The New York Herald Newspaper, February 3, 1879, Page 5

5 “WASHINGTON. Evils of Federal Interference -in Elections. ‘PROPOSED REPEAL OF OBNOXIOUS LAWS. ener Causes Which Cement the Solid South. —--+——. AND HARBOR BILL. ce ki Bs . Work of the Yellow Fever Board of Experts. RIVER FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Wasurnoroy, Feb. 2, 1679, FEDERAL INTERFERENCE IN ELECTIONS—EVILS OF THE EXISTING LAWS AND FEELING IN Fa- YOR OF THEIR REPEAL. ‘The proposition to repeal the clause of section 2,002 of the Revised Statutes, which gives army and navy officers the right to station troops at the polls on the pretence of keeping the peace, revives among judi- cious members of both parties the question whether the time has not come to repeal the whole body of laws authorizing federal marshals, supervisors and other officers to interfere in elections. These laws, most of which give very great and vaguely de- fined powers to a usually low class of officers who are always, in the nature of things, partisans, or what are in the political slang called “good party workers,” were adopted in the exciting days of re- construction. The purpose of those who drew aud adopted them was to mainiain the ascendancy of their party by extraordinary measures, and every- body who has paid attention to their administration knows that they have always given rise to very grave and dangerous abuses, and have certainly, for several years past, caused more evils than they have pre- vented. It is very well understood that these laws give such powers to the agents of the federal administra- tion as enable these to exercise, wherever they want to, very great and wrongful influence over the result of elections; and as these federal election officers are chosen by partisans and are. themselves partisans, se- lected trom the most energetic local politicians, it is certain that, as human nature goes, they will in the greater number of cases try to turn their authority to the advantage of their own party. ‘The democrats, who have been the sufferers from these laws, have always denounced them, and it has been taken for granted that one of the first of their acts, if they should come into power in 1880, would be to repeal the whole mass of them. This ought certainly to be done, and whenever a democratic ad- ministration holds power in Washington there is no doubt that the republicans will eagerly help and per- haps even demand the repeal. But there is reason to fear that it will then be too late, for a good many democrats are even now indisposed to this repeal. They say the republicans have had a very great ad- vantage from these laws fora good many years and they will now wait until it comes to their turn. If enough republicans and democrats would join hands for the ropeal at the present session it could ‘be done, but it would need the help of republican votes. NO FIGHT AMONG THE DEMOCRATS—REPUBLICAN DISAPPOINTMENT—CAUSES OF ‘THE SOLID SOUTH.” Th: disappointment of some of the republicans at the moderate tone and sensible sentiments of most of the Southern speeches on Saturday, und at tho melancholy fact that ‘‘there’s no fight,” as the street boys say, has caused thecirculation of a foolish and of course unfounded story to-day that “tho speeches were “revised by @ committee.” There is’ a very natural desire among the Tepublicans to see the democratic party break to pieces, just as the democrats would like nothing half so well as to see the republican party split asunder. Unfortunately for, the repub- lican hopes they themselves are keeping the South solid for the democrats by their constant threats of interference and their general sectional policy. Mr. Garfield is the only republican who has of late begun to speak the magic words which would rend apart the solid South, and ho stopped short all too soon to be effective. He said in December, in his speech in the House :— So far as I have studied the current of public thought and of political fecling in this country, no feeling has shown itself more strongly than ‘the tendency of the public mind in the past few months, ‘The man who attempts to get up a political excite. ment in this country on the old sectional issues will find himself without a party end withont support. man who wants to serve his country must put himself in the line of its leading thought, and that is the restoration of business, trade, commerce, in- i my, honest money and honest payment of all obligations, and the man who can add anything in the direction of the accomplish- ment of any of these purposes is a public benefactor. But these statesimanlike words apparently found no response in his own party, for he has not gone further on that path. BY SECRETARY SCHURZ. ‘The well ascertained fact that the new Pension la w will take $34,000,000 out of the Treasury and will in- crease the annual payments on thts account about $5,000,000 per annum besides, leads to a very gen- eral desire for such amendments of the Pension laws as shall make the detection of frands and irrogulari- ties more prompt and certain, so that, at least, the Treasury shall not be bled wrongfully, Among the measures suggested and urged by Secretary Schurz is one which looks to a reform very necessary in the judgment of the Commissioner of Pensions. At present pensioners and persons claiming pensions are cxamined by local surgeons, their neighbors, who, oven where they are entirely competent, are naturally apt to lean favorably toward the claimant and against the government. Henee, it is well known, arise abuses which cost the government very heavily every year, persons receiving pensions to which they are not entitled, which is an injustice to the taxpayers and the honest pensioners. To remedy this it is proposed to divide the whole country into pension districts and employ « regular staff of competent surgeons, one for each district, to be paid a salary by the government, and to be re- oe, and subject to be changed from one district to another at the hands of the Pension bureau. sur- geons thus employed would bave no interest adverse to the government. ‘To test the value of examinations by an independent surgeon specially cmployed by the government, the Com- missioner of Pensions two years ago employed a Wiseonsin surgeon of ability to make special exantin- ations in several counties in New York, Ohio and Indiana, with the result that in 491 cases the govern- ment suved in reduced rates and men dropped from the rolls the large sum of $16,824 for two years, p ahi eS FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Wasntxatox, Feb. 2, 1879, THE RIVER AND HARBOR BILL. The sub-committee of the House Committes on Commerce, to which was referrod the River aud Har- bor Appropriation bill, has nearly finished its labor, and will report the bill to-morrow morning at the full meeting of the committes. The aggregate amount of the appropriation will bo nearly $5,500,000, which ix about $2,500,000 less than the bill passed at the last session. The smount agreed upon for the continuation of tho Hell Gate improvement is $250,000, end for the improvement of Charleston Harbor $100,000, ‘Lhe estimates of the Engineer officers have been cut down by the sub-committee, aud the principal amounts hayo been appropriated for the leading commercial centres. The improvements of Long Island Sound, Newport and lrovidence harbors, Piiladelphia, Laltimore and New York have beon well provided for. ‘he sub-committee has aimed, iv the preparation of tho cetimates, to be governed by the actual needs of the localities ashing for literal THE PENSION LAWS—AMENDMENTS Bae NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1879. -TRIPLE SHEET. freer from personal demands and local influences | States Supreme Court were compelled to uphold this | than any bill reported for many years, As is usual | Proce the Senate Committee on Appropriations will increase the amount and probably add a number of improve- ments to be carried on by the Engineer Corps during the coming fiscal year, HE YELLOW FEVER COMMISSION—WORK OF THE BOARD OF EXPERTS CONCLUDED. ‘The Board of Experts appointed to assist the Con- gressional Committee on the yellow fever epidemic has finished its labors and adjourned last night, most of the members returning to their homes. At the request of the chairmen of the Senate and House committees Drs, Mosher, Bemis, Mitchell and Craft will remain in Washington several days, to assist the committee in perfecting a bill to be reported to both houses, ‘The Board of Experts, betore adjourning, agreed upon a resolution whicd is to take the form of a joint resolution to be offered to Congress re- questing the appropriation of a sum sufiicient to complete the work of the board already mapped out, but for the perfection of which several anonths of labor will be reqnired. The resolution proposes alxo that all the testimony tuken by the com- mittee and the Board of Experts shall be printed, and «# sufficient number of copies ordered to enable the Secretary of the Treasury to senda copy to the leading physicians throughout the United States. There are also valuable maps of the infected localities to be prepared, showing the places where the fever prevailed to the greatest ex- tent, and what were the sanitary conditions of the cities and towns where the dit i@ prevailed, to- gether with other data which will be valuable to medical experts in studying the progress of the epi- demic. + GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. Wasurxaton, Feb. 2, 1879, PREVENTION OF YELLOW FEVER—LETTER OF MRS, ELIZABETH THOMPSON 10 THE SPECIAL COMMITTEES ON EPIDEMIC DISEASES. Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson has sent the following letter on means tor the prevention of yellow fever:— WasHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 1, 1 ‘Lo THE, COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE AND House oF REPRESKNTATIVES OF THE CONGRESS OF THE Srares Upon THE Subsecr or EvmeMn SES! GENTLEMEN—The “‘conclusions of the Board of Experts, authorized by Congress to investigate the yel jow fever epidemic of 1874,” fully justify my most sanguine anticipations of the advantages to be derived from the prompt study of the history of the late outbreak, It’ is with reat confidence that I look forward to the leliberations of Congress on this subject, and, with- out presuming to offer any suggestions on broad questions of national and international legislation, I am anxious to direct special attention to the facts and recommendations relating to cold as practically our only prophylactic. ‘Science may help us at once, it we are not remies,and it is to be hoped that im- mediate action will be taken, that, at the earliest pos- sible moment in the ensuing summer, the disintec- tion of ships may be rendered practicable at New refrigerating steamer, by Profes-. sor John Gamgeée, of London, England, are far ad- vanced at the Navy Yard, but it will require at least three months from the date of signing con- tracts to construct this life-saving ship and its ma- chinery. It is to be hoped, therefore, pending the discussion of 1 questions, that Congress may, in its wisdom, see fit to pass such a measure as will ive to this country whatever protection artificial it may afford. "The Board of Experts declare that ‘ships are espe- cially. ey ie and “remain sources of infection ont after having been infected with the poison;”’ that ‘yellow fever poison is not able to withstand the influence of frost, and when exposed to « freezing temperature it is rendered imnocuous and is prol ly destroyed;” that “if the apparatus and experiments now projected for the utilization of ex- treme cold for this purpose should be tound to be of practical application to the disinfection of the holds and other parts of vessels their success would prove to bo a sanitery acquisition of inestimable value.” “Phe losses to this country by the yellow fever uve been variously estimated at sums ranging from $100,000,000 to $200,000,000,"" and it hes been computed that New Orleans alone suffered to the extent of $16,335,000. sa Millions have been spent in ships of war, and I earnestly hope that the opportunity we now have of testing nature's great preventative for yellow fever— cold—inay be taken advantage of with promptitude and liberality. 1 remain, gentlemen, with much respect, your obedient servant, ELIZABETH THOMPSON. NEW YORK APPOINTMENTS—MR. CONKLING SAID TO BE LOSING GROUND. ‘There have beeh animated conversations in the hotels and other places to-day respecting the future action of the Senate on the New York Custom House nominations. It is reported to-night from demo- cratic sources that so far as support from that party in the Senate is concerned Mr,Conkling is losing ground. A prominent Southern Senator is said tu have stated that a number of democrats who have heretofore been thought to hold doubtful positions as to their votes on the pending nominations would now vote for their confirmation, THE POTTER SUB-COMMITTEE FOR NEW YORK-— A HITCH IN THE CHAIRMANSHIP. The Potter sub-committee appointed to take testi- mony in New York did not leave the city to-night, as was arranged, a difficulty having arisen with regard to the chairman. Mr, McMahon, who'was appointed to that post, declares that his duties at Washing- ton are such as to prevent him ing at present, so it was decided to request General Hunton to take his place. The General is away at Warrenton, Va., and his reply has not yet been received. It is thought, however, that as he was a member of the Electoral Commission he may object to take the position of chairman, and it will then fall upon Mr. Stenger, who acted hairman of the sub-committee that was seut to New Orleans. In this caso Mr. Blackburn will take the place of Mr. McMahon, aud the committee will leave Washington on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. NEGOTIATION OF COMMERCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND THE PUNISHMENT OF FRAUDS THEREIN—RE- PORT OF THE. HOUSE COMMERCE COMMITIEE ON MR, HEWITI'S BILL. Representative Bliss, of New York, in behalf of the Committee on Commerce, has submitted to the House of Representatives the following report upon the Dill introduced by Abram 8. Hewitt last session to “facilitate the negotiation of bills of lading and other commercial instruments and to punish frauds therein:— ‘The dill is the outgrowth of the sentiment of the merchants in our commercial centres. The facility for fraud in obtaining advances or credit by bills of exchange, or otherwise, on bills of lading, warchouse receipts and kindred instruments is now so great as to require & semedy. o af commerce and boards of trade in various States have taken action recommending the paseae of such a law as proposed in this bill, and tho State of Maryland in 1876. ed a very similar act intended to confer the same benefits within its jurisdiction. In New York the “Factors’ act,” passed in 1830 and a1 1858 and 1X68, attempted the same thing but tion is partial and far from satisfactory. leav- ‘The objec- tion that the question is one affecting commerce be- tweon the States and with foreign nations, lies to State enactments on the subject, and it is every way preferable that Congress should pass an act which nay apply throughout the country, than that we whould be loft to laws by thirty-cight different States, all relating to the same subject, but doubtless discor- dant and perhaps ambiguous, aud necessarily limited to their own Loundarics. A number of cases decided in the courts will illustrate the evils complained of. "The case of Dows vs. National Exchanye Bank of Milwaukee, teported in the tirst volume of Otto's Uniied States Supreme Court reports is in point. ‘There Dows & Go., in Now York, were naignecs of wcargo of wheat *hipped to them by reputable mor- chants in Oswego, who sent them the bills of lading therefor and drew npon them on account of an ad- vauce on the wheat. Dows & Go. paid the advance, received and offered the wheat for sale, all in tho Poyular and usual cousse of business. But the wheat was replevined by the Milwaukee bank, which claimed to. have made an advance on it there, and had bills of lading tor it to Oswego, where it was traushipped to New York; the consignees in Oswexo were Smith & Uo., selected Uy the bank or its agents and intrusted with the wheat. Siuith & Co, ought to have sent the wheat to snother address, and not to have drawn upon it; but, in violation of their duty to the -bank, Smith & Co. sent it to Dows & Co, and drew against it, and they ad- vauced upon it without any notice of any equities in favor of the bank. Itseems only just that the fread perpetrated by Smith & Co. should fall upon those who trusted the wheat in their hands, who caused to be delivered to them property having no car- quark or apparent lien and gave them the means to fe others, Hut as the law has heretofore stood the Court had, in effect, to decree that Dows & Co, shonid stand this loss instead of the bank, which had trusted the wheat to Smith & Co, The of the Bauk of Toledo Shaw (61 N Y., 304), Ww «similar fraud was perpetrated upon an incorporated banking company by meaus of a ware- house receipt, led its managers to yo out of business: aud wind it ap, a# they thought there was too great insecurity iu making advances to warrant its contin- wanee. ‘Tho case of Hentz va. steamer Idaho, was one where cotton was replevined in Liverpool and taken away from the bankers who had in regular course of business accepted bills of exchange drawn ayainst it appropriations, and it is said the bill, as prepared, is | without notice of any prior equities, aud the United ‘dure, ‘Lhe bill throws proper around com- mercial transactions of this Kind, preserves all equities with notice and punishes fraud, and, 1 our opinion, ought to become # law. ‘The following is the bill referred to:— A bill to tucilitate the negotiation of bills of ladir } and other commercial instruments, and to puni t fraud therein. Be it enacted, &e., That whenever any party, in the course of any commercial transaction between the United States and any foreigu nation, or between any of the United States, shall deliver to any special or common carrier, by land or water, or both, or to any warchouseman or other custodian, any personal property whatever, aud shall take therefor any bill of lading, shipping receipt, warchouse receipt, agree- ment, certiticate or other voucher, in which instru- nent it shall be stated that such property is deliver- able to the order of any purty whatever named therein, the absolute title in full to and the right of possession of such instrument and to any and all ot such personal property mentioned therein, shall be transferable by the indorsement of the party mentioned therein (and subsequent indorsers) and the delivery of such instrument; and upon such in- dorsement and delivery such title and right of pos- session shall immediately vest in the transferee, sub- ject only to any liens and conditions which may be mentioned in said instrument: provided, that if uny such instrument shall state that it is not negotiable, then this section shall not apply to itnor to the prov: ay eee therein; and provided further, that if the actual notice of other equities shall be received by the transferee before settlement or payment he shall be bound by such notice, Sxo, 2.—That this act shall be construed liberally for the. purpose of securing negotiability to all the instruments mentioned, and the transfer of owner- ship of the goods, wares and merchandise or other personal property mentioned in such instruments. SKC. J.--Tuat if any person shall kuowingly make, issue, indorse or treusfer auy iustrument iptended by this act, when the property mentioned therein is not situated as therein mentioned, such person, in addition to any and all other penalties now pre- seribed by law, shall be guilty of # misdemeanor and punished according to law. No party dealing in good faith with any such instrument shall be liable us indorser thereou atter the same shall have been transferred and accepted by the subsequent trans- feree. “HE HUNTON-ALEX!.NDER DIFP2CULTY. General Eppa Hunton, of Virginia, whose indic ment on the ground of, sending a challenge to Mr. Columbus Alexander, in July last, is now being con- sidered by the Grand Jury, said to-night that he would not be surprised if an indictment should be found. He does not, however, anticipate any trouble therefrom, It is rumored to-night that Captain Sheppard, the principal witness in the case, | has left the city PAUL BOYTON. THE FAMOUS NAVIGATOR AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL—INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT— SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION AT THE NAVY YARD. Wasnineton, Feb, 1, 1979. The presence of Captain Paul Boyton in this city for the first time in his eventful career has created quite asocial furore. ‘The famous navigator is now a guest of Dr. Howland, a well known scientist and lecturer, It is very doubtful whether any American has received so much honor and courtesy from the Officials and people in general as the Captain. His general bearing, coupled with his reputa_ tion for personal daring and gallantry, seems to com- mand a respect aud attention that is not ordinary in its character. AT THE WHITE HOUSE. At three o'clock yesterday President Hayes received Captain Boyton at the White House, in company with Captain Merriman, of the revenue service. The Presi- dent was very unreserved in his reception and was high in his praise of the great Captain's achieve- ments in Europe. “If yon refer to life saving, Mr. President,” said the Captain, “I think you labor under a common misapprehension. + My record is seventy-two lives, and they were all saved off the Jersey coast. My efforts were not appreciated, however, in America, and it was not until I visited Europe that I received any recognition whatever. Since I have been awey the honors which have showered in upon me foreign rulers might have put my own countrymen to shame.” The President then asked the Captain what his uniform signified, and, on being intormed, said he was happy to meet an officer of the French Life Saving service socially. “What was the greatest trip you ever made, Cap- tain 7” inqnired the Président. “The voyage down the Tagus, sir. I started just one yeur ago to-day, end was eighteen consecutive days in making I was the first man to carry a flag through the Tagus, for it is unnavigable for 700 kilometres.” “The red cross flag of-universal charity was* the flag of your choice, I suppo a “No, sir,” suid Captain Boyton, promptly. “I curried the American flag the entire length of the voyage. ‘The Spaniards were a little jealous of the distinction, too.” The President expressed great pleasure on being in- formed that the American colors were the first to conquor the Tagus, and wished the gallant Captain many happier voyages in the more congenial waters of America. By request Captain Boyton presented the President with his photograph and signature at- tached, and the President returned the compliment by giving Boyton a large portrait and autograph, “Thayk you, Mr, President,”’ said the Captain. “Among all_my decorations and badges of honor I shall prize this most, as it is given by the President of the United States.” After a short conversation on various topics and an introduction to Mr. Webb Hayes, the President's son, the party departed, und the rest of the day was spent in gencral sightseeing. EXHIBITION AT THE NAVY YARD. This afternoon an invitation exhibition was beld in the Navy Yard before the members of the Senate and House, Just before three o'clock the loud booming of the naval guns announced the arrival of the Pres- ident, accompanied by Mr. Thompson, Secretary of the Navy, and Postmaster General Keys. The Presi- dential launch was swung off at the mouth of the slip in which the experiment was to be made. Among those who joined the Presi- dent and members of the Cabinet were Admiral Scott and Commodore English. The vessels and tor- pedo boats which enclosed the space were covered with flags and the Marine Band was in attendance. The crush along the docks and on the adjacent ves- sels was something fearful, and only the presence of several files of Iarines prevented an accident. About one4hird of the assemblage were ludies and naval officers. Promptly at three o'clock aloud splash was heard at the boat house, on which all yon wore immniedi- ately fixed, and presently Paul Boyton's paddles drove him into sight with a velocity that stif- fened the beantiiul new ‘silk national flag which he carried. Halting in frotit of tho President’s boat Boyton — dipped the — col- ors and the President sainted, the Cabinet members raising their hats. In another moment the American flag was replaced by the well known white colors and the red Geneva Cross, which the captain waved three times in honor of the life saving service officials present. The next feature of the rogramine was the sending of despatches from the ater, and just before the despatéhes were written the boat Baby Mine was seen floating by the cap- fain’s sido, as though she had never gone down in New York Bay among the ice. Fram the hold of tho tiny iron-clad Boyton took two doves, and, attaching a letter to the neck of each, set them free. One flew direct to the city, while the other hovered for a mo- ment just over the President's head, and darted straight for Washington and home. CONSTRUCTING A RAPT. ‘The gathoring together of logs and wreck débris for the Purpose of constructing a raft, and the sub- sequent building, was done in an incredibly short of time, and the manner in which Boyton han- died the hammer and bound the logs together was a lesson to the Navy Yard workingmen. Mounting the raft Boyton illustrated the use of signal fi “ the bugle as distress signals, aud afterward discharged soveral heavy detonating rockets and cloud li; |its. For a few moments the ¢ _— Aisappeares vid then returned cerrying with him a long fishing pole and tackle, on placing which ho pa- tiently settled down to the watch with the air of an experienced angler. In a short time an ay- parent bite was noticeable, and — simultaneously Boyton drew the line out of the water with a finc looking fish on the hook. The surprise had hardly passed than the whole assembly began to give out roars of laughter, which was explained on Enowing that the fish was @ sea perch and it hal beon drawn from the Potomac, a fresh water river. ‘Tl humor of # ho cond not help but shake irrepressible laughter, fe ‘aptain's Jittle devieo had been — rev . The fikh was # dead one, bought at Washington Market and tied to the hook. Lighting « fire in an tron fird cage was a matter of afew minutes, and then Boyton made the assemblage laugh by cleaning and cooking the fish and laying # table on the raft, with table cover, knives, forks, plates, napkins and cruet stand. Boyton then opened @ bottle of beer and drank the health of the President. An awning was then opened and protected the Captain's face while be lit a cigar und read a newspaper, meanwhile fanning himself, to the intense amusement of the chilled spectators. Hails of all kinds wore adjusted and used, aud thon the Captain took from the raft his double-barrelied shotgun and fired shot atter shot in all directions. ‘Two shots were fired in exactly opposite directions with such rapidity that only one report was heard. ‘The Captain wrote 4 number of autograph cards iv the water and handedthem to the spectators, One wiven to Mr, Hayes bore the inseription~Floating compliments of Paul Boyton.” CARRYING A LINE, A life line was next carried trom the boat house to the ship ‘Tallapoosa, to illustrate the carrying line trom a stranded vessel to the shore. Bombs and torpedoes were fired from the little mortar for at- travting attention in mid oceau. Tho lust perform: ance was the blowing up of a smal) full rigged ship by a huge torpedo, ‘Captain Boyton leaves for Pittsburg to-night, des- Fda many invitations to remain. A public invita- n is being gotten up to call Boyton to the city for 8 lecture, as this is the only possible manner in which ¢ van be cornered. ituation so struck President that his sides with OQOUISIANA. Ex Marshal Pitkin Exposes the Con- dition of the State. PLUNDERED BY SCHEMERS. Legislators and Officials Anxious to Repudiate State Debts, THE. COALITION, Bad Times in Store for “Bull- dozers” and Murderers. F WasHINeTos, Feb, 1, 1879. The condition of political affairs in Louisiana wonld seem to be past finding out, so varied and contradictory are the statements’ made by persons either controlled by prejudice or more anxious tor the success of the political party with which they are afiiliated than that the exact truth should be known. That the tie which binds the present dominang party is littlo more than a rope of sand, liable to fall to pieces the moment any other issue is presented than opposition to carpet-bag republicanism, isan ad- mitted fuct; that the better element in the republican party in the State is endeavoring to break away from those who have made the name odious to the intelli- gent and property holding citizens, and form acom- | bination with those who have acted with the democ- ruey ax the choice of two evils, and with a fair | chance of success, is equaily certain, Among the re- publicans of the State there is no one, perhaps, who | has a better knowledge of this movement and the general political condition of this State than ex-Mar- shal Pitkin, now in this city. In a recent interview with the Marshal he kindly expressed himself at length on the subject, as embodied in the following conversation ConkEsPONDENT—AS you are a native of Louisiana and have long been actively identitied with her re- publican politics, I would like to know whether your party can regain there its ascendency in 1880? Mr. Pirxix—I have no doubt that it con and will, but it must be under different conditions trom those which prevailed in our three national elections since reconstruction began, else a republican success would be impossible to achieve, or if achieved impossible to maintain. We have @ vast voting posse, but we need something besides numbers. ConRESPONDENT—What new conditions do you look for? Mr. Prrxis—Well, I look especially to certain re- sponsible elements, comprising merchants, planters | and others, that have already detached themselves from the democracy, and that in their initial experi- ment last November elected in New Orleans a goodly number of their candidates. The fact that these | candidates were wantonly defrauded in the count, which was at the exclusive mercy of democratic com- missioners, has served to quicken a distrust which had impelled them to antagonize the democracy to a determined enmity. These men dared much in arraigning their old party by conservative and na- tional platforms—they meant reform and retrench- ment. But they found themselves thwarted in the count by the very “ring” they soughé to break up. They are left two alternatives—either to succumb to the democracy and its exactions or to persist in fighting it—and they have chosen the lat- ter. The republican numbers are vital to this end, and the conservatives will in the coalition prove valuable leaven to those numbers. A certain class of small republican “leaders, ’.o called, will be elimi- nated, much to the advantage of the republican party. Their object being spoils they will naturally | etake themselves to the “short hair” democracy, against which the nationals and conservatives 8% arrayed. The spoilsmen are naturally dumped together, and the coalition is thus largely disburde* ed of reasons in its personnel for reproach, . DETERMINATION OF THE COALITION, ConnespospENt—Do you regard these ex-demo- matter? Mr. Prrxix—There is no doubt of it. Thoy have left the democracy for # deliberate and laudable pur- pose, which cannot be accomplished save as the re- publican party sharcs in that purpose and lends its stout voting elbows. No republican who has the in- terest alike of the Stato and of his party at heart can refuse co-operation, The conservatives | and nationals will ‘contribute not only a heavy vote, bat mercantile, tax-paying, — banking and social emphasis to the common object. While | the joint forces will compel general reform and tru- gality in the trots of the Commonwealth, reform will ferment as well within the republican party | there; and one party needs it quite as badly as the | other. ‘the ex-democrats indicate a hearty disposi- | tion to act affirmatively with any republican leaders who do not by their past misconduct afford an ad- monition of their unworthiness to enter the coalition. ‘The question is not one of past politics but of a needed result. But there is another important consideration. The democracy countenances the buildozer, for it accepts results assured by him and never disowns him. He will find in 1880 that his occupation is gone, since the conservatives will not only refuse his brutal offices but stand politically at tho side of the blacks, whom ho is wont to shoot or to bully into minori- tics. Here isa valuable police power at hand, and the blacks will be emboldeued to poll their full legitimate figures. It ix a thousand-fold better than rat soldters—a local, permanent guarantee that NO OCCUPATION IX FUTURE FOR THE BULLDOZER. CORKESPONDENT—This is a vew presentation for Louisiana. Do you really think peaceable relations can be maintained through the State? ‘Mn. Prrkin—I am stife they can. The taxpayer is now in pursuit of the tax consumer, who will be un- able to swarin mobs to denounce these joint a democratic elements as he did to denounce republi- can officials whom he supplanted later. The violent element will be on the weaker side, the side where the taxpayers, who were extortionately assessed dur- jug canvasyes to hire and subsist that cloment p liucally, shall have abandoned it. The co servative clement has buttoned up its pocket. ‘The “Ring” will call in vain upon New Orleans mer- chants for much financial succor in the 1880 cam- paign, when @ resolute Executive, resolute judges, sheritfs and prosecutors will be chosen, it is to be hoped. Governor Nicholis admits that atrocities were perpetrated in our late election; but the democ- racy tacitly absolves the perpetrators, its prints mar- vel at even his slight measure of candor and district attorneys and grand juries forbear inquiry. All this | imports fresh License to murder in 1880. ‘The con- servatives, nationals and republicans will forbid it, not only by platform but by lodgement ot the public trusts in firmer hands; and efter t! cast their voto they will see it counted as cast. Muny of the con- sertatives, too, of New Orleans were tormerly white leuytiers; in the country they are largely planters | whe control local opinion, Such men can maintain | their ground against any violent element. It will be tamed to doeility, | ConuesronpENt—Why was it not tamed before now? Mr. Prrkin—Well, the negro entered — an un- welcome jor, His citizenship was the prod of « national government that, hy its pertinacious pornding of the rebellion, had become sorely obnox- sous to the Southern rebel. ‘That a negro should own | himself ard at the elbow of bis late owner stand his civil and political equal, roused a yehement preju- | dice against him, Tais ‘prejudice found brutal « | pression through the muzziex of a class that was jargely the debris of the war and that plied its trade | in inurder solely because the democracy would not disclaim its profit by it. In fact, this brutality seemed so clearly to interpret the democratic temper that the local republican admin- istrutions from 1468 to 1476 reposed little taith in the immature self-assertion of the blacks as a resource for defence und relied upon national soldiery as a necessary eratch to prevent being toppled over. Many republican officials saw that they might not longenjoy their tontve; that every sort of malyer- sation Would be ascribed to them because they were radicals, and = that their own party was not rigid censor upon them; and many cases, I regret to admit, they dishonored their trusts, swooped moneys, sold legislation ‘and yot financial readiness for fligit, The de brood of intemperate leaders who co’ | and more business-like mode ot collection would | | a salary of $5,000 | State, instead of levying its usxessments upon, cach | such pertorm, for instance, in Massachusetts, with a | le to control s majority “in the Convention. ; members of the democratic party, will be found cratic elements as being really in/earnest in this | | offered to assist the State out of the slough in which | as you will see from this official copy of the act, is to offices, organized remonstrances by nob and other- wise, and made coutinuous challenge of republican honesty. ‘Chese leaders are largely the men whose career since in politics aud office and whose control of the democracy have driven the conservatives and nationals out of that party. The republican person- nel from which to select for public stations was very limited—that must be borne in mind. The selections were often most unfortunate. and the best of Governors would, perhaps, have found himself as much embarrassed by his party surroundings as by democrate menaces, hiore the democrats scolded the more some republicans stole in preparation for an cariier Hight, aud the oftener thoy stole or tled the louder and angrier the scolding, til! the mob bel- lowed it on the streets. It inust not be forgotten, however, that there were many honest republican stewards, old and new citizens of Lonisiana, who fitly isch d their duties and live with unchallenged reputations to-day in Louisiana, whitier they came to sta) These wen merit great credit for having maintained theix probity so jealously. The demo- rats have not presented any higher’ standard than have the republicans in the legisletive and adiminis- trative trusts of Louisiana, despite all the abuse heuped upon the latter. THE PLACE FOR HONEST MEN. the federal officers of Louisiana joined the coalition of which you speak? ‘Mr. Pirkix—I have reason for saying that, with 5 two or three exceptions. those officers would, i. be welcomed, by the conservative and na- d certainly could uot, if they were ys with them into the eoali- tion. Men with clean characters and honest purpose are welcome. ives and nationals ex- press hearty contidence that the national adiuinistra- tion will exhibit a disposition to prome their worthy purpose so far as it.can legitimately, The coulition is Louisiaua’s oniy hope and the State creditors’ only hope; it merité prompt encourage- ment, both because of immediate issues at stake and Decunse of 1840, when-we may readily recluim the State and have # pacific olection, in which the con- servative element shall futerpose between the violent and the colored elements, IANA CAN PAY ITS DEBTS, Coanesroxvuny—It is reported here that it is the purpose of the Louisizua democrats to repudiate the State debt, and that for this object chiefly they have called a constitutional convention. What position do the conservatives and republicans of Louisiana occupy on this question? Mr. Prrkin—These elements are entirely hostile to such action. It ix believed by them that the state, though poor, is abundantly able to pay its debts and ought to do so. They do not believe the people of the State could desire oven a temvorery advantage from repudiation. believe that such action would not be thonght of, except ax a icans of in- creasing the fund available for the support of party hacks and general plunder. ‘The income of the State is generous. ‘Too large a part of it is spent in exor- Ditaut salaries and tue mitintenance of uscless ofli-~ cers, A better and more equal system of assessment CoRRESPONDENT—Have considerably increase this income, ‘The republicans and conservatives agree iu demanding these. They agree that the number of offices should be diminished, and the emoluments of muny it is desirabie to retain showd be much reduced, There is no reason why Louisiana should pay her Governor There is no excuse for thé continuance of a system under which two sheriffs for the single parish of Orleans can cach lay by profits o. $70,000 or 380,000 in # single term of two years, ‘Taxation should be simputied, The individuai taxpayer, should levy its quota wpon each city and parisn, as ‘in other States, and leave to the | local authorities its collection und payment to the State ‘Treasurer, By such a change the State would save ‘y nearly $100,000 per aunum now paid in | commissions to t2x collectors. Local interests would then antagonize the tax-resisting schemes of former years and the gene ity in this respect whieh has been their sruit. ‘Lhe collection expenses of | parishes need not be substantially iner peeniztion would become more diffieul Reform in this particular would dispense with the most powertul and corrupting patronage of the State execntive—not among the lewst of the accruing benetits. The State would derive another benefit in a saving of nearly $30,000 per year which might then be imade in the expenses of the ‘Treasurer's and Auditor’s offices. CUT DOWN SALARIES, ‘The State and parish judiciary should be greatly reduced, Nearly ninety judicial officers are em- ployed by us to discharge duties which about thirty twice our population and nine times our wealth. Many of these are excessively paid. The system is cumbrous, unsatisfactory and an onerous charge upon the people and taxpayers of the State. In no department of the government is a reform more nec- essury or can economies be effected more important. ‘The heavy fees now applied to buildmg up private tortunes for the Sheriff of Orleans, Harbor Board, recorders of mortgages and conveyances, &e., should chietly go into the State aud city treasuries. Prop- | erty of the State now idle aud useless should | be apphed to some protitable use or sold. Valuable franthinen: which have been alienated without sub- stantial consideration for corrupt or private ends, should be resumed. Very considerable reductions should be effected in the legislative expenses. From all these sources of economy # saving of not less then $750,000 a year can be made, a sum more than ample to mect ail existing deficiencies. The conser- vatives and republicans intend to acconiplish these reforms, und to restore and maintain toe financial honor of the State. Lought to add that very yreut numbers of men now remaining in the democratic party are too honest to approve of the outrage of re- pudiation, and will doubtless sever their connection with that party rather than ratify the action of the coming Convention should repudiation be its re- sult. I do not now believe that this result, how- ever desirable it may be to the ring managers of the dem@ratic party, can reached. It is not at present likely that thexe men will = they cannot they will retire to private lite, and the finances and honor of the State will be sute hence- forth in honorable hands. I am satisfied that our Senators and our members of Congress, the last all jealously defending the honor of the State, aud that each and all will heartily concur in the reformatory Measures necessary to support her credit and good name. DEMOCRATIC WRECKERS. Cornesroxpent—Your Legislature has now been in session some four weeks, has.it not? and is it not very largely democratic? Mr. Pirkix—Yes,and no resolution has yet been her recent default in her annual intorest has left her, ‘The democratic and republican. vote is respectively nd tnirty-eight. ‘The especial object of the democracy seems to be to abolish the pres- ent State constitution, which, among other things, limits the State debt’ to $15,000,000, and” ‘declares all appropriations in" excess of annual revenue to ve null and yoid. But the Legislature has just passed an act providing for aconvention toframe a new constitution. T! following right upon the recent default in. inte excites grave misgivings. The fon of delegat be held on the 18th day of March next, and on the 2ist day of April the convention is to assemble, with an appropriation of $40,000 to meet its expenses. ‘The miterval is certainly very short and the conse- quences extremely momentous. TREASURY STATEMENT. Wasuinoton, Feb. 2, 1875. The following is a statement of the liabilities and as- sets of the Treasury of the United States from the latest returns received :— LIABILITIES. Fund for redemption of certificates of de- posit, June #, 1872. Post Office Department account’ Disbursing officers’ balances. Fund for redemption of notes of national banks “tailed,’ “in liquidatios and “reducing circulation” +. 11,350,869 | Undistributed assets of failed national | 1,138,794 480,390 Currency and minor coin redemp' count Interest account Interest account, Pacifle railroads and L. Treasurer United States, agent for p. interest on District of Columbia bonds. 84,736 Treasurer's transfer checks outstanding... 2,490,198 Fund for redemption of national bank gold notes, eaves . 1,720 | Troastirer’s Special find for redemption ot fractional currency + $8,500,824 Interest due ana unpaid 5,980,288 Called bonds and interest... 6,928,708 Coin certificates... + 20,107,580 Balance, including bullion (Bare sce tal | Total... see eeeee neces ee SHIT 685, 207 P) ASSETS. Gold coin and bullion v dollars. d bullion. Silver certificates: National bank gold notes, Fractional eutrency . st veek Quarterly interest checks and coin cous 25 | Registered and unclaimed iuterest paid. United States bonds and interest... . als nited States notes.... United States notes (special domption of tractional currency). National ban Ome and tw Nickels and minor coins.... New York and San Fraucisco exchange... Speaker's certificates, Forty-fifth Con- reas edict ecgeveses, SRG Redeemed ‘certificates of deposit, June ¥, 1872... tees oe 755,000, Total.. PR CE RUDOLPH'S RUDENESS, {From the London Truth.) ‘Tho Crown Prince Radolp’ got himsel! into s mess the other day in Prague. He wrote to a young lady, who is a singer in the theatre of that town, request ing her to call upon him to give a fow lessons in sing: ing. The lady has two brothers, who are oficers quartered ot Prayuo. ‘To thet she handed the letter, They at once called on the Crown Prince and ask | In every © 4 BE AN SEM A MODERN MIRACLE Sudden Recovery of Speech by a Dumb Man. FORTUNATE RESULT OF A SHOCK. ° An Interesting Case tor Students of Nervous Diseases. ; é Great and sudden shocks have sometimes acted as a curative upon persous who were aftlicted with deat- ness or other nervous affections, but ‘rarely if ever betore this present occasion has any one who had been dumb for years suddenly recovered speech, Such an instance happened about two months and # half ago and the remarkable change was consum mated on Tuesday list. Medical men who read the following care(ully prepared statement of facts will be astonished and deeply interesied, and, were this a superstitious age, itis probable that this wonderful oceurrence would be ascribed by the popular preju- dicy to some miraculous power appertaining toa locomotive and a train of ca A SUNSTRO! The subject is Mr. Frank W. law of Mr. J.J. McComb, of No. 579 Fifth avenue, His fether was wealthy aud during the rebellion re- sided in New Orleaus. When the federal troops threat ened the oceupation of the city he was chosen by the local banks to receive the custody of their gold and cuuse it to be conveyed toa place of safety. His son wus a soldier in the Confederate army. At the close of the war both father and son found themselves in straitened circumstances, and the latter in order to earn a livelihood became a dealer in boots and shoes in the city of New Orleans. Too close an attention to business overtaxed his strength and seriously ime paired his health, and to add to this afilice tion he soon afterward received a sunstroke which entirely prostrated him. Parslysis was an ime mediate consequence, He soon recovered the power of locomotion, and at first the disease did not seem to attect very seriously the organs of Speech; but by and by he experionced a marked difficulty of utter- ance, which gradually grew upon him. His mental sensations, in the meautime, while they did not bee token any weakening of the brain, were far from pleasant. It was. not till 1875 ‘that he entirely lost the power of articulation, For some time previously his symptoms had given him warning that this ca lamity was near at hand. In the month of May, at the wedding of his sister in Baltimore, he found him- self unable, for the first time, to articulate. The deep anguish which the shock caused him could only be realized by one who had been similarly visited, UNDER MEDICAL CALE. i Soon after he had become utterly mute it was thought to be possible that his paralysis might de- velop insanity, and, in order to be forearmed against this worst of ills it’ wa cluded to place him in charge of an experienced physician who was specially qualified to detect its symptoms and to prevent its approach. At this time, and ever afterward, his mind ‘was perfectly clear. He was even remarkable for the strength and the ucuteness of his memory. He was sent to Batavia, N. Y., to the asylum of Dr. Peterson, He was not subjected to any formal confinement. ‘The fact that he was in an abode for the insane was carefully concealed from him. No other inmates were allowed to come near him, and a large suit of rooms wes devoted to his use. From that time until the return of his speech all of his communications « with those around him were made in writing. His heari tly xood, but the little voice that remained to him’ almost entirely disap- peared. The only yocal sound, that he could make was a sort ot whistle., im all other: respects his health stendily improved. He left Batavia and went to Hartford, where he resided until September, 1877, in the Retreat for the Insane. A friend named John T. Peters, a lawyer, visited him there and conceived the idea that he would be greatly benetited if he were to come to New York and remain here with his friends, He was received here et the residence of Mr. J.J. McComb. An eminent physician, who is a specialist in throat and nervous diseases, made an cxamination of his condition and was the first to give the trae diagnosis of it. Hitherto those members of the faculty who had treated him had acknowledged their ignorance. They all predicted that he would never speak again. Dr. Rucomer immediately declared that he would some day be able to speak, and ate tributed his dumbness to the paraiysis of the vocal cords in the larynx. “He is gradually recovering,” said he, *‘and as soon as these cords become vitalized again their functions will return to them. It may be suddenly or it may be slowly.” Subsequently, about twelve mouths ago, Dr. Rucomer gave the strongest possible assurances that Mr. Wood would cntirely recover his speech, It was thought advisable, however, that he should return to Hartford. In Inst November he went to New Orleans, where his wife and two chil- dren now are. The climate of Louisiana did not prove beneficial to him, and after a sojourn of two or three weeks he started for the North. the wonderful part of the story. When the train on which he was travelling approached Pittsburg it came in collision with auother train. The engine was smished and the cars were violently shaken. The dumv man felt a new and peculiar sensation that secmed to indicate a change of some sort in his con- dition. Suddenly a congciousness of its signifi. cance came to ‘him, and springing from his seat, he rushed to the platform of the car, Where a brakeman was standing, and tried to ad- dress him, As he now relates the incident, he opened his mouth, moved his tongue and felt that he was speaking. The brakeman looked at him dubionsly, a0 if he bad heard his voice, but failed to understand import. He answered by exclaiming, “What?” ‘oo excited then to make a further attempt to speak, Mr. Wood returned to his seat. . “I HAVE IT Now.”” On the next day he arrived in New York, and as soon as he met his friends he eagerly related to them in writing the hopetul experience which he had so lately had, ‘They hoped, but scarcely believed in “his brght anticipation. On last he was engaged in discussing some sonal and business matters with ir. McComb at the office of the latter. Mr. McComb re- marked to him that his geaeral health was fully ree stored and expressed the most cheerful views about his future. He urged him to imake the utmost ef- forts to regain his utterance. Mr. Wood seemed to the resolution to tollow this advice and became ited and enthusiastic. He then seized a pencil vrote the last communication which he made er. It was as follows: Don't be surprised, but when I come back to-day I will talk to you with my tongue. I have it now.” Handing this to Mr. MeComb he went out. He afterward related that he went to the Staten Island ferry and took passage on one of the boats. ia mental feelings were peculiar and perhaps could only be understood by a child who had just Wood, @ brother-ine to lisp her. first syllables, were she capable enough He — was — bash timid, distrust- ful himeclf, and ager to make the yet exsay which might geveal for him the delightful re+ lease of his thoughfs from their bondage of silence. If he moved his Hips looking curiously at Jhim, Fortunately there were few people on board, so he hal uo diticulty in find. ing a quiet corner on the deck. Seated on a sf near the rail be opened his mouth and lifted up his voice, Its use and inflection all came back to bim in an instant. it did not even to him. He could hardly realize poke, shouted and tried his happened to occar to him, people and they did nef k it as a matter of course, P's ALL WIGHT! ‘The next returning boat brought him back to New York. Breathless and dushed, he entered the of his brother-in-law and exelaimed :— “It's all right!” Mr. McConth jumped up, rushed forward and joys yembraced iin, So did everybody else who wae sound strange in every It was per.cct, stare at him, but t were almost stunned with amazement,” sald Mr. McComb last evening. “It seemed so stra wo hear im speok. He dia’nt seem to make tino Least effort, aud voice sounded exactly as it used to. tone and inflection was the sam: seers «at = home, thot when came to town, The el had never heard their uncle speak. hadn't the slightest conception that he had yen done so, nor ever could, It was long betore they recov 1 their wonder.” The past thr sincere congratulati ct he is now perfectly recovered from: the effects of his sunstroke. HARD KNOCKS AND HARD SWEARING, An English sailor, named Benson, stood betore Justice Flammer at J on Market Police Court yesterday with a battored head and a very dejected mien, The charge avainst him was a felonious at tempt to assualt on oflicer of the Eighth preeinot with his sheath knife. Vhat have you to say to this charge?” “Strike me silly, Judge, if he didn’t pull the knife out o’ ime shoath lis own selt when he was @ huste lin’ of me. “No Jedgo, Yer Honor,” said. the officer, here man was wild with drink, and when Ltol go home he tackivd me with his knife T hin the stick and he dropped. When he got tp ee along quietly, but in the station house, t di he hed only been knocked with « for “‘sutisfaction.” If his position did not enable him to grant them this sutistaction, they would, they said, accept it trom the aide-de-camp ot his Imperial Highness, Finally it was agreed that the Crown Prince should tender an apology, and the aftair ended, said :—"Neo ‘ore, you duiter, h'id aye or ‘eurt h’out only ‘1 thot as ‘ow that there cjub struck me on the *@d,” not true, master,” ‘the ‘en dollars fine and sent to the six mouths,” said the Court, Now comes *