The New York Herald Newspaper, November 20, 1878, Page 3

TRACKING THE PLAGUE, | Report of the Yellow ‘Fever Commission. a*¢@ INTERESTING STATEMENTS. How. the Disease Was Imported Into New Orleans. DISEASE BAFFLING SCIENCE. Filth, Bad Drainage, Swamp Lands and Carelessness Helped the Epidemic. THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. Significant Addresses by Drs, Harris, . Woodworth and Bemis. —-e—___ {BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. | Ricumonp, Va., Nov. 19, 1878, ‘the following is the report of the Yellow Fever Commission, composed of Drs. Bemis, Cochran and Howard, who, together with Colonel ‘T. 8. Hardee, Sanitary engineer, haye been investigating the epidemic in all the fever stricken cities of the South. This report will be readto the Health Association Convention to-morrow. y » The Chairman of the commission, to whom the duty of investigating the origin and spread of the yellow fever, which has this year prevailed in the United States, begs permission to offer the following report of the work ‘tho com- mission has performed to the present time- Dr. Cochran joined the chairman’of the commis- sion in New Orleans on the 4th day of October, and Dr. Howard arrived the 6th of the same month. “Nearly, {wo weeks clapsed before the commission ‘was ready to take the field, in consequence of the great. amount of work which ghbould have been completed in New Orleans, se a first step in the successful prosecution of the work. Yt was a matter known to the Board of Health of Now Orleans, and through their courtesy the facts wero placed in the ‘possession of the commission that a case of yellow fever had bee brought to New Orleans in the month of May. a FIRST DEATHS IN NEW ORLEANS, “ On the 23d of May the Emily Souder arrived at New Orleans with her purser sick at the timo of her arrival. This man, whose name was Clark, was car- ried to Claiborn street, near the corner of Bienville, at 8 point conspicnously designated on the map of New Orleans. At this house he died on the 25th of May. The death was returned by the attendant physician ®s one from malarial fever. For testimony esteblish- ing the fact that this was a case of yellow fover I refer tho association to Dr. Cochran’s notes; An of thé crew of the Souder, by thé ‘tiatke' of Biliott, took sick May 24, at the corner of Girod street Front, from which place he’ was taken to ‘the Hotel Diet May 27, and died on the 90th, ‘The commission deemed it important, asa first step in their work, to ascertain whether such ‘connection existed between there cages and ai BELIEY THAT THE FEVER WAS IMPORTED, ‘Wo were compelled to leave New Orleans before this ‘point in our investigation had been satisfactorily ac- complished. Enongh was developed, however, to ender it probable that a.connection, as yet untrace- able, dees exist between the cases Clark and Elliott ‘and the frst cases among the citizens of New Orleans. It add at this. point that the commission received @ number of letters and some verbal state- ments purporting to give information respecting vio- lations of quarantine by fruit vessels aud other ships entering the port of New Orleans from infected ports. iwery effort which could be made in the limited time we had for work in New Orleans was put on foot. to ferret out the facts connected with auch alleged i ement of quarantine laws, We obtained a sufficient amount of testi- mony to justify a belief that one or more cases of yellow fever had occurred in the city, prob- ably in the month -of June, under circumstances which rendered it altogether possible that they had been brought to the city by convey- ances as yet unknown (see testimony of Drs. Cochran and Bemis) from the time that disease made its appearance in this form of series or groups of ci , each having connection with some other, either by personal association or from exposare. in» ihe same locelity. We have located ten cases upon a map which comprise all the reported cases which occurred in July. To this map have been added a group of cases occurring during the first ten days in August, because of their diaportance when studied in connection with the epi- demic which subsequently occurred in Canton, Miss, DIVISION OF LABOR. ‘The appointment of Colonel Hardee as sanitary en- gineer enabled the commission to begin field work, ‘and they left New Orleans on the 22d and 23d of Oc- tober. The plan arranged to bo followed was that Dr. Howard should leave one day in ‘advance and inspect the towns of Donaldsville, Pla- juemine, Baton Rouge and Port Gibson, arriving in Vicksburg November 3 or 5. Dr. Cochran was to Jeave on the 23d, and to visit ali important points on the St. Louis, Chicago and New Or. leans Railway as for as Jackson, then, taking the Vicksburg and Meridian Bailroad to go as far as Meridian, and, returning, Peach Vicksburg Ip beh ay fixed for Dr. Howard's arrival. Tho chairman of the Commission was to visit Canton, Yazoo City and Vicks- burg by November 1, Both ‘Drs. Howard and Bemis were accompanied by draughtsmen. Upon arriving at Jackson Dr. Cochran found that no trains were rumning on the Vicksburg and Meridian Railroad, and very properly determined. to continue up the samo road to Grenada and Holly Springs, and from thence to Chattanoo; and Decatur and return to, Memphis. I reathed Vicksburg Novem- ber 1, and on the 3d Howard joined me. Indisposition had prevented the accomplishment of that part of the work assigned to him, and it was con- sidered better that he should return to Lonisiana end Complete the study of the epidemic in Donalds- ‘ville, ire, Baton Rouge and the La- fourche regions, while I should visit Port Gib- gon, », and Brownsville and Milan, Tenn. rewere no means of reaching Groenville except y steamboats, and they ran so irregularly that it was feared that member of the Commission starting there as late 2s November Sth would find delays which would prevent an attendanco upon this meet- ing with this outlino of tho routes we took and places we visited. METHODS OP INVERTIGATION. I now proceed to lay before you the methods of ‘study adapted at the various places visited. The first objest was to secure the co-operation of practitioners of medicine and public official. From these sources and from various officers of the Howard associations we obtained the facts which we expect to lay before you. ‘We then commenced our work by getting the names, location and dates of the attack ot ycllow fever in the towns. Every point of testimony which could throw ai ht upon the origin of the sick- ness of Mine ‘fret cases 1) carefull ought for and faithfully put on record. ‘same line of inquiry was pursued until the disease became so prevalent in the town that it was no longer (instructive to continue the study of individual cases. Alter these general facts in regard to the visi- tation of the disease and circumstances influenci ite spread or in an way connected wit it, we collected and recor in every town visited ‘and mentioned in our report, except two. We located houses in which cases had occurred until as largea number of cages had been placed upon each map as was porsible to obtain in the short time allotted for the work, are the towns of comaubes aps of both hegre repared, but will not reach us eo to be shown you. MAPS OF DISEASE. Wo regard tho method of studying yellow fever as tn extromely valuable ucquisition in any scien title ie ee into tho latitudes of its poison, especially in those cases where great diffusion and intensified cuoray give it epidemic force. The sanitarian can look upon these maps and see for himself the a. location of the earliest cases of an epidemic, He can determine what influence ocenpa- tion of the same locality exerts upon the spread of the disease, He can seo for himsclf how invariably yellow — fever tends to arrange itself in groups of caece, and thus observe its marked contrast with the tendenc: molarial to occur in separate, d c study Yor hinwct the “wnfuenow ur bad drainage or unsehitary situations, and jevations and deprésvions of murface. it is a muat- be regretted by the. members of the nected and totally independent cases. also that, they. could not have been imo, to locate in this, ‘mannhr every cae Of “yellow ‘fever which hus NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, oceurred in each of the towns visited. In most of the places n were made with the physicians to continue work of locating cases uutil it was rendered as full and accurate as could be done. VIOLATION OF BANTTARY LAWS, In to thesanitary condition of the towns vis- ited'we have to the same character of noglect and violation of laws of health common to all or nearly all the inland towns in the United States. Those are neglect of drainage, inattention to deposits of fetid matter and refuse, animal and vegetable matter and inattention to the p of drinking water. The violation of sanitary rw in esch of these particulars. are given withont reserve in respect to all the visited towns; except New Orleans. In d to this city, and indeed to all places visited, the chairman and Colonel Hardee will each make ver- bal explanations when upon, 80 as to give the association the fullest’ information possible. Sergeant 8 ,of the United States Signal Service, in New Orleans, has Prepared for us a series of charts designed to show what influences are exercised over the spread and mortality of yel- low fever by meteorological changes, We re- spectfully ‘oer theso charts for your con- sideration and examination, and consider them worth the earnest. sttention of the sanitarian. There, is, however, one defective point about them which shouléto kept in view during their examina- tion, -‘This is that the mesical practitioners of New Orleans pay so fittle attention to the law requiring them to report infections and epidemic dixeases; that the Aah: separ of cases by the Board oj Health is nei full nor accurate as to date of at- tacks, This’ iriaccuracy, like mort others én medical statistics, tends to Jose itself in the ler&th of time Fy pete numbers of cases included in the scope of e 5 OPENING OF THE CONVENTION--FRATERNAL RE- MARKS BY GOVERNOR HALTADAY-—DR. ELISHA HARRIS’ SCIENTIFIC ADDIESS—SPERCHES BY. SURGEON GENERAL WOODWORTH, DR. BEMIS AND OTHERS, Ricemonp, Va., Nov, 10, 1878. The opening session of the sixth annual Convention ofthe American Public Health Association was held here to-night at Mozart Hall, About one hundred members were present, the remaining space in the hall being filled by members of the medical fraternity from other States and of this ‘city, as well as many non-medical citizens. Severgl ladies were’ also present. The gentlemen composing the Conven- tion aré representative mén from all sections ofthe Union, most of them being eminent in the medical profession and in sanitary matters. At half- past seven o’clock Dr. Flisha Harris, of New York, president of the association, called the Convention to order and introduced the Rey. Dr. Peterkin, of the St. James Episcopel Church, in this city, who opened the proceedings withau eloquent and fervent prayer. Dr. Harris then: presented Governor Hulliday, of Vir- ginia, as tho’ presiding officer of the Convention for the evening. : GOVERNOR HALLIDAY’S REMARKS. Governor Halliday’s appearance on the stage was greeted with rounds of applause. He proceeded to address the association, extending the members on the part of the people of Richmond and the State a hearty welcome to the h italitics of the capital of the Old Dominion. The ernor said there never has been a time when health of body and mind was not wrestle = suc- cessfully with the aims and objects of life. He atlu ta the Conventiog as an audience of spe- cial culture, and spoke of aesociation as one of Vital importance to the ic health. It is, he said, of application and goes throughont every life and penetrates every pursuit. lic health has a.vast deal to do with the morals, and immorality is eS most fatal blow that can be struck at the: ealth, One of the great and beneficent ol of this association is to investigate causes arid, if , to find remedies. This alone, would justify’ ® Convention as he now saw before and . him. To ascertain the /cause and to provide a rémedy for the dreadful thit” bit yesterday” ‘with its bloody — faitest ie is nae wane men, conclusion. e Gortnee said: —‘‘But, DT a Caged beyond thd ‘immediate. objects , society other will be ‘attained wens your guthering. from. every section: of our common country, ee rocnnine and culture, your experience and earncstness, you will imbibe that gentleness and eotions weleharee, is ay. secsonedageten 'y, and wwhen you.go to your » wi ver y be, you will carry with you that, feeling of fellowship thut is é then’ itical. and ecctional bonds. stronger. poll Here ig this city, which was the heart of convulsion; bere, ~whero honest, fearless mgn and women strove even to death; here, where suffering of warfare wos endured that will never be known tn the great future, when all hearts will be revesled; here, where were offered that need not be blot even hy tho tears of the recording angel; here. nan Bore. come. » from ten ol South, East.and West,as ‘no beothashotds in shane our words and desde how its viotories DO less renowned war, and how we can by the divine instincts of our nature make our Republic one and what she ought to be, the mother of a mighty race." Governor Halliday was frequently interrupted by sp- lause. £ Professor J. L. Cabell, M.,D., of the University of Virginia, followed: Governor bop introducing the president of the association, Dr. Harris, of ‘Now York, whose apuual address had been announced as the leading feature of the evening's exercises. - In doing this he paid s high tribute to Dk. Harris. DR. KLISHA HARBIS’ ADDBESS. Dr. Elisba Harris, of New York, after proposing some changes in the constitution of the ociation to meet the exigencies that ariae now, ahd which were scarcely thought of at the time of organization, made the following remarks:—‘The deplorable epi- demic which has decimated the great valley during the season and brought wailing and terror on nearly one hundred cities and hamlets, now, in the last days of its prevalence, leaves the public health authorities, and expecially this association, the duty of studying its history, ho tare its causes, and of reaching practi ways and «nesns by which the rav: of this destroyer shall henceforth forever be overcome. After thirty of ‘study and observation, part of the time having official public care of the sick from yellow fever, 1 may say that nosological distinctions and the varying phenomena of meteorological and other circumstances which mark successive epi- demics do not affect the one essential fact, that this is not a pandemic pestilence. Accumulated experience indicates that the public health service of the civilized world will soon find it practicable to define the essen- tial factors that enter into its propogation. In this last as in every previous visitation of this scourge tho words of Sir William Lyon are as tru as when he described the epidemic in Lisbon:—‘Dis- ease, in one of its ost appalling forms, held sway, and art stood helpless by.’ We offer no theory, wo utter no dogma, we expeet no miracle; but we do be Neve that scientific investigation can gain the mas- tery of this destroyer; and this National Public Health Association convenes to-day in the city of the mother of States, to examine, sift and analyze the recent body of evidence which we have begun to accumulate, and concerning which and the duties that lie beyond this anxions beginning of our effort to know the worst ‘and to know the whole upon theee momentous questions. All the State and municipal authorities of the regions liable to be visited by yellow fever are gathered with us incouncil, It matters not to any of us if any previous theory or practice conceruing the means of stamping out this subtle pestilence were . superseded by more definite and verdicts of such a grand court of hygiene aa this; it matters not to us it bowen tenon olathe ng be personally contagious, a4 certainly seeme: rue on the fine new steamboat John D. Porter and its in- fected barges; it matters not tf tn Grenada, or Vicks- burg, or ula, ar even at Chattan: it were claimed that the yellow fever was of dom origin, but we venture to believe that eyery gentleman worthy of membership in the association bas come to this national sanitary conference fully prepared to examine all things and hold fast to that which is true, and we invoke for all the deliberations a serupu- lous adherence to this first duty. ACIENCE MUST CONQUER DISEASE. “In the anguish of the pestilence it was not surpris- ing that the people cried out to God for mercy and for help; it was equally natural there should re- Joicing as the scourge has withdrawn, The sympathy of apes and the gifts of the affluent have been ponred out; the golden bonds of enduring fraternity of the States have thus been evinced; but it the mission of hy, e and of preventive medicine— it is the privilege of scienco—while recognizing these gentle sentiments, now to gather up the knowledge and research which has been accumulated, Next will como the duty to appeal'in no uncertain tone to the legislative and executive authorities of tho several States, and, of the remotest common- wealths that can be invaded by yellow fever, cholera or any pestilence portable by land or Water, to agree to measures for the control and extermination of these enemies of life and health. ‘The association will undoubtedly give adequate expression to its view of the necessity of @ well organized sanitary service in each State with regard to bot! the comprehensivences and unity of such throughout” the Union. og health services hatever ground is taken, it will necessarily compre- hend that which pertains to the domain of # National Sanitary Service. Fortunately several eminent jurists and vehar cae never guilty of unguarded utterauces, offer their cordial approval of the efforts of the asso- ciation to proceed rrom this conclusion concerning State and city obligations in regard to the nation’s duty. In conclusion, let not the fact be overlooked that it ie not a mere resene to-day of those Hable to be cut off which is in question. There is a more per- manent result, @ more comprehensive infiuence « ed upon the destinies of our fellow men. ‘These pestilences indicate the varions deep-seated wrongs and neglects, vices and sins of the people. Whenever the human race is in such a situation ag to lose its strength, courage, liberty, wisdom, lofty emotions, the plague, ebe or fever comes, not committing havoc perpetually, but turning men to destruction and then suddenly ceasing. As the lost father speaks to his family, and 8 slight epidemic to a city, no the pestilence apeaks to nations, in order that greater calamities than the untimely death of the population may be avoided.” SURGFON GENERAL WOODWORTH ON YELLOW FEVER. Surgeon General Woodworth then addressed the Board, detailing the lodgment in New Orleans of the diseaee and its progress through the cities and villages of the valley of the Mississippi, and depicting feclingly the ead. history: ot its ravages. Dr, Woodworth paid a high tribute to the public-spirited woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Thom: contributed the means for o1 Yellow Fever Commission, sand country that the task of investigating spread of the epidemic had fallen on gentlemen 60 eminently wise and discriminating as those present. He said:—*‘The commission will bring facts only— facts gathered by patient, careful inquiry, made from city to city and from house to house."” INTERESTING STATEMENT OV DR. BEMIS. Dr. Bemis, president of the commission, related several incidents of which he was personally cogui- zant during the prevalence of the scourge, and of in- stances of heroism and selt-devotion standi side by side with the most brntal an pussillanimous conduct that men is capable of, instance,” he said, “I will relate. A father having @ good deal of fg, rin and being afflicted with the yellow fever, on his dying bed sent for his three sons, all of whom lived within a mile or two of him, to come and receive his dying biessing and allow him to divide his property among them. They let him die alone without going to re- ceive his blessing; but no doubt have arranged the Agee matter long before this.” In the same vil- jage, where there was a mortality of nearly thirty per cent of the whole population, in the midst of the most terrible part of the epidemic, a pale faced boy, about nineteen years of age, came hye into the village and proffered his services in aid of the sick, T! Doctor in charge asked him what he could do, “Anything, if you will first tell me how.”” “Did you ever see a case of yellow fever ?” asked the Doctor. on, who, with others, mn of the ** replied the boy. Rowe how to nurse yellow fever 7’ con- tinued the Doctor. id the boy, “If you will tell me how! can follow your directions.” The Doctor pondered 3 moment and then said:— “You are already exposed, anyhow: I will keep you here and put you to work and when you are stricken down I will watch you.” ‘The Doctor in describing this incident to me said he never witnessed such tender nursing, such faithful watching. The boy continwod his work of love and was the means of saving several lives. Finally his turu came, When the Doctor firat visited him he found him with his arms folded across his chest, and he was at that moment giving utterance to such a prayer as theD octor declared he never before heard. Upon questioning him the Doctor learned that ho was the only son of a widowed mother, He had felt impelled by @ sense of duty to come and offer his services in the care of the sick in the village. ‘The Doctor watched over him carefully, and ulti- mately the terrible fever left him and he recovered. He was sent buck home after the epidemic ‘was oyer. I did not even Jearn his name. It ought to,be given to the public. Those men who are trying to ride into office by reason of their talk al yellow fever, having run no personel risk and afforded no reoral help to the sufferers, should stend shame- ‘aced before euch an act of heroism. This noble boy's name may be obtained by writing to Dr. Daniel, near Jackson, Miss. Dr. Bemis then spoke in reference to the cost of sepidemics, their demoralizing character, affecting business and ordinary pursuits, and said :— “Should any charitable people be willing to adopt orphan children they have only to addresa the Presi- dent of the commission to learn whero there are troops of them left dependent. Five children in the town of Lake, the oldest not ten years of age, aro left, Both parents died of ‘the scourge, and the people in the town do not know of a relativ® they have on earth. Through the generosity of a noble-hearted citizen of Herkimer county, N. Y.,’”" be added, ‘the President of the commission had at his disposal a considerable fand, to distribute in any way he thought proper for the alleviation of suffering caused by | yellow fever. He gave these children $10 apiece, leaving it in the hands of a gen- tleman in the village to be dispensed for their benefit, and through the generosity of this same person the President of the commission is able now to realize what a priceless boon it is to be permitted to ‘go about doing good.’ "’ ‘atthe conclusion of Dr. Bemis’ address the asao- ciation adjourned until ten o'clock to-morrow morn- ot the report of the commission will be pre- sent THE YELLOW FEVER DISTRICTS. CLEAN BILLS OF HEALTH FROM THE CRESCENT cry. New Onrxams, Nov. 19, 1878. ‘There have been three deaths from yellow fever here to-day. In reply to # note from Collector Smith asking whether he would not be justitied in issuing clean bills of health to vessels departing from this port, the secretary of the Board of Health says:— “Since the reception of your letter of the 6th a resolution has been passod st a mecting of the Board of Health declaring the epidemic of ycllow fever at ‘en end, and that absentees were safo in returning to the city. In view of these facta I see no valid reason why clean bills of health should not be given to ves- sels clearing trom this. ; ae Collector Smith gives notice that clean bills of will now be given yessels clearing from. this DEATH OF SHERIFF FARRAR. ¥ VicksBore, Miss., Nov. 19, 1878. Howard Farrar, Sheriff of Madison parish, La., died near Delta last night of yellow fever. MORE MONEY NEEDED BY THE HOWARD ASs0- CIATION. é PuitavEiruta, Nov. 19, 1878, Mayor Stokloy received to-day ay appeal for further aid for the Howard Association at New Orleans, signed by the president and other officers of that society. It states that $30,000 will yet be necessary to onablo the association to pay off its debts and close its labors, LOUISIANA ELECTION FRAUDS, UNITED STATES AUTHORITIES COMMENCTXG SUITS AGAINST DEMOCRATS—TROUBLE AHEAD— GOVERNOR NICHOLI8 WILLING To AD THE GOVERNMENT. j [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) New ORtxaNs, Nov. 19, 1878. Two cases came up this morning before United States Commissioner Lane which seem to indicate that some very serious action will now be taken in regard to the alleged irregularities committed during the late election, One of these cases was on tho chargo of bribery and the other for refusing to allow the United States depnty marshals to witness the canvass of the (Carrolton vote. Both charges were fully substantiated, and the ac- ensed were bound over to appear before the United States District Court. A it number of witnesses were present, incinding J. Henry Behan, the newly installed Adminiatrator of Commerce. In both cases District Attorney Leonard appeared in reon, and it is evident that he will use every effort fo vindicate the laws. But this seems to be only the beginning of trouble. The Citizens’ Conservative Association will now follow up the fight, having re- ceived the Governor's answer referring it to the courts. In this answer the Governor says that he greatly desires the punishment of any one guilty of fraud or ill practices in the matter of election, and will, within the limits of his duty, spare no efforts to accomplish that result. In the meanwhile, however, the democratic candi- dates have been installed in office and will do all they can to hold op. The result, I imagine, will be that a it deal of wickedness will be proved, and some of the eee wa be punished, and Sony = rejoice, as frequently occurs, over row of the unfortunate. ¥ MINNESOTA ELECTION RETURNS. St. Pavt, Nov. 19, 1878, ‘The official returns from all counties make the re- publican majority for Auditor 19,034. The majori- ties in the Cor ional districts are as follows:— First district—Dunnell (rep.), 5,881; Second district— Poepler (dem.), 74; Third district—Washburn (rep.), 3,011. SENATOR GORDON RE-ELECTED. ATLANTA, Ga., Nov. 19, 1878, In the Senatorial election to-day General John B, Gordon was almost unanimously clected and without @ convention of the houses, carrying every voto in the Senate and all but five in the House of Representatives. Strenuous efforts have been made to organize opposition, but without success, No man inthe Senate could be found who would nominate another candidate, and four of the five voting against him in the Howse were independents from the Seventh Congressione! district. This is considered the, greatest political triumph ever achieved in GeoPgia. SAD CASE OF DESTITUTION. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Nonronx, Nov. 19, 1878, ‘The saddest case of destitution that ever occurred in this city was unearthed on James street to-day, in the case of Mrs. Emily Elliott, who had dropped dead from weakness while working a sewing machine, in her desperate efforts to get nourishment for her sick huebend and helpless cl ren. Every particle of fur- niture in the dwelling had been sold to sustain the starving family, except a shuck mattrass and the machine, The authorities took charge of the case, All the family were piteonsly prostrated. PAPER MILLS BURNED. Povenkrerstx, N. ¥., Nov, 19, 1878, The Manchester Paper Mills, in Dutchess county, were destroyed by' fire to-night. Loss, $75,000, The fire was the work of an incendiary. ‘Two of the employ on bap wero badly burned about the tace and hands, All hands were at work aud @ panic ensued, but tho rest escaped. ‘ NOVEMBER 20, 1878.:-iRIPLE SHEET. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. THE PIXYMOUTH ORDERED TO PORTSMOUTH, N. H., FOR REPAIRS-—LIST OF HER OFFICERS— THE GUAED TO GO OUT OF COMMISSION. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. | Norrorx, Va., Nov. 19, 1878. The sloop-of-war Plymouth, Captain D, B. Harmony commanding, which arrived in this port. yesterday, at eleven o'clock, anchored off Fort Norfolk. She is eleven days out from Santa Cruz, having had an ‘uneventful voyage for a cruise in the West Indies. This vessel left here last March, having been put in repair at this yard. OBDELED TO PORTSMOUTH, N. H. Orders were received from Washiugton to-day di- recting the Plymouth to proceed at once to Ports- mouth, N. H., to fumigate ship and receive repairs. The Plymouth having had the yellow fever on board during her cruise in the West Indies, the department deems it judicious not to proceed with repairs here, as intended, but to send her to a colder latitude. She in in need of repairs very badly and will be laid up for about two months for a thorough overhauling. "The Plymouth left two officers and two marines sick in the hospital at St. Croix, the latter with yel- low fever, but there is no sickness whatever on board now. Supplies of coal and provisions were sent down from the yard to-«iay and she sails to-morrow. OVFICERS OF THE PLYMOUTH. ‘The following is @ list of her oflice Captain—D, B, Harmony, commanding. Lieutenant Commander—F. A. Cooke, executive officer. Lieutenants—C. H. Stockton and W. B. Swift. . Masters—S, L, Graham, B. Leach and W. H. H. Southerland. Envign—T. D. Howard. First Lieutenant of Marines—S. K. Allen. Midsbipmen—S. Jenkins and H. M. Dombaugh. Chief Engineer—W. B. Bishop. Assistant Engineers—W. Windsor, F, J. Hoffman and H, E. Frick. Paymaster—T, H. Arms. Surgeon—T. Woiverton. Assistant Surgeon—J. B. Bayrns, Pay Clerk—T. W. Arme. THE Guanp. ‘The United States steamer Guard expects to go up to the yard on Monday and go out of commission. She arrived in the Roads this morning from Rio, and came up to Fort Norfo}k to-night, s THE CORVETTE ALASKA EXPECTED AT PANAMA SOON. Panama, Nov, 7, 1878. _The United States steamer Alaska, Captain George Brown, was announced to sail from Callao for Panama on Saturday, 2d inst. She will call at Payta and Tam bez in order to intercept the southward bound mail from Panama. The Alaska may be expected hero about the 10th inst., and will probably remain in the bay fora considerable period, CHANGES IX THE DUTIES AND STATIONS OF OFFICERS. WaAsaINGTor, Nov. 19, 1873. Passed Assistant Enginecr William H. Harris is ordered to duty at the Boston Navy Yard. Com- mander Henry Erben is ordered to the command of the Nautical Schoolship St. Marys at New York. Captain Earl English is detached from the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, N. H., and ordered to proceed to Washington city and report in person to the Navy Department. Commander Theodore F. Kane is detached frog the command of the Alliance, European station, on the reporting of his relief and orderod to return home and report arrival. Commander Arthur R. Yates is detached from the ‘Navy Yard at ¢ Island, Pa, and ordered to the command of the Alliance, European station. Passed Assistant Engineer Charles P. Howell is de- aoe from special daty at New York and ordered to 6 rora. NEW LIFE SAVING STATIONS. Lona Bnancn, Nov. 19, 1878, Under the supervision of Mr. George D. Harris, Superintendent of the Life Saving Service, in district No. 4, the government commenced the erection to- day of several new life saving stations along this part of tho coast. One of the new @@ifons is at Green's Pond, just below. Long Bratch, ‘near the spot steamer Rui was wrecked. Stations are also: + Spring Lake and Point Pleafant and one near Atlantic’ City. Wall Green, old surrman, has been appointed keeper of the now station No.5, at Green's 4. ‘woll as t t of the entire Jersey n. each'of the sei ap _ Cape. May 9) ir 4 erect a ign E steam blast and fog horn on the end of the new ocean pier, now in course of construction here. The stations will ‘begnanned and equipped by December 1. c DUTIES OF A GRAND JURY. | No AUTHORITY IN THE PRESWWERT ‘tO DICTATE; OR EVEN INFLUENCE ITS ACTION. IxprsxaPouis, Nov. 19, 1878, The Grand Jury of the United States Court came into open court this morning, and by their foreman, Genera! Hascall, reported that the District Attorney had received instructions from the President of the United States against prosecuting a certain person for an alleged embezzlement in the First National Bank of Indianapolis, meaning Carey W. Miller, and that they had been requested to investigate the matter and desired to bo informed by the Court whether it was their duty to proceed with the case, notwith- standing the instructions of the President, whereupon Judge Gresham called attention to the oath taken by the Grand Jury, and added:— : “You could not, if you would, escape the obligation of this oath by heeding the insirnciion of the Prost- dent in this particular case. The President may, if, he feels so inclined, interfere, even in advance of indictment, by’ exercising the pardoning wer. In other way has he the slightest authority to control your, action. He has it in his power to pardon the allegtd offender, ‘and unless he is willing to take this responsibility he has no more right to control your action than the Czar of Russia has. If you believe the President's instructions to the District Attorney were intended to prevent you from making the fullest ex- amination into the matter fore you, and from returning an indictment agaiust the accused if the evidence should warrant it, you should feel in- spired with additional determination to do your duty. ¢ moment the Executive is allowed to control the action of the courts in the administration of criminal justice the independence of the judiciary is gone. It is due to the President to say that the Court does not believe he has ahy desire to encroach upon.the ju- diciary, or that he.contemplated any unwarranted in- terference by his instructions to the District Attorney. The District Attorney says, in open court, that he is ready and willing to aid you in any cxamination of this case which you may feck called upon to make, He and his assistant arc faithful officers, and will render you all necessary aid in this as tn other cases.” “ODD FELLOWS. ‘Trenton, N. J., Nov. 19, 1878. The R. W. Grand Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New Jersey met to-day, and the following officers were clocted :—M. W. G. P., E. P. Ford, of Paterson; M. I. G. H. B., John E. Sannier, of Newark; R. W. G. 8. W. A., George M. Ashley, of Cam- den; R. W. G.8., Lewis Parker, Jr., of Trenton; RB. W. G, Treasurer, Oliver Pierce, of Elizabeth; BR. W. G. J. W., H. B. Reese, of Vineland; It. W. G. Representa- tive to the Grand Lodge of the United States, William M. Nutt4of Trenton; W. G.I. 8., Joseph Yates, of Quakertown; W. G. 0. 8., Amos Howell, of Trenton; W.L M., Jacob J. Vreeland, of Dover. THE NEW LO} no Wasutxeton, Noy. 19, 1878, Mr. Bissell, Acting Assistant Attorney General to the Post Office Department, to whom was referred the charges made by Mrs. General Mower, ex-post- mistress at New London, against William H, Tubbs, formerly her deputy and now postinaster at that placy has snbmitted his report to thé Postmaster Gen- eral. He finds, in regard to the charges affecting Mr. ‘Tubbs’ perronal character, thet their trath or falsity cannot be dotermined withont bringing the -partics face to face; and as to the charges of official miscon- duct, it is found that there is enough in the contro- verted vouchers to excite grave suspictons, and re- quire formal eg kg | and a Macaig 5, explana- tion by Mr. Tubbe of his official conduct while deputy postinaster. Postmaster General Key will probably order an investigation to be made at New London, an carly day, by one of the department's spec agents. JAMES STANLEY'S LESSON. In the Brooklyn City Court yesterday Elizabeth White obtained a verdict for $250 against James Stan- ley on account of an assault committed by him on the plaintiff. It appeared in the course of the trigl that the plaintiff did sewing for the defendant, who is @ married man, forty years of oge, and that he advised her to leayo her parents, rent a room and have a sewing machine of her own; that upon defendant promising to. procure her something better to do she visited him in New York; that he took her to a strunge honse and into a strange room, where lie mado improper proposals to her. Upon her rejecting his advances he attempted to ure force. Filing in Bis puspoecss however, ho allowed hor to quit the place, Defendant endeavored to prove that the plaintiff's character was bad, BUDER A FRAUD. Disappearance of the Pseudo Huron Survivor. TOO MUCH INVESTIGATION. An Opportune Boat and a Row Across the Potomac, SECRETARY THOMPSON'S VIEWS IN DETAIL, Police in Active: Pursuit of the Impostor. 4 eee (py TELEGNAPH TO THE HERALD.] Wasurxaon, Nov. 19, 1878. Tho lest chapter in the narrative of the eventful career of the alleged Wiliiam Buder opens like the. second oration of Cicero against Catiline, “vadit, erupu,”” &c.—that is, he is gone, he is fled, he has escaped, he bas broken away. Tho truth of this gtartling intelligence was confirmed at an early hour this morning, when Commodore Febiger, the com- mandant of the Navy Yard, regretfully mede the an- nouncement to the Secretary of the Navy in an official communication. Inquiry at the yard disclosed the fact. that Buder had really made his escape as early as six o'clock on the evening previous, although the alarm was not given uftii this morning. He was seen just before the hour when the sailors were piped down to their hammocks for the night, and it is supposed that he took his leave in the bustle of the scene attending this formality. That he was not missed at the time is not strange. He was consigned to the general care of the watch at tho receiving ship, and this watch comprised only a solitary sailor, guarding the little gangway leading from the whart to the vessel. Hence hjs absence frém so numerous a body of meiryas the ship's company might easily escape “notice. So slyly, indeed, did he make his escape that rioth- ing was known of it when, at ten o’cloclhat night, the HERALD correspondent made his final call at the Navy Yard for the latest bulletin of the man’s adventures, HOW THE ESCAPE WAS MADE. e Meantime, however, a boat belonging to the United States corvette Wyandotte, lying’ out in thd stream abreast of the Navy Yard, was missing. The sailor who had come ashore in it had been sent for an evening newspaper, and had landed at the wharf and tied up close to the bow of the Passaic, on which Buder was quartered, The Passaic is an old iron-clad, doing service as a receiving ship,.qapliis made fast to the wharf by projecting fonders an eqns nected with the shore by @ railed gafgway., The Wyandotio man not finding his boat, doubtless, supposed it had floated off with the tide by the . loosing of the painter or had been stolen by ofls prowling river thief, But when the boat was found this morning on the other side of the river and Buder turned up missing method of his escape was at once indicated. Itis supposed that in the bustle of piping down at six o'clock he took advantage of the darkness and the buey activity of all the crew to leap from the bow of the Passaic to the wharf, out of view of the sailor on watch, and possessed himeelf of the Wyandotte’s small boat, in which he rapidly pulled across to the other ‘side of the river, in the direction of the . Maryland of *the district, and disembar! made his way slong the railroad track in the direction of Baltimore. WHAT SECRETARY THOMPSON SAYS. Secretary Thompson, having catefally read the Iet- ter announci| the man's escape, said it was now. very evident that the man wes a de- Berter from the Huron and an» in the bnsincss of ‘breaking. his © tH, He had been reported as having - the bark Forto on its arrival in Baltimore, hed told his com- panions on the voyage that he was a deserter from the navy und now proved: himself o deserter by his action last night. “But..what can I do?’ continued the Secre- tars, Ef--he could be found without expense, I ‘shomd-oertainly order his arrest. The muster: roll of .the,,; vessel being lost, it is im ible to.dlotarmine precisely who the men were that consti- tuted:the ship's company at the time of the disaster. But there is no doubt that William Buder, of Phila- delphia, was one of the lost.and that his. remains. are ly buried at Annapolis. Now, this man personat- ing Buder has been drifting around for a year past, and cowanticagompelled him to report to. thg, Ni Yard, hoping Wat the story he invented wi ace cepted and that his offence would be tf into glory. ROPE FOR THE IMPOSTOR. “But he presumed too mach. Yestei questioned him, I had before me the scriptive list of Buder, He sat facing me, know the document was under my han him iF you nite i He nm jan, but no ed him a pen and seemed proceeded — appeat ‘The fact is, I waa getting interestedin the and wanted to give him all the scope his; manded. He commenced to write by capital letter W. That would never do fo gan. and so he began by spel it with af. Old Mr. Yeller must have given him the cautio! signal. Well, he wrote his full name, *‘Vilean the handwriting was not at all like the the list before me. Then it was that I saw flinched. He drew back under the and was not inclined to - proceed with '* answers. Having determined to exhaust all ef the so@rces of in- formation, I ordered him back to the Navy Yard in charge of an officer, awaiting the repott of Com- mauder Evans from Baltimore and Chief Merk Hogg, who had started for Philadelphia. From mander Evans I have not yet heard; but here is #long telo- gram from Mr. Hogg, which explains iteelfig EFVORTS AT CAPTURE. The Secretary then read a letter from Clerk Hogg, in which he stated that he had yisited the father of Buder, the sailor on the Huron, and ob- tained such information as showed the man at the Yard to be un impostor. The following conver- pn then ensued :— “But are you not interested in cepturing the man ? bv is certainly a deserter and the navy has a right to are CG don't,.know about that,” the Secretary said. “In the first place,sif wo had him how could he be court martialled? What is his name? Tho department is satisfied it is’ not Buder. You cannot court martial a man without a name, and what evideace has the department that this particu- ler individual was ever in the service? His suying «#0 does not make it so, He gave his name as Grimederf on the ‘orlo and Hille in Antwerp. The ent has no record of the desertion of any’ such man. ‘Then what could we call him? The sailor Bonner yesterday says he knows that it is Buder. ‘The man louseman says #0. ‘The records of the department show that William Buder, landsman, is buried at Annapolis, Youcannot court martial adead man any more than you can a man without a name. Butif he is found anywhero within our reach I have no Goubt but what he will be arrested. At this point theSecretary directed Mr. Dow, the acting chief clerk, to telegraph to certain points to look out for the nondéscript. s THE POLICE AT WORK, nye At midnight the -pelice authoritics here had not succeeded in arresting Buder, although it is thonght he will shortly be iu their custody. ‘The mounted policemen doing duty inthe country on the south side of the eastern vranch of the Potomac, where Buder left the boat, are, making diligent scarch, and the authorities of Prince George's county, Mary- land, which adjoins this portion of the District of Co- lumbia, have been provided with a eee of him. During to-day tho police officials have been busy lay: ing pluns for his capture, and if he has not sueceeded in coming around the city and going into Virginia they feel confident that not many hours will elapse before he is @ prisoner. If ee ho will be ar- fs er for larceny of the boat fore the civil aus thorities. CAPTAIN SKARE DISPROVES THE BUDER Nan- RATIVE--IS THE BOGUS SURVIVOR THE DE- SERTER GRONTOFT? [BY TELEGRAPH To THD HERALD.) Ba.rimore, Nov. 19, 1878, In obedience to instruetions from the Navy Depart- ment Commander Evans, of the United States sloop- of-war Saratoga, who returned from Washington to- day, instituted an investigation to ascertain the truth or falsity of thé story of William Buder, the alleged survivor of the Huron. Commander Evans had Cap- tain Skare, of the Norwegian bark Forto, before him, and, in reply to questions, elicited from Captain Skare the following statement relative to the myste- rious affair :— On the 27th of last September a man giving. the name of Oscar Grontoft shipped with Captain Skare, man, at $10 per month. The man wore of a United States man-of-war's-man, ap, b btn wy soa Grontoftteld the crow that from the man-of-war at Antwerp swim ashore, After the arrival here (October Grontoft tet the Forto and has not since seen by tye captain. Captain Skare denied that had picked up any men at sea, and showed by his that in November, 1877, when Buder says he was res- cued by the Forto the vessel was in the Mediterranean, Sea. A seaman named Jansen, belonging to by: ere stated that before that vessel left Antwerp Grontot was pointed out to him by the mate of a Norwegian vessel in port, who told him that his real name was Frederick N, Olsen. Captain Skare stated that ha could net itnagine the object of Grontoft in telling the story. Grontoft or Olsen during his interview with Secretary Thompson said that Captain Skare could not write or speak English, whieh is also ‘false, as the captain is an excelient penman and converses fluently in English, with scarcely a trace of foreign accent, BUDER NOT FOUND. Buder had not been arrested up to a late hour this evenin Marshal Grey stated to-night that the aid of the police had not been invoked to secure his apprer hension, but it the ited States authorities called on him t vet Buder’s arrest he would instruct the police force to make a thorough search for him. THE WASHINGTON SURVIVOR DECLARED A STUPID IMPOSTOR—-BUDER, SENIOR, DESCRIBES HIS DEAD SON. PHILADELPATA, Nov, 19, 1878, William Buder, or “Vileam Bjuder,”-as he wrote his name for the Secretary of the Navy, is @ consummate, but, withal,a siupid fraud. His name is neither Bjnder nor Buder, unl he is simply an impostor, un- less all signs fail. Ihave just had a long talk with William Buder, Sr., the workman at Thackera, Buck, & Co.'s, to whom I referred in my despatches last night, the father of the ‘real’ Willian Buder, the sailor, who shipped.on the Huron Cross-questioning this man closely, in the light ot the information from Washington ubout thé ¢laimant contained in today’s Heraup, it is made clear thet the man who so puzzied the Navy Depart-. ment is not a survivor of the Huron. The result of my interview with the father was briefly as follows:— vi A CHAT WITH BUDER, SENIOR. Mr. Buder came to this country in 1851, and has. lived in Philadelphia ever since, For years he has, been engaged in tho brass factory now owned by, Thackera, Buck & Co. He gave me the biography of his son, from which it appeared that William was born in 1855 in this city, He lived here all hisjife was educated at the pnblic schools and completed the course of instruction at the grammar school, Sixth and Poplar strects. He haa a f education and spoke English as well as an’ ‘an. Atone time’ he was errand boy at the factory where his fathernow works, then owned by Niskey, & Thackera., He learned the trade of stone cutting with Mr. Kee- gan and worked at it in Phi his from ta time until he enlisted in the navy at the Island Navy Yard in August, 1877. He. had never been to sea before and was rated as alandsman. He was quartered on the receiving ship St. Louis for * few wocks and was then sent to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. While sere he wrote regularly to his father and mother. About a week before the Huron sailed, he drafted aboard of her, and he wrote justas she’ rr and once again a Hampton Roads, which ast message ever received from him. iene ‘Budbr was about five fect four and three-quar- "tive inches in height, light complexion, of stout “build, had blue, exes, yellow hair and but little. beard. The pretended Bader is described’ as five feet ten inches and as not otherwise corresponding to the personal appearance of the real Buder. The | der is of American birth and speaks Ei the: pretended on¥ claims to be a Norwegian and has,or affects, a foreign accent. The real Buder has no sis- ter, married or single, in Washington. The father tells me that he had only two children, The other is a daughter; she is married. but bus always lived in Philadelphia. Her name is Kate Davis. ‘THE WASHINGTON SUBVIVOR A) FRAUD. Mr. Buder is now convinced that the Washington “survivor” is not, his son. He thought he might ba when his‘ciuployer read to him the first statement from the Hrap, butfhe now recognizes the p= ancies and is satisfied of the fraud. Mr. Buder thinks it wes in January,or February when he first applied to the ‘Navy Department for the money due his-son. He gota Mr. Breidinger to attend to the ‘matter for him. This gentleman wrote several letters, and fellow workmen, Charles Zeigler and Henry Smith Draas turners, vouched for Mr. Buder as being tlie’ ~ father of the eaflor whose body was . .mstog-! nized among the, dead. ‘The money received, amounted to two hundred and dollars. T have discovered what may be a possible clew'to-the’ identity of the personator of Buder. The father tells me tint SOR, Cn t his visits to his med outte Bit © nd Navy Yar’ young man pointed o1 a ahipmate ot his who ae “Norwegian ond who Spoke: broken English. Mr. Buder* cannot remember the, name of this man nor his very clearly. He knows that he was a taller “zaan ‘then’ his son, appearing to be about five feet’ ten. Ho thinks be was darker. He does not think he would know him again, never having seen him but once; and then not paying particular attention. If would be worth while confront the father with hia pretended son, however, apd the Navy Department: might by this incans discover the real name of the im- postor. The man Mr. Buder saw was probably not ‘among those who went in the Huron. Dr, Hogg, chief clerk of the Navy Department, ar- rived in Philadelphia this morning. He called to seo Mr. Buder and obtained some of the information given above. ‘He left convinced that the Washington Buder is a swindler. JARVIS, THE TMPOSTOR. This case pee i done a somewhat similar fraud which was attempted in 1870. At about this time in that year a. man turned up in Norfolk, Va., claiming to be John Jarvis, carpenter on the United States steamer Levant, which had been lost in October, 1860, ten years before. She had left Honoluin for Panama, and nothing was ever after heard of her or any of those on board. Adiniral Porter made an investigation of the case of Jarvis, who claimed to hve been thrown on an uninhabited island in the South Seas and not resened until nearly ten years after. The man was found to bea fraud after a proper investigation. TELEGRAPHIC NOTES. R. W. Tompkins, Treasurer ofsBoise county, Idaho, committed suicide yesterday. Cause unknown. ‘A despatch from Silver City, Idaho, says the major- ity for Ainslie, delegate to Congress, is nearly twelve hundred. aud ‘The National Convention of the Sigma Chi. Frater- nity met at Indisnapolis yesterday, and will continue. its session to-day aud to-morrow. Canal Superintendent Clark. ‘gives notice that, navi~ gation on the Black Triver and Lake canals will ve closed on the 30th of: Noverhbe>, Jomeph Gearing, a contracter’ and ex-Alderman, of Toronto, Ont., has absconded, taking with bim P3 to $15,000 and leaving several contracts un- ished. In the United States District Court at Baltimore, yesterday, the argument in the Demarara tele case bi ina ‘was concluded and the jury instructed to sealed verdict. Francis & Hagar’s store and storchonses, at Moorr'’s Forks, N. Y., were burned by any incend on Mon- day night. Tho loss is estimated at $7,500; in- surance, $5,000, Se pare ts arrest ‘or cans \ bY et tion, of Eticabuth Gates, who resided in Manchester,’ Ontario county. ‘ W. N. Meeks, ‘or of belles-lettres in the Phil-. adelphia Central High School, was thrown ee ee while ridihy in the Park yesterday and ‘was thirty years of age. MISPLACED CONFIDENCE, Some years ago Mr. Gerard N. Terhoost had twa: mortgages, aggregatmy $6,200, on property in Newark. He got Peter Dallas to foreclose them in his (Peter's) name, Peter taking a nominal assignment on them, He was to buy in the property, keep it and give ‘Terhoost a $4,000 mortgage. Meanwhile Terhoost visited Europe and returned only three weeks Ho fonnd a t Dallas had not prea the mortgage to his (Ter! it's) agent, ae had passed the property over to his wife and then tradel it for a farm in Madison county, thus leavil Terhoost entirely out in the cold. Now before the Vice Chancellor and secures en in- feaction against Dallas restraining him from dis- posing of or encumbering the farm until his $4,000 claim is settled. The claim is now before the Vice Chancellor. a THE WORKING WOMEN'S UNION. The Society for the Protection of Working Women and Girls held its fourteenth annual public meeting at Chickering Hall last night. From «mall begin- nings the society has grown to be one of the mont im- portent in Now York. The hall was packed in every Cane the atage being full, Addresses wore mado 'y a 2, Dewitt ‘Valmage, David Dudicy Field and john R. Brady, ‘The treasurer's report for the year ending October 1 wns read, and showed that the receipts for the amounted to $5,140 73, and the ' amount minus $192 59, represented by cash on hand, A WIFE'S CHARGE, Jacob Reinhard, ex-Coroner of Jersey City, was yeas torday bronght before Judge Dufly, in that city, and res quiréd to furnish bonds for his appearance to answor a charge of abandonment preferred by his wife. Four years ago he marricd ‘Miss Maria Griffing, « talented pung lady, who a short time previous had made her début as a singer at tho Olympic Theatte in this etty under the nom de ple of Murian Keqna. Her mar- riage with Coroner Reinhard, it is said, was opposed by her parents, and in a short time the b etd became A few days ago the exoroner, it ts A kik wife and child out of dours and yw them to enter