The New York Herald Newspaper, February 1, 1879, Page 8

8 MISER WELLS. Counsel Preparing to Show that the Old Straw Merchant Is Sane. QUIZZING THE COUSINS AND THE AUNTS. A Sample of the Insecurity in Which Rich Old Bachelors Live. EVIDENCE OF AN UNSOUND MIND. Se Relatives in Swarms Suddenly Appear on the Scene, Any man, scventy-nine years of age, who can talk understandingly on a range of topics bounded by Byron, real estate, women and the palm leaf trade of thirty years ago, would seem to an ordinary mind to possess average intelligence, to say the least, and to be quite competent to manage his own affairs. Such ® man Jonathan Tremain Weils was found to be yes- terday afternoon, when, under the shadow of the Su- preme Court’s frown, hedged in by anxious “friends” and crippled by loving “cousins,” be held long converse with a representative of the HERALD. Mr. Wells stands in one boot and one gaiter, the latter untied, and both rather rusty, not far from #ix fect tall and quite thin in body. His head is high, narrow and well covered by silvered hair that runs into little side whiskers on his cheeks, His eyes, close together, are gray and piercing, bis nose straight and well shaped, his lips thin and Dloodiess, On the back of his hands the dark swollen veins stand out prominently and his throat displays the wrinkles of old age. He ‘was dressed in a thin outercoat, athin undercoat, two ‘vests, a badly soiled pair of trousers, an old fash- joned cravat, standing collar, looking not unlike the bronzed pictures that adorn the parlors and sitting rooms of hundreds of New England homes. His manner is quick and bright, his regard eager, his bearing that of a man of one idea, and his conversa tion interesting or dull, according to the topic—like that of everybody else. WHAT HE SA¥S AUTOBIOGRAPHICALLY, Passing deliberately from an adjoining office to the dark little passage that leads to his old-time loft, Mr Wells tried the door, shook the padlock placed there by the receiver of his estate, and with a deep sigh returned and, shaking his venerable head, said, “Well, this is irksome. Why, I can’t even take a look at my things, much less control them.” “How long have you been in there, Mr. Wells?” “Oh, many years; about forty, I should say, 1 ean't say exactly.” “Were you born in New York—Wells is an Eastern mame?” “No. My parents were Connecticut people, but amy futher moved to Franklin county when I was bout two years old.” “What was his business?’ “He was a drover and took care of cattle bound to the New York and Boston markets.” “Were you an only child?” “No; there were three sons and two daughters. Ileft home early and came here to make the fortune my kind friends now seck to relieve me of.”” “Did you have any money when you began?” Not so mnch as I have now.” “No; but, seriously, are you one of these self-made men? Did you have anything when you began?” “Nothing. All I had in the world was a few dollars in my jacket pocket.” “Who is this Mr. Sibley that secks to take such good care of you?” “Oh! he’s a lawyer, and a very officious man. He ia simply pursuing his vocation. I can’t say that I Qppreciate his attentions. My relatives are very umerous all of a sudden.” “The ‘Latts are relatives, too, are they not?” “So it seems; so it seems, There’s plenty of em pow. Why, one of ’em got hold of me this afternoon ‘and talked and held on to me for an hour. I meant to Ihave been back here in halfan hour, I met him at my lawyer's.” ‘ “The one who looks like Byron?” “Well, don’t know about Byron. The fact is I didn’t think much about Byron in my young days. I was devoted to my business.” “What business “The straw business. The firm was Wells & Miles, and we did a very large business in palm leaves.” “Leaves or hate?” “On, leaves. We imported the leaves from Cuba © and sold them to the hat makers. You remember the old scoop bonnets aud the Dunstable straws too, of course?” “Well, never mind; but this lawyer, Mr. Kent—is he od present counsel?” “Yes. I have placed myself in bis hands, and I rather think my officious friends on the other side will find their hands full next Wednesday.” “You are living with Miss Sophie Ruckel, and have been along time. Is she a true friend?” “Oh, bless your heart, yes. Let me sce; there were five Kuckel sisters. They moved to Brooklyn and built « house in Woodhull street, where those who are living still remain. I went to board with them over twenty-five years ago. They are more than kind and careful. “I consider their house my home, and probably always shall.’’ A TEST OF HIS MEMORY, “Did you know Mr. Seth Low “The father of A. A. Low—oh ness here and lived in Brooklyn. “Has this neighborhood changed any since you eame here?” “Not much. The business part of the city is about fs Ifound it. The men are gone, the property re- mains. Tho Elevated Railroat makes the place a lit- tle more noisy and rattling, but otherwise there is but little change.” “Do you remember much about New York above the City Hal! “No, I can’t say do. Tha public buildings, of course, I knew of, but I was wrapped up in business when 4 young man and thought of little else.” “You should have marred,” “Oh, L don't know. None of our family ever mar- es. He was in busi- =. hy didn’t you?” Yell, I suppose it was because I didn’t think fmuch about the girls when I was a young man.” “For all that you have many frieuds and public Opinion seems to favor you.” “I think so. I’m certain I am not conscious of having done anything to forfeit the public's good opiuion.”’ Have you seen the receiver since he took your irs into his hands?’ ‘No; I don’t see why I should. He will have to answer to the Court, not to me.” “Have you seen Mr. Sibley—'George’ he says you always call him “I—well you'd laugh to see the whole of ‘em, e at me all the time. They actually sit around while L drink my coffee. They are very, very anxious about me.” “How about money for spending purposes? Do they let you have any? Does the receiver give you any? diere the old man, who had been leaning forward in his chair intently eyeing the querist, sat back and, throwing up his chin, laughed heartily, “Why,” said he, “the receiver doesn’t seem to think I need any, Well, {don't spend much, that’s a fact, but I col lected enough last Saturday night to pay my ex- Peuses for a month, at least.” “Where? “Kents,” I had have much trouble im collecting your mts ?"* “Not more than other landlords. forme trouble, but I don’t mind it. “It seoius @ little rough to lock you out of your office, doesn’t it?” “Yes. It’s positively irksome, Lcan’t understand the right of any man or lawyer or court to come lere, take all iny things away aud then actually lock jue out of @ place that I have occupied more than t attend to my business at all. s what they say in their affidavits, that you can't ar business.” Yox, but they moun it in another sense,” will beat ‘em, and the public seems to ” Of course I have Vhat do you suppose this Sibley is really aft i Mr, Wells, © keep you from wasting your property or hay- om you,’ rdntinued he; “he’s very anxious all of Wednesday next that I'm 1 not love your temper y question you 1 know. My lawyer tells me to hold my tongue and keop cool, and I mean to. I daresay Lam tot as glib as t was, but I’m quite as able to manaye biy affairs as these cousins aud friends who seek to manage it for ny “But they don’t like hey de hey say you buy Cuban bonds and all sorts ‘our Investments.” of niuit.’ “Well, L made the monoy, didn’t 1? And I’ve kept it, haven tl? And as long as Tia satistied and owe | Miss Ruckels estimates " NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1879.—TRIPLE SHEET. Mr. Swan—What you want todo now is to get a good night's sleep and be prepared for these people on Wednesday, Mr. Wells—Oh, yes, I know. I slept well enough last night, but the night before they worried me a great deal. Ihave up my mind to wait for the action of the Court, I’m in the bands of the Su- preme Court and there I'm content to remain. My counsel seem to understand the case thoroughly, and if these commissioners are honest mon they will soon fix me all Fight. Mr. Wels here stood up, put on his hat, and turn- ing to the Henanp representative said:—Well, sir, I'm obliged for your sympathy. I don’t suppose we can do anything for each other this afternoon, and Ti bid you good day.” “Good day, six, Yove you dined?” pe t s dine regularly ? “Don't you dine oa “Oh, no. I buy an apple now and then. Well, goodby. Im guing to Hamilton ferry. When Ruckels built their house Woodhull street was at the extremity of the city. It’s changed a great deal since then.” “Well, Mr. Wells, you're the sensation of the city now. Tho Heraup is taken by thousands of families in Brooklyn, and they all know about your troubles, and sympathize with fo 9 “Yes, I think they do. “All these people are Brooklyn men, are they not— the judges, the Ruckels, the commissioners and’* —— “But not the ‘cousins.’ " Then diviug his hands into his trousers pockets, after ineffectual searchings in his vest and coat, he brought up thirty-one cents, counted them over aud over, and then looking up said to Mr. Swan, ‘There's two more somewhere, I thin! I must have missed them. That’s too bad. Ah! well I guess this will do. Good day, all. I'll see you again to-morrow.” And off he went followed by the careful scrutiny of scores of neighbors, to whom the whims and caprices and oddities of the old man miserly are as well known as the spire of “Trinity Church. WHAT THE COUNSEL SAY, Early yesterday morning Mr. Wells called by ap- pointment at the offices of Messrs. Crosby & Kent to consult as to the course to be pursued in his extraor- dinary case. The old man was in a cheerful, happy mood and heartily enjoyed the jokes passed about the anxious cousins and the hordes of relatives now disclosing themselves. After he had gone Counsellor Kent was asked by a HERALD representative if he had concluded what to do. “Yes,” replied he, “‘in great measure we have. Ithink the Court had the power—that is, it lay in its di: tion— under the affidavits before it, to appoint a receiver in Mr. Wells’ case. So far as tho Court was informed Mr. Wells had no relatives in New York, so there was no one to notify.” ut he has relatives?" ‘ertainly.”” here?” ‘Here, residing in New York.” “Did Sibley know of it 7” “Well, I’m sure I don’t know what Mr. Sibley knew. It is immaterial, The fact is the relatives are here. We shall not attempt to remove the re- ceiver, but go at once to the muin issue. Mr. Wells and his counsel will appear before the commission on Wednesday next. Idon’t think much time will be needed to show whether Mr. Wells is competent or not.” “There is no truth in the report that visitors are denied adinittance when they cull, is there?” “I don't know. Iknow they can’t keep me from seeing him. He ci here regularly, and thus far has borne the imp@@ations with characteristic calm- ness.” “Will you show us the moving papers on which the Court granted a receiver?” “You can find them on file in the clerk’s office. T'd prefer you would see them there.” “You will certainly be ready to go on on Wednes- day ¥”" “Certainly. We are ready now.” WHAT TELLER SMITH SAYS. ‘The publicity given this extraordinary case by the Henavp has attracted universal attention to the possibilities of legal action based on ex parte papers. Mr, Wells is so well known in finun- cial circles in this city and so raped known in Brooklyn that the people of bot! cities are anxious to understand on what grounds and for what reason the Court permitted a man to be thus summarily dispossessed ot every dollar he had in the world, and to literally turned into the street, locked ovt from the office of which he is pay- ing the rent, as he has paid it tor more than forty years, After considerable difficulty the papers were Obtained and a digest of the more important ones are herewith given. i In the affidavit of Mr. A. N. Smith, the paying teller of the Union National Bank, he says that he has known Mr. Wells a great many years and that ho is now a depositor in his bank; that during the past eight months he has at times been more ar less ‘at- tected by an alienation of mind, rendering him unfit for the time being to have the government of him- selt or the management of his affairs; tat he has seen Mr. Wells frequently, uni, to the best of his judgment and belief,’ be has been for the whole of eight months of unsound mind and understanding. Mr. Smith says that the language and actions of Mr. Wells are those of an in- sane on; that he has ample resources and is re- uted to be ‘the owner of a very large umount of ividend paying stocks and bonds in various corpora- tions, end that until within the last eight months he has always been most careful, prompt and intelligent in his transactions with tho bank, keeping his dratts by checks always within his cash balsuces, but that since the time named ho has, iu various ways and by his and actions in reference to his bank at- fairs with deponent, by overdrafts of his accounts under circumstances clearly indicating aberration of mind aud understanding, and excused or explained by him by impossible and unreasonable statement convinced him that Mr. Wells is now of unsoun mind and understanding, and unfit for the govern- ment of himself and the management of his affairs. Mr. Smith is a resident ot Elizabeth, where Mr. Sibley, second cousin and lawyer in the case, and Mr. Clapp, second cousin and petitioner, also reside. He pas 4 has noticed many things that convinced him that Mr. Wells would be better off if his affairs were managed for hii by honest and expert men. WHAT SECRETARY FITCH SAYS. Considerable stress is laid by the prosecution on the affidavit of Mr. Fitch, who has been long and fa- vorably known in the business community as the secretary of the Farmer's Loan and Trust Company. Mr. Fitch has known Mr. Wells for more than thirty years, and considers himself his friend, as well as neighbor. Mr. Fitch says, unhesi- tatingly, that Mr. Wells is affected an y aberration of mind, and is unfit to care for himself ‘and his property. He says that Mr. Wells has for years been in the habit of talking with him and con- sulting him about his affairs, and that for six months past he has considered him of unsound mind and re- jurded him as an insane person. He instances Ge Wells’ coming to ‘him with 8 diy- idend check ‘drawn by the New York, New Haven and Hartford. Railroad Company. in which he holds stock, and asking if it was good for anything. He further says that he bas often tried to impress on Mr. Wells’ mind the difference between the principal and interest coupons ot the bouds held by im ot the Evansville, Terre Haute and Chicago Rali- road Company, but that the language and actions of Mr. Wells were invariably those of a person of unsound mind, although thitherto he had regarded him person of unusual care and intelligence in financ matters, having large interests in railroads and other corporations, which he always managed with grest discretion and good judgment. Mr. Fitch relute: Oo that Mr. Wells bas a large property in real estate and wacnalty. He considers himselt indorsed in this judgment by all connected with the Trust Company and so swears in his affidavit. REMARKABLE STATEMENT OF COUSIN GrORGE. In view of the fact that cousins, second cousins and cousins by the dozens are developing from city and country, so that the leaves of the Vallambrosa Vale are as numerically naught to them, the affidavit of Cousiy George Sibley will attract interest and at- tention. "According to Mr. Wells, who talked with roguish twinkles in his eyes, there are Tafts enough in New York city to make & respectable funerai_ pro- ceasion, none of whom were notified to appear when Mr. Van Sindcrin was appointed receiver of their be- loved cousin's estate. In_ bis affidavit Mr. Sibley regretfully remarks, but his language is plain, that he has known Mr. Wells for more than ten years past (Mr. Wells, it will be remembered, is seventy-nine years old and cousin George Sibley appears to be fifty at least, so that the intimacy must have begun rather late in life), and that he (George) is a “relative of said Wells, being the son of a deceased cousin of said Weils— viz., Mary Augusta, daughter of Dr. Richard Wells, which Dr, Richard Wells was a brother of Corneiius Wells, father of said J. 1. Wells;"’ that Mr. Wells has never been married and has no relatives living nearer akin than his (George's) mother was, and that Mr, Wells (aged seventy-nine) has no father, mother, brother or sister, uucies or aunts, and no relatives of his own blood except the descendants of his uncle and his aunt. Mr. Sibley then goes on to say that his second cousin Wells 1: nerally reputed’ to be @ man of wealth, owning estate in New York and elsewhere, and stocks, bonds aud other securities of large amount and value aud “has an office ostensibly tor the transaction of business at No, 117 Maiden lane.” ot meresigg J that Mr. Welis has been “ostensibly” transacting business in No. 117 Maiden lane for up- ward of forty years, Mr. Sibley’s affidavit is regarded’ with peculiar interest by botu the old man and his counsel. But, after ail, the story ot Mr. W home. life as by his landlady, Miss Ruckel, will be read with most interest. THR LNKIDE LIFE OF THE ECCENTUIC. Miss Sop! uckels is a venerable lady,of Woodhull street, Bri 'n, and, tor a consideration, has kindiy atforded Mr. Wells # home in her boarding house for nearly # quarter of a century. In her sworn story Mixa Ruckels says that during the many years Mi. ‘Wells has been an inmate ot her family 6) great measure from iwotives of friendship, taken vharge of him and his household eifecs and ward- robe, and that by on of her itimate relations through so many years she knows his habits, language, manners and acts, and that she has tor very many years kuown of his family affairs and that ho has no relatives nearer than first cousins. Mr. Wells’ $100,000, but the receiver has already tou $285,000 and “more returns to be heard from the teller thinks Mr. Wells has been insane eight months and the tery puts it at fix months, Mise Ruckels swears that for two years past he has been more or less aflected by an alienation of mind, ohe bases her beliet upon innumerable acts and say- ings of Mr. Wells at home, where she had abundant opportunity to see and judge. She says that one day last November Mr. Weils left his home to yo to his ottice, where he spent the day, but did not rewurn home in the evening, as sual. Hix habits were so regular, it seems, that — this attracted attention, and the other boarders, being much surprised, waited in patience until ebout ten %'clock. ‘They coulda’t bear the suspouse any longer and certain of “the male boarders” started out to find him, but although they stayed out until “two o'clock in the morning,” they failed to find the old man, who was evidently anight of it, The neat , after breakfast, Miss Ruckels went over her- selt and there sat the old gentleman,calm and placid, at his desk. She asked him where he had been, He said he bad been to Albany. She argued that he couldn't have gone and yot back, and insisted upon kuowing where he had spent the night. With a per- versity characteristic of insanity the old tleman stuck to his Albany story, and all his lady's ingenuity failec to make him own up that he had passed the night in any place except where he, in 0 full maturity of life, had @ right to be, ‘That settled it. Any boarder who would deliberately tell his land- lady that he Lad been to Albany when he hadn’t was obviously insane, Continuing, Miss Ruckel says that her naughty boarder constantly refers to daily visits he is com- led to make to the office of certain New York lawyers, for the purpose of having his last will aud testament drawn up, and that these lawyers have pos- session of his books for that purpose. Mr. Wells, according to |, is seventy- nine or eighty zane cf age and possessed of large wealth, so that bis having a last will and testament drawn is another evidence of insanity. It appears also that Mr. Wells, who seems to have arich vein of humor, is given to tantalizing. One day he denies the relationship of his cousins and his aunts, the nextday he accepts them; and this, in view ot his possible will and testament, kecps the whole family in an uproar. Now and then Mr. Wells surprises the landlady and boarders by wear- ing his Sunday clothes on week ae Miss Ruckel also says that, althongh the old gentle- mau is very rich, he keeps a ‘very indecent and inadequate wardrobe, and is rapidly becoming so negligent of his dress as to offend his fellow bourd- ers.” Inthis the HeraLp representative confirms the lady, and, indeed, the old gentleman himselt, ad- mits that he his money by saving it. It’ ap- pears, however, that he uses old rags —never a new one—for handkerchiefs, and accumulates many old pairs of pants, unfit for wear, in his closet; and each yy he binds'a tattered and begrimed tippet about his waist, omitting to wear his overcoat when the weather is biting cold. Within the last four wecks Mr. Wells, according to Miss Buckle, has forgotten the location of the bath room and wanders up stairs and down stairs in search of it, His endeavor to unlock bureau draw- ers with his, door key keeps the whole household in @ state of anxiety, and his insisting that he ought to pay her and bis washerwomah double whut he owed them, is regarded as evidence that he is utterly ‘unfit to manage his own affairs, In conclusion Miss Ruckel reiterates her assertion that the poor old man is and has been “for more than two years of unsound mind and understanding, and is utterly unfit to govern himself and manage his affairs-with intelligence and reason and understand- ing, and that her household recognize it as a noto- rious fact.” ‘There has not been in years a more profound ex- citewent than exists concerning the case of Mr. Wells, and the session of the Lunacy Commission on Wednesday next will be regarded with widespread interest by thousands wpo know the party to be in- vestigated and by thousands of the public who are interested in the fate of a rich old man whose rela- tives are dead and whose eccentricities are notorious. THE DEAD PRIEST. FUNERAL SERVICES OVER THE REMAINS OF FATHER PELLETIER AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S CHURCH. ‘The funeral services over the remains of the late Rev. Father Alphonsus Pelletier, S. J., whose sudden death occurred last Wednesday evening while he was in the act of performing a marriage ceremony, took place yesterday morning at the Church of St. Francis Xavier, Sixteenth street, near Sixth avenue. The sa- ered edifice was crowded on the occasion with sor- rowing friends of the deceased clergyman, among them being representatives from the Jesuit colleges of Fordham and New Jersey. All the students of St. Francis Xavier's College were present and occupied seats in the galleries. The altar was covered with black cloth, and the remains, robed in the full vest ments of the dead priest's office and bearing achalice in his clasped hands, rested upon a catafulque at the head of the centre aisle in front of the sanctuary and were inclosed ins plain coffin without ornament of any description. ; The beretta and stole worn by. the deceased lay upon the coffin lid, and a set of lighted candelabra was placed on each side, near the head, throwing a faint light on the regular features of the dead priest. The ceremonies were conducted with great simplicity, in accordance with the rules of the joty of Jesus. At half-past seven o'clock the office tor lead was recited, Rev. Father David Merrick officiating, after which a solemn — nase was celebrated for the repose of the soul of the deceased. At this service the Very Rev. ‘Theophilus Charaux, Superior General of the Jesuits, officiated, assisted by Rev. Father Drummond, 3, J.; Rev. Father MacGoldric, 8. J., and Rev. Father Theo- dore Thiry, 8.J. A portion of the choir was in at- tendance and sang responses to the “Liberal.” At the conclusion of the ceremonies more than an hour was consumed by the immense congregatien in slowly filing around the coffin and taking a parting look at the fa00 ot the dead. Two floral tributes, one a crown of immortelles, surmounted by a small cross; the othor a pillow formed of lilies and tube- roses, bearing the words ‘Rest in peace,” were re- ceived from friends of the deceased, while the chil- dren of the Convent of the Sacred Heart sent a basket ot rare exotics. Among the clergymen who were seated to the right and of the sanctuary within the cl rail were Rev. Joseph Shea, 8. J.; Rey. Father Duranquet, 8. v. Father Mignard, ; Rev. Patrick Dealy, 8. Rev. A. J. Thebaux, 8. J.; Rev. Henry Feresiani, 8. J.; Rev. Francis Michel, 8. J.; Rev. John Hoiser, 8. Rev. John Cunningham, S,J.; Rev, Raphael Gelinas, $. J.; Rov. Richard Wyte, 8. J.; vy. Samuel Fisher, 8. J.,and Rev. Hugh Langbois, 8. J. The remains’ were conveyed by special train to Maresa, West Park, Ulster county, N. for inter- ment in the plot of the Society of Jesus. It is un- derstood that Rev. Raphael Gelinas will succeed Father Pelietier as minister of the college. BUT ONE BANK NOTE COMPANY. The directors and trustees of the American, Na- tional and Continental Bank Note companies yester- day consolidated these three corporations into one, under the name of the American Bank Note Com- pany. The business, apparatus and machinery of the Continental and National Bank Note com- panies will be transferred to the present ei the American Bank Note Com- y. The new company will properl fase existence when the Ly oy papens ‘Dave: take filed with the Secretary of the State of New York. The act of incorporation of the new company will be invested in the following thirteen trustees, who have been chosen trom the officers of the three compa- nies:—James Macdonough, Theodore H. Freeland, Powe § er Meyer, Joseph W. Drexel, Augustus D, Shepat . L. Van Zandt, A. G. Goodall, T, H. Por- ter, George H. Danforth, J. Touro Robertson, Geo! H. Stayner, P. Lounsbury and W. M. Sunillies tt ix expected that the officers of the new company will be elected during the coming week. A VALET’S ESCAPADE. ‘There came before Judge Kasmire, at the Fifty- seventh Street Court, on Thursday, a comely young Irish woman, named Mrs. Annie Reeves, who charged her husband, George, with having abandoned herself and three children and eloped with another woman. Her story was substantially as follows:—Her hus- band some time ago was valet to a gentleman resid- ing on Pifth avenue, while his family occupied apart ments at No. 246 West Forty-seventh street. In the course of his duties as valet’ Reeves froquently came in contact with a buxom German girl, named Louisa, who officiated in the household as second cook, and who had a snug sum in the nk. Reeves and the girl became inti- mate and finally eloped, Louisa furnishing the money wherewith to procure a passage ticket for Liverpool. The pair on the 11th of Jauuary went to Boston and there remained in concealment till Fri- day of last week, When they returned to this city and sailed tor Liverpool on the City of Chester, the Lega vagy day. All this was known to Reeves’ wife, but the steamer had sailed, and she was in despair. Tho trite saying that it is ‘an ill wind that blows nobody good” was signally illustrated in her case. A broken shaft necessitated the return of the City of Chester to port, with Reeves aud his companion. They came ashore, and Mrs. Reeves being apprised of the fact at once ins‘i- tuted a search for them. She discovered that they were lodging temporarily in @ boarding house in Spring # On the recital of the foregoing facts Judge Kas mire at once issued a warrant for lteeves’ rrest, and Sergeant Osborne, of Court squad, entrusted it to Officer Cornelius Foley, who took Reeves into cus- tody yesterday on tho nm pier, whither he had gone to have his ta stamped by way of exchange on the steamer City of With Officer Foley was the wife of Geo: wnd when confronted with her Reeves im; wivencss. On his way to the court he told the officer that he was going to a to better his cireum- stance and that i€ fortune favored him he ad intended to send for his wife wnd children, As far as Louisa was concerned, he said he had merely availed himself of her prepos- seasion in his favor to obtain a passage to England, where @ legacy of £360 was awaiting him, and he in- tended to get rid of her as soun us he reached the other side, Tee was committed by Indyo Kasmire for ex- amination, A WILL WITH A WARNING. ‘The will of the late George Francis Thayer, who died in Brooklyn, December 29, leaving property valued at $6,000, was offered in the Kings County Surrogate’s Court for probate yesterday, After ap] tte hoe wife as executrix of his will, the de- cedent’s last will and testament sets forth:—‘And L caution all lawyers, pettifogyers, quibblers, of what- soover name and nature, to beware how they try to overturn or set aside any portion Of the foregoing, or shail try to divert from my intentions any of my aforesaid bequests.’ SAPETY AT SEA. Further Investigation of the Interior Regulations of the Ocean Steamships. TRSTS OF THE WATERTIGHT COMPARTMENTS, Thoroughness of the English In- spection System. paris aC eS In continuance of the investigation into the regulations in vogue on board the ocean steamships regarding the means for delaying or preventing their sinking in the event of disaster a reporter yesterday visited Mr, F, W. J. Hurst, the agent of the National liue in this city, and was cheerfully granted an inter- view. Mr. Hurst expressed the opimon that no iron vessel could long remain afloat after being struck amidsbip with the force imparted by a speed of sixor seven knots an hour, The National company enforced strict regulations in regard to the closing and open- ing of the bulkhead valves. “You don’t suppose, do you,” said he, “that any captain would be tool enough to endanger his own life by neglecting to en- force this rule? All of our ships have watertight compartments, but we have never had much experi- ence in testing their utility. Only one of our ships was ever stove in, and that was the England. She's in port now, and, by the way, you had betier go on board and see Captain Thompson.” ON BOARD A NATIONAL STEAMER. The reporter accepted the invitation and, being furnished with a note of introduction, he soon after- ward knocked at the door of Captain Thompson's chart room, on board the England, The Captain, after learning his errand, unrolled a sheer plan of the ship, in which the bulkheads, pumps and valves were all clearly shown. This he preserves for the as- sistance of the English inspecting officer, who makes a survey every six months before a new government certificate tor carrying passengers can be obtained. The sluices in the bilge are then opened and water is allowed to run through them in order to test the pumps. It is necessary, in order to keep them in order, to clean them at the end of every voyage. Otherwise the valves would probably rust and be- come clogged and, when the moment of danger ar- rived, could not be opened. The English system of inspection enforces a certain discipline amony the ofiicers of the ship which is unknown under the American merchant flag, and this example might be followed with great advantage by our government. “The England,” said Captain Thompson, “has seven watertight compartments, and every one of them is supplied with the means of being pumped out from the deck without opening the valves con- necting it with thé engine room. Suction pipes trom the engine pump extend to every distinct department of the ship, with the exception of the small division in the bow, which is drained by a powerful hand pump. The donkey engine works the other deck pumps, but they can also be connected with the main engines by means of steam winches, which are at- tached to every one of them. By our English system of survey it is impossible to sail without having all these arrangements in perfect order. The inspecting officer takes note of the sizes of the pumps, the quan- tity of water they will discharge in a given time, has the sluices opened, measures the capacity of the water tanks and condensers, and examines boats, anchors, compasses, &c., even down to the number of flags we carry.” “How high are your bulkheads?” “They run up to the spar deck. Each of the three decks is of iron and watertight in itself.” RULES RESPECTING THE SLUICES, “And what regulations have you with regard to the working of the sluice valves?” “They are never opened except on the orders of the first mate or the captain. ‘The carpenter sounds the holds twice a day—at eight bells in the morning and ateight bells in the afternoon. He then reports to the first officer the depth of water on board if there is any, and it is entered on the log book. It 1s im. possible for the carpenter to evade this duty. He could not delegate it to @ seaman, because no seaman would undertake to do what he knows is within the carpenter's province. The engineers, too, are always watching the condition of the sluices and the state of the bilge water, as they prefer to pump it out at stated intervals, so that too much of it will not accumulate at once. Any neglect to report it prop- pind to the chief officer would soon be detected by em."” “Are the sluices ever left open during the time the steamer is in port?” “No; they are always sapponed, to be shut except barre pumping is being done, or when they are tested.” “Do you think that on a vessel of your line the rupture of one compartment by a collision would cause her to sink 7" “Ido not, although on one-half the ocean steamers afloat such would be the case if they were at the time 8] at the rate of five or six knots an hour, 0 the England encountered an iceberg. Her bow was broken open and the forward compart- ment filled with water. She did not experience the least inconvenience. The rest of her hold was dry and she came into port in perfect safety.” * THE FRENCH STEAMSHIPS. The General Transatlantic Company's agent, Mr. Louis de Bébian, when questioned, said that all of their steamships coming to this port are provided with watertight bulkheads, “My own idea,” said Mr. de Bébian, “is that longi- tudinal compartments would be much better than those which are now employed. The bulkhead valves on our vessels are always ger both in port and at sea, except when it is ired to let the ‘water from one hold into another.” pe these cargo doors above the ceiling of the ip?” “Yes, sir, They, of course, are open part of the time in port to facilitate the stowing of the cargo.” “Do you not think that a steamer may somotimes sail with these apertures open through the neglect or oversight of some person?” the Ido not, Our rules atrict.” in that respect are very ‘How do you account for the sudden going down of so many ocean steamers when struck, while the sailing vessels which collide with them ygencrally » to harbor?" e do not fear collisions with steamers. With their steam steering gear they can be turned very quickly, and besides there is always au officer in command of the wheel. But on sailing vessels a common seaman is generally placed in charge of the helm, and halt the time they carry no light in the rigging. If, suddenly, on a dark night, the steersman sees » ship loom up before him he is’ just as apt to lose all self-possession as he is not to. ‘My God!’ he exclaims, ‘what todo?’ He first puts the rudder one way; then he is seized with new terror and puts it hard on to the other quarter, In the meantime the steamer, it it be one, has already shifted her course to correspond with his first move- ment, and the next moment,” concluded the French- man, bringing his hands together loudly, “the crash comes. The steamer, taken abaft her bow, in consequence of the seaman’s idiotic mana@uvres, gen- erally receives # terrific blow, which sends her straight to the bottom.” “You think, then, that longitudinal compartments might eave her from sinking?” “I think so, and Ishould like to seo the idea ap- plied. But I am not an expert in naval construction, and would prefer that some one else's opinion should be given on this subject. Certainly the present sys- tem does not fully answer its purpose.’ THE WHITE STAR LINK. A visit to the steamer Adriatic, of the White Star line, elicited the intormation that, like each of its consorts, it has seven watertight bulkheads and eight compartinents. The former are carried up to the main deck and the aft bulkheads to the spar deck, there being a watertight door connecting the eons bed staterooms han Bh bv ory The regulations of the com: ire that the sluicos should always be closet, exoeyt when they are used for letting water through the buikheads. Each hold is furnished with a pump, which is worked either by hand or by steam. The valves, w! are moved by means of levers from the deck, are carefully in- apected by the carpenter once @ week, and sounding is done twice daily. ‘ The first officer of the Adriatic expressed the opinion that the sluices of the Pommerania were prob- open when she was struck, In the consequent confusion they could not be closed quickly enough to prevent much mischief being done, and perhaps they ‘were not closed at all. He thought it was a wrong practice to let the water drain into the well under the engine room, except only when trying the sluices. The better way was to pump di from cach separate hold. The other coprse might beget a habit of leaving the sluices open, or the carpenter after opening them might be called away to some other aiy a forget to close them again, “Ordini i said he, “an iron ship is much drier than & wooden one. We have often found less water in her bilge at the end of a voyage than there was at the begin- ning, while on a wooden ship I have known the pumps to be kept going for 125 days without pause.” THR GUION LINK. Mr. A. M. Underhill, of Williams & Guion’s line, showed to the reporter the plan of the new steam. ship which is now being built for them. It is to contain seven bulkheads. Most of its sister vessels have only six. The accompanying sketch will give ® gene: idea of the forward half of a ship thas arrauged, The decks are of iron, and it will be seen that there are openings above as well as below the ceiling c , o ¥F ©O.—Spar deck. Bilge. DD, EE and PE—Bulkheads, J.J, and J.—Stnices, “Our regulations,” said Mr. Underhill, regard to the keeping of the bulkheads tig) the sume as those of the British government, as we = under that flag. I do not know exactly what they are,” “Are they strictly enforced?” bg Jertainly.”” at ‘Have you never known or heard of an instance in which a steamship has sailed with the communica- tion between the compartments open?’ “T have heard of such instances.” ‘ill you give me the names of the vessels?’, You ask me too much, That would be ‘giving myself away’ very badly.” “Can you remember @ serious collision betweén an an iron ship and a wooden one in which the former did not go down ? In other words, can you illustrate from actual experience the efticiency of the present system of bulkhead construction ? “We have never had any disasters on our line of much importance. One of our vessels, the Chicago, once ran into an iceberg and stove in her whole bow. She afterward steamed about fourteen hundred miles into port. Her forward compartment was tull of water, but it got no further.” THE WRONG LINE, Orrick CROMWELL STEAMSHIP pa New Yonk, Jan. 31, 1879. Yo tux Epitor or THE HERaLp:— The article “Safety at Sea,”’ gives us great satisfac- tion, but your error is in crediting the Hudson to the “Alexandre line” instead of ours—tho ‘Cromwell line.” Yours, respectfully, CLARK & SEAMAN, BARRED FROM HIS PULPIT. TROUBLE IN A COLORED CHURCH IN AMITY- VILLE—A PASTOR WHO MARRIED AS HE PLEASED. $ ‘The people of Amityville, L. I., are enjoying a lively quarrel in the African Methodist Episcopal Church of that place. The brethren and sisters have not always been in accord with their shep- herd, and one at least had to leave very unceremoniously some time ago. The Confer- ence last spring sent the Rev. A. C. Ackworth to preside over the flock, and he met with a flattering re- ception. Being single, mammas with marriageble daughters vied with each other in entertaining him, and on every hand his favor was courted. He drew large congregations of his own color, aud many white people attended. ‘Once or twice he was visited by a young lady whom he neglected to introduce to the members of his congregation, and with this began murmurings of discontent. The mammas did not think him quite the man for the place, and the papas were in- dinea to agree with them, but nothing had occurred to give them cause for complaint to the official board or the Conference.. The breach grew gradually wider, until Pastor Ackworth went into another neigh- borhood and took unto himself a wire, and that with- out acquainting his congregation of his intention. When he returned to his je some ot the white residents thought he ought to have a reception. and, being himself nothing loath, a self-constituted co: mittee hired Ketcham’s Hall und perfected the ar- rangements. Dr. Preston was to read a congratula- tory address. When the evening for the reception came, instead of the colored people of the village there came a numerous delegation from the home of the bride, anda merry night was —_ The Amityvil- lians could not rest under this slight, and war was declared by the brothers and sisters. Brother Bur- ton charged the shepherd with misquoting the Scrip- tures, Another brother charged him wit grammatical sentences and applying wro! Compluint was made to the Conference, and it is said that a promise was made to senda new preacher. The Conference met in Jamaica last Saturday, but the subject of Mr. Ackworth’s removal was not broached. SERVICES NOT REQUIRED. Last Sunday morning Pastor Ackworth filled the pulpit as usual. The con; ation was ‘small. He was given to understand that his presence was ob- jectionable, but he thought the failure of the Confer- ence to withdraw him gave him a title to the place, and he would have his rights protected by the law if necessary. The feeling was now at tever heat. Word went round during the afternoon that the pastor would not be permitted to again, and in expectation of a big row the church was packed in the evening by a mixed congregation. Ackworth walked up the aisle with @ small testament and hymn book in one hand, and his beaver hat, yesoiaees for his wedding, in the other. The girls tittered and raised themselves in their seats to got a better view. When the pastor reached the chancel he was stop) hy reine Bur- ton, who informed him would not be permitted to again occupy the puipit. Modest words ensued, and rother irton, being well backed up, showed his pastor tos seat in the rear of the church, ‘The lights were suddenly blown out, and hooting and cat-cails followed, it is said. ‘There has been no reconciliation as yet. Yes- terday Pastor Ackworth could not be found. It was said ne had gone to New York, and no one knew when he would return, if at all, ‘The trustees did not care to talk of the matter. When the Conference dis- countenanced them they could afford to discounte- nance the Conference, and if a preacher did not come up to their ideas they would not employ him. HARLEMS COLORED BELLE, Miss Melinda Cooke lives at No. 319 East 122d st., and is looked upon as the belle of the colored coterie in Harlem, Last Wednesday morning Melinda seated herself in the second story window of her mother’s residence and began washing the glass. A few mo- ments later, happening to glance downward, she observed Ned Stevenson, the “beau” of the negro quarter, looking at her through a spyglass. Me- linda emptied o dipper of water on Ned's pate, and the latter demanded an explana tion. Melinda puckered ner nose and mouth, and Ned, much excited, dared her to come down. Melinda told him net to be in a hurry, and, selectin, from her mother’s room a pair of shears anda can Pepper, hastened to the front stoop. The “beau” yreeted her with a blow betwoen the eyes and the threw the pepper in his face. Then the roared with pain and struck out right and Melinda defended herself with the scissors and ‘Then Melinda ran up to Judge She took it to his house and handed it to the “beau,” who tore it up, and, taking the “belle’s” head under his arm, finished the work of tho morning. Again Melinda eng before Judge Duffy, and this time His onor told Officer F an to arrest the “beau.” ned in the Harlem “beau lett. finally Ned ran away. Daffy and got a summons for Ned. Yesterday Stevenson was arr: Police Court. Behind him stood in a row froim. fit- teen to twenty witnesses. Judge Dufty heard them all, and then, seeing that Ned was “defiant,” told him he would have to find bail in $300 to keep the peace for six mouths. To tae Eprron or THE Henanp:— The press generally so misunderstands my rela tions to the recent arrest of deputy election marshals and to the Marshal's office that in justice to Mr. Payne, if not to myself, I crave room for the follow- ing statement :— After the election information came to me, through no action direct or indirect of mine, but doubtless in consequence of the Biglin contest, that frauds on the government had been committed by the payment of money to deputy marshals who had done no duty as such. I sent it to the Attorney Gel . In reply he sent @ special agent here, who, after some png O requested me, on behalf of the it of Justice, to inquire into the matter and report to the Dibtrict Attorne: such fucts as I ascertained. This I did, and wit! that action my connection with the matter ceased. So far as anything I ascertained is concerned to have been no blame on rt of the, Marshal's office. Mr. Payne certainly took grester care than have ever known viously, but he was imposed upon by sume of his chief deputy marshals, hy at the request of the local 01 izations. ie result was that money for five ‘8’ services cach as deputy marshals was paid to two men, who also drew 48 inspectors of election; to otie uuu who wotked all the days of registration as # carrier in the Post Office; to another man who worked till four every aiternoon on the elevator in the Post Office, to another who did no duty, but transferred his badge and commission to a on to whom he paid « dollar a day, while he drew ‘lay tor not doing the same services. There were other similar cases. If the result of what the papers call the “Biglin-Bliss imbroulio” is — nothi more than to expose and prevent such practices it will have done some good, To prevent misapprehension, let me add that no co: copiaint has been made against any one who is believed to have actually done duty #4 election mar- shal, though he may have held at the game time some other public position, GEORGE BLISs. ‘THE D., L, AND W. RAILROAD COMPANY. The Board of Directors of the Delaware, Lacks- wanna and Western Railroad Compzny met yesterday at their rooms, No, 26 Kxehange statement was read, showing ® net cost of rental of leased lines of $40,700 17, ALICE SWIFTS FORTUNE. How a Grocer’s Wife Became the Heiress of Two Millions, AND STILL SELLS BARLEY. A Curious Family History of Three Generations, The will of Catherine Ann Whelan, of this cite, who died about two.months ago, was offered for pro- bate yesterday in the Surrogate’s office, and tho amount of the property devised was stated to be £400,000, So large an estate, devised absolutely and entirely to one person, as it was, excited no small in- terest among the officials of the office, and Mrs, Alice Swift, the exeeutrix and sole legatee, who pre- sented the will, told willingly enough a most roman- tic story of the estate. The will itself is a brief docu- ment, drawn up after the usual forms, and reads ag tollows:— THe WiLL I, Catherine Ann Whelan, of th of New York (daughter of James Whe! of the age of twenty-ono years and mako, publish and declare this to be my ae ment, in manner and form us follows :—First, 1 authorize, empower and direct my executor and executrix, hereinat- ter named, to sell, provided they deem it advisable, all m:; |. personal and mixed property that I may be sele Possouved of or entitled to, both in the United America and In E ngland, or wherever the Ly situated at the time of my decease, and from the proceeds of such sale or sales pay all my debts and fu- neral expenses. Second, I hereby ive, devise and bequeath absolutely to my aunt, Alice Swift, wife of Owen uty and State of New York, all of my id to hold the sai to her and her igns forover. Third, I hereby. nominate, y, constitute and int Swift und said Alic his wifo, both of the city, county und Stato aforesaid. exes: utor and exeentrix of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other or former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 4th day of October, 1878, and affixed my seal. ISWAL} CATHERINE anh WHELAN, The will is witnessed by George R. Haydock, Eliza Manley and Lizzie Sellers, all of this city. “AN UNEQUAL MARRIAGE. The story of the cstate, as told by the executrix in the Surrogate’s office, and obtained from the counsel (who, singularly enough, desired that their names should not be mentioned), is, that over half a century ago Miss Caroline Hill, the grandmother of the tes- tatrix, eloped with her father’s butler and married him, James Clarence Hill, the father of tnis bride, was a clergyman of the Church of England, and was the owner of a handsome fortune in which was in- cluded a noble estate styled Hazel Court, situated in Hertfordshire, England, He had three children— one son and two daughters. The son’s name is not known, but the daughters were Sarah and Caroline. Coroline, who was the heroine of the elopement, is described as having been a handsome and remark- ably talented young woman, whose society was much courted, and who might, had she chosen, have married in her own station in life. There was, how- ever, a young Irishman, named ‘Thomas Whelan, em- oyed as butler in the household, who was also Rantsome, and of manners aud intelligence superior to what might have been expected of a butler, and he it was who cloped with his master’s daughter and married her. There were born of this marriuge five children, the eldest of whom was a boy numed James. Mr. Hill was enraged at first, but, like the obdurate father in the comedics, he relented after a time and took the young couple home to live with him. Here they remained until the boy James was nine years old, when they removed to Limerick and lived there for a dozen years or so, when they cane to New York. A LONG RANGE. In 1853, the story goes, Mr. Hili died, leaving a will by the terms of which the estate of Haze! Court should pass in fee simple to the oldest child of the oldest child of his daughter Caroline and her husband Thomas Whelan, at such time as the suid oldest child, &c., should attain the age of twenty-one years, James Whelan being the first issue of the marriage between Thomas and Caroline Whelan, it followed that his oldest child, if he should have one, would be the heir to the estote, and atter the family had come to America he marricd. Among the neighbors of the Whelans in Limerick was a family named Murphy, in which were two bonny daughters, Catherine and Alice. ‘The Mur- phys came to America shortly after the Whelans, and @ youthful attachment betweea James and Cath- erme developed into a courtship which was followed by marriage. Alice Murphy, in the course of @ little time, married Owen 8 @ well-to-do young A pn ‘The birth of the child to whom should fall the great estate in England was anxiously looked for, for the terms of the will were known, and in due time it was born. be a girl, and was named Cath ‘This girl is the testatrix of the will presented yester. day, and the property was to be hers on her atiainin; her majority. At this point, of course, the date oi her birth comes in question, and, singularly enough, there isa discrepancy in the story told to the HxnaLp reporter by the counsel and that told by Mrs. Swift afte lawyer stated that the girl was born on March 28, 1857; he could not give the date of her death, but said that it was “about two months ago: we don’t know exactly.” Mrs. Swift, however, says that the ¢ was eighteen years old on the 27th of last uly. The will, it will be noticed, says that the testatrix was ‘‘of the age of twenty-one years and upward” at the time of execut: the ‘ument, which was the 4th of October last. It seems probable that this apy will be a hook on which litigation will be likely to nang. AN INVALID HEIRESS, Another child, also a daughter, was born to dames Whelan, but died in its infancy. The heiress, how- ever, grew up, although she was rat 3 delicate, and it was a question whether she would live to inherit the property. Some fourteen years ago her mother died sho was cared for her aunt, Mrs. Swift, On February 26, 1878, her fat died also, and after that time she lived with her aunt entirely up to the time she died. In consideration of the motherly care she had received, and for the love she bore to Ye aunt, she made her will, devising all her estate ner. Mrs. Swift was found yesterday afternoon by the reporter weighing out some barley for a customer in the little grocery store at No. 592 Second avenue, kept by her husband. The shop is of the smallest, being about ten feet by twenty in size, and is well stocked with the usual goods to be seen in a store where the poorer class of people buy their provi- sions, A few hams hung on hooks outside the door, ands array of vegetables in baskets adorned the inn 0 of the sidewalk, while a grocer’s wagon of the stereotyped pattern stood by the curb. Mrs. Swift is apparently between forty aud fift; ears old, with @ face still fair and fres' in 8] und expression. Her eyes are large aud dark with a broad Cee between, giving her a singularly honest, candid look, and the broad, low forehead, across which lies her heavy black bair, just streaked with gray, is smooth and fair, She was dressed in her common working clothes and had over her dress a knit Cardigan jacket of the kind much worn by mechanics. UNDISTURBED BY WEALTH, She answered readily enough in a soft and unusn ally musical voice when the reporter asked her if she would tell hii the story of the estate, but she seerfied at a loss to know what to say, remarking, ‘Chere is nothing more to tell that I know of. I told it all down at the court.” “But it is cortainly a wonderful story that an estate should be left in this way and be claimed in this way,” urged the reporter, “There is nothing wonderful about it that I can he replied. ‘‘We have always known all about it, ever since we lived in Limerick. My sister knew it when she married Whelan.” “Then you knew the Whelans well in Ireland?” “Yes; we were near neighbors.” Vhat kind of a woman was the elder Mrs. Whelan?” “She was a very fine lady, and was very talented— unusually talented, in fact.”” “Was she greatly attached to her husband?” anne much so. They lived very happily together, ways. “Did Mr. Hill ever help them in his lifetime?" I believe not. ip gave them £400 when he “He was a hackman and Hotel. He was always poor, havin hackman makes to support his family. y were all poor, in fact; but we all knew all about the will, and he used to a ote ae a = perty would come to me if she shoul Sion She ex delicate and we did not think only what a 5 always se would live. father's death I took her here to live aud she lived with me until sho died, leave the property to my boy, Jamie, Sy eee be fond of Him, but we AP thoaght that it would be too long to wait before he would grow up, for he is only @ lad now, #0 she left it all to me,” “How old was she?” “she was eighteen years old the 27th of last July.” NO FEAR OF A CONTEST. “Do you expect to obtain the property without any trouble?” ‘ “Gertainly; why not?" “Won't the possession be contested by some of the other members of the family?" “No; they are all dead, Katie was the last." Yho oceupies the te now?!" ‘nat I don't know, fil you go to England to take possession of it?” ‘ow; L shall go over.”” ‘hat ts the value of it?’ “I don't know. They say it is worth £40,000."" She spoke with an utter absence of excitement, aa though Oe story ye had been familiar to her from childhood, and when sho was asked if such ‘of wealth did not seem wonderful she said Mr. Hill has been sent for and will be presented for bate here on its arrival. Inthe meantime Me. wud Swiit will continue to atteud their store as uaual.