The New York herald. [volume], December 08, 1875, Page 10, Image 10

About The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920

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TRACKING TWEED. 1
The Whereabouts of the Fu
gitive Still Unknown.
HAS HE LEFT THE CITY?
Official Opinions About the
Various Clews.
THE MYSTERIOUS DRIVER FOUND.
*' 1 Will Not Admit or Deny
Anything."
COLTNSEL fcr a coachman.
The mystery surrounding the eeoape cl' Tw:ed still
r< mains as (lark as whon the news nrst became kuuwn,
and us each day passes the tlianc.es of hit dmcovcry
ami subsequent capture pro w more remote.
There are still any number of theories
set up a* to the mode In which his flight was carried
nut but the police authorities, the Sheriff's people, and
all others who Lave had anything to do with the case
hare now come to the adoption of the one first pro
pounded by the Hkhald?via., that Tweed did not on j
Saturday enter his hou.se on Madison avenue
at ail, but wag taken from the jail dlAct
to Central hark, and there changed carriages,
long obscqueualy driven rapidly away, but .n what
direction there are gcarocly enough positive facts at
hand to indicate. The conversation held with Hoffman,
Tweed s driver, as given elsewhere, aud the manner in |
which his whereabouts wae discovered, will be found j
s uguiarly interesting, and from his remarks
>n regard to his be>og able to take Tweed j
?iff to a vessel from his own place at Greenwich may
|-i Ks.bly indicate the manner of his departure. The
fiory t.| the Lord Clarendon au?l the intimacy that has i
lur years existed between the Tweed aud Russell faun
lies is a.so an important fact.
TUK nOKJb CLARk.NDOJI.
The following facts in regard to Tweed's connection
with the Russell family. who are the owners of the Lord
Clarendon, the ship on which it was suggested yester
day that be had taken his departure, tend in a singu
larly strong manner to establish that theory. In fact, It
would sei.m to be certain that this mil turn out the
right solution of the problem. It appears that some
thirty years ago, at the time when William M. Tweed was
working at cabinet making, he formed a strong friend
ship with a fellow workman, named Russell. This
friendship was kept op. Tweed frequently visiting the
Russell family.. The Russells were living ut a small
luwu on the Hudson, and there Tweed often used to
spend his Sunuays.
On one of there occasions Russell said to the "Boss,"
"I have had a boy born to-day, Tweed, and 1 have a
great mind to call him alter you. Anyhow the Tweed1
shall go into his name for luck."
"Alfred!" replied the "Boss "1 may be able to do
the boy some kindness some of these fine Cays, let h.m
come and see me when ho grews old enough."
The child was given the name of Tweed. In course of
time William JL Tweed gave up cabinet makiug and be
came a political leader. Russell sen.or died and left
several sons, the one named Tweed and
others. Three of these boys took to the sea,
and soon rose in their protession until they
became officers. Young Tweed Russell subsequently
desiring to command a ship determined to apply to the
"Boss" for aid, for he was then almost in the zenith of
Ins power He accordingly paid a visit to the "Chief"
and stated in answer to the brusque questions pat to
Lim by Tweed that
HIS NAMR WAS RrHBRLL,
but that be bad also Deen named Tweed and that, in
consequence, he had presumed to ask his opulent
namesake for aid, saying ?"I have a chance of
buying a ship and want $12,000." Tweed
remembering, perhaps, what he bad once said to his
old friend, at once drew his check for the amount and
luinaed it to young Rucseil, who thus became capta.n
and owner of a ship. The venture turned out well, and
in course of time other vessels were
bought, until the bu-iuess became quite ex
tendod, and Captain Tweed Russell went to Eng
land to manage the European business. It is said
ihat Tweed was always interested in the shipping busi
ness of the Russells and is so even now. It can. there
fore. be readily understood that a warm personal friend
ship still exists between the two families, and Tweed
Kusseil wa? peculiarly bound by gratitude tottie "Boss,"
and it would be only natural that he should be willing to
a.d turn n any scheme be might desire to carry out.
The remainder of the family also would be only too
glad to lend their assistance. The fact, too, that
?11 the young Russeils are engaged .n se&far.ng life
w< u!d afford them peculiar means of htlp.ng the
"Boss" to escape on a vessel cf their own or a strajsge
uae.
There are some parties evei sow who assert cr.hesl
lalingly that they know, beyond question, that for the
tact three weeks a steamtug, w.th her tres oai.ked. has
been 'y :..f stie; !* Ja the North River and sr ine
iimes in the E*rt River ready at a acat:t net ce to
spirit the "Bow to a sh.p wh.ct, wj su.ti..i.g <,S and
?>u at a ctru.c pe nt oa th? c^att
tee nTyTi.ait.rs imuvcBR
indicated by the Hxra'-d bears tfce strctgest re-Fcm
tilanee to one of the Russells, not the Tweed Russeli,
tiut a younger brother. The latter s on h.s way tc
Kurope. The Lord Clarendon, although the cleared,
nutward bound, some t.me ago. these same pecple
assort has been stand.ng off and on aiong the coast at
no great distance from New York, a-.va;tmg her special
passenger. This is the story told by those who say
they have certain information and personal knowledge
?>1 the facts.
GfcOSC.F W. HOFFMA*, TUK tiRlVX::
Following out the clow obtained as to the poesible
whereabout# of Oeorge W. Hoffman Tweed'* old con
Cdentiai driver, to whom reference was made yesterday
in the HiRAi.li, and who undoubtedly drove the Lamb
carriage on Saturday, a Hfralo special detective called
at No 746 Sixth avenue about half-past n ne yesterday
morn.ng. It had been said that Hoffman had, for some
time past, been carrying on the business of an oyster
Scaler at this address. An address card had been also
obtained, which was as follows :?
* From *
I GEORGE W HOFFMA.V, i
} Producer of 1
i Old Rei. Rock, Tweed Island and Indian Harbor i
J OYSTMtS, >
X Rocky Neck, Greenwich, Conn. 5
$ New York I'epot, No. 746 Sixth avenue $
WILLIAM K HUM), 8ale...man. t
The fact that the name was found to be George W.
?< ITii.an and not simply George, as stated previously,
it tret threw a doubt as to whether this would be
* niid the right man, but subsequent inqo ries proved
devoid question that he is the one songht
uiil no other. There was no sign over the door, or
anything to .ndicate that George bad a business place
here. Inquiry, however, was made in the express office
en the 6rsl Coor, where it was learned from the clerk
thai Hoffman a.d rent the basement and earned on the
feusmess of an oyster dealer, ar.d that he had,
lie bei.eved, a place also at Rocky Neck, Gretnwich,
Conn. This information tallied exactly so far
with that obtained from the several ha< kmen and
others who knew Hi (I'man and said that for the last
eighteen months or so Huffman had been In the oyster
tusmess at Greenwich, and was probably there until
lately. The express clerk said thr-t Hoffman had gone |
away to Greenwich, and might not be back for three
days or three weeks. He left New York, he
?aid, re Moaday night. He knew nothing
ef Bard. Hoffman'* agent Finding that
the clerk was either dis-nclmed or unable
li give any m re nfnrmation to detective concluded te
wait around the neighborhood for the return of the
agent himself, who was out at this time. Stepping out
en the sidewa.k, he a< tieed a boy standing oa the cor
kier of Forty-sec od street and determined to question
gum. /? co'tlBg h:m, be began questioning the boy,
ai.n lour, thu be had struck a pool claim
IV t Kit S *TORT
J'is cvnrersatieB hau w.tfc iht la: e ven ani w?l t
N round peculiarly interesting. The colloquy ?u as
follows:?.
"My boy, do you know a Mr. Hoffman anywhere
around here?"
"Ye*, 1 da Hc'? |joi a store down under the m
prtm office, in the middle of the block."
"Well, what's his business?'*
"lie is a dealer in Old Red Kock, Tweed Island and
Indian Harbor oysters."
"Is he at home now fcnd where does he live?"
"1 don't th.nk be iives .a the 'ity. I heard him
talking w.th a gentleman who Raid something to him,
and I beurd Hoffman bay to bitn he was going to Green
wich Conn."
"Well, don't you know inhere he stops in New
York ?"
"No, I don't."
"Well, where do you live?"
"1 ain't got no place at alL 1 doo't lire anywheres."
"Old you ever see Hoffman driving a carriage t"
"1 don't knowr but 1 know he whs Boss Tweed's
coachman. He's the nun thai received the big
present from the Boss.' He gave h.m $1,000 for bis
New Year's."
"Now, tell me where you live?"
"1 don'l live anywheres. "
"What's your name then?"
"1 ain't got any. "
"What do they call you?"
"1 don't know. "
"Well, now, I want to buy some oysters, can't you
tell me where 1 can tind Hoffman ?"
"11 yon want to buy oyster* you had better see Hoff
man yourself; 1 couldn't sell them to you."
"Now, Sonny, 1 tell you what 1 11 do with you. I'l'
give you a dollar if you'l show me where HoUrnan
jives ?"
"1 a.nt going to do it, you might arrest me."
'?Oh, no; there s no fear of that."
"Well, 1 a;lit going to risk it."
This ended the conversation, but it clearly proves
that George W Hoffman is the same man who used to
drive Tweed, and who answers in every description to
the man who took away and brought back the Lamb
carriage. The result of the effort to trace Hoffman
being made known at the Hkrald office, a reporter was
thereupon started immediately for Greenwich, Conn.
boffma* F0CT?1>.
It was not generally believed yesterday that George
W Hoffman had left the city, that is, if he had driven
the Tweed landau. But the Herald detective, who had
so carefully watched his movements from Sunday morn
ing forward, now lost track of bita, and, therelore, natu
rally believed that, despite the assertions of his friends,
Mr. Hoffman had ielt the city by the early train yester
day morning. The detective followed him to
Greenwich, Conn., and saw him when
he stepped on to the stoop of Smith's hotel or restau
rant, opposite the depot at that place. It was no use to
accost him then, but later in the day, as will be herein
after shown, his Identity with the black mustached
driver was pretty fairly estaolishcd.
GEORUB W. HOKKMaW
was, without doubt, the driver of the Tweed carriage,
around whom such a web of mystery has been
woven. His description furnished In these
columns tallies exactly with the man's persona) charac
teristics. He is about five feet seven inches and a
quarter high, lean and somewhat sallow, with a black
n.ustache and too well attired to be mistaken for an
ordinary hack driver. He is quick and lithe, respect
able in appearance, and altogether unlike one who has
boen forced to handle the lines and whip for a living.
Perhaps his age does not exceed thirty-three years. At
all events, he is just such a man as was photographed
verbally by the special detective of the Skw York
Hsrald. But to resume the history of his pursuit
U* WAS BSEIt
arid spoken with In the evening and alter a great deal
of trouble by the writer, who had been despatched on
his trail. It was a Uik by no means trilling to reach
him, hut although for a tew moments he was lost,
he was found at length in his own house, very unex
pectedly to him, and fairly ireed. This is how it
came about:?Hoffman went into Smith's after
he had arranged at the telegraph office for
the transmission of a certain despatch irom
Now York and the settlement with the
loungers and persons about the depot that Inquirers
were to be assured that he had not been out of Green
wich for two or three days Home he arrived in
the evening aud a report was carefully circulated to the
effect that be bad gone U Stamford. Everybody In a
village of Greenwich's proportions cannot be bribed or
"fixed," so that the Hskalp detcctivo had no difficulty
in ascertaining abont six o'clock that George W. Hoff
man had not gone to Stamford but was actually then at
the supper table in his own house. Half an hour later,
in an open country wagon, the dctective drove up to
George's gate and alighted.
The house, a large whitewashed frame building, stand
ing on a kuoll, overlookeo Indian Cove and faced in a
northwesterly direction the once famous buildings
known as the Americus Club House. A light glimmered
in one of the windows of the notable old structure
a mile or two across the placid waters of the cove and j
around the small shanty and bar for the accommoda- !
tion of Hoffman's ovstermen on the point near the '
steamboat dock, a lew rods from his house three or
four men lounged. All was still except the pattering
ram and nothing could have beon mere uninviting than
the appearance of
Tnr. Hoffman norsn.
The visitor opened the wicket in the while picket
fence, and mounting the roughly hewn steps In the
rocky slope reached the piazza and rapped at the door.
There was a shuffle of feet within, and a moment jo
two later the door opened a foot or two, and a man
thrust his head out He woro a black mustache, was
about the middle height and bore a sallow complexion
The remainder may be better told in dialogue,
"Art you Mr George W. Hoffman"" said the visitor.
?'1 am, ' unhesitatingly replied the man in the door
way.
"Will you step outside a moment ?"
"What for ?"
"I have a lew words to Eay to you. "
Here Hoffman turned on his heel and whispered
someth.ng to a female, who held a light In her band
behind him. Then, facing the visitor anew and |
stepping out on the piazza, be said, j
"Now, see here, there's no use in question- I
ing me, I am not gciug to answer questions.Then, j
checking himself suddenly and scanning the muffled j
stranger from head to foot, he continued, "But who are
you, and what do you want ?"
"1 am one who knows you, knows all your transac
tions and movements during the last three days, and
taw you leave New York this morn.ng. "
"Well, 1 don't care what you know. You can't get
me to admit or deny anything."
"Hold hard there Mr. Hoffman. Eow do yon know
that 1 want you u admit or deny anything, or what
subject even I want to speak about t"
A panne of a lew seconds followed, which was broken
by Mr. Hoffman's saying .?"You haven't told me who
yon are."
"1 have, indirectly, I admit If you want to know
more explicitly I don't know that I can have any good
reason to grant your request At ah events, wbut I
have come alter is to ask you square y what you d.d on
Saturday. Now, what did you do?"
"Oh, many things "
"Yes, but I know yon drove your old master Tweed, j
somewhere in a landau or carriage. I>idn't you V i
"See here, now. Acting under thefsdvice of my conn
se. I will answer just itua?I do not ueny or atiu..t
nothing."
"Oh. you have counsel I What for ?"
"I'm not going to say."
"Yes, but you won't say that yoo were is New York
until this morning? We know that quite well. You
cannot deny that ?"
"No; I have a right to go where 1 please. But see
here; Its no good your questioning me I wont, tell
you anything.n
"About what, George?"
"About this Tweed business. Fshawl I know what
you're after. But look here,"sa.d Hoffman, growing
excited, "I don't care who knows that I drove for the
Boss often before, and I hope to do so again, and that I
would put my hand oa my hip for him. Yes, I
would, oy God, and die for him or !n his ilmple
defeace tonight What if 1 did drive him? 1
No one could touch me for it. If they could 1 don'l
care. I tell you what it is?the Boss nas placed In tr. ?
hands and trusted me at one lime with $2,000,(Hjc
worth of property as convertible as greenbacks. He
knew me then. I *m tfc,, gam)! aovr ?
"Certainly yoo are, and were 1 yon I, too, should
have drive# him away rrotn his Jailers on Saturday the
lame aa you did, George,"
"1 believe you."
'Ihat ? rij;ht, Uioret; I'm ^iad u set rod stfo.il ii so
nicely." The man had fallen into the trap set for
him.
"No, 1 don't admit it," replied Hoffman, with a
laugn; "1 tell yuu'again 1 deny and admit nothing, under
advice of my counsel."
"1 dou't want you to admit or deny anything. A
nod i* an good as a wink to a blind horse. If you nod
to me I know what's what. That's all. "
Hoffman nodded a couple of times and then the Hcr
alii reporter, rising to hia feet and placing his hand on
Hoffman's shoulder, said;?
"That's enough, old fellow; 1 don't want you to say
any more; good night. '
Hodman rejoined hastily, as if he bad put his foot in
it and lelt the com, ''Hold on; take a Cigar."
"Never mind, George; I have cigars myself.
"Well, 1 guess I'll take a pipe of tobacco," said Hoff
man, moving to the door and calling for his pipe.
" Who have you there?" said somebody inside.
"Oh ' the Hkrai.d reporter, 1 think," said Hoffman.
"What's the matter ?" was the next question.
"Nothing. He must be crazy."
Then coming back without the pipe or tobacco, after
a few seconds of whispered conversation, Hofftnau
said:?"Come down to the shore and take a drink.
See here, now you won't get anything outof me. lhave
spoken to you more freely than I would speak or have
spoken to any one, because, so far as 1 am concerned,
1 don't care, for I'll do my level best now, as ever, for
the Boss. But I haven't given him away. I tell you,
there are fellows in New York, like Garvey and Inger
soll, who have handled good money through Mr. Tweed,
that will be sorry for the cowardly and treacherous
courses they have pursued toward him in the past.
Never mind. I'm proud of what I've done, and I would
do all and more than has been attributed to me again
and again, that's all, I'm saying nothing. Let's go."
Hofffnan and his visitor then left the house, and
goiug down the knoll steps, crossed the muddy ditch
and entered the little clapboard shanty used as a bar by
Hodman's oyster men. It may be proper to mention
right here that for some time past Hoffman has been in
the oyster trade, and relerring to this fact, the Hxrald
reporter said:
" By the way, George! you have a good oyster busi
ness on Sixth avenue, iu New York!"
"Well, old fellow! Isn't mat a good blind? Ha!
ha!"
"Yes, so it is. Bat I thought it was genuine."
"Hold on. lion t mistake. Tbero's nothing oat of
the way about that. But see there," said he, as the
writer and he approached the beach. "There's the old
place across the cove. Do you see It? the Americus
Club? And let me tell you, if we had the Boss here to
night it would take the whole National Guard of the
State of New York to get him Irom us."
"How are you Mr Hoffman ?" said an oysterman ap
proaching from the house at this moment. "I see you
have got back from the city. We didn't expect you."
"No." replied Mr. Hoffman, sententious!.?; but|turning
immediately to the reporter be remarked, "Let's go
in."
While both stood on the threshold of the barroom
Hoffman's property it was said?that person paused,
and turning to the quiet waters stretching out before
him, said, "I could have run the Boss off at at any time
from this point in one of my sloops. What's to pre
vent It?"
"Nonsense, man! Are there no persons about here
who would betray him ?"
"None. 1 tell you a vessel laying off this place
could have been fixed and boarded on any night and no
one could stop him. "
After taking the glass of ale proffered the visitor
Jumped Into his open wagon, and, while 6haking hand*
with Hodman, said, "Good night, George; your'e a
brick, aud I congratulate you on having been William
M. Twoed's last coachman 1"
"Wei; that's all right, old fellow. I'll be giad to see
you always. Good night."
AJUOTUliR MYHTKIUOC8 CAKRIAGR.
A Herald reporter yesterday secured a story from
two ladies who claimed to know something of the man- j
ner of the escape of Tweed, which, if true (and the
ladies are of the highebt respectability and have given
their uarucs, which are withheld), contradicts
the tale of Warden Dunham and his deputy,
Hagan. These lad.es, two days prior to the escape of
the colossal Ring thiel, hired apartments in a houso
situated on Fifty-sixth street, near Lexington ave
nue, about midway in the block. Hlght before their
residence, and continuing through to Fifty-ninth
street, there Is a vacant space?lots which have not
been built on?about the dimensions of Union
square. Across this space is te be had a
view clear through to Tweed's house In Fifty
ninth street. At half-past live on the afternoon
of the escape, these ladies happened to be looking out
of the front windows, and, as they related to the re
porter, casually observed a closed carriage standing in
front of the house they subsequently ascertained to be
Tweed's. In a lew minutes their attention was again
drawn to the carriage by the fact of the
coachman, attired in dark livery, mounting the
box in hot haste, and, leaning half for
ward, commencing to start the team?two
black or very uark horses, with the most frantic efforts
to force them to great speed. The blinds of the coach
were down closely but one of the window* was open to I
admit air. The coachman continued to lash his steeds
with considerable fury, and so rapidly did they dash
down the street that the attention of passers by was
drawL particularly to the speed of the vehicle. The
ladies at first supposed that it was s runawav, but
upon learning of the sscape of Tweed, and ascertaining
Irom the newspapers that his residence was directly
opposite their own, on Fifty-ninth street, tbev became i
convinced that the coach contained no other but the re
doubtable ex chief of Tammany, who had escaped
either with or without the knowledge of his custodians.
Upon the return of the husband of one of the ladles
the singular incident was recounted to him, and be of I
course, understanding all the cirrumstances of the es
coincided in their view?that Tweed himself was
the occupant of the carriage.
The aiiove seems particularly plausible when it Is
taken into consideration that Warden Dunham stated
that it was near seven o'clock when the alarm wns
given, and that it was but a few minutes belore that
time when Tweed left his company to gn up Ktairs to
see Mrs Tweed. This Is a serious contradiction to the
Warden's version ol the escape.
ABOt-T THE CtTY HSU.
The politicians who gather daily abont the rooms of
the Board of Aldermen discussed the rhances ol
Tweed's escape with moch interest, and the general i
sentiment of the prominent ones was that they hoped :
be was out of the way, and that there was the end of
the disgusting litigation. Several declared that they 1
would not give the Bos8 away if ihey !
knew where he was for all the rewards !
oflered. ami they would be glad to hear that he was at
peace beyond the possibility of pursuit, one only
seemed to dissent from this view, and blurted out
"Well, I'd strike the Boss for a big stake if 1 knew
wh?re he was and then g,ve him away for the reward.
That's what I'd do." The impression that Tweed has
not left the city, but is hiding by the
aid of bis friends, gam* ground among the
politicians and his old adherents; one ol Tweed's
ex.Aldermen even volunteered in support of this
theory the information that Tweed yesterdav morning
breakfasted on salt bacon, German sausages,' toast and I
coffee. Pinkerton's detectives were very actively 1
engaged in dodging about the Hall and I
mingled lreely among the "bovs." evidently |
hoping to hear some words dropped by some
of Tweed's old political friends that would
give them a Kent m the eager bnnt that they and their
associates are mak tig. under the direction of Superin
tendent Bangs. Mu< h speculation is indulged in as to
the object of Andy Garvey's visit to Sheriff Connor's
office yesterday, when it is well known that they are
not on the besi of terms. Hewa.- closeted in the Sheriffs
private offce for some time and left at twenty min
utes alter twelve, by the private door. It .s surmised
that Garvey was there to suggest the search of certain
houses m the city where the malefactor may lie hiding
until his lawyers compromise by partial restitution and
he can step out an<i appear in his old haunts.
thk snsairr's omca
"Absolutely nothing new is known to dsr !n rerard
to Tweed's whereabouts11 was Slier:!! C< i.n? r s reply to
a,I seeker- alter information in his office yesterday
Of course every one ,n and about the ofiice bad a
' theory." The most important item ol news mado I
public was the suspension of Warden Iinnham and the '
Placing of Deputy War-i. n William Watson in his place
This action was taken by the Sheriff e irly in the dav
but the lact w*a not generally Known until late in the
afternoon.
Mr. Conner looked quite !1 and complained that the
loss ?( r.ieep and appetite consequent upon the excite
ment attending the esc ape ><1 Tweed was using him up
pretty last During the day he received a number of
anonymous letters of the most aousive character
and these were not altogether calculated to
improve Ins peace ol mind or sweeten his temper to
any material degree. K* Police Commissioner Manierre
called in the afternoon and spent an hour or two in
friendly converse with the Sheriff. Mr. Manierre
seemed to lee: quite confident that the escaped criminal
will be recaptured, but says the capture will never be
effected by ihe police, of whose ability he does nut seem
to have a very exalted opinion. He inclines to the
opinion that Tweed has not left the State but did not
give reasons for so th.nking Sherifl Conner, too In
clines to this theory.
TftF ORa.vd /r*r.
Warden Dunham was beti.ro tne Grand Jj,ry yester
? He remained hot a short time and It is supposed
that he merely related the stor* ol the drive and the
escape, with all of which Ihe pubnc are ah-eady familiar.
IS T*l?t' Blbl.vo ? KRoOK! TV f
There was nothing new elicited in Brook!vn yester
day touching the eflorts of the poll's of tl/at city to
effect the arrest of ex Stale Senator Hiili.am tl Tweed.
There were all kinds of rumor* afloat, however, near
mg upon the |tibject, bui mqn ry of the Superintend
ent >f Ponce failed to encit arvthmg either
alilr (native iM negative**! Mr/ Umpbcd
would not wy whether any reliance waa to be
placed upon the story of the buy who in Raid to have
awnVf. Tweed get into a carriage on Kurraan street,
near Jorafemon street, at half put seven o'clock on
Saturday night. In fact, be declined to eotiverae upon
the topic, referring all inquiBitiv# scribes to Sherifft'on
oer aa the one who ol all others wan most interested
in obtaining information upoa that subject. One story
current wan to the effect that Mr.Tweed iKtuppoaed to be
stopping at the bouse or an old friend of bis In Henry
?lreel, and that the domicile was under the surveil
lance of the detectives, but that they had tailed to
verify tbe asecrtion that lie waa really under the pro
tection of the friendly roof tree said to be honored by
bis portly presence. Certainly tbe indications are that
il there are good and sufficient grounds upon which to
base this latter rumor, there would be no lack of ener
getic officers to obtain ocular evidence of the fart by
invading the privacy of the domicile with tbe hope of
obtaining the promised reward of $10,000.
MOVEMENTS OP TWEED*8 SECRETARY.
Boston, Mass., Dec. 7, 1875.
The Herald says the surmises of the New York press
as to the movements of Mr. Dewey, Secretary of Will
iam M. Tweed, have no foundation In fact except that he
left New York at ten A. M. Saturday and arrived here at
five P. M. and registered at the hotel where he usually
Hops when here. His business here is personal and in
no way connected with Tweed's escape nor did he
kuow of it until Sunday morning through the press.
THE ESCAPED COUNTERFEITERS.
The Loughery brothers, John and Thomas, who were
so successful in breaking out of tbe Raymond Street
Jail, Brooklyn, on last Monday morning, the day on
which they were convicted ef manufacturing five cent
counterfeit nickel pieces, have not yet been captured.
No reward has been offered for them by the United
Slates Marshal. Josoph C. Loughery. a cousin of the
fugitives; William Kyer and Michael Rice, who were
arrested on suspicion of being implicated .n aiding
the escape of the prisoners, were examined before
United States Commissioner Win?low yesterday and
discharged, thero being uo evidence upon which to de
tain thorn.
MUNICIPAL REFORM.
mb. jobn Williamson's onslaught on all
THE HEAPS OP CITY DEPARTMENTS.
A meeting of the Municipal Reform Association was
held last evening at No. 43 Washington sqnare, South,
to hear an address by Colonel John D. Williamson, one
of the engineers of the Board of Public Works, on the
"Unnecessary and Illegal Expenditure of I'ubllo
Moneys." The chair was occupied by Mr. Abraham
Earle, Deputy Comptroller of New York. After the
reading of minor reports, the Secretary, Mr J. W,
Wood, offered the following resolution*, which were
accepted and referred to committees:?
Resolved, That the Executive Committee are hereby In
?trucled to prepare a suitable memorial to be presented to
the legislature urging the importance of speedy legislation
on the following subjects :?Kirst, tbe passage of an act
amending tbe Election law, whereby in place of pasting
sample ballots ou the canvassers' returns, and destroying tbe
remainder, It shall b? tbe duty of the inspectors
or canvassers alter tbe result of tbe canvass
of each ballot box lu.s been pnblicly declared,
and before proceeding to the canvass of another box to
securely enclose aud seal all the ballots cast, and to direct
the envelope to such officer as shall be directed by law.
Such envelop# shall be deposited by the chairman of the
board at Inspectors or canvassers within twenty-four bourn
after the closing of the polls, with the officer appointed by
law to receive and file the same
Sarmd?The passage of au act repealing tbe bill known as
the "Gray Nuns' bill." tcMM
Third?The passage of an act reorganizing the civil Jus
tires' courts, reducing tbe expenses of conducting the same,
and reducing tbe legal costs of actions brought therein, and
regulating tlio duties of the stenographers attached to said
courts, and repealing all acts whereby they arc authorized to
charge a fee for transcribing their shorthand notes for tbe
use of the courts, or to the parlies to actions brought therein.
iuiirth? The repeal of tbe Eight Hour law.
MR. WILLIAMSON'S ADDRKSH.
Mr. Willlamgon was then introduced and spoke sub
stantially as lollows:?As a taxpayer 1 have looked at
our Dock Department and been astonished at its im
mense outlay of money. Where has tbe money gone
to? I studied that. I found that the man who has
always tailed in everything be ever attempted to do
wag placed at the head of that department. It seems
that every head of every department is
filled by men perfectly Incompetent to fill
the position. In the Street Department man
holes are removed that will last ten years,
and others put in that will not last five years. As to
sewers, wa see that every third or fourth pipe put in
should be condemned. In fact, the laboring men put
in Inferior materials. Last summer, at the reservoir, I
taw water wasted In one hour which would supply
tbe city for two days. Look at the big pipes
in the lower part of tbe city. Koch Assembly
district member has the rule and control of them.
Two years ago they commenced charging fifty cents
per load for earth to fill in Tompkins square. I venture
to say that ever; shovelful cost $4. On repaving
streets we find that in a few years we will have to re
pave our principal streets and the debris will have to
be given away. The speaker rogretted that he had
been so busily employed recently that bo had not had
time to prepare his remarks In proper form, but would
put them in sbapo and present them at a future meet
ing. He then continued In a rambling manner, with
out stating positively any Important facts. At the
conclusion of the address the meeting adjourned.
REFORMING THE POLICE.
TROUBLE AHEAD POR INCOMPETENT CAPTAINS
AND SERGEANTS?POLITICAL INFLUENCE USE
LESS.
At a meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners
yesterday resolutions were unanimously adopted look
ing to a general overhauling and reformation of the po
lice force. General smith, chairman of tbe Committee
on Rules and Discipline, opened the attack by report
ing from his committee, with its approval, the plan be
submitted at a recent session for cutting
off political Influence by an order that if
an applicant for appointment or promotion or
any officer under charges should procure outside inter
ference on bis behalf his application should be at once
denied or be dismissed from the force. It is believed
the operation of this rule will have the most salutary
effect upon the entire force, and free it from political
and personal partisanship, and save the Board a vast
amount ol time and trouble, and give deserving officers
a fair chance lor promotion.
Shot No. 2 came from the same battery, Commls
mlssioner Smith offering the following resolution,
which will strike terror to the heart of more than ono
police captain and sergeant who ha* obtained his rank
through the influence of political friends, when. If bo
bad been loft le bis own resources arid ability, would
never have snccecdcd In advancing beyond the position
of patrolman;?
Resolved, That one evening of each week be devoted to
the examination of the captains of the police force by tbe
Hoard of Kxamiuers. and that these examinations be at
tended by tbe Board of Police; also the Board of Examiners
be directed to cite before them, at such limes as they way
determine, the sergeants ul tbe force to be examined col
lectively by precincts.
Commissioner Voorhis offered a resolution for the
publication of the new rules, which was adopted.
The resignation of Officer Stnplcton, of the Thirty
first procmct, was accepted, and officer James Bloomer,
of the same precinct, was transferred to the special
squad for detail duty at Trinity liuilding. The names
of Acting Sergeant James V Mend, of the Fourteenth
precinct; Roundsman W. Delaney. of the Eighteenth
procmct, and Patrolman James Hull, of the Fifth pre
cinct, were stricken from the list of candidates for pro
motion. Roundsman McPharian, of the Thirtieth pre
cinet, was c;ted before the Board of Examiners to be
examined as to bis qualifications as roundsman.
A CENTURY OF PROGRESS.
TH* STEPS OP NEW YORK FBOM BEING A SMALL
TOWN TO HER PRESENT PROUD POSITION.
Before the Historical Society, last evening, John
Austin Stephens read a paper on "The Progress Made
in New York In the Century from 1776 tol&76i" The
chair was occupied by Mr. Beekman. After the trans- I
action of the routine business of tbe society the -author I
of the paper was Introduced. He prefaced bis interest- '
ing narrative by a reference to the condition of tbe
province and city of New York before the war of the
Revolution.
Before the occupation of the city by the British, who
saw that It was the best point to select as their depot
for arms and supplies, merchants and business men did
a very fair business. The moment the array came here
tbe merchants were supplanted by hucksters and sut
lers, the buildings became tenantless, and trad* dis
arranged. Then came, In quick succession, two dis
astrous (Ires, in one of which 4Wi buildings were burned,
and In the other, which occurred in 1778, forty-three
houses were consumed. The lecturer traced tbe
boundary line of the city In 1776, described the social
habits of the people, club life, the commerce then ex
isting, tbe public parks and build.ngs, churches,
*e. Ou Broadway, below St, Paul's church,
were the residences of the aristocracy of a
hundred yearn |*go, and No. I was the Kennedr Man
sion. At Vcscy street a signboard pointed the way
to Albany, uu the present sit of the Hkkalo Building
another signboard bore the legend? tUT' This way for
Boston." The lecturer's descriptions ef Die Fly
Market at the foot of Maiden lane, the flirtations be
tween tbe British officers and the belles who prom
enaded In front of Trinity church cemetery, the found
ing of tbe first churches, the performances at the
Theatre Royal, established In 1704, on whose boards
Major Andre first made his reputation as an actor; the
early life in the clubs, which were mainly in the in
terest of good living, and the coffee houses and their
patrons were very Interesting. At the Merchants' Coffee
House, opened la 1707 by Cornelius Bradford, on the
sitft of the Journal qf Commrrce building, the leading
business men were to be seen, and there Bradford orig
inated the system of marine reports so popular in the
papers ef to day, an<1 bad also a directory of the resi
dences of cittzensL In this directory were 957 names.
This was the first attempt at director* making in the
country. Mr. htephens proceeded to rcyiew the com
merce at that time and gave many Interesting figures
of those, early days in comparison wlih those of to-day
as Illustrations of the remarkable progress made in a
century. The paper had little In It that is not already
known to the student of the "City Manual" and the
delver in the archives of the society, but the facts were
well grouped and ably presented to the minds of the
hearers. A vote of thanks was panned to Mr. Stephens
a> il.* Mau.ri trwu njvcn them.
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION.
MEETIN'O OF THK BOA HI) OF DIBKCTOBS- TIIK
CENTENNIAL MATCHES 0? 1876.
The Board of Director* of the National Hifle Associa
tloo held iu regular month]/ meeting yesterday alter
noon In the Bennett Building. General Alexander
Shaler presided. The other gentlemen present were
Generals T. S. Dakin and M. T. McMahon, Colonels H.
A. Qllderaleeve and J. T. Camp, Captain J. G. Story,
Judge N. T. Sunton and K. H. Sanlord.
The report of the executive Committee was laid over
till the next meeting. Captaiu Story, chief statistical of
1eel"J?? ?ad his report. Over 1,600
cent over ? Ka!" ofnearly flrtypor
cent over last year. Colonel Uildersleeve offered his
resignation m secretary of the association but after
considerable discussion consented to withdraw it ror
one month, at the end of which time a .ecreUry can be
elected for the year 187& rotary can oe
, .. TI,K or run RANCH.
The following letter wus read Irom Mr. U. 0. Poonen
husen, President ol the Central Railroad of Von.
Island:? *
- ? ^ "*w York, Deo. 7. 1873.
To thh Board or Dirki-tohs. N Ha.?
(fRhTLkNKli?1 will le am to you for a term of five years at
an annual rental ot tlUO, any portion of iny property '.yintf
west and south of your storehouse and uorlb of your north
erly lino. I will alto give you thefprivlitge of buying, with
? *n' P0'"011 or all ol suuh property, at the rate
of WOO per acre. I ihall ai*o before next spring if not in op
position lo your plans, piaul on the avenue leading to ihe
range entrance from the d*pot, four row* of trees and lay
out a walk ten feet wide the entire length of the avenue,
very respectfully, H. C. POI'I'KMI L'8KN.
General fehaler made a report on behalf of the com
mittee that recently visited Philadelphia to confer with
the President of the Centennial Commission. General
Hawley assured the commiuteo that he wo'fld do ail In
his power to render ttie mutches successful. The
grounds for a range bare not been selected yet
mviTATlO* TO ALL RIPLIMKN.
The following was read and laid over lor one monvh
when a programme of matches will be arrauged and
the riflemen of all countries having rifle associations or
clubs be invited to participate:
By authority uf the Board of Directors ef the
National Kitio Association of America, we have
the honor to enclose herewith a copy of resolu
tions. passed at thoir last meeting and we cor
dially invite your attention to the xaine. It is the desire of
onr association that your country shall he represented in the
matches contemplated in honor of the Centennial anniver
sary of American independence. These matches wilt
constitute one of the features of the Centennial Exhibition
and be conducted under the auspices of the Centennial Com
mission. The principal match will be for the
"championship of the world." open to teams of
eight from each country, distances 800. 000 and 1,000
Creediuoor rules: prise American shield presented by
the cltmeus of the United Stale*. A programme will be
prepared as soon as possible, which will embrace other
matches Tor shorter distances and for military and other
arm*. Copies will be furnished you for distribution among
your riflemen. Permit us to add that It is the intention of
our association to make the American ride tournament of
18.6 one ot great interest to all who participate. We take
much pride in being the medium of announcing to your
countrymen the earnest wiib of the American people lo
meet you on that interesting occasion.
Willi high regard your obedient servant,
ALEXANDER SI1A.LEK, President N R.A.
TONKERS RIFLE ASSOCIATION.
A match will be shot at Morscmere, near Yonkcrs, on
Friday, December 10, beginning at twelve o'clock M.,
between teams of eight from the Scottish-American
Rifle Club ol New York and the Yonkers Rifle Associa
tion. Conditions:?Two hundred and five hundred
yards; ten shots at each range; weapon, any rifle
sporting rifles handicapped seven points.
THE BOWEN LIBEL SUIT.
A RELIC OF THE GREAT SCANDAL.
In the heat of the Beecher-Tilton scandal
controversy, the Brooklyn Eagle published sev
eral Interviews with Mr. Henry C. Bowen,
and also editorial comments which were not
complimentary to that gentleman. Mr. Bowen
determined upon bolng vindicated, and accord
ingly consulted counsel upon tho best method of pro
cedure. It was determined that suits should be in
stituted against the offending Journal, and that paper
and Its editor-in-chief, Mr. Thomas Kinsella, and one
of Its reporters, Mr. Jamos McDermott were made de
fendants.
The suits bronght were three In number, and the
aggregate amount claimed is $U60,000 damages. The
basis of the several complaints upon which money
damages are demanded, includes the publication of
an alleged pretended interview touching his connec
tion wilh Plymouth church and Mr. Beecher, and
several editorial articles of an alleged libellous nature.
One of these articles accused Mr. Bowen of originating
a plot to dig up the burled treasure of Captain Kidd.
Tho first causes alluded to above were the the earliest
set down on the calender of the Brooklyn City Court
Judge Reynolds, presiding, for trial. '
A POSTPOMKMKXT A8KK0 FOR.
Yesterday forenoon Corporation Counsel W. C. De
wltt, who represents the defendants, argued belorethat
Court when tho ease was called up lor trial that he had
supposed that the case would not come up during ih?
December term of the Court for the reason that their
mam witness is Theodore TiJton, who is now lecturing
in a remote part of the country and could not be present.
It was well known that their answer, ne said, was that
of Justification of the several articles. In the absence,
then, of their chief witness (Tilton) as a matter of law
they had a right to a postponement. He asked that
I the case be postponed till tho tirst Monday In
| January. The absence of Mr. Beach, the senior
counsel, was also a good reason tor putting off the tria
till that time. Ex-Judge Fullerton, who appeared for
the plaintiff, (reluctantly after some argument, con
sented to a postponement. He said, however, that
?'there Is another caae in which Mr. Tilton's absence
could not be an obstacle to proceeding. They charge
Mr. Bowen with being the Instigator of the Captain
Kidd treasure I rands. Purely they must be ready to
go on with that cuto. But perhaps they want Captain
Kidd as a witness for the delence." (Laughter.) Mr.
Fullorton asked that the trial of that case be set down
for a week from that day.
Mr. Do Witt said that they could not be ready so
early, as they had devoted so much of their time to the
other suits at Issue.
Judge Reynolds thought they ought to be ready to
proceed with the Kidd suits, as lhe> had no reasonable
grounds for an excuse.
Mr. Dt Wilt said that would be a long case, to which
ex-Judgo Fullerton retorted, "If they are going to
prove that Mr. Bowen had anything lo do with Captain
Kidd and his treasure it will lake them a lone time.
Your Honor."
The case was set down for trial on December 14.
SUICIDE OE A GEIiMAN WOMAN.
Yesterday Coroner Simms, of Brooklyn, was notified
to hold an Inquest on the body of Margaret Sherl,
forty-seven years of age, who died from tho cIT'cts of a
dose of Paris green. Deceased, who was a native of
Germany, wa* the wife of Philip a Sherl, proprietor of
a lager beer saloon, No. 6? Court street. They were
carried abont three years ago, she being ? widow and
he a widower. Bolh have grown children. They lived
in quiet, humble circumstances, from all that can bo
learned, on the second floor of the brick tenement
house No. 277 Atlantic street The people who live on
the first iloor represent that the couple did not appear
to llvo happily, as loud words were heard between them
at different times. On Monday deceased told a neigh
bor that she did not feel happy, and that afternoon she
went up the street to the lager beer saloon and handed
to her stepson, who was there at the moment, a pack
age of Jewelry, telling him that she was going away
somewhere. She drank a glass of beer and went home.
At four o'clock one of her stepsons went into ihc room
I and found her lying unconscious on the bod. He told
I his sister-in-law. who lives upstairs and they procured
a physician, who administered antidotes to the woman.
Sbo died at ten o'clock the samo night. Mrs. Shorl had
a son, a private In the United Stales Army, who was
recently severely wounded^iy the Indians on the Plains.
A letter addressed to his mother was received at tho
house yesterday morning.
COLUMBIA COLLEGE ALUMNI.
The second social meeting of the Association of the
Alumni of Columbia College, for 1876-6 will be held at
Delmonico's, Fourteenth street and Fifth avenue, to
morrow, at eight P. M All graduates are invited. Dr.
J. W. S. Arnold will speak on "Paste and Digestion,"
and he will be followed at ten P. M. by an illustration
by Delmonico.
DELTA KAPPA EI'SILON.
The New York Alumni Association of the above
named large collcgs fraternity will celebrate the
thirty-flrst anniversary of Its organization by a reunion
and dinner at the St. Nicholas Hotel on Thursday
evening. Mr. James W. Husted, of the Yale Chapter,
will proslde.
INTER-COLLEGIATE ASSOCIATION.
The third annual meeting ol the Inter-Collegiate Liter
ary Association will be held at the Fifth Av< noe Hotel,
January 6, 187*1, at half-past ten A M Each college Is
Invited to send three delegates, two of whom, it is pre
ferable, should be of the Junior class.
SCHOOL EXHIBITION.
The opening exercises of the Christmas exhibition In
prlmasy School No. 9, at First street, near Second ave
nue, will take place under Uie management of the Prin
cipal, Kale A. Rogers, on Friday of this week, at eleven
A. M. It will present a fine sdcAion of songs, recita
tions, readings and addresses, and conclude with
presentation of prizes.
DEATH FROM LOCKJAW.
An Inquest was held at Verplaucks, Westchester
eo'inty, yesterday by Coroner liassett, touching the
death of Catherine Owens, aged thirty-three, which oc
curred on the preceding day. Deceased, It appeared,
accidentally struck her right hand agttnst the leeih of
a h.indsa\| last Friday, causing a slight puncture of the
skin, the Injury being apparently so trifling that little
notice was taken of it at the time. Inline mutton sub
sequently set in and afterward tetanus, which produced
death before the arrival of a physician, who had boen
called to attend the patient. A verdict in aecord?n^tf
wiiA the ove jaj,ui was ftitdmd. *
AN OLD BAILOR KILLED.
TH1 CAPTAIN of THE SCHOONER IIDA8 BRAIN
ERD SHOT I) BAD BT TEN STEWARD?FATAL
BKQCKL TO AM ENCOUNTER WITH BIVEJt
THIETE8.
Captain Leonard Buell, of the schooner Silas Brainerd,
lying In tbe Wallabout Basin, Brooklyn, was shot and
almost Instantly killed yesterday afternoon in tbe cabin
of bis vessel by the steward, Cbarlss Peterson. The cir
cumstances which led to tbo shooting are somewhat
sensational, the killing of the Captain being the sequel
to a struggle with a party of desperate river thieves.
The vessel sailed on last Friday morning from Portland'
fonn., with a cargo of brownstone, a portion of which
was consigned to a flriu on the Harlem River, at 106th
street
The schooner, with the Captain and a crew of four
men, reached Harlem on Friday night and was anchored
near the dock at the stone yard. About two o'clock oa
Saturday morning the vessel was boarded by a gang of
five river thieves, who came alongside In a small boat.
These piratical personages, aftor hunting about the
deck for plunder, descended to the cabin, where the
crew were sleeping In their berth* While the thieves
were prowling about tho cabin they awakened Charles
Peterson, tlie steward, who raised on alarm. One of
the tnurit-Klers pointed a pistol at his head, threatening
to tboot him If he did not keep quiet. At this Juncture,
a.s two of the thieves were endeavoring to effect an en
trance Into the room of the Captain, that officer
threw epen tlie door, levelled a shotgun at tbem and
fired. The intruders ran on deck, leaped into their boat
and rowed rapidly away. A few blood spots on the
deck led Captain Buell to think that his shut bad
been effective. The weapon was loaded with buckshot,
a large uumber of which were buried in the walls of
the cabin.
THE TRAGKDY IS BROOKLTS.
That portion of the cargo consigned to the Harlem
firm was unloaded on Saturday and tn the evening o'
that day the schooner was towed over to the Wallabouf
Basin for the purpose of leaving the remainder of the
cargo at iliu stone yard of Christmas h Co., near
the Naval Hospital At one o'clock yesterday
afternoon the work of unloading the stone
was begun. An hour later Captain Buell was In the
cabin conversing with a friend, Joseph Fittell, of No.
85 Skillman street. While the Captain wad telling Mr.
Fittell of the light with the river thieves at Harlenj,
Charles Peterson, the steward, entered the cabin. Cap
tain Buell asked him to uarrate what he remembered
on tbe subject. Peterson went to bis berth and took
from under the pillow a small seven-barrelled "Ty
coou" revolver. He then told tho story of the strugglt
at Harlem, Illustrating the occurrence by flourishing
the revolver about to show tlie manner ol the thief whi
threatened him. Alter pointing the weapon at the
berth In which bo lay when attacked by tbe river thief,
Peterson was about to place tho revolver ii
his pocket, when it was discharged. Tbe bullet
entored Captain Buell'S mouth and lodged in his head.
He put bis hand to his chest, and said, "Oh, Charley,"
and then staggered back and fell into the arms ol Mr.
Fittell, the blood gushing from his mouth. Peterson,
when he saw what had happened, sprang forward anil
cried, "Oh, Captain, 1 haven't shot you, have I?'' an
soon as he saw the blood (lowing from Captain Buell's
mouth he ran for a physician. Tho crew, who were
attracted to the cabin by the explosion of the revolver,
carried the w ounded Captain on dcck. Peterson soon
returned with Dr. Stafford, of Canton street, but
mcdical assistance was unavailing, and
THE WOPNIIIU MAS DIED
a fejr minutes alter the arrival of the physician. Officer
Regan, who heard the report of the revolver, arrested
Peterson and took him to the Myrtle avenue police sta
tion, where be was loeked up to await the action of
Coroner Simrna, who was notified to hold u? inquest.
Joseph Fittell, who witnessed the shooting, accom
panied bim there as a witness. Captain Buell was one
of the best known and most popular sailors on the
Connecticut Klver and Long Island Sound, having
sailed on these waters for nearly forty years. Ho
resided at Haddam, Conn., where he leaves a
widow and three children. Ho was sixty-one years ot
age. Peterson had been In his employ for four months,
and their relations, according to tbe testimony of the
crew of the vessol and others, were of an amicable char
acter. The prisoner is nineteen years ol age, and a
native of Denmark. He appeared greatly agitated over
tho terrible accident, and expressed In broken English
his deep sorrow for the shock.ng occurrence. Accord
ing to his statement, the Captain, after the affray at
Harlem, instructed uim to keep his revolver loaded,
and gavo bim money to purchase cartridges. The body
Of Captain Buell was taken to the Morgue. His rela
tives in Connecticut were notified by Captain Crai'ts, of
the Fourth precinct police.
THE STORY OF A SKELETON.
A SUPPOSED MURDER COMT.8 TO LIGHT?RE?
MAUKABLE DISAPPEARANCE 07 A GERMAN
FOUR TEARS AGO?SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES
IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISCOVERT.
Trkhtoh, N. J., Dec. 7, 1975.
Tbe people of Morris county In this State are much
agitated over the discovery of the skeleton of a man at
Mount Freedom. The general Impression conveyed Is
that tho remains are those of a German named
"Charlie," who used to work for W. J. Bunn
at that place about April, 187L Some time
thereabouts "Charlie" mysteriously disappeared,
and no tidings of his whereabouts, dead
or alive, have come to light until tho discovery ol this
skeleton. Mr. Jamos Dawson, a neighbor of Mr Buns,
had his suspicions aroused in regard to the disappear
ance of Charlie at the time, and ewisg to the contra
dictory stories told by Bunn in regard to Charlie the
suspicions were inicn?iilcd. The finding of theekull
led to a close search, under the surveillance ol Squire
Pierson, and some pieces of clothing were found which,
it is believed, belonged to the missing man. Mr. Daw
son made the following affidavit In regard to the
matter:?
"1 llvo near Dover, Morris county; 1 lived In tbe
township of Mendham four years ago; was acquainted
with a German by the name of Charlie; lor aboat five
weeks he was at my bouse often; be was at work for
William Bunn for about live weeks; I last saw Charlie
Monday night about seven o'clock, either Hie last of
March or tbe lBt of April, 1871; I have not seen h'.m
since; next morning I made inquiry for him of Bonn,
and he said Charlie had gone to his uncle's; Charlie
told me repeatedly that he had no relations in this
country; 1 thought Charlie had been murdered, I told
Bunn that I believed be had murdered Charlio; Bunn
said he would make me sweat lor it, and that he would
produce him at a trial between Bunn and a W. H.
Stiles; he did not produce him ai that trial; be never
did anything to me for the assertion; things looked
very suspicious at Bunn's the Tuesday morning Charlie
was missing; Charlie bad promised to work for
me for that day: when I saw Charlie la~t
be had a large roll of money, which he showed
me; I have looked for Charlie repeatedly at
Bunn's place and in other places, but couid not find
him; the clothing found with tbe remains of the skele
ton is tbe same as Charlie had on tbe last time 1 saw
bim; my wife called my attention to the pants that
Bunn bad on some two or three months alter i'harlie
was missing, and they were tho same pants that Charlie
had on the last time 1 saw him; from all I he circum
stances 1 believe still that Bunn murdered Charlie lot
what money Charlie had; I heard Charlie say that
Bunn owed him some money; Mrs. Bunn told inc that
Bunn said be saw Charlie go out of a window in the
second story in his shirt, without any clothing on, in
tbe middle of tho night'1
Bunn has not yet been arrested. He Is frequently in
Morrislown. He courts an investigation. Tbe difficulty
seems to be to identify the remains as those of the
missing German and to prove that ho came to his end
by foul means. The mystery is deeply shrouded and it
affords a good opportunity for an export detective to
distinguish himself. The people of that portion of the
country are much excited over tho affair, ami their ex
citement will not cool down until the mystery is
cleared. '
BRIDGET O'HARA'S DEATH.
Some very contradictory testimony was g-ven In ae
inquest before Coroner Woltnian, yesterday, on tho
body of Bridget O'Hara, who died In St. Francis' Hos'
pital on the 2d Inst The testimony of Deputy Coroner
Dr. Cusbman and Dr. N. G. McMastcr, of the hospital,
showed that death resulted from meningitis nml pye
mia, caused by a wound about two Inches in length on
the head, over tbe frontal bone; but the evidence as to
tbe cause of the wound was so conflicting that the jury
could not agree how It was rccoived.
Mary O'Hara, eight years old, a daughter of deceased,
testified:?One Wednesday, about three o'ch t k P. M.?
my father struck my mother on the head witu a large
window shade roller; sho was ly.ng on a sou sick at
tbe time; he then went out and my mother began to
bleed; tbe day previous my mother was drunk
Dr. George Thompson, of No. 601 East Fifteenth
street, testified:?1 wits celled to see Mrs. O'Hara, at
No. 218 avenue A, on the evening of November 24 by
her husband; I found her suffering from general de
bility and showing evidences of Intemperance and star
ration; there was nothing seld about a wound on the
head and I saw none.
Margaret Hart, of No. 613 East Thirteenth street, de
posed.?Am half sister of deti'-AAed , 00 Wed IK'-day Ol
Thursday, of election week, she told tue she had been
struck on the head by her husband with a window
shade roller; I saw a cut on her head; decensed ami
1 her husband were both addicted to drtuk and tbey quur
relied.
Catherine McMahon, a nurse in St. Francis' Hospital,
testified:?Deceased was admitted to the hospital -u
Novembers?; I saw a cut on her head; I a.-krd hef
how she received the wound, and she replied that
once when she was cutting wood e piece struck ber o?
the head.
Michael O'Hara gave tho following evidenceI am
lh? husband of the deceased; she got the cnt on ber
bead, on the evening of November 8, by falling against
the staple of tbe cellar door: 1 did not strike her; I
at work on the day before Thanksgiving: we have been
married eleven years, and my wife has been a habilua.'
drunkard for eight or nine years.
The Jury rendered the following verdict:?"That de
ceases came to her death by meningitis and pjieinia,
tbe result ef a wound on the head received, tu a manner
unknown u> ns, at No. 218 avenue A."
cheap for arson.
John Geracuer, of West New Tork, a prisoner in th?
I fr.ion Hill Jail, was fined $.1 yesterday by Records*
Morgan, or I'jiion Hill, for making two almost aucccss
1 lu> alt'. 10 pytit *?id tut L>, Hi. fruunil