The New York Herald Newspaper, January 11, 1879, Page 4

a HUNTER HANGED, The Monumental Mock- ery of the Day. esnangesnnmetenarate, A SICKENING SCENE. Eb SE Drogged or Drank, Hunter Is Car- | ried to the Scaffold, —_———--——-- CHOKED TO DEATH. Too Much Rope and Too Little Fall—The Culprit's Peet Regt on the Floor IISTORY OF HUNTER’S CRIME. Cumey, N. J., Jan. 10, 1879, Precisely at twenty-seven minntes after cleven yes- terday morning Benjamin Hunter, drugged or drunk, utterly unconscious and virtually dead, was choked out of life by bungling officials in the presence of a | swearing, pushing, smoking and indecorous crowd of New Jersey roughs, Since the hanging of the woman Bridget Durgin there has been no scene 80 indecent, none so inexcusably brutal. From the Sheriff, with his hat cocked over his » with a long nine in his noisy mouth, to the dirty-faced witnesses who leeringly lounged npon the railing, every specta- tor—with a fow professional exceptions—treated the occasion as if it were a picnic at which profanity, In- decency and noise were the “tumtum capah.” Hor- rible as some of the previous New Jersey “hanging maaches” have been, this caps the climax. ‘The pro- Mminary preparations were farcical; the issuing of the tickets was an outrageous discrimination in favor of roughs and rowdies; the treatment of the con- d@emned was brutal, und the final scene was the most sickening illustration of officinl incompetence and boorish stupidity your corrispondent has ever wit- essed. THE LAST NIGHT. The Hexaxy’s special report informed the public of Bunter’s condition down to midnight of Thursday. The reporters had bean requested to suppress the fact that Hunter’s physical condition excited appre- bension, an that it wold. be necessary to build him up on whiskey, or else suppress him by drugs. Heretofore the facts concerning his attempted suicide have been withheld from the press, and they would not be known to-day were it not for the quarrel that wages relentlessly between the Hunter family and his former counsel. As I learn from the watchman, for a week or ten days previous to Sunday last, Hun- ter, on the plea of being cold, was in the habit of going to the corner of his cage, near the stove, where he would take off his trousers and rub his hip before going to bed, which he generally did-at half-past ten, On Sunday night, as usual, he undressed, cigar in mouth, and sat by the stove. Tho keeper, Mr. Nisson, was knitting a wristlet, and as Hunter sat and rubbed and Nisson sat and knitted, the two chatted and joked and laughed. In view of what was then going on the nerve of Hunter was some- thing remarkable. Hunter shook his shoulders, and, complaining of,a chill, pulled a picce of carpet over his fect, and until half-past cleven continued to rub and laugh and chat and joke. That subtle sixth sense, “something,” suggested to Keeper Nisson thi Hunter would bear watching, so he said:— ‘ “Come, old man, I think you'd better turn in; it's getting Isto.” “Oh, I'm not sleepy,” replied the prisoner. “Why don’t you move?” asked Nisson, “Because I'm comfortable as I am,” rejoined Hunter. “But you must move. continued the keeper. Hunter kept on rubbing, and Nisson, opening the door, rushed at him in his cage. Pulling away the carpet from Hunter's legs and feet, a terrible sight met the keeper’s cye. With a sharp, ragged bit of tin the determined man had rasped the skin and cut the arteries of his insteps, arid the blood had poured from them to such an extent that a spittoon he had managed to piace there was filled and running over, Help was procured, Hunter was handcuffed and the doctor sent for. He says Hunter's pulse was 148, and that he would not have lived five minutes longer had he not been calle in time. Hunter, who was as cunning as a fox, shammed unconsciousness and held his teeth so tight together that it was impossible to force his jaws apart with a toothbrush, and finally the doctor gave him injections of whiskey. Although the doctor pronounced Hunter ont of danger on Tues- day there has been no time since when it was certain he could hold out to the end. This made the officials very anxious about the ‘last night, especially as his behavior when his family were last with him was strange and unnatural. THE EARLY MORNING, From twelve o'clock Hunter continued to sleep un- easily. He groaned and moaned and snored go as to be heard throughout the building. He turned from side to side as if in terror or fear of some dread object. His handcuffed hands twitched nervously. Now and then be would clasp them as if in prayer, and again ho thrust thea from him as if they Iwant to see you move,” pained him. So fierce were his looks and so vigorous his moans that his watchers thought it best occasionally to rouse him from his nightmare. When thus brought back for a moment to the life #0 soon to ond the ex- pression of his face was pitiful. Mis great eyes in their sunken sockets glared in the semi-darkness like those of wild beasts in a jungle. His modicine— drugs or whiskey—was given him regularly, and much more effort was made to preserve him for the noose than was put forth to prepare the noose for him, Occasionally the keeper asked him how he felt, to which generally there was no. response, but occasionally he growied out “middling’’ or ‘pretty fair.” Stupidly as ho acted with the keeper, it was evident that the strong man was wrestling with himself and nerving himaelf to something. Occasionally from under his heavy brows—and it is said he could not look up without throwing back his head—he darted forth quick, searching glances, as if to take in the situation, Dut he immediately relapsod into the lethar- gic or feigued condition in which ho passed the night. At two o'clock he groaned continually, At three he was roused for modicino. At fotr he woke up finally and made visible effort to be strong, but the great loss of blood, the enfee bling narcotics and the terrible strain upon bis nervous energy were too much for him, and it was apparent that if he lived to be hanged at ‘all it would be either as a whiskey juy or an unconscious semblance of hu- manity. “How are you, Hunter?” asked the keeper, at twenty minutes past four A. M. “Middling,” whined the oid man, as he turned his face away and curied his legs up, like a chilled and freezing dog. ‘The doctor and Sheriff and clergyman consulted to- gether, The doctor saw that his patient was on his lexth bed. ‘The Sheritl foared his hanging mateh would be defeated, ‘The clergyman resolved to muke @ prayer, at any rate. it was ved to “b him up,” but what kind of brace wax not disclosed. It is said that whiskey was the agent selected, but althongh the old man smelled of that particular stimulants his actions Ri@yested a free use of warcotics far more potent. Hours beforo he was hanged he ‘were as. good os dend. His faithful brother called to seo him 0} more, but it was deemed best that his immediate family should not have their feclings unnecessarily harrowed again by nd vigorous old man, now little better than a breathing corpde, Hunter ree ed his brother and listened listless! y to bis words of encouragement; but as it was dit. ficult Cor the brother to suggest encouraement, so it was almost impossible for Hunter to appreciate tt, At one tine it seemed to your correspondent that Hunter was shaming the entire performance. His eyes now and then opened wide, but avoided bane nitions, Several times when the lide were partially open gleams of characteristic shrewdness were de- teeted, but it i# the opinion of mon who had better a wotted wree! opportunity of judging that while Hanter's mind was alive bis faculties » not alert, and also that the horror of his approaching fate wes gradually but surely unnery him, Whatever the fact may ‘be, Hunter gave no «outward indi- cation of ative mentality, Phystenily he presented @ picture o despair, His hair NEW YORK: HERALD, SATURDAY, JANUARY Tl, 1879.-TRIPLE SHEF.. had been neglected, as had his beard. The uncom- fortable mapper in whieh he was handeufled ham- pered him in the use of his arms, and the on hiscut and bleeding feot crippled and him. He was indeed of all men most miserable. five o'clock his face was washed and his hair brushed, but he resolutely insisted upon.remaining in bed. It was considered safer on the whole that he should continue in bed,andthen he determined to got up and be dressed He wore « full suit of ordinary binck, with white shirt and turnover collar, aud for the first time since midnight gave intelligent directions as to his personai wants. He was not wt ail interested out- wardly in the people about him, but his mind was shat in with itself working, working until his con- ‘brows and set beea ‘twacted deep set eyes knotted with agonized effort. He was a stindy for the curious then. Tu bis cage he sat or reclined alone, Carefully wateh- ing him were the keepers. Once the clergyman en- deavored to call his attention to the Bible and a prayer, but other directions claimed the prisoner's azind and he waved them all aside. ‘THE TOWN AND THE PEOPLE, At this time Camden and all the region round about were astir and in great excitement. Tho Sheriff having giyen passes to all the roughs and small beer politicians of the neighborhood was beset by representatives of the press from ail quarters of the lund. He met them one avd all with curt dis- courtesy, refused reporters who beers ag tials from some of the most iniluential journals in the land, refused the prisoner's counsel and acted generally in the most extraordinary und most incomprehensible manner. Early in the morning the pp on which the Court House stands was roped off and put in charge of the police, and it was done none too soon, for by eight o clock the streets.of Camden were wlive with nen and boys from far and near, none of whom had tickets, and all of whom hoped that some fortunate chance would make them exceptions to the gencral rale. The hotels ‘and berrooms of the place money hand over ist, and *‘extras” detailmg the execution were sold by thousands haif an hour before tho unfortunate man was taken from his cell. Philadel- phia sent over delegations of scum, the wajority of whom were provid with the coveted itebo and walked more or less straight to the Court House. ‘There everything was in confusion and every! ‘was in confusion worse contounded. Golouel Scovil’s bell was rung scores of times by friends, countrymen and lovers of the sensational who wished him to procure them passes. As one of Hunter's counsel it was supposed that he could have as many as cared for, while the ‘fact is he was refused ono for himself, and when he presented himselt at the gate with the Hrravp reporter he was refused admission, although he had an official en- agement with his associate, Mr. Thompson, in the slferift’s office. On one side of the square is the Recorder's office, a building through the hall of which persons with tickets passed to the square and over to the Court House, ‘This hall was packed with a villainous looking set of men, the lowest and rudest erowd I ever encountered, except that I subsequently found in the Court House itse! With great dificulty the privileged pressed their way through this mass of rufiians, after which the Sheriff's men at the Court House were met, These men, in ai os, muille: ers plated shields, made tuemsely teous to every respectable bearer of a pa: spicuously pleasant to their congenial friends from Philadelphia and Camden. THE JAIL AND ITS HORRORS. But if things outside were bad those inside were terrible. Words fail to adequately picture that pan- demonium. Certainly no prize fighting gang ever behaved so indecently. In comparison the brutes who jecred Bridget Durgin when she was swung off in Elizabeth were angels, and the “pet lambs” who escorted Hicks the pirate down New York Harbor, and be the fearful picnic up until the man was banged, and then fonght like beasts upon the vessel's deci, were moralists and philosophers by their side. The ar it of the Court House is characteristic of the architectural abominations of the day. The jail is in the cellar; so are the sinks and the red hot fur- nace, Prisoners must breathe foul air, if any, und the judges, jurors aud witnesses who sit in the foul rooms xbove them must inhale the same, with the benefit of the heater thrown in. Crowds of sinoking, swearing men gazed curiously at the 400 Ib. weight that was suspended a few feet from the cellar floor. Other crowds of smoking, swearing men wandered about from place to place. On the floor above, the’ floor on which the execution was to be, there were other crowds of smoking, swearing meu, who were pusied here and pushed there by smoking, swearing officers, whose sole idea of duty seemed to consist in smoking, swearing and shouting. That such a set of people were admitted to such a place on such an occasion, is a marvel and passes comprehension. They were personal friends of the Sheriff, to be sure; but good citizens were scandalized, justice was made a laughing stock, and the most serions official duty was turned into a burlesque and an occasion of merry brutality such as has never been seen before. THE SCAFFOLD 8CENE. fe} co) ° ‘ eee ° B ° fo} 0 ‘A.—The iron gate through which the prisoner was tobe drought and on which the noose hung. Hikes —Woodan bars, bebind whieh stood men. 28 pipe E. Jugit which the ropo ran. to the énd of which hung the noose. ¥.—The hole through which the repo ran down to the col- lar, at the end of wien was the 300 pound weight. At ten o’clock the crowds outside were augmented by thousands, aud the police managed them adani- rably. In fact, so far as the police—not the Sheriff's men—are concerned, nothing better could be desired. Neatly all who had ‘cards ot ediission were in, and the officers at the door had their hands full in ex- plaining that no one could get in with- out o pass, When My. ‘Chompson, Hunter's counsel, called, he forced his way through the partly opened gate, but when Colonel Scovel, who called later, attempted to do the same thing he was rudely repuisef. Meantime the smokers gath- ered in the small spaces at A, B,C and D, A rougher gang was never seen. There may have been four or tive who were not smoking, but I failed to see one without a cigar. They were uneasy, and pushed and fought for places. Leaning over the rail at © was one particularly noisy man, with a full beard, and the blackest hands ever seen. He was the witneas Fidel, who found the body of the mur- dered Armstrong, and did Hunter great damaye by his testimony. It is unnecessary, however, to in- dividualize. They all smoked, ull pushed, all swore, ‘elled. If any excelled in these accomplishments perhaps the medals are due to the Sheriff's officers ‘who oceupted the little square enclosure. Such in- genious combinations of ejaculatory profanity are rarely heard, and when to these were added the Bum- dleisms of the provinci*l official and the ma- tured¢ ignoramus the creation becomes unique, Over the heads of these well packed men roxe dense clonds of vile tobacco smoke. Their shouts aud curses resounded through the building. Ata few minutes before eleven the great “I Am,” Sheriff Calhoun, made his appearance. He wore a shiny beaver and evinge d bad cigar in his mouth at angle of forty-five dégrees. Hoe entered the encl ure, took hold of the rope, felt of it, looked at the | noose, puffed & whiff orso and retired. The Deputy | Sheriff, a boy in a iurcap, then entered, also with » cigar, and went through the same operation. Th seemed to stir the deputies in Uisters, Arctics and cigars to renewed effort, and they started in . “Get down there im front.’ “Samy, wiil you step down? or I'll got out aud damn soon'make you.” “You men get fixed there so you can all see,” “Move them chairs away.” These and other orders were literally shouted at men not two feet trom them. At fifteen minutes past eleven tho scenes of con- fusion and creature complaint were simply out- rageous. The entire body of deputies were smok- ing, laughing and joking; so was the little deput: and to crown all an ox-Sheriff stepped up to the iro gate A and puffed long spurts of smoke far into the enclosure. At this time o man took down the noose and soaped i up and down with a bar of yellow sosp, he ran the knot up end down to see if it would slip. ‘This called attention again to the extreme length of the rope, which, being perfectly mu, Was thought likely to be in @ stertchable condition, and bets were made, first, that thé slack was too great to be over- come, and second, that if the rigging worked as tho Sheriff thought it world Hunter's head would be jainmed against the gas pipe H. LAST SCENES IN THE CAGE. At twenty minutes past eleven Hunter lay on his cot apparently in a dying condition. His mental reserve was played out and his physique All hope that he wouid “die game" hi sense of self-respect had vanished. His regard for his fainily was forgotten. Caring nothing tor himself or any one else he fell all to pices, was no more life in him than in a bug of rags. “What should be done? “Give him whiskey,” said one, “He's had too much already,” said another. Meantime the tender-learted clergymen had read hia verses ond offered up bis petition, aud time was rapidly wearing away; besides, the spectators wero impatient aud the stock of cigars was about ex- haueted, With an effort the Sheritf, who waa nearly worn out with excitement and despair, and who feared that death would claim the man before his time, directed that he should have some more whiskey, and then ordered three men to carry the wretwhed remnant down the stairs. There aro two long flights of stairs from Hunter's et to the first floor, and as the procession moved wn con siderable confusion chsued. HERE HE 18 ‘The crowd eraned their necks, puffed vigorously on their weeds und waited, Presently one tayorably placed rough yoiled oat, “Here he is, boys! Here he comes!” And so he did, but not as they expected, Instead of the strong man in tho flush of health, with steady and iron nerve, they beheld « limp and lifeless , haif carried, halt dyagged by the three officers who followed the Sheriff into the en- closure. ‘The horror of the sickening scene that followed might well be left untold were it not that public at- tention should be drawn to this monumental bungle and public sentiment be aroused against other out- rages of @ similar nature. lanter’s eyes were closed, bis head lolled on ono side, hie face was pale as asics and his beard seemed like the raven’s wing by contrast. His long skinny hands were still bandeutied and his manyied fect were tied Of course he nothing of the roceedings, They hun on noting of (the, pronsedingy, b the lisse depnty ‘a the fur cap put the noose close to his neck the laced a great white linen cap upon his nodding ead. ‘Then they pulled away the chair, and three men, with their on, held the unconscious man— drunk or drngged—on, his feet while the noose was | better adinated. “Do you want to say anything?” asked the Sheriff. Of course, a8 Hunter did not hear the question he made no response, ‘The death be | was then pulled down, and the Sheriff's whitened lips uttered, “Benjamin Hunter, | have you anything to #9; Tt waa isely and Hunter paid no h THE FIZZLE, Quick ag thought the Sheriff seized an axe from tho corner and cut the » As he did so the men re- leased their hold of Hunter, and the limp body sunk ta the floor, whence the 300 pound weight in the cel- lar terked it up—but to its normal position, for, horror of horrors! the man’s fect rested on the floor. Instantly and with commendable nerve Deputy Sheriff Morgan and two assistants caught the rope at O, and, after the manner of sailors, pulled it hand over hand until the body was raised four feet trom the floor, and there it ud at the end of the loug green rope, turning slowly about, now facing cast, now facing west, quietly gling, of the chest, without # quiver of the ny black, dying bit of clay, at once the crime anda monument to official stupidity. JUDGEMENT. THE J Instantly the sentiment of the crowd underwent @ change. “Shame, shame,” went up from every side. “That's the damndest out we I ever saw,” said one, “He shoaid have known better,” said another. Tho. Sheriff stood pale and trembling at the sight of his folly. The deputies held the rope, and the rove held the body. The doctors Hunter aud pronounced that his neck was not broken (of course it wasn’t) and that he was slowly dying of _ strangulation, as of course he was. Asx the body _ slowly swung about it was seen that the Sheriff had not even taken the precaution to remove the collar and cravat from Hunter's neckewhich materially retarded the choking. Altogether it was asad sight, and tar removed from a single consideration of 9 serious na- ture. Thore did not appear fo be # man there who had a spark of pity in his breast until the bunglers had botched their “job,” when, for # moment, hu- man nature, that finds all the world akin, broke forth in judgment upon them, : ‘There were six or seven doctors in the enelosure, and they took turns in feeling Hunter's pulse, At the expiration of one minute it was sixty-four; after he had been choking seventeen minutes it was four- ten, and in half an hour the dead body was cut down, taken to the door at the end of the corridor and pre- pared for delivery to John Hunter and the family of the deceased, There it remained until the afternoon, when it was sempre in blankets and given toa Philadelphia undertaker. THE WIND UP. Naturally the Sheriff and his friends desire to have this blunder eased up, but the effort iain vain, The arrangements that looked so well on_ paper were s1s- pected from the first and distrusted to the last by practical men. As soon as the apprehensions of ex- perts were verified by the bungle, the effect of which would have been horrible in the extreme if Hun- co aba minutes past eleven, ter in good physical — condition, the Sheriff and his smoking deputies began to clear the corridors. In @ vrivate room there was a gathering of the faithful, but the officers knew the less seen the better for them, and just as the doctors hed come to the conclusion that death ‘was near at hand, the Court House was freed of all in- quisitors. ‘The streets were still crowded, and “extras” sold like hot cakes. Everybody was excited and all man- ner of rumors were passed from one to another. Later in the day tho broken hearted brother of the punished man passed slowly down the street to the Philadelphia terry, carrying, 4s he went with the sad intelligence to his now hopeless home, the sympa- thies of all who saw him aud of all who knew the devotion and affection with which he remained by his brother to thé last. ‘This evening the Parson’s Hotel is crowded by the people of the town, who are loud in their denuncia- tions of the Sheriff and his extraordinary deputies, That the prisoner’s counsel were denied admittance is looked upon as a small political revenge against Colonel Scovel and also as a blow in return for his open assertion that tickets were sold. It is understood that John Hun- ter, who, with Rev. Dr. Allen, remained in the Sheriff's private parlor during the mangling of his | brother's unconscious body, is prostrated this even- ing and unable to sce or converse with friends. Mrs. Hunter is also seriously indisposed, and the eldest daughter has been completely exhausted since her farewell interview with her father, between whom and herself existed the strongest regard. ‘THE HIsTORY OF THE MURDER, On the night of Wednesday, January 23d last, John M. Armstrong, a music publisher, of Philadelphia, was found wounded ana dying on the sidewalk, near the residence of Ford W. Davis, in Camden, N. J. The top of his head was crushed in, evidently by blows from a large hammer and a heavy hatchet found near the body. These weapons had cut upon the handle tho initials “¥.W.D."” Mr. Armstrong wus removed to his home in Philadelphia, across the river from Camden, but never recoved conscious- ness, aud died on Friday, the second day after the at- tack. Armstrong was a slight built, good lookin; man, of forty-two years, with a mild manner, atlicted with dbafness. A PALSE SCENT. The officers of tho law, when they began to ferret out the murderer, found that Armstrong had had a business quarrel with Ford W. Davis, of Camden, who owed him money and, against whom ho had. threatened arrest an imprisonment for fraud. They found that Armstrong had said he was going to Cam- den that night to see his debtor; that his body lay near Davis’ house, and that the weapons had Davis’ initials on them. Ford W. Davis was at once arrested’ for the murder, with & strong caso of circumstantial evidence against him. James P. Demaris was also arrested on sus- picion of having assisted, because he was associated with Davis in the business troubles with the mur- dered man, and the testimony of an express uriver at the Coroner's inquest was that he saw two ulen run- ning down the street about the time the killing oc- curred. Both Dai parently a strong one, and the alibis they attempted fo prove were not satistactory at this time, GEITING AT TA TRUTH, en & series of discoveries which slowly, little by little, but surely, conciusively and clearly, revealed one of the most cold-blooded, deliberate and fiendish plots in the recent records of crime. It would require columns of space to particularize the little threads that were patiently followed oh here and there by the officers of the law, miatertally as- sisted by the reporters of the leading newspapers, but it is no more than justice to record that the credit of the brilliant detective work which laid bare the inwardness of this monumental villainy belongs to Publie Prosecutor K. 8. Jenkins and Sheritf Jacob Danbman, of Camden, and Detective Samuel Yoder, of Philadelphia, whose sagacity and perseverence ex] and brought to punishment the author of this crime. BENJAMIN HUNTER. It was first discovered that Davis and Demaris were innocent men and that the real assussin had endeay- ored egy Spf opgeind re of Arm- strong by fasten: e guilt on others. Armstrofig liad an old and intimate friend named Bei in Hunter. Hunter had been in the range and boiler business and had accumulated wealth. He had loaned money to Armstrong and was a special er thereby in Armstrong's music publishing business, The families of the two nen were very intimate, and Armstrong regarded Hutter as his best friend. On the evening of the murder Armsfrong's wife re- ceived a note trom her husband saying that Le would not be home to tea, as he was going over to Camden to see Davis about the money Davis owed him. Hunter, he said, was going with hin. Whon Arm- strong wi ht home dying his family natu- rally sought to know what his friend and companion (Huauter) knew of the strange assault, and at bee od ‘Thursday morning young Frank Armstrong, the murdered man’s son, went to Hunter’s house, Hunter was at the visit, that he had not been in Camden the night before, was very unfeeling and angry in his conduct toward the young man, and showed no sym- pathy for his friend. Later in the morning he visited the Armstrong house, bringing a man with him whom he introduced as Mr. Epp, and who, he said, would certify that he had been with him the night before and not in Camden with Armstrong, Hunter was very anxious to know if the wounded man had regained consciousness, and if he had said anything. This was remembered afterward, aud that he be- trayed excitement when he declared, “If Armstron said l was going with him to Camden, he is covered with lies from head to foot.” A HORRIMLE DEED, Later in the day Hunter called again; and now comes’ an incident which evinces such fiendish bru- tality on the part of Hunter as to be almost incredi It was too horrible at the time to be believed, but, after discoveries renders it almost certain that what is now to be related actually took place. Hunter came FF into the room where the dying man lay. His wounds had been staunched and carefully bandaged, and he was lying on the bed. Mrs. Smith, an old friend of the family acting as nurse, was the only other person in the room, the doctor havin, just = gone. Hunter said smoothly to Mrs. Smith that he would sec to Mr. Armstrong and relieve her for alittle while; urging her to go down and comfort Mrs. Armstrong. Mrs. Smith lett the room. In # few minutes she re- turned, She saw to her horror that there was a com- Pete and terrible change inthe dying man. His boty was in a violent tremor, ho was moaning and his wounds were eating afresh, In the excite- ment Hunter said he would go for a doc- tor, and left the house. it was then found that the bandages had been torn trom the murdered man’s bead, and that a cloan napkin which had just been placed over it had been taken away. ‘This napkin had disappeared and has never beon for ‘There can be little doubt that Hunter, to ke assurance double enre,” had torn open afresh the wounds of his dying partuer, ‘This aesumption was too hortible to be entertained at thet time, when Hunter was still regarded as a friend, but sub- sequent discoveries made its truth but too evident. What firet caused Han ter to i at firet ca unter to be suspected appears to have been the discovery y Phi Armieeag, brother of the deceased, that Hunter hed had Arm- strong’s life insured for $26,000—810,000 each in the Manhattan and Mutual companies, of New York, and $6,000 in the Provident, of Philadelphia, John Arm- pete | had told his brother that Hunter had insured his life for $2,500 each in the three componics, mak- ing $7,509 altogether, the amount of money Arm: strong owed im. ‘taking advantage of his Hunter had deceived him, and it was this discovery of the deception he had practised, which first directed suspicion to Hunter. On Mon- vis and Demaris strongly protested | their innocence, but the case against them was ap- | day Camden by Sheri! nominally for the purpose of giving his testimony as i witnses. This capeure was mado just in time, for Hunter was shaving and had packed his valise, 1” PRISON. Hunter was locked up in the cel! in the women’s departanent, now occupied by Thomas Graham, and certain memorandums in his note book and expres sions he made use of were found use“ttl in making up the case against him. Hunter's position as # chure! member and a man of wea!th his previous good reputation led many people to denounce this arrest as an outrage, and it was some time betore the com- amity believed in the possibility of Hunter's guilt. On 2d of February Hunter was given a hearing and committed to the Camden Jail to await the action of the Grand Jury, James M. Scovel and Aaron ‘Thompson, Hunter's cquneel, did all in their power to proeure his admission to bail, and nearly suc- caakel at one time, for until Graham's arrest, in the March following, there was no direct legal evidence nst Hunter. It is also a fact, now published for the first time, that the New York insurance compa- nies were ready to compromise on the insurance, and a draft for $4,000 was presented to thecounsel, which was, PROOF OF GUILT. After the binding over of Hunter, in pursuing the further invest oar i the case he storms ne came unter was & man must have had an peromBlion Tt had already been discovered that Hunter forged a note from Davis inviting Armstroug to go to Camden. Thomas Graham, who resided at No. 1,323 South Seventh street, excited suspicion by reuson of his carlier con- nection with the rs, his dissolute habits in later cars, and his continued absence trom his favorite Esante after the commission of the crime, He was shadowed by Detective Yoder for weeks and weeks, the officer engaging rooms and securing the confidence of the lan lw where Graham boarded with his wife and child, On the e of the 19th of March he ‘was arrested and taken to residence of Prosecutor Jenkins, in Camden, where he eventually made his tull confession, upon which the Commonwealth | based its case ana secured the conviction of Hunter. During tet confession -he recited Hunter's propo- sition him to murder Armstrong, follo bya conversation between them on the afternoon pre- ceeding the fatal night; how they bag ther to Spelissey’s hat store, where Hunter bought a soft hat; how they met subsequently at Eighth and San- som streets, aud how be, proceeded thence to Arm- strony’s office, where the twain separated, Graham to retreat a few paces and then to follow Hunter and his victim as they journeyed together ecross the river, Graham, continuing, stated that, reaching the Camden side of the river, the two started for Vine street, on which was located Davis’ resi- dence, their destination, and reached tho ee where Armstrong was found, At a signal from Hunter Graham, who had been close upon their rear, struck the first biow, He then became er eded and ran away. Tho accomplices met sul quently on the ferryboat, and Graham, anxious to Know the resu!t of the night’s work, said, with some agitation, ‘Well?’ to which Hunter replied, “I fin- is] hit and added that he hada hunt for the hatchet, but could not find it, On the 7th of May a true bill was found against Hunter by the Grand Jury of Camden couuty, and a few days afterward he was brought into Court, pleaded not nilty and was taken to his cage. ‘The date tor his trial was fixed for the 30th of May, but was itponed on account of the absence of wit- nesses 0! Commonwealth until June 10, THE TRIAL AND CONVICTION. When the tri«l bogtn there was the most intense ublic interest in the case. Ex-Secrotary George M. obeson was retained for Hanter, iu addition to the other two counsel, and th8 Stato was ably represented by Prosecutor Richard 8, Jonkins and his assistant, Wilson Jenkins, Graham told his story in detail, and was corrobo! in every important point. The defence made a dex te attempt to overturn his evidence, but and their caso lay in Huuter’s own denials under oath on the witness stand and the testimony of nearly a hundred ‘witnesses as do his good reputation. On the 26th of June both sides rested, and on the 3d day of July the cage went to the jury about‘ four o'clock in the afternoon. At halt-past seven o’clock on that evening they returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the first dogree. After the trial and conviction of the prisoner there ‘was a great ctfort made to save his lite, but all to no purpose. On the 4th of last November argument for @ new trial was hoard by Judge Woodhull in the Camden Court, but onthe following Saturday, No- vember 9, the motion was overruled and Hunter was sentenced to be hung January 10, 187%. Since that time ho was ably defended at the Court of Errors and Appeuls by Mr. Robeson; Governor MeOlellan was appealed to, and every influence brought to bear in his behalf. But all was in vain, and to-day Benjamin Hunter met an awful death for the crime of January 28, 1378. EXECUTION OF MICHAEL FARRELL, [By TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Quenxc, Jan. 10, 1879. ‘The last scene in that fearful drama, the Farrell murder case, was enacted on the scaffold in the | courtyard of the Quebec Jail at eight o'clock this j morning, when, in obedience to the demands of the righteous law, of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” Michael Farrell, thé slayer of Francis Con- j Way in August last, yielded up his life for that he so | untimely and vindictively destroyed. No efforts | were spared to obtain, if possible, the commutation of the death sentence, but the circumstances of the previous murder, in 1861, end of the lack of aggravat- | ing circumstances in the present case, prevented | the possibility of mercy being extended in this | instance. Thousands of people were prosent in. the | fields surrounding the jail yard and on the Plains of | Abraham, but nore were udwitied without passes, | which numbered in all about oue hundred, 3 YINAL PREPARATIONS. For some time before the execution the black "4 was hoisted upon the sumunit of the jail and it is stall flying. The hangman, an inmate of the jail, and, as he subsequently proved, a stupid fellow, eutirely igno- rant of his business, was musked from head to foot in black cloth or gauze. Lhe rope was fixed to the beam of the scaffold prfr to Farrell's appearance. He bad spent the jast few hours in prayer with his spiritual advisers, Fathers Wyune and Burke, aud manifested | not the slightest agitation when pinioned in his cell. ‘This work, as subsequently shown, was shamefully executed. At ten minutes past eight the condemned | man was led out of the door and upon the scaffold | by Fathers Wynne and Burke, walking apparently without hesitation. On reaching the scaffold | all three knelt, und the De Profundis was said by Father Wynne, all present uncovering their heads, The coroner, jailer aud sheriff stood behind the petty. ‘Then’ Farrell's hahd was taken by each ‘ather, to whom he wished farewell. They whis- Pago a word of Christian fortitude in his ear, placed is hat again on his head, and the convict took his stand firmly on the fatal drop, while the ve Re adjusted the noose, The priests fell on their knees that thew prayers might accompany him to the presence of the great Almighty, when he made # sign which was specdily interpreted by Father Wyune, who removed the hat from Farrell's head and held the crucifix to his mouth, subsequently kissing it himeclf. BUNGLING AND TORTURE. Tho hangmen was a loug time letting go the drop, and Farreli glaaced anxiousiy around him; and, in is excitement of terror, as he saw the bolt with- drawn, clutched convulsively the rope, which, hav- ing bung too long down from his neck, caught Deneath his pinioned arm. He uttered a piercing cry at the terrible position, as he hung between time and eternity, with tho fatal work but partially accom- plished; and the sceno was terrible as the wretched ‘haugman shook the rope violently above the head dangling man at the ond, causing a shudder of pain to the 5) © spectators at the awful position, and apie it to right itself. So cruel was the death that 1% was not extinct for oves fifteen minutes after the drop tell. Tho body was then cur down and the usual inquest held. A more brutal or torturing exe- cution has probably never been witnessed here. DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED, GEORGE BROWN SENTENCED FOR THE MURDER OF DANIEL JENKINS-—-SENT TO THE PENITEN- TIARY—A MYSTERIOUS CONVICT. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Manierra, Ga., Jan, 10, 1879, Governor Colquitt has at the last hour commuted the sentence of George Brown, who was to have been hanged here to-day for the murder of Daniel Jenkins. Yesterday a delegation of Marictta people waited on the Governor with new evidence and appeals. His office was thronged night and day until the re- sult was announced. The feeling in behalf of Brown was unprecedented, and was heightened by the fact that ho was # stranger. The people were thoroughly convinced that he was about to be hanged unjustly. Mrs. Jenkins’ vo- racity was impeached by several witnesses, and it was shown that Brown had no intention of killing Jenkins, Hundreds of persons thronged the telo- graph office to hear the nows. There were 2,000 strangers in town to sce the hanging, but they were generally rejoiced at the respite. Lrown has steadily refnsed to say anything concerning his history or home. He goes to the Penitentiary for lite, heing sentenced to the v@! minos, UROWN'S CRIME, Brown, a young man who hat only resided here a few weeks, end who never confided to any one any statement of hix antecedents, in September last un- dertook, after consultation with the sheriff, to arrest youny man named Daniel Jenkins, a fugitive from o at Atlante, who was hiding at the residence of his father, near this place, The evidence on which Brown was convicted was mainly that of Mrs, Jen- Kins, Daniel’s mother. ‘She says that she, her hus- band and son were sitting in tlie room when Brown entered hastily, hoiding his pistol in front of him, on to the middie o: the room; he locked the oor as he entered; her husband asked him to take @ seat; he said, “No; L don’ to see Daniel @ momer Rte Lp ep I want ont;” at that Danfel jum; up and climbed out of the window, etop: ane when he had reached tue ground, Brown ran hastily out of the door, and went around to where Daniel was standing. Her husband followed hint. Brown went toward Daniel and said, “I'm going to shoot you.” Daniel eried, “Dont, ohy don't!” She eried, “Lord havo on us!” Without wail @ moment Brown ‘area full at Daniel and he fell, Jenkins a out, and, taking hold of her son, his head to her lap. She was cry! loudly, Brown rushed to her and says:—“Hush your mouth,” aud pushed her back wi He then called Zor camphor, a bandage and a towel. He rau his finger into the hole in Daniel’s head, and seemed to feeling for the ball. After binding "4 the wound he tried to take the wi man with him, but was persuaded to give up this idea, Finding that the man was about to he went and surrendered him- self to the officers, Daniel Jeukins died soon the gone through his head and the ‘front of the skull, Brown was put upon trial and was con’ of murder. He then Mig erg to the Bape Court aud was again convicted, He then appealed to the clem- eucy of the Governor, but without avail. The Gov- ernor carefully examined the testimony and uotitied brown's lawyers that unless more testimony was ad- duced he could not feel justified in interfering with the decree of the courts. The trial was a short one, only three witnesees being introduced. ‘The dotend- ant made a short statement, in which he acknowledged the killing, but that he did it in self-defence. Ho said Daniel said, entered house, “God damn you, Brown, you can't arrest me," and made a sation 6 if to lat a pistol or knife. At this Brown says he placed the pistol st David's head and fired. It Me chown thas Hie ities ha@ no knife or pistol on his person when he was shot. A WIFE MURDERER DYING. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Hannisevne, Pa, Jan. 10, 1879. _Strenuous efforts will bemade to induce Governor Hartranft to withdraw the warrant fixing the oxecu- | tion of Alexander W. Sayre, the wife murderer, of Philadelphia, on ‘Tuesday next. An application has been made to the Supreme Coyrt fer a special writ of error, the granting of which would supersede the death warrant, In case it should bo refused the Gov- ernor would doubtless withdraw his warrant. As the joner is represented to be wasting away so that nis natural death is only a question of time, Sheriff Wright, of bathers ie very unxious that the Governor should interrupt the banging, as he fears Bex murderer would have to be carried to the acaf- ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION. An attempt was mado last nignt, at Islip, L. 1., to shoot Mr. Alcock, assistaut trainer at Mr. George Lorillard’s stables, but owing to darkucss the would- be assassin missed his mark. No arrests have been 8. THE LUNATIC MURDERER, William L, Palmer, the lunatic, who shot and killed Officer Furniss at the Metropolitan Hotel two weeks 0, was removed trom the insane cell at Bellevue fospital to the Tombs, to await the action ot the Grand Jury. NOT MURDERED. ea Ua AHeRALD reporter yesterday investigated the caso of Matthias Richard, the old bachelor of Springficld township, Union county, N.J., who was suppose. to have been murdered in his home there. County Physician Thomas Terrell, of Elizabeth, stated that he had made a five hours’ careful investigation of the case and had found that there were no signs of rob- bery and no si; of foul if His opinion was that the old man, who was tabled to fits, was seized with one, and, while under the influence of it, was frozen todeath. When his body was found he had evidently been dead about seven days. The blood stains on the floor, the wood and elsewhere are accounted for by a cut on deceased's finger. ea i et ors ea DIED OF A BROKEN HEART. “Died of a broken heart” was the conclusion that Coroner Woltman camo to in the case of Catharine Sullivan, forty-three yoars of age, who was buried im Calvary Cemetery yesterday from her late resi- dence, No. 676 Water street. Her dsughter, eleven years of age, while seated on the stoop of her parents’ residence on the 26th of May, 1875—they then resided at No. 662 Water etreet—was shot in the head and instantly killed, The shooting was accidental and arose out of a dispute between two men, John Moran, a young man, who was in the habit of taunting an old man, named Dan Hennessy, better known as “Black Sall,”’ on account of aused up old horse he used to drive, Hennessy took umbrage at these practical jokcs and pursued his tormentor. Moran was armed and discharged his revolver at Hennessy, the ball missing the latter and taking effect in fhe head of Mary Sullivan. Moran was hel be @ coroner's jury to await tho action of the Grand Jury, but, it eppears, was never , indicted | nor brought to trial. At the time of the shdoting the mother upstairs cooking the supper. When tho report of@he pistol was heard she suddenly exclaimed, “My God, Mary is shot!” Her words proved to be propheti when the family had reached the foot of the ‘way they founda the child in the throes of death. The mother never wholly recovered trom tho sight of her dead child and the co ent shock to her nervous system. nent she would wake up in hehe Mists calling cs thd Sakis.) et tier child, and in her waking hours she would weep and | bemoan the loss she had sustained in the death of little Mary. Naturally cnougl her health suffered and she became nervous and de- spondent. She had been the mother of eleven children, six of whom aro living. On the 18th of last month her eldest son, Cornelius, eighteen years of age, who is represented as being the princi- pal support of the family, was suddenly prostrated with pneumonia and died on the 26th ult. 7 hia sickness the mother watched and ministered to him constantly. On the day of the funeral, although broken down in health, she insisted on going to Cai- vary. The last sod had hardly been thrown over the remains of her son when she tainted, and in this con- dition was carried to acarriage and driven home. OUR CONTEMPORARIES. THEIR RATHER DUBIOUS STANDING WITH THR EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE—PRAYERS FOR WICKED EDITORS—-THE PRESS THE MOST POWERFUL ENGINE OF MODERN REFORM, The influence of the press has reached even the Evangelical Alliance, whose committee on topics set apart yesterday in the Week of Prayer for special supplications fora blessing pn publishers, editors and authors. They left re out as being proba. bly a hopeless clags, unless they were included in the general term, ‘the press.” At the large meeting in Dr. Ormiston’s Church many things, good, bad end indifferent, but chiefly good, were said in prayer and address about the press. Dr. 8. D. Bure chard led the meeting and read portions of I. Gorin thians, xil., which speaks of the diversity of gifts that God givesto men. “God,” the Doctor said, “hus adapted every man and woman for some calling and place in this world, and if men would follow Goa’s leadings in their several cuall- ings there would be harmony and happiness in the world. But because they don’t do thia there is friction and disturbance aud disharmony, it is so also in the Christian Church, Every man hath hig proper calling—some after this manner and some ‘after that, Some are designed to be ministers and some to be editors, I don’t know the statistics of those who read the nowspapers,”’ said Dr. Burchard, “but the press reaches more minds and moulds more hearts than the pulpit. And every paper brings to our homes matter that is either bealthful or poison- ous. Every paper that comes to our homes is either serpent or an angel of mercy, shodding its lighy and radiance and beauty on our homes. The pres is moulding and shaping our character to-day. And if this be so we are rightly assembled here this after- noon to pray for editors, authors, publishers, &c., that they may bo brought under the sanctifying in- fluence of the Holy Ghost; that every word that comes toour homes may be like apples of gold in pictures of silver—like the fruit of the tree of life, which if » man eat he shall live forever, There is neither speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their sound is gone out into all the earth and their words to the ends of the world, The press is the greatest instrumentality of moral power in the world.” GOOD WORDS FOR THE srqULAT PRESS, ~ pon 8.1 ore ae pong ec in New York, of- rayer for the press ughont this countr; and world. The Doctor prayed that the spirit of wisdom might come upon every department of the acme from the highest to the lowest, until it should used for the elevation and salvation of mankind, After singing by the con; tion ths Doctor re- marked that it wes only by slow degrees that we can in to the influence of the press as an agenc on tho mind and heart of the people of America, “It would take us & long time to count million, but it is harder for us to grasp the idea that there goes out of this city every nearly two millions of pages ot printed matter. Ouly think of the influence of that quantity of news of divers kinds on the million or more of readers! I took upa weekly paper to-day,”” said the Doctor, ‘that I had never scen nor heard of before, And yet it claimed to be in its twentieth volume and’ to have circulated more than one million copies. there apy power on earth like it for influencing the minds of men? ‘There was @ time when twelve copiés of the Daily News were made for the whole Roman Empire. And it wasagreat feat. But now every person able "to read can have a paper. Now preaching the Gospel is as truly the mission of tho press us it is of the pulpit. When we think of the wer of the Bible and tract jes, of the great thodist Publishing House and other institutions for the dissemination of religious literaturq wo seo what au agency the press is and we rejoice. ‘Chere is not a tamily inthe Dnited States that may not be reached by the press. Iam glad,” said the Doctor, “that the press is so largely on the side of law and order and good morals. It is not necessary that a t- ‘The farmer may just as truly glorify God walking 0” ‘Col the Kye,’ as when he sits in ‘Jesus, Lover ot My Soul.’”” Do you kuow any paper,” the Doctor asked, ‘that “Do you any paper,” iT ae) “ advocates irreligion? Let us pray that they may be more on the side of right; that they may proach the Gospel as well as 8 sound morality. Too many of us take too gloomy a view of the aspect of the times. Everything is not going to wreck and ruin. God's truch aut righteousness ate advancing, and not going * back: z. Robert Carter, who was introduced. & pub- lisher who bad never issued a bad book, briefly ro- lated what a good book, written two hundred years ago, accomp! when the worst king that ever ed in Englind was on the throne. ‘That book was brought to this country and was read by George Washington and very ly aided in moulding his character and making his what he was. And who can tell,” he added, “what a blessing has come to this broad land from that little book?’ Mr. Carter then prayed for a blessing upon the press and that the eyer of those whose minds Lig Tees 8 may be opened, that they turn to the Word God ana that the emile of may rest on the efforts that are *made to place pure literature in the hands of the youth land. “THE ‘PRESS 18 WHAT YOU MAKE tT.” Dr. Bevan, contrasting the literature of the present age with the past, gave the crown toth.s. “‘The power that aims at everything that is best and purest in human literature,” he said, ‘is very great in this age. Its tone 1s higher, its spirit purer than that of any eof the world. It is little more than a century since this Republic was founded, and some of us who are ol for various purposes to look into the Books of that age are surprised and abashed. It such books were published to: they would be hounded from one end of the land to the other. There aro names of honored publishers ou those books;" but the Doctor ventured the (corey that no prominent She took to her bed, and, as officially declared, broken down by suffering, dict of a broken heart. “BRITISHER” ANSWERED. OPINIONS OF A BRITISH BARRISTER—AMELDICA UNIVERSALLY ADMIRED IN THE OLD COUN- ‘TRY. New Yonx, Jan. 10, 1879. To rax Eprror or THe Henaup:— ets 5 Asan Englishinan f shall esteem it a favor if you will allow me space in your valuable columns to pro- test against the injurious sentiments exprossed in your paper by a Mr. Henry F. Parston. From the Atlantic to the Pacific [have found Americans both educated and well bred, the majority of them hav- ing sprung from a good stock in Groat Britain, France or other European countries, and I am at a loss to imagine in what society Mr. Parston could have mixed over here. For hospitality and warm hearted genorosity to strangers Antérica stands | alone. As to Mr. Parston’s stupid parade of his declination of a title, which is utterly irrclevant to | the issuo he raises, perhaps he has been an alderman’ | who was offered the barren honor of knighthood on | the occasion of somo royal visit to a provincial town. I should be inclined to conter upon him the | degree of A.8.8. oF Associate of Silly Snobs. With regard to Dr. Johnson’s alleged remark that the Americans were # rie of convicts, I have been unable to find it in the Doctor’ recollect any such statement in Let him produce chapter and verse for the asser- tion, which might have been made of Australia, that pas, & penal settlement; but ne of this country. I will venture to assert that the ideas which Mr. Parston promulgates are not and never have been taught, as he ares, in any school or college in England, The only feeling of Knglishmen toward America, besides that of admiration and esteem, as - inacpende England nee Eng! lost the finest See, wopihl 9 ge he hold, Lan, Fs respec RACEBRIDGE HEMYNG, of the Middle Temple, Barriater-nt-Law, SYMPATHY OF AN AMERICAN, New You, Jan. 10, 1879, To THe Eprron or tue Henato:— After Mr. Parston’s communication of yesterday I think we Americans can afford to be lenient and ac- | cept his apology. Our most profound sympathy should be aroused for a man who has been so unfor- tunate in his carly education, as well as for tho insti- tutions of learning from which it was derived. Cor- tainly he can lay no claim to either Cambridge or Oxford a8 his alana mater, for the gtadnates of both | these universities are famous polish as well ax the use of refined » Twould advire your correspondent, however, not to institute a compart- = away) bo own and Dr, Johnson's writings; eregnay be a few persons even among the “scum of Europe” who ere familiar with the latter. Yours re- epectfully, QF. I. FORGED CHECKS. Detectives Shelly and Wood bronght to the Central Office yesterday Robert Morris, who says he is from St. Louis, and who has of late, a4 it is charged, been engaged in converting several forged checks into cash. On Novomber 26 he is charged with having passed a forged check for $15 on Charlés A, Lofies, of Fit. twonth street, Yesterday afternoon P. P. Byrne, of the American District Telegraph office at No. 7v: Broadway, wax summoned to the Bank of the Metropolis, where a district messe! from the office at No. 575 Broadway had presented a check for 10 #25 for payment. He had been sent by # ren ayreod to mect him at the Metropolitan Hotel. check was found to be # forgery, and the man wi fuuind at tho place of mesting and arrested by Detcc- tives Sheily and Wood, who tdentified him as the person Who had forged the check on Lofies, the establishment of | | foaremad of to-day would his name before such iterature. “Newspapers,” said Dr. Bevan, “are and willbe what you makethem. Editorsand publishers will make what you read. If you will aud as you will, it shall be for the glory of the Master or for the pollution of society.” In the forenoon of Indies was held in the chapel of the Broadway and at four o’clock a similar meeting was held in the Central Methodist chapel. At both of those gath- erings the subject of temperance and other social re- forms which were included in the topics for yester- day were talked over and prayed for. Similar moct- ings will be held in both to-day, And,in ad- dition to the ladies’ in the Tabernacle at eleven A. M., there will be a meeting for young girls at the same hour in the Tabernacle parlors. DR. NEWMAN'S REMARKS, At the Centrvl Methodist Episcopal Church, in Sev- enth avenue, there was “loubling up” of subjects, both “temperance” aud ‘the press’’ being discussed, Rov. Dr. Newman entered the lecture room at eight o'clock and after a moment of silent prayer threw himself in bis chair and said:—“In a city like this we sre newspaper readers rather than book readers. In the country tho roverse is the case, s0 that while we have gen- oral intelligence the better classes of country people | have accurate or minute int ence. The New ! Yorker is the more thoroughly posted on current events than any other American, The press enters largely into our daily life, and its influence is the more powe! almost imperceptible, Ib cannot be wholly p: nor wholly condemned; for | the truth is, the press is On both sides—on the side of virtue as well as that of vice. The publication of crime begets crime, the publication of virtuous decds Hl Snare and begets virtue, As a rule, the journal- istic magazine literavure of this city is not in | favor of Christianity—that is, not as we hold it. It professes respect for Christian ethics—morality, but not for the fundamental principles of Christianity. | Many editors are half atheists, or sceptics, at least. Very seldom do they write out and out in favor of Christianity, but very often iu discursive editorials they oppose it. a ‘DOING MUCH GOOD. “Doubtless one journal is doing much by printing the sermons that are preached on Sunday, tor they are thus read everywhere. During the past fou years there Las been a yreat improvement in the indtal tone vt the newspapers, ‘There is less vitu; ation. Sone time ago the daily press was & g boone for scandal. wae Leon ae to have a sec: paper come into t! we . +d “A certain scientific journal published in this city’ (and the «peaker gave its name) “contains nothing but the rankest wud incanest iufdelity, Itis as bad or Worse than anything im Paiue or Voltaire. The de- feuce offered 8 that it gives both sides; but it never ives an article in fayor of the religion of our fora. Tt has exulted over the defeat of the theologians by the scicntists, whereas the scientists have Joft the field alone to the theologisns. don't see why there should not be & corps of Yeligious editors on our daily papers.” Dr. Newman next spoke on the tem) ce question, saying that, h the Bible did not directly enjoin total dwelt. ial, “ia hee ines ee he nimity and sel ‘nial. 1@ Course roarke oo, the subject of general literature Dr. Newman had warned his hearers t a certain abridged edition of a he ible Riis les aa, had been an society in 4 - Piayiga SF : ‘ Prayers were then for an improvement in curre xt iterature and the spread of temperance prin- ciples. The first speaker seid: —It is not all and truth that come to us through the may that mighty engine be overruled for good, the hands that work it be quided in the right way.” ‘Another gentleman prayed that publishers should ‘be taught by experience that it would W y them to purge theit papers of “all manner of fith, which now loads them daily.” Still another apeaker said that it seemed almost in- erodible that human prayers should avail to correct the evils of an unbricled press. In the chapel of St. Paul's Church Dr, Tiffany ad dressed a fui gathering on topic of the day, aq well as on home and foreign missions, Ho said that the prea» was doing an important work, and might complish more if the Christian iufluences brought te bear upon it were more complete, The public is too much ont of sympathy with the press. Three of four earnest prayers were offered in behalf of journalists ¢ every kind, the pastor's views buing heartily in- Similar services wore held in other churches, th abstinence, yet it im