The New York Herald Newspaper, January 24, 1879, Page 3

“THE CHEYENNE. FIGHT Complete List of the Troops Killed and Wounded, INDIAN HEROISM. Determined to Die in Their Trenches and Refuse All Terms. —___-+--—— OFFICIAL REPORTS. General Crook's Commentary on Indian Managemefit. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Fort Roprxsox, Neb., Jan. 23, 1879. The accurate list of killed and wounded in the de- cisive engagement of the United States troops with the Cheyennes yesterday is as follows:— KILLED. Sergeant JAMES TAGGART, Company A, Third cavalry. Private GEORGE BROWN, company A, Third cav- alry. Private GEORGE NELSON, Company A, Third cav- alry. a ‘WOUNDED. Captain W. H. WESSKLLS, Jr., Third cavalry, slightly. First Sergeant AMBROSE, Company E, Third cav- alry. Sergeant REED, Company H, Third cavalry. Private HENRY DUBOIS, Company H, Third cay- alry. ‘WOMAN’S DRESS, Sioux Indian, scout. " LATEST ACCOUNTS OF THE BATTLE. Several couriers arrived this morning bringing further details of the battle between Captain Wes- sells’ command and the escaped Cheyennes yesterday afternoon. All four companies were deployed as skirmishers—Company fF, Lieutenant Bax- ter, moving from the south to the north- east side; Company 4H, Captain Wessells, directly opposite; Company E, Captain Lawson, closed in at the mouth of the ravine, where the In- dians had intrenched themselves, and Company A moved to the rear, thus hemming them in on all four sides, leaving no possible avenue of escape. The Indians had placed them- selves in a deep washout, keeping uncer cover YIRST BLOOD FOR THE INDIANS. As soon as the skirmishers were within 150 yards of the savages’ stronghold the latter opened a deadly fire, killing Sergeant Taggart and Privates Brown and Neleon, of Company A, and dangerously, if not fatally, wounding Private Dubois, of Company H. Despite the dreadful volley poured into the troops they steadily advanced, and when within seventy-five yards of the savages’ position fire was opened on all sides with terrible effect. At this mo- ment Captain Weseells, leading his company and loudly cheering them forward, received a slight scalp wound from s pistol in the hands of one ‘completely insensible. Lieutenant Chase, of Com- pany A, seeing the commanding officer fall, rushed forward instantly, seized Captain Wessells and car- ‘ried him beyond the range of the enemy's fire; then dashing at the head of his own compeny, hegallantly led them to the very edge of ¢he washout, where they fought the enemy with unabated fury. DEADLY CHARGE OF THE TROOPS. Mesnwhile the intrepid Wessells having regained consciousness again came to the front and seeing the ground strewn withthe dead bodies of the savages ithplored his men to cease firing with a view to get- ting the remaining Cheyennes to surrender, but the Indians stubbornly refused and rushed at the troops with formidable hunting knives, having expended all their ammunition. They seemed determined to sur render to death only, but cre they had advanced many paces a volley was fired by the troops and all ‘was over. Companies F and E were in bad positions to accomplish much, while Colonel Evans, with B and D companies, remained on the opposite bluff from where Captain Wessells started, and not know- ing the position of Wessell’s command, arrived too late for action. THE DEAD CHEYENNES. ‘When the firing ceased the dead bodies of twenty- three Indians were found in the rifle pits occupied by them. This number included seventeen bucks, four squaws and two papooses. Nine remained, of whom one buck and five squaws were more or less wounded, and three squaws were unhurt. Ambu- lances left here at an early hour this morning to bring in the dead and wounded, and aro now moving back slowly. Thoy are expected here with the troops to-morrow afternoon, DETAILS SENT TO GENERAL CROOK—WHAT THE GENERAL SAY8 OF THE TROUBLE—-NO CHOICE FOR THE BED MAN BETWEEN DEATH AND STARVATION, z [BY TELPGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Omama, Neb., Jan. 23, 1879. General Crook is in receipt of several telegrams regarding the termination of the trouble with the Cheyennes at Camp Robinson. Your cor- respondent called on him to-day and was given the following information:—The first telegram was recotved at a late hour last night from Captain Evans, from the camp cast of Hat Creek, via Camp Robinson, stating that companies B and D, ‘Third cavalry, under Captain Johnson, Lieutenants Thompson and Evans, found the Cheyennes in « strong position in the cliffs four miles north of the stage line on the Wth inst., and cnt off their progress on the heights. But tho Indians escaped down the cliffs during tho night, and moved cast toward Ked Cloud agency. They were pursnea by Captaiti ‘Wessels with Companies A, E, F and H, which{were below the cliffs on the prairics, Wossells overtook the Indians on Wednesday at noon, fifteen miles vast of Bluff station, intrenched in a gully. Ho charged them, killed and captured the entire party. Captain Wessels, First Sergeant Ambrose, of Company F, and the Indian scout Wo- man’s Clothes wore wounded, Captain Wessolls only slightly. Sergeant Taggart, Privates Farrier Brown and Nelson, of Company A, were killed. There wore thirty-two Cheyonnes in all, of whom only nine, and these wero wounded, remain alive, Tho captive Indians report that Dull Knifo was killed by shell in the cliff somo days ago. A DESPERATE FIONT—PoLLER pRTArLS. A second despatch from Captain Evans to-day, from tho camp northeast of Binff station, supplementa tho firet with additional details. Tho fight with tho Cheyonnes tuok place at half-past two o'clock at a point ten miles cast of the tolograph line from Camp Robinson to Hat creek, gpd five miles north of the stage road. Captain Evans says the Choyennes fought with extraofdinary courage end fierceners, and refused all terms but death, Tho off- ‘curs a NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1879--TRIPLE SHEET. cers and troops behaved with great spirit. Those engaged were Captains Wessells and Lawson and Lieutenants Chase and Hardie; E. W. Baxter, Third cavalry; J. Boxer, Ninth infantry, and Dr. Petty. Among the wounded were Sergeant Reed and Private Dubois, of Company H, Thira cavalry. Tue troops return to tneir station at once. The In- dians killed included seventeen bucks, four women and two children, Of the nine capture? three were not wounded. One of the wounded Cheyennes will probably die, WHAT GENERAL CROOK SAYS. General Crook says this termination to the affair | has been foreseen by army officials, and was cortain from the day of the outbreak, and that the fate of ; those remaining alive was little better than those killed, for, he says, the civil authorities need nothing more against # man than his being an Indian, and especially one of a bana which has committed murders, to hang him. He says that the Indian policy all through the West has changed. When treaties are violated and sup- plies fail the indian sces he must force the issue or suffer still worse, and he will die or gain his point. General Crook says there will be no trouble with Red Cloud or Spotted Tail unless there oc- violation of promises, and then nothing can prevent ao terryble war, for like the Cheyennes, the Sioux will fight to the death. ‘The General states he considers the officers and sol- diers haye only done their duty since the outbreak. Abody of whites caught in intrenchments as the Indians were would have been captured with a loss of only two or three, but the Cheyennes fought with Indian desperation, fully determined to die in their tracks. A COURT OF INQUIRY ORDERED BY GENERAT, CROOK. Tne following special order has been issued from Healquarters Department of the Platte:— Fort Omana., Neb., Jan. 21, 1879. A Board of Officers, to consist of Major Andrew W. Evans, Third cavalry; Captain John M. Hawilton, Fifth cavalry, and First Lieutenant Walter 8. Schuy- ler, Fifth cavalry, A. D.C., will assemble at Fort Robinson, Neb., on the 25th day of January, 1879, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to examine into and report the facts attending the arrest, confinc- ment, disarmament, escape and recapture of a num- ber of Cheyenne Indians recently at and in the vi- cinity of Fort Robinson, Neb. CHARACTER OF THF INVESTIGATION. The Board will make a thorough investigation and full sony of all the facts, as well as of the causes which led to them, so that the whole case may be thoroughly and correctly understood. The Board will also express an opinion as to who, if any person in the nee service, is to blame inthe matter, and will recommend what further action, if any, is in its judgment necessary. The junior member will record the proceedings. By commani of Brigadier General Crook. ROBERT WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant General. THE OFFICIAL REPORT FROM CAPTAIN EVANS. Cxtcaco, IIl., Jan. 23, 1879. A despatch from General Crook, at Omaha, to Lieutenant Sheridan, says ‘The following has just been received ;""—- Camp E1cuT Mites Nortarast or Buurr } Station, Jan. 23, 1879—Via Fort Ronson. General Croox, Omaha:— The affair with the Cheyennes took place yesterday, at about half-past two P. M., at a point ten miles east of the tele yh line from Fort Robinson to Hat Creek, and five miles north of the stage road. The Cheyennes tonene with extraordinary courage and fierceness, and refused al! terms but death. The officers and troops behaved with great Those en; were Captains Wessels utenants Chase, Hardie and Baxter, of the Third cavalry; J. Baxter, of the Ninth infantry, an Dr. Pettys. Among the wounded are Sergeant Reid and Private Dubois, of Company H, Third ca: . The troops will return to stations at once. The Indians killed were seventeen warriors, four women and two children. Nine were captured, three of whom were not wounded. One msn of the wounded will proba- bly die. EVANS, Commanding. HOW THE SCARE WAS PRODUCED AT FORT ROB- INSON ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT—LITTLE-BIG- MAN SAID TO BE ON THE WARPATH. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Font Rosrnaoy, Jan. 23, 1879. ‘The alarm produced here last night through the alleged timidity of the commanding officer, who acci- dentally came into command, has somewhat sub- sided. The doubling of the guards and tho general spirit of consternation which permeated everybody was quite startling. Tho tervified ladies and children of the officers” ‘fam(idy: wero’ together in the,quarters of the timid Mentenant, and owing to apprehensions said to have been aroused by him, they were kept awake all night. The post was shrouded in darkness, not a light being visi- ble in the quarters. The reported cause of all the timidity is said to have originated in the report, apparently credited here, thet Little Big Man, one of the Minneconjoux, now among the tribe of Red Cloud at the Pine Ridge Agency, has started out on the warpath, with some of the Ogalallas, to join the Sigux. ‘This has some appearance of truth from the fact that Little Big Man has for some time been restless and discontented, partiy on account of not having been called in the councils at the agency, and partly because his people are all now among the legions of Sitting Bull. INSULTING RED CLOUD. Recently he twitted Red Cloud with this disrespect to him in the presence of your correspondent in a most vehement manner, to which the head political exponent of the Sioux said nothing, but seemed to quietly acquiesce as a matter of policy. If Little Big Man is now on the warpath (as he is said to have killed more white men individually than any other Indian among the Sioux) a sequel to the Cheyenne affair of a most serious character may be looked for at an early day. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CHEYENNE AFFAIR BY AN INHABITANT OF FORT ROBINSON. Camp Rosrnson, Neb., Jan. 18, 1879, To rae Eprror or tHe Hrnap:— ‘The telegram, purporting to be official, published in your paper of the 12th inst., relative to the killing of defenceless Indians at this post by the military in charge, is so specious and 80 calculated to mislead the public mind that it deserves a few remarks. It was proposed to send all to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., December 16, A number of the principal men wero to be retained and the remainder sout to the Chey- enne Agency. ‘This. proposition was modified by tho Commissioner of Indian Affairs January 8, and he requested that ail full grown men should be taken to Florida (Dry Tortugas, it is supposed), and there be subjected to the same treatment and. discipline as were the Indians who were agnt thers in 1875, and the reniaiider (women and children) be sent to their agency, meaning the Indian Territory, whence they had fled to escape death from starvation and malaria, ‘The inhumanity of this imodified proposition can only be realized by those who know something of the treatment of those Indians taken South in 1875, It means death—elow, but certain. Then the vin- dictive spirit that could urge this request—the send- ing of all male adults to a lingering torture because a few bad members of their tribe had committed murder while escaping from a climate which was killing their wives and children, and from an agency where they were suffering from hunger and priva- tion—is asad commentary upon the justice of the In- dian Department anc the nation which tolerates it. Again, the statement is made that, on the 30th of December, clothing was solicited for these poor creatures, who were in a climate where the thermom- eter was thirty degrees below zcro, imprisoned in a cold room, with the bare remnants of the cloth worn in o southern clime in the month of August, This request was considered seven days; then the authority to furnish clothing was given January 6, January 7 the officer in charge was asked bow many mon, women, boys and girls were to be clothed. January 9 clothing was ordered, At 8 subsequent daté this order was countermanded. All this timo death was at work among these poor .pris- oners. The rifles of the soldicry had laid thirty-two of the captives in the grave, twenty-five of thom (men, women and children), in one trench, Others, desti- tute of clothing, food and fuel, are slowly dying in the ts may house; while others still, strong and moro resolute, are fleeing for life to the frozen fastnesses of the mountains. The Commissioner of Indian Affairs will probably ascertain, if he continues to wait till he is advised as to the actual number needing clothing, that the number is small indeed. Andersonville prisoners saw disease an starvation prostrating men. At Camp Robinson ve and cold impel Indian cap- tives to break iown the walls of — their prison, and the rifles of the guard end tho sufferings of meu, women and children. The history of the removal ot the Northern Chey- ennes from their former homes to the Indian Terri- tory; their sufferings during their stay in the South; their excape and heroic march over treeless plains for more than a thousand imilos, despite the whole mili- tary force on the frontier; the capture of this band of 150, while a greater number escaped, the capture being effected by sending out Red Cloud, the sionx chiet, to promise them ® home with the Ogallalas and then disarming and imprisoning ! ; eubse. quently punishing them by withh thor plies of food, clothing and fuel till escape, and their inhuman massacre, will “alt be ade known in due timo, and will proves lasting disgrace ,| to the age in which we live and the le who will bear with such an imbecile, vindictive and wicked Policy. “God is just. “Vengeance is mine: I will Tepay, saith the Lord.’ JUSTICE. RENO’S RETREAT. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Cxrcaco, Iil., Jan. 23, 1879. ‘The Reno inquiry reopened this morning in the little room on the third floor of the Palmer House. ‘The spectators were not as numerous as at the pre- ceding sessions, though they waxed stronger as tho morning waned, Lieutenant Charles A, Varnum, being cross-examined, showed by the map where the men were deployed on the skirmish line. The map did not appear to him to be accurate, and he could only ap. proximate it. He next repeated the time, place and circumstances under which he last saw General Cus- ter, all of which is familiar to the readers of tho Henatp, and once. more traversed the banks of the river to point out the place where he saw the famous gray horse company. He thought it would take about half an hour for Custer’s column to go from the point where he saw the gray horse com- pany to the watering place ‘B,” the point where Custer attempted to cross to the Indian village. He thought that as it was about half an hour from the deploying of Reno's skirmish line to the time when the retrest began Custer must have had time to get to the ford and become engaged with the Indians in the interval. He believed Custer must have known, for he must have seen what Reno’s men were doing; at least, the gray horse company waa in a position to see what Reno's men in the timber were doing. He had no reason to believe anything but that Gen- erai Custer, as a careful officer, must have kept him- self informed, and known that Reno's men were standing on the defensive, confronted by the Indian: on the skirmish line, If there had been a desperat fight at the ford ‘B,”’ there would have been dead men and horses found there. Witness was unable to estimate bow far away from this ford it was to the point where the tirst dead bodies were found, Mr. Gilbert—Then you say that for about half an hour Major Keno stood in the woods and created a diversion? Witness—Yes, sir. Witness did not believe there were less than four thousand or five thousand Indians, There were no evidences that the witness observed of any attempt on the part of General Custer to return to the point where he separated from Reno, It was impossible for the witness, from his lack of knowledge of the battle field, to say whether any attempt had been inade by Custer’s men to make a con stand against the Indians. The bodies were scattered all over. RENO'S FORCE TOO SMALL. When the men were in the timber there were not enough men, the witness thought, to cover the whole round and hold the position against so many indians. Possibly Major Reno depended on Colonel Benteen or Captain McDougall’s coming into the timber to support him, but the witness wished it understood he did not know whether Major Reno had any knowledge of the orders of those two otfi- cers. Ie Major Reno did not expect those officers to come to his relief his place in the timber was im- practicable, and he was justified in moving out and an the retreat. ; WHAT THE TROOPS THOUGHT. Mr. Gilbert next examined the witness on the gen- eral belief of the command as to whether General ‘Terry was or was not coming up the river. Lieuten- ant Varnum said that he no idea as to the belief or amount of information that the troops in general had on this score, but he himself knew that General ‘Terry was then probably on his way down the Yel- lowstone orfup the Little Big Horn; he had no concep- tion at the time that General Custer’s men had all been killed; he could not say what the rest of the command might have thought, but it was his idea at the time that either Custer’s men had beenjoorralled like Reno’s, or had gotten down to; General Terry. REKO'S LETTER TO TERRY. Witness was then asked in regard to the contents of a letter sent out by the scouts from Major Reno. ‘Witness said that, as tar as he remembered, the letter which was to General Terry setforth that Custer’s force had been divided and that Major Reno's com- mand was beleaguered on the hill and in need of medical aid and assistance. “Did it not say,” asked Mr. Gilbert, “that Major Reno felt that he was able to hold the position, but was in need of medical aid and assistance?’ “No, I think not as strong as that,” replied the witness, “but that the command was there and needed medical aid and assistance.” }/ ‘This virtually ended this testimony, although a great deal 4 time was occupied in going over the ground for 5 DR. PORTER'S TESTIMONY. After a short recess a new whee ee in the person of Dr. H. R. Porter, of . He testified that on the 25th and 26th of June, 1876, he was acting assistant n under Custer with Reno's battalion. He was standing by and heard the Adjutant deliver é 3 i 4 ford, many of the horses stopping to water. The animals were in good condition, many of them manifesting a disposition to run. Ma- along with & gun across his saddle, and seeing the witness with- out any jarms,° asked the witness if he did not want the gun, but the witness said he did not. He believed t! Reno was cumbered with the weapon and wanted get ridof it. He did not see many Indians then; they seemed to be driving their ponies into the river, The men quickly formed a skirmish line. The witness stood watcning the fight for a while, aud then, learning thata man had been shot, went down into the timber to find him. THE RETREAT. There he saw Major Reno, and heard him say, “We've got to get out of here—we've got to charge the Indians!” The men were dismounted and so was the witness, Going back after his horse he saw the men mounting and running their horses and the Indians after them. He expected when he got out of the timber to see the men charging the Indians, but was surprised to see the reverse. Having described the crossing of the stream, on retreat, the witness said that he heard Lieutenant Varnum say, ‘or God's sake, men, don’t run! There are several men wounded and kiNed across the river, and we've got to go back after Seeing Major Reno a little later the witness “The men were pretty badly demoralized, wern't they, Colonel?” Rut Major Reno replied, “No; that was a charge.” ONLY A SMALL INDIAN FORCE IN RENO'S FRONT. When they had. got to the top of the hill, afte began to shout, ‘‘Here comes Custer But it was Benton. The Recorder then asked the witness as to Reno's condition after receiving the or- der—its effect upon hi: physicians judgea of ® man’s condition by appearance. Mr. Gilbert objected, unless the testimony pertained to word or act. He dia not object to the witness feeling the pulse ot @ man to test his physical condition, but he did object to his testing the pulse of the mind. The Court sustained the ob- jection. Witness gave the number of Indians who confronted the rs at the time the column dis- mounted as fifty;, thought they increased until they numbered perhaps one hundred; thought there were moro further down. At this point the examination rested until to-morrow. “SITTING BULL. ~~ Wastnxaroix, Jan. 23, 1879, There have been no additional reports received here of the recrossing of the Canadian line by Sitting Bull. Althat is definitely known is that thirteen of his Indians have come back into this country and aro oie ris era nat oe THE JUDSON BANK FAILURE (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ] Oavexssune, N, Y., Jan. 23, 1879, There has been considerable excitement here to- day in consequence of the failure of the Judson Bank. Isaac L. Seymour has been made assignee of the Judson estate and is now making out @ schedule of assets and abilities. It turns out that the moneys deposited in the bank by the town collectors are all sute, Mr, Merriam, the cashier, having transferred them to the Bank of Ogdensburg revious to the failure. The estimates made on liabil last night did not include the funds belonging to the towns. ‘There are ‘no new developments, no estimates: based on facts a¢ to how much the creditors will likely got can be made yet. It is thought now that, perhaps, with three or four exceptions, the business a of the city will not suffer severely from the failure, COLE AND ULRICH. Henry C. Cole and Charles Frederick Ulrich, ar- rested recently on charges of being implicated in ex- tensive counterfeiting operations, were taken before United States Commissioner Edward Q. Keasbey in Newark, N. J., yesterday, for examination, Both men were represented by counsel, Mr. William B. Guild, Jr., through whom they waived examination, admitting that the government was able to make out against thom @ primé facie case. They were then re- manded to the Easex County Jail to await the action of the United States Grand Jury, During tho proceedings Mrs. Cole, wife of one of the prisoners, was present. She is a rather tine looking woman of about forty, and was dressed ta a handsome suit and clogant eealskin sacque trimmed with fur. Ulrich is interested in another caso—a divorce suit in the Chancellor's Court. He was married at Eliza- beth, N. J., in 1861, but five years later he and his wife quarrelled and separated. Soon. afterward tho. wife heard that he had married a woman in Cincii- nati, Ohio, She wrote to Rev. B. M. Menzes, the pas- tor of a Catholic church there (St. Augustine's, ou Bank street), and received an answer that Ulrich and Kato Gabesneck had been married by him on October , 1866. Last summer Ulrich made application for divorce from wife No. 1. In her answer she chargod desertion and adultery, and the Chancellor allowed her $6 per week alimony and $60 for counsel foos, NEW ORLEANS 10 MEXICO, pean Journeyings of the American Indus- trial Deputation. MAGNIFICENT SCENERY. A Cordial Reception at the Mexi- can Capital. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Crry or Mexico, Jan. 19, Via BrownsvILLE, Texas, Jan, 2%, 1879. The progress of the American Industrial Deputa- tion from New Orleans to Mexico via Vera Cruz, has been one of uninterrupted success. Leaving New Orleans on the norning of the 10th by the steamer City of Mexico, under Captain MacIntosh, the voyage was made direct to Vera Cruz in eighty-two hours. A severe “norther’’ prevailed toward the close of the trip, necessitating a stay over night at Sacrificio’s Island. The party landed on Monday morning, the 14th, in excellent condition, and was hospitably re- ceived by the Commercial Club and the city authorities of Vera Cruz. Fatigues incident to the voyage were on forgotten, After enjoying a luxurious bath and an elegant breakfast at the Veracruzana Hotel the early forcnoon was spent in viewing the city. A TOUR OF INSPECTION. The Hrnatp correspondent called on Governor General Tooran and was conducted by him through all the asylums and hospitals of the city. These institutions are models of cleanliness and good ventilation. They contain many hundreds of patients, mostly of the poorer Classes of native whites and Indians. They are comfortably accommodated and attended by skillful physicians and nurses, and are supplied with clothing, medicine and other neces- saries by the municipality. In the Military Hospital some cases of yellow fever were under treatment; but the disease was of a mild type, and the patients did not look seriously ill. Among the chil- dren at the asylums for orphans gnd the juvenile hospitals several bore marked evidences of foreign parentage, and their bright blue eyes and fair faces were strangely contrasted with the swarthy or even black features of their little companions. General Tooran had a smile or friendly greeting for evory one, patting the youngsters on the head and shaking hands with aged cripples. All seemed to take this condescension as a matter of course, showing that to them it must be a common experience. Breakfast at Vera Cruz brought the American party face to face with many new dishes. The Tortillas and frijoles of the country were, of course, to be looked for, but the sight of dishes of fat snails made the appetites of some rather unpleasantly dull. After recent experiences in the Gulf, and dared to do so by an incredulous excursionist who could scarcely look at the dish, your correspondent ate some snails and found them delicious, notwith- standing the general prejudice against them as an article of diet which we of the North entertain. The type of slowness became one of rapidity, for of each snail I made a good swallow. A GIGANTIO ENGINE. ‘Toward four o'clock in the afternoon all assembled at the railroad station and took the train for Orizaba, onthe Mexican Railroad. This was to be our first resting place en route to the capital. The im- mense double-ended engine that was to haul us over the plains of the Tierra Caliente aitracted much attention. It is of English build and especially con- structed for the heavy grades of the mountsin division of the road, Regular American cars made up the train, which was in special charge of Mr. Shirley, the transportation superjntendent—a good natured, sunburned, Irish gentieman—who left noth- ing undone for the comfort of his charge. * ROMANTIC TRAVELLING. Loaving,the city of the True Cross, we rolled sway inland over a country varying in aspect from sandy barrenness to bewildering stretches of tropics] vegetation. Thescenery will long haunt the mem-, ory of the excursionists. Desert wastes, bosky ravines; dense chapparal, rich meadows, all passed in review as the train sped on. Feeling that the picture was too magnificent to be seen from the narrow opening of acar window, [took a seaton the big locomotive, and received from Mr. Simpson, the engineer, many interesting accounts of his adven- tures on tho road during the stirring times of revolution, enjoying the while the rare beauties of this strange land. Later, when the sun began to sink behind the mountains and the air grew cooler, two spirited young American ladies joined me on the iron horse, and, with a group of ex- cursionists perched on the cowcatcher, we dashed ahead through groves of orange and banana and all the wild luxurtance of tropical vegeta- tion; inhaling the odors of flowers that bloom only where summer is eternal. Here a deep fissure in the plain or mountain side is crossed by an iron bridge, whose parts looked like cobwebs spanning an abyss. Below tho river runs noisily, perhaps, but to us in silence. We rush on the appa- rently frail structure and seem to be flying through tho air, and cannot see the rails or columns that sup- portus. In another moment we are whirling down teep grade at such a speed that the mouster engine fairly jumps on the rails. We have gone the last seventeen miles in twenty-two minutes—a pace fast enough to satisfy the most enterprising American in the world. Running around curves less than a thousand feet radius, creeping up extraor- dinary grades cut out of the mountain slopes, overlooking profound valleys whose depths are lost in the growing darkness, we rush furiously along. Now we sight for a few minutes the distant lights of Cordova. Then again into the deep gorges and dense woods, until we finally ran into the statian at Orizaba, where our party halts for the night. A PICTURESQUE TOWN. A wash and ® good supper prepares us for new excitements In # curious old town, nestling under the great peak to which it gives or whence it re- ceives a uname, Wandering through the streets we find ourselves in large square or plaza filled with people. The air is resonant with strange sounds; on every sido are booths for gambling, cooking and the sale of pulque, coffee and other delicacies, Tables covered with gambling apparatus and piles of silver coins tempt passers-by to try their Inck. A largo enclosure filled with people seated or stand- ing around tables on which game cards are displayed =shows that this is a wholesale establishment. Every head is bent over the boards on which the mystic numbers of keno aro displayed. A sonorous voico calls out figures, Hun- dreds of corn grains are moved on the cards, and here and there one can see the ripples in the sea of black heads where lucky individuals have filled their combinations and won their pots. The whole scene is exceedingly picturesque; but the performers do not look clean, If an operatic manager wants to study the groupings of gypsy brigands or villager classes for reproduction on the stage he will not find in any other place such a good opportunity as in the plaza of Orizaba at night. A REMARKABLE MOUNTAIN, During the hours of rest the lofty peak near by was covered with clonds, but at dawn on Tuesday theae were completely dissipated, and Orizaba pierced the pale blue sky with his bright pinnacle of eternal snow. Viewed from the station the scene was mag- nificent. In the foreground the valley in which the city rests “lay siniling before us,” presenting to the eye the most delicious contrast of color. Cathedral tower and palm-roofed hut, sugar patch and coffee grove, rich foliage and glowing flowers, filled in with their detaiis a harmony that pro- daced on the mind of the beholder the same sense of pleasure that is experienced in the hearing of beautifal strains of music. On each side of and be- yond the valley vast mountains soar upward, form- ing an amphitheatre the floor of which might be made @ terrestrial paradise, There is fascination about the Great Peak of Orizaba that is striking even to those born under its shadows. To it they look for the indications of every weather change that the seasons bring. Sometimes it is, as wo saw it, clearly defined against the sky, glowing with the rosy tint of sunrise. Its outline as distinct as if the pure air around it was never darkened by the vapor of an approaching storm, but 4 —to seo it all bright'*ning When the tempest flings out his red banner of lightning, —and when the valleys resound with the thun- derous voices of the storm and the snow crown be- comes the source of a thousand cataracts, whose courses sear and wrinkle the brow of old Orizaba, then, inded, his aspect must be terrible. ONWARD AND UPWARD. Leaving this picturesque resting place, we, exeur- sionists, took the cars again and began at seven o'clock on Tuesday morning to ascend the mountain slopes to the plain of Mexico, I must reserve for later correspondence any description of the wonder- ful beauty of these mountain regions. Although the ascent from Orizaba station to fhat at Maltrata is steep the real climbing does not begin until we reach. Bota, or the boot, about three miles beyond Maltrata. Between the latter point and Alta Suz—a direct dis- tance of perhaps a mile, but by rail over eight miles— there is arise of nearly a thousand feet. The immense Fairlie engines can alone accomplish the work of dragging a train up this grade. With a weight of over sixty tons and only two foot driving wheels they hold the track against the force of gravity, and the weight of the train rising slowly but steadily we get new views of Orizaba at every point, and the valley of Maltrata opens out like a map one or two thousand feet below. Crossing some of the gorges on the airy looking iron bridges, one asks what would happen if we ran off. Well, the engine would strike hard pan u thousand feet below and would then jump another thousand feet or so into the Valley of Maltrata, Yet these terrors of Nature are forgotten in her beauties, and the eye is captured at every turn by scenes of indescribable splendor, in which light, shadow, atmosphere, vegetation and earth produce a picture which the memory can never lose. ON THE PLAIN OF MEXICO. ‘We had a hurried breakfast of coffee and cold meat at Espuraza, a station 152 miles from Mexico, The view of Orizaba was again magnificent from thig point, which is on the plain of Mexico. Away to the westward shore the equally beautiful peak of Popocatapet! and Otaccibaut, like twin giants crowned with silver diadems, Far away stretch the seemingly endless prairie, as level as a billiard table and of varied colors, as the cultivation changed from corn to pulge. Haciendas dotted this plain, looking like little feudal strongholds with their walls and towers. Vast herds of cattle, flocks of sheep and droves of horses and mules could be seen like little patches of black shadow on the verdant plain. Here and there curious columns of yellow smoke rose from the prairie, and stood erect for a minute or two, then bending over gracefully moved before the wind with a slow but stately motion. They were sandspouts raised by atmospheric dis- turbance of limited area and energy. As we ap- proached them the whirling movement of the sand- laden air was very distinct. Every object that came within the influence of centripetal force was raised and carried round and round, giving a most curious appearance to the sandspout. MUSIC AND FEASTING. The train not long after ran into Epricaco, eighty- six and a half miles from the capital. Here we found the platform crowded with picturesque looking people, clad in the costume of the country. A large guard of honor, composed of the country police, was formed on the platform, and a full band of music greeted the excursionists with operatic selections, well executed. In a large shed near by, which was handsomely decorated with evergreens and flowers, was spread a splendid repast. Every- thing that could tempt the appetite was there. A special committee of gentlemen from Mexico had arranged this grand reception for their guests. Soon the clatter of knives and forks, the popping of champagne corks and the peculiar sounds of vigor- ous mastication told the curious crowd of spectators around the doors that the Americans were at work on the good things of Mexico. Gradually the buzz of conversation began to drown the clatter of the crockery and steel. Glass in hand, the excur- sionists greeted each other across and along the table. Necks were craned to catch distant eyes, and those peculiar smiles which mear at fifty yards’ range, “Here's to you, old fellow,”’ or “Senora, I kiss your hand,” were exchanged briskly along the line. Of course there were speeches, in the course of which the orators rose to the sublimest heights of eloquence to give Governor Fisk, our worthy president, bis due. GOVERNOR FISK’S REMARKS, Governor Fisk's reply was brief and to the point. He thanked the Committee of Arrangements from Mexico very warmly for their hospitable reception and assured them of the favorable impression it would make in the United States. At the same time, he expressed the highest admiration for México and her people and the desire that strong and lasting bongs of friendship should be formed between her and the United States, bringing peace and prosperity to both countries. These remarks were translated by Colo- nel Whitney, the manager of the excursion party, and were well: received by the Mexicaus present. Then came an address of thanks to the Commercial Club of Vera Cruz, the Governor of that State, the Chief Justice and the Alcalde and Custom House officials for their hospitalities and cour- tesios to the Americans. The attitude of the Mexicans was sober, but friendly. They ev- idently did not understand our style of grecting them, yet when the whole American party rose, glass in hand, and shouted, “Viva Mexico!” I noticed tears rushing down many a bronzed check. AGAIN ON THE ROAD. What an awful ride we had over the dusty plain after leaving hospitable Episaco. Eighty-six and a half miles in an atmosphero so thickly charged with dust that respiration, already rendered difficult by the great elevation, became positively painful. Our heavy engine could not run fast; but the train kicked up this suffucating cloud which soon filled eyes, cars, mouth and nostrils, and baked the skin as if it were powdered with hot cinder dust. Through vast fields of pulque, maize and other growths we rolled, until, toward night, the shimmer of a distant lake told us that we were drawing near the Capital. AT THE CAPrrat. Arrived there we found the station of Buena Vista crowded, a band of music blowing itself hoarse and a large and imposing reception committee waiting to take Charge of the travellers. An informal reception in @ big waiting room, at which the American Minister, Mr. Foster, presided, was our first intro- duction to the courtesies of Mexico City. We were ‘all nearly as glad it was over as the Reception Com- infttee wore. We presented a wofal appearance with dust and traces of travel. Rushing off to the Iturbide Hotel we found the usual confusion about the allot- ment of rooms, but things finally settled down, and after bathing and feeding we slept the sleep of the just arrived. Bright and early I was up and about, and had to make the most of my time. Calling on the American Minister, who accorded me @ reception with charac- teristic courtesy, Larranged for @ special interview with President Diaz, at four P. M., and for a visit to the National Observatory, between five and six o'clock. Arrayed in the full court costume of an American citizen, which is, a8 you ate aware, as sim- ple as it should be, I presented myself at the United States Legation at ten minutes to four P. M., and, with the Minister, was passing through the handsome halls of the National Palace at four sharp, conducted by the chief Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, & most courteous gentleman. I passed through many apartments, in some of which sat persons wait- ing for interviews with members of the Cabinet, Finally, we entered an clegant chamber with » lofty and richly decorated ceiling, handsome tapos- tries, elegant marbles and bronzes, the walls covered with a rich claret-colored paper, on which was em bossed the imperial crown and arms of the man who ceased to reign at Queretaro, and who is still mourned for by poor Carlotta. I was about to see and take by the hand Maximilian’s conqueror the right arm of the patriotic Juarez, the bold soldicr whose sword’ has given respectability to Mexican polities, Taking my seat fora while and comment- ing with my companion on the fickleness of human fortunes, which gives today a crown and to-morrow 4 grave in @ ditch, I sawa side door open and heard soft footsteps. A pale, intellectual looking gentleman, with @ broad forehead, melan- choly eyes anda full black beard. entered. It was | one of the greatest 3 the Minister of Finance, Romero, late Ambassador to Washington. PRESIDENT DIAZ. Behind him came a well built, soldierly looking man, with a swarthy complexion, close cropped hair, slightly sprinkled with gray; @ large, dreamy eye, but an enormously firm mouth and chin. It was General Vorfirio Diaz, Constitutional, President of the Mexican Republic. My = reception was exceedingly cordial, After shaking hands with me _ serenely and bidding me be seated near him, the President read my letter of introduction and expressed his gratification at the visit. Inoted his manner closely. It was entirely void of theatrical effort, being easy and graceful, without seeking to impress one favorably. President Diaz produces on his visitor a feeling of respect, which I do not believe even prejudice cam overcome, Bearing in Mexico the character of unim- peachable honesty, he now fills a place in the poli- ties of his country which for him to be forced to vacate would be a calamity every sensible Mexican would wish to avoid. This is the opinion openly expressed here by men who have striven against Diaz up to the hour of his complete triumph. I do not, however, be- lieve that the next Presidential election will take place without an attempt at another revolution, ‘The tension of political fecling even now is very great, and it is possible that only the greateat vigil- ance and activity on the part of the government can prevent the disturbances in such States as Jalisco from developing into serious revolutionary move ments. OBJECT OF ‘THE VISIT. Texpressed tho pleasure I felt in calling in my capacity as special correspondent to present the com- Pliments of the proprietor of the Heraup to the President of Mexico and my personal gratification at meeting such a distinguished soldier. Ina low tone General Diaz thanked me and remarked that he felt grateful for the compliment of the visit. Then, re- marking that our party of American excursioniste were desirous of making a favorable impression on the Mexican people, the President said that he was certain it would have that effect, Seiior Romero took part in this conversation and gave some interesting explanations of the rela tions of labor and capital and other inter. ests. I remarked that railroads were essential to the tranquillity of the interior, as it they were con- structed so as to connect the capital with centres of chronic disturbance they would afford meaps of con- centrating troops to crush insurrection. President Diaz agreed that such roads would have an immense influence in securing peace, while they would also tend to the development of the industries of the country. Reference was also made to the roads about to be built from Vera Cruz to Alvarado and from Tampico to San Imis Potosi. Minister Ro- mero called attention to the present finan- cial straits of the country, and expressed the hope that in a little while all would be setright. The war in the East then came up for discussion, and I called attention to the advantages of the railroad system in British India to the English, suggesting similar strategical lines in Mexico from the capital to the northern frontiers and coasts, ‘Want of money was pleaded as the reason why Mex- ico has not more iron roads. After a very pleasant interchange of friendly sentiments I withdrew, thanking President Diaz for his courteous reception. RECEIVING THE DEPUTATION. Afterward [had s prolonged and delightful chat with Mr. Foster at the Legation, and dropped in atthe theatre. A visit next morning at sunrise to the Castle of Chepultepec, with its fine observatory, and the grand reception of the deputation by Presi- dent Diaz filled in the whole forenoon of Thursday. The excursionists, after visiting the National Museum and Art Gallery, were presented in ® body to the President in the grand reception chamber of the palace. A short address was read by Governor Fisk, setting forth the objects of the visit, congratulating the President on his government and expressing a warm desire for the establishment of the closest commercial relations between Mexico and the United States. A handsome American banner was then presented to Prosident Diaz, who received it with much emotion and placed it next his heart. In reply President Diaz said that he thanked the American deputation for the fisttering address presented to him by Governor Fisk, and ac- cepted it asa proofof the extreme amiability of the excursionists, Referring to the simplicity of the words in which the Governor couched his address, General Diaz said that such simplicity touched him and was pleasing to a soldier who had spent most of his life in the field, He added that it is grateful to the Mexican people and its government to see so respectable a body visiting Mexico, and it is to be believed that after a careful study of the condi- tion, products and resources of Mexico, your report to your compatriots will be entirsly just, and that asa result the commercial interests of both countries will Deassured. Tho President also stated that acommittee of gentlemen hal been appointed which would aid and afford every opportunity to the visitors for gaining the fullest information about Mexico. “The presentation of the United States flag, beneath whose folds a nation has been nurtured until it has become upon the earth, has,” he said, “touched my heart, and ft is my earnest hope and belief that that flag will continue to float over a great and prosperous people, and that the two flags may wave over two peoples bound by common ties."” After the ‘reception the excursionists visited the palace an the departments of State, where they gyre courteously received, MARTIN COLEMAN'S DEATH. THE DYING MAN'S STATEMENT TO A PRIEST—« FLIGHT OF THE ALLEGED PARRICIDE AND HIS ARREST IN THIS CITY. An inquest was begun at the Court House, Newark, N. J., yesterday by Coroner Mandeville in the case of Martin Coleman, who died on Tuesday night from the effects of a penknife stab inflicted, as alleged, by his son on Thursday evening a week ago, ‘The first witness called was Rev. Father Patrick Cody, pastor of St, James’ Roman Catholic Church, who had been sent for immediately after the fatal assault, and who was by the bedside of the dying man even before @ doctor was called. The witness testified that he had known Coleman and his family for about six years, and last saw Coleman alive on Tuesday morning, when he administered to him two sacraments and gave him religious consolation. He was with Coleman about two hours, during which time the deceased ‘was quite conscious. On Thursday, the 16th inst., the day of the fatal fracas, Coleman told his father as the latter testified, that when he came home from work in the evening he found his son Martin sitting idly by the stove. ‘The father reprimanded the son for his laziness and ordered him to go in the ard and do some work. The son answered ck and used some impudent remark, whereupon the father raised his boot, which he had just ‘uben off, and struck his son a = blow. ‘man pulled ont a pen! tl leshy part of the old man's arm, inflicting a wound which bled profusely. When the father saw the blood he ran toward the yard and shouted for help, but fell to the ground and became unconscious from loss of blood. Father Cody fur thermore testified that young Coleman bore a very dis bad reputation, was lazy’ sipated; he had been a member for two years o! emperance soct , buf was “a very bal member.” Father Cody asked himw why ho had assaulted his father, and he said that he had no intention of stabbing him severely. The elder Coleman seemed greatly troubled about his son, and said it would be best to give him some money and get himaway from the reach of the authorities. Mra, Catharine Coleman, wife of deceased, gave similar testimony. She furthermore stated’ that father and son assaulted each other simultaneously, and that young Martin was in Newark on Wednes- day night and yesterday. He had been sap nied with funds, and it was expected that he would hasten off to the West. On Wednesday night, however, he called on his brother, and yesterday at two o'clock on his uncle, John Coleman, and stated that he could not rest away, that he must come and ee the body of his father, and proposed to give bim- pew he At this point the inquest was adjourned till to-day. ‘The county physician held a post-mortem examina tion yesterday and found that death resulted from the penknife wound. YOUNG COLEMAN IN CUSTODY. At twelve o'clock last night Detective O'Connor ce Sree man to the Eleventh precinct sta tion house, and, on arraigning him before the ser cant at the dosk, satd he was Martin Coleman, ir. ‘Dhe prisonet acknowledgod his identity, and «aid he desired to give himself up to the authorities, as he bad killed hie father, He claimed that he committed the dreadful deed ina moment of ungovernable anger, and that ever since his fight fron Newark he has been @ vic+ tim of the keenest Temorse. With tears Fin | down his cheeks i@ nartated the story of the parti cide substantially as it i®set forth statement of his mother and Father Cody, made to the Coro ner at the inquest. ‘Ho was locked up for the night,