The New York Herald Newspaper, December 20, 1878, Page 5

NEW JERSEYS BUSINESS A Promising Outlook in Agriculture and Manufactures, NEWARK, PATERSON, TRENTON. Where the Hard Times Pinched Most and How Improvement Is Wrought “QNFIDENCE RETURNING—LABOR EMPLOYED Tuenron, Dec, 18, 1878. New Jersey has been occupying a position of late years in its business relations peculiar to itself. Few States in the Uzion are so wholly dependent for pros- perity upon,the success of other sections, and scarcely a failure is chronicled in any part of the country in which New Jersey has not an interest more or less direct. Lying between the two great markets of the country—New York and Philadelphia— traversed by trunk lines of railroad giving connec- tion with every part of the continent, half surrounded with ports for seagoing vessels, with the great anthra- cite coal mines within a short distance of its borders, with a soil especially adapted to garden purposes, and with a sober, industrious population, grafted on the old Puritan and Dutch stock, there seemed no reason why the State should not occupy a position second to none in the United States in prosperity and solid wealth. But thevery facts which contribute to the well being of New Jersey and redeem a land which in comparison with the fertile prairies of Illinois is as nothing, tended to make the State peculiarly de- pendent upon other parts of the country, changing with their changes. Consequently, when the arca of financial depression began to spread New Jersey gave signs among the first of the approaching storm. And 80, too, as the barometer begins to rise the clouds break and blue sky shows as quickly and plainly in the little State as anywhere on the continent, and those conversant with business affairs deem it among the most promising of the signs that they are tobe @een most prominently in this State. THE AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS. Although Newark has been well named “the work- shop of New York,” and Paterson is noted through- out the country for its silk manufactories, and Tren- ton, Manchester and Boonton are celebrated for their pottery, glass and iron productions, yet the real back- bone of New Jersey's wealth and prosperity lies, and ‘will lie for many years to come, in agriculture. It 4s a fact worthy of mention that, according td tho census returns, New Jersey produces more to the acre in cereals than any other State in the Union. ‘This is due, of course, to the high state of cultiva- tion, farmers investing large capital in their land, fust as a merchant does, if he can, in his business. Some of the wealthiest men in the State are simply what their ancestors were before them—diggers of the soil, Any review of the business of the State must naturally commence with this branch of in- dustry. The calamities of 1873 found the farmers of the State reaping rich profits from their proximity to the markets of New York and Philadelphia. Those cities felt the shock of disaster, and almost immediately it reacted upon the farmer with telling effect. But theinpronperity had been too long continued and too idea VP make the bad luck of even five years cause “girtots harm. ‘They have had less spending money sud. their sons and daughters have not had so many ‘Hixuries as before, but the Jersey farmers have, nev- ertheless, Bécn among the most comfortable of hu- manity duving the widespread financial distress. They wore fortunate in being out of debt quite gen- erally before the crash came. Within the past year they have found the markets more ready to take their surplus stock, and they have been among the first to take advantage of the export trade in dairy products ‘nd meats. The vast crops of cereals in the West have forced them to take to fruit culture and market gardening, and the result has been beneficial to the Btate. NEWARK’ MANUFACTURES, ‘The farmers, however, depend upon rather than control the business of the State, and in other quar- ters will be found the reasons why Jerseymen regard the outlook for 1879 as promising. The city of New- ‘ark, the,leading city of the State, with a population of 130,000, exclusive of suburbs, is almost wholly de- ‘voted to manufacturing, and, unlike the towns and cities of Massachusetts, its interests are widely diver- sified. While misfortune to any line of business is likely to affect Newark, the entire failure of one species of industry would not cause general losses, and it is due to this fact that Newark has escaped the desolation that has fallen upon so many mannfactur- ing towns. At the beginning of the now familiar hard times several new industries were in their inception, among them the making of celluloid and the articles into which it is converted. Through all the financial stress these enterprises have made steady progress and reaped large fortunes for their conductors, The single one of celluloid, started by one sinall firm, now inch @ half dozen different companies and @ score of smaller individual manu- facturers. Newark manutacturers Were early in seeing the advantages of foreign trade and grasped the opportunities afforded previous to and during the Centennial Exposition to make connections abroad with the most gratifying results, especially in the trunk and carriage leather trade, in which at least 10,000 men and boys are employed and millions ot capital invested, In the immense leather facto- ries of all kinds business has been kept up with almost unabated energy during all the years sinco 1873, and in the steel works, shoe factories, zinc fac- tories, silk mills and carriage shops business docs not show much, if any, falling off since the time mentioned. The jewelry trade has been less fortunate, however, although the depres- sion was singularly slow in reaching that branch of business, despite the predictions of almost everybody. In the early part of 1876 it was felt severely, and since then it has continued with- out abatement. A fow of the scores of firms engaged in this industry have kept up their trade by means of novelties, or by changing their business from tho jobbers direct to the retail dealers; but it must be said that no interest in the State has sufiered so severely as jewelry making. COMPRIITION AND ECONOMY. The amount of work done at the Newark factories has not been an indication ot great prosperity to em- ployers, however. It has © been for the benefit of the laboring classes, for as the hard times ad- vanced competition became keener and a large. busi- ness was often done at a profit which would scarcely pay half the living expenses of the proprictor. ‘hat the prospects this fall have boon increasingly brighter there can be no doubt. While profits are small they are not of the infinitesimal churacter al- Juded to, and while the wages of laboring men are far below thom of war times aud the flush period succeeding them, yet they have not suffered a reduc- tion proportionate to the general fall in values, and it is @ noteworthy fact that men are saving iore at $1 60 per be than they did at $2 50 and $3 in the old times. healthy spirit of economy pervades all classes, to the manifest betterment of the community. ‘The fall in Newark real estate was something territic to behold, but it has now begun to evince some signs of Cenkie | where an utter lack of animation was hitherto ible. Men are showing a willingness to buy cheap properties and to pay the cash for them. having learned to have a proper horror of mortgages, AQet TRRNTOR PoTrEnixZe, The 7 of Newark is the story of Trenton, so far as the future shows promise. The beginning of the mania for pottery, which slightly ante-dated the Centennial Kaposition, found the Trenton potterie making the commonest earthenware. They nui Dered ten or twelve, and were comparatively small concerns. But there were shrewd heads among the manufacturers, and they took advantage of the pot- tery excitement and began to put goods of the best character upon the market. Their efforts were crowned with suocess, and in the teeth of the ad- verse winds the Trenton potteries have risen in num- ‘ber to over a svore, and employ thousands of men in making the best American ware sold in the market. ‘Their imitations of Dresden ware aro not unfrequently sold for the genuine article, At tho present time the factories are working full time and the emplo; ors say that if the tari’ is not meddled with there are no bounds to the success which may be obtamed by this industry, The outlook, according to the ee verdict of ‘Trenton manufacturers, is very mising. Going further south in the State we find the glass factories in Salem county making gradual progress toward improvement; and in Burlington county stove manufacturing is beginning to recover somewhat from the Chet it has sutfe virtually Philadelphia, and as the great heart its big Pennsylvania neighbor throbs so beats the organ of the South Jersey business centre, Except tor its in- NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1878—TRIPLE SHEET. the promising aspect of affairs elsewhere in the State cnnied out. Paterson has become one of the great, if not the greatest, centre of silk manufacturing in the country, and the hard times struck it with a withering blast. Interviews with the prominent silk “manufacturers have been a continuous tale of mis- fortune during the past two years. ‘The locomotive works have been doing better, but the days since 1874 have been sad ones for the city on the whole. There is a better fecling at present, however, and during the present month business has been such as to create brighter anticipations. Profits are nominal, and there is the bugbear of labor troubles ever present. Enormous capital is required to carry on the busi- nesses in which the city is most largely interested, and it has not been forthcoming, on account of the risk. At Boonton, up to 1873, a great iron business was transacted, At present many mills stand idle, and the workmen have deserted the town for more pros- perous places. There is hope of a general revival uring the coming year, 48 the mills are in the hands of capitalists, who are ready to set every forge at work when business can be Gone at a profit. The depression in the iron trade has likewise affected Dover seriously, but the recent slight rise in tho metal has been encouraging to miners, and they are very hopeful of what the next year will bring forth, JERSEY CITY, Jersey City is placed in a situation similar to that of Camden, by its juxtaposition to New York. It pos- sesses iinmense sugar refineries, Lorillard’s tobacco works and a large number of other industries which employ a great many men and engage much capital, but its interests are so closely identified with the metropolis across the river aud its business so intimately connected with the prosperity of New York that its success or failure us a city is coinei- dent with New York, The removal of the termini of some of the steamship lines has cansed some loss of trade to the city, and certain public spir- ited citizens are now taking measures to- ward securing legislation by which Jersey City may stand on an equal basis with New York as the point of destination of European trade. centre of the railroad system of the United States the ultimate prosperity of the region fronting on the North River for ten miles north of Communipaw is assured. Five years ago the city was burdened with a debt which had been increased annually to such an extent that its bonds sold below par, but a change was made which has raised the municipal credit to above that of almost any city in the State, while taxes have been lowered 80 as to make residence as de- sirable there as in any other suburb of New York. ‘The immediate prospects of business revival are ex- cellent, according to those best informed, and tho future of the great region opposite the crowded island of Manhattan is, in the very nature of things, most promising. CAPITAL AND TAXATION. Capital has always been abundant in the State and still remains so. The moneyed institutions of Newark, Trenton and Jersey City have ever endeav- ored to invest as much of their surplus in the State as possible, and the result has been somewhat unfortu- nate in consequence, the mortgaging of real estate beyond its value and wild cat speculations in manu- factures having become so general that the sudden urrest of the flush times put affairs in a condition which seemed hopeless alike for capital and debtors for a time. Until within a year capital refused absolutely to unlock its vaults, and just as ventures were beginning to be made in a cau- tious way, the legal rate of interest was reduced from seven to six per cent. Moneyed institutions found they could make better investments at a higher rate elsewhere, and again ceased to use their capital at home. At first it was feared that this would result seriously to the entire northern portion of the State, but relief is making itself manifest from another quarter, The sma!l cap@alists and the workingmen who have saved little sums are coming forward, and the creditor class is becoming changed thereby. The great burden business in New Jersey has to bear is the taxation of municipalities which have created enormous debts. The State government itself has been guided by a wiser policy, and New Jersey stands among the first in the matter of its State credit. What relief can be afforded to the towns and cities? is the question which now occupies the attention of pub- licists. There is too much patriotism to talk of re- pudiation; but an arrangement involving some sac- rifice on the part of creditors scems inevitable. A reduction of taxation would place New Jersey manu- facturing on a most substantial footing. A PROMISING OUTLOOK. ‘The above facts have been collected from a large number of interviews with leading manufacturers, capitalists and employers in the various lines of business throughout the State, and they may fairly be said to iy Proodg the prevalent feeling. Your cor- respondent desires to give only the statement of one gentleman, whose connections with the retail trade, with manufacturing houses and with two of the largest financial institutions of the State give him peculiar facilities tor judging the condition of business accu- rately, and whose well known conservatism and shrewdness give his opinions ular weight. “I have,” said he, “no doubt of the improved condition of affairs since last year. Since 18/3 we have been waiting for business to get down to hard pan, and it struck it when gold got inside of 102. In my retail business, embracing transactions amounting to hun- dreds of thousands annually, I expect to count a fair protit when I take account of stock January 1. Last year I just made both ends meet, and the year beforo the business was carried on at a loss. I know that I am no exception, end, looking over all the field, I consider business to be twenty-tive per cent better this fall than it was @ year ago. Everybody is cau- tious and looks at a dollar a long time before spend- ing it, but there is a returning fecling of confidence which I believe nothing can shake. 1 have Jcrsey real estate, valued at over @ million, confided to my care, and I find that there is a constant inquiry for it, though the prices offered are so low that the sales are comparatively few. The fact of that inquiry and the class of persons who are making it lead me to have an almost enthusiastic confidence in the prospects tor 1879 and 1880, Fortunes will not be made und lost in a day again, but business will re- turn a fair profit. “As far as Lam able to judge the working classes are pen. fair wages, considering the reduction of rices, and I have yet to see a case where an able- died man has not been able to make headway against the world during the hoe twelve months. You may tell the Heracp, and through it all the world, that New Jersey stands now on a basis which is so firm that progress is inevitable.” z “RED” LEARY IN COURT. GUARDING AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF HIS RESCUE—HIS FRIENDS PRESENT IN FORCE. twas known that John, alias “‘Red,”’ Leary was to be brought before Judge Davia, in the Court House, yes- terday morning, on a writ ot habeas corpus—that is to say, unless his host of friends should rescue him on the way from the hands of his legal custodians. In view of the recent attempt to accomplish this end, and the belief of the Sheriff that it would be re- peated, Judge Davis had directed the Sheriff to see to it that an armed posse comitatus be provided to es- cort the prisoner from jail. Major Quincy, order of arrest clerk, had accord- ingly detailed as his assistants eight deputy sheriffs, and the curious crowd that beset the jail and looked on as Leary was quickly hustled into acarriage had hardly time to collect their seuses, if they had medi- tated any interference, before the object of their solicitude was whirled out of sight. As the posse drove up at the Court House the deputies formed » hollow square, and, with Leary in the centre and Major Quincy taking the lead, they escorted their prisoner into the court room. Leary's friends were present in force, but remained inactive. IN THE COURT Room. As early aa ten o’clock the court room was densely packed. Every class, seemingly, of metropolitan criminals was there, “Beware of pickpockets should be placarded.here,” whispered one gentleman to another. “Beware of murderers more like,’’ was the rejoin- der. “I never saw such a beastly looking gang.” “TI have never seen such an array of notable cracks- men out of jail,” suid an ex-keeper of the City Prison. There was & buzz of excitement a4 Leary was brought by his guard into court. He was given a seat directly in front of the Judge's bench, and on either side and behind him the posse took their seats, Leary took matters with the utmost coolness, ‘THE EXTRADITION PAPERS. Assistant District Attorney Bell stated that the prisoner was held for extradition to huretts on « charge of implication in the Northampton Bank robbery, and that he had been brought into court Pree to a writ of habeas corpus. Mr. Peter Mitchell, who, with Mr. Algernon 8. Sulli- van, appeared on the prisoner’s behalf, read a traverse to the return, setting forth that Leary was not the man specified in the warrant of extradition, and that there was no proper authority before the Governor of New York for issuing the warrant. ‘The traverse further stated 4 denial by y that he was ever in Northampton. Guenve on politics and levislation, Camden's interest dn Now Jersey and wice versa is very slight. te rth on wid SILK, rn northward again we come to Patersot Dover Boonton, and in neither of these places is Judge Davis said that the main question was on of identity, and that the counsel must address them. selves to that point. Mr. Bell said that he would offer proof on this point, and demur to the rest of the traverse. He then called Detective Pinkerton, who testified that he had known Leary for four years. On cross-examination he admitted that he had no personal knowledge of the prisoner having been in Massachusetts at that date or of his being a fugitive from justice. After this eyidence Mr, Sullivan moved that Leary be ae , accompanying his motion wit! « long speech. Judge Davis decided that a prima facie caso was made out, The case was then adjourned until to- morrow for the production of evidence as to the do- fective character of the papers on which the requi- sition is made, Leary was removed promptly by his keepers to tha ¢arriugo in waiting ‘sad, taken bed to his old quarters, UNABLE TO OBTAIN BAIL, A writ of habeas corpus in the case of Joseph and John Johuson, who last week assaulted Mr. Clarence Delafield on the Manor Road, in the village of New Brighton, 8. 1, was made returnable at the New Brighton Village Hall, yesterday morning. ‘The argu- ment was heard before County Judge Westerveit, who issued ts writ. Dr. Alfred Carroll, Mr. Deia- that his patient, although was out of danger. Judge ervelt decided to accept bail in $5,000 for each prisoner. District Attorney Croak appeared for the pects Mr. George Gallagher for the prisoners, ‘he prisoners up toa late hour were unable to ob tain bail, ALLEGED ELECTION FRAUDS. AN EX-ALDERMAN AND A POLICE SERGEANT OF JERSEY CITY CHARGED WITH BALLOT BOX STUFFING—THEIR ACCUSER ALRESTED FOR PERJURY. In the spring of the present year David ©. Joyce, the regular democratic candidate in the Second dis. trict of Jersey City, was returned to the Board of Police Commissioners by the Canvassers over Patrick Malone, independent democrat, by a majority of 35. ‘The return of one of the precincts had been held back so long as to give rise to suspicion, and it ap- pearing that Joyce obtained his majority from the tardy precinct, Malone instituted proceedings to vacate Joyce's election on the ground of fraud, After many delays the trial of the case was finally begun on Wednesday before Judge Knapp, Corpora- tion Counsel Abbett appeared for the incumbent, and ex-Judge William ‘I, Hoffman and Gilbert Collins for the petitioner. A MAN OF MANY VOTES. William F. Dorgan, who testified that, although he did not reside in Jersey City, he voted on election day for David ©. Joyce under false names several times, and each time his ballots were received by the judges and clerks, although they knew that he was voting illegally and repeating, was yesterday placed on the stand at the opening of court, and cross- examined by Mr. Abbett. He testified that he was born in Picrmont, N. Y., and first lived in Jersey City six years ago; in April, 1878, he was again living in Piermont; on the 8th of April he visited Jersey City and spent the day and night in saloons; on the day following, Tues- day, April 9, he went to the Second precinct polling place; he remained around the polling place the wreater part of the day and until seven o'clock the next morning; Wednesday and Thursday nights he slept in a chair in a liquor saloon on First street; on Friday he went back to Piermont, and when he next returned to Jersey City, three or four nights later, he slept in the Second’ precinct police station, and the following night in the First precinct station, “Where was your sleeping place the next nigh asked ex-Senator Abbett, ‘In the Penitentiary, Spaearen the witness. He slept there fifty-one nights. “What were you sent there for ?”’ asked Mr. Abbott, and the witness replied, “They had me down as drunk and disorderly.” After his discharge from the Penitentiary he rented rooms at 176 Seventh street, where he has since resided. THE ALLEGED CONSPIRACY. In answer to a question by Mr. Abbett the wit- ness said:—The first conversation I had about the conspiracy to vote fraudulently was on elec- tion day, about nine o'clock, between Menderson and Provost streets, in Pavonia avenue; ex-Alderman Dennis McLaughlin, Sergeant John Haley and Daniel Donovan, a constable of this Court, were present; all of them spoke to me about it and I consented; aye object in coming to Jersey City was to get a jo _ me by Terence J. McDonald, the Assem- lyman; Iwent tothe polling place to look on be- cause Iwas well acquainted in the precinct; Dan Donovan gave the first list of names to be voted on to Sergeant Haley and Haley gave them to me; that was in front of the polling place about eleven o’clock in the morning; there were five’names on a slip of brown paper and after the names were voted I threw the slip into the strect; the second list of fourteen names on a slip of brown paper Haley gave to me at two o’clock in the atfter- noon; when I voted I would pass my ballot to ‘Thomas Corcoran, the clerk, and Judge Killeen would ask my name; I replied. “Patrick Carberry, Seventh street,” and the vote was deposited; Killeen and Corcoran knew my real namo and residence; I saw Kelly and Ryan vote in the same names from me. ‘Che Court here ARRESTED FOR PERJURY, As Dor was leaving the Court House a con- stable took him into custody on a warrant issued by Justice Aldridge, charging him with perjury. The complainants were ex-Alderman McLaughlan, Ser- geant Haley and Constable Donovan. Justice Aldridge committed Dorgan to the County Jail in default of bail, but he was immediately released on a habeas corpus procured by ex-Judge Hoffman from Judge Knapp. The trial will be continued to-day, MRS, STEWART'S DONATION. New York, Dec. 19, 1878, To THe Epiror or THe Henaup:— : Iam a member of the Hebrew Benevolent and Orphan Asylum, and as such heartily indorse your editorial in to-day’s Hxraup. You say justly tint “it ‘was not a gift to the managers but to the poor suifer- ers under their charge.” It is indeed “to be regret- ted and deplored” that men placed in positions of trust should allow their personal feclings to warp their judgment to such a degree as to incapacitate them to draw the line between their feelings and their duty. The trustees of the asylum, in refusing to accept the donation from Mrs. Stewart, have over- stepped the limits of their power. The asylum is an institution incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, and bas nothing in common with the quarrel of the Seligmans and Mr. Hilton. It is or- ganized fora specific purpose; the trustees are to adininister their trust in the interest of the institu- tion. They have no discretion in the matter of ‘receiving a donation under the bylaws. ‘They have not acted in the spirit of trustees. The donation of Mrs. Stewart or Mr. Hilton, as you choose, was an unconditional one, and under clause 2 of section 1 and section 4 of article 4 of the bylaws of the Benevolent Society it is the duty of the trus- tees to accept the same. They had no more power to decline this donation than they had to decline the $32,000 received from the city last year and other donations. Mr. Jesse Seligman, however, is sni- dent of the society, and Mr. Spingarn, who made the statement in to-day’s Hxnaxp, is an associate of Mr. Seligman’s counsel in the Hilton controversy and a trustee in the society, which will | vypempacd account for the action upon the part of the trustees. The Jewish people of the country have stood by ‘Mr. Seligman in controversy with . Hilton, but they know when and where it ‘is time to draw the line. They are not to be made scapegoats of. ‘The Jewish community will not indorse the action of the trustees of the asylum, and as the bylaws provide that the action of the trustees is subject to revision upon an appeal to the society, and that fifty members may call such meeting, the writer, as a member, would suggest that this course be at once taken. Under the bylaws of the asylum if a man called Mr. Seligman or Mr. Spingarn “a mean Jew,” insulted all the other trustees, and evgn the entire Jewish community, and then turned around und presented a donation to the asylum, it would be the duty of the trustees to accept the same. In tho meantime I trust that the public will suspend its opinion in this mat- ter until such time as the members of the various organizations interested shall have passed upon the action of their trustees. G. OPINIONS OF A JEWESS. New Youx, Dee 19, 1878, ‘To ras Eprron or rat Henaip:-— I beg to say a few words in regard to the unpleas- ant feeling existing as to whether the “Jewish char- ities’? were right or wrong in refusing Mrs. Stewart's donation. When the “Grand Union” affair created such an ex- citement Mr. Hilton declared that he was acting as Mrs. Stewart’s agent; if such were the case how can he suppose for an instant that by offering a paltay sum the “representative Jewish gentlemen’ (treasurers of the various institutions) would call “after two o'clock” at “his office” to get the n ? Had Mrs. Stewart wished nate, no imatter what amount, why not send a check for that amount, as any lady or gentleman would havo done ? If you make a present is it customary for you to write a letter, saying, “If you send for so and so you can get it?” Had Mra. Stewart sent her check it would have been thankfully received and gratefully acknowl- ir. Hilton may be a clever lawyer, but whether he will prove 4 success a8 “merchant” or “hotel keeper” remains to be seen. A JEWESS, A JOCKEY'S JOURNEYINGS. A young fellow with @ small, close-cropped head, tattered garments and somewhat uucleanly face, was brought before Judge Otterbourg at the Jefferson Market Police Court, yesterday, as one to whom Superintendent Walling desired to call the magis- trate’s attention. “What's wrong with him ?” asked the Judge. “He kem from California, all alon said the gray bearded officer, ‘and he wants to be tuk care of for a few days, Yer Honor.”” “What brings you here 7" “T had nothing to do after I came East, and so I gave myself up to the police.” “Take his confession, Eugene. Will two months on the Island be enough for you?” said the Judge. “1 guess ‘twill, responded the boy, who # minute after began his confession to the clerk In substance that document may thus be stated. Uriah Wharton said he was born in Wolf Springs Farm in Alabama, When he was four years old he went to Portland, Oregon, and afterward moved to California, where his mother died and his father took to drink, Since he has grown strong enough he has been a@ ogg rhe Mollie H, Modoe Chief, Tech, Mollie McCarthy and other noted steeds. He got along pretty well, but spent his money like youngsters of the whip and spur usually do. About five months ago he resolved to come East, and having no money determined to “beat or steal’ his way through, as he described it. Ac- cordingly he got on “the emigration” train, and after many vicissitudes, such as being left off here, turned alritt there and kicked off in other places, he found his way to Jersey City and thence across the river to Gotham, where he has almost starved to death since his arrival, Western shrewdness showed him how to pas such @ fate as that by the appeal he madp yes- Ve | CHRISTMAS MARKETS. | Interesting Statistics for the Careful Housewife to Ponder On. THE COST OF GOOD CIIEER. a oy Comparison of the Prices of This Year and Last. A strange medley of the useful and the useless, of the sensible and the absurd is presented by the booths and stands which line the curbs and door- steps of Vesey street and the borders of Washington Market on any day of preparation for some notable festival. More especially at the present season, just before Christmas, is there a wealth of contrasting and incongruous objects the like of which one would not fancy the world contained without seeing it with his own eyes, Yesterday the mart may be said to have fairly opened. Since Monday the number of curbstone merchants has steadily multiplied, all of them eager to test in their small speculations the grace of the goddess Fortune ata time when she is confidently believed to smile upon every one, big and little. Turning the corner of Broadway at the Astor House and trudging toward the North River one can- not go further than Church street without being greeted at the eye and ear with entertaining novelties that would be quite as absorbing if he were to give himself up to them as is its first toy house to the child. Nearly all the nationalities which have found an adopted home in this city were erying up the wares in which they had invested. Strong, determined looking women, who seemed to think that the world must yield them a living pro- vided they sought it in a sufticiently aggressive man- ner, shouted as loudly as their masculine neighbors. A young girl of attractive features attended to her trade with perfect assiduity, elthough she blushed deeply whenever she secured acustomer. Some of the stands were laden with hosiery of the warmest colors. There was red, which suggested the blazing winter hearth, and blue, which recalled the mellow zenith of the summer sky. Involuntarily the passer- by, with cold fingers and benumbed toes, drew nearer to these as if they could irradiate a real glow like small patches of July in the midst of December. On this side and that were heaps of gewgaws of all descriptions—charms manufactured no one knows where, and hay” ing virtues as extensive as one’s imagination might be; outlandish and grotesque images in china and earthenware; coarse, but picturesque pottery: brave battalions of wooden soldiers; Santa Claus in a great fur coat, flecked with snow and armed with a spray of hemlock or spruce; pasteboard donkeys that brayed mechanically, and over andaround these wero long and seemingly interminable rows of pendant fowl, game, meat, vegetables and fruit. The middlo of Vesey street, from Washington to West, is occupied by dealers in evergreens, whose rustic pavilions aro pretty and picturesque, combining all the most charming hues of the wimter woods. Silver mosses, scarlet holly berries, dark green fir and the more deli- cate mistletoe from Florida and the Carolinas are there for sale, combined in all the emblematic forms so cherished in Christian custom. THE STREET TRAFFIC. “Everything cheap here, sir; everything cheap!” was the address of a rough visdged man in a great apron, who presided over a collection of plucked car- casses, lately the complacent denizeus of a hundred quiet farmyards, piled up in pyramidal fashion in the middle of the street, like a holocaust on an ancient altar. ‘Turkeys for ten cents 4 pound!’ Allof the outside und transient dealers seemed to be selling at | this price, but the stock which they offered was such as they had been able to buy up very cheaply on account of the length of time that it had been on the market. ‘The weather has been #0 finc, howover, that they still retained a very fair appearance. In the retailing portion of Washington Market the prices for nearly everything which can contribute to the charm of the table on Christinas Day were found to be considerably lower than they were last year or the year before. The dealers and importers who have kindly given this information huve based it upon their expectations of the state of the market from the present time until noon on next Wednesday, They anticipate, as a rule, very little if any advance even on Tuesday morning. The weather, which has thus far been favorable to good prices, has also been such as to invite immense shipments of poultry and ame, and they both arrive in very g condition. fine only contingency which would be likety to com- pel housekeepers to pay too dearly for goodly cheer is the possibility of a storm severe enough to block the railroads. On the other hand the mer- chants have yothing to fear unless the weather sud- denly grows warmer. The following table will ex- hibit the exact figures, and the interested housewife may con them over at her leisure before making her momentous purchases for the festival dinner. It will be observed that nothing has been omitted in this list which gives a distinctive character to the cuisine of the day, not even the delicious ingredients of the plum pudding and the mince pie:— WASHINGTON MARKET PRICES. 1877, 1878, Western turkeys, Petits.) eee | 8 te ae Philadelphia tur- keys, per Ib.... 10 20 ets tl Bronze turkeys, perlb........-. 18 a wa w Wild turkeys, per WD... cee DBS = -- 8 Philadelp’a geese, perlb......... 1 & — ma 18 B'st’n green geese, pain Ba 0 —-.a 8 Wild mongrel geese, per lb. —-a —- a 8 Domestic duc per Ib. . -~s 1 we ae Canvas b’k ducks, .$3 50 3$400 $250 a $300 per pair........ 12% a 150 Mallard ducks, per . »-103a — — a 10 50 48 o a 6 — a wo a per pair........ 80 a 40 30 a 40 Common ducks, per pairs... 30 a 40 30 a 40 State and Western chickens, perlb 10 @ 12 2s 18 Philadelp'a chick- ba 18 boa 18 per pair. +10 @ a — sa Guinea chickens, per pair........ 75 a 100 3 ae Phila'phia squabs per dozen... 250 a 300 200 a8 Quail, per dozen.. 200 & 250 iw @ Patridges, perpair — a 100 115 a 125 Wild pig’ns (stall- fed), per dozen.. — a 100 — a 200 Ordinary flight igeons, per Koren w— & = 7% a 100 English pheasant, or pair, 400 9 450 300 a 350 Reedbirds, dozen. — a 10 — 8100 Blackbi dozen. -_sa — — a 60 English dozen. ... — a 450 — a 300 Minnesota son, per Ib 8 a 20 a a) Rabbits, per pair. —_ a 00 wa Hares, perpair.... 75 @ 100 % a 100 ome tl i} er Taek a 6 @ wa 16 Pigs’ feet, per fone. ee - 25 —- a & Mincemeat, perlb, — Ww — es 9 Suet, per 1b. i - & —s Ww Dried herbs, per bund «.-.: i 1K) ee wD Celery, per dozen UUUCHCSs corse = 8 212% 200 9 195 Lettuce, per dozen bunches...ccc0. = & - * 6 Cauliflowers, per MOLD ceeeeeee <= & 300 200 a 400 Cranberries, per bushel. weeee me @ 225 250 a 300 Spinach, per bbl... = — 1s % a lo Cucumbers (hot. house), each.... 0 = - 0 a 30 Tomatoes (from ”. -a = — a 250 - a 60 20 a 40 - 6 6 — se 6 —-o 7 -—~_-a (hot- house), per doz, — a 60 —- 8 Oyster plant, per doz bunches... — @ 125 — al” Watercresses, per small basket.... — @® 62 -_a #0 Brussels sprouts (from Canada) per peck, ++ — &@ 200 — @ 130 Brussels sprouts (from. Long Island) per eck, — & 100 - @ 100. 1877. 1878, Chickory, perdoz, — » 60 - 3a Jerusalem — arti- chokes, perpeck — 2 100 80 a 100 Dried Lima beans, per peck........ — a 100 — 312% Mushrooms, per Ib...... OP —- & 65 Squashes, per bbl. 2% a 275 Ruta 1 tur- nips, per bbl... me Apples, per bi... 20 a 250 White onions, per bbl. A — a 250 Parspips, — a 10 French hed tb... - a oo Filberts, per . —-a HH Pecan nuts, per Ib —- a 7 Brazil nuts, per Ib. - = @ W - 8 7 Raisins, perIb.... — a W oa 2 Currants, perib,. — a 9 —-a 7 Prunes, per lb... 120 a 18 6 a Figs, per ea ae a ele Lemons, per 100... — a 100 — a 100 Messina’ oranges, per do; we ee) —- a 2 Havana, New Or- Jeans and Flor- ida oranges, per bb! _ — a 750 — a 9,00 Citron, perib...s — ad ol ae Orange peel, perlb, — a 20 — a 2» Lemoupeel, perlb, — a 20 na DECORATIONS, Rope of prince's feather,per yard, 4 a 6 aa 64 Holly wreaths, per - a 1 - a —- 081% — 2138 - a ~ 150 a 2% — a 10 — a 100 stars, dozen. + — a 100 — a 10 Running vine rope, peryard.. 3 a 4 ae Running vine stars, per dozen. 200 a 225 On Vesoy street, in the stores, the prices of poultry ranged a little lower than those in the market, but whether the quality is the same is for the buyer to | ‘or instance chickens were quoted at 10e, a ese at 10e, domestic ducks at 10c. a 12c ialiard ducks at a 90c., and roasting pigs at 10e. a ‘Lhe importers of foreign produce say that the invoices for New Year's have all arrived, and that the prices are fixed for some time to come. It is stated by some firms in Washington Market that the “regular holiday poultry” has uot begun to come Mm yet and that when it does arrive there will be an enormous surplus supply. Others again claim that the prices are sure to rise, as has been usual during 4 good muny years, in proportion as Christ- mas draws nearer, until the ve vening before. The more general opinion is, however, that there will be very litile variation trom the prices given above. The dealers in evergreens say that the price per yard of the rope will yo up to six cents. FULTON MARKET QUOTATIONS. In Fulton Market the prices will differ somewhat from those in Washington Market, as will appear in the tollowing list, from which are exelnded all tations which are identical with those already given: i877 cs i7. 1878, Turkoys, ‘choice, per lb.. -~ Be — Bs a 20 Chickens, choice, oa = 16m a 2 choice, per lb.. a we 0 Quail, per doven..$250 a — Me ie Squabs, per dozen 250 a — so Venison, per Ib... 20 a 25 a 18 Roasting pigs, per De. ese ee . a2 Ra = English pheasants, per pair, 4 fond 2500 a — Mincemeat, perlb, 16 a — “a Lettuce, hothouse, per buneh,..... 10 a 15 6 a 8 Apples, per barrel. 300 a 450 175 a 200 Cucumbers, hot- house... - % & 100 3 a 40 Herbs, perbunch, 1%a 2 Pe AK Garlic, per bunch. 10 a — 6 a 8 Caulitiowers, each 25 a 60 2 8 50 Brussels sprouts..100 a9 — 12a — Sweet potatoes, per peck... 30 a 35 35 a 40 Evergreen crosses, per d EO. & mm LO are. com Evergreen n- gles, per dozen. 150 a@ — 150 a — Christmas tree: —-a — 30 a 200 Lady apples, per GUSKEC Ge cseede as ora ms a ‘the Fulton Market dealers look for a rise in the price of poultry if the weather continues to be so colt as it was yesterday, They say that the stock this year is goneraily a little finer than it was last year. ‘The prices will begin to move whi he rush of pur- chasers waxes stronger on Saturday, but on Tilesday a rapid decline is anticipated. The choicer quality of poultry and game will not, however, show any con- siderable variation in value. TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA. EXCELLENCE OF THE PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY'S SERVICE—A TRAVELLER'S TES- TIMONY—THE JOURNEY VIA SUEZ DISLIKED. Mexpovnne, Australia, Nov. 3, 1878, To rug Eprron or THE HeraLp:— For the benetit of the travelling public in America and in England may I beg the favor of your publish- ing in your widely circulated journal—a recent file of which has just reached me in this city—the follow- ing communication, which, I trust, will be of in- terest?—Having made what is known as the ‘round trip,” through the Red Sea to Europe and back to Sydney and Melbourne via San Francisco, I am able to form a correct estimate of these two routes, and, therefore, I have not the slightest hesitation in stat- ing to the public that for general intérest, tempera- ture, comfort and speed the great preference must most assuredly be given to the journey by America, ‘The Pacific Mail steamship City of Sydney, Captain H. C. Dearborn, which has been doing good service in carrying the mails between Sydney and San Francisco, arrived here (in Hobson’s Bay) yesterday, with a large number of passengers from ‘Sydney to witness the forthcoming races. This is the first vessel of the class to which this steamer belongs that has visited Melbourne, being altogether different from more elaborately fitted out and equipped than the Nebraska, that came out here a few years ago to give an idea what American passenger ‘ships were like. She has been @ great source o7 attraction, | assure you. As she lies alongside the Sandridge Railroad pier thousands of persons visit her. ‘The Melbourne Age says :—"It is almost impossible to give a detailed description of the useful, luxurious and ornamental fixings with which she is supplied, and, notwithstanding the intricacies of what may almost be called the ‘streets of a town,’ everything is scrupulously clean, and the old saying on board ship, ‘A place for everything and everythiug in its place,’ is dhoroughiy carried out by her vigilant and efficient ofticers. The reputation gained by her popular com- mander, Captain H. C. Dearborn, from hundreds of travellers here who have made the voyage with him, bears ont the Pacific Mail Steamship Company's idea of selecting those who not only well know their work and positions as commanders of such a description of vessel, but are capable of carrying them out syste- and with perfect discipline.” ne fact is there is not sufficient publicity erpotually com- Now given to this route, for people are plaining to me out here of the difficulty of obtaining information that would influence tourists to select : y, who had just returned here by the sister steamer the City of New York, Captain W. B. Cobb, were in raptures with the vessel and delighted with their rail trip across the continent; also with the luxurious cars ot the Central Pacific and Michi gan Central railways, where, as they said to me, in a handsome drawing room car they ordered their din- ner, had it cooked and eat it while going fifty miles an hour; armed with their stay in San Francisco aud the gorgeous comforts of the Baldwin and Palace hotels, and their trip to the big trees, the lovely Yosemite Vuiley, the hot springs, to Chicago It Lake, Omaha and Niagara; and they all having, as the # is, * what is called the “Snez trip,” gave the decided preference, as dit also Mr. George Collins Levey, the Commis: sioner from Victoria to the Paris Exhibition, and one of the editors of the Melbourne Age, to the “Journey by Americ And as every step tending to the promotion of in- tercourse between communities is of incalculable public good the Australian colonies, and the Rourishing, prosperous and beautiful countries of New Zealand, through which TI have recently jour- neyed, derive many indirect benofits from ‘the fa- cility of closer and quicker communication with the United States, and therefore [think you will agre with me that every means should be used by the management of the Pacitic Mail Company to give the greatest publicity to this, the best and quickest route from Syduey to New York, and by the maguiticent White Star line steamers to England. MASSETT, STEPHEN KINGS “COUNTY SUPERVISORS, ‘The Kings County Board of Supervisors held their regular weekly meoting yesterday afternoon, A peti- tion, signed by about two hundred stonecutters, ask- ing that the stonecntting for the new wing of the jail be given to Brooklyn men, was presented by Supervisor Moran, who offered @ resolution that the contractors furnishing the material and labor for the new structure be compelled to give bonds that the work be done in Kings county, An amendment that the open- ing of the bids be deferred till the next meott and that all bidders be allowed to bid again and all others have an opportunity of bidding was offered by Supervisor Ladley. ‘The Chair ruled it ont of order on the ground that the bids were not yet before the Board, The resolution was finally adopted by a vote of 15 to 14. ‘The bids for the jail improvements, of which there ‘were nineteen, were then opened. ¢ highest was for the mason and iron work, and amounted to $275,000; the lowest for the saime work was $192,000, ‘ 5 A BRAVE FIREMAN HONORED, THOMAS DOUGHERTY RECEIVES THE BENNETS GOLD MEDAL FOR COURAGEOUS CONDUCT Uf SAVING LIVE, ‘The Bennett medal for the year 1877, for “meri torious performance of duty as fireman,” was cons ferred -yesterday upon Fireman Thomas Dougherty, ot Hook and Ladder Company No.1. The ceremony did not take place in the City Hall Park, as in De+ cember, 1877, when the last presentation was madeg but more quietly, at the Fire Department Headquare ters, where the large drill room on the second story was set apart for this purpose. At ten o’clock a fire battalion, consisting of Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 (of which the recipient of the medal was a mem- ber) and Engine Companies Nos, 7, 12, 31 and 32, waa drawn up and formed into a hollow square, under the command of Chief Bonner. The hero of the oc- n, a stalwart man, of fine physique and splendid bearing, stood in front of the battalion, looking proud and happy in anticipation of the honor about to be conferred upon him, All the Fire Commission« ers, the Chie? of the Department, the Assistant Chief! and several of the battalion chiefs, as well as a num~ ber of citizens, were present to witness the ceremonye ‘The exercises were opened by the reading of the offi, cial report, upon which the medal was .awarded to Dougherty by the trustees of the medal fund. Ther report, which was listened to in profound silence, wags as follows:— THE REPORT. York, April 4, 1877, staten Eui Bates, Chief of Department Sin—I h espectfully subi to the Ladi t the followin; orth William street runs throug! 43 Chatham street. The fire com: nt, near the stairs. A plank pare he basement from the kitchen, being occupied by two, ¢ informed that several imout and unable to make mediately adopted to reach, rel ‘The building: and is known a Upon nt ‘were still in the sub: ir escape, m those confined, by effecting an entrance i This was Dougherty, aking two doors, ny Frank and Elizat bet ‘ ut twenty feet from the doors The fire at this tin had been burning some minutes om the rear part of this floor, the heat aud smoke being den: z y lost no time, bat immediatel ies to the door and then; nembers of Hook" and’ rendered valuable assistancer y in ox the bodies through a narre' 2. The perso 1 in charge of and are tow in a fair way of r VOry. f tue above facts I consider the resene of thet sons as meritorious as any that has ever come! have required but y suffocate them, and thet sherty after effecting any ha tsinly proved tatal, Dougherty hereulean strei h and of great endur- raising the insensib'a bodi i of unee, used both t bodies some eight or ten is position in the fa ‘h at the time genth ce ble, Very reapoct? hief of Battalion, THE PRESENTATION. Fx-Fire Commissioncr 1, Bailey Myers, one of the trustees of the medal fund,” now addressed the brave, fireman, congratulating him upon the signal mark of distinction which he had won for himself by hist heroic conduct, and said that he had chosen his song, Lientenant ‘Tf, B. Myers Muson, United States Navye for the agreeable task of personally conferring the: medal, for the reason that his son had also been th recipient, from foreign governments, of medals fo: saving life. It appears that already a8 midshipman, Lieutenant Myers Mason saved a drunken sailor fro: drowning off Rio Janeiro, tor which deed of braver the Emperor of Brazil’ bestowed upon him amy order of merit. ‘The lieutenant, who was rather em= barrassed at the prominence which had suddenly: been thrust upon him was unprepared for a fo1 mal speech, buf, in a fow felicitous remarks, highly] complimented the fireman upon his admirable con duct, and expressed the hope that this mark of dit tinction would spur im on to equally herole in the rescue of precious lives and the protection o! property. Fireman Dougherty was quite ov when these addresses were concluded and the medal was pinned upon his breast. In a few broken, but heartfelt words, he expressed his t thanks, saying that this was the proudest day of his lite. The presentation was then concluded. Dougherty, recipient of the medal, is forty-four years old, & na- tive of New York. and has been twelve years in the Departinent. He 3s always foremost in a burning edifice and in the thickest smoke, and his splent nerve and great streagih make him a most valuable member of the Department whenever boldness and bravery are required. ‘he medal is somewhat larger than a'silver dollar, "It is of solid gold, and its face is adorned with the figure of Neptune and the tri a steam fire engine, a fire apparatus and an image the fire flend with a torch in his hand, On the verse is the following inscription, encircled by ™ wreath of laurel:—“kndowed by the fund contria buted by James Gordon Bennett to Fireman Thomas, Dougherty, im appruciation , of | moritorioug Bey formance of duty as fireman: T. Bailey Myers, M. McLean, Robert 8. Hone PAST MEDALS, Eleven medals have now been awarded. M. Dy Tompkins, who saved 4 woman at the risk of his lifey received the first; B. A. Sisguel, who was the recipe ient of the second, rescued women and children Charles L. Kelly displayed heroic bravery at a fre the corner of Divisioh and Forsyth streets, and was the means of saving several persons; Ambrose 3, Austin carried a woman through the flames and resened her; Thomas Henry extricated eight haman beings from the second story of a burning houses, ‘Thomas Hutchinson caught a boy in his arms whom. he told to drop trom the third story; William H. Nash, rescued two children end W. H. Mitchell saved at No. 78 Pearl street; James Horn rescued six; persons and Henry Schenck, at imminent risk to him. self, snatched an infant from the flames, T! Dougherty now belongs to this galaxy of brave men, of whom the community feels proud, YORK-ANTWERP RULES, A special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, which the consideration of the report of the committee on the York-Antwerp rules of adjustment of general average had been postponed, was held ‘ terday afternoon, President 8. D. Babcock in the chair, The minorty report, made by Mr. Drake Smith, was first taken up. Mr. Tabor ( himself in favor of it. He thought that the ship; interests of Europe should move in the adoption the second rule before the merchants in this: committed theiselves, Mr. A. Moster Higgins did not think that Antwerp rules were correct. He advocated the fining by Congress of bills of lading. ‘Lhe co: tion which had adopted the Antwerp rules in thei sweeping copditions must have aimed them the United States. In Mr. Smith's opinion the ject was only to be settled by the different nations! making concessions to each other in regard to rules. The speaker read a reviow of the majority end minority reports of the committee, in which he dwelt on the objections to the Antwerp rules, Mr, dames W. Elwell, Captain Ambrose E. Suow and, others spoke on the subject, when a vote was calledy for. The question was first on the minority report,, which the chairman at first decided adopted, but on. a rising vote it was found to be lost by a vote of 15 to 19, “The majority report was then adopted by a vote of 18 to 15, after which the chamber adjourmedes PHILIP WHITNEYS KNIFE, An inquest was held yesterday on the body of Joht. Malloy, who was stabbed end killed last Sunday, in front of his dwelling, Forty-first street, near Tenth, avenue. George Degnan, of No. 409 West Forty-first, street, testified that on Friday night he had heard: the prisoner, Whitney, make use of threatening; language to Malloy, and that the former drew a knife and sworo he would not be interfered with by dew coased or anybody else; on the might of the homi« cide Malloy went to the sidew to close the cellar door, and Whitney followed him; the two men had a clinch and Malloy was thrown; Whitney exclaimed, “I have given it to you now;” the de~ ceased was carried into his house and died shortly afterward. The jury, after a brief deliberation, re- turned a verdict that deceased came to his death by a stab wound inflicted with knife in the hands of Philip Whitney. The prisoner was remanded tothe Tombs without bail to await the action of the Grand Jury. Degnan wave bail in $300 to appear as @ wituess in the case when called upon. A WOMAN WHO SHOOTS, (From tho Portland Oregonian, Dee. 4.) About twelve o'clock Monday night, an unsuccess. ful attempt was made to break into the house of Charles McDonald, which is located near the corner of Land Tenth streets, in East Portland. Mr, McDonald is an engineer on the express train, and does not remain at home during nights, Mrs. MeDonald was. sleeping up stairs with her two children when she was aroused from her slumber by the Barking of small dog which she kept in the room, ‘This caused the lady to get out ot bed, throw on a wrapper and. come down stairs, She observed the precaution to, tuke & revolver which she kept inthe bedroom. De- sconding the stairs noiselossly, she reached the firste floor, Pansing for a moment, she heard some instra ment of iron tall on the or in front of the win+ dows. She stood transtixed with fear for a momenty , Dut regaining her self-porsession resolved to give tl intruder a tropical reception. A moment later she saw the curtain of one of the windows mo* and without an inetant’s delay the pluck began shooting. In rapid succession he dive five shots, At the first shot the bi below the window sill and escaped. All the five passed through the glass very near the same none of them being one foot apart, After emy the pistol Mrs, MeDonald shouted for help, whicl a ily brought to _ cannes ae er near neighbass, However, urglar bad made, wvod his escape, f «