The New York Herald Newspaper, February 6, 1879, Page 3

NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1879--TRIPLE SHEET. THE CIPHER SCANDAL Examination of Smith Weed by the Potter Sub-Committee, SOME STARTLING CONFESSIONS. Avowed Attempt to Purchase South Carolina’s Electoral Vote. HOW THE DEMOCRATS LOST IT. A Grocer Garrigs the Presidency of the United States in His Pocket MAYOR COOPER RISES TO EXPLAIN. Tilden Recalls the Virtuous Pelton and Spoils a Magnificent Game. The sub-committee of the Potter Investigating Committee met yesterday at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. The sub-committee is composed of General Eppa Hunton, of Virginia; William S. Stenger, of Pennsyl- vania, and M. Springer, of Illinois, democrats; and Frank Hiscock, of New York, and G. B. Reed, of Maine, republicans. The committee had before them bulky volumes of photo-lithographed copies of the cipher telegrams, these copies being executed on telegraph blanks and showing every scratch and mark on tho originals. They numbered about seven hundred in all, and embraced a con- siderablo number of telegrams never published or even deciphered. Mr. Springer pointed out to the Henratp representative several ciphers which had hitherto baffled the ingenuity of all decipherers, and still remained unsolved mysteries. The volumes of photo-lithographs included republican as well as democratic ciphers—the limited number of republican. ciphers which had not been previously destroyed. The room in which the committee held its session was Parlor F, right behind the bar. Considering that the members of the committeo are quite dis- tinguished temperance advocates this proximity appeared to be a piece of needless satire on tho part of the hotel clerk. Two long tables were placed across the room, one for the committee, the witness and official stenograph- ers, and the other for the newspaper reporters. Tho sub-committee is one of more than average Congres- sional intelligence. General Hunton, the chairman, isa tall, dignified Southerner, with a quiet, delib- erate manner. Mr. Springer looks like some rev- erend minister of the Gospel, and his keen-featured face is framed in a solemn but handsome black beard. Mr. Stenger is a small, youthful-looking man, with a tiny tlonde mustache, who some years ago could boast of the distinction of being the youngest member of Congress. Mr. Hiscock, of New York, is a very sad, clerical-looking gentleman, who held his hand despairingly to his head during the greater part of the proceedings as though he were thoroughly bored. Mr. Reed, of Maine, is a fresh-look- ing, burly, rosy-faced man, with a quizzi- tal expression of countenance, and he and his colleague, Mr. Hiscock, assumed from the start & (courteously) hostile position to the witness, watch- Ing sharply for every opportunity to direct their cross-fire at him. There was only a small attendance: at the opening of the session. Among the spectators ‘was one of Governor Tilden’s most intimate friends, ex-Secretary Bigelow, who will be able to give his distinguished political chief”a faithful narrative of all that occurred in the committee room. Later in the day the attendance increascd somewhat, though the room never was crowded, and embraced quite a delegation of artists from illustrated newspapers who were taking sketches of the committee, the witness, the reporters and ‘‘the scene,” generally. Ex-Mayor Oakey Hall arrived early in the afternoon, but left soon after, and later on Police Commissioners Nichols and Wheeler were among the interested spectators. Mr. Smith M. Weed, the first witness, is a large, powefully built man, with a stong, marked head, heavy, dark beard and a deep bass voice. Mr. Weed looked quite pale and worn, and at first did not seem perfectly at ease under the fire of Messrs. Hiscock and Reed. When General Hunton put his first decisive question asking him to state his connection with the cipher telegrams Mr. Weed scratched his head rather nervously, passed his hand over his nose and beard, in the manner of a man who is trying to settle him- self down to rather a disagreeable picco of business, and then clasped his hands across his legs as he spoke, When Mr. Weed first testified as to asking for money solely “for legal ex- penses” Mr. Reed, the republican member from Maine, smiled sardonically and looked askance at Mr. Weed. Very soon Mr. Weed rose and refreshed him- self with a large tumblerful of water. Much of the day was taken up with a tedious comparison between the despatches as photo-lithographed for the com- mittee and as printed in a compilation made by the Tribune, which was also in the hands of the commit- tee. While this comparison (which entered intimately into every syllable and every letter) was very long, Mr. Weed’s explanation of its translation, if’ he gave one at all, was very short. The substance ot Mr. Weed’s testimony was that he did not remember the telegrams separately, but only indefinitely, and generally from his impression that such negotiations for the capture of the South Caro- lina electoral vote were going on at that time—neyo- tiations which h@ justificd parenthetically on the ground that the money to be paid was simply tho ransom offered to robbers. The various amounts Fae sgee’ in the ciphers, where Mr. Weed conceded their correctness, he declared were asked solely to defray legitimate legal expenses, SMITH M. WEED'S TESTIMONY. Mr. Smith M. Weed was the first witness called. He testified that he was forty-five years of age; re- sided in Plattsburg, N. ¥., and was a lawyer by rofession; soon after the election of 1876 he went Raleigh, N. C., and thence to South Carolina; had never been in Florida in his life, Q. Well, now, sir, tell us if you have any know!- edge of these cipher despatches as published in the New York papers? A. I had a cipher when I left here. I had a cipher which I used from both North and South Carolina, I destroyed both my key and the despatcher, so that I have no means of knowing the accuracy of the printed despatches in the Tribune and other publications. Some of them Iam certain fre not correctly printed, some I know are not cor- rectly trans! and many of the others agree sub- Btantially with my recollection of the tacts that transpired. While in Raleigh, witness said, he met a large number of gentlemen whom he knew; he ap- B= there in his own nome and did not register in he name of Thomas Keith or in any other false name, THE DEMOCRATS CARRIED THE STATES, Fully believing then, continued the witness, what I believe to have been since demonstrated, that the democrats had carried two at least out of the threo disputed States, and. that a—don’t know what you may call it-conspitacy had been formed by the other side to count us out, and that if the vote of South Carolina was cast in favor of tho democratic electors, as I believed it had been honestly cast by the people, the deadlock would be at an end so they would not pretend to take either Louisiana or Florida if they lost any vote—-they had to have them all to consummate their arrangement—I determined there was of itand at once telegraphed York asking if money could be furnished. Mr. Weed said he could not refer to any particular despatches; he would “give the bonos of the transac. 1 the despatches which he sent wero directed to. Henry Havemeyer; finally s proposition was made to him by the Returning Board ot South Caro- Una, offering to give the si to the democrats for pither $60,000 or $80,000; he telegraphed this fact to New York, and received an answer which he under- an assent to the proposition; he had never waid that South Carolina had gone for Hayes; tho face of tho county returns was to that effect, he un- derstood, but the precinet returns showed that tho State had gone democratic. Tleft Columbia, as I said, continued witness, on Baturday afternoon, & representative of the Return- ing Board coming on the same train with mo by previous arrangement, General Hunton.—What was his naine ? A. His name was Hardy Solomon, T arrived in Bal- o jonday; met Colonel Pelton there about noon of that day. As soon us I mot hiner he informed me in substance that, since hoe left New York the night before, the matter had come to the knowledge of Governor Tilden, aud that he (Pelton) bad received two no from Mr. Edward Cooper, the ee treasurer of the National Democratic Committee, ying in substance that no money could be fur- nished, that all the negotiations must stop, and one irom Goveenor Tilden, or, it may be, at his direction, requiring him to return nt once to New York city. The Canvassing Board of South Carolina held its decision open nearly two days, waiting to hear from me; on Wednesday morning, the day that the Can- yassing Board was obliged Fae od complete the count, Hardy came to me and I informed him that it could not be done; he at once sent a despatch to Columbia to that effect; he showed it to me, all but the address; the despatch read to the effect that ho could not get the goods or that he had failed to get the goods; he used the word “goods” that afternoon, within four hours trom the time Isaw him send that despatch, the Canvassing Board of South Carolina gavo @ certificate of election to the Hayes electors. AN UGLY DESPATCH. The Chairman next qnestioned Mr. Weed on the Tribune despatches. Some of these purported to have been sent from Florida, Witness said he had never been in Florida in ife. ‘The accuracy of many of the other despatches was denied. Mr. Weed then read the Tribune transiation of 3 despatch as follows :— Majority of Board have been secured! Cost is 80,000, to be sont as follows:—One parcel of 65,000 dollars, ono of 100, all to be-five hundred or one thou- ties accept, and State of South he three packs show iption, and to-night, unless you receive telegram fro: countormanding, Shall try te secure everything by the plan of deposit. The frionds of Gitamberlain and Bavaria (2) are force, and I fear their money and careful watehi intimidation of Board. For God's sake let it go mean, Be safe in and have cash ‘Telegraph de Florida or Africa {1 ready to rench Balt ni cidedly whether it will be done, Mr. Weed said that he could not tell what parts of this translation were correct and what were not; from his recollection of thé events as they occurred, he thought the translation was substantially correct, though his memory was that the sum named was $60,000, instead of $80,000, Q. You did not send any despatch, signed “Pope ?”” A. £ cannot remember whether Pope was Haskell, the chairman of the South Carolina Committee, or not. Q. Did you ever sign the name “Mead?” A.T don’t know. Very likely I did. It is my middle name. {i suppose I did. He then looked through the bound volume of lith- ographic copies of the despatches at the direction of the chairman, and marked those which were sent by him. Mr. Reed then read from the Tribune publication :— ur members of and having to put the Hayes electors in jail and lock eparate cells until the dey for casting the elvetoral votes had passed. , STILL THE WITNESS KNOWS NOT.* Q. Have you any knowledge of such a plot? A. None whatever. According to the text the fuir infer- ence is that I had something to do with it, but in reading these despatches I see none of them either to me or from me. Mr. Hunton—Do you remember telegraphing that Florida was the place for the greatest exertion to be made? A. emilineeNoe sir. Q. Did you say anything about Florida? A. Well, there were a hundred of us together almost con- stantly down there, and we were talking over the olitical affairs of the whole country, and I tried to eop the people here as well posted as I could. Witness then read the despatch translated :—‘Tele- gram received too late to,answer last night. Don't quite understand. Do you want me to yo to home of Stearns (Florida)? Board late last night de- manded $75,000 for giving us two or three electors, The interceder will want something besides; think $10,000. What shall Ido? Get no aid from Hamp- ton party, who, to say the least, arc indifferent.”” Well, he said, that accords generally with my recol- lection of the facts, but I could not say what this particular despatch means. Q. What aid from the Hampton party is referred to? A. No money aid. ‘Lhe general sentiment down pp was that the Hampton party was taking care of itself, Mr. Hunton—As to securing the count? A. Yes. Mr. Hiscock—On the State ticket? A. Yes. Q. It is your opinion, from all the circumstances within your knowledge, that if this money had been aid a portion of the vote would haye been counted or the Tilden electors? A. It was my opinion at the time, and I have never changed it since. ‘THE BEST LAID PLANS O’ MICE AND MEN, Q. Can you give the time of your arrivai in Balti- more and how long you wore there ?_ A. I arrived at three or four A. M, and went to bed; I met Mr. Pelton about noon. Q. What conversation did you have with him? A. He said that the ‘old man,” meaning Governor Tilden, had got some information and that he had re- ceived two despatches, one from Edward Cooper say- ing that there was no money to be had and that he must break off the negotiations. The other was from Mr. Tilden, or from somebody representing him, telling him'to come home. Mr. Stenger—Did you ever make any communica- tion to Mr. Tilden in reference to these negotiations, and, if so, what was the communication? The witness paused a moment and then spoke slowly and deliberately. A. Thad no communication, either directly or indi- rectly, with Mr. Tilden from the day before the @lec- tion—the day when I lett home—until after the announcement of the determinationof the Board's deliberations; so far as I kno: no knowledge up to that time of any of my Q. Did you have any communication with him after the determination? A. Yes. Q. What was it? A. Soon after the news came of the settlement I met Mr. Tilden—I think it was at the Everett House—and he rather took me to task, though I cannot give you his exact words, for havit entertained these propositions; Ido not think he tol me how he found out about it; he said, in substance, that I should have known better—that he would not havo consentea to take the Presidency on sny such terms; I replied that I looked upon it as paying money for the recovery of stolen goods; it was a ransom to robbers, and I thought it more legitimate to pay these thieves tor doing what they ought to do when they had us in their power. Q. That was your view? A. Yes. Q. This was a week after the determination of the Board? A. Yes. I desire to give, also, Mr. Tilden’s reply tome. He said that if the Presidency was to be sold he would have nothing to do with it. He would not pay money to felons. I heard him also use substantially the same words since in different laces. be Several other despatches were then read and the witness answered to the same effect—that he had no recollection of the precise age ng a despatch in reference to “reconciling the rd,”” which he sent to Florida, had reference to healing differences of opinion between gentlemen who were in Florida in the interest of the democratic party. He was utterly unable to remember who “Portugal” or “Ai- rica” was, but, after thinking a little, said that very possibly Portugal meant Chandler and Africa meant Chamberlain. ‘The committeo at this point telegraphed to Wash- ington to know if any original South Carolina de- spatches were accessible, and if 80, to have them sent to New York. thus obtained control of the State theu A DEFECTIVE MEMORY. ‘The next cipher despatches Mr. Weed was also un- able to explain, and the chairman said he would get Mr. Weed to transpose them by means of the pub- lished key. Then came a despatch, dated Columous, urging that “time was very important,” and that if Mr. Thiden had ‘certainty elsewhere,”’ the signer, ‘Thomas (Mr. Weed) would go to Florida, The wit- ness said he supposed it was substantially correct. The next despatch askin, “Shall I increase to 50,000 if required, to make sure? Am watched, and, if as well, think bettor turn over matter here to Gov- ernor Randolph,” Mr. Weed did not recollect send- ing. The answer was “No,” and he, therefore, did not turn matters overto Governor Randolph, of New Jer- sey, who was there at the time, and did not speak to him on the subject. In a telegram dated Columbus, November 13, and addressed, like the rest, to Henry Havemeyer, *‘Mead” (Mr. Weed’s middle name) asks “if a few dollars can be placed in Returning Board to insure, what say you?” and the witness said he had no recollection about it. Mr. Reed—You have ho doubt that you sent it? Mr. Weed—I shouldn't like to say that. Mr. Springer now called the attention of the wit- ness to @ despatch translated as follows:—‘If Re- turning Board can be procured absolutely, will you deposit $30,000? May take less.’ ir. Springer—Have you any recollection of this despatch? Mr. Weed—Not independently; I have no doubt that it has been correctly rendered. Mr. Springer—Have you any explanation to make of it? ‘Mr. Weed—Only that it was part of the gencral transaction. General Hunton—I understand you to say that you made tiations whicn led to a conclusion on your part but which fell through on account of the refusal of the New York parties to furnish the money? Mr. Weed gave a long, roundabout answer, which was virtually an affirmative reply. General Hunton—Were you ever authorized to make these negotiations? Mr. Weed—My only authority rests in these tele- grams. The blican members of the committee now took ‘ap toe cross-examination. THY CROS*+EXAMINATION, Mr. Reed—Who hs you the cipher when you went to South Carolina Mr. Weed—Colonel Pelton, I think. t Q. Don't you know? A. Well, Uhad’that cipher be- fore. Q. Whore did you get it? A. From the National Committee. Q. Oh! It was the National Committee cipher? A. No, sir, I said no such thii ono at the National Committe—trom the acting sec- — I think. Q. Where did you use the cipher before? A. T was in Ohio before, during the Uctober clection, and may havo used it there, Q. Who told you to whom the telegrams wero to be sent? A. Lhave no recollection exactly who told me, but I was told by somebody to address them to Mr. Havemeyer, Q. You havo testified that the telegrams were all correct? A. Lhaye testified to no such thing. All I have testified is that the substance of these telegrams corresponds in my remembrance with certain facts which took pl Q. How did you come to take Colonel Pelton’s order to wo to South Carolina? A, I supposed he repre- sented the National Committes, Q. Did you ever have an idea that Colonel Pelton would advance $85,000? A. L knew he could have raised the money among the memoers of the Execu- tive Committee. Q. The ides never crossed your mind that the money would be furnished a Mr. Tilden? A. No, sir; [knew that he would put a stop to the thing as soon a8 hie heard of it. Q Did itever cross your mind where Mr. Hayo- 3 L received it from somo: vould take these telegrams? A. To Colonel ; Polton, at t nd | neglected to avail himself of all the law allowed, and Pelton, at the Everett House. Q. Didn't tay koow a he took them to No. 15 Gramercy Park? A. No, sir. Q. ‘Did you know that Colonel Pelton lived there: with Governor Tilden? A. Yes, sir. Q. In that conversation with Governor Tilden, in which you told him that you regarded your at- tempted purchase of the South Carolina vote as ran- som to robbers, he was quite cross with you, wasn't he? A. Yex, sir; he disapproved of what I had done. Q. Well, bas he been just as cross ever since ? A, On, I suppose not. . exhibited sjnce then the same warmth, the same tenderness of feeling he showed you be- fore? (Laughter.) A. (Smiling.) Well, perhaps not quite since the publication of these despatches. Q. You told him during that conversation that you were ready to makp the bargain ? A. Yes, I was ready to make the trade {t I had had the money. Q. Did Governor Tilden’s talk with you imply to your mind that he knew his nephew had gone to ingot you at Baltimore? A. Yes, sir. Q. Did Mr. Tilden’s discourse awaken any pangs of your conscience? (Laughter.) A. Oh, no; Ionly thought that we two stood, perhaps, differently with regard to that matter. Q. When the despatches were publishedyyou de- stroyed those in your possession? A. Yes, sir, Q. You were conscious how they would be re- rded if they were found ? ° A. (Smiling) I was con- scious that I did not want them to be found, (Langhter.) Q. Since the publication have you talked with Colonel Pelton about the matter. A. Oh, yes! (Lunghter.) Q. Did you ask him whether the despatches had been correctly deciphered, A. Oh, no! I knew that they had got hold of the despatches and it made very little difference to me whether they got one word wrongly or not. MEASURING WIT. Q. In a despatch dated November 16 you say, “Am confident Florida is the State where should be made.” Do you mean t! exertion you were making in South Carolina? A. I do not remember. Q. Not in connection with the Florida and Oregon operations? A. I don’t know anything about the op- erations there, . ia x You fifiished your operations before the others? . Yes. 'Q. Did you have any special experience that enabled you to finish up your work first? A. I don’t think that is quite fair. Q. It is not fair to the others, perhaps. It is fair enough to you. A. Well, the files of the Tribune for some years past show that I have had a pretty wide experience. (Langhter.) Q. Are these files you mentioned as accurate as the present reports? A. Not always. (Laughter.) Q. Did you just pass to Mr. Springer the statement you had prepared when you came here? A. No, sir; itis in my pocket; no one has seen it but myself; I will show it to you if you want to see it. Q. Ob, no! I didn’t want to hear you read it. A. I saw you didn’t. (Laughter.) . Q. Has Mr. Tilden's manner changed, do you say, toward you since the publication of these despatches? A. I didn’t s1y 80; I said I thought ho had not been as cordial toward me; it may be that I was a little disturbed myself. Q. You thought’ you were not worthy, perhaps, to associate with so good and pure a man after what yon had done? A. Perhaps so, or any other good man, (Laughter.) I may not be fit company for men of that class—Congressmen and the like. Q. I notice that in all these despatches you say nothing about what you now claim as a tact—that Tilden was elected? A; I did telegraph and writo to that effect. Q. What do you, mean by “capturing States” in your despatches ? ' A. I mean get em. Q. That is, get ’em—honestily if you can, but get em? A. , if Thad had my way I'd have got ‘em all; they were all for sale; we all knew that our despatches had been tampered with; despatches, if sent to me, would be picked out and sent to Mr. Orton; we had used this knowledge against you; that was the reason for using a cipher and for my using the name 8. Mead, which is a part of my name. A long examination followed as to the origin of the Kul and its use, but the witness was non-com- mittal. Q. Do you think Mr. Pelton acted in his corre- spondence with you without consultation with others? A. I have no doubt of it. Q. And was rebuked by Mr. Tilden on November 20? A. Thave not said so; he told me Mr. Tilden sent for him to come home. Q. Why had he gone to meet you in Baltimore ? A. He expected somebody to send him the money. Who? A. Mr. Edward Cooper, I understood he conversation with Mr. Cooper the night before he started. Further, the witness said that when he recefved the despatch ‘Expense will be met,” he understood it to be an assent to his proposition. 7 ‘Then you understood Pelton to authorize you to buy up the Returning Board of South Carolina without consulting other persons? A. I don’t think you should use those words. Q. But I do use just these words? A. Then I have nothing to say about it, excepting that I understooa that he returned an affirmative reply to my questions, The committee then took a recess until eight o'clock. THE, EVENING SESSION. When Mr. ‘Hiscock resumed his cross-examination of Mr. Weed all the available seats were occupied by well known faces in political circles. Ex-Minister John Bigelow was an attentive listener to the give- and-take questions and answers that flashed from the lips of the examiner and witness, and ex-Congress- man Cavanaugh occupied @ seat to the left of Mr. Chairman Hunton, and evidently enjoyed the verbal sparring that took place between Mr. Reed and Mr. Weed, A few minutes after cight P. M. the cross-examina- tion was resumed by Mr. Hiscock, as follows :— Q. Did I understand you to say that you had re- ceived a telegram from General Gordon at Baltimore? A, Ido not think that I said anything of the kind. ‘Q. What is meant by “Matters arranged by Return- ing Board agent. Inform Haskell and ‘telegraph news?’ A. There are no such words in the cipher, and Ido not know their meaning. Q. In the next despatch of November 20 what is meant by “Have Bath hold on to Cuba until York or er A. Icannot remember the meaning of the ‘words, Q. Will you say that “Bath” did not mean “Court?” A. I will not say eo, as I am not sure. Q. Is the translation as given correct? A. I say that the translation 18 absolutely false. Q. How can yon say it is false if you don’t know anything about it? A. Irememberthat my commu- nication was not of that rendering. Q. If you cannot remember anything about it how can you say that itis not correct? A. I remember that [sent no despatch of similar substance. Q. Turn to No. 30, that “Send 5,000 immedi- ately to Haskell,” &c. Is that in the same cipher? A. It has that appearance. (Q. Is the translation correct? A. It is not prop- erly rendered; I know that I never received any de- spatch with such meaning. 'Q. Was the despatch received by anybody else? A. Iam sure nobody else could have translated it, as they would not have been able to understand it. Q. How is it that money was required in that part of the country? A. There were a good many things that called for money—sendmg people around the State and other matters. Q. Let us go on to despatch 31, dated November 21—“Pope answered you last night, &c."" Do you re- member receiving that? A, Ido not remember re- ceiving it. Q. Are you sure you did not receive it? A. Ihave my doubts about all of these despatches and shall doubt them unless I see the copy produced. Q. In despatch 32 the word “Bath” is used in a man- ner t! it must obviously moan “Court?” A. Ido not see that. Q. It cannot mean Board of Canvassers, as that bad adjourned? A. I did not say that it had ad- journed. Q. Is the translation to despatch 32 correct? A. I do not think it is correct. Q. In what is it incorrect? A. Ido not know any- thing about it; L bave no recollection about it. Q. What have you got to say about the despatch at the top of the page—“Expense is too heavy for the electoral ticket, &c.’’ A, I should say it Was not cor- rect. Q. If you do not recollect the cipher, how can you say it is not correct? A. I think it is wrong; to the best of my beliet it is wrong; I have a distinct recollection that I did not receive any such despatch, Q. Referring to despatch 34, did you send that to Colonel Haskell? A. I do not think I sent any such despatch; I will not swear that I did not send such a cipher despatch, but if I did the translation is wrong. Q. Was there anybody else in New York that know the cipher? A, I did not impart it to any one. Q. Have you any recollection of receiving despatch 35, commencing ‘Sugar held?” A. No, sir. Q. What about despatch 36? A. I do not know anything about it, Q. What is the meaning of ‘At last the answer?’ A, Ldo not know, sir; that is not in the despatch; it was in the Tribune, Q. Have you any recollection of sending despatch 37? A. I am not certain as to the cipher, but I know I never sent any despatch with the samo meaning; the money is wrong and the rest of the translation is also wrong--at least I am morally cer- tain they are wrong. PELTON'S NEGOTIATIONS. Q. Turn over to despatch 50 on the next page— do you recognize that cipher? A. It is not the same cipher; Lknow nothing about it. Q. Do you know that Colonel Peiton was negotiat- parties in South Carolina? A. I do not he was engaged in negotiations in South Carolina, Mr. Reed then took the matter in hand, and, turn- ing back to page 28, commenced as follows Q. You will find the translation of despatch No, 14 at the top of page 28. To what does that repiy? A. 1 should be inclined to think it was an answer to de- spatch No. 12. . Are you sure that it is an answer to No, 12? ake not remember; I was in the habit of recety- ing about twenty-five despatches a day at that time; 1 think it was the answer, Q. Did you send the despatch? A. Tf it was sent my impressions aro that I sent it; independently of its surroundings I have no recollection of the de- spateh. . How is it that you cannot remember anything about it? A. I cannot tell what it is because I can- not recollect the cipher. Q. Who had the key to the cipher in South Caro- lina? A. I believe I left the cipher with Haskell, Qhestions and answers flew sapialy backward and forward between Mr. Reed and Mr. Weed and at last Chairman Hunton came to the teseue of Mr. Weed, when the latter stated that “He did not wish to con- tradict a member of the comuuittee.” Mr. Hunton proceeded to inform the witness that he hada perfect Tight to correct a statement made by a tyomber ot the committee if it related to the evidence he had given, Mr, Reed did not appear to think the exple nation at all necessary, as he stated that the witives was perfectly wotl aware of all his rights and never ouly made the original remark through an excess of modesty. Mr. Hiscock then continued the cross-examination. Q. Do you know of any money having been sent to South Carolina? A, Ido not know of one dollar hav- ing been sent there. Q. Did you have any conversation with any of the leading members of the demoeratie committee about the prospects in the South? A, Ido not recollect baviug any such conversation. Q. What did you say to Solomon Hardy in answer to his demands for money? A. Ididnot say anything. Q. Did you hold out any hopes? A, I told him to wait and I would see about it. Q. What was your object in uot keeping your en- agement with him? A. I was only trying to hold ium here in hopes that they would give us the vot 1 do not think spoke on the subject to Mr. Cooper. A PASSAGE AT ARMS. e A discussion of the 7'ribune’s translation of the word “Bath,” making it mean “court,” followed, and the witness said he thought the translation was wrong. A reference to a despatch, dated November 24, drew from the witness the remark that the trouble was that the translators took out any word they saw fit and called it not a cipher word, and put in any word they liked and called it a cipher word. He had no communication in regard to money to be used for the purpose of influencing the action of courts or of the Legislature. “Are there any farther questions, gentlemen?” asked the Chairman. “Mr, Weed’s memory is not good enough to make it worth while to ask him any more questions,” shid Mr, Reed. “Very well,” said Mr. Weed. “I would a little rather have been discharged without first being in- sulted; but I suppose it cannot be helped.” “Oh! it will not hurt you,” said Mr, Reed. it will not,” said Mr. Weed, “if everybody knows your reputation as well as Ido. Mr, Weed was then excused and the Chairmen said that he understood that Mr. (Mayor) Cooper had re- quested the privilege of making astatement. As it was still early, the committee signified its willing- ness to listen,’ and Mayor Cooper was sworn. ‘The stenographer was then directed to read from his notes what reference Mr. Weed had made to Mr. Cooper in his testimony. ‘This he did and Mr. Cooper made the following statement :— . MAYOR COOPER'S STATEMENT. I saw Mr. Pelton on the evening before he went to Baltimore; I suppose it was Sunday evening from what Ihave seen in the newspapers; he was in the hallway of Governor Tilden’s house just in the act of going and a cab was at tho door; he was going to Baltimore to meet Weed and the people from Sonth Carolina; he said he would communicate by telegurph from there and might want me to send him some money and would let me know by telegraph; I presume he must have given me a paper with some substitution words on it; I got a cipher tclegram the next day asking me to send him a large amount of money, either $60,000 or, $80,000, I forget which; I was very much sur- prised at gotting that telegram; I went immediately to Governor Tilden’s house and told him of the fact; he at once said Colonel Pelton must be sent for im- mediately: whether I answered his telegram or not I don’t know; I only know that the thing was stopped there immediately; I never had any idea of sending him money; I only know that Governor Tilden sent for him to come buck imme- diately; 1 never had any conversation with Mr. Pelton before or atter the transaction; I have never known of the negotiations in respect to South Carolina and_ these cipher telegrams; I was treasurer of the National Committee and I made considerable disbursements in that capacity; Ihave mado a statement of every cent that was disbursed after the election, and I am prepared to submit that statement to the committee. ere Mr. Cooper read a list of amounts and drafts paid, aggregating in all the sum of $15,340, and then announced that he was ready to answer any ques- tions that might be asked him, In answer to inquiries by the republican members of the committee, Messrs. Hiscock and Reed, Mr. Cooper stated that he thought the amount asked for by Colonel Pelton was that he might have some ne- gotiations with the Returning Board; “In the morn- ing,” continued Mr. Cooper “I went to Gover- nor Tilden’s house; he seemed surprised at Colonel Pelton’s having gone to Baltimore and in- dignant that he had gone there; I told him that I supposed Cclonel Pelton had gone to buy somebody down there for the electoral vote.” Mr. Stenger—And what did he respond? A, His response was that that should not be done. Q. Do you know anything about influencing votes by moncy that came to Mr. Tilden’s knowledge? A. Do you mean in the way of making propositions by him? Q. Yes, sir? A. I know of no such case; I heard of quite a number on the other side—from the Re- turning Board people. KEPT THE NEWS TO HIMSELF. Mr. Cooper testified that while the count of the returning boards was going on Mr. Pelton was fre- quently at the rooms of the committee, and had charge of looking after the returning boards and re- ceived the great majority of the telegrams sent by the visiting statesmen; all the telegrams relating to any corruption Mr. Cooper believed Mr. Pelton kept to /himself and studiously concealed them from Mr. Tilden; never knew of any money being sent to Oregon; Colonel Pelton lived at Mr. Tilden’s house, and Mr. Cooper met him there frequently. Q. Is there any way in which you can explain why and how.s.sene, sober man should ask you to for- ‘ward that large-sum of money? A. Ican only say that I was very much astonished when I received the telegram. Q. Mr, Pelton was seeretary of your committee? A. He was not, sir. Q. What relation did he hold to it? A. None. Q. Was he employed by the committee? A. No. Q. Was anything said or done to relieve him of guardianship or care in this matter, after the object of his mission to Baltimore became known? A. No, sir. Mr. Hiscock—It may be my vabriaep age which is the cause of it, but it does strike me as very strange that a man had attempted to commit his party and to commit his uncle to the purchase of electoral votes, and that Mr. Weed had attempted to do it; and that Mr. Cooper and Mr. Tilden should have been indignant at it, and still no notice was taken of it except to forget it. Mr. Stenger—Is that any more wonderful than that that sort of thing should have met with reward on your side ? Q. (By Mr. Hiscock)—Were you of the opinion at the time yon mentioned it to him that Governor Tilden was in ignorance of the fact that Mr. Pelton had these negotiations in progress? A. I had no reason whatever to suppose that he had any knowledge of that when Igo is telegram from.Mr. Pelton. I thiuk it did flash across my mind that Mr. ‘Tilden had some knowledge of it, but I was satistied the moment that I spoke to him that he had none. Mr. Cooper, in reply to the ey of ques- tions which followed, sard that Mr. Tilden was very impatient when he heard of Colonel Pelton’s at- tempt; he (witness) had no knowledge of who sent the money to Oregon; he could not conceive why Colonel Pelton should apply to him for any such amount; I had no such amount of money of the National Committee's and did not have it in bank; it was preposterous to apply to me; if Mr. Tilden. had been willing to give the money I would not have been a party to the transaction; I did not know that. Colonel Pelton had testified | under oath that he was acting secretary of the National Committee; he did some things in the name of the committes without authority, and Mr. H ‘itt ob- jected to it; his attempt was not an action of the committee, and they did not conceive that there was any necessity for him to act; then they did not think there was any danger, as he could only get the money from Governor Tilden, who disapproved. “Thon they thought there was no danger, and the moral taint was not generally known,” said Mr. Reed, (Langhter.) . Considerable questioning about the minutim of the telegraphic correspondence followed. The larger number of the despatches were sent to Colonel Pel- ton. ‘Mr. Cooper was thon excused and the committee adjourned, to meet again this morning at half-past THE LOUISIANA INQUIRY. MADDOX BEFORE THE POTTER COMMITTEE— ST. MARTIN'S STATEMENTS DENIED—HIS EN- TIRE STORY PRONOUNCED FALSE. Wasurtxeton, Fob. 5, 1879. The Potter Committee was called to order at half- past twelve o'clock to-day. Presont—Messrs, Potter, Morrison, Blackburn, MacMahon and Cox. General Lyman Sheldon, one of the Hayes electors in Lousiana, was sworn, and made a brief state- ment relative to the certificates which have been claimed to contain forged signatures. His testimony developed no new facts of public interest, and at its conclusion the committee took a recess until three P.M. The committee reassembled at four o'clock. Joseph H. Maddox being sworn, was examined by the chairman relative to the charges contained in the affidavit of Mr. St. Martin. Mr. Maddox denied every assertion made by St. Martin, and said he never conversed with St. Martin previous to his appointment as deputy sergeant-at-arms on the Louisiana sub-Committee; he thought, however, that through his influence St. Martin secured the ap- pointment, having mentioned him as a good man for the place; he never gave St. Martin subpamnas to serve upon witnesses; did not witness the examination ot Dula by the sub-committes, and had nothing to do with the preparation of the testimony of wit- nesses in New Orleans until atter the termination of Dula’s examination; he had frequent conversations with Weber in regard to certain witnesses who Weber claimed would corroborate his testimony. THE WITNESS’ DUTY. Maddox's duty in New Orleans was to interview witnesses as they arrived in the city, ascertain all the points of the testimony they would give and prepare a memorandum thereof for the guidance of demo- cratic members of the sub-committee, thus A. I cannot say; I examined them as y were brought to me; sometimes several came at addox then stated that he went to New Or- ‘ans at the instance of Mr. Gibson, of the New York Sun. Iu reply to further interrogatories be said it was his understanding that Messrs. Armstead, Duncan and Stewart were to corroborate Weber's “Se a he was informed by St. Martin and Weber what the substance of their testimony would be aud ac costings prepared his memoranda for the commit Some further questions were put, but nothing of interest elicited. The Chairman inquired of Mr. Cox if he desired to proceed with the cross-cxamination, and that gen- tleman replied he would preter not doing so until Mr. Sheliabarger (counsel for Secretary Sherman) was present. It was therefore agreed that the cross-examination be deferred until to-morrow, and the committee adjourned. Dip 4 Porrrictay ever enter office without a strong determination to reform the public service aud ever leave the position with the conviction that his inten- tions had been successfully carried out ? Never! or—well, hardly ever. MAJOR RENO’S CONDUCT, CAPTAIN GODFREY SAYS HE DODGED AN INDIAN BULLET—¥EAR OR NERVOUS TIMIDITY?—A PACKER DESCRIBES HIM AS BEING DRUNK ON THE EVENING AFTER THE FLIGHT TO THE HILL, (By TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Curcace, Feb. 5, 1879, The most interesting witness to-day in the Reno inquiry was John Fritz, who corroborated Churchill in regard to the attempt of Reno to slay the former with a carbine and baptize the latter with whiskey. Atthe opening of the Court this morning Captain Godfrey was again put on the stand. He testified regarding the disposal of forces and the condition of things on Reno’s Hill on the 26th and 26th. In re- ply to the question if during those days he observed any acts of hesitation or timidity on the part of Major Reno, witness said that on the morning of the second day Colonel Benteen made a request for a company of men, declaring that his side of the linc was severely pressed. Major Reno said that his side was also being 80 severely pressed that he could not spare a company; Colonel Benteen made his request two or three times, and at last a company was detailed to him; that was the only act of hesitation witness re- called on the part of Major Reno, ‘The only act of timidity he remembered was that as ho and Reno were walking along the line under a severe fire Reno dodged once, and laughingly said he'd “be damned it he wanted to be killed by an Indian; he'd been in too many battles for that.”" COLONEL BENTEEN THE ACTUAL COMMANDER. Witness manifested considerable hesitation it answering questions. When asked by the Recorder whether Keno acted in a courageous manner he paused a minute and said:—“Pdid not observe his qualifications particularly; as far as I could judge Colonel Benteen exercised the functions of a com- manding officer; but little could be done except lie in trenches and fire, but the outside work was per- formed by Colonel Bentcen.”’ In reply to questions asked By Mr. Gilbert witness testified that some of the captains had held high positions in the army of the rebellion, were efficient soldiers and had the confidence of Major Reno so far as the wit- ness knew; the nature of the exigencies on the hill was such that command had to devolve largely on the different officers; witness did remember hav- ing seen Major Reno accompany the charge made by Colonel Benteen’s men, while the latter stood on a high point and directed the movement. NERVOUS TTMIDITY. In the opinion of the witness the fact of Reno dodging the bullet was possibly not due to fear, but, if th tleman for the defeuce liked the term any ‘to nervous timidity.” e Mr. Gilbert—As a matter of fact, do you not know that the very best officers have dodged bullets? Witness—Well, sir, I presume they have. Mr. Gilbert—Do you not know that even so high a military authority as General Taylor said that he low his boys to dodge but not to run from Witness—It seems to me I have heard something of that story. . Upon the redirect examination he testified that Colonel Benteen, while standing on the bigh point to direct the charge, being cautioned against tho builets which were whistling around him, said that he had “been through too many tough places to be afraid of a few Indian bullets.’” WANTED TO SHOOT A PACKER. itness was John Fritz, of St. Paul, Minn. He testitied that he was with Custer’s regi- ment in the capacity of packer. He then described how the pack train was brought up the hill. He first saw Major Reno after the firing had ceased the night ofthe 25th; he had gone over toward the packs, The next and passing an officer whom he did not notice at first, percelved a moment later that it was Major Reno; the witness saluted him and said, “Good evening, sir;"" Major Reno said, “Are the horses tied?” the witness said, “Tied? what do you mean, sir?” whereupon Major Reno slapped him in the face and said, “Tied, God damn you;"” then stepping back Major Reno seized a carbine and threatened to shoot witness; he had a bottle of whts- key in his hand, and as he slapped the witness the whiskey flew all over him; the witness “went there atter a blanket and some hard tack, not having had anything much to edt all day.” VERY DRUNK. Upon the cross-examination the witness said that he knew nothing of skuiking or theft on the part of the packers, The witness had no hard feeling now toward Reno because Reno smacked him in the face; he would say that a man in Reno's condition was very drunk; he stammered and staggered and leaned up against the packs. FRITZ CONTRADICTED. Colonel Benteen and Captain Edward G. Mathey were both called for the double purpose of rebutting the last witness’ testimony in regard to Reno being drunk, and also to testify that a great many articles had been stolen by the men in charge of the packs. ‘Their evidence was uninteresting. ‘The Court then adjourned until half-past ten to- morrow. NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE, . THE ALLEGED PARTISAN NOMINATIONS OF GOv- ERNOR M'CLELLAN—EXPECTED ACTION BY THE SENATE TO-DAY—WHAT IS SAID IN THE MI- NORITY AND MAJORITY REPORTS, Tneytox, Feb. 5, 1879. There is war to the knife between Governor McC!el- lan and the republican Senate over the nominations for judges of the inferior courts mado by him. In the counties of Essex, Mercer, Monmouth and Mid- diesex the nominations for law jndgeships are all democrats, and in eleven other counties the nominees for lay judgesbips are all republicans. The Senate refuses to confirm the law judges on the ground that by so doing the benches in those counties would be purely partisan—composed entirely of democrats. It agrees to confirm all the lay judges because, such action would make the benches in those counties of @ non-partisan character, there being already a dem- ocratic representation in each. The Governor, in a special message to the Senate on tho subject, speaks strongly in favor of @ non-partisan judiciary. The majority of the Judiciary Committee made a report to the Senate to-day, recommending the confirmation of the lay judges and the rejection of the law judges. The minority of the committee, Mr, Ludlow, recommends the confirmation of all. Both reports are lengthy, and extensive quot ations are made from the Governor's, special message. instance, the majority of the committee say they “are happy to state that they cordially indorse th Governor's views so cogently expressed in favor of @ non-partisan judiciary.” He is undoubtedly correct in saying that “the feeling of the | great mass of the people of this State is strongly against a strictly partisan composition of the courts.” The report then goes on to sta that “His Excellency ix no less wise than cor in his expression of a belief that, if the judiciary of any nation or State is entirely composed of mem- bers of any one political party it will often be dift- cuit to convince members of the adverse party that they can always obtain even handed jnstice The minority report, among other things, states that “by usage and ot right the nomination of persons. to hold these several judicial offices belongs to the Governor, the Senate having only the power to reject or confirm his nominations. If the dom- inant party in the Senate are willing to accept the principle laid down by the Governor as the correct one and by which they hereafter intend to be guided, they should at least be fair and accept it as he an- notinced it. Governor McClellan in his special mes- sage to the Senate refers solely to the lay judges of the Common Picas, and his language ts so plain that | none can be deceived, save willingly. He says ‘the inferior courts of the Common Pleas are. = now composed of two mem- bers of one political party and of one member of the otlier, and it happens that it now, tor the first time, falls to the lot ot a Governor of this State to decide whether this condition of affairs shall continue or whether only one party shall be repre- sented in these courts.’ It matters not what im- pelled the Governor to make those particular nomi- nations—that is beyond the question or cavil of the Senate, ‘Thy only question properly before it is, Are the persons named proper persons to hold the offices for which they are named? The majority of the conimittee do not even pretend otherwise.” ‘The Governor ts inexorable; so is the Senate, a parently, Another exeentive session will be held t morrow (Thursday), when all the reprblicans will be contirmed and the democrats rejected, THE MORRIS CANAL BRIDGE, ‘The bill providing for the building of a bridge over the Morris Canal at Washington street, Jorse; the interest of the New der Railroad, was ordered to a third reading in the House without opposition. When it comes Up On its nal passage a lively fight is antici- pated, ‘he lobbyists are elaiod over the prospect. THE STATE PRISON CONTRACTS, To-morrow (Thursday) the bill which provides for the abolishment of the manufacture of boots and shoes in the State Prison will come up for action, Mr, Fiedler, of Newark, has it in charge. There will be @ lively time over it, nt OBITUARY. 4 E. S DALLAS, ENGLISH JOURNALIST. “ Mr. B.S. Dallas, of the London Times, an sccom plished journalist, essayist and critic, died at hit residence, Newman street, London, January 17. He was of Scottish descent, and born in the West Indies about 1820, Coming to England in youth, he became a contributor to the metropolitan press and narrowly escaped making a distinguished mark in literature, His powers of criticism were of a very high order, as the columns of the Times for many years past may demonstrate. A collection of his leading reviews from the files of that journal would prove s real boon in these days of flimsy eulogive or indiscriminate censure passed at haphazard upon imodern authors, Mr. Dallas published, in 1853, a volume upon ‘*Poeties,” and a few years later issued his best known work, “The Gay Science amusing and well written, but far from accurate, ac count of the French trouvéres and Provenyal trouba- dours. One of his most ambitious undertakings was to popularjze Richardson's interminable novel of “Clarissa Harlowe” by skilful excision and condensa- on, but the attempt was not a success. Mr. Dallas was admirably fitted for rapid and graphic descrip- tive sketches of light literature, but he lacked appli- eation and faited to fulfil the brilliant promise of his earlier days, He wrote for many magazin edited more than one, corresponded for Frenc and American journals, and projected a multitude were oupied a distinctive posi- diner out, was # brilliant ining racont: He married at Glasgow, in 1853, the well kne actress, Miss Isabella Glyn, who, it will be remembered, visited the United States on a lecturing tour in 1870, The marriage was an unhappy one, and it was dissolved on her petition by the Divorce Court in 1874. of ambitions achievements, none of whic! ever carried out. He oe DANIEL JOSEPH MANNING, IRISH JOURNALIST, Daniel J. Manning, editor and proprietor of the Paddington Times, died in London on the 13th ult. Born in Dingle, county Kerry, Ireland, about 1832 he entered the order of Christian Brothers when a boy, and was Superior of several prominent schools in Ireland. After twenty years spent in that Order he went to London, became editorially con- nected with the Globe, and was for some months sub- editor of the Jrish Times, He travelled extensively, and resided some years in this city, where he wrote for several of the daily and weekly papers. He was twice married, the second time to a beautiful and accomplished’ young English lady of the Isle of Wight, who also wrote for the press of New York. She was well known in amateur theatrical circles, and died here in the dawn of fame and the flower of her beauty. Mr. Manning was a man of high in- telligence, of a generous disposition, and made hosts of friends as well as not afew enemies. He became proprietor, a few years ago, of the Paddington Times, one of the most enterprising of the suburban week- lies of the British metropolis. SIR WILLIAM HENRY FEILDEN, BART. Sir William Henry Feilden, of Fenniscowles, near Blackburn, ied afew days ago at Scarborough, at the age of sixty-six. The eldest son of the late Sir William Feilden, of Fenniscowles, some time Mem- ber of Parliament for Blackburn, by his marriage with Mary Haughton, daughter of Mr. Edmund Jackson, of Jamaica, he was born in the year 1812, and was educated at Winchester School. He enterea the army at the usual age, and retired several years ago as captain in the Seventeenth lancers. He wag a magistrate and deputy lieutenant for Lancashire, and he succeeded to his father’s title and estates in 1850. Sir William Feilden married in 1835 Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel James Balfour Wemyss, of Wemyss Hall, county Fife, 2 William ‘is succeeded in his title by his eldest son, Mr. William Leyland Feilden, late lieutenant in the Thirteenth dragoons, who was born in 1835, and married in 1860 Catherine Jane, daughter of Mr. Edward Peddar, of Ashton Park, Lancashire. TION. J. C. W. VIVIAN. Hon. J. C. W. Vivian, late Permanent Financial Secretary of the British War Office, died January 21, at Richmond, Surrey. Mr. Vivian, who was in his sixtieth year, had been in bad health for some time past, and at the beginning of the present year retired from the duties of his office ona pension of £1,000 per annum. Mr. Vivian was a Lord of the Treasury trom December, 1368, to August, 1870; Financial Secretary at the War Office from the latter date to August, 1871, and was then appointed Permanent Under-Secretary. He was member of Parliament for Penryn and Falmouth from 1841 to 1847; for from 1857 to May, 1859, and for Truro from Decem- ber, 1868, to September, 1871. DB. CHARLES EUDOXE MOLLIEN, FRENCH DEPUTY" Dr. Charles Mollion, the republican Deputy for Péronne, died in France abont the 18th ult., at the early age of forty-four years. He was born at Boves, (Somme), August 4, 1835; studied medicine and sur- gery at Paris, and became a distinguished practi” tioner in his native department. He served as a sur™ geon during the Franco-German war, being sue” ceasively attached to the armies of the Rhine, of the Loire and of the East. He wis chosen to the Assem- bly February 20, 1876, and re-elected Octobue 14, 1877. GEORGE GILFILLAN, M. D. Dr. George Gilfillan, one of the oldest and best known medical practitioners of Brooklyn, was found dead in his bed at his residence, No. 212 Clinton street, yesterday morning. The deceased gentleman was born in the town of Killane, about six miles from Londonderry, county Down, Ireland, and was, at the time of his death, eighty-two years of age. He came to the United States fitty years ago and studied medi- cine and surgery in Columbia College, now known as the Twenty-thifa Street Medical University. JULIUS FRAUENSTADT, GERMAN PHILOSOPHER. ‘The German papers record the death at Berlin, about the 16th ult., of Julius Frauenstiidt, the leading representative of the strict Pessimistic school of philosophy. He was the editor of the posthumous works of Schopenhauer and his biographer, and did much to popularize the views of that philosopher by numerous works of his own. MOSES 8. COHEN. Moses S. Cohen, seventy years of age, a gentleman favorably known in Hebrew circics, and formerly an extensive real estate agent, died suddenly yesterda: while visiting a friond at No. 309 East Houston streek, DR. DUNCAN CAMPBELL. Dr. Duncan Campbell, an eminent physician of Toronto, Ont., died yesterday afternoon, aged sixtye nine years. LYMAN COCHRANE. Lyman Cochrane, Judge of the Superior Court of Detroit, Mich., died yesterday morning. CUT HER THROAT. Mrs. Johanna Mahony, forty years of age and the mother of four children, attempted suicide yesterday at her place of residence, in rear of No. 260 West Houston strect. Mrs. Mahony lived with her husband Richard and their children in two rooms. The husband has been out of work for some time, and the wife has been doing all she could toward the support of the family. On Tuesday she did some work away from home, and, returning in she had earned, restless, evening with what money seomed, her husband says, About six o'clock yester went into his wite's’ roor conversation with her, of the children told the matter with her 1 room With a light and found his wife an old rusty table knife she bad ent ear to ear. “An ambulance was sent for aud conveyed her to St. Vincent's Hospital, where the physicians say she cannot recover, Het husband says they lived Lappily together and he can imagine no reason for her uneasiness or despondency. STRANGLED BY ITS MOTHER. Matthew Flanagan, 2 laborer, resides with his wife and three children at No, 17 Ludlow street. Hoe haa been out of work lately and has found it difficult to avoidstarvation. He left his family yesterday morn- ing in search of employment, and returning at noon found his wite washing, while a baby two months old lay asleep in a cradle. Matthew sauntered forth again, and when he retraced his footsteps a second time fonud his wife pecetysed from liquor and lying on the floor with the baby tightly clasped in her arms, The little thing was quite dead, having beew strangled in its mother’s embrace, The case wag nt ae to the Tentn precinet and the Coroner's office notified. Mr. Flanagan said that he was too poor to bury the infant, and, in consequence, the Commissioners of Charities and Correction will assume that duty. morning held a few an hour after: her that something ther. He hurried into the LIFE SAVING. The nowly elected Board of Directors of the New York Volunteer Life Saving Society held their frat meeting yesterday at the Maritime Exchange, Presi- dent Edson, of the Produce Exchange, presiding. J. F. Wenman was elected vice president, vice Brayton Ives, resigned, and Mossrs. T. P. Ball, K. R. Powers and L, MeKay we ed directors to fill vacancies, The treasurer presented his report acknowledging the receipt of $604 00, An executive committee, con, sisting of Messrs. M. J. Robinson, I. B. Ball aud Li MeKay, was appointed to take charge of the affairs 0@ the society, with power to expend $500, to receivg further pice pena for metmbershir “~" *o solick additional contributions, &o