The New York Herald Newspaper, February 15, 1879, Page 3

NEW YORK AERALD, SATURDAY, ~ ONEIDA COMMUNITY. Episcopal and Presbyterian Bishops and Priests in War Paint. A RELIGIOUS CRUSADE. No Quarter To Be Shown the Fol- lowers of Noyes, THEORIES OF MARRIAGE. i “A System of Organized Fanati- cism and Lust.” — (BY TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD.) Syracuse, Feb. 14, 1878, A movement was organized in this city to-day which has for its object the eradication of the Oneida Community. The head and front of the crusade is Dr. J. W. Mears, of Hamilton College. The firststeps were taken at a meeting held at the Syracuse University this afternoon. In response to acall, in which refer- ence is made to the great wrong done society by the institution known as the Oneida Community, trom its deadly opposition to the principles of morality, about fifteen ministers of the Gospel re- sponded to the invitation. Among these were Bishop Huntington, of the Episcopat diocese of Central New York; Bishop Peck, of the Methodist Church; Chan- cellor Haven, of the University; Dr. Mears, of Hamilton College; Rev. James Porter, of Brooklyn, Congregationalist, Rev. Ovid Miner and nearly all the local clergymen of the various denom- inations. The movement has been developing for a longtime. Dr. Mears started it before the Utica Pres- bytery s year ago, and was appointed chairman of a committee to collect information as to the practices of the Community. CHURCH DENUNCIATIONS. At simultaneous meetings of the General Asso- ciation of the Congregational Church and a Synod of the Presbyterian Church, held at Oswego last October, resolutions denouncing the Com- tunity were passed. The Presbyterians called lt a “pernicious jnstitution, which rests substan- tially on a system of organized fanaticism ond Bishop Huntington, in his last Len- ten pastoral letter, condemned the Com- munity in good round terms. Outside of this the movement has slumbered until to-day, when it assumed something like a formidable aspect. Each person who entered the University to day was handed a copy of the American Socialist, the Commu- nity organ, which bristled with editorial and other articles of a nature calculated to create a favorable sentiment. A small boy stood at the door to make the distribution. Its editor, William A, Hinds, was also present, notebook in hand. The assembled divines read the Socialist until Chancellor Haven called the Conferenca to order. On his motion Bishop Huntington was chosen chairman. Bishop Peck offered prayer appropriate to the occasion. Dr. Mears was asked to read the call, with which request he complied, closing with a statement that it was not expected or desired that others than those who had been invited by letter should be present. This was directed at the reporters, who were there in large force, all the New York papers being repre- sented, The gentlemen of the press retired in good order. After the doors were closed and a guard placed thereat the meeting proceeded to business, PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL. Exclusive as were the council they failed to rid the” meeting of the presence of a member of the Oneida Community who was there in the guise of a Gelogato.. Editor Hinds lett the room with the re- porters. The interloper was not discovered, although the precaution was taken to call for the name, residence and faith of every person present. After the call of the roll the chair called on Professor Mears to state what facts were in his possession in regard to the Community. Pro- (cssor Mears alluded to the first action taken some time ago by the Synod of which he was a member with respect to this local evil, and to the resolutions that were passed at a later date by the State Baptist Association, in harmony with the action of the Synod, Professor Mears then gave a brief sketch of the rise ‘and progress of the institution. The movement was headed by Noyes, a graduate of a college. EVERY MAN A HUSBAND TO IIs FRIEND'S WIFE, He based his theory on the second chapter of Acts, where it is stated that the carly Christians had their property incommon; but Noyes diverged from the Geriptural view by holding a community of persons as well as of good. Noyes, in college, was a bright student and promised to be a useful man, His com- munistic movement was started at Poultney, Vt., in 1847. The people rose against it and Noyes was obliged to flee. He came to this section about thirty years ago. I may say that these people tre good citizens, orderly and cleanly in the manner in which they conduct their homes. A similar com- munity was started at Wallingford, Conn., but it tatled. It did not contain the elements of success that the Oneida Community does. In the Oneida Community men and women live together in a sort of concupiscence. No woman has a husband of her own, and no man has a wife of his own. They de- clare that they live the resurrection life, in which “they neither marry nor are given in marriage.” They are not allowed the right of choice. If they violate this rule and show any particular attachment for one another they are criticised for so doing. Noyes has great influence among them. Their insti- tution is the outgrowth of vile passion. A person going through this community sces nothing there to offend. Allis secret. Our students who visit the place say that the men look passably well, but that the women havo a de- jected look, and how such women can be the mothers of an excellent stock of men is ono of the problems which the students discuss. Threo or four years ago a similar community was started in the Northeastern part of this State. The Oneida Community has its location in the very centre of the Stato. I dil not know but that we were to have the State clothed with these communities, That northern Community, however, has been sold ont. ‘Whatever can be done ought to be done in New York as it was in Vermont for the sake of the morals of the Btate. QUERIES AXD ANSWERS. Chancellor Haven asked whether the women ever leave their precinct? The answer was, “Not much, Wat all,” Dr. Fowler asked whcther Professor Mears thonght the leaders in the Community were sincere in comparison with the Mormon leaders? He replied, “I presume they are. Noyes says the Community would be afailure without the present method of social intercourse.” Dr. Fowien—Is it dying ont? Professor Mrans—It shows no signs of it. Pro- fessor Mears added that they aro educating their young men so as to perpetuate their institution, One or more have been at Yale College. Tho total value of their property is about $500,000 or $600,000, wcording to their estimate, e Bishop Huntington said “this is not an isolated tommunity. It should be shown in tho light. Thero ls an impure emanation trom it. Young people go ‘here and retern with these impure thoughts and Wsociations in their mind: A Four Bor. At this point Dr. Porter, of Hamilton, read a letter from Congressman Baker, in which the writer states that it is adisgraco to the United States that a Mor- mon delegate should be admitted to Congress trom Utah, and that it is a disgrace to New York that suc scommunity as this is allowed to exist in the Stato, The apeaker held that this system isa foul blot on Gvilization. ‘ Bishop Peck indorsed the view givon that tho bxigonctes of this particular time demand that we He indorsed Congressman Baker's do something. letter, ‘This meeting should have succession and permanence. We should neither look for sudden success nor ultimate failure, The ovil is too deep seated to be easily eradicated. It is in the hands of sigacious men. The method of treatment must be moral and Scriptural. If the Community stood alone without sympathy from the outside public, and with less sagacious leaders, it might be overcome by a popular uprising. Hot headed men will do us no good in this work. The opposition must be soundly Scriptural. RESOLUTIONS PASSED. The following resolutions were introduced :— Resolved, That it is the urgent duty of the people of the State to take and press measures for the sup- pression of the immoral features of the Oneida Com- munity. Resolved, That a committee be appointed, to whom fact or law relat- shall be committed all questions o} ing to the Oneida Community and of measures which ought to be adopted, and to report at a futuro confer- ence which the committee will call. Bishop Huntington was appointed chairman of that committee, with instructions to associate with himeelf Dr, Beard, of Syracuse, and Dr. Mears, of Hamilton College. DISCUSSING THE RESOLUTION, Rev. G. M. Pierce, of Utah, editor of the Rocky Mountain Advocate, being present, was invited to speak, and he pictured the deplorable social state of the Mormon poople. The Chair called on Mr. L. W. Hall, a prominent member of the Syracuse Bar, to present the legal phase of the question. Mr. Hall said it would natu- rally be presumed that such offences have been treated elsewhere, Reprossive efforts have been taken in Massachusetts and Connecticut against adultery and lascivious coabitation. In our own State adultery has not been made a penal offence. In re- gard to this particular case it occurs to me there must be specific legislation. If we can get a moral sentiment aroused, public feeling turned toward Oneida, we will not need severe legis- lation. If in the statute in regard to disorderly per- sons the words ‘‘all persona living in concupiseence and adultery” were inserted, it would embrace every one in the Oneida community. Some suppose that it willdie out of itself. I think legislation would speed it on its way. Bishop Peck’s resolution will cover what we ought to do at this meeting. The Chair here asked what Congressman Baker means by saying that this is an indictable offence at common law. Mr. Hall replied that there is a difference of opin- ion on this point. Ido not think that it is an in- dictable offence as the law stands, Chancellor Haven proposed that the committee in- quire into the law and practico of the Oneida Com- munity and into the foeling of citizens of (he State without saying anythingsbout suppression. He had no doubt that it is the wish of Christian people to arouse the feeling of the people against this system. Bishop Huntington was right in saying that it dif- fuses an impure sentiment. He would like the com- mittee to inquire what is the duty of Christians and citizens. If they tell us we ought to express our opinion and stop we will do that. If they tell us we should petition the Legislature wo will probably do that. He thought that in the resolutions they should not assumo what they were going to do. He did not want @ committee to tell them how they ought to suppress it. Dr. Torrey agreed with Chancellor Haven’s views, He thought more decisive action should be taken. He wished every man, woman and child to understand that there was no doubt as to the immorality of this institution. He thought they should not be afraid to express themselves in unequivocal terms in regard to the Oneida Community. A lively discussion followed on Professor Mears’ resolution, which was finally adopted in a slightly modified form, ‘The question then arose whether the members pres- ent were pledged to secrecy, and a spirited discussion on the subject ensued. Finally the secretary was in- structed to furnish the press with the resolutions adopted, but nothing further. The gentlemen were also given to understand that it would be a breach of honor to divulge the proceedings. The Conference then adjourned, WHAT THE LEADING COMMUNISTS THINK OF THE PROPOSED CRUSADE OF THE CLERGY— A NON-RESISTANT BODY—EFFECT OF THE MOVEMENT ON THEIR BUSINESS—-NO HOSTILE LEGISLATION FEARED. Urtea, Feb. 13, 1879. A ride of five miles from the village of Oneida through a blinding snow storm to-day brought the HeEnawp’s correspondent to the large, comfortable and cheerful home of the Oneida Community, which is located upon 580 acres of the best farm and graz- ing lands in the State, on the Oneida and Madison county lines. Here and nhereabout are located real and personal property to the value of $500,000, which is owned in common by about three hundred persons (males and fomales being about evenly divided) in this, the headquarters of the Oneida Community, and about twenty-five persons at the Wallingford (Conn.) branch. The prop- erty consists of vast trap shops, silk and canned goods, factories, handsome dwellings and farm build- ings, all well stocked; splendidly bred horses and magnificent cattie—in fact, everything that could make a home or community happy and comfortable. SPEECH OF PEOPLE. The Oneida Community stands well with its neigh- bors, judging by the speech of people, which is to the effect that the members mind their own business, are industrious, temperate, frugal, courteous, honor- able in all dealings with their fellows, good citizens and, as a community, pay one hundred cents on a dollar, and ot inestimable value to the people of the surrounding country by giving employment to from 150 to 250 worthy people at various seasons and en- hancing the value of real estate in both counties for miles around their home. If the reverend gentlemen who have cailed upon their fellows to unite with them at Syracuse and agree upon rome plan for the extermination of this Community had depended upon the neighbors of the communists to take the initiative the call would never have been issued, The best informed people of the locality assure me that no legal proceedings will ever bo commenced in the courts of the county if they de- nd upon the actions of local officers or residents. his for an introduction to my call to-day to obtain tho views of the leaders upon the proposed crusade against the Community. HE COMMUNITY QN THE CRUSADE. I met ka Humphrey Noyes, the acknowledged leader of. the Community; but, as he is suffering from an affection of the throat which prevents his indulging im prolonged conversation, directed my interview to William. Alfred) Hinds, the accom- plished editor of the American Sociali#t and author of ‘works on communism. Mr. Hinds cordially welcomed me as the a come tative of the Henatp and cheerfully responded to my request for informat: regarding the views of the Community npon the proposed ciforts of the cl to destroy that body. The result of the int and replies to my questions was as follows: Mr. Hixps—Wo first heard of the mecting called by Dr. Mears, of Hamilton College, Bishop Huntington ‘and others a day or two ago in the newspapers, The announcement created no more excitement in our Community than did any of the former agitations of this character, almost the whole ground having been gone over in the sensation of August of last year, which was based upon the misrepresentations and garbled reports of » New York Bohemian. ConnksPonDENT—W hat originated that excitement? Mr. Hinps—A report that thore were internal dis- sensions in the Community and the reported seces- sion of ten members of the Community. CounksponpeNt —Thi not the firsttime that Dr. Mears bas agitated this subject? Mr. Hixps—No, sir. He brought the Community to the attention of the Presbyterian Synod of Central New York and other like bodies a few yours ago. Connesvonpent—What do you think is the object of the moeting called for Syracuse this week? Mr. Hinpy—We think this is tho preliminary to an effort to make the movement against the Community general; an effort to concentrate the views of repre- sentatives of the various churches of the State for the purpose of creating public sentiment, if possible, in favor of State legis ation against the Community. In fact, Dr. Mears statod thie purpose in substanco on August 10, 1878, to tho ‘editor of the Utica Heral, when wid that he “thought if the Community was ever disturbed it would have to be by the passayo of a special statute to fit its case, What tho prospect of enacting such a law was he could express no opin- ion, He had visited the Community and been most kindly treated there, He regarded its members as upright men in business life and believed that the founders of the Community were sincere in their peculiar doctrines.” In addition to the Presbyte- rians, the subject of abolishing the Community has been brought before the Methodist and Baptist bodies, but we have no knowledge of any particular action. PREVIOUS ACTION. Afow years ago @ committee was appointed by the Presbyterian Synod ot Central New York to look into our affairs and stiggest some pian for action, but to our knowledge this committee has never made an: report. ‘Tho members never made ony formal cail here, nor did any of them apply for information, which would have been given cheerfully, Commesvoxvert—Do you not think that the new Polygamy act of Congress has stimulated Dr, Mears ‘and his confrires to renowod effort? Mr, Hrxps—It has doubtless given life to this move- ment, but that act las no to communitios munnn B iusoiv JARY like ours, and only affects Territories under the juris- diction of the United States government, ConRESPONDENT—Are not your peculiar views or system sometimes confounded with those of the Mor- mons? Mr. Hisps—We do not consider that the Community has any similarity to Mormonism, Common mar- Tiage creates property in women. Mormonism gives man control over a8 many women as he chooses. Communism acknowledges no property in persons. I do not know that there is any communistic property at Salt Lake outside of the Church property; so far us general membership is concerned there is no com- munistic property COMMUNISM VS, MORMONTSM. The analogy between the Oneida Community and the Mormons, which is much insisted on in certain quarters, fails in many ways, and especially on two very important points, to which we commend tho attention of Dr. Mears and others, naimel First—The Oneida Communists are and always ha been peaceable subjects of civil authority. No sedi- tious act has ever been charged upon them. ‘They have never had a thought of carrying out their communis- tic principles in opposition to the laws, oreven to the pane opinion of the people among whom they dwell. on after their first settlement at Oneida, on the occasion of an pornos eee opeention (which brought to light all the object le features of their system, and was afterward withdrawn), they explicitly offered to sell out and leave it that was the wish of their neighbors; and pes fully expected to do so, but were stopped by a voluntary petition to the contrary signed by many respectable people in the vicinity. They were assured at that time and many times afterward by lawyers of high standing that they were not breaking any laws. They have substan- tially repeated the same offer from time to time as often as there seemed to be danger of col- lision with public authority or private opinion. It has lately been generally admitted, even by their enemies, that they are not breaking existing laws; and it is understood that new legislation is coutem- plated, It such legislation should be obtained the Community would certainly obey it, though they might justly complain of its ez post facto character. They will be faithiul to their record of submission to the “powers that be” to the end. In all this they are the antipodes of the Mormons, whose proclivity to detiance and violent resistance is well known. Second—The social theory and practice of the Oneida Community, though liable to be confounded with Mormonism by those who think carelessly of both as being alike dangerous departures from established custom, is really at the very opposite extreme from Mormonism. The entire scale of sexual relations may be distributed into three categories, indicated by the three titles—one wife, many wives, no wife. The first category is that of ordinary socicty; the second that of the Mormons; the third that of the Oneida Communists; and it is obvious that the difference between many wives and no wife is greater than the difference between many wives and no wife. The Shakers as well as the Oneidians belong to the no-wife category, and, accordingly, there isa great deal more analogy be- tween the Oneida Community and the Shakers, and more practical tom, “pond than between the Oneida Community and the Mormons. ‘THK NO-WIFE SYSTEM. We hold, however, that the Primitive Church in its best examples, those of Christ and Paul, in its most significant teachings, such as I. Corin- thians, viii., in its communistic tendencies, seen in they Pentecostal rovival, and in its avowed ideal of its heavenly home, was and is the true arche- type of the no-wife system. Resurrection was the ladder on which that Church was ascendin; its whole visible career, and at the top of the was this plain inscription, ‘No marrying here.” Both the contrasts which we have exhibited be- tween the systems of the Oneida Communists and the Mormons may be summed up and combined in the following statement :— “One system represents the civilization of the Old Testament; the other that of the New. War and polygamy appear on one side; non-resistance and treedom for women on the other.” COBRESPONDENT—If special legislation is secured what will be the course of the Community? Mr. Hixps—Special legislation is very unpopular nowadays and finds but little favor. If we should find ourselves in confliet with any locality we should avoid that conflict, even if it involved our withdrawal from that locality. CORRESPONDENT—What form did opposition to tho Community take on your settling here ? Mr, Hinps—Some of our neighbors became alarmed over the settlement of a Community of which they knew nothing; they were excited over our reported radical views, and as the Commynity was not as rich as it now is legal proceedings were commenced and efforts made to indict us, which did not suc- ceed. Our neighbors finally became satisfied that we were peaceable and industrious, and when they found that there was a chance of losing us they drew up a paper, which was signed by the larger pro- portion of the people within a few miles, asking us to remain, and guaranteeing us protection. No bill was found in Madison county courts, and no evi- dence was offered upon which an indictment could be found. There was some prosecution and_perse- cution in Oneida county, but nothing resulted from it; in fact, the whole matter was dropped. No at- tempt to indict the Community since then has sne- ceeded. On one or two occasions seceders have tried to make trouble for us, but there has been no legal action. Their alleged grievance was founded upon the idea that they were entitled not only to what they put into the Community, but also a proportion of what they might have earned. Our covenant de- bars members from this course, and no action could be sustsined. JUSTICE HUNT'S OPINIONS. About thirteen years ago, in the last difficulty with a seceder, be tried to get us indicted in Oneida county, and for this a sought to obtain the services of Counsellor Ward Hunt, of Utica, now Justice Hunt, of the Supreme Court of the United States. Atter hearing the man’s story Judge Hunt informed us that he did not like the man nor his effort, and he would havo nothing to do with him; but, after knowing thoroughly our principles and practices he very willingly espoused our side in the matter, and the effort for indictment was again dropped. ‘CoRRESPONDENT—What form of legislation do you anticipate will be sought for against you? Mr. Hixps—We have no ides as to how they intend to declare our manner of life or the acts of the Com- munity a crime or even a misdemeanor. If the State feels called upon to make special legislation we shall not resist. If the legislation should be of suc’ character that we felt as if we could got conscien- tiously contorm to it then we might conclude to withdraw from our community form, or, for in- stance, turn Shakers. In fact there is a great deal of similority between communists and Shakers. NO PROSELYTES WANTED, Our Community is a peat ctor tpg | instttution. All we ask, and all we have ever asked, is to allow us to go on ‘our peacetul way. We have been quite careful even in our own paper to keep our radical society principles in the background. For a year at least ‘we have not circulated at all any of our plications expl these peculiar princip.es. n fact, we have entirely withdrawn them from circulation, and at present have no in- tention of thrusting them on the public. But supposing these members and self-appointed guardians of social morality should succeed in break- ing up the Oneida Community what would be the re- sult? It certainly would have this result:—It would set free a great many people here to go into this very business of proselyting. We have quite a number of writers and speakers who would like no better fun than to apread our principles by lecturing snd all means that are usually taken advantage of for such objects, And then these wise men ought to bear in mind that no system ever dies so long as it is subject to persecution. In fact, if tl reverends had genuine faith in the good Gld Gamalian doctrine they would consider that they would do the most service to the world by letting the Community severely alone. ‘For if this thing be of men it will come to naught; if it be of God, they cannot overthrow it.” YOUNG sRcTs. Furthermore, it will do no harm remind tho members of this self-constituted conference that they cach and all represent sects that are very young in years. It is scarcely one hundred years since the first Methodist was seen in Massachusetts, and Congregationallsts, Presbyterians, — Episcopalians and the rest. need not go back moro than two hundred and fifty years to find that their sects were terribly perseented by other sects that happened to be in power. We communists cannot expect a new system of society, based on a new interpretation of the Scripture, to fare any better than the grandfathers of the divines who ate to meet in Syracuse. We probably shall 0 through some such experience a# the Shakers fave in this country. Everybody respects them now and speaks well of them, but during the first years of their history they were subject to terrible Persecntions, maltreated in various ways, their mectings broken up, — property destroyed, their societies threstened == with ~—_violencs, wc. They havo lived down the opposition to them, and so has the Oneida Community in its immediate neighborhood. It is only necessary for our pern peace that the whole State shail come to know us as Woll as our neighbors do, and the pres- ent movement may help us in that respect. ‘A FAVORABLE KFFROT, ConnesroxpeNT—What was the effect of the agita- tation of last summer ? Mr. Hixps (smiling)—The newspaper notoriety at- tracted attention in a way that increased the demand for ovr manufactured products, and so materially helyad us. The present agitation may possibly ro- sult with equal advantage. ConnrsPoxpEXT—You have road the formal call for the meeting. What have you to say as to its asser- tion ? Mr, Hixps—The call of the royerend gentlemen as- serts that the Community i doing “a great wrong to from its deadly osition. to th principles and practices of Christian morality. What is meant by this we do not quite underptand, Certainly our system is an example of good ordet and temperance. Professor Mears has publicly give us credit for honesty and uprightness in all oar deal- ings. In no instance within our history of thirty years have our practices and principles beon thrust upon persons outside to disturb fam- ilies or create scandal of any kind, — This shows at least that we are not disturbers or deadly opponents of Christian morality, aw is p between common marriage ‘free love,” as it is tormod, or ony system of sexual morality that has guarantees than marriage, wo stand and have stood with marriage. Although we dis- any and principle of ownership as betwoon woman, yet our system, we claim, man furnishes incomparably better and safer guarant for the protection of women and the education of children than monogamy. For one individual who may haye lett our Community on account of divap- ointment in regard to our peculiar idea of social ife several have left because they did not find the sexual freedom thoy anticipated. Under our aystom there is no sextal compul- n; every person is at liberty to live if ® pure Shaker lite if ho or she chooses} intact, any, woman can live apart, as far as sexuality is con- cerned, from the men if she chooses. CORRESPONDENT—Have you had many accessions from Oueida or vicinity ? ACCESSIONS AND SECESSIONS. Mr. Hinps—lIn thirty years the accessions have not exe five. There haye been none from the im- mediate neighborhood within twenty-five years, ex- cept one—the mother of a member who was taken in that she might be cared for in her old age, and she died here ConBEsronpeNt—What of the seceders of last sum- mer Mr. Hixps—Three of them have already returned, and still another has applied to return. ——How about the health of the including five cases of children who died at or about birth, there have been born in the Community fifty-five children. Ot the fifty who survived the perils of birth all are now living. There have been no deaths in the children’s department for eight years. ‘The depart- ment includes seven children brought in here by their parents, in addition to the fifty born here, Connssroxpext—Will the Community be repre- Mr. Hixps--Some member will probably go to hear what is said if he can obtain admission. Joseph Cook lectures in the evening. He will probably have something to say on the subject. CORRESPONDENT—What is the business of the Com- munity? Mr. Hixps—Trap making, silk Manufacturing and fruit and ve; canning. These are carried on mainly by outside people, superintended by Com- munists. peer: ve here and twenty-five at the Wallingford ranc CoxREsPonDENtT—How many outside people do you employ? Mr, rinps—From one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty, according to the season—men, women and boys. The Hxenavy correspondent then left the hospita- bie and courteous Community with acknowledgments for the information given. A BOY'S SUICIDE, A LAD ELEVEN YEARS OLD HANGS HIMSELF IN A CELLAR. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 14, 1879. A very curious and unusual case of suicide oc- curred here to-night, and has caused the most in- tense excitement in the northeastern or Kensington portion of the city. For sometime past a lad named Willie Zehgler, barely eleven years of age, has been living on Alleghany avenue. His parents were dead and he was taken to be brought up by his grandmother, who resided in a very comfort- able small house, two doors from the corner of Chat- ham street. The boy was very quiet and well behaved, but was shy, retiring and addicted to a gloomy disposition not common to boys of his age. He was of a religious turn of mind, and had a morbid fondness for religious booke. He has frequontly been heard to say that he wondered what sort of a place heaven was and that he would like togothere. In fact, his thoughts continually dwelt on the lifo beyond the grave, and the neighbors all pronounced him an odd sort of old fashioned child, He, however, had never manifested any disposition to commit suicide as a means of hastening his entrance to the other world. MANGING WITH 4 CLOTHESLINE. This evening the grandmother left the house for a short time. She returned after only a half hour’s absence and found the door locked. There was no response to her repeated knockings, 80 the neigh- bora helped her to force an entrance. Willie was nowhere to be found when the house was searched until some one reached the cellar. a terrible sight was beheld, The boy was hanging by the neck from a beam, dead. He had carefully piled up some blocks to stand upon and had taken the clothesline and tied it over a joist of the flooring overhead; then, standing on the blocks, he had fastened the end of the rope securely about his neck and kicked away the blocks beneath his feet. He had performed the work much more skilfully than Sheriff Calhoun hanged Hunter, and must have died very speedily. THE BILLINGS TRIAL. ARBEST OF JONES, THE PRINCIPAL WITNESS— HELD IN FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO ANSWER FOR PERJURY. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Sanatoasa, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1879, George W. Jones, the witness in the Billings mur- der trial whose evidence created so much comment, has been indicted for perjury by the Grand Jury, Jones waintsined his story, and was corroborated by three others, Wille five appeared and diametrically contradicted him. Jones was used to establish tho alibi, swearing thet on the night of the murder he was in a boat fishing, and saw Billings so far away from the scene of the. tragedy at the time that the shot was heard that it would have been impossible for him to commit the deed, Jones has been arrested on the charge, and bailed for appearance by Daniel H. Deyoo ‘Stephen Thorn in. the sum of $5,000. These geutlemen are also Billings’ sureties in 000, General Hughes and Mr. Lamoreaux, counsel for Billings, have been cn- gaged to defend’ Jones. The motion for achange of venue in the Billings case will be heard to-morrow morning at Ballston. General Hughes and the principal parties to the case have arrived. There appears little probability of « change of venne or a new trial. AN AUDACIOUS BURGLARY. [By TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Eastow, Pa., Feb. 14, 1879, At an carly hour this morning the store of R. K. Bachman, Congressman elect from this district, at Durham, about seven miles from Easton, was en- tered by four men. George Bachman, Edward Lerch and Quintis Umstead, who were sleeping on the sec- ond floor, were bound, tied to their beds and gagged. Bachman showed fight, but was overpowered. Tho thieves then demanded the keys to the sates, when they were informed that the safea were locked by combination locks. Bachman was robbed of $50, Three of the thieves then went -down stairs, while the fourth stood guard. The men worked on the safes until two o'clock, when they succeeded in blowing them n, damaging the building considerably. They st ded in gettin; about $300 in bills and silver, and then drove off wit! two of R. K. Backman’s valnable horses, which they left at Bethlehem, where it ia supposed they took the train to Philadelphia, Tho detectives and the Durham Horse Company have been searching the woods ait day, thinking perhaps they had sheltered themselves there. i ACCIDENT IN A THEATRE. Crscrsxatt, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1879. Marie Azurine, a.female trapeze performer at tho Theatre Comique, Detroit, was seized with vertigo last night when at the height of a swing thirty feet trom the floor and fell headforemost, striking a seat with a dnil thud, the body rebounding in the air and then falling apparently lifeless in the centre isle. She suffered «fracture of three ribs, besides internal in- juries. She is not expected to live. MEETING r S DEAVOR TO INCREASE RATES—THE SCHEDULES PREPARED, Bostox, Mass., Feb. 14, 1879. A moeting of the fire underwriters of Boston was held at noon to-day to hear the report of the com- mittes recently appointed to consider the question of au increase of rates of insurance. Ten local com- panies and twenty-soven agencies wero represented out of twenty-two compantes and forty-eight agen- cic, The committee’s report was as follows :— ‘chedwe A.—Minimum rates, with nothing more hazardous in the building :—Hides and sole leather; stigar in tnopen packages; boots and shoes in cases; dry goods in unopen packages; heavy hardware; flour in barrela; salted provisions in barrals, hogs- heads and boxes, may be written at 40 cents, in brick or stone buildings or in iron-clad gravel-roof warehouses, Minimum rates:—General packages n brick of stone, of in iron-clad gravel- ouses, at 50 cents, and in wooden build- stocks, fuel, crockery, drugs and oils, hardware, jew- elry, oil, glass, &c., and the rate is from 60 cents to (ule A was amended by the addition of the “And no merchandise shall be written at 40 conts.”” A motion was then passed to appoint a committes of three to obtain the views of each underwriter in Boston on the proposed tariff, and the meeting then adjourned until Tuesday next at noon. MAINE WANTS RETRENCHMENT. Aveusta, Feb, 14, 1879. In the Senate to-day @ resolution was presented and referred instructing Senators and Representa- tives in Congress to tise all honorable means in their power to effect @ reduction of the salary of the Prosident of the United States to $25,000 per annum, and that of members of Congress to $3,000, Also a reduction in the number and salaries of all other ws of the government and all other expenses nd with the g:neral depression in bus the increased purchasing power of bcs | 15, 1879.-TRIPLE SHEE 3 THE DOMINION. Lord Lorne’s First Speech to the Canadian Parliament, ENTHUSIASTIC POPULAR GREETING Princess Louise’s Drawing Room Last Night. A FASHIONABLE CRUSH. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.? Orrawa, Feb, 14, 1879, ‘The formal opening of the first session of the new Parliament passed off to-day with a more than usually loud flourish of trumpets. The event had been looked forward to by many with pleasure and by others with anxious curiosity. ‘The first class, it will readily be guessed, included those distinguished ladies who were fortunate enough to secure cards for the floor of the House, and the army of sight- seers, and thecurious were the great mass of thinking men who are eager to know whatis to result from the profuse promises of the national policy party, now that they have been placed in power. The advent of a new Parliament is generally the signal for some improvement, and, perhaps, slight alteration in the interna} arrangements of the great halls of wisdom, but this year has witnessed a more than usual amount of change. The first and most marked is in the Senate Chamber. Here the crimson drapery which formerly adorned the walls from the floor to the gallery has been removed, and one-half the wall now appears decorated with tasteful but very unpretending frescoing, the lower half still retaining its garb of crimson rep to correspond with the carpet and seats of the Cham- ber. This innovation was made at the suggestion of His Excellency the Governor General, who also sug- gested a very desirable alteration in the throne from which the annual speech is delivered. The canopy which covers the chair of state has been moved back in such a way as to render it possible to see the occupant from any point in the gallery, whereas previously it was impossible to do 6o unless almost immediately in front. It was impossible to carry out the whole of the embellishments proposed by His Excellency before the opening of Parliament, but even now a vast improvement has been effected, the delicate coloring of the walls blending harmoniously with the drapery and other surroundings. When lighted up the SenateCham- ber has always been noted for its brilliant appear- ance, but it was admitted by those present at the Drawing Room last night that it had never been seen to euch advantage before. The work yet to be done, which will be commenced immediately on the closing of Parliament, is the frescoing of the walis and pil- lars of the gallery, and when all is com- plete the ensemble wilt be one that His Excellency might well be proud of originating. In the Commons the changes are not many beyond the laying of new oilcloth in the spacious corridors, a work of no small proportion, and the customary new chair for the Speaker, it being the rulo for each Speaker to take his chair with him on vacating office. The new chairs (there is one forthe Speaker of the Senate as well) are splendid specimens of workmanship, being handsomely carved and upholstered, and costing in the neighborhood of $200 each. Anew chair has also been provided for the throne in the Senate Chamber, and, whilo the others are certainly exceedingly fine specimens of carving and upholstering, this surpasses them in every way. THE CRUSH AND THE CEREMONIES. ‘The demand on the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod for cards of admission to the gallery for the opening ceremony has not been as great since the first opening of the Dominion Parliament; and while last year, when there was an unusual atttac- tion in the fact that it was to be the last time the Farl of Dufferin would officiate, over two thousand tickets were issued, this year the number reached nearly three thousand. It will, doubt- less, seem absurd that such a number of cards should be issued when it is stated that there is only seating capacity for about nine hundred, al- though as a rule nearly twice that number manage to crush in, But so pressing are the Senators and members in their demands that the Gentleman Usher, Jer to escape absolute persecution, obtains the rger number, and the holders have to run their chances of obtaining even standing room. The at- tendance of strangers, who came from all parts of Canada and some parts of the United States to witness the opening, was very large, and as soon as th Parliament Buildings were opened in the morning the spectators began to file in and take seats in the gallery, some bringing books and others of the fair sex their tatting or needlework. As the hour for the ceremony, three o'clock, approached, the crush at the doors of the Senate was terrific, and the Domin- ion police, who were out in full force, had the ut- most difticulty to prevent accidents. ‘THE POPULAR GREETING, At a quarter to three the Princess Louise arrived at the Parliament buildings, accompanied by Lady MacNamara, Hon. Mr. Moreton, Mrs. DeWinton and the aide-de-camp in waiting. The guard of honor, composed of 100 men of the Governor General's Foot Guards, presented urtas, and a royal salute was fired from the Nepean Point battery, the band playing “God Save the Queen” and the ‘aasembled multitude cneering lustily. At three o'clock the Governor General arnved in carriage drawn by four handsome horses and escorted by the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. A viceregal satute was fired on His Excellency’s arrival, the band again playing the national anthem amid the continued cheering of the peopte. THY. VICEREGAL ADDEEss, ‘The Marquis having taken his seat on the throno, where the Princess was already seated, the Usher of the Black Rod was instructed to summon the Commons, upon whose arrival the Governor General read the following speech trom the throne :— HONORANLE GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND GENTLE- MEN OF THE Houst oF Commons: — In meeting the Parliament of Canada for the first time I desire to express neg mony oe I feel at hav- ing been selected by Her Majesty for the high aud important office I now fill and to assure you of the great satisfaction with which I now seek your aid and co-operation in acknowledging, with profound grati- tude, the peepee which has been accorded to my- self ax Her Majesty's representative. I am also commanded by the Qneen to convey through on to the people of Canada ber thanks ior the loyal, gencrous and kindly manner in whieh th have welcomed her daughter. The contribution of Canadian products and manufactures to the great International Exhibition at Paris last year attracted much stténtion, and it is believed it will have a beneficial effect on the trade of the Dominion with Ebrope. lcongratulate you on the which mast, in no simail degree, be attrib- utable to the kind and unceasing exertions of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales as president of the British section, The report of the Canadian Commissioners will be laid before you when received. Tam pleased to inform you that the amount awarded forthe fishery claims under the Washington Treaty has been paid by the United States, and that Her esty’s governinent has arranged with Canada and Newfoundland for their respective shares of the award. The papers on the subjects shall be sub- mitted to you, CATTLE EMBARGO. The important and rapidly increasing trade be- tween Canada and England in live cattle has been seriously threatened by the appearance in varic parts of the United States of pienro-pueumonia. In order to prevent the contagion from spreading to da and the consequent interruption of trade, I have caused ao order to be issued under the Animal Contagious Diseases act ot 186, prohibiting the im- portation or introduction into the Dominion of American cattle for a short period. It is hoped that the disease will pe, ere long, extinguished in the United States, and the necessity for continuing the prohibition removed, Your attention will be in- vited to an amendment of the act I have just re- ferred to, FOREIGN TRADE. ‘Tho government commenced ‘negotiations, with Her Majesty's sanction, for tho development of the trade of Canada with France and Spain and with their respective colonies, I hope to be able to lay before you the result of these negotiations during tho present session, RAILWAYS, It is the purpose of my government to press for tho most vigorous prosecution of the Canadian Pa- cific Railway; and to meet the reasonable expecta- tious of Britiah Columbia in carrying out this inten- tion due regard must be had to the financial posi- country. Communication by rail has b States asystem of railways, by the junetio; Rt. Vin- nt ot the Per! with the Paul and Pae mn of the in line which extends from English River to Kee- watin is now being placed wnder contract, and will be energetically pushed to completion in order to se* cure as rapidly as is possible the connection between Lake Superior and the great Northwest, GENERAL LEGISLATION, A bill for the amendment and consolidation of the acts relating to stamps sball be submitted for your consideration, as wel: as a measure amending the act relating to weights and measures. The decennial census must be jkem ip 169). 1 think it exvedient o | that a measure for the purpose should be passed during the present session in order to give ample time for the preparation of all the preliminary ar- rangements and to insure the census being taken as accurately and inexpensively as possible. In connec- tion with this subject it may be well to consider the propriety of providing some means for the collection and collation of vital, criminal and general statistics, A bill will be laid before you for the of some of the departments of the government, and also measures relating to the survey and manage- ment of the Dominion lands; to the mounted polica and to the Post Oftice Department, and also for the amendment in some particulars of the laws relating to the Indians. A measure will also be submitted to you for the vesting in Her Majesty for the use of the Dominion of certain ordnance and admiralty lands in- th province of Nova Scotia and New Brunswicks, NULEMEN OF THE Housk oF COMMONS :— The estimates for the ensuing year will be laid before you at an early day. They have been pre- pared with as much regard to economy as is compati- ble with the eftic of the public servic that the receipts into the Treasury from ordinary sources continue to be inadequate to meet the charges against the consolidated revenue. You wil yo to I doubt not, agree with me in the opinion th it is not desi le that our finances should longer remain in this condition, By the application of the strictest economy to the publio expenditure and by the readjustment of the tariff, with the view of i easing the revenue and at the same time of developing and encouraging the various industries of Canada, you will, I trust, be enabled ta restore the equilibriim between revenue and ex- penditure and to aid in removing the commercial and financial depression which unhappily continues to exist. Ih jat the public accounts off the past fina 1 be laid before you, |ONORABLY THE SENATE AND GEN- EN OF THE Housk oF ComMo: Parliament has recoynyzed the importance of pro- viding for the safe deposit of the surplus earnings of the people by arranging for their being placed with the government ata fair rate of interest. It may be well for you to consider how far it is prac- ticable for you to give a like security and encourage- ment to persons Who may desire by an insurance upon their lives to make provision for those depend- ent upon them. Your best attention, 1 doubt not will be given to the important subjects Ihave allu to and to the general interests of the country. A BRILLIANT SCENE, ‘The Senate Chamber was not only uncomfortably crowded in the gallery, but also outside the bar, where the members of the Commons stood, fully 300 strangers having forced their way in with the mem- bers in spite of efforts of the official to keep them out. The scene on the floor of the Chamber was a brilliant one, the costumes of man; of the ladies present being exceedingly hand- some. Immediately in front of the throne were seated the Lieutenant Governors of the differ- ent provinces and the viceregal suite. The Judges of the Supreme Court, in their robes of office, were also near at hand. Among the ladies present besides those of the viceregal party, were Lady MacDonald, Hon. Mesdames Tilley, Tup- per, O'Connor, Bowell and Aikens, all wives of Cabi- net Ministers; Hon. Mesdames Mackenzie, Hunting- ton, Laurier, Scott_and Brown, wives of ex-Minis- ters; Mesdames Ritchie, Strong, Henry, Tascher- ean and Gwynne, wives of Judges of the Supreme Court; Lady Burrand, of England; Miss Jewell, Mrs, Judah, of Boston, and Miss Stearns, of Detroit. There were fully fifty ladies in full dress on the floor of the House. The military staff present was com- posed as follows:—Lieutenant General Sir E. S. Smyth, Captain Smyth, A. D. C.; Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ross, Lieutenant Colonel Inglie, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, D. A. G.; Lieutenant Colonel Wiley, Lieutenant Colonel Macpherson, Major —Mat- tice, BL M.; Major — Macpherson, Major Micksted, Captain Stewart, Major Walsh, Major Gra- ham, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart, Major Neatherly, Lieutenant Colonel Brunei, Lieutenant Colonel White, Colonel Walker Powell, adjutant general; Captain Tilton, Captain Duulevie, Lieutenant Toller and Captain Vodd. At the conclusion of the ceremony His Excellency and Her Royal Highness drove away, accompanied by theirescort, and were loudly ci THE DRAWING ROOM, If the first opening of Parliament by the Marquis of Lorne caused a flurry of excitement the first “drawing room” held by Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise raised a perfect whirlwind. The event has, doubtless, been watched for with widely dif- ferent teclings under the yarious circumstances with which it must naturally be surrounded, especially in times of depression like the present. While doting mothers have been intent on the one object that their daughters should appear to as, good and even better advantage than their neighbors, anxious fathers have been equally intent on calculating where the funds were to come from to meet the heavy bills which always follow such occasions. Of course the merchants look on and smile serenely as they con- template the results to themselves of a lively season in the society circles of the capital. The annual viceregal Drawing Room, which in- variably follows the opening of Parliament, affords an opportunity for any one who is desirous of the honor, to be presented to the Queen's repre- sentatives, and many take advantage of it who do’ not care’ and perhaps are not fitted to move in that class of society which would secure to them the entrée at Govern- ment House. It must not be inferred from this that the present occupants of the viceregal residence are any more exclusive than their predecessors, whose freedom from anything of the kind was well kKuown. Since their arrival in Ottawa His Excel- lency und Her Royal Highness have evinced an un- mistakable and much appreciated desire to treat all clases equally well, and that they are succeeding is evidenced in their constantly increasing popularity. To-night the fact that they were to be presented to a daughter of the Queen brought out a more than usually large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen to pay their respects. ‘Acting on the suggestion of the Gentleman Usher ofthe Black Rod, who anticipated a large attendance, His Excellency gave instructions that only those ladies and gentlemen whose names commence with any letter of the alphabet from A to M inclusive should be presented to-night, and those whose names commence with any letter from N to Z inclusive to- morrow (Saturday) night. THE DOORS THOWN OPEN. Notwithstanding this precaution the corridors leading to the Senate Chamber, where the ceremony took place, were very much crowded by nine o'clock, when the doors were thrown open, the viceregal party having arrived with their characteristic punc- tuality. The Marquis and Her Royal Highness were seated on the throne, and on either side were the gentlemen of the vicerogal stafi—Major do Winton, Lieutenant Colonel the Hon. E G: P. Littleton, Captain Chater, Lieutenant Harbord and Hon. Mr. Moreton. The military stat! present at the opening of the House were in attendauce and formed in two lines from the throne to the entrance tothe chamber, Through these lines the jadies and gentlemen advanced, handing their cards to the aide-decamp in waiting, who called their names, and after bowing to His Excellency and’ Her Royal Highness they passed to a side door, through which they proceeded up to the gallery to witness the remainder of the ceremony. An innovation was made this year in reserving the galleries, which were formerly opened to the public, for the ladies and gen- tlemen who were presented. ‘There has always been a large attendance of spectators at the an- nual “drawing room’’ and no muring has been heard against the new order, A crowd of people assembled at the Senate entranco long before the hour for the presen- tation, many having seen or heard nothing about the closing of the galleries. The scene presented auring the progress of the ceremony was one of exceeding brilliance and beauty. The flashing uniforms of the staff and the elegant toilets of the ladies, together with the handsome decoration of the chamber, com- bined to make a picture of such rare magnificence and splendor as would defy the abiest pen to ado quately describe. DRESSES AND ORNAMENTS worn. The Princess wore a black satin dress with princess train, low necked, studded with die monds, a tiara of diamonds on the hair, and diamond necklace. Lady McNamara wore a black satin princess tram, low necked, with jet trimmings, diamonds and velvet and an ostrich feather. Mrs. Major De Winto nhd @ black gros grain silk, princess train, trimmed with satin, &coronet of diamonds on the head and a dia mond necklace. Lady Macdonald wore a blac us ncess train and blue feathers in her hair. His ‘Excellency the Governor General wore @ first class Windsor uniform, the coat being one mass of gold lace. All the members of the Cabinet were present and stood near the throne, dressed in the ortinary Windsor uniform, It is estimated that 500 ladies and gentlemen wero presented, the ceremony lasting from half-past eight uni quarter past ten. showed no sigts of iatiguc, although the ordeal of standing in one position for nearly two hours and bowing to 50) persons must have been extremely trying. The display of toilets and jewelry eclipsed anything of the kind witnessed betore. AMIIUCANS PRES! American ladies m Besides the nection with opening Miss Feente Noel, of New York, snd Miss Bessie Rowe, of Boston, | were presented to-night. Mr, Harvey Jowell, of Boston was also presented. The suggestion thas only those whose names commence with letters from Ato M was not strictly reganted, and it is probable the attendance to-morrow night will not be very larger after the conclusion of the ceremony ‘egal party drove back to Government House, cecorted by y. Major Domville, M. P. St. John, N. B., wore a cavalry uniform which he ro cently imported from England at @ cost of $700, MAIL ROBBER CONVICTED. A THILF ARRESTED, TRIED AND SENTENCED WITHIN A FEW HOURS—TEN THOUSAND TO TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS STOLEN. Sr. Lovurs, Feb, 14, 1879. James Beck, a baggage master on the St. Louis, Tron Mountain and Southern Railroad between here and Columbus, Ky., was arrested at ten o'clock this morning, at the Plum Street Depot, by Colonel Schaurte, of the Post Offico Department, on the charge of robbing the mails, He was taken to the Post Office, where, on the production of proof against Dim, he made a full confession. He was then taken Detore Judge Treat, of the United States District Court, pleaded gniity and was sentenced to three yours in the Penitentiary, the entire business being accomplished within four hours. Lhe amount pir. Joined from letters cannot be accurately stated, but it is supposed to be betweem $10,000 and $20, takon within @ year, yearrangement™ Her Royal Highness,