lector, at his option, to allow the same to remain on the dock.” DISCHARGING VESSELS AFTER DARK, 1 Arthur explained the system of allowing Vessels to discharge alter sunset, Question by Mr. Jay to General Arthur—What would be the legal ices to inspectors and others jor watching es and secing that thoy do not go imo general or- ders General Arthur—There ts no special legislation on that subject. There isa wing Vessels to di Steamship com- curity ior the goods in y bip company suffers trom having goods unduly hurried {rom the dock, by com. violate to the Collector the imspectors are severely punishea, A ropresentati ve of one of the steamer lines here re- marked to the Commission that whenever any com- plaint was made to the Collector by them relief was at ‘once uccordéd. The Collector continued, “When inspectors work alter sunset the extra compensation thereior is fixed by the Surveyor and himselt.”” Mr. Turnure asked General Sharpe, who was present, whether the inspectors were allowed by luw to receive extra pay for night work, which was answered in the affirmative. The former replied that he differed de- cidedly with the Surveyor, inasmuch as the law re- quires the money to be paid by the steamship compa nies to the Collector and by him to the laspectot This Closed the examination for the day, bul adjourning it was agreed between the Collector the steamship representatives present, on the recom- mendatiou of the Commission, that hereafter the com- panies should apply for regular night permits for each vessel, id pay the extra labor of inspectors to the Collector’s oflice direct. ART MATTERS. There ts on exhibition at the art rooms of Messra, Radtke a collection of pictures belonging to tho various European art schools, In the catalogue tho paintings age described as coming from the easels of eminent aftists, and some very well known nam re on afew of these canvases. There isa Venctian canal scence, attributed to Canalotto, with much of the quality of that very much overestimated artist’s work in it; but very few people, we imagine, will be ,able to get up any enthusiasm took- the formal, grayish blue ripples which aro intended to represent wavelots, There is ulso a head of a burgomaster, painted in the style of Rembrandt, which 1s net down as voming from the gallery of Baron Henri, but the work does not impress one with the idea of power and knowledge of chwracter which 18 the distinguishing feature of Rembrandt's portraits, There are quite a number of other great names represented in this collection, but the works show very little of tho distinguishing qualities of the men whose names thoy deur, ‘The collection numbers some 150 works, mostiy of cabinet size, but the subjects aro not of the class Which most interest American buyers. The sale of these works begins to-night at the exhibition rooms, and will be continued to-morrow evening, BENEVOLENT LAWYEKS, ATTENTION. Mrs. Herman Schmidt, wife of a jewoller who recently carried on busines No. 311 Smith street, Brooklyn, represents that her husband has becn incarcerated in Ludlow Street Jail for an alleged debt of $23, yrowing out of a transaction in Brooklyn, Twico Mr, Schmidt has (rustrated his adverzary in the Brooklyn courts, and now that he has removed to No. 796 second ave- nue, where a wile and six destitute children reside, he {# again made the victiin of persecution. Justice Daniet Ferry, of the First District Court, Brooklyn, youchos for Mr, Schmidt's honesty. Some humane lawyer might do a deserving service to ap unfortunate family by interesting nimselt io beball of the man, FAREWELL RECEPTION, The Kev. Mr, KR. 8, MacArthur, pastor of the Cal- vary Baptist Church, sails for Europe to-day in the steamer State of Pennsylvania, Ho 1s to be absent five months, during which time his flock will bo Placed in charge of various ministers of the Baptist denomination in this city. Last night the congrega- tion, under the auspices of the Young People’s Asoo- ciation belonging to the church, tendered their pastor a tureweil reception, Social enjoyment was indulged in by the congr tion until ten o’clock, when tho Rev. Mr. Macarthur appeared. A few words of farewell were addressed to him by the members of the committee, to which the pastor teelingly responded, The reception closed with @ jureweil banquet. During Mr. Macarthur’s stay in Europe the church will continue his salary as usual, In addition a large purse has been presented to him by the congregation, The pastor's wife will accompany her husvand on bis European tour, BROOKLN OFFICIAL SQUABBLING. The contest over the appointment of members of the Board of Election in Brooklyn between the Mayor, Comptroller and City Auditor continues to bea sub, Joct of interest 1a political circles, Under the law tho Commissioners of Election now in office hold ovor till ibeir successors sball have been appointed. The bureau is republican, Yesterday afternoon Mr. Joseph Piatt and Mr, Jobo Gilbertson, who were appoinved on Monday last and who subsequently took the oath of office, called at tho Bureau of Elections in Montug street for the purpose of ing post oMce. rhe vere. cordially received by Commissioners Franklin Woodrufl, Robert 1), Benedict und William Green, who declined to sutrender the records or the responsibiliuies to the democratic appointees named, Tetusing to recognize their legal claim to possessiva il such time as the courts shall bave docided the question, Mr, Sloto, the Mayor's appointee, has not qualified NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1877—TRIPLE SHEET, THR STRANGER FROM THB EAST. 4 PSEUDO-EGYPTIAN PRINCE WHO SWINDLED THE PEOPLE OF FOUR CONTINENTS AND WAS MADE A LION OF NEW YORK SCCIETY. A welcome guest in some of the wealthiest of New York families, a boon companion of the sons and a favored chaperone of the daughters, has been for the last couple of months one Selim R. Be} magnificent Oriental, with ways most winning, manners most dis- Singuished and a facility for pleasing which talls to the lot of but few men. Whenco ne came and what ho was doing 00 one took any paing to learn, but {rom ‘bis Conversation it was apparent that his antecedents were respectable und noble. With rulers of the East, whose magnificence almost surpassed description, he bad been r Gnd he was on terms of intumacy with dukes and lords of high degree in every nation in Christeuaom. He bad quite @ fund of anecdotes, pleasant and spicy, and invariably illustrative of the consiaeration in which he was held by these exalted personages, Be- “sides this be carted with him souvenirs of many dis- tinguished peopic—iittie trinkets they were, generally Of not much valuo, but unique in their way—and these had the virtue of irequently suggesting to Lim inci- dents in bis experience with their original owners. The fashionable society in which be moved was awed by bis grandour and dazzled by the greatness of his connections, and at once Selim Bey secured the friend- ship of the scions of good houses and tho admiration of the most seicct coteries, HIS APPEARANCE. Yo one was better able to improve upon acquaintance and no one had a better facility for making the most of favorable impressions, In appourauce he was exceed- ingly prepossessing. The olive tint of the East seomed only to lend a special attraction to his fave and to bar- moaize with bis black hair and eyes, and, moreover, this Oriental Adonis had a rare control of bis tuctal muscles, and could vo interestingly pensive at oae mo- meut and tho next be beaming with merriment. He wus a scholar, too, of no meso attainments; spoko Englisb, Freuch and Gorman fluently, besides no end of Eustern languages, and could converse intelligently About science, art, or in fact aay topic that in the pos sibilities of soctety gossip could arise, Ut course Selim Bey became a hon in fushionable circles. He wasdined and wioed at the best tables, his socicty was courted by gay young men ana he was most signully tuvored by tue fair. During all this time bo was residing at tue Windsor and Filkh avenue hotels, and would no doubt bave continued bis career had nut Mr. Waste, the lessee of the former establish- Ment, determined upon exposing his expertence with the grand Oriental aud giving society an inkling as to his methods of operating. Tt was in the Wiudsor Hotel that the stranger from the Bust first registered on bis arrival in New York the nawe of Selim K Bey. His buggage Was not buiky, but his appurel and conversation were culculuted to mark bin a¥u man of means. He represented hunself 10 be the son of a Wealthy Egyptian po.entate, and said that be was travelling tor pweasure and instruction. Wahilo stopping at the hove) be lived in princely style, bad a most ciegant suit of rooms, and ran up colossal bills for wines, cigars and carriye hire, Time pussed, and the Bgyptiau prince, who was idied anu paraded about by a number of wealitiy people, gave invitations to his iriends to dive with bin, and always bad the most de- Icious Viands and the choicest wines to please heir pastes, Mr, Waite after a while thought tl ‘oxend up a bil to His Oriental Highness, who re- Geived it complucently and said nothing more about i. Mr. Waite then made him a personal visit, and Suggested that he would be compelled tv have some Busrantee of Selim’s intention to pay him. The tat- fer waxed wrotu ut this, and was for some moments in 4 periect Irenzy of iudignauion, bat finding that bis oss wus deterinined ue produced a curiously wrougut cusket, aud motioning to iL ima way that seemed to indtcute that the weulth of Ormus and of Ind was var less Valuable than its contents, he said:—"if you doubt me, sir, let that be my pledge,” A CASKET OF TRINKETS. Mr. Waite subsequently found that tho strange casket contained an immense goid sicevo button and '# Jot of cheap trinkets that were not worth a doliar. On the occasion in question, however, be said that a Bettlement must be made at once, and at this Selim sured him that be would proceed to secure the uired {undg without a moment’sdelay. ‘To do tuis, be burried to tho tolegraph oilice, and telegrams 1a the Egyptian tongue were in a few moments flying across the wires to Beyrout, Cairo and other Eastern cities, demanding trom a number of correspondents that letters of credit be at once lor- warded. The telegrams were pe’ answered. Mr, Waite was patient, vut at lust endurance fuiled and he took measures to have tho ngypt affairs investi+ gated, avd Selim Bey, finding exposure imuaune Inade'an appeal to a very wealthy Jewish family whose coulidence he enjoyed, and a settlement was at once mado by them, fo them Selim was still the Eastern prince, and it was esteemed an honor by them to Dave thor son employed as lis private secretary, to which position Selim was gracious enough to up: poius him. From the Windsor the kgyjrtian went to te Fitth Avenue Hotel. Hero the programme of dine néra, revels aud general festivity was repeated; but the proprietors, being informed of Mr. Wait x ce, demanded a settioment of the bill, and th lewish family woro again constraiued to pay the judo prgce’s gnuscs, » y ati “THE PRINCK IN ANOTHER LIGHT. In the teantime Mr. Waite wrove to w correspondent in Cairo, inquiring about Selim Bey’s antecedents, and he learned that the magnificent Oriental was some years ago a guide jor travellers in the neighborhood of Beyrout, He was shrewd and intelligeut aud easily suc- ded in mustering the tongues of came in contact with, but being discovere he fied to Catroin Egypt Here he abided for a time, but was caught at his old tricks and floxged out of the city. exupadria was bh Xt sojourning piace and here be made the daughter of a wealthy dignitary his dupe, seducing her lirst under promise of martiago and then robbing her of ber jewels, with whieh he fled ?8 OX- to Europe. since that he has resided in all tue great capitals, always sumptuousiy attired, always living in superb style and always Jeuving a host of creditors behind him. Paris, V: and London have been successively tho sceues of his operations, aud, narrowly escaping conviction for swindling in the last city, be came to New York to be- gin anew his lite of extravagance and deceit. Mr, Waite yesterday furnished this information to tho police authorities, and this prince of swinilers, who operated successiully in four continents, will no doubt be compelled to give over bis routsand revels for a time, «nd, whatis better, the eyes of bis infatuated Victins will be opened to his real character, THE DOG LAW. Six canines were seen y: rday afternoon disport- ing in the City Hal) Park on tho lawn fronting the Mayor's office, They were without owners, muzzles, tags, chains of strimgs—in fact, they gambolled with as much apparent enjoyment as if no ordinance had been passed or no Aldermen were In existence, Mayoy Ely has nov yet promulgated his instructions as to the method of capturing vagrant dogs, and arrangements jor the issuing of hoenses will not be compicved until Monday next. Mets! tags, upon which will be in. seribed the number of the licensed animul, are now boing manufactured. ‘They will cost avout ten cents apiece, The license feo is $2, und the expense of the tag will also be deirayed by the owver, The Permit Bureau, in the basement of the City Hall, will have charge of the business of licensing dogs, A number of applicanis tor licenses put in an appeurance at the Mayor's offi.e yesterday, but the necessary machinery not being in readiness, they were compelled to go away without the wished-lor tag. Ambitious jocal political leaders by the hatdred have also applied for tho onerous positions of dog catchers, MAD DOGS IN CONNECTICUT. {From tho Hartlord Times, May 1.] Last night, while Professor V. Alvergnat (professor of French) was giving a lesson to one of bis pupils, at No, 1053 Pravt street, bis atiention was aliracted to a strange dog which came in at the street door and passed his study, When the seholar leit, M. Alvergnat rupposed the dog went with him, but he ‘svon aftor beard tne animal howling between tho street und vestibule doors, He went out with @ candle in his haud to relieve the dog, and, oo opening the inner door the dog rap into the hail, M. Alvergnat tried to coax Lim back, and as he was opening the street door the dog flow at bim and bit bin on the culf.ot the leg. M. Aivergoat then hit the dog with the’ candlestick and attempted to seize a cane which stood in the hat rack, and the dog, seeing the motion, seized his left band tn bis mouth, thflicting seven or cight wounds, one of which severed an artery tn the midulo finger, M. Alvergnat shook the animal off his band and struck him, only to be attacked @ third tine, when the dog flew at his face, catching him by the cheek, but only inflicting a slight wound, being prevented from further injury by M, Alverguat’s whisker’s, who made another ai tack with the cane upon the dog, which flew at him again, this tne catebing the right band io his mouth, and biting through the nail of ove torefinzer, mihcting & most paininl wound, The dog then ran into the Uubrary, and was there left all nigut, and this morning & policeman was sent for, who, altor fring six shots into the body of the dog, succeeded im killing 1. Pro- fessor Alverguat bad his wounds cauterized last night, HYDROPHOBIA REMEDY. Cases of hydrophobia are becoming too frequent, If any remedy exists it should bo know. Tho pow- dered root of elecampane, boiled with a littie madder in milk, 1s still found to be the most efficacious remedy for this dreadful disea: iter othor things have been tried in vain. Ano ol the powderod root, a tablespoontul of madser aod one quart of fresh mii! the latter to be taken with tho rest—a winegiassiul @ day, Caaterizing (hg wound can do little good, uniess the caatery is instantancously effected. Henry O’Brien, the youth who assaulted his tatver, Douglass F, O'Brien, with an axe, at their residen on Sixth avenue, South Brooklyn, on Sunday night Inst, was yesterday committed by Justice Ferry to the Lugatie Asylum, din childhood and associated in youth, | THE SAVINGS BANKS, 4 FEW SUGGESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE NOW INVESTIGATING SUPERINTENDENT ELLIS THAT MAY PROVF VALUABLE, Interviews which have been had with bankers, mer- chants and business men show that the commapity taking much interest in the doings of the Senate committee who are investigating the charges against Bank Superintendent Ellis A number of gentiomen who ave been spoken to on the subject believe that Messrs. St Jobo, Coleman and Wellman, who are hearing the charges, will do justice tothe public, while a fow others are apprehensive that the power of political Ipfuences, to say nothing of the possible persona! interesis of at least one member of the committee, may intervene to warp their judgment Is 18 agreed generally, among those who bave expressea av opluion on this point, that fraud is not the right sort of charge to advance against Mr. Ellis [tts not alleged by those who oppose bim that be has been guilty of fraud under the Statute; he nas not beer detected in fraud, and any charge under this bead would simply be @ misnomer. Criainal gegiect of duty is the nature o! the offence (hat must be brought bome to the door of Mr. Bins. Aoutber piece of ollicial conduct which ts much talked avout as being extremely disigreeaile to the peoplo of this State t# found in the ap pointment of Mr. George W. Reid as Bavk Examiner under Ellis, Reid ts a non-ros'dent io New York State or city; he lives in New Jersey, and 1s only under the jurisdiction ot tho lex loci when he buppeus occasionally to come over bere on business, Busioess wen complain that this is a great public in- convenience, a source of much anuoyauce in many Fe specis and alogetber improper in a case hike whero no less than $375,000,000 come under Reid's supervision. 1b ia belicved that a man in so respon- io ‘ position should at least*be w resident of tho tate, THK THIRD AVENUE RANK, Mr, Mellon, a depositor, who lost over $12,000 by the Third Avenue Savings Bank, is determined to nave # rigid examination of the official conduct of Superin- fendent Ellis iu bis connection with the uffairs of this corporation. Ho suggests tv the Investigating Com. mittee that the following matters be gone into:—That the Superiniendent’s reports to the Logislature for the years 1875-6 and the previous ones, lating to this subject, be examined; letiore 4 spociul reporis which have been received by the departuwent and by Mr, Kilig individuatiy, as well as letter books and copies of auswors to comriunications, with special reports of examiners and others, be laid belore the pablic, all reports and writings relative to tho Third Avenue Bank to be submitted, and Mr, De Witt C. Ellis to be individuaily placed under exam- imation; George W. Reid, of Elizabetn, N. J., and his memoranda, with copies of his letters and r On this subject to be brought forward; all special olber reports and copies of letters concerning the matier of tho Third Avenue Savings Bauk, since Mr. Elis was confirmed as Superintendent, to be produced. ‘The totiowing Witnesses to be caleu on the stand: — Wiliam F, Aldrich, No. 71 Broadway, eub-examiner, together with reports, private memoranda and letiers on the subjeo Isaac Smith, account. ant in the department at Albany, with ail hiy reports and letters; Henry 'L. Lamb, deputy accountant of the department at Alvany, with fail eeta of Superintendent Ellis’ reports to tne As- sembly; S, H. Hurd, No, 33 Pine strect, New York, re- |} ceiver of the Third Avenue Bank, with copies of his statemonts of sales of real estate made by him and documents relative to the ivency of this institu. tion; the books of the bank, particularly that in which tue ’ proceedings of the Board of Trustees are recorded, und the resolution of that body to raise tbo value of arrytown real eatate— his knowledge of its usurious transactions and statement, showing the following deficits:—Kob- beries by clerka, $120,000; frauds by raised checks, 16956; United States bonds unaccounted tor, 400; cash received on Lee's bonds, $6,500; loss on settlement of the Atiautic Mail stock, $2f',575; lusses by real estate, vrowing out of the Atiantio Mall stock iniy, $492,512 21; the expenses of clerks, bookkeepors, with the amount of salaries and who drew chem, $308,086 13, making thus a total of $1,231,842 90. 1t is also desired that Jolin B. Manuing, of Wall street, be examined as to Southern bonds, and George Hencken, Jr., a trustee, as to the mect- ing wherein it was resoived to close the baak on the evening of the 28th September, 1875, and as to its general condition; Unally, A. G. Dunn, of No, 113 Bast Fortieth street, a former trustee of the bank, and his report showing its insolvency. In addition to this tormidat array of figures and witnosses the opponents of Ellis claim to show from bts own annual reports to the Assembly that tt bas been a common practice for banks to invest in all sorte ot valueless stock, “wild cat’? speculations, worthless bonds and depreciated real estate without beme im avy way held to account by the Superintuadent, who, it 1s Urged, Ought 10 have prevented investment in such so- Curities, which are not allowable by law. cor TON INTLRESTS. The question of the supervision of cotton which has been under consideration by the members of the Cotton Exchange for some time was again up yesterday afier- noon, This question of supervision concerns the pro- tection of cotton arriving at this port from loss by larceny, &c, It ts estimated by members of the Ex- change that fully 10,000 bales of cotton are stolen at tue port of New York every y The plan of supervision proposed met with consid- erable opposition, and it was decided to refer the question back to a committee to reconsider it and sug- gost some more acceptable arrangement within thirty days [v1 believed that by the proper concentration of storage much of the present trouble can be overcome, PETROLEUM EXCHANGE, The Petrolcum Exchange recently organized opencd at No. 84 Beaver street. There is a fountain in tho contre of the Exchange, and the usual c-rcle is railed olf to separate observers from active operators. The Exchango’s rules are such as govern speculations generally. Mr. W. Jay Lves, the President, opened the Exchange with a brief address, which was fol- lowed by remarks froin several ober gentlemen. “REAL ESIATE. The following.1s a record of the sales made at the Roul Estate Exchange yesterdn: BY 30 Foreclosure sale—t’bi! building, with lot 14 68.5 ft. w. of EI $7,100 Foreclusure salo— releres—of four lots, each 2 1005, mn, sof West 45th at. 100 ft. 6. of Lith av., to Charles EB. App «» 18,000 BY LOUIS MESLER, Foreclosure sule—Elliott F. Ey dee refereo—ot a three story brick 6, with lot 20x40, on b ft, trom Gansevoort st., to Isabella Lamb, preclosure sale— vement ho 4 20th wt. Total sales for the day... TRANSYERS 7.6 ft. @. of ay. to Christian schwing em, OSL ft n. of Bath to Julius M. Noyai 4,500, Nom. id to By Su 8 900 0, of 7th ay, . oo 9,500 OUD at 88, LE 2x100.5 ; Jor weph J, Stiner to Esther Moses waists, + 1,000 46un at, Went (No. 149); Marv ©, Sartow to Huck: bs - 17,000 250 . 32,500 30,000, 24,000 horvarn aud husband to PB. Wikio 26,000 + La 2h Ik. Ww, OF Melfors to G. Sill SAth ot, fh. 9. 369 fee, of Gth av, Lynd to binily G, Nathan, . | aistst.s 174 tte, of Lexington Ww Joseph J. Dui 115th st. % Blessin Harlem 10th B17. B1xo8 ; Francis J 16,000 er of BEth st, 100, + Foster... 3,000 SLO nor Lath feree) to Jolin Weber 000 205 fv Delativid re 87 and @. of Bd wy row) to O, ©. Shirley v; H, Ketvell \reieree) t wil, Gerard,: + 110,250 Gerard, Sarab M., to Mu or) Lite Insurance Com- y's. w, corner Wall Vater st 53,000 Mary M., (0 same st; Tver 6,900 Eapall, Ann No. 145 W 10,000 22,000 Allen, William M., co Canal and W " Charles £ PSK se nyt to Mury BK. Munson, 0 My to SSH ated years Jolin HOH, and wife, to Burton, 6. s, of Park a hd. Cunning. JOWEHe y nd wife, to Join Ward, & bof Mdoth wt 5 dui ‘ of St. Nicholus ay,, n. of I he 8 OF 1460 av. , due 1,100 Sauter Lexi + 11,000 Senmidt, | ‘ 5,000 fod husband, w tnsnranee Company, #. 6 of 44th st, ‘ ye rt $04 R 8,490 Weritng, Hine and husband, tod ohn H, Kebienteck, Ae, wl St, Woot Est AV., 2 yours + 1,000 Wilkens, Potka ‘and husband, to A. J. Thorburn, ss ot UO t, Ww. of Lexington ay. i years 20,000 Wa.tor, Caroline and husband, to Minna Abrabans, 6 & of thw of 24th st; 5 years + seeee 2000 Weeks, A. Angustus F, and wile, to Caroline b. 4) Maey, Beckman, © of Pearl st.; b yoarse......6.. 8,000 OUR COMPLAINT BOOK, LADIES" CABINS ON FERBYSOATS. To tux Evitor ov tHe Henap:— Ob crossing the ferry of the Central Railroad Com: pany of New Jorsey the other day with my mother, I boticed that, with ine exception of about a dozen, alt were occupied by the gentlemen \f), who did give ber a seat during the whole ten min- 4. Why cannot sney do as they do op tho cars, viz, let all the ladie# pass into their cabin Ors, and after they are all seated let th reaaeag REMOVE THE DIBT. To rus Eviron oy te Hexatp:— If the Street Cleaning Department would send about balt a dozes eet carts to take sway the ashes and gar- bage that are piled ap on th jowalk adjuining bouse No, 325 East Se' y- fifth they will conter@ Denetit. The ashes and garbage have been ptled up there al! winter, aud the pile is ow. bigh as the grocer’s coal box. A POOR LANDLORD, STOP YOUR WHISTLING, To tux Eviron oy tie HERALD: — I would like to petition the engineers of the Harlem road through your columns to stop their coniounded blowing of of steam, whistling, &e They do not know the noise they make and the contusion they create every time they pass Columbia Colloge premises, or elso they would certainly discontinue this practice, It would seom that there 1s a conspifacy among them, for as s00n us they pass ovr block thoy discontinue it, Wo students, who aro in the lecture rooms, often miss the most valuable explanations, of we aro smothered with the foul air by reasen of being compelled to keeg all the doors aud windows shut, "30 3. OF M. OUR WRETCHEDLY PAVED STREETS, To rus Epiron or tit HeRatp:— Please stir ap the Department of Public Works and bave them pave the streets a jittie more, Some of our greatest thorougbiares are in a wreiched condition, The officials of that department seem to think Broad. Way is about the only street in town that should be re- paired, Louk at Ceutre, Nassau, West Broadway aud 200 others. HAMMER & TONGS. PECULIARITIES OF POLICE COURTS. To THe Epiror ov the Herat Why not record in your invaiuablo ‘Complaint Book’ somo of the doings of our police magistrates, who draw their $8,000 a year ‘from the city treasury for little work and less law? 1s it impartial justice for them to hold star chamber investigations where perroual friends are concerned? And yet it may be wituessed every day in the weck in almost any of our police courts. The clerk whispers in the ear of the magis- trate, the latter pods and winks, and » moment later all parties interested tn Doo vs. Roe receivo tne tir tbat the examinaton will take piaco in a convenic privato room, with bolted doors. ‘Tne public, as a rate, are plain and blunt, and very liable to sceut out per. quisi Dall underhandod matiers by officials, Let us have open courts or no courts at all, say L CINQ MaRs, MORE DANGEROUS SPITZ LOGS, To vas Epiros ov THs Heeaup:— 1 wonder bow long mothers will cry in vain, ‘Death to tho Spitz!’’ for unti! some heea is paid to their fears—not groundless vy any means—it is impossible for children to waik our streets in safety. This morn- ing my child came home—my only child—irightened very much by the persistent followtng of a Spitz dog toal men were airaid to drive away trom the child and servant. The dog pulied atthe servant's dress, Ct tongue was proiruding trom his mouth and bh ruuning at them and snapping. Now, after this experience, | shall ve afraid to have my chila go out to walk, There are also two Spitz dogs allowed to rove up and down Thirty-ninth stre to tho great annoyance of the neighbors. Cannot some laws be euacted ty rid us of 80 dangerous a foo in our city streots, so that our children can take tboir daily walk in safety? Or must our children’s and our own hives be imperilied us herecolore by this great nuisance, the Spitz dog? AN INDIGNANT MOTHER, SCHOOL GIRLS AS DETECTiVES, To tux Eptror or Tax Heraups— Wo would be thankiul i), through the medium of your valuable "Complaint Book,’? we can inform tho senior principai of the female department of Grammar School No, 69 that if she would find tt convenient, to apply to the Police Commissioners she would doubt- less be furnisned with the requisite number of detec- {ives to Mind out tuo evil-doers she claim to have among her femuie pupils, Tuis, we are contident, would be a better and more hoporabie plan than the ope she bas adopted—namely, the offering of a reward or bribe to the amount of $5, 10 be paid toany of the scholars wha will turn spies and become informers on their schovimates. PATER FAMILIAS. ANOTHER DISGRACEFUL STREET. TO tux Eprron or the Herap:— I would like Lo call the attention of the Strect Com- missioners to the disgraceful condition of ‘T'wenty- seventh street, between Sewenth aud Eighth avenues, It bas not been swept tor the past two weeks, and there 18 a bole in the middie of the biock ten leet Fquaro, flied with dirt and water, from which @ dis- gusting smell arises when (he sun is up. RUDOLPH SIEG, CARD PLAYING ON HARLEM STEAMBOATS. To tux Evitor oy trax Herato;— Can you not, through your **Complaint Book,” help te stop the public practice of euchre playing on board Harlem boats? Men and boys play on stools and boxes morning and evening on the trips of the boats. Do our wives aod children travel on @ public conveyance or a floating gambling house? . J, HOLMAN, No. 214 West 125th et, WHAT AROUT THAT DOG MONEY? To tir Epiror ov tHe HERALD:. Will you kindly inform me through your ‘Compiaint Book’’ what ts proposed to ve done with the money that is to be paid for taxing every owner of a dog $2 the first year and $1 every succeeding one? Will this tax preveut the Aldermen or the dogs trom hydrophobiat? CONSCIENCE A NUISANCE IN S!XTY-FIRST STREET. To Tue Eviror or tuk Henauo:— Why js it that tho vacant Jots on the southwest cor. ner of First avenue and Sixty-lirst street are allowed to remain in the dangerous condition they are pow? For a space of 100 feet they have been excavated somo cight or nine feet below the grade of the strest, the water has become greea und stagnant, and the stench ts ost intolerable, The flagying in front has been removed, and the stree! bi large stones removed trom the jou we are obliged to pay such enormons taxes and y Such dangerous nuisances are alowed to exist. A TAXPAYER, POLITICIANS RULING COMMISSIONERS OF EDUCAs TION. To tnx Eprtor ov THe HeraLo:— Wouid it not be wise to take time by the forelock by trying to prevent the management of our puablie schools {rom falling mto the hands of ambitious poli- ticians? It seems to me saa. the Bo of Education should be independent o1 the ety departments and beyond the control of any othes Board, Let the Com. missioners be held entirely responsibie to the public tor their actions, Our present Board of Commission- ers 1s composod of gentiemen of intelligeuce and high social standing, Many of whom devote th wove Ume to the advancement of our schools and seem not “weary in well doing.” By inserting this in your valuable “Complaint Book’ you may call attention to an objectionavie provision in the otherwise excellent charter pow before tho Legislature, CONSTANT READER, DEPRESSION OF TRADE. A SURE INDICATION OF HARD TIMES EXHIBITED IN THE SUITS BROUGHT IN TBE JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURTS. A good barometer of the prossure of the bara times ig to be found daily in the proceedings before the sev. eral judicial district courts in tho city. The ordinary class of business that Low comes before those courte js ontirely different from that which prevailed tn for. mer years, Uptoarecent period tho suits brought did not extend back for a longer time than three mouths or thereabouts, and the judgments obtafhed were for debts incurred almost in the ordinary current business of each seasuo, Very litiie of this class of business Is now done, And she reason for the change is that thero have been very many failures among the smaller iraders, aud -bat there has beca very little credit givon or asked for, At alt U4 tho fact i# that at the present timo tho cur. Tent suits now before the civil district courts for the most part extend back even to four years ago, and debts ars sought to be recovered which. it umes wero better, would never bo sued for, but allowed to pass by to the credit of “profit and loss." This, it is claimed, shows the extent to which wumbers of business men aro pressed for mouey at tuis time, But the trouble of resorting to legal proceedings is not attended with the desired result, for tho pigeon holes of these civil dis. trict courts aro crammed with unsatisfied judgments, all legal process failing to recover money froin tho debiors, itis said that the opening of the spring haa brought no diminution in the business of these courts, “UNFRATERNAL, John Foley was charged at the Tombs Polico Court yosterday with having made @ felonious assaalt the night previous upon bis brother Michael The ov dence showed that the prisoner fired two shors brother, one of which strack bim, inilicting wound, A family di ‘pe was the causeo! the asswult, The prisoner was bold in $2,000 bail,