Newspaper Page Text
I ..53 r* ^ WALL STREET. GREAT EXCITEMENT. . The Bulls and Bears and Sharks and Sharpers Biting and Tearing Each Other. BEDLAM IN THE GOLD BOOM. FAILURES AND SUSPENSIONS. The Government Comes to the ~R.A9.miA nf RnflinAKfl Men. The great gold speculation of 1809 has culminated, At noon yesterday the fever which for the past three days has been raging in Wall street with almost unexampled violence was subdued. It was a monetary crisis never to ba forgotten. The 21th of September will long be remembered as one of the most extraordinary days of financial furor that has bupper ' In all the times of peace. In good will with all the world, with a grand and wonderful harvest of corn and cotton, and all the natural products of the soil pouring In and actually glutting our markets and those of Europe, aud with but a faint speck of war on the great political horizon, a gold panic breaks out In Wall street. The result of the disastrous operation, while it will perhaps cause many a bitter pang, for reckless folly must certainly be hailed with gratification. The forces on both sides are somewhat exhausted by this terrific conflict; the effect must be peaco and quietude. It was a desperate battle between two hosts of gamblers, whose minds were quickened by Incessant plots, whose hearts were cold and their greed rapacious. Gold, gold, gold was the cry. The rich man Dives mentioned In the Gospel never ahouted so pitifully for a drop of water as the thirsty ones did yesterday for the yellow ore. Boyoud donbt the Revelations disclose nothing so hideous as the demoniacal yells and screams, the terrorism, fright and fearful Bccnes enacted yesterday. Hay it never come again. It was a lesson to be studied. Audacious speculators whose boldness Is only equalled by tbelr rascality, and whose very name Is suggestive of the most adroit swindling, have held this great city of New York In almost breathless suspense. The victims of this ruinous plot?aud many sad men live to-day to tell the tale?merit but little sympathy. At all events, they will obtain but little from tfie community, for he who knowingly enters into a aangerous trap deserves to be caught; and while the gigantic scheme redounded partly to the operators' advantage, It must necessarily sink more deeply. If possible, the tainted character of tho ingenious and heartless speculators who contrived the plot. The conflict has now been waged for three succes sive usya unaer circumstances pernaps unparalleled in the financial history of the country. A desperate combination, almost colossal In Its form, conspired to make a haul. The attempt was a successful one, but it is well known that tho more courageous the thief the better Is his chance of escape, too old recognized principle of "honor among thleveB" was entirely abandoned, and rogue pillaged rogue remorselessly, just as wnen two gangs of reckless robbers, each bent on plunder, though jealous of each others ' gain, turn from their highway of crime and despoil each other. If the "bulls" succeeded tho bears" were sorry for it; had the "buds" been defeated the "bears" would have rejoiced. Millions have been lost and won. Satan sits complacently on inc unholy spoils. TIIE MORNING Rl'80. Tno intense excitement which bad characterized the proceedings of the previous two days was not In the slightest degree abated yesterday morning, and long before the usual hour Wall street was alive. "The great glittering golden calf," the Idol of thousands, the cause of sleepless nights, bad temper and anxloty, was raised on high, not far from the towering spire of old Trinity Church. Feverish looking men were seen to humbly raise their eyebrows towards the sparkling god which shed forth its yellow beams tn the glorious sun. Some took off their hats and IrtnfePfl nn in four hp-spprhim* fhrt nnhlp crrwl tn mile down favorably. Others, winking most knowingly, as if in previous private communication with the cair, asked instructions and went their way, while a large number partly unknown to the golden deity gazed on in innocence, wondering by whet process it had been noisted. The mechanical operation was thoroughly discussed without any satisfactory result, and at half-past nine o'clock the god stood rampant. It was a busy scone?busier and more eventful than many a previous ono. Tho upward strides of gold bad created a consternation that was likely to continue, and men almost maddened by foars nnd hopes of gain braced thomsolvoa for the emergency, knowing that at any moment a crash might come that would crush them. Before the gates of the pandemonium were opened, before tho lines had been regularly drawn in order of battle, men were almost wild with excitement. A mighty crisis was at hand. TITB DAI.I, OPENED. At a quartet past nine o'clock the drama was continned, the actors being exceedingly nervous and looking as if the present was their first appearance on the stage. The financial scene-shifters had everything in readiness, while the members of the orchestra in the Gold ltoom began to tunc np their instruments with remarkable alacrity. A sturdy broker, with an eye guttering like a diamond and not on unfriendly terms with the clique, started tho ball by bidding 150 for five millions of gold. The price, therefore, opened at that rate, ami eyes were seen to sparkle with delight. A Mephistophellan chucklo gurgled in the throats of some, while terror was depicted on the faces of the majority, consternation Immediately prevailed. Tho news spread like wlidflro. Crowds gathered near the Gold Room, and at shortly beroro ten o'clock Fury sat noon the throne. Victor Uuzo has nncon eciously described la his "Tollers of the Sea" the operation oftho "bears" in describing the drowning man. Alter nine o'clock the tide of speculation gradually rose. Wave after wave came rolling In. It rose and the "bear" stood still awaiting his doom In despair, Higher and higher the wave came? gold at 156?and, forlorn, he looked around for help. He cried aloud for aid, but his call was answered only by the wild scream of the sea bird; the vulture hovered in the air, slowly alighting to the form of the gasping soldier on the field? t Oh shame to men I devil with devil damned, firm concord bold I A FLOOD TIDE. As the day advanced tho excitement increased. The yellow ore grew brighter at every moment and men's eyes glistened accordingly. The Gold Room was the magnet of attraction; all cite was abandoned. The revengeful war whoop of the most ferocious Indians, the ternflo yells Issuing from a lunatic Mylum, could not equal in intensity the excited ones of the speculators In the Gold Room. Rivulets or perspiration streamed down many a face, while the voicea of hundreds were exercised till they croaked with hoarseness. It was a pandemonium ever to bo remembered with terror, yet tending in tome degree to bring before the mind a vivid picture of the condemned In the lower regions. Rut the tide still flowed on snrely and steadily, with no apparent force to stem it. The water was not defined and the victims awaited thoir fate In helpless despair. Truly the scene In the Oold Room was beyond a parallel, and that, too, aa early as half-paat ten o'clock, not to speak of the scenes that followed. IIOVES AMD FEARS. The ductuatious ta the prices were as rapid an I they were sudden. The tendency upward* seemed I never to take an opposite course, for while there might be a momentary stay, so far as a fraction went, the gold, nevertheless, rose with steady but ! gigantic strides. It was feared and hoped besides the unce would roach 200 and men ' r\\ NEW YORK rushed about ta tb? moat frantic atate. Friends she advised friends to rush into the straggle or warned the them to stand aloof. When gold waa 100 It was not tra (or a moment anticipated that it would descend, and o'cl the very fact of lta increase flred the crowd to mad- the ness. The last faint hopes of many excited persons the had now expired, for the great tide came sweeping as In covering the teacherous rocks and leaving no spc trace behind. tin thk excitehbnt at noon. bui The financial caldron still bubbled with violence. Boi The contagions fever spread through the city. The grc community almost became bewildered and com- in merce was at a standstill. There was a simulta- wll ncous rush to Wall street, and shortly before noon tbe entire vicinity was crowded to excess. The 1 entrances to New street were entirely blocked ud roj and men straggled madly through the throng, mc Messengers rusheu in all directions, while brokers, ho] bankers and others along the street Jumped bare- so headed to the steps of their concerns to witness the the scene. Up went the gold and down fell the the hearts of thousands. Just as at tne faro table, ins winners rejoiced and losers winced with pain. But as the the fever spread rapidly not only those directly in- ter terested became terribly excited, but the populace tot caught the fever and were soon lost In hopes and or< fears. Nor was the excitement confined to the 1 vicinity of Wall street. Gold dials In all directions fut were snrronnded by a most eager throng, and as da; the prices rose the fever became more intense, in >m fact, so eager did tne crowds become that In some sel places the faces of dials were actually covered with fat paper. Never has there been such excitement, or< under similar circumstances, exhibited In the city, bei exceeding by far that created by the South Sea po speculation in London. There was not the slightest "1< effort made to check the decline. The following of will show the quotations rendered before noon:? coi 150, 150tf, 150, 150 Vt 155, 155 V, 155, 165X, 166X, no 155, 166 v*. 160, 180.*, 160 H, 160, 162, 160, 162, 160, Go 102^, 102, 101, 160*, 100, 169, 100, 160, 160, 102*, $21 105. go TDK BUBBLB BURSTS. thl As the bells of Trinity pealed forth the bonr of jn noon the gold on the Indicator stood at 160. Just a jh moment later, and before the echoes died away, ba gold fell to 188. Here ensued the grand excitement ra] of the day. The 'bears" who had withstood the ca mighty siege were now jubilant in the extreme. er; while the news fell like a terrific thunderbolt upon bu the entire community. The scene which ensued is ha beyond description. Over the pallid faces of some 0l men stole a deadly hue. and, almost transfixed to bu the earth, they gazed on vacancy. Others ar I rusneu uku wuuurv wuuuku mo ouctw, ai] liaticss and caring Utile about stumbling co against their fellows provided they reached jei their goal. Never was there such a blight. m, The "bears" had but a few moments before become m< almost resigned to their fate, while bulls grinned da with excessive delight. The tables were turned and the crisis had come. Most people were at first 1 inclined to discredit the statement, but the tic announcement on the many dials, around which di, eager throngs quickly congregated, soon gave satis- fid factory proof of the fact. It was a tremendous Hi descent, so sudden and so amazing as to render an mauy almost spAchless. A more extraordinary tic phase in financial circles could have hardly taken id place, and the circumstance was regarded accord- Tc ingly. tei TUB CAUSE OP THE DECLINE. llfi | Rumor was wild the entire morning. It was ca [ thought that the Secretary of the Treasury would _c not interfere In the contest. But the high-handed manner in which matters were apparently being of conducted demanded some notice, otherwise there tj, was no knowing whore the end would be. While the ljC fever was at its height?gold at 165?while somo men tt) were almost delirious with Joy, and others were l0 going mad with despair; while the community was 01 bolnir disturbed bv an unwnrrnntnhla and nntrn. geoua shock, business paralyzed and the order hi of things completely disarranged, a telegram came across the wires that was soon to quell the excitement that prevailed. By some Inkling the ay Intelligence contained In the all-Important telegram st was spread abroad like wildfire; but scaroe had m General ButtcrQeld, the Assistant Secretary of the Br Treasury, received the communication when at it was posted prominently on the bulletin. Tho be telegram read as follows:?"Sell four mil- m 1 lous gold to-morrow and buy four millions bonds. 8t Geo. 8. Boutwell, Secretary Treasury." General c< Bntterfleld'B offlce had, up to the present, been p besieged by large crowds, including prominent m merchants, bankers, brokers and others, who anx- p lously remained to see whether any action would be p taken. The telegram was received at live minutes aI past twelve, and probably within one minute the pi communication was made public to the world. The b< well known and commendable practice of the ei Assistant Treasurer to give immediate pubil- tti cation to such important matter has ever evoked Bt the highest encomiums of our leading business men, a] ana the prompt action or General Buttcrlleld on the u part of the Treasury imparted the greatest contldence, o; while It likewise tcnaed to brighten the commercial to sky, which for the time was being sadly obscured Ql by heartless speculators. The large and Influential y, assemblage that remained near the General's office Bt quickly departed In the highest spirits, expressing their utmost approval of the prompt and decisive action of the administration. The silly and douDt- ai less malicious reports that officials of the govern- u ment were to some extent favorable to the gigantic schome which had just been perpetrated 0 were happily found to be utterly unwarrontable. In m this instance the administration was most favorably M spoken of by ail who attended General Butterfleld's oi office, and quitting the Bub-Treasury with lighter hearts than tney had CDtered It many heaved a )Q slnh of relief. With that dignity, coolness and arra- i. unity which the momentous occasion demanded. of General uutterfleld was equal to the great euier- cv geucy, and when the panic was put an end to pj he quietly resumed his duties, wliilo the priucely m merchants, who had anxiously assembled near him, sc went their ways rejoicing. THE EFFECT. rossibly no avalanche ever swept with more ter- n, rifle violence than did the news of Secretary Bout- y, well's telegrams into the Gold Room. It is a remarkable fact that when a man tried for murder is pronounced by his Jurymen to be "guilty" his lowor jaw falls somewhat. Next to being convulsed, the "bulls'' were frantic, not to say ferocious and nn- O manageable. There was flrst a deadly stillness?it n: lasted but a moment?the muscles of the animals ? were relaxed, and then came a roar of rage and U disappointment that was truly pitiable to hear. The "ball" was stung and was unable to horn his opponent, while the spectators rejoiced and made merry at his defeat. The result was an ebullition or feeling P: never perhaps equalled in the history of the famous w Gold Room of Wall street. From some issued the 01 wild cry of despair, others rnsned from ai the room and sped through the Btroets like raving maniacs, while a number still clung, to the ground refusing to believe v the information. But the proof was there. The gold 11 fell and with it tho hopes of thousands whose for- Cl tunes, like the adventurers of old, were centred In the day of battle. It Is hard to picture the sad D sights that followed. Even In the Gold Room tho 11 earnest cries rose higher than the announcement of 81 the prloes. Broken hearts and thieves, o&gcd m 8< their own trap, moaned most plteously. In the M trnrila nf thA U north tongues discordant, borrtblt dlecourie, O Wnrda of deapalr, ncrce accent! of alaplto, Striking of handi, wltU curass deep tad ffuarts Raited a loud tumult. D It was a frightful scene?a true and faithful pic- a turo of the gambler's misery, end one that will per- p haps prove a salutary lesson to the young would-be a dabblers that like to invest. Down the gold fell aud U up went the hearts of the "bears,** who, un- tl happily, were only rescued from the deep when life was almost exttnet with v$r? little symptoms of recovery. The 'Vufia*' were furious, while the "bears" dsjeed with delight. New street was a dhup'rous place to j stand in, apparent fToUi the feagfr plunges made by c the respective animal*, reminding one of the frolics v of porpoises. Quiet cltttens were shouldered t roughly. There was no time to "excuse me, sir," t; for the moving portions or the community were bent ti on going somewhere at all haxards. t A TRUCK. b Although the "bnlls" did not exactly hold up the t white (lag?why should they wtuio the game was good f?they nevertheless fought bravely to the last, ti retiring anally with a great loss of blood, both par* a , ues being heavUi punished, in took the ittyyp * HERALD, SATURDAY, SI >wa that though the combatants might have felt mselves prepared for the encounter they did not in sufficiently prior to the event. Towards one ( lock the combined forces seemed to take a rest, re seeming to be a sort or mutual truce after excitement of the morning. Gold fell, and It descended the "bulls" threw up the >nge, their brother gamblers at the same j ie striving to conceal their weakness b; lies. The welcome telegram from Secretory t jtwell sent the reckless plunderers reeling to the (( iund, and the financial robbery was timely nipped ( the bud. The horde has been promptly dealt () lb, and the result will prove satisfactory. 0 AN EXPLANATION. t 'hough apparently wrapped in mystery, the , [UCf/ 10 UUb U'UlUUlb IU V.UIU1MVIIVUU. OVHiv (j n Bell gold lor fature delivery la itie [>e that the price will fall. When It does their profit Is made by purchasing It at i lower price and delivering It in fulfilment of ilr contract at the higher. Now and then it rises tead ot falling, and they have to par more for it in they obtain, and the result ts loss. But no matin wnat aspect during the interval the specula' la "short" of gold, but neveitheless obtains It in ler to carry out his contract, nstead or contracting for delivery at a definite ure time, as three or thirty or sixty days from the y or sale, it la most common to sell the gold for medUae delivery, and then to borrow It, until the ler wishes to "cover"?that is, to buy tt back. By ' the greater part of all the transactions in gold i of this nature; that Is to say, they are ts on the future price of coin. The prortion which these beta bear to what is called the igltimate business"?that is, to the transactions merchants who buy and sen gold in the ordinary arse of trade?is startling to those who have t considered It. The dally transactions of the Id Exchange Bank are from $100,000,000 to DO,000,000?that is to say, the book transfers of Id bought and Bold amount to these sums, while i actual amount of coin and coin certificates used these exchanges is from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000. c whole amount of gold coin owned by the banks, nkers, merchants and speculators ot New York rely exceeds $20,000,000, and but a part of this u be brought Into Wall street for speculative dellv es. If a combination of capitalists, therefore, t buy up that amount, then all who ve gold to deliver must buy or borrow them. If they buy not only that amount, it much more, sold "short" by the other gamblers ound them, they have the latter at their mercy, id can raise the price lor the time at their will, mpelling all who are "short" to pay them the dirrence of price. The advance from 136 on Thursday orning to 156 yesterday represents a dlilcrcuce of ore than $40,000,000 on the transactions or that y alone. SP8PEN9ION9. rbo result has created a profound scnsa>n throughout the entire community, Iinmeitely after tne news had become Known conlence was somewhat restored, though many still igered around the Gold Room In anticipation of other rise. The consequence of yesterday's operains cannot be known in a day. Of course the most te and Injurious rumors were put in circulation. 1 be sure, there may have been many failures, bnt mporary suspensions cannot be regarded lu that rht. Indeed, it is unfair to put lorth statements lcuiated to damage the credit of many firms imTllled by the movement. It is entirely impossible to give any authentic list the supposed failures ana suspensions. In fact e reports prevalent about several firms can scarcely 1 relied upon. To be sure, several brokers closed eir doors, but new statements will be revealed day. Others were compelled to suspend payment i tuelr gold balances; but tbe fact is that it was a lysical Impossibility yesterday, and tbat fact alone is given rise to a great deal of the embarrassment, TUB O All BLEBS IN THE BIND. As already mentioned, there will be very little mpathy with the victims. It was a desperate ruggle between two gambling factions, either beg bound to win. Altogether it was a miserable id degrading spectacle, Injurious to trade and imning in lis character. Princely fortunes have len lost ana won, but the moral la the same. It Is ifortunate that two such despicable inltutious should exist?two cliques of reckless inspirators, who care as little about disturbing tlio Dace of the community as perhaps the individual .embers of them think of committing suicide. Tne rudent energetic action on the part of the admintration has elicited the most hearty recognition, id it is sincerely to be hoped that the groundless mla, started for the benefit of a few operators, has ?en satisfactorily disposed of. Such was the tenement long after the announcement of ie telegram that Immense crowds still thronged the reels, eager to ascertain the freshest intelligence ^pertaining to the affair. Wncn gold descended to >3>i all hopes were abandoned, and the great icitement which bad hitherto prevailed quietly ned down. Little remains to be told. Recklessess, plot and roguery have done their work In 'all street, adding but another chapter to the long, id list of crimes characteristic of that locality. SCENES AT NIOUT. Wall street was virtually open all last night, though most of the brokers had gone home, alf the houses reported to have fulled have only mpor&rlly suspended payment, and that, too, wing to the inability of the Clearing House to dend to the great flood of business that lnccsmtly poured. It is estimated that the amount ' gold bought and sold yesterday exceeded 100,000,003, and as that sum is divided up , lots ranging from ?5,000 to $100,ooo, the manual bor of the clerks be something enormous. Most ' the clerks were engaged the entire night, a clrimstance of rare occurrence?one only demanded r the exigencies of the occasion. When slate. ents have been properly made out the prospects of mie may be yet brighter. So onds the pauic. TUB CLEARING UOL'S". At a late hour last night we received the following itiee from H. M. Benedict, President of the New oik Gold Exchange Bank:? New York Gold Exchange Bank, ) NkW yorr, Sept. 24, 1800. | The rules of the clearing department of the bank iqulrcs the payment of all balances to the bank beire (be payment or any Dalancea by the bank, wing to the failure of several dealers the adjusttent of the accounts has boen delayed. The bank as a large surplus of both gold and currency on the lovementsof the dar and will pay out to dealers as ist as the accounts can oe settled. II. M. BENEDICT, President. THE BXCtTBMENT IN BROOKLYN. Brooklyn did not escape the excitement which rcvailed among these fluanclers, and the rcmarkale fluctuations tn gold was the all-absorbing toplo r conversation on the boats, In the cars, In saloons ud on the streets. Every one appeared to be deeply iterested In the matter, and awaited with feverish npatienco to learn the latest news from toll street. All sorts of rumors wore afloat during ic afternoon, and finally It was reported that the ontest had culminated in a general riot, in which tees were disfigured, heads broken, Ac. Large umbers of men orossed the ferries to ascertain the te truth or falsity of these reports, but at half-past ix P. M. the report in regard to the riot ;emod to tie confirmed, for at that hour Isjor Bush, of the Fifty-sixtl^ regiment, received a negram from Inspector General McQugde, calling pon blm to order his 'obmman'd to report for duty umcdlately to quell the riot in Wall street. The lentbcrs of the {eglment were subsequently notified nd appeared it the armory In uniform as soon as osslble. Th? nntnr however, was countermanded. nd the men returned to their homes greatly plesscd > think their services were not called into requlstoo. Tbo Excitement in Washington. Washington, Sept. *4, i860. The excitement over tho fluctuations in the gold ?retnlum spread all the way from Wall street to thla ity. and to-day has been a busy one among those rhoareln the habit of taking a "tarn" through heir brokers in New York. From the reception of lie first quotation until the c'.oso of the aecond board he telegraph wires were kept busy with messages o buy or sell as the judgment of tho sender thought est. Some, of oourse, were badly bitten, either hrough a want of judgment or through delay In endlug orders. As soon as it became knowu that he Secretary of the Treasury had given an order to ell gold, the speculation here was at an end, for it rat sot knowu at Aral how much was to be sold. 1PTEMBER 25, 1869.-TRH THE ATONDALE FUND. 'ompletloo of Arrtoientili for Dlatrlbatln* Ike Jlonfj?lulrretclin Corrrtpondrnro lo Relation to the Matter?A CJInuee at Hone Member* of the l/ornl Committee. Marshal Joseph a. Toolcer, who waa directed by layor Hall to proceed to Avondale for the purpose f ascertaining the nature of the local project* for he distribution of the Immense fund being raised or the benefit of the bereaved relatives of the vie- ; ma A# thd raoont dijoaiA* am#! dIjo tf\ mntrA In. i ulrlcs aa to ttie responsibility and social position f the persons forming the Avorrlaie Kelief Commitee, returned to this city late last evening, farsbal Tookcr reports that be visited the bouses if many of the unfortunates and gathered from hem expressions of their desireB concerning the iroper manner In which the money should be given, le found that all, save one?an unmarried Welsh roman. named Mary Powell, who lost a father and irother, and who was very solicitous concerning her one mother across the ocean?were quite satisfied vith any plan the gentlemen of the local committee night conceive, but she wanted the money In one ump and immediately, if possible. However, sbe vould, for the general good, place her Individual vishes one side. The articles appearing recently in ho various papers of the country demanding that he fund should bo devoted strictly In accordance vith the letter of the gift had the desired effect ipon the local committee, and. therefore, acted very lard at least la one Instance, that of Miss Sarah Jewelyn, aired twenty-three, Welsh, who lost two mothers, and was made thereby neither a "widow ' lor an orphan," ana received nothing at the first I Ustrlbutlon of money. The discovery of this pecutarcase by Marshal Tooker being made known ,o the local committee, they resolved to change at ill hazards the Influence of tho letter of tho implied lirectlon of the donors and be actuated by the spirit if the charily and include hereafter all dependents >f the victims. Mrs. Ann Morgan, Welsh, who lost ler husband and nas four children, received sixty3ve dollars from the committee for her Immediate wants. Mrs. Mary Geiton, Irish, who lost her liassand, has three children, received fifty-five dollars. Mrs. Elizabeth Pry or, Irish, lost her husband, has two children, received forty-five dollars. Concerning the members of the local committee or "Avonilaie Hoard of Trustees," the Marshal speaks in the highest terms. The chairman of the Executive Committee 13 Colonel Henilrick B. Wright, of WUkesbarre, a wealthy lawyer, who has represented his district nine years in Congress. In 18-14 he was chairman of the National Democratic Convention which nominated Polk and Dallas. George Coney, another member of the committee is a wealthy merchant residing in Scrantou: Draper Smith Is a wealthy merchant of Plymouth; Joseph H. Scranton Is universally known and respected, lie is a very weathy coal merchant and manufacturer. The treasurer of the Board is Mr. Henderson Gaylord, of Plymouth, arettred merchant and president of the First National Bank of Plymouth. Ho Is also very wealthy. The reputattou of all the members is of tho htgheat stamp, and tho Marshal reports a uuivcrsai expression of confidence la their integrity, judgment and ability. The following is the correspondence between tho Marshal and tnc chairman of the Executive Committee. The response of the latter foreshadows the substance of the rules aud regulations by which tna committee propose to be guided:? Wyoming Vat-lby Hotel, ) Wilkkbuarrk, Ph., Sept. 23, 18S9.J Dear Mr?Upon my return to Now York oily, and i purpole louring lirrc to-morrow morning, i shall report lo my principal. Ins Honor Mayor A. Uakoy Hall, chairman of the municipal committee having in charge the futnl railed by the voluntary contribution! of our citizens for tLe relief or the widowe, orphans aud others once dependent upon the labor of the victims of the din after at the mine at Avondalc, tho result of my vleit to this town and the immediate scene of the gather concerning tlie locally projected schemes for the investment and distribution of money* subscribed, the views and opinion* of your co-real Jent* here of Inlluence and prominence regarding these enterprise* and also the expressed desire* of the friends and relative* of the decerned miners. Your occupancy of the responsible positlou of chairman of the Executive Committee of the acknowledged local and, therefore, Contral Board of Trustees of the Avondale Kedef Fund, and custodian of sums of money already forwarded here, and proposed recipient of anticipated sums, together with the authority I herewith present, suggest that I might with propriety respectfully ask that you give me at your very earliest convenience the plan devised by your organisation for the distribution of tbe subscription*. Your response to my request I sball place In the hands of Mayor Hall. In view of Its possible publication I hone you will give the information In detail, to the end that tue curiosity which contributors throughout the nation Justly feel lu the matter may be fully satisfied, and tbe faith of the charitably disposed strengthened to the bonelit of the poor people you have in charge. Your obedient servant, JOSEPH H. TOOKER. Marshal, Mayor's Ofllce, New York city. To Hon. Dcndbick B. Dbioiit. WlLKFBBABBB, Sept. 23, IS?. Ml Dbab Silt?I am tn tho receipts of your note of this date. It was very proper that "his Honor, Mayor Hall, of New York, Chatrman of the Municipal Committee, having in charge the futxMecelved by voluntary contribution." for the aid aud relief of the Avomlale sufferers, should be Informed of tbe proposed distribution of th* same before he paid over the large amount of money In bis hand*. I Am glad that h* made, through you, tbo Inquiry, because It enables my associate trustees, with myself, locally appointed, to place ourselves right before tlie contributors; and also to let the whole nstfon (for the gift comes from almost every part of It) know what the trustee* contemplate doing with tho money to their hnnde. The whole plan and fohemo of distribution Is substantially fixed upon. It will be finally adopted and mado public on Monday next. I herewith enclose vou a copy of the report of tbe Executive Committee, but w'hirh you will not make public, as some of tbe details may be modified or changed. The substance of our views Is, however, herein stated. To gratify those who have a right to know, I will state In as few words as I can some or Us leading features. This should be uonc that those who are willing to add further to the fund may not hesitato under the impression that any of the money will be Improperly distributed. Not one dollar of tlie fund will he appropriated to any other cliarlty. The whole sum raised, and to be raieed, will tie appropriated to the aid, relief and support of the widows and orphans, fathers and mothers of the unfortunate men who met their death under such terrible and appalling circumstances In the Avondale colliery on the 6th Inst., aud such other persons as were dependant upon tbelr labor for subsistence. This disposition is tn accordance with the views and optntons of every ono of my associates In th* management of the trust. It gives me much satisfaction also to endorse each ono of them as n man of probity and honor. Neither can I bespeak too favorable an opinion for the most excellent gentleman who Is the treasurer of the fund. He Is s tnan of large means, of leisure, of sound judgment and reliable Integrity. Where Henderson Uayloril is known he has an unblemished reputation. The trustees will appropriate, for present emergencies, and the current year, to those who are entitled io receive It, sav $40,Odd, being ouc-flftb of the who'e fund, assuming the aggregate to be 4-200,000. This will ( Ire each widow 3200, each orphan $100, leaving a proper allowance also for any other proper claim. The rema n,ler of the fund, say 3150,010, will constitute a permanent widows and orphans' fund, vested In good securities that may be readily convertible Into cash and divisible as followsOne-third to constitute the widows'fund, aud tbs remaining two-thirds to constitute tn orphans' fund. As the number 01 widows Is sereutf-three and tne orphans 1S6. this would seem to be a proper assignment to each clati. From each of tiics* (Hindi the respective classes will secure such annual quarterly allowance us Is deemed sufficient for comfortable support. As the whole plan will appear with all Its details la the forepart ot the approaching week, It is not necessary now to say more. It Is to be hoped that the public nnilety will not demand of the trustees tne speedy, and necesrarily lens perfect plan, of distribution and management, but allow them timo for deliberation, to mature It well. It Is necessary. The fund Is large; the beneficiaries numerous; their claims to consideration must be considered each upon its own merits. To do our work well we roust rely upon the indulgence, as well as good sense of the contributors, to exercise a reasonable amount of pauanc#. I hope that my cotrustees will excuse me for thus stating for the pubic eye, without their knowledge or concurrence, the foregoing Information. It scorned to me that the public bad a right to ask, and to hnve refused an answer would have been prejudicial to the welfare of those In whom we feel much Interest. The work of contributing should go on. Silence, In this case, might hare had a bad Influence; and above all, the Impression of a misapplication of the funds, or the diversion of them, from the channel so plainly Indicated by the popular will, uncontradicted, would have resulted In the woret or cousequeucee. There was never resented a more commendable charity. The noble response s conclusive proof of It. And I can only add In conclusion that It is my firm belief, mv honest conviction, that every farthing of the fund will bo honestly appropriated to Its legitimate purpose, and with as much judgment and discretion as the public should reasonably require. Perfection is rarely attained. It will be our ambition to approach It so nearly at lies In our power. I trust, my dear sir, thai your Inquiries are fullv answered. Very respectfully your obedient IIENbBIOK B. WRIGHT, Cnalrman Executive Committee Avon Jale Relief Fund. To JotiFru II. fOoKKlt, first Marshal of New Yorg city. Subscription* Received nt tbe Herald Ofilco Yeaterday. The following subscriptions, in aid of the Avondale sufferers, were received at tne Herald office yesterday:? two iicndreo and fifty dollars. Gesbllscuaft "Progress," 131 West 23d st., I New York, Sept. at, 1809. J To the Editor op tub Herald:? Enclosed please And checks for $260 for the benefit of the sufferers of the late Avondale disaster. MEItUEKS Of UESEL.L8CHAFT PROGRESS. Law offices ok kim a ^01 omon, \ New York, Sept. w, mei. ( TO tilk editor op tiik herald-.? Enclosed flod twenty-five dollars, donation to the Avondaie relief fund, from Free Craftsman Lodge No. 031, V. and A. M. J. P. SOLOMON, M. l'l CP, DOLLARS. rieaae And enclosed nve dollars, for the oeneflt of the AvonUale sufferers. Mia. C. E. U. one dollar. Enclosed please find one dollar for the orphans of the Avondaio sufferers, which la according to means. M. O. In addition to the above, the following subscriptions were received at this office yesterday:? L. H. Stone, No. 178 Lexington avenue $3 Newton 1 Deplorable Accident?A Man Drowned.?At half-past eight o'clocK last evening a gentleman and lady, named respectively Hamnnel Chissinan, of No. 101 Hudson street, and Lizzie Hare, of No. 14 Leonard street, while on the dock foot of Harrison street, lost their footing and were precipitated into the river. The Fifth precinct police on uuty hurried to their assistance and succeeded in rescuing the woman, hut dustman was so exhausted In supporting his companion that ne sank before ho could he rescued, tils body was recovered end learn to the Leonard street elation house, where an inuuett Will be held to-dav. US SHEET. WASHINGTON. The Capital Reviving In the Presidential Presence. IMPORTANT CABINET MEETING. GENERAL SICKLES FULLY SUSTAINED. Spain DocllnoH the OlFeretl Mediation. WASDINOTON, sept. 24, 1809. Tbe President Moving In Texas AUnira?Removal of Jack Hamilton's Hupporters. I mentioned some time ago in these despatches that there was a slim prospect of the federal officeholders la Texas who adhered to the fortunes of Jack Hamilton as candidate for Governor maintaining their places under the administration. The heads of several minor officials have already come off. Since the return of tbe President and members of the Cabinet tbe work has commenced In earnest, and there Is a good prospect of Its being contiiiued until every Hamilton man holding a federal office In Texas has been made to give place to republicans of the Davis stripe. To-day J. O. Tracy, chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of Texas, and a strong Davis man, was appointed postmaster at Houston, in place of|Samuel Harper, a Hamilton man. Swanty Palm, another Davis man, was appointed postmaster at Austin, In place of one Denormandle, also a Hamilton man. The names of the successors of nearly all the Hamilton officials have been virtually agreed upon by the heads of the several departments under which they are classified, and nothing remains but the formality of making out their commissions, it will thus be seen that the President does not propose to look on indifferently at the struggle between the two factions in Texas. Since his return here the President, It 1b Bald, has received a letter from General Reynolds commanding the Department of Texas, in which the General states that in his opinion tho interests of the State would be promoted by tho election of General Davis, the radical candidate. General Reynolds nliift finnflrma t.hA ftppnnnt crtvATi thtt PrMlilAnt \>v General W. F. Clarke relative to the condition ot affairs In Texas. Tito Cuban Question Before the CabinetGeneral hickles (Sustained. It is understood that the Cuban question was talked over in Cabinet to-day, but nothing was done. The general understanding was that we do not want to light Spain, but if she insists upon war she must bo accommodated. The United States is ready. The conduct of General sickles was fully sanctioned. A despatch was read from him stating that the Spant6h regency had respectfully declined the proposed mediation of the United states between Spain and Cuba. Reply oi the Cuban Envoy to Senator (Jumner?Sluvery Abolished In the Cuban Republic. Seilor Coitus, the Cuban Envoy, authorizes the publication of the following card:? Washington, Sept. 24, isoo. The following remarks having been made by Senator Sumner In a speech before tho Massachusetts Republican Convention relative to the recognition of the Cubans as belligerents:? There li Another question la their ease which Is with me final. Even If they come within the prerequisites of international law, I am unwilling to make any recognition of them so long as they continue to bold human beings as slaves. A decree In May last, purporting to be signed by Csspedes, abolished slavery; but I aut uot sure of this decree, especially In view of another In July, purporting to come from the same authority, malutalnlpg slavery. Until this Is settled we must wait. ?I desire to say to the American people on behalf of my struggling countrymen?First, that article twenty-five or the Cuban coustttutlou provides "that all the Inhabitants ot the Island of Cuba are absolutely free." This, of course. Includes tne neoroes. and was so designed by the patriots who framed the constitution, Second, in accordance with this clause of the constitution all slaves coming within the lines of the Cuban army are at once emancipated, as well as those who are included tu the territory occupied by the Cuuau forces. Third, a great mauy of the Cuban planters outside the lines of the Cuoan army have emauctpated their slaves, and this in defiance of the Spanish authorities. Many of these planters alter so doing have Joined the patriot arinjr. There has been no subsequent decree made by the Cuban Congress or resigned by President Cespedes which nullities the twenty-flfth article of the constitution, uor is it possiblo that any sucu aeciee can be made or Issued. J. M. I.E.MI'S. Unfavorable Advices from Cubn?Effects of Jealousy and Spanish (told?-Iteorganidation of tbe Army?-Assassination of Foreign Officers. Advices from Cubs received to day confirm the account of the battle of Las Tunas and the capture of Colonel Benejas' train. A letter from a distinguished Southern gentleman now in Cuba, at one time a member of the Confederate Congress and colonel in tbe Confederate army, states that Jealousy, influenced by malignity or Spanish gold, has necessitated a reorganization of the Cuban army and compelled Genet a) and President Cespedes to take command of the army. General Jordan is to be oluef of staff. This letter also gives an account of tbe assassination of the Marcauo brothers, ol Dominican birth, by the Cubans. These brothers occupied the positions, one a major general, commanding a division iu lue r-unieru ucpurimeni, unuer uenerai Jordan, and the other a brigadier general. The only objection to them was they were foreigners. This assassination has caused great excitement and may result in serious disaster. Presentation of the Now Knsslan minister to the President. Mr. Constanilne Catacazy was to-day Introduced to the 1 "resident by the Secretary of State, and deUrered his credentials as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Russia. lie made the following remarks on the occasion:? Mr. President?I have the honor to present to your Excellency the letters recalling my predecessor. as well as tthose accrediting me In the capacity of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of his Majesty the Emperor ot an ttie Russians. I could not better Interpret the sentiments of my august sovereign than by expressing at once the lively desire to maintain the confluence, friendship aud coruiul good will, tokens of which the two nations have taken pleasure In exchanging through all the vicissitudes of their political existence. These sentiments, founded upon an appreciation or tho respective greatness and mertts of the two nations, exclude every possibility of antagonism. They constitute a fact as happy as exceptional m International relations. 1 congratulate myself personally, Mr. President, on having to fulfil such a mission m a country where, at the very outset of my career, 1 have iieen able to appreciate the power and the noble qualities of that people whioh la the sluccrest friend of Russia. The President replied as follows:? Mh. Catacazy?I am happy to receive you as the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of his Majesty the Emperor of all the Ruaslus. You I correct]/ describe the Intimate and cordial relatlous of tho past and the existing good unders undlng between our respective countries. It is not to be doubted that you will zealously endeavor to maintain tbcm during your mission, an effort which will be heartily reciprocated by me. You have reason to expect that your wcleonie here In your present character will derive some of its warmth from your having formerly been favorably kuown In another. Return of Prominent Politician*. Since the arrival of the President Congressmen and politicians are beginning to flow In, and the city begins to recover from the deserted appearonce which It has worn all summer. Among those now here are Senators Cameron, Drake. Sawyer, and Hcproscntatives Potter, Sidney Clarke, llopklus, Ingersoll, Iiowen and Cavauaugh. Dnnlcli Consuls Recognized. Tho President has recognised T. H. Zanderson as Vice Consul of Donmark for tho State of Texas, to reside at Galveston, and W. T. Kamoush as Vice Consul of Denmark for the Stato ot Minnesota, to reside at Minneapolis. Personal* Secretary Robeson leaves here to-morrow for a brief visit to Philadelphia on private business. Major Haggerty, whom tho British government declined to receive as Vntted States Consul at Glasgow, is now in Wasnington to make a report to tho secretary of State. The Montgomery Mining Company of Nevnda. Tne Commissioner of the General Land Office has directed the Surveyor General of Nevada to cause a rosurvey of the claim of the Montgomery Gold and * Mllver Mining Gomnauv on urn Calaveras Lode, ui \v> 3 ? ? -?* Humboldt Mining district, tf'sfida. Ails ac'flda 9 rendered necessary from the fact that the claimants^ through a misapprehension of the mining statute, had their claim soiroyed for a greater number of feet in length along the lode than they were at the time in possession of or entitled to hold in accord* ance with their original location under the local mining regulations of Humboldt district. Their proofs are in qf her respects satisfactory, and the cos* will be patented when the plat and field notes of th# resuxvey are received. Execslite Appointment*. , The following appointments were made to-day by the President:?Eugene Schuyler, of New York, Consul at Revel; De Vera ilurr, of the District of Columbia, member of the Hoard of Trustees of the ( > House of Correction for Hovs. Paol Hauler's Correspondence. Paul Oagley to-day presented to the President bla correspondence with Mr. Gladstone and others in Kngland, relating to the American Fenian prisoners, am] wad requested to leave it at the State Depart* went. Tbe Coolie Question?Secretary Bouiwell'a Intention*. Koopmanschap, the contractor for supplying Chinese labor, liad an interview witb Secretary Boutwell to-day, wuen tbe latter stated that tha Department bad no Intention of Interfering with tha scberae for Cblneso tmnibrratlon unless tbe laws were violated. Koopmanschap left this evening for Memphis and New Orleans, and tbence to attend tna Louisville Commercial Convention. Naval Matter*. Lieutenant .Socrates Hubbard bas been ordered to the Ktpslo and Paymaster W. Williams to tba Albany. Lieutenant Commander Tates sterling la detached from tbe AJbany and placed on walling orders. Surgeon Charles Martin Is detached from tbe Albany and ordered to the Severn u Fleet 8nr? geon of tbo North Atlantic squadron. Surgeon Wm. Johnson Is detached from tbe Boa? ton Navy Yard anil ordered to Washington. Paymaster W. U. Farwell Is detached from tbo Naval Hospital at Now York and ordered to the Naval Hospital at Washington. Paymaster George P. Cutier is detached from the Aaiatio squadron and ordered to settle his accounts. The court martial appointed to try Lieutenant Commander Henry H. Seely, late of the United States sicamer Pawnee, on charge of mal treatment of seamen, commenced taking testimony In the com in Boston to-day. Rear Admiral Thatcher presided* The case will probably occupy several days. 1 XXT if??? rti.inf Af thn llnrfton r\f ftlonm f.nitl* neerlng of the United States Nary, left this city to-night for California to Inspect the engineering department of the Mare Island Navy Yard. AMUSEMENTS. French Opera.?The second night of the French Opera at the Academy of Muslo was a most enconraging success, and reOects credit upon the enterprise, which. In the face of many obstacles, baa given ns an admirable programme of opcratlo entertainment, ilalevy's historical and romantio opera "Les Mousquetairea de la Heine" was presented last evening for the first time, and was reoeived with marked favor by a large audience. All the parts were well sustatned, and the opera, though not abounding In striking features elicited frequent and enthusiastic applause. Bofli chorus and orchestra were excellent. Mile. Bleau created a decided sensation by her superb Introduction of Massc's "Carneval de ventse''and was rapturously encored, fler voice possesses remarkable compass and has no superior in sweetness and flexibility. Sot a person In the audleuce moved through^ out her part, except lu uucousoious sympathy with her exquisite performance, and the prolonged applause winch followed each appearance attested how completely the had captivated the audience. Mile. Guillemot and MM. Garrebeuck, Teste ana Uupond were flatteringly applauded, aud the piece concluded in a style gratifying to the most fastidious. On Saturday "La Julve" will be produced as the matinee. English Opera,?The Parepa-Rosa English opera company last night presouted Wallace's favorite opera, "Marttana," for the second time this season. The house was well ailed la every part by an audience which showed by its well timed applause the possession of critical taste and reilued judgment. The performance was a very enjoyable one gnu passed off wun great smoothness. The orchestra, under the leadership of Carl Rosa, gave the muBlc with more than usual taste and correctness, and the choruses were also well executed. Farepa-Rosa as Maritana shared the honors of tho evening with Mrs. Seguln and Messrs. - ~ v uampoeu ana i-usuo. an. miKum hhiu vavoiscui. voice, and in Lazarllio's song at the commencement of the second act received a very enthusiastic encore. Castle's lion Caesar was an excellent piece of acfc tng as well as good in singing. The piece was well put upon the stage ami o( coarse very elegantl* dressed. In the course ol the performance Can liosa performed a violin solo which secured the most enthusiastic encore of the evonlng. Gekmak Opera.?Beethoven's "Fidello" was given last evening at the Stadt theatre, exciting great enthusiasm by the symphonlous music and general admiration by the correct and admirable acting. "Fidello," as every one knows, Is one of the must tragic as well as popular of all tne operaa which are now the favorites ot the stage. The outline of the play reveals a singular cose of mallgnanc cruelly, wherein a Spanish official selects his opportunity to degrade and torture a former superior who bad fearlessly exposed the laiters misdeeds. Killed up as such a skeleton has been by Ueeihoven with rare musical effect^ consisting of solos, duets, quartets and recitative emotional appeals, it received some additional beauties U9t evening in the histrionic talent which rendered It beiore a delighted audience. Mile. Rotter. I conspicuous us Murceilioa, daughter of the jailor, I exceeded herself la tho exquisite voice with which she climaxed her high soprano notes. Her acting was neat, and. wnile her part was showy, there was a noticeable absence of over-doing anything. Airae. Johaunsen played the difficult and dual part ol Leonora and Kideuo with a success that called for tha frequent applause of the audience. The other parts were well austalued throughout, and as a spccimca of (icrmqn opera the performance may be termed a great success. Muilcnl and Theatrical Note*. The first of the four grxud Patti concerts will be given this evening at Stemway Hall. "Kra Dlavalo'1 will be given this evening at the Theatre Francois by the Parepaltosa English opera troupe. Erle-pressloie Flsk, Jr., Is endeavorlDg to deprive the King of Belgium of his celebrated brass baudcause?ho wants the Americans to hear it toot. 'liio Tniruio-jt ii with Its niatrnlflcent sooner* sheet-iron thunder and patent chemical lightning, la shortly to bo revived at the Grand Opera House, with an entire new cast of characters. "Enoch Anion," Mr. Arthur Matthlson's netr dtamatte version of tlio poem, will be given this evening for the first umc at Booth's theatre, with Mr. Thco. Hamilton in the title rale, Miss Fanny Morant aa Miranda and Miss Blanche De Bar as Annie. To-night affords New Voraers the last opportunity of witnessing the charming drama of "Dreams" as produced at the Fifth Avenue theatre. On Mouday evening next the comedy of "Old llead9 and Toufig Hearts," which piece, by the bye, has not been played In tins city for over eight years, will be brought out at this establishment with an exoellent cost. Maria Cartes, a voting lady twenty years old, a graduate or the Musical Conservatory of Madrid, and who finished her studies in Paris under Rossini, who, by the way, complimented her very highly upon the power and sweetness of her voice, Is coming u> this country t> sunt in concert. ihe following matinees are announced for to* day:?"Leah." at Uooth's; "Dreams," at the Fifth Avenue theatre; "Formosa," at Nlblo's; the "Bohemian Girl,*' at tn? Thc&tre Fraacats; "La Julve," at the Academy; "Patrie," at the Grand Opera House; "Uncle Tom's Cabin," at the Olympic; 'The King's Musketeer's," at the Museum; "ixton," at Tammany; varieties at Tony Pastor's, and varieties at the Waveiiey. The last concerts at the Central Park Garden will be given on next Monday and Tuesday evenings. Mr. Theodore Thomas will give a concert iu f.. .ugfloid, Mass.. on Thursday next, tne soth ms' Miss Loctllo Western is to have a Dcueflt on next Tuesday evening, the hundredth night of ner p omi.t engagement at the Grand Opera House, upon v> ilrh occasion "Kant Lynne" will be given, this being tuo thousandth time she has appeared in that piece. The production of Mr. Robertson's new comedy, entitled "Progress," ai Wailack'son Monday evening promises To be one of the most important dramatic events of the season. Miss Louisa Moore, who will make her ddbut at this theatre on that occasion, has a role omlncntly suited to her sympathetic style. When wo add that Mr. J. W. Wallack, Mr. JohnUU* bert Mr. Charles Flslior, Mr. 8tod dart, Mr. Williamsonand Mrs. John Seftott have also characters which suit them as U written fbr them. It Is not inn much to expect a performance of no ordinary excellence. We understand, too. that as a literary effort Progress" exceeds lu power and beauty anything its popular author has yet written. 0BITUA1Y. Frank B. Hubbell. a telearam from TToy, In this State, reports tM death, on Thursday evening, of Frank & flubbed, one of the editors or the Daily Whig of that civ and clerk of the Troy Common Council. The deceased gentleman was well known aa a Journalist la me ? teMor of New York, having been connected with the pretw of Troy for over twenty years. He was aa ab.e, fluent writer. Personally be Was held in high esteem us all wlio knew huu.