The New York Herald Newspaper, November 9, 1878, Page 3

STEWARTS BODY. Second Day's Search for the Be- mains of the Millionaire. EXAMINING THE GRAVES —_--——_. A Reward of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars. MR. MIDDLETON’S CUSTOMER How a Supposed Clew Was Proved Worthless. ‘The Herato is in a fair way to furnish some enter- prising party a clew by which he may earn the $25,000 reward offered by Judge Hilton at the request of Mra. Btewart for the recovery of her husband's body and the conviction of the thieves; but, in order that the public may clearly understand the important devel- opments of yesterday, the proceedings will be divided into three—namely, the action of Judge Hilton, Mrs. Stewart and Mr. Libbey; the clew suggested in, the HERALD of yesterday and the significant sequel to 4 communication made by Mr. C. N. Middleton. When Judge Hilton left Police Headquarters on Thursday afternoon he drove directly to Mrs. Stew- art's residence, on Thirty-fourth strect, where his. comipg was anxiously awaited by the widow of his old friend and partner. A rumor of trouble in the graveyard had already reached the cars of "Mrs. Stewart, now nearly seventy-five years of age, but no one had dared take it upon herself to break the news to her. When Judge Hilton arrived he told her the whole story in careful language, and endeavored to reassure her by assuming the certain recovery of the stolen body. Mrs. Stewart, though an old lady, is a well preserved ‘woman, of strong common sense; but this strange story ‘was more than even she could bear with equanimity. She sat like one dazed, and appeared prostrated by the intelligence. Her first thought, however, was'to do something, and she at once suggested that a large Teward should be offered. Judge Hilton had promised the police that he would do nothing of the kind with- out their sanction, and he knew that they were divided in opinion as to the desirability of a reward. He wanted to keep faith with them, but bis own feel- ings prompted him to do as Mrs. Stewart suggested. Finally Mr. Libbey came in, and the three talked it over calmly and with interest. Mr. Libbey, like Judge Hilton, felt willing to spend any amount of money to detect and punish the scoundrels, but was outspoken in his refusal to pay one dollar of com- promise or blackmail. Grasping the situation Judge Hilton took his pencil and wrote the following card:— THY TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD. eecenecnonseseneee rene se sees. $25,000 REWARD. 3_ Whereas, in the early morning of November 7,3 31878, the vault of the late Alexander T. Stewart, in} $St. Mark's churchyard, in this city, was broken into and his remains removed therefrom, By direction of Mrs. A. T. Stewart, the above reward is offered and will be paid for the return} of the body and informstion which will convict} the parties who were engaged in the outrage. Or a liberal reward will paid for information } which will lead to either of these results. HENRY HILTON, Broadway and Chanrbers street. New Yore, November 8, 1878, POLO OPOOLLE LO LORIN POLE EE DE DNODEE. Judge Hilton first wrote $10,000, then $20,000, and finally changed the first cipher to a five, as he said he was desirous to offer what would be an indication of the feeling experienced and what would seem ade- quate to the public, while, at the same time, he did Dot overstep the mark by offering too much. Mrs. Btewart was entirely satished by Judge Hilton’s con- tlusion aud somewhat soothed by his assurances, but yesterday morning found her despondent and pros- trate, She remained in bed, took no breakfast and was as broken as a woman of her years and tender memories would naturally be. She was the \wife of Mr. Stewart over fifty years. They were mar- tied when very young and always led a remarkably peaceful and happy life of mutual regard and help. She invariably addreased her husband as “Honey” jand he called her ‘My dear.” An intimate in the fam- ily for nearly twenty years said that be had never ‘witnessed @ ‘scene’ in their home; that he never ward Mra, Stewart speak to her husband by any other name than ‘‘Honey,” and that their married life ee noe eee O8. missing body was told, but, aside from the Hiltons and her niece and her most intimate associates, she wees none of them. The suggestion in yesterday's Henaxp, to the effect that the body of Mr. Stewart might have been re- moved in October last, afforded Judge Hilton a clew, jon which he worked. THE HERALD CLEW. Tt was clear that the gutes had not been unlocked. Tt was equally clear that to toss or carry the body, even if in arubber bag, over the tall, sharp pickets, was almost an impossibility. And it was tolerably clear thet a grave robber who knew so minutely the location of Stewart's coffin that he could dig to it without wast- jing an inch of ground would have no great difficulty in removing the body to another vault in the same yard. Judge Hilton at first refused to entertain the theory jat all; indeed, in an interview of an informal nature lhe ridiculed it, because, when he was notified of the attempt in October, he personally and with great care examined the sod and the slab and concluded that nothing had been touched. In spite of this the church- lyard vaults were all opened and carefully examined yesterday, but so far ua reported nothing was dis- covered. It is now conceded—and in view of what fol- lows it would seem to have great weight—that it was Inot only possible for the robbers to open any of the adjacent vaults, but even to dig a comparatively shal- ow grave in which to put the decomposing body. SEAUCHING THE VAULTS. ‘The labor of searching the vaults was entrusted to Detectives Adame, Radford, Ferris and Dilks. To the old churchyard they went, and, with their practiced eyes, surveyed every vault cover and examined every inch of ground where» tlew to the perpetrators of the ghoulish act might be foand, Six vaults were opened and their interiors ex- plored, but not a trace of the missing remains could be fonnd, When the party were reinforced by Sergeant Rooney, of the Seventeenth precinct, who provided suitable utensils, the real work of examination be- gun. Anold vault, grass grown and moss coated, near the westerly boundary, wha first sighted. The bar was plied, the slab was turned and Detective Adams prepared to descend. It was no grateful task. The odor arising from the six bodies which for years had rotted there was so overpowering that the search party were compelled to give over their labors for a space of time. They afterward suc- eded. The vault was examined, and only its old-time inmates were found to remain there, It had been closed for thirty years. Its neighbors had seen the light at a leas remote period and the deacent to them was leas difficult. Nearly all the members of the party explored some abode of the dead and all with like results. Then giving over that system of investigation, they fell to examining what slabs had been removed, Taking the Stewart vault as a contre, they examined the vaults lying conversely and transversely. In this way they passed over the family vaults jof the Winthrops, those of Mra. Bibby, William Coleman, Gerardus Post, John Gillis, Insec Pell, Eleanor Jones, Edward Tyde, George Wother- spool, John W. Watson and Harry H. Watson, Martin Hoffman, John A. Graff and Edward Towns- end, the Spinglers, the Pinckneys, Michsel Burnham and Christus Mildenberger, It was js strange duty, thay of eyeing these old mildewed squares of gray stone, and teating whether they wore in the locations they had oceupied for half lacentury or not. But the detectives carefully ful- filed their functions and then they sought the old hutch itself, From cupola to cellar it was examined, ‘the old tower, that has rarely been invaded, heard NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1878—WITH SUPPLEMENT. the tramp of busy feet was not overlooked. Watchful eyes were thrust into its dim coruers and its solitudes regounded with the hum of voices. Not aclew could be discovered to the desecrators of the toumb—not au evidence of the body's presence, So the detectives re- tired and the following report was last night sob- mitted by them :— Novensxn 8, 1878. G.W. Ditxs, Acting Superintendent — pee pial Sin—Under ord vs rom you, we, signed, at Proceed to St. Mark's Church burying grounds, Nelaving eee fidached’ Wo alec.sanmstuad two res vuults—one containing two the other thirteen bod: We then searched the entire basement, tower and several other places in the building without obtaining any evid of the whereabants of the body of Alexander T. THOMAS F. ADAMS, FORGE J. RADFORD, HOMAS FERRIS, GEORGE H. DILKS, JUDGE AILTON'S SECOND DAY. ‘That Judge Hilton had something unusual in his aching head yesterday morning was clearly visible when he took his seat at his little desk in front of a window that looks on Chambers street. Great piles of letters and bills were placed before him, and he took hold of them with characteristic vitality, al- though his brow was flushed and his skin was hot with fever. In reply to a question he said, “I went to Mrs. Stewart's yesterday when I left Headquarters. We talked it over, and I then wrote the card, which I showed to the Commissioner this morning.” “Why do you make it $25,000?” “At first I wrote $10,000; then I made it $20,000, and finally I changed it to $25,000, I was desirous of doing what would meet public approval; not too little, not too much.” “The clause that makes the reward contingent on the conviction of the thieves does away with the offensive suggestion of compromise.” “Exactly. We will cheerfully pay for the detection and conviction of the thieves.”* “Isn't it a bid for State's evidence?” “I think 60." “If there are two men in it and one informs oun his ‘pal’ could he claim the reward ?” “If he couldn't a friend could manage it for him. But I really have nothing new to say; you must ex- cuse me from an ‘interview.’ ”” Judge Hilton, after his work in the store was ended for the day, went again to Police Headquarters, where he was told of the success attending Mr. Middleton's look in the Rogues’ Gallery. After further consulta- tion he drove to Mrs. Stewart's residence. The house was well lighted in the evening. Many people called though but few were admitted, and it was reported that Mrs. Stewart was calm and hopeful. “MO TIME YOR BOX’s TALK.” , Mr. William Libbey, who was Mr. Stewart's partner and friend, is tall and straight as a sap- ling. He has been fired with indignation from the first report of the outrage, and has expressed him- self warmly as to what should be done. Yesterday Respecttuily submitted, "he sat in his office, and in the course of a conversa- tion he said:—This blow falls with peouliar force on Mrs. Stewart. A reward is offered this afternoon that will convince the scoundrels that we mean business. I would rather put up the shutters, buckle on my belt put a brace of pistols in it and goout to hunt and follow the scoundrels than see one dollar paid in com- promise, This isan age of too much goody-goody. We want no boy’s talk; it’s no time for it. Men should assert themselves and protect their righis.”” WHAT THE SEXTON SAYS NOW. As 80 much has been said about the sexton, Hammil, to his discredit, it is but fair to report that the pastor, Rev. Dr. Bylance, gives him an excellent reputation and places every confidence in him. Yesterday Mr. Hammil said:—The fact is that Mr. Stewart didn’t weigh 100 pounds when he died. I dressed him and I know all about what was done at the funeral. The body, now two years and over in the vault, must be pretty well spent. 1 believe it will be found. I don't believe it possible to keep it above the ground, If it were put but two feet under the ground it vould be kept. I'see no difficulty in the way of identifying it if found. I dressed it and could remember the cloth- ing. The hair was peculiar and could be recognized. ‘The teeth, which had been filled, could be detected by the dentist. There was but little blood in Mr. Stewart when he died, and the body would very likely be similar to s nummy by this time. I have no idea that the body was taken away a month ago. It would have been impossible for such a thing to happen and escape my observation, for 1 look over the vaults and graves every day of my life.” 4 A SENSATION, But it was reserved to a later hour in the day to pro- vide a veritable sensation, which may yet be of great importance in discovering the sacrilegious thieves. Some months ago the Heaatp published » detailed description of a recent discovery for the preservation of human bodies, temporarily for funeral purposes or permanently as an embalmer. It is called Allekton, ‘and is a colorless fluid, with an odor not unlike that of creosote. It was discovered by a Dr. Rodgers, and is wold by Middleton & Warner to undertakers and pro- fessors in colleges only. Yesterday Mr. Middleton in- formed Judge Hilton that on the 7th of October, the day after he had returned from Boston—which fact enables him to specify the date—a man called on bim and expressed a desire to purchase a quantity of the finid Allekton, When he sew the suggestion about the possible removal of the body on the 7th of Octo- ber he referred to his books and ascertained that that was the identical day on which the strange man called. The coincidence is startling, to say the least, and Mr. Middleton was asked to call at Headquarters, which he did, and, after detailing the interview with his would- be customer, went with the Inspector to the Rogues’ Gallery, where he identified a face, which, though badly drawn out of line, seeméd to be that of the party sought. MR. MIDDLETON'S STRANGE STORY. In order that there might be no misunderstanding of the facts of the case a HeRnacp representative called at the office of Middleton & Warner, on Bond street. Mr. Middleton expressed some doubt as to telling what he knew for publication, but finally yielded and said:— “After the publication in the Hxnatp of a report concerning our discovery we were asked to go to Bos- ton and to try the Allekton on a badly decomposed body. The Boston papers reported the experiment, which attracted general attention, at great length. I came home on the 5th of October, and on Monday, the 7th of October, while 1 was sitting here a stranger en- tered holding in his hand copies of the papers. He said he wanted to buy some Allekton, “What for?’ said i. “For a friend.” «Who is your friend? “Well, what's that got to do with my purchase? I want the fiuid for my friend. He wants to use it.’ “ ‘We can’t sell you any. We are selling only to per- sons who buy the right for a town, a county ora State. If you were sn undertaker or a professor in a medical college we might make a trade—are you?’ “No, Tam not; and, as I said, I want it, not for my- eelf, but for a friend,’ “Is your friend an undertaker” “‘No—but never mind, I'll come in to-morrow.’ “There will be no use in your coming to-morrow, for you can't have the fluid. If your friend needa the services of an undertaker, Mr. Stephen Merritt hae the right to sell, or rather to use, the Allekton. Yon can arrange with him.’ “No, Ldon’t care to see Mr. Merritt, Will you sell me oneof your patent needles?’ “The same objection bars that that prevents our selling you the fluid, I wish you wonld tell me what your friend wants it for—perhaps we might aid him.’ “But,” continued Mr. Middleton, ‘there was no use in talking to him. He bud @ point to make and failed.” “How can you remember so ‘listinctly the conver- #ation of this particular customer?” “Because, strangely enough, he was the first man who ever called to ask about the allekton who was not an undertaker or & professor.” “Did he look like # rascal?’ “Oh, no. He was by no means a bad looking man, wave that he never looked me in the eye. His eyes rolled from #ide to side, He wore no beard, He weighed about 150 pounds, was perhaps five feet ten inches tall and dressed particularly well.” “Did you tell this to the police? “Yes, and they are very much impressed by it, aa are Judge Hilton and Mr. Libbey.” “What steps were taken by the police of conse- quence?” “I was shown the pictures in the Roguer’ Gallery, and one of the faces struck me as being that of the man who called.” “Then if this clew should lead to anything of mo- ment you could claim the $25,000, couldn't you?” vit “I didn’t know anything of th ON THE TRAIL, ‘The man whom Mr. Middleton pointed out in the | que wirn oF A NEW JERSEY PARMER MISS- | Rogues’ Gallery had black hair falling over the fore- head, eyes dark as night, a face of sallow tint and smoothly shaven, aud mouth which had a sidelong tendency either by nature or intention. Such a face, too, had been encountered by the hardware salesboy who sold the lantern and shovel; such a face had intruded into the office of a dealer in preparations for suspending decomposition; such @ one had been referred to in a station house as turning observant glances tipon the place of the dead’s repose. ‘There was @ hurried consultation in the detective office, and aa it seemed that official interests would best be furthered by concealment the name of the man who had been identified was withheld, and on Judge Hilton being communicated with s num- ber of detectives were sent upon his track. Meantime a Henatp reporter was awaiting the ap- pearance of the search party outside headquarters, and when they appeared his attention was drawn to the actions of one who held in his hand ® scrap of paper on which appeared the number “1,267.” That mumber was accor- dingly treasured by the HeERaLD reporter and search was made in the gallery for the face that cor- responded to it. One glance was sufficient to con- vince him that that was the one which Mr. Middleton had selected—the one which hed caused the entry on the card. This was who it referred to, ‘Thomas McCarthy, watch snatcher, residence, No. 36 Washington street; age; twenty-two; color white; trade, boiler maker; he can read and write; is five feet seven and @ half inches in height, has black hair and smooth face. He was arrested by Officer Kroner, of the Tenth pre- cinet, for stealing a watch on the Second avenue Inquiry furnished further proof that 1,267 was the number of the suspected criminal, and in quest of him # HipaLp man went last night. First s call was made at a place which is regarded as quite an official source of information, Nothing was known of Thom: McCarty there. Then to the alleged residence of the offender, an old time tenement house in Washington street, the next visit was paid. Thomas MoCarty was | nota myth. It was not the assumed name of a crim- inal, duomas w’canry yous. Thomas McCarty, in the flesh, resided there, and his ol@ mother, who was discovered in a cozey little spartment, averred that he had never been concerned in anything that would detract from the good repute of the First ward McCartys. Thomas himself was discovered at last. He, was standing on Greenwich street, and his face turned to the gaslight exposed the lineaments of the man both police and reporter were in quest of. This was what passed between the alleged ghoul and the Henaup man:-- “Tom, you were arrested once, weren't you ?”” “What are you giving us?” said he. “You were arrested for snatching a watch, were you not 2" “Oh, yes,” said he, “I see your put all right. You’ve got me. Yes, I was arrested once. One night I was a going up the Bowery with a young fellow when I hears a galscreechin’. ‘Twas right on the corner of Bayard and the Bowery. I was there in @ jiffy and wedged in among the crowd, when a copper collared me and says, ‘I've got you two dead to rights.’ He had grab- bed mo and another fcllow—a perfect stranger, whom I never saw before, and who, I suppose, knew as much about the affair as Idid. Well, we were charged with stealing # watch from a lady on the Second avenue cars. We were taken to Headquar- ters and then to an Essex Market court. 1 was dis- charged there. I never done anything crooked before that. Ihaven’t since. That's my record.” There was no mistaking the man. There was not a suspicion of the genteel visitor of Mr. Middleton in the ordinary corner lounger that presented himself in Thomas McCarty. The man was evidently sincere in every word he spoke, and it was clear that in some other quarter the invaders of Stevgrt’s tomb must be looked for. AMONG THE POSSIBILITIES. One of Pinkerton’s men was in Newark last night hunting up a supposed clew to the whereabouts of the stolen body. It is thought that the body may have been taken to Newark. The officer was in consultation with Major Herman Schalk, presi- dent of the New Jersey Detective Bureau. All are ex- tremely reticent as to their movements or even sus- picions. It is acurious fact, in connection with the stealing of Mr. Stewart’s body, that during the progress of the Queens County Agricultural Fair at Mineola in the last week of September, a gentleman on the fair grounds overheard two men, evidently Irishmen from their accent, discussing the possibility of stealing the body after it was deposited in the tomb then being prepared for it under the grand Cathedral at Garden City, only # short distance from Mineola, and the probability that a large sum of money could be thus realized, The gentleman at the time only re- garded it as idle talk and paid no particular attention to it or the men themselves, He would probably not have thought of the matter again but for the occur- rence of Wednesday night. TALMAGE’S TALK. THE ELECTIONS AND THE DESECRATION OF THE MERCHANT PRINCE'S BODY. Mr. Talinage, in his lecture last night in the Brook- lyn Tabernacle, referred to the late election and the violation of the late A. T. Stewart's grave. His remarks conceruing the election consisted chiefly of a etilo- gium of the ballot box and republican institutions. He then continued as follows:—“While in this grate- ful and peaceful mood and floating on toward another Sabbath our week ends with a shock of great horror. ‘The sepulchre of # merchant prince is rified in a way that stirs the indignation of any one who has the key of a burial casket. Every week such things are done on @ small and obscure scale for other reasons. Humanity is sliced up on the dissecting tables of our medical colleges for the advancement of science, but there can be no scientific excuse for a deed like this, Neither could it have been done in spite. Kevenge and malevoleuc would have been blauched betore any such exhumation as this. To et the price of @ ransom the silence of the dead is Groken by the knife of midnight desperadocs, Was there ever so vivid a commentary on the fiendish height to which the spirit of moncy-getting is able to climb? We knew it would break a contract and break = will reak @ hotwe and bresk a heart, but uew it breaks # sepulchre. Lt will steal the silver handles of « coffin and the bones that have been laid away tor the call of the archanyel's trumpet. had rejoiced that however a man migut be pursued in this world, the gate of the tomb would be slammed in the fae of all earthly care. The disbolism of last Weduesday night puts its foot on that consoling theory. Every one that owus the grave of father or mother or wife or child has an interest in the avenging of the wrong of the family vault in St. Mark's urchyard, (Ap- plause.) Such crimes are epidemic, The reading of them by morbidly vicious minds is suggestive of other desecrations, so that they who have laid away their kindred in silver mounted casket and costly robe may well have theencampwent of their dead guarded. Burglaries come not alous, nor arsons, nor murders, nor graveyard sacrilege and desecration. Let no money be paid to such Dlackmailers, who deserve bul- let and quick trigger. (Applause.) Things have come to # frigutful pass if to the bereavements of widow- hood and desolated homes are to be added insecure sarcophagus. Reprove men and denounce men while they can auswer beck, but pever aswail the memory of the dead. Be consoled if you were once pained at the necessity of the plainness of the uies of « friend, No silver nor gold to tempt the resurrec- tionistsa, Let us be glad at the thought that whatever may become of our bed our souls shall be beyond the reach of all human atrocity. These mortal frames are the poorest part of us; our souls have wrapped in them immortal destinies. While, therefore, we are in deep sympathy with the kindred whose wounds haye been reopened by this ghastliness of St. Mark's church- yard let us be glad that our style and stability of sep- ulchre will be of uo importance to us. Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory, all who are in their graves shall come forth. ADMINISTRATION ARTHUR, AND MR. To Tux Evrron ov rae Heaacy:— You do the government at Washington uninten- tional wrong in connecting Mr, Arthur with the Gus- tom House. Mr. Arthur has been dismissed the Cus- tom House, never to be reinstated, unless Mr, Conk- ling should be made the uext President, which is not likely, I speak whereof I think I kuow when I add that the administration has no quarrel with Mr. Kelly and certainly no partiality for Mr. Tilden. Neither the Custom House nor the Post Office has been au- thorized by the President to take part or lot in this feud between the rival democratic leaders in the State of New York or their respective tickets for Mayor of this city. N. DID SHE PERISH IN THE FLAMES? ING—SUPPOSITION THAT SHE WAS BURNED TO DEATH IN HER HUSBAND'S BARN, Mr. Christian FP. Jansen is a well to do farmer and milkman, residing just outside of the city of Pate son, N. J.,on the old Notch road, between the Ni ark Branch and the Delaware, Lackawanna and West- ern railways. He owns a fine, I farm, and up to about two A. M. yosterday there on it extengive buildings. At about the hour indicated a neighbor, D. D, Ackerman, discovered the large barns to be on fire, and at once gave the alarm, He rashed to the spot; but although he heard the cries of the ter- rifled horses and and another ery that seemed to be that of a human being, half stifled, as if by smoke, he could not gain admission, as the doors were all securely locked, He ran to arouse the Jansen household, procured the keys, hastened back to the building—a considerable distance—and was soon Joined by Mr. Jansen and others; wut nothing could | be done. The buildings were but a mase of leaping flames that could not be approached. Tho cries hud ceased, except that now and then a low moan was heard from the perishing beasts within. Tho build- cows, ings and contents were entirely consumed, and Mr. Jansen sustains a loss of about $5,500. But this was not the worst. When, after all waa over, his neighbor, Mr, Ackerman, related what he had heard upon first approaching the burn- ing building the unhappy owner wes suddenly stricken as it with a fearful revelation, and etaggering ens in heart-rending tones, “My God! my | wife!" A VICTIM TO DRINK. It appears that Mrs. Jansen, a middle aged woman with several children, and connected with some of the best families of the vicinity, was so addicted to the use of intoxicating drink that she had become quite unmanageable, and her husband found it impossible at times to control her. At other times she would remain perfectly sober for a long period and perform all the functions of « wife and mether. On Thursday Mrs. Jansen left home in the morning and had not returned when the family retired that night. It was feared that she was in Paterson and was probably drinking. On ‘Thursday night she was met by a neighbor on the road leading to her home, and it was supposed that she was going there; but she did not, and the horrible suspicion that seized the unhappy husband was that his wife had possibly returned and not wishing to present herself to the family had gone to the barn and | perished in the fire which occurred a few hours after- wi NO TRACE OF THE WOMAN. Search was at once instituted in all possible and im- possible places, but up to a late hour last evening no trace of the missing woman could be found. She was | not with any of her relatives in Paterson nor at any of her known haunts, and her tragic fate, as above indicated, is now considered almost certain, aa the in- tense heat caused by the nature of the contents of the building was sufficient to destroy all possibility of finding traces of her in the ruins. ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. CLOSE OF THE CONVENTION YESTERDAY—THE WORK ACCOMPLISHED—ELECTRIC LIGHT DIS- CUSSED. The last session of the congress of savans compos- ing the National Academy of Arts and Sciences was held yesterday morning in the chapel, Columbia Col- lege buildings, corner of East Forty-ninth street and Fourth avenue. The Convention had expected to finish its work on the previous day, but owing to the multiplicity of subjects brought up for its considera- tion the members decided to extend the time by one more session. The number of members present, however, was very small, the great majority of those who had delivered their addresses or read their papers on scientific subjects having departed for their homes in the different sections of the country. The meeting assembled promptly at the appointed hour, eleven o'clock, and was called to order by Pro- fessor Marsh, president of the Academy. The min- utes of the previous day's session were read and adopted, after which several papers of a scientific or technical nature were read by their authors. These addresses were interlarded with desultory conversa- tion and remarks by the members on the topics intro- duced, ELECTRIC LIGHT. ‘The first and most important of the papers read was one “On the Efficiency of Machines for Producing Electric Light,” by Professor John Trowbridge. The writer went into the whole question of the theory of the electric light and the causes by which it could be produced. In to the problem of the division of the electric light the Professor did not seem to be pee decided as to ite feasibility. He hoped, however, for ite successful Lapa dog re and gave a glowing picture of the results it would be achie' should the recent discoveries by Edison and others prove to be practically applicable. Professor Trowbridge also read a on “The Rapid Demaguetization of Nickel, Cobalt and Iron,”’ showing the use to which this could be put in the arts. A geo- logical paper on “The Physical Structure and Hypsot of Western Catskill,” with some remarks on the whole group, by A, Guyot, was the next cont bution. It was pu technical. Professor S. Alex- ander read a “Brief Note of the Total Solar Eclipse of January 11, 1880," giving all the necessary data as to position, time of transit, exterior and interior con- tacts and other valuable information. Another geo- logical contribution, by Professor E. D. Cope, fol- lowed on “The Strategraphic Position of the Laramie Formation.” This concluded the list of papers to be resented, and the society went into executive session b finish some details of routine business. At about one o'clock, atter a short session of a little over two hours, the Convention adjourned sine die, ‘The whole work of the Congress, comprised within the sessions of seven days, has been Mat Te and at the same time very thorough. It could hardly be supposed that so many eminent men of learning from all parts of the country should meet and exchange views on the important aecientific topics of the day without reece to a very material extent the cause knowledge. The practical usefulness of the Congress can hardly be ex- neatly every paper produced were valuable suggestions of use in the arts and manufactures; which win st'no distant day become things of every day application. In a scientific point of view the contributions of Professor Draper, embodying some of the results of his ob- servations of the last solar eclipse, were highly praised by all the members. After about half an hour spent in general conversation the members separated, some of them returning to their homes immediately, others remaining in the city for a few days. Another convention will be held next year, but the place has not yet been definitely decided upon, EARLY ABOLITIONISTS. A social reunion of early abolitionists was held last night at the residence of Mrs, Dr. ©. 8. Lozier, West Fourteenth street, on the occasion of the fortieth an- niversary of the casting of the first anti-slavery votes. Among those present were Mr. John Jay, Elizur Wright, Rev. Charles B, Ray, Will- iam =‘ Bourne, Kev. Mrs. Phebe Hanaford, Mrs. Lillie Devereux Blake and Mr, David F, Appleton. ‘The mecting was presided over by Mr. Albert O. Willcox, who exhibited several of the earliest anti-slavery publications, amoug which wore & copy of the Weex.ry Henatp of November 5, 1838, containing reports of three auti-slavery meotings; alxo a printed copy of a call on the Friends ot Liberty t vote the Luther Bradish ticket for Governor. Mr. Jay, one of the early abolitionists, read a paper in which he traced the history of the auti-slavery con- flict from the formation of the anti-slavery society at Philadelphia in 1833. He gave interesting details, also, of the origin and # of the New York Young Men's Executive Society in 1834 and alluded to the literature of the period, making reference to the article in the Westminster Review, ot England, written by Harriet Martineau, entitled, “The Martyr Age of America.” ited the objects ot these societies, and gave # detailed account of their labors to the period of the assassination of Lincoln, which, he said, devolved upon hix suecessor to the Presideucy the work of reconstruction, and it was the blunders of statesmanship consequent on this re- construction, under the last administration, that had lost the fruits of the labors of the abolitionists. Those blunders had given to the freedinen what the aboli- tionist societies had never demanded, the doubtful boon of universal suffrage, and from which not only the freedmen but the white republicans were virtu- ally exclued. A resolution was passed authorizing the chairman of the meeting to make arrangements for a celebra- | tion of the anniversary of the counting of the anti- | slavery vote forty years ago, such celebration to be held next year. After a few short addresses the meeting adjourned. THE LATE FRANCIS The members of the Produce Exchange met yester- day to take suitable action in relation to the death of Francis Macdonald, one of the founders of the Ex- change. President Franklin Kdson spoke of the large number of deaths among the members of the Prod- nce Exchange within the lust two days, saying that obituary notices of four members were at the presont time posted on the bniletins. Messrs. A. E, Orr and Edward Hincken delivered some yery feeling re- marka tonehing the death of Mr. Macdonald, after which resolutions culogistio of his character and fu- tegrity were adopted a committee of fitteen was inted to attend ‘the tw which takes place fternoon from Mr. Macdonald's late residence, ‘Townsend avenue, Clifton, Staten Irland, MACDONALD, THE FRIENDS OF HOLINESS. ‘The Convention of the Friends of Holiness was con- tinued in the Johnson Street Methodist kpiscopal | ber of killed is forty-wix, and the wounded sixty. “were yesterda; Church, Brooklyn, yesterday morning. The Presi- dent, Mr. FAward Jones, oeeupied the chair, Afte devotional exercises considerable diseussion ensued on a resolution offered by the President, to the effect that it was not right to ence » any person in & be- lief of a hope of He lived @ covet was disobedient ut be requested to with- und that it would be placing the Convention in @ bad position, was car- ried. An experience mecting was held in the after- nvon. MILITARY DEPARTMENT REPORTS. GENERAL HANCOCK ON THE ENCOURAGEMENT OP RWLE PRACTICE IN THE ALMY—COMMENTS OF GENEBAL ON THE YROUBLES IN NEW MEXivo, WasHiNeron, Nov. 8, IS78. Major Geueral Hancock, commanding the Department of the Kast and also the Division of the Atlan detailed aecount of the operations therein during the past year. He speaks of the precautionary measures taken carly in the summer for the protection of the troops in the South from the attacks of yellow fever. In every instance the movement was made in due time, With the exception of the small guard left at Jwckson Barracks, in New Orleans, all have entirely escaped the fever, RIFLE PRACTICE. ‘The General recommends that more attention than heretofore be paid to rifle practice, and speaks of the team of twelve men selected under the authority of the Secretary of War from the military divisions of the Missouri, the Atlantic and the Pacific, to compete in the International Military Match shot at Creed- moor in September last, during the annual autumn competition of the National Rifle Association of America, The teams of the Division of the Pacific arrived too late to enter, but had the benefit of testing the range, observing the practice and becoming ae- quainted with the rules and requirements. ‘The teams from the divisions of the Missouri snd the Atlantic were entered for the match; but notwith- standing their want of practice, unfamil- iarity “with the range, &e., they’ aequitted themselves very creditably, and proved conclusively that with greater opportunity, practice and incen- tives to proficicucy ovr soldiers will be well able to hold their own against all comers and do credit to the service, ‘Tho precedent is a good one for increasing rifle practice throughout the army and for bringing into friendly competition the regular and yoluntoer forces to the best advantage. He commends the sub- ject to the consideration of higher authority, believ- ing the adoption of some specific plan throughout the entire army will achieve the desired success. Perhaps it might be well’ to authorize annual company prizes from the company fund and post prizes from the post und. DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI. in the conclusion of his report con- cerning the Department of Missouri, says that Lincoln county, in New Moxico, has for the last twelve months been in a state of anarchy which is a disgrace to the civilization of the age. The United States military authorities are prohibited by law from assis! to keep the peace in any manner whatever, and therefore have been compelled to stand by and see houses con- taining women aud children attacked and many persons, some of them undoubtedly innocent of any’ part in the quarrels, either killed or driven to seek refuge on the military reservation at Fort Stanton. This state of things demands the ex- ercise of stronger power than ix lodged in the civil authorities of New Mexico to defend any one—men, | women and children—against these ottrages. The General deems it at least within bis province to inform thowe who have the power of a condition of affairs for which changes of civil functionaries are no remedy, DIVISION OF THE PACIFIC, The report of General McDowell, commanding the Division of the Pacific, gives a detailed account of military operations within the limits of his com- General Po; mand. "The particulars of the events mentioned have already been published. All the commanding generals express satisfaction with the conduct of the army. THE TEXAS FRONTIER. GENERAL ORD'S ANNUAL REPORT-—PECULIAR RE- LATIONS OF THE MEXICAN FRONTIER TOWNS WITH THE INDIANS—ACTION OF THE MEX- ICAN AUTHORITIES—ARDUOUS SERVICB OF THE TROOPS, WasuinaTon, Nov. 8, 1878, Brigadier General Ord, commanding the Department of Texas, has submitted his annual report to General Sherman. He sends with the report a letter from Judge Paschal, relating to an alleged attack upon a certain Lipan camp, which had remained over a year in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, a Mexican town, under the protection of the townspeople, who were profiting by the traffic in the plunder brought by the Indians from Texas. MEXICAM TOWNS AND THE INDIANS. Attention is called to the relations between the In- dians of this section and several of the Mexican towns, perticularly San Carlos. These relations are peculiar. The Apaches are usually st war with the people of both countries. They have, however, friendly leagues with certain towns, where they trade and receive sup- plies of arms, ammunition, &., for stolen mules, This is undoubtedly the case with the people of San Carlos, who also have amicable relations with the Comanches, who make San Carlos a depot of arms in their annual excursions into Mexico. It seems also that Chihuahua, not receiving the protection it was entitled to from the central government of Mexico, made an independent treaty with the Comanches, the result of which was to sid and abet the dians. Such # condition of affairs is thought b; General Ord to be worthy the con: Dott the Mexican and United jovernments. An extract is enclosed from Periodico Oficial ot Monterey, the capital of New Leon and jaarters of the military commander of the Army of Northern Mexico. “This article, which is ‘aa ex cathedra, shows,” says General Ord, ‘that the Indians we have so continually complained of are s tePror to the country. They have always lived in an immense unexplored and region contiguous to the United States. They are natural robbers and murderers, and the Mexican government, notwit that three or four 6f its Northern States were so long exposed to and raided on by them, did not or could not send any relief till now. The article also shows that these Indians have murdered indiscriminately in Texas and Mexico, as has been reported by me before,” THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES MOVING. General Ord continues:—“In July, 1877, I tele- —_ to the Adjutant General of the Army as ful- lows :— I do not wish my telegram of yesterday to be understood as asking uew instructions. T! have will achieve the desired re popularity conseq everybody in the field, to meet am collecting to follow the raiders back, Trevifio will soon feel di follow and settle with them himself, and thus make it un- necessary for me to do so. “The grazing near Fort Clark is so good this season that it iseconomy to assemble my cavalry there. The troops move with govetnment transportation, and now General Trevifio has said in his Oficial Gazelle that the campaign against these raiding Indiane will have to be made and will stop United States troops crossing after raiders, As a matter of course, the order for the United States troops to cross only in pursuit of them wiil no longer be operative when there ure no raiders to pursue. CHARACTER OF COUNTRY RAIDED. “The character of the country in Mexico occupied and raided over by them is described in the Oficial Gazette, but its immense extent can only be understood by a study of Mexican archives and reports, I have a good deal of the same kind of country and the small command I have available gives me about one soldier to every 120 square miles of it. Therefore it will be a great satisfaction if the campaigns of General ‘Trevifio are successful and we be relieved of the necessity of hunting sa 8 who do not belong to ua but to Mexico, and it will be a pleasure as well as a duty for us to contribute to his succesa by every nieans in our power. FINK LANDS DISCOVERED. “In this connection I have to report that the explor- ation by scouting parties of mountains west of Pecos have developed unexpectedly well watered and quite extensive grazing lands, both plain and valley. Silver, lead and copper districts have been discovered, and specimens of both silver and gold ores brought. A map of the country, which will give most valuable information, is now in preparation.’ LABOR OF THE TROOPS, The report gives # list of persona killed and wounded by Ludiaus since October 1, 1877, ‘The Th it is self-explanatory, and the General says, ery sul commentary upon the efforts made’ at | one time to ‘reduce the forces upon which we depend for defending our frontiers. He would like to impress upon the | government that the officers and men who stay and scout with their commands out in the desert districts of Texas and perform their full duties are entitled to some- thing more than commendation. The climate of these deserts is, for the mont part, rigorous, and the troops are aibject to extremes of heat in summer and of ¢old in winter, with frequent privations, such as bunger and thirst, it would not be regarded by them as a hardship, | and would redound to the advantage of all concerned, éf the regiments that have for #0 many years endured such service could take their turn for duty in the vicinity of civilization. “I refer,” says the Generai, “especially to the Tenth infantry and the colored troops.” CHARITY COMMISSIONERS. ‘The members of the Board of Charity Commission- ors of Kings conuty—Thomas P, Norris, Harmon V. Storms, Bernard Midas, Bernard Bogan and ex-Charity Commissioner John Raber—who were recently indicted by the Grand Jory for alleged malfeasance in office, -/ ‘aigned before the Conrt of Oyer and ‘Terminer, Judge Gilbert presiding. ‘The accused, who were go ee by their counsel, Mr. William Sul- livan, pleaded be ey, to the charges contained in the indictment. "Their trial was set down for the 18th nd the counsel gave notice of his intention in EXECUTION, William * Rainey Pays the Penalty of Marder on the Scaffold. A COLD-BLOODED CRIME. PE EOE a Killing His Sleeping Companion for a Handful of Nickels. FROM THE GALLOWS TO GLORY. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Wanrenton, N. C., Noy. 8, 1878. ‘The laws of North Carolina, the laws for the pro- tection of society and those higher laws emanating from duty, have to-day been fearfully and terribly vindicated by the hanging of William Rainey for the crime of murder. He was executed in the small yard which surrounds the county jail, and which is partially protected from the outer world by a tall, close plank fence. Long before the hour of execution throngs of people of all sizes, sexes and colors were seen pouring, into town from every direction, and every housetop, tree and elevated space of ground near the jail yard was filled with # motley crowd of eager would-be wit- nesses. ‘The attendance reached fully five thousand persons, the colored element largely predominating and manifesting the greatest eagerness to witness = scene, which, in this peaceable and law abiding com- munity is of rare occurrence, the last execution in the county having taken place thirty-nine years ago. ‘THE CULPRIT. William Rainey was @ colored man, unmarried, about twenty-six or twenty-seven years of age, five feet six inches in height, muscular, stout and able- bodied. He was born in slavery, but being quite young at emancipation he obtained the rudiments of common education, Endowed with fair common sense, he might have made aman of himself, but being lazy he became a tramp. He was rather dark for a mulatto and too bright fora full blooded negro, but in color was what the Southerners call # ‘‘gingercake colored negro.” Rainey had a pleasant face, and would hardly have been judged by his appearance to bea murderer or even dishonest man. His three brothers deserted him when his trial came on, and have taken no interest in his case. CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE. Rainey was convicted on the 13th of Septem- ber in the Superior Court for Warren county, held by Judge A. & Seymour, and all of the testimony against him was purely circum stantial, but so very conclusive that the verdict, “Guilty of the murder of James Taylor,” was inev- itable. The story of the crime is a thrilling one, and reveals an amount of depravity, cold-blooded heart- lessness and fearlessness of omni: perfectly amazing. Early in February, 1878, James Taylor and William Rainey left their homes in Granville county for ecombe county to obtainemployment. They took with them only such luggage as could be con- veniently carried on their packs. ‘and each man was accom] by that boon companion indispensable to the Southern negro, a “‘yaller dog.” Taylor carried a carpet sack which at one time had been torn and mended by his wife in a peculiar man- ner. One of his shirte had s peculiar patch, the color of one of his wife’s dresses. Taylor's dog wore » bright brass collar, with e lock and key to it. Rainey carried an old army haversack, which contained all of his earthly ions except his dog. The two tramped to Edgecombe county, there remained about one month and, not fi constant employment, concluded to return home. They carried the same bag- gage, &c., above described, and in addition Taylor had a very peculiar axe handle, which he used in carrying his carpet sack. At Littleton depot, in Warren county, the two men stopped at a country store on the 28th of March. Taylor's purchases amounted to $1 25, which he paid with a five-dollar bill, receiv- ing in change $3 75 in three and five cent nickel pieces. After their leaving the store together Taylor was not seen in alive. There wasa heavy rain that night, which made the ground quite soft. On the morning of the 20th of March the dead bodies of anogro map and a yellow dog were found near the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad, about one mile west of Warrenton depot and about four miles horth- west of the town of Warrenton. The body of the man was lying between two railroad near the remains of a fire. The head bad several wounds upon it, and the skull was fractured, evidently with some blunt instrument. — had also been killed in mui revealed the fact that the tracks of two men fire while the tracks of 01 Coroner's inquest was held, the bod: that of James Taylor, and » verdict to the murderer rendered. 4 CROOKED STORY. In the meantime Rainey had arrived at and reported that on Friday night he and Taylor been attacked by robbers near Warrenton as that they ran indifferent directions; that Taylor loed him and told him to tell his wife he would be home urday night; that soon thereafter he (Rainey) heard the report of @ pistol and also heard Taylor's dog ‘This story was disbelieved, and on Sat) evening, ‘March 30, Rainey was arrested by a deputy s! bad a preliminary examination on Sunday an held for indictment by the Grand Jury. son were found a large number of three nickel pieces. He also had Taylor’s shit brass dog collar sack and the ried. these things were exhibited in court, end the conclu- sion was inevitable that Willism Rainey and James Taylor stopped on the side of the railroad to camp; that they built a fire of fence rails and reilroad sills that during the night Rainey conceived the ides o! killing Taylor for the ion of $3 75 and a few — trinkets not as much Se San eed hi a ee panion slept he into exec tion, eae eae with the axe and af sting all his effects which he considered of 5 white men and two negroes composed the jury, which promptly rendered the verdict of “Guilty.” During the trial Rainey was in the best of humor, frequently laughing heartily at the bons mots that around among the members of the Bar. Duritig the entire proceedings he seemed utterly devoid of any feeling in thé matter and apparently careless as to his fate. ‘The solemn sentence of the Ji had no effect upon him and he received it with a smile. A FALSK CONFESSION. His conduct underwent a slight c in afew days after his sentence, and a few e sent for the Henap representative, saying he had a 2 to make. The prisoner, who was chained to the floor, talked freely on the subject of his crime and coming execution. He mad asort of confession which bore falsehood upon its face. It was to the effect that Taylor, being very drunk that night, slept soundly and was hard to awake the next morning; that he, Rainey, awoke Taylor, and. immediately Taylor flew into « rage and attacked hira , with a large knife, and he was forced to kill Taylor with the axe bandle to save his own life, stance Nace gy te Rainey slept well last night, but ate very little breakfast. "the HeRaup me San talked with him in the jail house just before the execution, He seemed resigned and cool, and evinced no excitement. He said, “I'll be in the kingdom before night.” Sheriff Jones and Deputy Sheriff Parrish neatly dressed him in a black coat and vest, with check pant ns. The scaffold was fifteen fect from the beam to the und, with nine feet of drop. The Sheriff, with he pris oner, emerged from the jail at twenty minutes past’ two o'clock P. M. The Deputy Sheriff, & minister and the attorney who defended him accompanied Rainey on the scaffold. The pris- oner walked up the steps firmly and coolly. - taking his position he spoke for five minutes, but made no additional confession. He said the sentence was just and he believed his sins were ven, and that was going straight to heaven. le warned young men against the love of money and said that that ion had brought him to the gallows. He thanked the officers, the preacher and his counsel. He ke with a clear, firm distinctness and with the usual illiterate negr cher twang. Rev. Mr. Otta, by request of Rainey, delivered @ short funeral oration from the scaffold. ‘The noose was adjusted and the black cap put on at half-paat two o'clock, The minis- ter offered a fervent prayer, and the drop rope was out at twenty-five minutes before three o'clock. The rope slipped and the neck was not broken. Four vio- lent convulsions of the aud a Reig! A of the legs were followed by three twitchings of the nuncles, and death occurred in thirteen minutes by strangule tion. BARBARIC Wor. ‘The dense crowds of negroes, dressed in their best and gayest, who surrounded the jail yard, when the drop fell burst forth in loud wails from the women and deep, wild howlings from the men. Then began scene which beggars description. Fully fiye thou- sand negro men, women and children blockaded every street and vacant space near the jail, wailing, mourn- ing, Shouting, praying and making all kinds of dismat and hideous sounds, like so mai the whole mass moved and swayed to and fro. Dody was cnt down at three o'clock and buried by the county, as none of Raincy’s relatives or friends claimed it, Indeed, none have been near him since is conviction, A CONVICT RRSPITED, William Jefferson, who was also to have been exe- cuted here to-day for @ brutal assault but rary. ited by the Governor for one wonth, and who will be it the meantime to move to quash the indictment. anged on the &th of December, witnessed this tion from the jail window and seemed to enjoy it,