The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume], December 18, 1877, Page 8, Image 8

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ACKLEN-DARRALL.
El IIMINLY MISTOil Ow THU (·tOWT1 eT
--NOW ACELUN WANS 11III01D .
A Mdllow the Votes Were (Otunted by the
Hundred for Hlurrall.
Deeling to seoore, as far as pos.eble, the bot
to faels In regard to the Aoklen-Darrall contest
atd kmowing that the earlier history of that mat
nia would be interesting, a DamonatAT reporter
E boulght and Interviewed Geo. B. Loud,
., who has taken a prominent part in the oon
f-t.
Mr. Loud, after being pushed, yielded to the
preAsure, as will be seen below.
Reporter--Mr. Loed, will you give me the
a..1, hbltory of the Aoklen-Darrall contest.
eMr. L.--Ys, sir, as fIr as the faots have come
within say knowledge.
ltp.-You saw the portion of the printed tee
tlmony published in one of the oity paper. ?
Mr. L.-Yes, and as you represent the only
papor whloh is inclined to do either OoL Aoklen
aI myself justice, I might take oooasion here to
iar5 that the manner in which that was published
wea ealeulatted to mislead the publi as regards
Uy eonneetion with the matter.
Bep.- low so?
Mr. L.-Beoanse, for one reason,the 7, ma, par
tiMalrly in iHt editorial referenoe to the case,
sharaoterised, nl'erentially, not only myself
-lnt all who had shown an interest in Col. Ackilei's
giOeesl , as a lot of scamps, and I think my course
.4 supporting Vol. Aoklen during the election
ehould be regarded with some Indulgence in thlis
. 4mmalnity, and particularly by a paper olaiming
40 lpreieont the sentiments of our people.
Bflp,-EICto se me, but you are known as a Re
publloan. Do you mean that the 7imen is recog
r isad as representing the sentiments of your
.arty ?
Mr. L.-Yes, to a certain extent, even though
-41 laims to be conservative.
cep.-What brought about the opposition to
Aanratllii your parish, Iberville? Will you give
t bth hilorI y of that opposition?
S --Ye. As far back as the meeting of
Utl btdt. convention, at which time Darrell
e nominated for Congrees, W. W.
' 0, who was a candidate for the State Sen.
1M the Fourteenth District, and also dele
1te and obhirman of the congreMlional conven.
USe, there was a strong feeling, not only on the
i o; it of Wharton, but ef the entire Iberville del
S;tIoncj against Darrall for bhi advocacy of the
t4EhIS of Wakefield for Senator. When the con
" wtl. mda convention adjourned, subject to the
V ltW O Wiarton, oehaiman, Darrell manifested
i ' ani ety and uneasiness concerning his own
i049ihtlton, and only by appeal to Wharton and
iin. a him unqualified support, Wharton re
, ,rinm ld the convention and allowed Darrall to
Selive the nomination. Blubsequently, when
Watlon was nominated for state senater, Dar
ttil immediately broke faith and commenoed a
peI Warfhre by his support of Wakefield, the
rboltig candidate.
ep-PWhat sotion did Wharton take then?
t. L,-It was then that Wharton threatened
SD srrall defeat if he (Darrall) did not oease his
lion and accord Wharton the same sup
to which he was entitled a a party nominee.
hiiqn made no secret of hie threat. To sev
411l mlmbers of the Stae committee, to Gov.
e , and once, I think, to the parish commit
Iberville, Wharton communiocated his
i'ret, and there was an almost unanimous senti
Ston the part of the Iberville committee that
wotld be righteously dealt with if de
for his interference in thise senatorial oon
tt Only a few days anterior to the elecion in
T i.tea Wharton informed Darrall in presence
Sirvelral person, including ex-ongressman
; oray that he would defeat him. I also informed
iri that he had made a mistake, and that
ten was in earneps and not by any means in
.lt sad I advised Darrall by all means to con
*late Wharton If possible before the election.
S ep,-Why did yon do this? Was Wharton
ltoaV In the parish-that is, with the Bepubli
.L.-I felt satisfied of Wherton's ability to
4e.t Darrall, for he was at the time invincible
In the parish, and had control of the parish oom
_PLItee. They (the committee) refu ed to in
dlo Darrell in obedience to Wharton, and I
w lamiled by many of the leading members
Sthe committee, sucoh as Deaslonde, the preel
- IOroUi, Barnes, Preston, Haoni, Gordon,
v ett, Wet tbhe would oo-operate with Whar
Ion in Inymovement to defeat Darrall. Up to
i ls , shortly before the election, I was an
1Utlve supporter of Darrell, although I had as
*0 s.a0 d Jietlilable reseons to be hostile towards
as . Whnrton. Darrall was well aware of the
itnltIn Iberville, but he seemed indifferent
bo.s t, relying upon his nomination and the
1uia Pr eomies he makee to Republicans qfer
1g uEl to frown down this opposition in
--How came you to support Col. Aoklen?
Lr. hL-Wharton urged me strongly to do so,
.I* b fell v ry much disinolined to oppose Dar
t ad informed Wharton of my reasons,
w were that I could not well afford to take
r& olhanoes, which would result in the event of
's election in a bitter opposition from Dar
a, lnd might bring upon me the antagonism
Ste Ste administration for having supported a
.emeorat. However, Darrall never stood remark
·ably well with Kellogr, and I was satisfied that
. cWOld not draw much water with Gov. P. ck
pvt after his election, for he played fast and loose
i*Packard in the State convention by voting
Pa it Stampe for chairman, but this was not
, dfenlht to persnuade me, and only when I boeaome
eatpevinosd that I would be standing almost alone e
41 Ibervillne )inh s fight, did 1 give the matter n
ir Ia rloi s deliberation. Before I made up my
Intlhd fully Whartn came to New Orleans and
- the tickete for Iberville printed at Hopkine'
glttnig oflie, Story Building. He had three
-ade of tclkets printed as regular Republican g
: one lot with the name o Darrll, another it
it'l at of Achlen, and a third with no name ti
Congress printed thereon. I disonusseod the of
wIaIer with Wharton and the penuliar position
Sidih occupied, remarking, also, that while he
.l4IIm afford to be independent in this fight, no
a lUtter whether suooessful or not, as it was only
Darrall in hie own coin, I must have some m
Sunderstanding with Ool. Acklen be.
te. "'fall into line 'on this lnestion. lie
an told me that was a matter between I
a-- san. Imyelf, and suggested that 1 should t
.lee e CoL mckielf n d
Hep-Did you see Ool. Aoklen at the time?
Mr. I--Yes, air.
SOp,--What was the understanding arrived at
'between you ?
mr. L--He told me that he presumed I felt a
,alotalioy about supporting a Demooratio candl
Gaie. but that he felt confldent of his abiity to
at as faithfully, consolentiously and as
the people of the Third Distriot in
Sttonal Legislature as Darrall had done. I
not but feel hsagrined at this painfully oor
allusion to Darrall's effiienoy, for I knew
dunrn those seven years Darrall had rep
ted the district in Congress no one had ever
Sof any speech the Dootor had made, or any
Sthat he ad engineered through to beoame an
a 0of Coongress: in faot, no sharp work of any
4ad, except it was to dodge the Oivil Bights bill
oleverly every time it came up. Mr. Acklen
e anxious that I should assist him in the
ep.--Why was he so onxious? Was it on ao
iMant of your influenoe In the parish?
r. L.--Notso muoh on that ccount, 1 pre
t; but my position as United tates tidper
would be of material assstanooe to him, or
tate strongly against him if I had opposed
Col. Acklen was willing to reimburse me for
expense that I might Incur, and aooordingly
drew up an agreement Into writing to that
whhlo was signed by both of us and wit
by another party, a responsible person,.
What was done with that agreement ?
.,.-.It was deposited in a sealed envelope
JghLt . Renaud, subject to our joint order.
--.Ten you say that that agreement was
with Mr. Renaud before the election ?
S-Yes sir; about one week before the
I an establish that fact at the proper
-Wee the Wharton tickets you refer to.
altke , I mean the three kinds you men.
E...-Yes, sir, with .the exceptions I have
as to names; and they were printed
and in sash ek aa as to esospe
d-- Freo Inr iE e.eept by a close
ves ewaS t to the dliffer
reesI theorn MoHl
for their Beereal wards know of the Aoklen
ckt.ie
Mr. I-eY, sir; I think every one of them
'I that reoeived the tieketse knew of the arrange.
ment and received a quantity of each kind wi
the exception of Mr. Carville, of the Fifth Ward,
who refused at the last moment to receive the
Ic Aoklen and blank tickets, and they were sent to
that ward by another person.
S Rep.-Why were some of those tickets printed
without the name of any candidate for Congress
It upon them?
t- Mr. L.-Beoause some Republicans who did
tr not want to vote for Acklen and would not vote
for Darrell, could have a ticket to suit them
without the necessity of scratching.
- Rltp.-How is it, then, that Darrall received a
majority of the votes in Iberville as returned by
the Commissioners of Election and Returning
Board?
Mr. L.-Beoausee it was ascertained that the
te tickets at most of the polls of the parish were
counted in bulk.
Rep.-How in bulk ?
1s Mr. L.-A few of the Republican tickets (Demo.
oratic also) were read off from top to bottom and
the names or candidates written upon the tally
sheets, when the remaining tiskets, or by hun
dreds the tickets were pile(, and one hundred
ly tallies were given each regunlar Republican nomi.
n nee. In that way it was possible for Acklen to be
defrauded out of a majority, or even more, of the
iRepublican votes because the distinction was in
color only, all of Wharton', tickets being black
aon the back.
Rlep.-How is it that the Democratic commis
sioners did not look after their candidate more
closely?
Mr. L.-Beoauee they were not aware of the
Acklen ticket. It they had been Informed of the
If existence of that ticket it would have Jeopardised
Wharton's election as Senator, for the Democrats
were more deeply lnterested in the election of
e their candidate for Senator, who was a resident
n of Ibotville, than they were In the congressional
l candidate, and had they known of this move
ment they would have made capital out of it with
g sume of the oo.ored people against Wharton, and
he (Wharton) would have been obliged to
. abandon his opposition to Darrall by dropping
Acklen in order to save himself.
lRep.--s that the manner in which the votes
r were counted all over the parish?
Mr. L.--Exept one or two wards, where they
h were counted, name by name, as at (Grosse Tete
poll, for instance.'
Rep --How was that poll returned on the day
o of election ?
e Mr. L.-Acklen received every Wharton Re.
pubiloan vote in that ward, and so returned by
the com missioners.
litep.-What positive information have you that
the ballots at other polls in the parish were
counted in bulk?
Mr. L -I was not only so informed by many
of the Republican commissioners of election,
but the sworn testimony of nearly all of the
commissioners and other leading Republicans
show conclusively that Acklen's tickets were dis
tributed, and this was the manner in which the
votes were counted at various polls. Bee testi
mony of Bess, Commager, Hunter, Verbols, Bob
orison, A. J. Gordon, C. H. Gordon, Holmes,
a Barnes and others. At the poll in Plaquemine,
where Wharton voted for Acklen, all the Repub
lioan tickets were accredited to Darrall; thus it
° shows that the very head of the movement
against Darrall had his vote counted for Darrall,
when, of course, he voted for Aoklen.
Rep. -Was it your opinion that many votes of
this kind were acoredited to Darrall that be
longed to Acklen?
Mr. L.-Yes, sir; considering the influence of
the persons who distributed the tickets in their
various wards, I thought that there must have
been at least 600 or (400 of this kind; Wharton
estimated it at twelve or fourteen hundred. In
faot, you may consider that almost every vote
Wharton got in lberville--and he got nearly
1I )0 votes out of 2800 iRepublican votes-were
either a blank for Congress or a vote for Acklen,
there being ample evidence to show that the
Itepublioans cared only abont voting the Whar
ton tioket---and, as one of them swears, "would
have voted it if a rattlesnake had been on it."
Iep.--low about this information againat you
for stufing ballot-boxes ?
Mr. L.--I am unable to conjecture the reasons
of Mr. Iaeey, District Attorney, for his proceed
lng in this matter by fling this information; per
haps my friend, Mr. Morey, might throw a lit
tie light upon the matter. Darrall's motive was
plainly the dernier resort of a chronic despera
tion. The evidence upon which I was arrested
was taken before a United States Commissioner
last summer. No efforts were made at that time
to nunish this alleged offense against the petnne
anld di Lnily (f the United S/ltes. On the contrary,
Darrall, knowing what the testimony was when
he paid for it, kept very quiet about the matter,
and only until the last day of hearing argument
before the Congressional Committee on Elections
and Qualiflcations, at Washington, 12th inst., was
the Information filed, and only then to create a
sensation before the committee, in the hope of b
getting a little delay and continuance of his case.
Had Darradl not considered that coup d'rel noe
cessary, no information would have been filed I b
am satisfied.
Rep. --Were you indicted by the Grand Jury ?
Mr. L.-I cannot answer that question; I have
no means of knowing; I simply know that my ti
case was under considers'ion, the Information A
being derived from witnesses who were called ci
before them; I know nothing of their testimony;
I do not care to know; all I want ies a thorough
investigation of the entire matter; I am willing a
to cbide by the result.
Rep.--W11i Mr. Acklen be here soon ?
Mr. L.-I expect him to-morrow.
Rep.-Does he contemplate taking any aotion t
before the United tttates Grand Jury as to what ti
is termed perjured testimony in this case.
Mr. L --I am inclined to think he will, from
what I known of him, but cannot say positively.
THE PEOPIE'N BANIH.
At the annual election of directors of this flour
ishing institution, held yesterday, the following
well known gentlemen were elected: John
Brunaso, E. K. Converse, (Geo. W. Dunbar.
Joseph David, F. Jaufroid, IT. Marinoni, .. J.
Iteies, Leopold Bohener, A. Booola.
The People's Bank, we are happy to say, is
growing evwry day more prosperous, particularly
in its new and tastefully adorned place. under
the management of its courteous and emcient
offioers.
RElEAMEi|.
Ed. Fuleon. late tax collector, appeared Monday
morning before Magistrate tmith and on motion
of his attorney, Gov. John McEnery, and on
showing that he had settled his indebtedness to
the State, was at once discharged.
PERM4ONAL.
Senator J. B. Enstis arrived in the oily on
Monday morning by the Mobile road, looking
none the worse from the fatigues of travel and
the exoitement of his late victorious contest. We
welcome him home as the only benator who has
represented Louisiana since the war.
Our sanctum was enlivened this morning by
the presence of Durant Da Ponte, Esq., the
brilliant journalist, who has just arrived from
Washington City, where he has been spending
some months. Mr. Da Ponte is looking in the
best of health and much improved by his sojourn
North.
WEATHER AND RIVERS.
Frigerto's Weather observations for the twenty
four hours ending at 6 p. m. yesterday show the
lowest temperature on the night of the 16th as
51 degrees, and the variations yesterday from 53
to 66 degrees above zero.
The Signal Service telegrams report no ex
traordinary changes in the North and West, but
show a general "softishness" in the weather,
with light rains at several points. The summa
rized telegrams Riving the state of the ther
mometer are as follows:
Cairo 64, Cincinnati 62, Davenport 54, Dubuque
48, Galveston 61, Indianola 66, Keokuk 69 La
crosse 44, Leavenworth 61, Louisville 61, hem
his 68, Nashville 68, Omaha 66 Pittsburg 65,
hreveport 72, St. Louis 67, St. aul 43, Vicks
urg 73, Yankton 43, Augusta (Ga.) 69, Oorsicana
74, Key West 72, Mobile 69, Montgomery 70, and
Savannah 66 degrees above zero.
The river telegrams show a rise of one inch at
Osairo, one inch at St. Louis, two inches at Da
buque, one inch at Memphis, and one inch at
Vicksburg, and a decline from the mouth of the
Ohio to Pittaburg.
At Adams & Bro.'s to-morrow,
I can show rou a beautiful seiht,
That will banish all care and all sorrow
And give you ecstatic delight.
SL.L Byrne & Oo. will offer this week toco
pieces ohoice new dress goods, at enormouslr
reduced prices
MUNICIPAL MATTERS.
THE INNAN1 ATIYU ~M.
There is No Salvatlon for the Inmate. in
Case of Fire.
We understand that the report of the Insane
Asvlum Oommission will show a most thorough
and searohing Investigation of the condition of
the inmates of that Institution. Among the
many defects which have been noticed by the
commission, a very serious one will be brought to
light. It is that in cae of fire in that part of the
Marine Hospital occupied by the asylum, there
can be no salvation for the inmates, owing to the
material of which the cells are constructed, the
want of avenues of egress from the upper stories,
and the faot also that different cells are opened
with different keys, which in case of a night so
cident is deemed most dangerous for obvious
reasons.
The commission, we also understand, have dis
covered that the asylum contains *number of
inmates whose relatives are in easy ciromestancees
and might afford them more commolious quar
ters and scientific treatment.
At the City 111 it is almost a foregone conolin
sion that the inmates of the city asylum will be
transferred to the Louisiana Retreat, in charge of
the .isters of Mercy, at a cost to the city whIich
will show an economy upon the presens system.
THE flILLINt1s IMANDAMINUN.
There was on Monday morning in the officoe of Ad
minlstrator Denis an old residentof New Orleanet,
and not entirely unionnected with the legal pro
fesslon, and the conversation was upon the subject
of the anticipated mandamus of Judge Ilillinge,
sitting as United States Uirouit Judge, to compel
the city to raise the necessary sum annually for
the payment of the interest on the consolidated
bonds. The gentleman referred to expressed his
intention to test the question under section 37 of
the consolidated bond sat, published in the
UD[MOCRAT on Thursday last. He claims that the
Second Municipality (now the First District), at
the time of the consolidation of the three
distriots, owed only a nominal debt.
and that under the terms of the seotion of the act
referred to, each municipality of the city is
bound only in proportion to its indebtedness for
the payment of this interest, and he quotes as
follows, from the seotion, in support of his
claim:
At the time this not goes into operation an ex
act and detailed statement of the ildebtednees
of the old corporation and of each municipal.
ity shall be filed in the office of the con
troller by the secretary of the Board of Liqui
dators and the municipal oontrollors respect
ively. when the commissioners of the con
solidated debt shall proceed to divide the debt
of the old corporation between the several mu
nicipalities in proportion to the asessed value
of real estate within the limits of each, according
to the State assessment roll for 1851. The
amount thus apportioned to each, together
with its individual indebtedness at the time this
oact goes into op,'ration, shall .~uslilhrh tlhe aprpa.
ratf rldet of en',h ionir'ipali(tl, a(in ,hall 4 I,,,,lnmu
ri f/ lelf of" AMIicripiltly Ao. Ore, N,. T7",
No. Three.
It is asls claimed at the Oity Hall that
Oarrpliton. Jefferson and Algiers can only he
taxed in proportion (if at all) to the debt they
owed at the time of their annexation to the city
of New Orleans.
TRKEAmRIIT IIV'lKTIiATION.
Testimony glven by Gen. B. Johnson
and Gen. C. Norrress.
The committee to investigate the aftfirs of the
State Treasury met yesterday. Present: Senator
White, chairman, and Representative Keeting.
Geo. B. Johnson was the first witness called,
and in reply to the questions propounded by the
chairman stated that he was
THE AUDITOR OF THE s'rATh
in 1876, and in that year owned State warrants;
did not remember the exact amount, and could
not say whether or not it was as much as $20,000.
Oashed a great many, but had no idea of the
amount.
To Mr. Keeting-Saw no preference given at
the Treasurer's offioe; had hard work sometimes
himself to get his warrants cashed. The war
rants witness had cashed were not purchased,
but were those he had advanced money on, and
in some cases they were those that he had paid
par for. Some were for State officials, including
the officials in the Btate-House, Including oves.
Antoine and Kellogg, Ileslonde, the various
clerks, Speaker Estilette, G. L. Iitll, who was a
chairman of some committee at the time, as well
as others.
To the Chairman--That was during 1870. Prior
to being Auditor, was a clerk in the tax oolleo
tor's office. May have ocahed warrants against
the general fund of 1875, though don't know
TO WIIAT AMIOUNT.
In some oases on his own account andothers not.
Made advances on warrants but did not know
that he indorsed warrants unless he had an inter
est in them.
Sometimes parties leaving the city would leave
their warrants with witness for collection,
aud in collecting he would indorse them.
To Mr. Keeting-Had warrants oasehed for clerks
in his oflice amounting sometimes to $1300 a month.
Would make out one warrant for the entire
monthly salary of the clerks and draw the money,
which would be paid to the clerks in the presence
of a represeibtative of the treasury department.
(IEO. O. PORBOROes OALIED.
In 1876 was employed in the Custom-House.
Have not been there in five months. Left there
the first day of January, I think. In 1870 col
leoted warrants at the State treasury, though
never kept any account of them. I speculated
in them on my own account In some instances,
and collected for others in other cases, and with
few exceptions collected them individually. I
went to the Treasurer's office, but never stayed
there more than twenty minutes atone time in
my life. When I had warrants I generally filed
them in the Treasurer's vfoice and took a memo
randum, leaving the warrants with the Treas
urer. Uhecks were not in all cases made to my I
order,and sometimes I indorsed checks for others;
beheve I collected one or two warrants for Mr.
Herwig, but don't think I collected one where he
was finanoially interested; kept no record of I
transactions except a memorandum, and when I
the
O(.LTGATION WAS OANCrELEa),
the memorandum was also; don't know the
amount of my transaotions in 1870; don't think it
would amount tV $20,000.
Mr. White -If the books should show that you
were the final payee or warrants or chocks
amounting to $41,000 or $50,000, how would you
explain it?
Mr. Noroross-I could only do it by the checks
themselves, as each one was presented to me; I
could do that thnugh.
Mr. White-I did not say that the books make
such a showing, but merely stated a hypothetical
case.
The Witness-Two-thirds of the amount, the
books will show, was, I judge, for my own ac
count.
To Mr. Keeting-I took warrants as well as
vouchers as collateral stourity. For instance, I
took the Stokes vouchers, those from Dula and
others. When I presented vouchers Mr. John
son would ask me how I wanted the warrants
made out, that is, in what amounts and in making
them out they would, of course, be in my name.
Nobody brought me information from the State
Treasury. I went there myself. Have seen
other parties there often; always thought that
Joe Hernandez and Newman
OOT THE REST OF ME
in gettinu money, and told Dubuclet so. I gener
ally made about ten trips to the treasury for
nothing to one where I got any money. Know
Mr. Auguste; he never gave me any information.
In regard to the Herbert testimony the w.tness
stated that Mr. Herbert oame to him saying he
was about to get married, and asked me to get
his warrant oashed; said he was willing to give
$.0. I did the services, and charged him for it;
think I got $21 for the commssion, and that is
what is harged for. Don't know of any one
having been paid money in the Treasurer's. f"ie.
lerbert made some. remark about having to
py $2 to gep the wsaaar embhe, and I thoght
I might is well make the eomamiaulo, and ('id,
Think I have hib regelpt at borne.
Adjourned until 12 m. Thureday,
OUR COG IIWoCIAL INTBERELATg.
What the Legislative Commlsslon Are
Dolng to Help Our Cmnmerre.
The Commlssion on Commercial Bestriotions
met last evening at the Gotton Exchange.
Present: Col. F. C. Zacharie, ohairman; C. J.
Berry, Esq., and John Ohaffe, Esq.
After the reading of the minutes Col. Zeaharie
read the letters prepared and addressed to per
sons in different lines of business here, in
order to get as far as practicable their opinions as
to the operation of our license and port laws,
the following form, which was adopted:
FORM A--TO PFRRONS iN TIE DIFFEBRNT TRAtER.
NEw ORIEANS, December 17, 1877.
Sr,' The Legislature of the State of Louisiana
at its last session passed an act creating a com
mission to inquire into the operation of the li
cense system, port charges, inspection laws and
other laws in their nature restrictive of com
merce. This commission, now in session, would
be pleased to have your views upon the general
subject, and espeoially answers in writing to the
following questions:
1. Would any industry in which yoht are en
gaged or interested be profited and encouraged
by the repeal of the 8tate and city license
thereon ? If so, please state, as exiticitly as
possible, bow and how much; and state particu
larly what is the effect upon the industries and
busilesses with which you are familiar of the
license and capital tax ?
2. Should an entire abolition of these imposts
Ie found expedient, or a reduotion only be de
termined upon, will it encourage others in your
line of industry to set up establishments, plying
their trades, establishing manufactories, and
giving employment for more capital and labor in
the usiness ?
31. What is the percentage of business done to
capbial employed in your industry ?
4. If your business is snouh as to sub)ect von to
the provisions of the inspection laws of the State,
please state how those laws operate upon it,
whether beneficially or otherwise ? If it would
be advantageous to abolish, modify, alter or
change those laws, and how, giving illustrations
within your own experience or that of others,
within your knowledge as to the evil or benefi
cent result of our laws as well as those of other
cities ?
5. If your business is snob as to bring you into
contact and practical experience with our port
regulations and charges, including any such re
lating to shipping and cargoes from the time of
taking a pilot off the monrth of the river, ascend
ing the river, landing, discharging, loading,
clearing, and as to putting to sea again, or any
portion thereof, please state the practical opera
tion thereof as to promotive or repressive of an
increase of our commerce. State parlioularly
what charges are oppressive, and how they could
he obviated or aboished. And if within your
knowledge, state how the regulations, charges,
etc., of the city of New Orleans compare with
those of other cities ?
While answers are desired specifically to the
foregoing questions, the commissioners would be
pleased to have any illustration afforded from
your own experience, or that of others within
your knowledge, which would serve to show the
operation of the laws here and elsewhere upon
this subject. Yours respectfn!ly,
F. U. ZACHARIl,
Chairman Gmmittee.
The following letter was addressed to the
Mayor, Administrator of Finano, land the Htate
Auditor, relative to taxation. By vote it was
unanimously adopted as
FORnM n.
New ORLEANS, D)ecamber 17, 1877.
The commission on "Commercial Reductions,"
created by an act of the Legislature, is now min
session and would be pleased to have answers in
writing to the following questions:
1. What is the amount of revenue derived by
the State or city for the last five years from the
collection of licenses? Please state each ooon
pation and the amount derived therefrom, if pos
sible.
2. What is the amount of revenue derived by
the State or city from the tax on capital during
the same time? State, if possible, each descrip
tion of capital, such as bonds, money at interest,
capital in business, and other sub-divisions, tk
gether with the amount derived from each?
3. What fractional part of the total revenue
does the income from license tax constitute?
4. What fractional part of the total revenue
does the income from capital tax constitute ?
5. What addition to the tax on real estate
would be necessary if the license tax were abol
ished on all improvements save those against
public morals and those requiring especial
police regulations by license ?
6. What additional tax would it be necessary to
add to the tax on real estate if the tax on capital
were abolished ?j
7. How does the assessed value of real estate
com pare with its value ?
8. What are the revenues of the city from the
lease of the markets ?
9. How far will the saving by the adoption of
the contract system by the city admit of a conse
quent reduction of license tax by the city ?
10. Give a rough estimate of what revenues
the adoption of the Moffett register would pro.
due ?
11. Can you suggest any measure by which the
revenue now raised by the levy of the license and
capital taxes could be raised otherwise save by
an addition to the rate on real estate? If yes,
please state what and how. If by reduction of
salaries of officers or abolition of offices. State
specifically what offices.
12. If you are familiar with any cases in which
our inspection laws or port charges operate op
pressively upon commerce, please state them
and the remedies to obviate their recurrence.
While specific answers are desired to these
questions, the commission would be pleased to
hear from you on any of the subjects embraced
in the purposes for which it has been appointed,
especially on the subjects of inspection and port
charges, and would desire any information which
your experience and research in the matter may
afford, the purpose being to suggest legislative
aid in securing any reforms which an enlightuened
knowledge of the present systems and their oper
ation may show to be advisable and advantage
onu. Very respectfully,
F. 0. ZAOHARIE, Chairman.
Thereafter the meeting adjourned until Thurs.
day, January 3.
THE NEW ORLEANM CITY RAILROAD.
The annual election or directors of this com
pany was held yesterday and the old board was
without an exception retained. That more than
usual interest was taken by the stockholders in
this event was evidenoed by the fact that a larger
vote was cast than had been for ten years past,
which fact shows most conspicuously the con
fidenoe felt in the ability, skill and probity of
those having charge of the affairs of the com
pany. The arduous and severe labors of the
vottrs were much relieved by the invigorating
accompaniment of a most liberal and delightfnl
lunch, which was greatly enjoyed, and over which
Mr. Wintz, the president, and Mr. C. O. Lewis,
the secretary, presided with their usual grace
and dignity. The fllowing are the names of the
directors elected: B. Biscoe, J. W. Burbridge, J.
Mt. Demsarest, H. U dly, C H. Heck, I'. Irwin,
James Jackson, Charles Manson, R. M. O'Brien,
Thomas Bimms, I. H. Stauffer and F. Wintz.
THE FUINERAL OF MR. ALEXANDRE
GRAILHE.
Our readers will perceive that the funeral of
this old and esteemed citizen of New Orleans
will take place this (Tuesday) evening, at 4
o'clock, from the residence of his son-in-law,
Mr. L. D. Rarpy, No. 163 Burgundy street, be
tween St. Peter and Orleans streets.
A WORK OF ART.
At No. 20 Camp street there is now on exhi
bition Julio's painting of the last meeting be
tween Gene. R. E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, a
picture well known throughout the South. It
will soon be raffled for the benefit of the relief
fund of the Association of the Army of Northern
Virginia. Those who desire to see a beautiful
work of art should visit the place.
M. L. Byrne & Co. will offer this week i0oo
pieces choice new dress goods, at enormously
reduced prices.
Call at Miller & Dielmann's and wet your Cali
fornia wines, candles and fireworks. Prioes
are very low.
New Amricpa Sewing Machine, 183 Canal
street.
AMUSEMENTS.
TRI OPERA.
Gonnod's masterpiece "Fanst" will be sang to
night at the Opera House by the Fryer.Pappen
helm Opera Troupe, with Engenle Pappenheim
as Marguerite, Adelaide Phillipps as Flebel, Ohm.
Adams as Valentin, and Mr. Van Hufilen as Me
phistopheles. The performance will be a treat to
a vast audience, for the sale of Seats was very
large yesterday at Werlein's tousle store on
Oanal street, where the box office Is established
for the Italian opera season, which is to last only
one week.
RAVMOND'l roPNirle- WlrltHer.
Raymond opened last evening at the Varieties
with a new oompany and a new play, to a fair au
dience. The play is simply a frame work for the
purpose of introducing Pembroke a life insur
ance agent, in its most outre characteristlcs.
Tbht Raymond excited the risibilities of the audi
enoe cannot be questioned, but the play is lot to
be compared with "i'here's millions In it." It Is
new, and the public will go to see on that ac
count, and to laugh at John Itaymond's excellent
delineation of that essentially American type, the
lightning-rod lile insurance agent.
Fr. riHARi.PER TIHEATRE.
To-night the Haywood minstrels will appear for
the first time in or city at this theatre. Their
engagement is limited to this evening, to-morrow
at the matinee and to-morrow evening.
ACADENM OF MO.I.'.
" fi Patit Corsair" is announced for to-night
again at this theatre,
A MONDAY MOIRNINEJ BLAZE.
9M1 Houses WDestroyed In the meeond Ward.
At about half-past 3 o'clock Mogday morning a
fire broke out in the kitchen of the two-story
frame house oorner of Clara and Calliope streets,
known as the Jackson Hall.
This property was owned and occupied by Mr.
Fszet and completely destroyed; insured for
$4H01i in the New Orleans Insurance Company.
The flames then conmmuninated to the a' jioning
two-story frame house and totally destroyed It.
This propert7 was also owned by Mr. FsZot and
oocupied byolored families. The building is in
sured for 52000 in the New Orleans Insurance
Company.
The flames then spread to the one-story frame
house on Clara street, owned by Chris. Winters
and occupied by Mrs. Bnrors as a grocery. The
roof of this builing was totally destroyed.
Whether this house was insiured or not could not
be ascertained. The stock and furniture, which
were considerably damaged by water, wern in
snred fur $300 In the Sun Miutual Insurance Com
pany.
The flames then communicated to the two
story frame house on (Callioe street, near Clara,
and which was owned and occupied by Mrs.
Davis as a grocery anrd dwelling, was completely
destroyed. The stink and furniture were insured
for $12110 in the Firemen's and the building for
t23001 in the New Orleans Mutual Insurance Com
panies.
The flames then extended to the two-story
frame house on Calliope street, owned by J. Kil
bredle and occupied jointly by Mrs. Camp and
M. Cunningham, anrid was completely destroyed.
The house and contents were insured in the IIi
bernia Insurance Company-the contents for
$300, and the amount on the house Is unknown.
The flames then spread to the adjoining frame
house owned by ex-.Judge Velnard and ocunpied by
Mr. M. Warner, and completely destroyed it.
Whether this property was insured or not could
not be ascertained.
Chief O'Connor, at the risk of his life, sucoceded
in rescuing two ladies, Mrs. Vazai and Mrs. Da
vis, from one of the burning buildings.
I'hbe fire is said to be the work of an incendiary.
The alarm was turned in from Box 56 by Officer
P. Stanley, of the Hecond Precinct.
*lI LAAT HMUNT.
A Man shnt Through the Breast and Al
most Instantly Hilled.
On Saturday evening. in the rear of MoDonogh
ville, a baker named Philip Fsh was accidentally
shot and almost instantly killed by Geo. Gege
helmer, also a baker. It appeare the two were
out hunting and had sat dow: to partake of some
lunch, when the trieger of Oegibelmer's gun
was caught in a bush, causing the gun to ex
plode. The entire contents of the weapon en
tered Fish's breast. He only sarvived the wound
sr hour. Of this affair the police appear to be
ignorant.
BREVITIEa.
An application for a rehearing was filed yes
terday before the Supreme Court in the case of
the State ex rel. Duffel vs. Morris Marks.
Gov. Nicholls on yesterday appointed Louiq F.
iolson district attorney pro tem., parish of West
Feliclana.
There will be given at the Ladies' Bethel, on
Fanlon and Jackeon streets, this evening, a
pleasant entertainment for the purpose of fur
iliebing the IBethel and reading room. That the
many friends of the cause will respond in num
berm Is well assured, and that they will have an
enjoyable time we can voouheafe.
The Arcade Rooial Club, devoted to the Terp
eiohorean Goddess, organized some days ago and
elected the following oflioers:
Chas. E. Sloan, president; Thomas Ilonabin
vice president; Louis Meisnor, secretary; Joseph
Sohiozing, treasurer; John Gallager, sergeant
at-arms.
We have the authorization of Mr. Rufus Hunt
to say that the statement made by a friend
of Charles F. Hlarvier, that he had on several
occasions negotiated paper f r Harrvier,
is false. Mr. Hunt stathe that he never
had any business transactions of any
kind with the man. He had mot h;m once be
fore, in New York, in company wi'h some ns
quaintances, and it is on this plea that Harvier
asked for the money, whi"h was advanced by Mr.
Hunt, upon representations which afterwards
turned out to be entirely rals .
CITY ECHOEn.
A charne of carrying ooncalerl weaponn holds
Robert Gilhard a prisoner in the Harbor Sta
tion.
James McCaOnn can be found in the Harbor Hta
tion. The charge against him is maliciously
breaking a showcase.
On Sunday a vioioun dog bit a man named
Jacobs in the log. The dog was killed by Officer
Magnon.
L. MoCall, a coal merchant, is in the Second
Precinct Station. charged with being drunk and
carrying concealed weapons, to wit, a pistol.
At half-past 7 o'clock Sunday night a dog bit a
child aged five years at the c'roner of Coliseum
and St. Mary streets. The animal was killed at
the request of the owner.
Chin. Cheevers, John Westlev, Geo. Brown,
Ed. Harp and John Brennan were run into the
Fourth Precinct Station, on the charge of being
vagrants.
Chas. F. Harvier, charged by Rufus Hunt wi'h
obtaining money under false pretenses, was yep
terdev sent to the Parish Prison by Judge Smith
in default of $1000 bail).
One of the men who broke jail in Jefferson
parish on the 12th lust, was captured yes'erda7
by Officer Roache and locked up. The officer, so
it is alleged, went after the accused in the guise
of a negro.
James Dillon, George Lebrun and Michael De
laney were immured in the Third Precinct Sta
tion, charged with being drunk and disturbing
the peace. Delaney is also charged with carrying
a concealed weapon, to wit, a revolver.
At 6 o'clock Monday morning Officer Lyons dis
covered three negroes in the act of stealing a
barrel of potatoes from the landing, head of La
fayette s'reet. The officer gave chase and fired
two shots at the fugitives, but without effect;
they deserted the potatoes and fled.
Mrs. Elmore Francis, residing at No. 64 Bur.
gundv street, reported to Officer Dorto that she
had discovered a man hidden away in her room.
That on her discovering him he fid, and she af
terwards discovered that he had robbed her
drawer of two dollars.
At half-past 10 o'clock Monday morning a child
named Julius Arnaud, aged ten years, was ran
over by one of Mararet's bakery wagons, at the
corner of Orlumbus and Boman street, and
slightly injured. The driver of the wagon was
not arrested, as the ehile's parents did not de
sire it.
Guilty.
In the ease of G. Bosenthal, seeused of per
j.ry in testifyin in the easeof inestd, wherei
Augeusi Pfteb, WsJr Peckmeral weas harged
withl iuest wit. s dtel.f, tb'Jutr meafm d
Into eo at t 1 o'oooelck bs moisot, with r ferdlie
of guilty saganet oseanthal, teeo.ilmnetdltg bhi
to the mercy of the court.
A PI.ttdelJpirlt Ia Jal,
Fred Baxter, alias Henry Jaoksop, aliM W. 'T
Bradebsw, lias Brady, was lodged in the Onttital
htation yesterday, charged with belfgt a fagiate
from Justice. It appears the sootned i8 weta44
for robbing slease B. Seeley, of Philadelphbl
while to Ids employ.
A MIsllssiept pI igAer
The steamboat Katie, whioh reached here Mon.
day morniog, badl on board the body of a waas
named H Mire, who was murdered ast Bernard
Landing, Missiseippi, on last Wednesday, by Mtt
known parties.
Tbh body wee brought by the dsoeased's fmlrly
to this eity for interment.
A Plank Wound.
A rdilionity took plaeo this morning on DWit.
street between a white man named GeorgeBrown
and a colored men nemed Aleansder, whibh re
snlued in Brown's getting a libd gash on the he.i
from a piece of plaokitng vigoruoney wielded by
his antagonist.
It appears that Brown, for srme remson .or
other, was on Alexander's premises, on DHelta
street, and though ordered to leave by the owner,
positively refused to go. The Irate Aleiarnder
thereunpn struok him over the head with a plank
with bloody (fent as above.
Mrsx Mlederi'n Rash A1et
A visit to the hospital Monday mornlg dil
elrned the fact that Mrs. Medere, who wal
rrnnnrl in an Insensible oonditioa
in her bed at the Stranger's Ho
tel munday morrire,, and wh' was oonveyed to
the hocnrtal, did attempt suioide by tkking
laudanun. A tablespoon sand a vial that had
contained the drne was this morning fonied in
h, r room. 'J'he laularnnm was bought in Gretna
Irom a druggisr named U. Bastrnss, yet thisgeln
tleman, upon being Interviewed, denied having
sold the poison to arty snoh Iadr; yet the vial
found in the victim's room bore a label on whieh,
was Htnstrnse' name.
A DE'mrnvrAT reporter viitted the Charity Hlfo
pi'al st' rdlay and was informed that the lady'e
condition was the same, whioh is a very oritlial
one.
HOTEl, ARIVAIAM.
HT JAME~ HFTTEL- I1 Lispr. Mobile- H A
Blll, I(lni rn .tit J . Ii Rhawl. Mie: (Cha+ TEhorn
tn ii do wilt. at Elo,i. Min.i M It Jone and.
arln. linvmrnd. Mi-c .f ,1) Monroe. Osyka. M1
W it I.avilrlon,r .1. ( Travl. and son. Ma.gtola,
MisE: .1 I' May. In-liana: A ) Taggart UoOd
mrr, Mis m1) lM hnrlrh, W It WBssAll,PhilRa
IDr ( iM itiani. ,Wreonucoura, La; .oo Handt
aroll or n Canton. Miriss: .1 I Hampton, New
,York; Maynrard Cr.w,, Mandaron Ala'
Nall. Miss; E '1' Eggineiton. Miss; A Cranf
it; 1' I Ewing. LIlrttriht. Li,; H M y ,i-ff
'it vlror. If H l'alfrrty, Hnewtnt'. Tnn ; LEverett,
,rtnrtmit. MI-s: A C Iirul aton ltoupge Wmi
(rr',hoir, wilfe and ifiti, Almon ThoKnr ,St
L,-iau I) EMHtark and family. Miss; M , o t
rity; JI' NiIryhtt. ( Il Wlkrrr. A K.rn, Tox; B
WhitrtlhIt. lh. t i-trines rarisrh. La; TW
trnr .J A (itlirk. .. W Thornas. city; J J Tre
11'r, bilnlk rlver; .1 A ittAtnrwhlte, Nashvilel
WV lilBorts. Now Yo rk; ovorton Vade, T
iyrmntr. A (I Brrnteri. Now Iberits: Perri'W 1b
strr, Itanir'l Wtrtta;r, Winlnrntorh Ky; Mrs nt
leard nr e sarvant. 'ltvl; I ' I'F aing, city.
Wro ninrry Rmith, and wit. Nashville Tenqt; f
Ii HraeRll. Cinilnatt rtti tRrtre; J L3 Bslahon
C-.lrr ian Mis;: J A Williams, steam rAsh
itn rid H51 Ci (lrl rv't. I'ar'inRttIl a; Wm N ook
stv. rity; Winr H Itnolaril. Mal-n. Ala; Co
Voorhles, C B yhi, r'ity; Hooper Harris, Nash
villr. Tnot,; Mrs W W (Oitbts, Ohild and servant.
Jones H Hamrnilton and lady, ()Curmmings, Jak
son, Mints: (Itr A NI West. tJohn A Price, Holly
Htrings. MI-sR B Warisroogrl, Baltimore: A (
t.obangh andi two childrrn. Honery Groe,
't'exa` ; Y C A Rod.nt.s, Wrno, Texas W 0 Me
Intnsh and wife, Bryan, ''Texas; 9 D Parry,
Amsbury, M:as: J A .J r-kon, Grand Lake
'Texas; .11 J.lackson, Hluntsvill.' W 0 Smith,d
.I Caunteron. E O IP Kellum. WVai-o. Texas;
Morris, Texas; W Leonard, Master Howard.
'ity.
CITY HOTEL--R B Dunn, Kentucky; 1I]
Floutt, tlty; Ed H Ale'xander, Austin: W 8 Dod
ran. PI',r'agoula; Ir hJohn E Holtden, Louisiana'
J If Hmith. MiNssisippi: Chas Handy, Col Win
Hanly. Canton; Wm Hf Hambler. New York:
Capt Ilswthorrne. teamship Algiers J B Kemp,
Thor T Hingleton. MissIaipoa; W'GBIlayden.
winf and rhlid. Kentucky; J E Terry, Westvllle:
It Daniels. HI.zlehturst (Geo B McCoy. Louis
villr: John F Davis, Ohs C Weems, Bapide;
W C Andrews. Bastrop; Chas C M-urs ippidoes'
E 1' Fourtnllotte. New Haven' (eo, handy and
,on. Canton ; Frank Foster. Mobile: C H BHam
say, Moint Olive; S G LaycoOk. Louisiana; B
W Mooney, Chilcago: .1 Carh., cty; Otis Hackett,
Wano; Stegphn Kogn. rev str Dix; Joe Henry
and wife. Louisiana; Mrs Bell and child, tSt
Bernard; W L Shelton. Texas; James P Doug
Ins, Tylenr; Hnury Muller, Lawrence Frank
(Galveston ; J (: haw. Fall county; Manuel d
L.,vy, Lartido ; T ( Hweenoy. steamer Fanehon;
I T Young, plains; 'T C Hill. Louisiana.
HT. CHa ItLE4 IIOTEL-Lyman Clapp Prov
irl,,rrn: JRn C Fisher and wile., Philadelphia: A
Wilson, Washlngton. La; PR Bowling, city;
Wm It,,htrrton. Ni,w York; H Williams. St
J.ames; .iohn I' Weaver, H C Stone, Chiago; Dr
.I C Ilarron. Now York : (eoo Lock. La;Jaumes
Hnnaman,. Boton; .1 H Mimsr.Charleston. S C; J
A Poor, Chicago; P (O (arland and wife, Texas;
ThosE Hl'lhafltrr. tI Mary; D N Rowan. New
York; C (I Coripr. H ihishrop PT Duffy, Lon
d,rn: L 8 Clark,. St Mary; .als BEMds, St Louis
A Bombi, Eli-a; (lor Nason. Mobile; Jno q
Itaynymondl. H Birrarn New York; C.I Whit
try, I)Detroit; (Charls 1' tanton, Jr, Lower
Coiast. _____ ___
RAILROAD DEPARTULER.
Wo noto olow a few of tho dopartures by the
Mobiln f.I.t. linr lac.t vonilng: Goo. W. .attler,
Nt+w York: H. (.lapp. H(nlma, Ala : J. E. Neis
wangor. ibrhmr,nd: lytirton Coon and wife,
louiville: .ullus HJrsr,, Now York: E. . 8tAm
monse 'htiledolphIls .1. E. Cr,,avy, l unsanola;
It. H. Kurne,. t. l,oui:; J. Il. Barrett. Thornt
tn l;trrrtt an .1J. I. Pralthnr, .Ja'ksonvillo.
Fit.;: J. W. llugh~s. Now York; Mrs. Noll
he, alon W. J. Iollowav. Montgomnry: Donald
I,. Mannon. Now Yor,; E. Looby, Ht. Louis: D.
I'. Thormra, Morntgomnv; J. H. Norwood and H.
Hnnillory. Atlanti: Jnramn Tallon, New York;
(0o Jnmos Andtrows (of ttttiR)., (finoinnati; T
I,. Armnisptoad (trsvlitin pt kapongor agn.t Atlan
l,' (',est. Lint. hlait.imorn: I). Webnstor and T.
W"stetr. (inwirtnat ;t 0. 1. Kimball. Boston; C.
(L Johnson. Now York.
New American Hewing Machine, 145 Canal
street.
lFivr Arcr.- - thI these times. when everyone is
looking around for somethin[g beautiful to pro
sent t,, loved ones at home and ebroad, and
thereby make life and hieart happier and
brighter, the great sale of fine oil paintings,
steel plate engravvl ogs, chromo,. water colors on
parLnise etc., which will take plaCe on Wednes
dav, the 1!tth, at 11 o'clock, at the Old Auction
Mart. 7 ('amp street, stould not he forgotten.
It. M. and B. J. Montgomery, auctioneers.
"P. true to me whil, I'm away," hubby dear,
for I shall stop at Asims A Bro.'. ri9t Magazine
street, to get materilt for your dressing gown.
Fror:, Fr,orn.- Hoe I). E. Morphy & Son's
auction advlrtisemont,
Wi, are under obligations to Mr. George El
lis. the ,po.i,!ar n',wsie tier. opposite the post
office. for late Northern and Western papers.
AT WzaRI,zi's, No. 1i: CANAL HTRaKT.--Pano
butrgalns, upright piatnos, (Chiekering pianos.
Hardmanr pianos. Arlon pianos. Kranish&Bach
Di' nos. Plevel pianos, organs, music etc., etc.
Imm,.nse stock, vpries reduced, leading house
i'janos repaired, tuned, moved, boxed, stored
and exchatnged at Wtrlei n's, No. 135 Canal street.
New American Sewing Machine, 185 Canal
street.
Speaking of the failure of many "star com
binations" in the West, the Chicago Tribunse
says: "The Northwest and South have been
fairly flooded with them for some time. They
all take the same route, following each other
through the country like a flock of sheep, one
jumping over the fence because the other did.
At Bloomingtmn, which contains twotheatres,
there are no fewer than fifty-nine dramatic
combinations booked to make their appear
ance in succession. It is no wonder that the
woods are full of distressed actors. Only a
few of the better oompanles, which visit the
large cities, are clearing expenses."
The bill giving the James River and Kana
wha Canal Company the use of the peniten
tiary convicts of the State of Virginia free of
charge has passed both houses, and now goes
to the Governor. Richmond refused to ap
propriate $25,000 in aid of the work.
The Washington Star publishes a list of
over 200 newspapers that have been started
in that city, run a brief space and collapsed.
The Russians took Kars in 1828, 184, 1855,
and now again in 1877.