The Brooklyn Daily Eagle du lieu suivant : Brooklyn, New York • Page 2

sestts 'fT1 'f 'J i i i WS2Sg2SSSg3T.vr:,m "77 the Poor wfifl (Jo them, bat tfiay hivfl ojt don it in thepaat. There are eo many poor poopla here, eo CHARITY. sense of the great wrong that was being persisted in. The Governor, who is a lover of economy and a firm believer in the people, took a more conservative oourse, and the result is that a great wrong has been persisted in for years by one of the two great parties, and with apparent success. The wrong was too grave tho precedent established too dangerousto have been dealt with, as has boon done.

Some day the precedent established will come home to torment those responsible for it. This will not tend to make our politics any bettor, "however. The way to end wrong is to fight it by every means possible, whenever and wherever it makes its appearance, and by all means which the law will justify. If the last Legislature wa3 not a constitutional body, it is difficult to conceive how we can over again have one that will bo and this is a point our New York oontemporary has probably overlooked. man at that time, spouting high tragedy after the fashion of the old school players, whose emphasis and energy the present generation would not tolerate.

The great Booth was then almost in bis prime, and many who have since been adjudged great had not been heard of. Those were the days of very Imperfect ideas of stage setting. Mr. Gilbert instances the extraordinary carelessness of the time in this regard when he speaks of a Roman scene on one side of the stage, set for "Julius Cte perhaps, or Coriolanus," with the cheerful modern legend of "Tom and Jerry" grinning derisively at it from the other, aud the audience taking no note of the absurdity of the spectacle. Ophelia strewing her flowers upon a green baize carpet was by no means a perceptible anachronism.

So indifferent was the public of those days to what we now term historical accuraoy that Forrest insisted on wearing the "Order of the Elephant" in Hamlet, although convinced by most irrefutable argument that the order had not been instituted until centuries after Hamlet's time. An actor who began his professional career fifty years ago must have marked many changes in sentiment other than those of stage setting. The contrast between the scenery employed in domestic dramas of fifty years ago, and the society products of our day, when the stage resembles an upholsterer's establishment into which a botanical garden and a milliner's shop have been emptied, is not more sharp than between the stilted elocution of the former and the colloquial gossip of the latter or the wholesome scorn and ridicule to which vice and pettiness were exposed in forgotten dramas aud the complacent encouragement given them in our society plays. In fifty years action, sentiment and dramatic force, which were relied upon to sustain interest, have been pretty generally rooted out to give place Jo mere pictorial prettiness. The SoTor who" could for the time being swell TflUBSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 1878.

Ttila Paper hai (lie Largest Clrcula Host Of any Evening Paper Published. In the United States. Its value as an Advertising Medium lai tUorcfore ap The Legality of the Legislature A Curious Question. A somewhat novel question has been pre sented for publio consideration by one of our New York contemporaries. It goes not only to the oonstitutionality of every law passed by the Legislature this Stato for the past two years, but to the constitutionality of the Legislature itself, as it is now made up.

The argument offered in support of this very curiouB proposition is this The fundamental law of the State is embodied in its written Constitution the Coustitutioil provides for the enumeration of the population of the State every ten years, and it direots that "the "Legislature, at its first session after tho "return of every enumeration, shall reapportion the members of Assembly "among the several counties of this "State," etc. This plain mandate of the Constitution has been set at defiance, as is well known, for three years in succession by the Legislature, and obviously for partisan purposes. The last State census was taken in 1875, and the Legislature in the following year had the result of the census before it, and should have proceeded forthwith to reappor tion the State. The Republicans were in control of the Legislature, and the returns of the census showed that the increaso an the population of the Statej, within the ten years which intervened between 1865 and 1875, had boen in the cities of the State, and especially hi two cities, Now York and Brooklyn, which are strongly Democratic as commercial communities are inclined to be. The in control of the Legislature 1 at a glance that if they yielded obedience to the Constitution and reapportioned the Stato, a far larger proportion of the one hundred and twenty eight members, which constitute the Assembly, and of tho thirty two members which form the Senate, must be assigned to the Democratic oities than those cities now have; It was plain, in fact, thnt a fair reapportionment of the State would result in the transfer of the control of the legislative branch of the government from the Republicans to the Democrats.

As it waB, the Democrats had elected Mr. Tilden by a majority of fifty thousand, and yet they failed to eleot a majority of the State Senators, be cause the Senatorial apportionment was unfair. The same party elected Mr. Bobinson by a majority of ovor thirty thousand, and at tho same time were unable to elect a majority of either the Senate or the Assembly. Again, in the late election, wile the Republican party failed to obtain a majority of the total vote oast, the Bepubli cans are in a majority of ninety votes in the Assembly.

Government of this sort is like the handle of a jug, "all on one side." Ordinarily there is a remedy through the box for political wrongs, but tlm wrong is so far reaching and fundamental that the people who directly suffer the wrong cannot remedy it, because they are preoluded from just representation. All the voters in County, for instance, might join together and elect our nine Assemblymen unanimously, but still wo would have but nine, the census shows as plainly rs that two and two make four that wo are entitled to fourteen Assemblymen, and to at least three Senators, instead of two, as at present. No doubt the Bepublicaus were largely influenced in taking the responsibility of refusing to obey the Constitution and reapportioning State for three years in succession, by the fact that a United Stale's Senator is to be next year, and the Republicans wero extremely anxious to hold the Legislature until after the Senator had been chosen. They took the chance of exciting the opposition of fair minded Republicans who. by the way, have the faculty of making themselves invisi and of ignoring their oath of office rather than run the risk ot losing CCBBERT EVENTS, lue subscriptions to tlife 4 per cent.

loan yesterday amounted to $iM, 500.50, Senator Sergeant ia oxtrornjly ill of malarial fover at Waablogton. Wednesday waa day ttrooghout tho Dominion. Tho Yale Alumni gave their third annual JiMlaa at (ho Union League Theatre, ffew York last night, aud a ploaaant.tlme was enjoyed. Counselor Horatio C. King has liren ftp.

pointed United 8tatc3 Commissioner of tha of Claims for tho State of Now York. Mr. Henry Wells, founder of Wells Female College, in Aurora, N. died in Sicily last Saturday, whither he bad gone for the benefit of his health. The real estate and bulkhead rights of the dissolving arm of Phelps.

Dodgo of New York, was offered at auction yesterday, Tha property aold realized $130,000. The father of Charley Ross still in pursuit of his lost boy. tie Is now in Towanda, to investigate 'he statement of a half breed Indian, who claims that he has the child in his possession. The Mexican Government have appropriated $50,000 for the entertainment of the uxcuraiou party which will loave Now York and Chicago on the fourth of January. Tho authorities of the Philadelphia ceme torlea are taking action to proven! violation of graves, Nearly all the cemoteries have definite avstoms, and a burglaralarm la.

to be put on all receiving vaults. Prokop Muzik, a young Bohemian cigar maker of Now York, shot his brains ont yeaterday morning. lie was engaged to be married and was out of work, and beccmiug despondent, ho took bis life. Tho monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, of New York, was held to day at 1 o'clock. The principal subject discussed was tbo York Antwerp rules tor adjustmout of general average.

Judge Westbrook has ordered the receiver of tbo Saratoga Union Savings Back to aell its scheduled municipal bonds and mortgages at par valno. and pay a dividend of 40 pot cent, to depositors and creditors. The payment of the quarterly pensions commenced iu New York yeaterday mornlog, and 1,000 persona bad their accounts settled. Some of tbem had been in lino since Tuesday midnight, in the drenching storm. About $119,000 was disbursed.

Tho National League of professional base ball players are In scssiou at Cleveland, Ohio. Syracuse, UuOilo and Cleveland clubs were admitted tn membership, and tbe championship penuant for 1ST8 was awarded to tbe Boston Club. The body of St. Francis Xavicr waq exjwsed on Tuesday to view, in the Cathedral of Zoa, in tbe presence of many Catholics, who cams from various parts of the world. Tbo ceromonlal excited nioob rs ligioua enthusiasm.

The case against TJ. S. Grant, brought by Thomas Biggins tor $10,000 damages by false ire prlsonment In the insane asylum, and in sending bim to Europe, (a on tha calendar ot the Circuit Court of Washington for to morrow. Bids for the sale of silver were opened yesterday at the Treasury Department, Washington, and 400,000 ouncss were acospted at prices below tbe equivalent of the London rates. The bidders were principally from Now York.

Frederick Gye, the manager of Covent Garden, wbo was wounded by the accidental discharge of a gun while hunting recently, died yesterday from tbe injuries received. He leaves five children, ono daughter and four sons, one of whom ia man led to Albanl. Mr. Oye's name has boon intimately associated with the management ot public amusements. The Dairy Fair was largely attended yester day, and laat evening lion.

Erastus Brooks dolivorod an address In which he diBcoursd on the magnitudo of tbo dairy industry, lamented the fact (hat tho export trado Is carried on in foralgn vessels, and denounced adulterations. This evaning Mr. I. B. Thurber will apeak.

Aloxander H. Stevons was hurt yesterday, when aBcendiag tho steps of the Houso of Kcpreou tatives, on tho east front of tho Cipito), br losing bis balance on his crutch, ifis servant cannot him us bo fell backward and prevented bis striking tiinjstono, but be was severely strained, au 1 the loft kuee was particularly so Injured that he will be oliupolled tore main in bed some days. Aaron B. Rollins, a well known Tammany Hall politician, was found dead in his ncd yoiterduy morning, at tbe Union plaoe Hotel, New York. It supposod tbat he died of heart Formerly Mr.

Rollins waa an activ i politician iu the Fourth Ward aud lator in thu Eloveuth Ward, which latter ward ho represented In tbo Assembly in i'l. in be was elected Coroner. 8oc. ally Sir. luillus waa highly esteemed.

Miss C'ornel'a Waldron, tho ehlost of the present generation of the oil Knickerbocker family of Ibat name, who dropped di'al in Second avanue, New York, Saturday, waa buriod yesterday from the residence of ber sister in Lafayette place. Tho funeral eervloaa wero of the moat primitive character. Ths uoflio waa borne frjui the house on tho slioulders of four men, and all tho friends walked behind It to St. Mark's churchyard, where It waa In a vault. The New England Society will celebrate ita two hundred and fifty eighth anniversary of tne landing of the Pilgrims and eat Its seventy third annual dinner at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, on the evening of tb.6 23d instant.

Two hundred and eighty eight persons, including many notables, are to attend. The seventy third annual meeting of ths society will be held in the Fifth Avenue Hotel on tho evening of ths 11th for tba election of ofltcsrs. In the Killona plantation suit brought by James A. Wbalen against Genoral Sheridan, now before the United Slates Circuit Court. Niw York, several witnesses wera axaminod yesterday.

A Urge crowd wss present in tho court room. The question whether General Sheridan's order No. 110 must be proved by tbe production of the original or by copies, caused long discussion. General Butler gave it as bis opinion, both as a lawyer and a commander, that the original order was the property of tho commander who issued it. Seventeen Nez Perces recently escaped from Silting Bull's ramp and ontered Idaho in two parties.

Among the number is the Chief, who had a Pght with Genera! Wallace In the Bitter Root Mountain. Tbey statou that their reason for eacaplng from tbo Sioux, la that tbey were treated aa slaves and compelled to do menial work. They will 1 Bent to Baitrr Springs, Indian Territory. The Hoi i'ercos trilw aro looked upon br army offloers ai the most iotilligsnt Indians on the Contlnonk. Governor Ilolliday'rf message to the Virginia Legislature, la devoted largely to a discus slou of ths Stato debt question.

shows that the iutoroat on tho dobt Is noarly which, after deducting tbo net revonue applicable to tho paymont thereof, loaves a dellclt of over He urges an honorable adjustment of tbo dobt with all crodltors. Soveral modus for increasing tho revenues by tbe better enforcement of the existing laws are suggested. Gospel temperance meetingr. wore held iu the Grand Union Hall, Sjveuth avonuo, and iu tbe Tabernaoln, lu Thirty fourth street. Now York, yesterday and laat night, and hundreds of people were unable lo gain admittance In the evening.

Mootlugs aro to be held at the Sailors' Kxobango, on Cherry etreet, overy evening, and an organization to bs called the "Murphy Workers," will bn effected. Mr. Murphy spoke at both places with happy sunooss, aud largo numbers siguod tho pledge. Goneral Fitzhugh Lot', of Virginia, was chosen President of the Commercial Convention yesterday, at Now Orleans. ft.soIutious relative to the improvement of tbe Mlasissiypi river aud Us tributaries; favoring tbo abolition of all freight quarantine laws; relative to a national system of quarantine; relative to tbe 03Ctlnement of the waters cf thu Mississippi within Ub banks; relative to Congressional action with respect to Jetties; relative to the purchase ot foreign built ships, aud relative to tbo reduction of tariff, were odered and referred to appropriate committees.

A roiolulloa was passed in lavor oi overnmont aid to the Texas Pacific Railroad. Companions Lientonaut General Phil. Sheridan, Major General George B. McClcllan and General J. H.

Blake, of Philadelphia, wcrs present at tho legji lar monthly meeting of the Military Order Of the Loyal Logion, at Delmonico's, last evening, Tbis sjajjtj wjj organised immsdiatsly alicr ths wjir an Is eompojsd of officers and ex officers of the army and navy who Krved in the Rebellion. It is patterned after the Order of tho Cincinnati and affords relief to indigent m'm bera and tbeir families. cQ fitate is enutbil to one commander r'e flourishing oontiuauderies in Massachusetts, Maine; Pennsylvania, California, Wisconsin smoother States. STT The refiort of th5 Committee oil Statistic of the Doited States Toitcra' Association was presented yesterday bofore tho convedllou In session at Trenton, N. and it slates that tho Americam proiluot of earthenware and china during the past ten years bas not only kept pace with tne incroaas In population and its corresponding conanmption of wares, but that during tho fiscal year 18T7 and 1878, ending Juas 30, the average of Importation had been reduced ovor JO por cont.

Among other things stated was this, that IhenSmbar or potteries me uuneu kinds is 777, and the capital invested There are in operation to day potteries tnouuh of all grades to produce twice tho quantity imported from V.urope and Alaa last yoar. Several witnesses testified yesterday before the ioint CommiBSion, in Washington, relative to the proposed transfer of the Indian Bureau to tho War Department. Dr. Barstow, ol Providence, R. Chairman of the Board of Indian Commissioners, and representing the Congregational Church in behalf of tbo education and conversion of the Indian race, testified that in his opinion the proposed transfer was uuwiso.

and that If effected, it would certainly provo hurtful to tho Christian work now In progress. He represented that it was almost the unanimous opinion of the leading representatives ot the ysrl ous religious denomination now laboring with tho Indians, that tha chanse Is inadvisable. Ho fhnnuht it imnnaalhlH that the hody of Indlau mmiseionBrs to work In harmony with army offl as it did with civilians, and gavo a bis "rt that the army was formed for war, to sub reasou nlea an4 retan tha peace, rarher than to dueeoL T1(latlod, religloa and friendship. The promote e. ft TerT depressing ofreot upon Indus military havx tbe dlbandment of try.

Mr. But. anj placing them upon sottle the Indian trlbw toads as soon as they become ments and bonrtt and industrious to care for sufficiently thereby doing away with themelaves and famlU. mcnt reservations. An the numerous Goverv, ingalpy, of Now York, a other witness wan E.

M. 'ndian Commissioner, member of the Board of rlan suet, who tustl and representing tbe Presbyv fr, while It would lied that in his opinion iho tr. Mi have a tenden not result in extermination, w.a. rmJ. oMcers ho oy to brim mat tors to an of educating thought entiroly unfit for tho boos an I and civilising the Indiana.

An army 4 tnftn on spades for the Indiana bs more nedt lndl with swords aud 1 ities. He detendoa i blIM agents aa a body, auasiu rar "I glnus wasuwarraomu. i.niiffhniit thn countrv favt the tba nt thn ftllatlDC DOaCO DOllCy. At uuu.iuu rrelt meeting ot the Commissioners on Jrin Saoreurv Souura iwil Indlau Oomm'ialonr wilt testily. In the month, which is to follow, the contest over the Speaker's ohait is likely to inorease and grow exciting, while it is also likely to settle down into a straight out fight between Hunted and Sloan.

Slllcldi and tnamr The action of the various insurance companies in which the late Mr. Dwight had insured his life for an aggregate amount of some $250,000, in refusing to pay on the ground that suioide vitiates a polioy, has attracted a great deal of attention to the sub ject of late. One or two campanies, guided by the advice of their medical staff, have paid what is due, confident that Mr. Dwight did not commit suicide and that their claim that he had concealed the state of his health would not stand in the courts. The question is again brought up by the suit of Mrs.

Ferguson, of New York, against the Manhattan Insurance Company for $10,000. Mr. Ferguson had insured his life for this amount and had regularly paid his premiums for eleven years. He ended his life by hanging himsolf in Central Park, and the company refused payment on the ground that by a distinct agreement with the insured suicide vitiated the policy. Some months ago the Eaole took occasion to notico a pamphlet, very ably compiled by a physician employed by an insurance company, upon this very subject.

The plea of insanity has usually been made to excuse suicides, and, as tho writer pointed out, it is almost impossible to obtain from a coroner's juryindeed from any jury a verdict of suicide which is not qualified by some statement of the suicide's insanity. The object of the pamphlet was to show what anybody who has given any thought at all to the subject kuorrs very well, namely, that while a great many insane people do commit suicide as a result of insanity, almost as many end their lives while pcrfeotly sane and rational, and therefore that the fact of suicide should not be held to be prima facie evidence of insanity. From f.Tii Srofiosition no honest person will dissent. Where suicide is committed for the purpose of obtaining insurance, it is simply a cheat upon the oompany, and the public welfare demands that it should be unsuccessful. The company has a perfect right to refuse to pay the money unless it shall be clearly established that the self murderer was insane at the time of the act, and the burden of proof should certainly be on the side of the policy holder.

At the same time, where insanity can be established beyond question, the special olause should not be a bar to recovery. The contract is between the insured and the company. Insanity instantly alionates the personality of the insured so far as his responsible acts are concerned. Moreover, it is potentially a cause of doath like auy other disease, and should so be held. So long as it is clearly proved that a man is insane, the company should be liable at his death, whether it is caused by the course of his disease or by any act of violence to himself growing out of it.

Unless this condition is proved the company should not be held responsible. But it is a question of proof and not of assumption. The fire Last NlKbt. Tho warehouso on the water front between Pacific aud Amity street, owned by David Dows and occupied by Mr. I Uuberer, the large grain and flour dealer, was destroyed by fire last night.

Tho property burned is variously estimated in value at from $150,000 to $200,000. The loss is substantially covered by insurance. It does not appear to have been ascertained how the flames originated, nor does it appear that an alarm was given until the flames had made such headway as to make the efforts of the firemen to save the structure futile. All that the firemen could under the circumstances be expected to accomplish was to prevent the flames from spreading to the adjoining tenements and warehouse property, and in this they were successful, though hod there been any considerable breeze blowing landward, Brooklyn would in all probability have seen a blaze of historic magnitude. It is little loss than marvelous that a structure three stories high, covering an area of 100 by 200 feet, and containing very inflammable material, should, in a populous neighborhood, ba consumed without entailing grievous damage upon the surrounding buildings.

For this and several similar esoapes in recent times credit is undoubtedly due to the Fire Department of the city: since stupidity or indifference on their part would long ago have insured the infliction of almost irreparable damage upon the property of the city. This is something to be remembered by citizens who look on with comparative indifference when political commissioners are dismissing competent and tried men to make places for personal followers, without regard to their fitness for the work to bo done in and by the department. It takes some time to demoralize a well disciplined force, but it can be done, and unmistakable steps have already been taken in that direction. Tho destruction of last night as well as the destruction averted ought to make the commissioners pause. It will certainly be an evil day for them in Brooklyn if a groat conflagration be traced directly to the demoralization which they have been working to bring about.

If the theatre is the one particular place in which the theatrical profession is best calculated to shine, the Court of Justice is perhaps the worst. Revelations of life behind the scenos as made in the recent Taylor divorce case in Massachusetts, do not tend to stimulate fancy in the direction most profit acle to the artistic interest. But nothing that has occurred in this country, not even the exposures made by a bright weekly devoted particularly to the dramatic stage, have been so calculated to provoke disgust, as the report of the suit brought by the once beautiful Mrs. Rousby against Mr. Bandmanu, the proprietor of au offensive play, known as Madeleine Morel," which was brought out last Spring at her theatre, the Queen's.

An altercation ensued between the manageress and Mr. Baudmann, in which the latter is alleged to have struck her. There seems to have been no doubt that he did strike her on the arm, but without intending to do so at least the jury assumed that it was unintentional. Mrs. Rousby, however, ex hibited the injured limb wherever she obtained an audieuce, and summoned her assailant.

It was established before the Lord Chief Justice and a jury, however, that the injury done to her arm was not caused by Mr. Band mann's blow, but by a fall which she had one evening when, grossly intoxicated, she at foinpted" lo play her part in public. Testimony her Wtuabjiety wauud ant, and perhaps the vetuict a lavor oi the defendant was in a large measure due to this fact. The heroine of William Black's latest novel Is an actress, and between her and Mrs. Rousby there are certain traits in common at least in the lurkmg readiness to catch a dramatic effect Som nature (which, by the way, ffie real personage never succeeded iu doing effectively), and otherwise in turning every incident of life into an advertisement.

Perhaps, however, the novelist would have been aocused of unnecessary coarseness and exaggeration had he gifted his heroine with such a sentiment as Mrs. Rousby expressed "He will be hii "be cheered." The British Parliament convened to day to hear about the Afghan trouble and decide whether the Ministry shall be encouraged to proceed with the war. The substance of the Queen's speech will probably be forwarded iu time from London to day for publication in the 4 o'clock edition of the Eaole, this afternoon. The Commons can end a war by refusing to vote the supplies, but this is not likely to be done in this case. Even the Liberals will not do more at most than move a vote of lack of confidence in the Ministry, and this if carried would mean no more than that another set of men should carry the campaign to a conclusion.

There is, however, not the least likelihood of any vote Of distrust prevailing. The Conservatives ate united under the lead of Beaconsfield, and thoy have a clear majority of fifty. According to the dispatches from India, General Roberts has gained a complete victory over the Ameer's. forces. He has captured all the Afghan cannon in the Peiwar Pass.

This will doubtless close the campaign for the season, aud it is a close which gives the British possession of all of the Ameer's territory which they intend to retain. The Ameer has made a poorer stand than was an ticipated. The nature of the ground was very much in his favor. THE TRIAL. The Case to go to tlie To day, District Attorney Collin's Argument He fore the Jury on Dehalf of tbo Prosecution.

Yesterday morning it waa oxpectec? that the counsel on either side would consume the major portion of the day in summing up tbo evidence and that late in the afternoon the case would go to the jury. General Pryor summed up for tho defendants during the morning session, speaking about two hours and' sr half. After recsas District Attorney Catlln began speaking and argued tbe case for ibe Peopls, using less than an hour and a half. For tbe past three days of the trial General Catlin has suffered from illness and ho bas scarcely been able to perform the arduous dutleB devolving on him. His address yesterday required a sovere physical effcrt and almost herolo endurance aud nerve, Tho case was given to tho Jury this morning.

THE PB00EEDINO8 were as followB Tho court reassembled after at bait past two, when General Catlin'began his address to tha jury in Bummina up the case for the People. He spoke substantially aa follows DISrmCT ATTORNET OATLIs's AEOUMENT. Ir the Court Pi.ease, and Gentlemen of the Junx I dosire to do what Is nocoisary lu pay lull scknowlodument of my indebtedness to my aaiistaut, Mr. Weruberg, for the ability ana stamina with which ho has conducted tbo examination in this caio. Ho has transcen jod himself and surprised me.

It was a painiul thlnj lor me to direct ao indictmont to bo drwj, for these defendants were known to mo, and four of them were personal acquaintances and friends. I am hero not irom any labor of love or with the intent to make it a porsonal or political thing but to do my whole duty as District Altornsy of the county. Ia order that it might not be said that th proacoution was oonducted for political motivos or feelinrf, tbo examination was conducted by a regular Domocrat, for such Mr. Wcrnberg is and always has been. In tba beginning, tboreforo, I want to remove from your minds any impro3sioii that may exist that there is anything of poliiics in the case.

I want to say, also, that I never listened to ao able and eloquent an argument us tbat of my learned and pol.ahod adversary. But I am hero to dincbaigo my wholo duty to the people of this county, and I am encouraged in the effort Irom tbe fact that there are in the jury box those who understand tbe solemn naturo ot toe responsibilities that rest upontham. who apprcoiatcthe Importance of tbis case, and wilt judge it impirtiallr, who will not be controlled by any aympatby stimulated by the magnificent eloquence of my learned friend. I am encouraged by the fact that you understand the importance of tbis case alike ta tbo taxpayers and to those whom they aupport, I uee 1 not admoniah yoa that a long suffering and overburdened public are tho plaintiffs in this caae. Every, capitalist, every mor onaal.

ovary oltiien aod every laborer la looking to you and Biking the question whotuer the law is to be regarded and ita statutes obeyed as written in tbe books. Whether these men shall come bar and say tbat thoy defy the law because two or tbrea little words were slipped Into the statute. Thera 1b another olaaa that is Interested in tbis case honest, bard working people, who by the Irinuenoy of the times bave baen deprived ot their aupport. In thla groat and beautiful city there are teu thousand people living substantially from the garbage of the street. Wa have the graudeat and most luuaiflceut srstcm of charitlos of any oity in tho land.

Yet it is a matter of public notoriety that the avstem is a failure. What ia the difficulty Wbore is the fault It Is somewhere. It Is not la tbe law, but It is in the agents whom the public have made tha almoners of its bounty. With the njngniftcnt appropriation tbat Is yearly made in tbia county, thore aUould not be a person Buffering irjm want, and yet there are hundreds and hundreds who ate starving. Charity that moa beautiful word, aave ono in the lauguagc, should ba tne synonym of sweetness and beauty, jet It ia made a byword and a reproach.

It la for you to bring It back to its pristine nrlKhincas and purity, and you can do It by your vordtot. In 1871, tbo name of Suporiuteu dentaof the Po rwas onanged to Comuilsslonere of Charitlos. Tbey had uodor tho law absolute power. But the system did not vork well, conviction resulted which was rovorsed, on the toonnieal ground that the court did not admit certain evidence that should havo been allowed. The then Commissioners waro not allowed to go upon tho stand and givo their idea of the law, while these defendants bavo been allowed to give their version ot what they did, aud I am sorry that cbeir testimony bas, in many instances, convicted them out of their own mouths, heard when tbey wore questioned about transactions extending through months and yoars about winch they could recolb'ct nothing, but when asked about the specific acts charged against them, tbuy kuow all about it, but could tell nothing about what took place a weok Then came tho law of 1H74.

Fur soma reasons ths legislature swopt away EVERY PABTIOLE OF POWEB FROM Iho Cuiuuiissiouers, BtrippjJ them naked as now born babes. Tho law cut all around them and took all thoir power away savo tba lnrin of labor. Tha Legislature of 1875. Beelug that a contingency might arise from the absence of tho power of tbo Supervisors to act at once, provided tha: in c.isub of great emergency, and for tho rulief of tho poor not for tho relief of tlm poor Commissioner a certain expense might bo incurred. It must be a great emorgency, not an ordinary one a distressing necessity.

It must not be an ordinary waut or audden need. Au emovgoucy, according to Wobster, is an unforeseen occurrence. But see bow careful the Leglslaturn was. It did not waut to let loosu tho grasp upuu tho Commissioners, aud said It must be a neeJ that would wairunt tiieso defondauts in acting without tbe Board of Supervisors. Look at tbo facilities which were qlven them to got what tbey needed.

They wore to put in their anuual schedule lor artlcUt needed for the year and drawn up from their experience of what was wanted for tho support of the poor. Tnen they could ask the Board of Supervisors for special powor to purchase. Thn thoy could make 1 a special requisition upon tho Supervisors for thn I art oiea thsy needed. Tho Supervisors begged tbem to send lu their requisition for drugs every mouth. So that thoy oould be suppllud in time with what they noeded.

Tnoy know the Supervisors were moetiut; every week, sometimes the day before tho Commissioners met and sometime tha day after. Thoy had no rltbt to make their own purchssos, and In doing as they did tbey viola'ed the statute aud aro guilty. Tbey have soukuC to defend themsolves.bj claiming the laws says THBY. 8HAX.L DB THE JUDGES of the cmergenoy. But, gontlemen, thoy must judge honestly aud fairly, they mint kuow the law, and oannot plead ignorance of it.

Tha words do not alter their responsibility in the least, ana tbey would buvo the same power to puronaso in oasos of groat emerg cnoy, if that cluusa had not bean there. It means just what other slda said it did not moan. It means A GREAT EMEEOENOV. Tho r30f blown off from a building would be a great emergency an epidemic desolating tbe oity, would be an emergency the aaving of a starving family, would be an emergency tha purcbase of medicine, immediately needed, would be au emergency, It carpets or fixtures are au emergency and they can declare it as such they might deolara tbat a box at tuo theatre was an emergency, tbey oould decide that an underground railroad to the district offices would be an emergency. But what were the artlclea they purchased? It la not a question in tha case aa to tht price tbat waa paid for them.

It Is the principle in the case. It la wroug to spend 100 as $1,000. 'Look, however, at the necessity of tho case. What need for the carpels and tbe lounges to relieve the poor. Those poor people woie glad to get the relief they needed without standing on a carpet.

It la laughable and nonsensical to say thai these fixtures wore S9t tho relief of ths poor. They would have been glad to divide tbe nlnoty or a hundred dollars those tnings cost among themselves, and taken it home to their starvlug families. But admit tbat these articles were necessary, wore tbey emergencies Every roan lu the sound of my voice knows that they wero no more emergent than tbe purchase of a four in hand, and these Commissioners knew it. WaB tbo purohase of oil an emergency 7 Tbe Board of Supervisors had a contract with a man named Rust to build gas worka at the County Buildings. The only power to accept tbe worka rested witfl the Boird of Supervisors.

Tbe defendants had no control over them whatever, and there was no clause in tbe contract that anybody should purohase oil fur General Rust to test the works. Yot upon tha suggestion of General Rust, wbo said i bad seen one of the members of the ftiipplies Committee, wbo had roferrod bim to the Conituusionera of Charities, and upon that information tho defendants purchased tbe oil UNDIB THE EMMOr.NOY AOT. When there no authority for the purohase In any event. Wby was not General Rust put upon the stand to testify to the faot? Thoy violated tbe law and did It knowingly, and in so doing they are guilty, and at that time they bad no business with tbo works for the Supervisors wera oonduct inir the affair. The court, very justly, has al lowed us to show tbe other acts of these gentle mon.

Wo have In the list ot thoir purchases the absolute evidence ot their guilt. On live different occasions thoy hava purchased stationary to tbo aggregate amount ot ovor $500. It ia montroua to suppose that there waa any emergency. Thon they havo brought over $800 worth of supplies, when tbo law gives tho power of ropalrs to the Board of Supervisors. Mr.

Sullivan Soclton 3, of tbe law of 1875, repeals that. GontM Catlin These defendants are not on trial for these things it is true, and they only go to show tne intent with whloh they acted. There is no evidence that the busioess of Kessel'j office waa not run bb efficiently and as rapidly from the first to tbo 16th of January bofore he obtained the fixtures as after tho lGtb, wheu be had the offlca furnished. But what ueco9sity or emergency waa shown by the evl donce by tho defonse for the purchase of the oilcloth for Commissioner Storms' office. It was shown that the carpet was worn out, and that the paople who came there tw IT'I 'V' If tha "ll cloth was suitable to receive the rimd the bare floor would have been better.

It does no show Jtfeg any great emergency existed for the purchase. There Is a whole list of articles purchased. Thoy bought $31 of postage etamps a thousand stamps Just before they madt their annual requisition. WHAT KMEB'MOY EXISTED for the purohaB of One thoHSand stamps 7 I aakivj now jrjay 0 upon JQ(1 4y t(u, such a thing waa an emergency. Within two days after they bad sent in their annual requisition tbuy bought under tbe Emergency aot, and they go right on making aimilar purchases.

Counsel (Vied attention to the alleged orasure nnflt fn it; claimed that made by one the Commlasloners. ti ili hl(' Commissioner Storms and Supervisor w.iY, lh deny tbat they made it. It is for Williamson and "idenca who did make It, if It you lo decide pon tt gentlemen waa made. It fs f'gj mwrvfiors that were warned by tba Board or they were viWatlng tbe law. They wero not aware tbat they tho'danUI gone upon tbo witoeaa' stand and 'h i6ni': But you are at liberty" "sliera higher a man's position, ft more testify that shall not be ex Xei "im! "2 lose bis office.

They havo a Tu and month after month violat. 'Jf. I'Jft. do not decide that in 99 out or. 100 iag tbo Emergency act, what.

2,0 for a rockaway wagon for a Lab. "'X they had fitting up of the washing machine, ence DroTes doue thoir own wablug before To. 1 Ihst in tbe face of the warnings tbe Vnnwlnlr If went on violating tbe act and doing it 1 violation yon belltve they wer acting with a ona of law, you must convict them. mr At the request of the jury the charge iurorl was deferred until this morning, as ono of U. complained of illness.

The Court then adjoan. til lu o'clock to day. 1'llIKIIlVE METHODIST CtU'RCH. A concert was given, Tuesday night, in the Park avsnue Methodist Church, for tbe benefit of tbe church, by tba Eighteenth street M. Church choir and other outside talent.

The attendance was unusually large. Mr. Oflell and other clergymen occupied seats among tbe aadlenco. Tbe concert was opened by tho choir, which sang, "When the Lord Shall iuild up Zion," Moers. Bereiford and Povey sung the Minute Gun at Boa." Mr.

8. N. Leach gave tho song of "Nazareth," with fine effect. A piano solo, "falling Leaves," was well done by Mtss Grace A. Povey.

Tbe choir lollowed with "Since I saw Your race," and "flark Apollo Strikes the Lyre." Miss Mary Morris amused tbo audience by reading "Jennie McNeal's Ride." The "Distant Cblmea" found a good interpretation at the bauds of the Misses 8. Dobbs, Bogart and Tata. Tba first part of tbe programme concluded with a solo by Mrs. J. Povey.

The second part ran as follows Solo and chorus, How Lovely ia Zlon," cboir duet, piano and organ. "Mtaerore," Irovatore, by Mrs. J. Poney and Miss Grace A. Povey "Good By, Sweetheart, Good By, by Mra.

J. H. Boreaford quartot and chorus, "What Phrase 8ad and Sott," by Miss M. Morris, Mrs. J.

H. Boresford and Messrs. Holland and Bereaford recitation. "Iho Three Lovora," by Miss 8. Dobbs glee, "AU Among the Barloy." by Mlssea M.

Morris and Tate and Messrs. Holland and SaUabury; solo. "A Warrior Bold," by Mr. B. N.

Leach trio. "Tho Little Farm." by Messrs, Bereaford, Knox ana Salisbury chorui, "I Will Lovo Tbe Lord," by tha ohoir, Iba oulortaiutaant laft Mil? to be axpsctsd. HEBREWS. The Young Men's Union and Their Xiterary Exerciaos. Same Ploftsaof ni Address by Rer.

Hcnrr ff. Jacob. The Oocd Old Times of 16 'orld Literature, Art, Musto and Cfrll ft Religions Liberty. Tha Young Men's nnioD rBceiv a warm and enthusiastic tn last night lr.a their friondt to Temple Isara 0D Gresne enue. Tho occasion was tho opening 4 Cn1 courso of Winter antartamuonu noder the atuplcel of tha Union.

The attendance waa vt ry large. About half past eight o'clock uo amount ot luaealng or pushing oould add more to tho number of those who wera already witbin tin temple, Tho 1 Commute of Arrangements consisted of Messrs. uismund Strauss, Meyer Abrahams. Myron J. Kursk, Philip Kslcbum and S.

Halbioom. The entertainment was opened with a brilliant Aula eolo by Mr. B. H. Mayland, who waB "vtrt t.

Mlaa Blanch J. Wolf gave a very spirited rendering to a Belectlon from "I.ucrcz a Borgtar" Sba was racnli and made a good ttyprratlon with an i f'liau am. The next on tba proeramma was a lecture )a 'THB OOOD OLD TrifaW," by the. Bov. Henry 8.

Jacobs, of Now Mr. Jacobs was introduoed, and spoke in Mibst. Iowa There Is a morbid habit In some persons ttvj 1 very Mills or at least only a comparative rM of good io tho present when contrasted nitb tbe pi t. I do uot intend to treat you to a sermon, but Ilia room for reproving the pratoutioua effort which K'ka to disparage overytblng of modern prowtb. 1 tlta a short review of tbe mental and social progrssa a an ag will ahow that we of to day have made no ro eesiona, but, on tho contrary, in many things at far in advance of tho good old times.

In takinL' astir ot tu.i Intellectual and political growth of nations arrive at the fact that man is tha archetype of secii It has been aald tbat "Individual development' fa tt rid of social progreaj." It ia the great achier menu of Individuals whlcO have set their stamp oa the ace. Tho numerous discoveries aud appliiuoea 04 acleuca have given audi an impetus to our we look back with amazement at the vaat strllw was. havo made. IN THE RBAf.MS OF Pmr.OSOPHt tho progross bis been startling. Since attention director to Che objects of nature there baa tiHn numerable snccession or theories and hypothec.

Modem philosophy has tern advano sl iu a manner almost eqtisl to tbat of the ancients. Dating from. 1637 with tne ayatem of Desrartea. it bas uudaritoaa many etianges. The philosophical spirit is called to extend Itself indailiiituly, and, as it la tbe highest aadj last development of human ellort, so it will be tbe laat arrived at la tbe human ra 4.

As regards there can be no quoitlon that our progress will readlly; bo admitted. Compare the achievements of tba met) of old with our own efforts, and tbey tall Into insignificance. Tbe sun la conquarad, and ita brilliant ray, perform the limnor'a magic art. The lightning la itn prisoned, and ia carried round the earth in forty minutes. Electricity bas been so utilised that it baa Illuminated tha streets of one of tha great Kuropeaa uap Itals.

I need uot remind you what ataam au dona for ns. but let us not iorget that American whose nam and fame nag throughout the world Sir. Kdiaon. (Applause. His phonograph and tedephou ars fa miliar to you all.

IN TBS BEALMS OF LITfcBATUJSK, II may be claimed that we an far behind ths goo4 old llmee. The age has not produoed a Milton or a Sbakipoare, but these are Intellectual giants whom tha world stldom sobs. It is just within tha but halt oan tury that we bad Coleridge, Leigh Hunt, Cbarlea Lamb. Itogors, Wordsworth, Lee, Qulncay, Maoaular. Jeffrey, Thackeray, liuiwer and Dickons.

Do wa not olalra for our ttmcs auoh honored names a Irvtott, Proseott, Bancroft, Emerson, Longfeilow, and lat ua not forget tbat noble ootogeuarian who bas just pssiaix away, William Cullen Bryant Applause, As marking the notable advance we have luada tn ths realm of literary activity, let ua slva promlntnoo to tbat great institution, the press, the great conservator of morals, tbe exponent of pnblic opinion, tho palladium of liberty. It is the friend of truth, tbe terror of evil doers and the promoter of social wM. tare. It la the friond of tbe oppressor aod the guardian of freedom. It annihilated politically, aoclaUy and morally tba cutpuraea who plundered our olty roff era.

It drove into a dogradod retirement the Vila crew that fattened on tho public spoil. Its power is so strong tbat if it likes It can kill as dead as Jultua I'nir. Wo hava made CONSIDERABLE ADVANCE IN EDUCATION. Wo havo a hoalthior aystom of instruction than over wa bad. Many of you oan still recall ths lima whau knowledgo wsb literally beaten into your beads.

Our nubile schools aro iho glory and honor of our limes. Their preservation from sectarian control ia a saorad duty lucumbent on every American oltlxan. But lot the political charlatan subvert their usefulness; lot tuo church of any sect got its bold on them and Ihst grip will hi tbo grip of death. A frco oouulry must bava uutrammelod education. Now, a few words oil THE CONVENIENCES OI LIKE.

I wish you to compare our presont attire with tba raiments ol ths good old t.mii. Our great grandfathers levelled In silver garters thoir' shirts wera trilled with co'tly lace, thslr gloves fringed, their shoes with rod heels, and tbeir boada covorod wltti wiga to au extent that made you nneoao whon thoy bowed bjfora you. I fear to doaorib tuelr dreaa and appearance, but will quote tho words ot Addison on this point, who says ''They were fl nincad and furbe lowed fr bead to foot, overy riband wrinkled and every part of their dress in ourl, ao that thoy looted like Krtvziaod hens." Laughter. It would be impossible for me to enumerate tbs instances of progreaa wn havo ma le In the matter of dross, etc. Your housea are models uf domeatlc comfort and convenient.

What a contrast tba sewing maohlnB offers to tha good, old times 1 cr ir, AND liELIGIOUH LIBERTY. Hut thero is one especial mark of a happy, hiaHhy progress, of which I may apeak without incurring tha cuare of sermonizing or of betraying a sectarian pint. Wbcu I address tbe Young Muu a Hebrew Union, it is on the condition of the Jew. Dating front the Moodelisouniau period, what a waking up there has boen The fetters of superstition and bigotry which shackled tbe mind and converted rollglon tali a thing of idle form the illiteracy whloh prohibited all liberal studies, wa now look upon with amaaemsbc and wonder tbat thoy could at all bars been posalblew Judaism responded to tho call vl truth a oall which came from bonest workers seeking the welfare of tbeir brethren. It is not my purposa lo datain you with tbe numerous evidencaa wo bava of our progress, mental aod spiritual, but 1 may be permitted to point to that progress as a proof of the fact that we have triumphed over tbe injustice of former day.

Tho intolerance under which we groaned baa baaia conquered. May wa not rejoice that tbe world baa. witnessed a hsppy progress In the clr.t and religious liberty wblcb ia now becoming a recognised rule or action throughout all civilized commuoltlea Tba noble tree waa nurtured by Ibe fatbers of tba Republic and bore its wholesome fruit in ths Declaration of Independence. It ia a atnrdy tree, ami under Ita umbrageous arms we Bod shelter and safety. Tha prejudices of the past are fast dting and tba world la bataa taught tbe loason Ibat a Jen It "a man for a' that The Uld World tyrannies are being annihilated, and new and belter light is streaming dawn upon tbe nations.

We do sol desir ths good old times. They wore darkonsd by persecutions tad barbariams. Tbank Qod bappler ttmaa ara bov ours, and aa wa take a rttrospeottva glanoa we gratefully reoogolise tbe changes whloh, have boon wrought for tbe downtrodden raoea of manhood. Tba false olvlllzittlou of tbe past la at an end. It was Doath with a grimly amltklug mask concealing its own hldeousuess; robed (a gaudy vestments to hide the Inner corruption; gibbering witb snrleki of merriment to drown tba cries of despair.

Such were the good old tlmea which we ao otteu foolishly lament. Por In their stead wo have tbo living present, with Its aatlva duties, its wide field ot labor tor humanity. "Then ring out tha chimes Of tho good old Applause. After Mr. Jacobs' address, Mr.

Petet U. MoNuity aaug "When tbe Tide Comes Iu;" Miaa Lizxie Anderson recited "Nobody's two humorous selections in response to an tnrore. Tha exercises wore brought to a close with au exool lout Hutu uoto, entitled "Bonnie Elolso," by Mr. K. H.

UayUnd. BALL Jl' THE CUtSPIflS. F. Dietz'u employes, nhoe factors in tlta Eastern Di'trict, gave tbrirsocond annual ball Tuesday night at tk rnianla Hall tn Montrose avanue. Tha company participating comprised about one htiudrad couplea at tbn opening march, which waa lad off Hy Floor Manager Chailes Burger and Mrs.

Diati. Tha lady waa presented uith a handsome basket of flowers at the end ot tbo march. To tho music proildsd by Petur Prank's orchestra the various dances Wire gom through with In rapid succession. At laterniisjioa a well laid and sumptuous supper waa furnished by mine host Jansou aud to the salisfaution of his uasb. Mr.

H. Menons aud a commltteo consisting Usasn. Prank (jutiioil, John Brsli, Thoa. Fcr.ucstsy, Win. lloehn aud Wm.

Mayer aidel in tbi Hor ar rtiigomut8. IID MITH KM. SUNDAV KAOIaK. OKUSU Y(J0'It UARRIKK TU LKAVJ TUB KAULK J.t rrv SS NNK MM nun i 0 unit A AA A A AAA A 68S8g as witi.L a. 0.1 rits or.iKt da Yd or run wrnii.

CONTAINS AM, I'Uli MKrr.l PRICE TIIRKB CKVrt. nrties 4liiia tho StrsnaT Ktoi.r left al tbe'r M. (i an mud tlllr addraw lo Ibu ofltoa. an it tl via given to tha carrier whu serves itio liA la Uai Uiririct. OVINOTON BKOTHKKS, Fullin.

near Clinton st, have ma! npnl a oan TIKM.K UAKOS," lor plarirur soiitalrn. mors exmi.igs until Jauasryl. THE SHAS1UB I.HJKAKY. NKW BOOKS THIS WKt'K Ml DiAA 0AItKVV.K "PA 11a lto a 3' Ji'kjaV UatVs by newsdealers at abirs prices, aad leni. pjl puiit nn racsip: ot II cents for 10 eont nuintMt.

aad to ceuta for 11 cut nnmbara. by UEOIil IK MU.NKO, If to fl Vandswslcr at, Neiork. OKiUINAL "HYK, AND ROCK GAUDY" Prepared bv ma and aold by prominent dnuftst. prtaa tl per larga bonis, which bears a fao simile of asr sicat mre on laofll is sola mj aepK at VAN Uoambart at. lowsr aid, bat It.

and Church it, N. fffOfOMfc UOHT OIL IS THB BEST BPKMXO Oil. MADS. IT CANNOT P.XPLODK, AS IT STANDS A FIRB TEST OK 1M DKQRKRi BUY ITIS SEALED CANS. furc won EEii nVJTBJifido'k, FOR ALL r.U.NU COMPLAINTS.

PURR. RKLIABLH? OCR PV AND KOCK CAOY is from oaly lb fineit a inns rock and BUMOARDSGR'S OLD VlROlJJlA Mountain It Whisk, uh beat 1" tV. ti ift tl.W pirr bottle wlln(JuldtPj to tha trad No WFnlton at, an i 7ia Broa'dway, (few t'. PiLftrToR pERiRHOIUS PltnUKtiSTLT SRadioatrd IU TWO TO FOU WKKKiv WITHOUT THH KNlrK. LlOAriUK OR OAURTIO.

Band for clreatar oonUlnlsc nf aroneoa i Dr. HOYT, No. 11 YVaat Twealj fJurtUH, If. 1 many that the cburon never reaches. We want soma ono to mtt out.

these bummers sad cslp taeraasdy poor. I am not here to condemn any sociaty, but to bid them God speed. I don't beliavo in multiplying maobinory If we oan do tha work without it, but can we 7 Tne past does not show It. We don't have to pay taxes now for tho poor, and wa must be op and doing Mr. Boden thought that if tbo people were too lazy to go down town to got bread and tea and butler, ttiey ougnt to go without.

Ho didn't believo in another organization, it would only be the mean of overlapping oharlty. Mr. Slaver said he had been twenty years a member of the Sooiety for Improving the Condition of tbe Poor, and it bad for a Ion a time labored imiier dis advantages. Now averythl'ng Is systematized and in perfect order. Every ward is covered, tho wanta of all needy persons will be properly attended to, a dspot baa bsen erected in tha very district where it is intended the new organization should be formed, and he uiu uui buu uun auy auuu orgauizatton was needed.

Wby do not all those interested turow their enf rgios and interest into the Society for Improving the Condition of ta Poor, and far more good would be accomplished. Mr. James said he wanted to have his say In tho matter, but it was bo lale that bo moved the meeting adjourn and reassemble at some early day. Mr. Halsey moved to amend by the appointment of ot a committee by the Chair, to confer with the Executive Commltire of the Sooiety for Improving tbo Condition of tbo Poor, said oommitteo to report and call tbo next meeting.

Mr. Ropes, in spoaking to the motion, said If you ask me my experience aa a membor of tbo State Board Charitlea I shall tell you this The bane of tha State of New York to day, as far aa her cbarity is cou cerned, Is tbe excessive number of ber charitable organizations nothing bas done so much to encourage pauperism or elbow out tho worthy poor. It 1b said tbat the figures show that of tbe number of benofl oiirios bolpod last yesr one out of everv four was a pauper. This is not half true. There are po many mothods open to bummers and rounders, that tbey can visit half a dozen organisations in ono day.

By all means curtail rather than increase your organizations. Go to an organization jou have confidence in and aid it, but don't form new ones. It was llDally decided tbat the Chair should appoint, at his earliest convenience, a committee of two from each of the wards in the proposed district, which committee shall bo notified by bim of their app intmnt, aud shall confer with the Kxocittlve Committee of tbe Socioty for Improving tho Condition ot tho Poor, and shall thou call another public meeting. SAMUEL N. POOH.

Funeral Services over tlie Rcmalui of the Lata Ex Naval Constructor. In the parlor of the neat little brick house at No. 269 Franklin aveuue, the romains of the late Samuel N. Pook lay yesterday afternoon awaiting burial. At three o'clock ths funeral services ware held, but prior to tbis many of tho former associates of deceased looked at the remains, and dropped a tear over tho body ol their doparted friond.

There were some officers from the Navy Yard present who stood in one corner by themselves and held a whispered conversation touching the mournful occasion which had oallel them together. Among thorn wore Naval Constructors Delano, Hartt, Webb, Hitchmann and Hoover, Cbicf Enalneer Danby, Admiral Pook'a ion William, and Inspectors Simmons and Storey. Seats were providod for friends of tbe family, and when H. B. Nye, of the Clermont avenue Untvorsalist Church, commenced tbe services the parlor was crowded.

Tbo only floral offering was a oross made of immortelles with au anchor at its base. Tbis was placed at the foot of the coffin. The plate on the coffi lid bore the following Inscription BAMtiac N. Poos, Died December 1878, Ajed 74 yoars, 8 months And 17 days. Miss Kate K.

Fowler, Miss G. L. Denitbnrne, Mr. F. L.

Backus and Mr. Gustarus F. Hall sang hymns, and in opening the services Dr. Nye read passages from the Old and New Testaments. "Nearer My God to Thee" wae sung, and Dr.

Nye offered prayer. He then delivered THE FUN1BAL ADDBESS, in wbioh be gave uttoranca to the following romsrkn We are assembled in this house to day to pay our tribute of respect and honor to the aged man who bas Just passed to bis rest, to expresB our klndeat sympathy to the family in their beioavement, and to rocall to our own minds some of tho teachings of the Christian faith whloh luapire us with comfort and bear us up In hours of trial and suffering, Buch as aro these, Sometimes it is deemed strange that, aocepting ths Christian faith, wa mourn for tbo dead. Sometimes we meet those who think tbat our weeping does not really express what is appropriate to an bour like this. But death smites all, no matter what their opinions may have been; it overtakes the high and the low, the great and the small, on the ooean and on the land. Doatn la monarcb of tho world, and since we oannot resist Ub blow, smos wo cannot restore tho glow of health to the faded ctieok, we must rest contont, strive to gather up what strength wa oan, and not Bit down lo our tears and woep.

We should, on the contrary, go on with tho work of life until the time arrives when the reaper shall gather us Into his harvest. In this is submission to our fats, looking forward beyond tun life to a bettor life to oome. It was not a spirit of discontent at His fate that promptad Carit in tbe hour of His agony to say, "Not my will, but Thine, God, be done." But there are those to whom death wears a more cheerful aspect. What is death they ask, and the answer comes to them "Death is but tbe iransltlon from ono liro tj another; the passage of the aoul from eartb to heaven." Since wo do not oaase to live, and since thero is ever a home for us iu God's kingdom, we should rejoice. But we do uot mourn for those who have left us, we mourn for ourselves.

Wo recognizs death as THE APPOINTMENT OF OOD. God created in, and Uc ordained that we eboulJ turn to th3 dust from wlionoo we came. As we boliovo in God, so wo believe that we shall meet thus i who have passed from our bomoa and whose are so procloua to us, in that Kingdom where tho robes are of while and where tho crowno ore spafkling. We joyfully aocept the great hopo of immortality, and anticipate tbe promise or God. And yet wo mourn for ouraeivea even when the yonnuest ohild of tbe bonsohold la taken away.

So many hopes porish in that one Uttls gnvo, so many expectations die ont of our hearts, that wo oannot give up tho youngest ohild without sorrow and mourning. Even when the aged in the fulness of their yean depart from us we mourn for ourselves. Wiille. we recognise the hand ot Ood our hearts are crushed. We are comforted, because God does not rebuke our sadness.

We remember that Jesus wept tenderly with Mary and Martha at the grave of Lazarus, and we believe that our sorrow is a virtue in tho aight of God, Tbe consolation we desire is to be found under the shadow of God's wings. To day we hare another illustration of those who in the rullneis of their years are gathered unto God. There are those here to day who have known the deceased for many long years and wbo Know bis history by heart. A man of intelligence, a man of strength of character, a man who led a pure and unspotted life, who was faithful in bis domestic relations, faithful in the discharge of his publio duties, aimine to live with a conscience VOID OF OFFENSE TO GOD AND MAN. finch was 8amuel N.

Pook. He was a man who did much tor his country, who npont the greater part of his life in the service of liis country, and who received honor from those with whom he waa brought io con taot. It is well for us to remember that whatever honors he received, whatever way life turned, the always held rast to his oonvictlons, and was a child of Gol and a dmciple ol Christ. Ho was a sood church membor, and be rojoiced lu tbe belief that the body would be reBurreoled and tbat life eternal would follow life on eartb. Deceased was a man who was tenderly bolovod in his own home, who was honored by his chiHren and grandohildren, and who sharod laraely tbo confidence and respeot of all who knew bim in pnblio and private life.

Wby then should we mourn The days of his usefulness were passed and he was ready to go to tho home ot bla Heavenly Father. In a spirit of beautiful trust be was able to live and die. While we remember tbe virtues and nobleness of bis life, we should not weep because he has boen taken from us. But as to his children Tbey are riot to look upon his facs and lay him in his last resting "plaoe, whilo his grief stricton partner In life, will'bear her trial aa best she oan. But if there are tears hero TIIEBB IS BEJOICINO ABOVC There family oircles will roinain unbroken, and those who have sorrows will find a haven of rest.

At the conclusion of ths address a hyma was sung, and those wbo bad not previously viewed the remains now bad an opportunity of so doing. The body was taken to Boston for burial. It was conveyed tbitber on tbe BoBton express that left Jersey City at nine o'clock last oifht. Another funeral service will bs held in Boston at the rosidonco of the son of deceased, Samuel H. Pook, who is now Naval Constructor.

The interment will take place at the closo of these aerrioos. THE NEW CLUB HOUSE. A Orand Opening; nt tho Prospect l'nrli I'alr A large and fashionable assemblage of ladies and gentlemen attended the (ormal opening of the club houBe at the Prospeot Park Fair Grounds, last night, under its new manager, Mr. John Olanov All tho oroning stylish equipages rolled dowu the Ocean Parkway to the structure, and the grooms were kept constantly bury hurrying the smoking steads to the shelter of the sheds. It was a fine night on the boulevard.

The mooulight made the broad roadway and the adjacent landscapo radiant with a silvery Ulumlna llon, rendering distinctly visible objects far distant. Although tho drive was a little muddy, the hard roadbed affordsd a firm looting toe the horses and excellent time was made by the eteeds that contended for the mastery. Tho elegant club bouse was brilliantly illuminated from the basement to the cupola on the lofty roof. Tbe narlorson the first floor fating the boulevard were tastefully docoratod and orovutsd with ladies and gentlemen. During tbe evening the greatest sociability provaiied.

Tha main diulngroom, in tha upper story, jri orchestra was statlonou in mo hall and rendereu a selected programme of dance music. A large number of the guests ongaged in tbn graceful exercise with much spirit. Others sat in the parlors and listened to tne Strain; of ttla magnificent 10,000 orohestrion and fadeF inJ ganilemefi wIiO fii dered acceptably some oholce solos. At eleven o'clock a bountiful supper was served After supper the guests renewed thsir participation in the dance and continued until an early hour this morning. Mr.

Olano waa present during tho evening and gave a oordial welcome to bis friends, new aud old. There was a large representation of the members of the old Prospect Park Fair Ground's Association in the throng. The reception was in every respect a gratifying and augurs well for the futurB of this pleasant resort. The guests were: A. Dean and lady, Hermann Sohultz and lady, P.

W. Taylor and lady, Mr. Porter, Mr. Medrons and lady, Mr. Dickeon, Charles Lawrence and lady, S.

Martin and lady, Mr. Leed and lady, A. Mechaldoan and lady, W. Thompson and lady, A. Hall and lady, B.

Harrison and lady, Puiaakl C. Wilson and lady, J. Harrison and lady, G. A. Powers and lady, S.

Payeon and lady, E. C. Bead tad lady, T. Mason and lady, E. C.

Barlow and lady, H. Dare and lady, T. Power and lady, J. White and lady, Mr. Sterling, H.

B. Hubbard and lady, Mr. Arembau, A. H. Turner, M.

G. Wanzar and lady, Mr. Demena and lady, Mr. Hiram Howe and lady, George J. Hardy, James McDermott, Colonel Harry C.

Page, E. Clinton, J. T. Story, Albert Dickinson, William Thomes, John X. 81ane, and many others, AI.51A CniPTER'S CESTKSiltY MKETIKO.

The centenary meeting of Alma Chapter, No. 41, Order or Eastern Star, yeaterday to the Kings County Fire Insurance Company's building, 89 Broadway, was an interesting event. The occasion was made tho moro memorable by tho visit of Alma Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, of New York. Tbe chapter was opened by Worthy Matron Mrs. J.

W. Bestty, assisted by Brother G. A. Pheian as Worthy Patron. B.

W. Brother McCoy, Historian of the chapter, told of the progress made since the socioty was started. Mrs. E. Plait was then initiated.

Tho ceremonies over, tho members of tbe ohapter and their guests rstired to the banquet ball where tables loaded down with things substantial and delicate were spread. When tho cloth had been removed, sentiments were responded to by W. Brothers Delomonte, Casstdy, McCoy and A handsome one of wax fruit, presented by Mrs, Anna E. Park, was raffled at twenty five cents a chance. The procoods wera given to tbe charity fan I.

Mr. Simon Wright was the winner. Shortly betorsTaidaigbl the visiting lodge wWrned to New York. 1 An Effort to Establish the Bedford Relic? Society. Objections Advanced Afirainst the Scheme at a Meeting in Dr.

Daryea' Cuurcli. Speeches by Dr. Potter, of New York, D. Willis James, Bipley Ropes, D. N.

Stone, Aldermau Fisher and Others. In response to the call of a committee of gentlemen consisting of the Bov. Dr. Duryoa, Rev. 8.

P. Halaey, Alderman Francis B. Flahor, H. C. PJeroe and William Rowa, a mass meeting was held In the looture room attaohed to the Classon avenue Presbyterian Church, for the purpose of taking measures toward forming a relief organization, with a view to ths amelioration of the condition ot the worthy poor during tho ooming Winter, in the district bounded by Washington and Flushing avenues and the city line.

There were present Messrs. David M. Stono, Hon. Bipley Ropes, Rev, Henry C. Potter, D.

of Graoe Chnroh, New York Mr. D. Willis James, a wealthy and oharit able gentleman, also from that olty: Samuel C. Joaea, ex Assemblyman Waring, Mr. Young, Rlohard B.

Leeoh, Rbv. Dr. Halsey, Rev. Mr. Field aud many others.

At half past eight tha meeting waB called to order by the Rbv. 8. P. Halsey, who Dominated Alderman Fiaher for Chairman. Mr.

Fisher waa unanimously eated, and in assuming tho position ho tendered Mb thanka for the honor oonfsrred. He stated that the meeting had been called oy a oommitteo of gentlemen, and that the object was to take some steps toward forming an organization for the relief of the worthy poor, who rpgldo In the distrlot bounded by WashinRtOB and Flushing avenues on the weBt and north, and extending to the oity line on the south and oast. Ag la well known, the poor oannot obtain auy more relief from tho county that 1b unless tbev become inmates of the Almshouse or some kindred institution. The systom of distributing outdoor roliuf by the county, has beau abandoned, and it is believod wisely. This looality possesses no distinctive oharlrnblo organization, and those who are desirous of helping along the poor, are in a quanlary as to where to go or whom to seek.

Tub Idea is now to so arrange things that charitable people may be all brought Into joint and comprehensive he bad tnr6 or four met lings, and It Is Intended that the organization ahajl oo operate with all ohurohesfand Ubla societies. Its object Is not to control the glv logout of charity, but to assist tho wartuy poor, to give aid whenever andjwherever it can, and abovo allto systematize matters so that Imposture will be prevented. It is not a rival organization as one of the newapapers said. I beard that a central bureau had justlbeenlestabilshed in the central part of this olty, a sort of bureau ot oentral work, and that a meeting was bBld last evening. We shall be happy to co opeiate with it In any manner wo seo fit.

Tbo Rsr. Mr, Field was then chosen Sacrotavjr, and the Chairman introduced XHB BJtV. DB. POTTEB, whose obaritabte work in Von York 1 to well known. Dt.

Potter uld that ha thought it might be deemed by some that be wis presumptuous in coming over to Brooklyn to toll the people of this oity how to do charitable work, Be dtd not exactly Intend to do that. Brooklyn bad been doing some of the very best sort of mat labor for some time. He waa glad to see that one worthy oiticen, Mr, White, had taken the subject of tenement bouses into consideration, and had erected anon model dwellings for Ihe poor in Brooklyn as neither Brooklyn nor Mew York had ever seen before. Tne speaker was glad to hear of the Sootety for the Improvement of the Poor, to learn of its work. He thought it bad managed with signal wisdom, prudence and foresight, and was to be copied in aDy oity.

He had como here to speak of the organization cf a sooiety for charitable purposes, which, as he understood, was cot to bo anything new, but waa to affiliate with and be a useful auxiliary to all cuarltablo societies. The history of this country has proven to ns that tbough there has nover brou and probably never will be suoh a dearth ot work as to cause real despairing want, yet there is a class of people who are growing up with us, the clasB of and who each year are beoomlng more numerous and chronic. Xbe chronic beggar is more nurnoroua than bo was fifteen years ago. Why The aveuuos of obarity havo not been closed up, the liberal band has not been shut never to be opened again, but the alarming faot is that the beggars are on tne increase. The more we give iho more hands there are to accent alms.

The fact is that there are a set of men who find it is easier to beg than to work, and they will lie down on church and municipal charitablo organizations and thus eke out their existence. Thero was a case where a man presented a letter to me. That letter was from my father, aod represented the man as a worthy aod proper person to bestow charity upon. Now that letter was twelve years old, It bad been glvon him so long ago a tbat, and peibaps at tbo time he was Just what tho letter desorlbed him to bo, but it was an influential letter, and he found it so easy to open tha pocketbooks of gonerous people that the temptation was too strong and be became a beggar. If all tho entireties aod individuals would organize, this imposture would not take place.

Tnore was a woman wao diod, recently, in New York, bequeathing to hev relatives, and yet she had for twenty years subsisted on charity, and was holpod because ebo waa bclloved to be worth? of it. This is the sort of thing that makes charitable organizations essential. In London millions a year was epeut for charitable purposes, among an army of 125,000 poople, and yet pauperism was growing. This was because there was uo organization and so the present charity organization in operation there became a necessity, and aocompliuliod all the good in the world. Suoh an organization Is a nooagsity here.

We muBt know how to give, when to Sire and whore to give. Borne objection may be raised saying that such an organization Interferes with the ministry and the poor. Thomas Chalmers, who did more in Scotland to grapple with poverty than any other man of bis day, said that it was useless to take a traot in ono band and a shilling in the other. In other words, if eharity is dependent on a certain show of religion, or If it be necessary lor the poor to attend ohnrch or read traota to get broad, butter, Biigar or money, jou mar rest assured tbat they will comply with that ncoeBslty, bat nine tsnths of them will be hypocriteB. Domestic oharlty, which is exorcised in private, thank Sod will never oaasa, but we have to oop with the great class of the poor.

It this organization works as it ought to do it will have the effect of Buppressing poverty, and It is high time It did. The Good Samaritan did not give a doo to tho wounded man and pass on, bat he, took him to an inn and provided for him. Had ha given him money and passed on he would have set an examplo for otbers to do the same, and it would have done no good to the man. Look at the army of tramps. I believe that' they all may have been glad of work once, but tbat nine tentha of thorn want it now I do not believe.

They oan beg so readily, tbat It is easier than work. In Brook Ivn I see there are some voung men who have banded together, and make men saw wood, and earn something. This was successfully done in Boston, and tbo result as tbat the number ot applicants fell on in one day from 101 to 49. So It 18 and ought to be, that if "Man will not work neither shall he eat." Applause. Alderman Fisher introduced MB.

D. WlililS JAMES, OF MEW YOLK, who is largely inteteated In charitable work in that city. Mr. James said tbat be bad come over to Brooklyn for two reasons, one was because bis friend Dr. Potter came, and the other was because he revered the memory of Theodore Rosevelt's charity and kindness.

The last day on which he saw Mr. RoBevBlt, that gentleman had spoken to him earnestly on the subject of organization and urged the speaker to help him in tho work, and that is the reason principally why he was present at tbe meeting. We should do an ho did, go about doing gool, healing the aiok, feeding the umry and doing all that we can do In tho oauae of oharlty. The foundation of our charity muBt no sure and strong. The speaker did not fear that thore wou Id ever be a communistic rising tn the he did think tbat thii system of bogging and growing up ia pauperism was a steadily growing evil, and one that had to be cohiWied with at onor.

Paupor paronts are raising up pauper obildren, apd so (t goes on from one generation to anothor, and' now are we to jSruvent it We must meet it, prevent its growth and slop it. But how 1 By not giving charity. No, by no moans. Nevorlet the kindly flow of oharlty slopped, but whenever it is bestowed let it be given with a full knowledge of the wants of the reoipient. This is what we want to do, and when we have so informed ourselves, we shall havo no trouble with Impostors.

The aged woman, tbe widow and her family, who have been left helpless by the death of her only support orphan children, all of these must bo after kindly and carefully and if need be constantly. Let us do all we oan, but wa must put down tbe people who now abuse our charity and live on doles.mon and women who won't work and never will work as Ions as Ihey can impose upon the sympathies of the public. Tbey demand and expect charity, aod aa long as tbey receive it, tbey aooapt it as a right and don't think ot earning one penny in any honest manner. What we waul then is a full knowledgo of the oondltlon of the people whom wt relieve and this is just what such an organization will do for ub. Such an organisation as It ia intended to start here to night will to systematize things that wo shall be able to set our faces against these "bummers" in tbe oburch, and "bummers" in missions, if tho expression may bo used.

Applause. The Chair stated that the Commltteee had instructed him to submit a draft or tbe incorporators of this society, and which he proceeded to do. It oilled for tbe formation of a society under the Act for Incorporating jienovolent, Charitable, ticientltlo and Missionary Societies, passed May 18, 1848. The society to be known as THE BEDFORD RELIEF SOCIETY. Mr.

Fisher said the Commltlea had suggested this namo, because the dintriot the society would embrace was known some years ago as Bedford. The act of Incorporation gave us the abject of the society. To bring Into harmonious co operation with eacb other, the various oburohos, charitable nganole? aud individuals in tho dirtrict bounded by Washington and Flushing avenues and the city line, to investigate the condition of all applicants tor charity and to place tbe result of that investigation at tbe bands of all who wero entitled to know the facts. The Chair having read tbe proposed act said tbat he would consider that it was on tbe table as a motion, and he invited discussion upon it. MB.

DAVID M. STONE tTin.r a.4 D.i.l Thorn A flAfMAtV waB already at work relieving the pod' the vory district referred to. For some years he, the speaker, did not like tha way things wore managed by he Society for Improving the Condition of tha and for tbat reason be had refused to have anything' iu do with it, but bow Unngs had been cbanged, and be bad consented to be one of xaeuti mittee and had been madt Ctulrman. Xhe district proposed to be covorod consists of the Seventh, Twenty first, Twenty third, Twenty fourth and Twenty fifth wards. Now the Hoclefy lor Improving the Condition of the Poor has already covered these wards.

They have a bureau at tlie corner of Gates and Yates avenues, where supplies are given out and have people to properly attend to the business of relief. They ate keeping a registry of every nindicanr, aod the work has been so well taken in hind that I do not tninlr wa need a new organization, with all the accompanying machinery. Tuo Society for Improving the Condition of the Poor la io meet tnis crisis, the whole of the poor arc now left to private charity. The work isprogresslug in tbe best manner possible, and I don't teu what we want with another society Mr. Youug was afraid tbat tbe new society would come in confliot with the Society for the Improvement of the Condition of tbe Poor.

He belonged to that society and kuew the valuable work it had done, and be Loped no new organization would be formed to conflict with its workings or retard its proeress. Ho supposed, also, that it would conflict with tbe central bureau. Alderman Fisher said be was sorry the Iter. Br. Duryoa waB not present, as he was so well informed npon the subject.

Tbe idea, waa, however, tbat this organization should not only not conflict with any other one, but affiliate with them, bo that each society could help each other. It is intended tbat it shall co operate with al! existing cbaiitiei and to take care of the poor whom no other charities ere now helping. The Society for Improving tbe Condition of the Toor is Terr godil, hut it is a private concern, poor people don't all know memnereor it, tnrougn wnom atone ruoy oan get relief, ftnd the headquarters are too far away. Mr. Fisher thought that an organization was needed in the vicinity, and was eatiffled that it would not clash with any other.

THB BEV. DR. HALSEY who bad just returned from a moetin.t at his own ohurcb, said that the district tbe organization proposed to cover was one which waa not properly attended to by any charitable association. Lots of pjor people might as well buy their tbings as to send tbem to the Society for Improving the Condition of the Poor. Sail Dr.

HalBey "If I do that I have to give them car fare, and from wbero my poor arc situated they have to take two cars. There are twenty cents gone, and they could almost buy what they get from tbo Bociety for that amount. I don't care what society will do tlie work in Ibis district, only let ns have it done. If the Sooiety for Improving tbe Condition of the Poor will do it, well and good, but I don't BOe what they wanted with that depot away np at the corner of Yates and Gules avenues for, unleaa it was to be away from tbo poor as far as possible. Borne people seem to think that Brooklyn lies within a radius of half a mile round the City Hall, and thoy Crowd in their Academy of Music, their Art Building and the Long Island Historical Society, and snom to think that thero are a fow people living up this way.

Yos, thousands of poor, ones, who mn.it bo looked after better tbsn they are If tho Sooloty for Improving th Condition of Tlie Coney Inland Kail road Interest. We have now before us the official reports of the three chief Coney Island railroads for the year ending with the 30th of November. As popularly known, these are the Manhattan Beach line, the Brighton Beach line and Culver's line. The road owned by ex Mayor Gunther, and which extends from Greenwood by way of Bath to the Island, has yet to be heard from. Tho Sea Beach line did no businoss, and therefore though in official existence, is not of immediate importance.

Leaving the Gunther road out of sight for tho present, we have the following exhibit of the Coney Island railroad interest COST OP HOAD AND EQUIPMENTS. MftnhnUan Bcaoll Brighton CulTer' Road Total $3,451,993.60 NUMBKR OF I'ASUENOErtB CAMMED. Manhattan Boioh Bright in Beaob. Oulver'i Road 3.271,128 ortos BAItNINUS, anhittan Boach. Brighton Beach CuWor'a Road 4,930,64 2M.147.10 135.348 4U 232 1M 14 Total $665,686.64 EARNINGS OVKR AND ABOVE RUNNING EXPENSES.

Manhattan 8138.886.02 Brighton Beach. 59.851.V8 Culver's Bo.id noNDKD AND FLOATING DEBT. Manhattan Brighton Boaoh Oulvar's Road 74,176 63 $874 (M0 OH 764 630 329.78 13 15 miles Total TjKNCtTH OF TRACK. Manhattan Br Khton Beaoh Culver's Uoad 7XmUea 104 miles Total length MX milei To sum those tables up, we have thirty two and throe quarters miles of track, equipped and established at a cost of $3, 093.61), over which, during the past year, passengers tiave been transported, upon which there is a bonded and floating debt of $2, 169,196.13, the gross earnings of which amount to $665,685.64, and the earnings over and above ruuniug expenses of which aiuouut to $272,816.52. Some of the figures n9ed a word of explanation to prevont them from being misleading.

In the table showing the cost of road and equipment no reference is made to the fact that the Bay Ridge Branch of the Mauhattau road is leased from another company and therefore does not figure in this report otherwise thau as its earnings go to swell the aggregate receipts. This, unless explained, would indicate either phenomonal economy on the part of the Manhattan company or exceptional extravagance on the part of their competitors. It must also be remembered that the Brighton Beach road has a double track from end to end, whilo the others are, we believe, for most of the distance, single tracks. Moreover, the Brighton Beach Company paid a large price for their right of way, while Culver paid little or nothing, having been favorod by the Legislature, and the Manhattan people were almost equally fortunate. In looking at the report of passengers carried, it must be remembered that Culver's road does some business all the year round, while the Manhattan people do not onen until the latter riart of May, aud the Brighton people did not get into perfect running order until the beginning of August.

Still anothor point to be remembered is that the fare over the Brighton line for a return ticket is forty cents, over Culver's, twenty five cents, and over the Manhattan lino forty five conts. Apart from any minute criticisms we have here a very impressive testimony to the importance of Coney Island as a Summer resort. The table showing the passeugers carried covers the passongors both ways. If the total bo divided by two, 2,465,345 is the number of persons who visited Coney Island during last This, it is safe to sav. shows a popularity unrivaled in tho world.

If we assume the Coney Island season to extend from the middle of May to the early part of October, one hundred days, these figures show an averape of 24,653 persons on the beach every day. It remains, however, for us to add to this amazing host the multitudes carried by steamboat, by Gun ther's line, by the horse cars and by private vehicles. It is certainty moderate to credit these four sources with five thousand per day, and thus do we have an average of thirty thousand persons on Coney Island Beach every day from Spring until the crisp Autumn weather sets in. In the nature of things the travel to the Island must be augmonted in the future. There are three millions of people in Brooklyn, New York, Jersey City and their suburbs who, if proper accommodations be furnished, will visit the beach from time to time during the hot season.

Such accommodation will.be furnished. Capitalists are now busy devising attractive schemes for the coming Summer. There will be more railroad accommodation, more steamboats, enlarged hotels, and finer music, though that is hardly possible, aud a multitude of miscellaneous divertisements for the young folk which will make the beach a paradise for the children. If the value of the hotel property were added to the railroad exhibit we should probably find that Coney Island Bench to day represents an invested capital of about $5,000,000. Rare Jo tin Gilbert.

Since the benefit given for the purpose of securing an annuity to Mr. John Brousham, whose necessities were largely provoked by ill health and generous assistance to the needy of his own profession, no event of the kind has possessed so much interest as the complimentary benefit to be given to Mr. John Gilbert, the veteran actor of Wallack's Theatre. Mr. Gilbert is the Nestor of the dramatic profession, and the public celebrates with him to day, the completion of his half century connection with the stage.

There are few men of his age in any profession who oan prove by their continued success that after fifty years of uninterrupted devotion to it Ihey are still at their best. Twenty five years ago Mr. Gilbert was a good actor, having won his way to the front rank. To day, hay ino survived nearly all who started with him, he stands at the head of his profession, the best delineator of those quaint old types of character whose outline is still extant in the old comedies, but whose vitality must be inspired from tradition. For of all actors competent to present to us the old beaux and fathers of a century ago, there is not one who can compare with Mr.

Gilbert, to whom the first place is unanimously accorded. Contrary to the general belief, which has doubtless sprung from his remarkable knowledge of old English traditions, Mr. Gilbert is an American by birth as well as by instinct and residence. He was born in Boston, in 1810, next door to the house in Richmond street in which, a fow years later, Charlotte Cushman first saw the light. Nor was his stay in England a long one.

There he unquestionably acquired much of that trodi tional lore which has made hTs mind a repository of stage information, but though his clear cut English and his thorough conception of the British character, as depicted bv Sheridan, Otway and even ie older dramatists often surprises Americans lie had not the advantage of early associations to impress these peculiarities upon him. Like many another famous comedian, both of the present and an earlier day, he went upon the stage ambitious of distinction in tragedy. At this time he was only 18 years old, and was compelled to pass an examination in his art before he could be intrusted with even a minor part, and, therefore, made his appearance qualified by a certificate from competent judges. Since that time how many great tragedians have como and gone, how many changes have taken place in public knowledge and taste. Forrest was young IB It: fey 'y! 1: f'i.

y'L into a stage hero has becomj nowadavs a twaddling coxcomb whose heroism is showu in the cut of his browsers, and whose dramatic intelligence is directed to the fit of his boots. Still, while Mr. Gilbert looks down upon modern notions of the drama with a quiet contempt, he admits that as a change he likes sometimes to see and play in one of our so called dramas of contemporaneous human interest. Perhaps here and there he may find a suggestion of dramatic power and ingenuity, but could the situation be reversod, could the dramas which Mr. Gilbert so ably assists in performing be credited to our own age, and the modern play be thought of only as a reminiscence, we question very much whether an actor even as capable as Mr.

Gilbert could hold a position by his recollections of what would in that case be the old comedies. Far be it from us to say that Mr. Gilbert holds his place only by reason of the characters he preserves. It has boon said of him very neatly, by the Dramatic News, that whereas at nineteen he was cast for an old man, it would not bo surprising to see him, now that he is an old man, cast for a youth of nineteen. Tlie Sl aUerliip of the Assembly.

Tho contest for the Speakership of the new Assembly has narrowed down to a three cornered fight between the three ex Speakers Husted, Sloan and Alvord and the fight is particularly bitter. Tho others Fish, Stra han, Hayes, Hepburn, Skinner and Sharpe who for a while seemed to entertain some hopes of success, have dropped so far out of sight that not a word is said with reference to thoir candidacy. The situation is interesting, and will grow more so as the date of the organization of the Legislature approaches. Every day it is developing more and more yaio a contest between the people upon one side and the corporations upon the other. The campaign of Mr.

Sloan for the Speakership is managed by Congressman elect Warner Miller, who two years ago took charge of Mr. Sloan and'snccessfully carried him through, and who also made the brilliant, if comparatively unimportant, campaign for Vrooman, whom he made clerk of the Senate with only three voles behind him in the beginning. In this fight Mr. Sloan is the candidate of the people. Mr.

Husted manages his own campaign and is backed by the New York Central, the Mutual Life Insurance and other corporations, and hence is looked upon as the candidate of the corporate interests of the State. Mr. Alvord is also managing his own battle, and ordering it upon sympathy. He appeals to the members that he in an old man; that he has done the State much service in the Legislature that he cannot in the nature of things attend many more legislatures, and that he would like to be the first Speaker in the new Capitol as a crown to his official life, which he pathetically points out must necessarily be closing. Inasmuch as politics have little to do with sentiment, together with the fact that thore is a settled belief that sentimental politics reooil upon the heads of those who indulge in them, it is not believed that upon this ground, at least he is making much headway.

If Mr. Alvord is elevated again to the Speaker's chair it will bo because in the fierce contest between Sloan and Husted, the members will ciy with Mercutio a plague on both your houses, and accept the old gentleman as the easiest way out of their difficulties. Still "Old Salt" will in a measure be regarded as a representative of the corporations, since he is an attorney for tho Central Road, a faot he has frequently stated upon the floor of the Assembly Chamber. It will thus be seen that the interest attached to the organization of the Assembly of 1879 is not confined to the members alone, but extends to the people. Tho Speaker has the appointment of the committees in his hands and a committee in the interest of a corporation or against it, will have a large and potent influence in shaping legislation for or against the corporation.

The Speaker has it in his power as presiding officer over the Assembly, to materially assist in or retard the passage of a bill, and this too, without apparently outraging the proprieties of his position. Again occupying a position wherein he touches the personal interests of every member of the Assembly, he gains an influence not to be lightly regarded, and therefore the knowledge that he, tho Speaker, is in favor of or opposed to a bill has its due weight. Hence the anxiety the large corporate interests feel to have a Speaker who is not inimical to their interests. Under this showing it can well be understood why these interests are so active as they are roported to be in the election of a Speaker. Being under the control of the Legislature, taking tlieir existeuce from it, they are in the best ol times liable to the whims, to say no worse, of designing men, who creep into the body.

They are subject to attacks of all kinds, and in self defense they have conceived it to bo a duty to have their interests watched at each Legislature. At the present time, whether due or not to the agitation and discussion ot CoiuinuUjisHj principles, there is a widespread feeGnc of antacr onigm to corporations, and heneo well alarmed, they believe that they are fighting for existence itself. In addition, there is a rumor that the Central Road has favors of unusual impoitance to ask of the new Legislature. Some years ago charters ware obtained for the building of various short railroads in Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties of this 'State. Work on most of these was commenced, even to the extent of grading and laying rails, but operations have been abandoned under the depression of the times.

The story now goes that the New York Elevated Road has obtained possession of these charter rights by purchase, and propose to join them in one continuous line to Albany, connected with the elevated road which would be of the same system. The line of this road would lie iramedifttely between the Hudson River and the Harlem roads, and would if established make competitor to the Vanderbilt system, ft is natural to suppose, this rumor being tj'tie, that the Yauderbilts would not allow it to be Consummated without an effort to oppose it and save their own property. Beside this there is the Burbank snhame for building a narrow gauge railroad upon the banks of the Erie canal, by which itis proposed to tow canal boats and maintain the canals, in return for the privJegos granted by the State. It made its appearance in tho Legislature last inter. Thus the Vandor bilts are confronted with a threatened opposition, all the way from New York to Buffalo.

In this light the interest of the Central in the Speakership is a matter that need occasion neither surprise nor wonder, i the United States Senator. Now that a is to be elected the question is raised that the Legislature itself is not organized as th State Constitution designed it should be, and is not a Legislature within the meaning of the Constitution. In the revolutions of politics it so happens that if the question is raised in the case of tho next Senator to be eleoted from New York, it would come before a Democratic body, for the United States Sen Ate after the 4th of March next will contain a Democratic majority. If the Senate were close and political contests were more bitter than they are at present, there is no telling what either party would do under such cir ounastances as now exist in this State, or what trouble and danger would follow. As it is y' tha i Republicans are in so large a majority iu Legislature, and the judgment of the people was so clearly expressed as to their desire that a Republican should succeed Mr.

Conk ling, that the fact could not be questioned anywhere, with any show of right, Still there is danger in the tolerance of the people, for years in succession, while the law making power of this State was itself setting at defiance the fundamental law of the State its written Constitution, and for purely partisan ends. Political wrong on the part of one political organization is sure to incite wrong in the other, and is often held to justi fy it in the minds of even well meaning citi zena. It is the first wrong that counts, and it is here that wrong doing cru be resisted with most advantage. The organs of the Republican party affect to be amazingly sur prised by the alleged discovery that the suc cessful attempt made to make Mr. Hayes President by a false count was accompanied by a disposition and a desire on the part of Democratic leaders to secure a fair and legal count of the votes and a true declara turn of the result, even if they had to resort to means to that end which would, under other circumstances, be criminal.

There is a iiVy great deal of human nature in political par ties', and when one party is cheated, the temptation is very strong on the oth er aide to retaliate in kind. If even the Presidency can be disposed of by fraud by one party with impunity, this game will not long be confined to one party, and the public conscience will be very soon blunted as to all minor political wrong doing, The effeotive way to end party misdoing is to resist it, whenever and wherever it appears, The Republican who will not. resist wrong in his own party can make but a very weak ap peal to 8 Democrat to resist wrong on his 0 side, and the same is, of course, true with the Democrat, who may imagine that he can wink at wrong by which his party profits, and ex pect a Republican to do otherwise. It seems to us that the Democratic party in this State would be precluded from punish ing the Republicans by any interference with their right to elect the next United States Kgi 'Senator even if the power exists in the s' XJnued States Senate, or elsewhere, to do it find' for the reason that the Democrats did not see fit to exhaust all the lawful means which were at their disposal to compel the Republicans to obey the Constitution, by re apportioning the State ns soon after the result of the census taken iu 1875 was known as was feasible; The Democrats having elected Gov ernor Robinson, it devolved on him, in our y. judgment, to exhaust all his power to enforce obedience to the Constit ution on the legislative of the government, of which he is the yhoad." "When the Legislature of 1870 adjourned after evading its duty during an entire session, jit seemed to ns to be the duty of the Gov i ernor to oall the Legislature together again in extra session, so that the attention of every man in the State might be fixed upon this loii me puny in control naving profited by the action of their party friends the year Governor Robinson, in our opinion, should have notified that body fyitt emphatic terms and Governor Robinson rafcan.bo very emphatic when he sees at that KAt they 'tM Hot pass an apportionment bill at JlOTeguiar session ne wuum compoueo wopjl im extra session.

When the Legisla 'bat year had adjourned without 'fldtplf i'ttnyingi the Governor would have Spiitinen calling an extra session ai ISajlfifVfttff), as many more extra sessions as smk. iMMikM safe..