The New York herald. [volume], June 25, 1878, Page 5, Image 5

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iqe tun ne t urn.
Benjamin Hunter on the Stand to
Swear for His Life.
NERVOUS WITNESS.
He Contradicts the Chief Evidence for
the Prosecution.
A MERCILESS CROSS-EXAMINATION.
The Witness, Confronted with His First State
ment,* Admits Its lintruih.
HE ASSERTS HIS INNOCENCE.
Cahukx, N. J., Jane 24, 1878.
One of the most remarkable scones ever witnessed
In a court room took place In the groat uiurdnr trial
to-day wbon Benjamin Hunter, ttie prisoner, took the
Stand to testify In bis own deletion, to break tlio
rnr.-t of ths strong array of evidence
tondiug to establish the lact thai bo
deliberately and cruelly killed bis friend John II.
Armstrong to secure the 120,004 life Insurance which
Hauler held ne socarity lor a $7,000 debt. Huoier
wen not en enure euccese u* e witness. Nut only
did be contradict blmsclf under the able cross,
questioning of Prosecutor Jenkins, but even with
the iriendly guidance ol Mr. Hobvaon, who brought
out his story on direct examination wltb all ibo skill
and regard tor effect to be expected ot a distinguished
lawyer, tbo prisoner's statement contained some dis
crepancies, and was Isr from satisfactory.
Neither ibo prisoner'.] appearance nor manner was
IB his lavor. He fidgeted la tbo witness chair, bis
bancs moved nervously, ho changed bis position fre
quently and was evidently til at case, evott under the
toothing influence el Mr. K'/beton'e gentle manner.
When be fell lulu tbo bands ol the public prose
cutor, witb bis quiet, but keen ana searching
probing, aud bis rnpld fire of questions, Mr. Huntor's
symptoms of diacutnlort increased. Before the day
-was over and the (Joort adjourned to give bltn a
respite until to-morrow Beiijimlu Hunter's pale
lace showed that the wonderful soll-pohsesslon,
which has been tbe surprise of all who saw
bint, had tor onoe deserted bun. As be left the
stand be wiped bis perspiring face witb aa unsteady
band. II bo is an innocent man. It was norvous dis
tress bocause ho could not tell a oioarer story of bis
innocence; If be is guilty, it was the despair ot one
who rcnltzud that bis crime cannot be cxplatued uway.
Tuut ibo court room was crowded aou that Benja
min iluuter's story was listened to with interest may
well bo imagined. The eagerness to bear ull that he
might say w.-s breathless uod intense, and every spot
where a human body could ltud lout hold wag seized
upou. Inside tbe bar, the space reserved for privi
leged persons, there were mauy distinguished legal
and professional gentlemen.
THK TKSTlMO.Nr.
Charles A. Miller, a conductor on tbe same line of
Philadelphia street cars as Mr. Young, tlie couonctor
wno tesulled that Hunter got oo bis our at ball-past
seveu the evening ei the murder, was the first witness
called. He was to prove what Young bad told bint
?bout Hunter having been on bis car, but Jndge
Woodhuil ruled it out.
Alter live otber witnesses bad testified, none ol
tbcm te unytbing that was of importance, Mr. acovel
demanded that tbo lamous anonymous letter sent to
Mr. Jenkins, regarding tbo murder, abouid bo banded i
over. Altera discussion Judge Woodhuil directed the {
prosecutor to give tbe letter to the defence. The
eommunication, wbieli waa published lu tbo Hkrxi.d
at tlie time, nothing ever came of it, the writer tailing
to answer me "Personal" mat was inserted in tbe
newspaper. Tbe letter reed thus:?
PUS. 4, 1878.
U. 8. Jknsik.s, I'rosccator lyamden conoty : ?
llfcAh 8111?11 the lu.urauce companies who are liable fur
?Ud.UMj In tbe Anatirout: murder oa.e will give 86.UU0 to
a man who cau clvu you lull information couceruiua the
murderer, ol' Armstrong, aud thus lave thaui 'hi- 82(1,000,
uo.ide. uriugiug tin murder.rs to justice. X can put that
man in communication witb you. V\ lieu yon Know iue you
will Ond that I mm a man ot ported reiponsihiiity in tho
matter of carrying out what i agree to do. if you accept
my tcruis au.wer In confidence through a peraunal in the
Lrayr J HNS.
1 lieu, alter two uiore witnesses bad been examined
(the tailor wbo uiude Mr. Hunter's overoout with iho
;ape and Dr. Gross, us to Hunter's good cburucWr),
there wee n sOUdou hcuhiiiioii and crunlug of necks its
Mr. Robeson called "Buujauiio hunter." Willi ibe
gudiug step peculiar to mm ilie prisoner croesed
ti e bur auu look tbe wituea.- cbair alter saosriug
to tell tlio irutb, tbe whole truth and nothing hut tbo
trutu. He did not at llral betray the marked uueu>|.
no** to wnich I have aiaided above, but he accrued a
little nncotnionable. He uniwreil question* in a low
tone tbat mane it impossible lor tb? reporters to bear.
He used bad graimusr frequently and was not
happy in cbuice of Words, He spoke to the
tury as tliougb realizing that bi? late rested In tlieir
Bauds. His manner was reepecilui, and evon during
ibe cross-, zamiuallou be coni<uued to bo pollio.
"Where do you live?" was one ol tuo Ural questions
isked by Mr. Robeson, wbo conducted ibe direct el
imination.
"1 have livod near Teutli and Wharton streets,
?blludolphia," replied Mr. Uunior with aslgniUcaui
emphasis.
Wnen the dates ol sorao of tbe business trsnssctiena
Wdb Mr. Aruiurong were asked lor, cue witness tx
plsiucd in a rather lugubrious touo, "My memory use
been vory much shattered since I came here."
"You bold some insurauce policies ou tbo Ilia ol
John M. Aruistroug, do you not," asked Mr. Robeson.
*'1 do," unswarod lie.
"Kxplatn to us now you came Id possession of those
pollutes ?"
"1 will do tbe best 1 can, although 1 am a poor band
at explaining things," tbe witness replied.
Then be went on to explsiu tbat he bud spoken to
Mr. Armstrong, suggusi.ng that, as the lauur was
cousidurably indoblcd to him, it would be well to take
out a debtor's lite insurance policy lor tbo beucflt ol
tbo creditor. Mr. Armstrohg consented cordially, and
spoke gruteiuily ol what Mr. Hunter Had done lor
hmi ubd ol bia dseire to kiop him trom loss. Accord
ingly ihe witness went shortly ufterwurd lo the office
?I one ol the oompanlee aud negotiated lor a policy of
$0,000 ou Mr. Anustrung's li.e, sod told Mr. Arm
airuug ol what be had done, and the latter ex
claimed :?
"Why, Mr. Hunter, you bad bettor mike it $ ltd, out).
If 1 ahouid die all uiy oilier creditors would come in. "
Tberc was something ui a dhcusslou on this point.
Hunter urgiug that he would not bo entitled to any
?uors than me suinuut of his oiaiui, and luanog that
be would not be abiu lo carry toe premiums on so
large an amount, and Armstrong assuring him tb it,
la reniemhrnuce ol ad that Humor had done lor
bun and bia lumiiy, ho would not lot his beuelucior
??stick."
Kiually Hunter doeideu to net on the proposition
and vuitcd the offioes ol the meutance companies
with that parpose in view. It wsi uliur doiug this
that lie wrote to Armstrong and ho explained the
postscript shout tbe irusa by saying that bo knew
Mr. Armstrong's ailment was a very alight ooe, wmcb
Should net oe allowed to vitiate bis poliuiev.
tlio witness wentloued the luurviews be liad with
tlr. Armstrong boiu before and slier the visit ol
duuter to Virginia. It was on Hobday that he went
eut ol Armstrong's office, urgiug him to slay behind;
tnis wus in order that Mr. Armstrong's nuud nilsbi
not bo disturbed, as there bad boeu sotno tittle dim
tuny previous to thla, aud be did not wish it to he
aggravated,
uu Wednesday Hunter visited Armstrong's office
bgaln, and ou tuls ocaslim the oniy subject of con
versation was ibe bankrupt sale of Philip Arnistroog,
Wliicb was to take place nuxt Uav, anu wmcb tb<-y
wore to attend. As witness was about leaving bo said
to Mr. Armstrong:?
"You aatne, and I will be there."
"Wee auytlnog said about your going to Caradeti
together tbat svonlug ?" Mr. Knbosou a-krd.
"There was not, alrt I would not bave come to
Camden with linn, and 00 never suggested It lo me. '
I'Le witness spoke iu a very emphatic toue, aud
hit voice was raised to a higher pitch than here
tofore.
"Uo you know Thomas Graham?" was asked
later.
??I da"
"Hid yoo mo him tbat day?"
??1 din not, sir." And agsia tbo toao bad an era
yhatic. ring.
WHKSB IK'HTtM WAX AT VMS TIM OV 101 UOHIIKR.
"Bid you go to Camden tbat evening?'' I'no quos
IP n was asked allor some preliraioary queries and
VW DOOMS
"1 did not, air." And tbe anawer was more om
phalic thuu any tbat bad preceded It.
men thero was some further questioning as to
?ben lie bad been last in G iinuou previous to this
teens on, and as to what look place during the early
tart ei Wednesday evening Witness stated llial
10 wont to Hughes', Whore ho remained lor a
in% time, unu irom there lie wont to keep
in sppiotiiinent witn Mr. Xpp m ibe ren
net' ol the latter, Mo. 1,721 Oxford street. He
bad rtiuived a note irom Mr. Upp, written tbe pre
vious day, requesting him lo c?roo to discuss and
txp'sin bis patent boilor; be was lb ore lor ihroe
|0?rter* ol an hour or tboresbouts, and ibon started
in a walked uowa Oxford street lo Tentb, being
Hopped oa the w.iy to assist a gentleman whose
buggy bad brokeu down on Broad street; tbe
g.uiieman bad a lady in tbo buggy mm bun,
bat witness did not know enber ol them; the
genilemae went to buy a rope aud witness hold
ibe horse while he was gone, but he cutihl not tell
there the rope Wns ptireu ised. While waiting lor tbo
car, at tlio corour of Team aud Uxlord airauts, a lady
atfdreMed him by name and asaou him about tbo oar,
after which she passed on. Ha did not know bar and
would not recognise Iter il hosbould see bar. Hs got
ou lbs car at Tuuiu and Oxierd streets and rode to bis
house, conversing with tbu conductor ou 11>w way, us
testified to by Mr. Young. Thi trstlmouy of Ills chil
dren was corroborated us to the experience-, that fol
lowed bis arrival boiue.
'?1 Qrst beard 01 tbs attack on Mr. Armstrong on
Thursday tuorolDg. Iroin Frank Armstrong. Ho
asked me li 1 bad baon to Camdou with bis father.
1 said I bad uot. He tuluuaiod that bis lather had
said 1 was to bave gone with hitn. Ho naid 1 would
batre to locate myaeli. 1 toil very much puckered
tost a youth liko tbat should talk tbut
way to me; 1 had never spoken a cr. as word to Fruuk
or his father, ubd I thought it strungu that hs should
bring sueti s serious accusation agonist tue; ufier
breakfast Mr. l.orrlier* came lu ; 1 think my wife and
sou uud all the lauiily were present; 1 cannot iocoI
lect exactly wbst was said; It was not au unusual
thing lor hir. Armstrong to tell stories; he was sorry
to eny that be practised that sort of thing; my wilo
did not say, "Ob, papa! papa!" and throw op
her arms; I never do such ibiuga, nor
did f thou; 1 want to the abop and attended to tnings
there requiring my alloution; I then wont to Kpp's
so that 1 could locate myself; I took him down to
Armstrong's house; we wont into the parlor; Mrs.
Lorriilere was there, tho only om-fof the i.tmily that I
recollect; I beg your pardon?it wan Mrs. Crosby,
Mrs. Ai tnatoog a slater; Mrs. CroaOy said il was not
nuuessury lor mo to locale tuysell.
Witness wsnt ou to say tbat alter those lutorylows
he went up to Mr. Kpp'e house agutu to tell him that
be desired bint to mvo Ills tcs' nuonr so as to locate
litm (Hunter) ou Wednesday evening; Mr, Epp came
down with bliu to Mr. Armstrong's house. Witness
wax about to tell what was said and what oc
curred during that visit, but the prosecuting
utioraey objected aud the Court sustained
the o> joolion. The question was not lusisted
upon by Mr. llubesou; alter Mr. Junking had ex
pressed bM willingness to have It asked and answered
provided that nfliduvits procured bv tho proaecuiiou
should be admitted wituout objection from the de
fence. Such an agreeuout lbs dtlencu would not
cousaul to make. 11 was u shrewd effort by ibo do
teuco to get lu Epp's xluiumcniH without producing
Kpp, but tho defence lulled Mr. Epp, it
may be stated, now declares tbat Hunter was at bis
uouho tue dny preceding the murder, uot the day of
the murder. He la the only inuu who can prove Hau
ler's alleged alibi, and Piosocutor Jenkins is said to
hold his slUtlavil that be tiiadu a misiako In the date
wucn he astcriod that Hunter was at bis house tho
utgbt oi ibo murder.
UUNTKH WITH AllMSTSOXQ.
Mr. Hanier continued lm testimony:?I did not
seo Mr Armstrong the inoruiug after tuo assault; I
tmnk I went up Unit afternoon; 1 saw bim that after
noon ; 1 was up in tbe room with bim ; the doctor was
there part of tbe time.
Tneu came s qaeaion reierrtng to tbe tearing off of
baudages?tbe moat horrible feature ot tbu case.
"Did you do any thing to htm ?" asked Mr. KoUabou.
?'I old all I could lor him; that's all I did to bun "
q Wiijt did you UuT A. I sat bosnto bin: I think
I laid u cleun towel ou his loruhead; the girl brought
up somu clean towels ou a plate.
ACqUalATAXOX WITH OHAIIAX.
Concerning tiraliam Hunter declared:?"I bave
known Ibomas Graham from his youili up; lie was
uu apprentice lor me; be lived down in my ueigbbor
Uooil witbiu a couple ot doors of Mr. Ariustroug; be
knew uim us well us be did me.
Q Did you meet Graham ou a Deccmlier (lay and
tell mm that this man hud to be killed? A. No, sir,
1 did not (emphailcully).
q. Did you call him up an alley and toll him Arm
strong had to bo killed V A. No, sir, 1 did uot; most
positively no.
q. And that be was tho man who had to do ltf A.
No, sir, I did uol.
q. Dul you glvo hint n hammer and tell him that
was what it bud to be done with? A. No, sir, 1 did
uot.
Mr. Kobeson then banded tbe lata! hammer and Ibo
butchet to the witness auu a-koa him I' lie knew thorn.
The witness responded, "1 never saw them uuul I saw
them here," IIuuier couiluued:?Thomas Graham
wus always a good hoy when ho was with me; 1 didn't
know us was carrying on as represented hero. Huuter
described Graham's coming to bis back gstu and tell
ing bim that ho was In grout distress and about to bo
turned out o! his bouse uud he (Hunter) gave bim $5.
q. Did you go to Mrs. Eweil, uis sister, and say you
bau a job for lnra to do at uigbt? A. Nwar, sir, In
my life; uever, sir. Hi my llle; never was to her
bouse; I weuttoMri. (Jlricbt's andsaw Mrs. Urubum ;
she said Tom was dotug vary badiy, never outuo homo
at night; 1 said to her to send bim up to me
every day, and tell bim always to come early,
maybe 1 can gel bim work; sbe said if
be did not come up lor me to ootue down there, and
she would tell bim that 1 was tbsra, aud inuybo then
lie would come dp; I never was at bis bouse on dun
day; 1 did not go to soe Mrs. Graham ball a doseu
times; uot more than two or three times; tbat day
(Uouday) 1 do not recollect tbat t went at all; I ro
inember going to see Tom at Stilas' place; 1 don't
know the day nor the month; 1 had been to
see a firm about my boilor and I went dowo i-ocond
street aud ssw Tom and bis fellow workmeu standing
outside Uxing a stove.
q Did you draw a plan on n billhead and give It le
Tom ? A. Ob, I cau draw a plan, but 1 never druw
a plan lor 'lorn; 1 suppose you mean tbo Camden
matter; I never was there In iny tile; 1 never drew
n plan of it; 1 haven't seen Tom sluce I came boms
from Virginia until I saw him here; I remember
Uelug at broad and Uinrd avenue tho day alter luis
murder and meeting Mr. Thomas M. Si famous, hut I
did not meet Tom Grauum.
THAT SLOUCH HAT.
Hunter admitted buying tbn nolt bat, concerning
which ho Uhiidud;?
q. Did you go to spollitaoy's with Graham to bay a
hat? A. Yes, sir; it was Uoiure 1 wont to Virginia;
1 went there with fom aud bought a very common
hut to go duokiug in while in Virginia; 1 rolled it up
and put it iu aiy coal pocket; 1 wore my silk hat
borne; 1 forgot the bat in tbe cum at Washington; 1
did go duokiug; we didn't get any duckn either.
q. What did you tell the people at tbe hat sloro 1
A. I think I told them I wanted ibe hat to go duokiug
down near tho Hope Kerry Bridge; 1 told ibem that
for a imiojoke; 1 didn't think there waa any barm
in iL
q When you loft Eph's on tbe Monday nlgbt did
you have a slouch bat on f A. No, mr; 1 novcr wear
a slouch bat.
IIUSTSK'S AUKKST.
y. When were you brought over hero? A. I was
brought oV'-r on me 28lh ol January; Mr. Duubiuaii
and Mr. Wmou came io tut evening and salu tbey
warned uie to oorno to Camden 10 testily lit regard to
itio ubss-s.nation ol Mr.' Armatroug; 1 said 1 did not
w?m to go over tbat evenlug, but would
go tlio next morning; luter that night
ilio Sherifl came with Detcuiivo Yoder, and
the Slierill aaiu, "1 bave tirougbi a gcuilemuu
Willi me. who will ace yon sale home ugatii; aud 1
conaonted to go; I bad off my abooa at the time, aud
was about gulag to bod.
Q. Wei!, did you come over? A Yea sir; I came
over, aud got a pretty overhauling; tbey piled It luio
mo; Mr. Jouklua swuug bla bet over my head with
tlio letter abuut the trn-a, and inado n great lua*; 1
was Vtry much excited, and mlgUl have auid "1 know
nothing about thai loiter."
ARMSTRONG'S Ml'KPKIl.
(J. You bad nothing to uo with tho murder of Jobu
M. Armstrong? A. Not at all, air; In uo way, abape
or lorin.
y. You did uoi promiao to give Graham $600 to
murder bun? A. I did not, air.
y. Did you at any time give blm twenty-live cenia
to do anytbiug ol the Kind lor you? A. No, air; 1
always bad un.ro than that when 1 wanted to give.
Xbia ended Hunter's direct examination.
CKOsa examination.
Alter receaa Mr, Jonkius squared blmeell lor cross
ex imlnatiou. iiiquestions wure sharp and quick.
'1U? wline-s irequetitiy nmnilasied a disposition to ex
plain matters alter be bad aoswerud a quenlloi), and
as Mr. Jenkins invariably cueoKod blm and Mr. Kobe
s..n objected to Mr. JonKiua' proco.iuro, there wore
Kovcrni livoly tills between counsel in which Judge
Woodnull g< oerully decided that Mr. Jenkins was eou
duullug the mailer legally.
'?Did you know ol the complication witb Davie,"
asked Mr. Jeuklua.
"I kn.-w there wore some dlSoultlss, but don't
kuow what; last lull tbere was a diUualty over this
DaVil, and i never knew what it wan. "
Q. Did yoa never have any iniorvlow with Mrs.
Latimer? A. No, sir, 1 never did.
"la that your bundwrltiug, sir/" said Mr. Jenkins,
banding bliu a postal card. A. That's uiy handwrit
ing, sir. I can explain that to tbb aatlaleotion ol all.
"Well, it will need sonio explanation," soil Mr. Jen
kins. Mr. Hunter laid. "Head that, Mr. Jenkins,
w ill you.;'
"Do you want me to read H," askod Mr. Jenklni
"V es, sir."
Ii was addrsssed to John M. Armstrong KNo.
"lubunkoni street, city, December 20, ls7T.
"1 thought you snuw noibiug about the Davis
mutter ?" X. 1 did not unHi alter thai.
y. I lieu you did know s.numbing abuut the Davis
allair? A. 1 never denied It.
"I onjoct io lis rcadiug," said Mr. KoOeson, ?'! want
the wituoss to know just where h< MMt" Mr. Jen
kins then ii He red tue card ui evidence, and the Court
admitted It. It w.ie read aa lot lows
Dish Ma?I saw the lie- Mr. Dwrbnrruw tnlt mora In.
and gave blm an IBkllag ab..ui Mrs L, to II lie calls eu you
give liim s In.twrjr of liar. 1 ilinik II she liuds thing* uni
ting warm that she will Ba the Davis mailer up. Knspact.
(ally, U II.
y. Didn't you say on the night you were arrested
that yen didn't know anything aoCut II t A. I might
nave said so; wit >t I aaia then 1 am not accounti.b e
lor; you kip.w 1 w is kidnaupo , ami 1 wss excited.
A WITVkSB WHO IIKA HP ROTWIWU
y You say yon went to see Davis witn Mr. DeinarU
on W. dueeday ? A. Yes, air.
y. Why did you go? A. Ilecause Mr. Armstrong
wanted me te go as a witness.
y. Well, wuat was said? A. 1 didn't hoar what waa
?nut.
y. 1 thought you silu you went a* a wiincaar A. I
did, sir, but Mr. Darneris was moving about among
his butrels, payiUR no aitcutlou to what Mr. Arm
siroua said lo him.
y Didn't you ask Mr. Dumaria Wbevs Mr. D.tvis
lived? A. No, sir; 1 don't care What Mr. Uciutirit
? wore to. /
y. You lionrd nothing that waa aald altar going as a
wiuioas? A. No, air.
y. And yet Armstrong waa deaf and Denuria bad
tospsaklond? A- Yes, air.
UUftTkk's WHAI.TIL
y. Your Income, without yoor sou's money, with
out yoilf wile's, without your daughter's and without
Hie inierssl irtun Mrs. Armstrong, wou.U be 42,200,
would It not? A. Ye*. sir.
y. And wn b the $1,Too which you s?y you tiad to
pay in interest, taxes, Aa, that would Ic.vo yon an
auLUiil income ol tftbu, would, It not lo supportgyour
Umlly oil? A. Yes, air.
y Then, Mr. liunier, what did you nunu by tailing
mo on your examination that iil/tit that you were
rich anoitgh to urltii your oWu Iioraes and carriage?
A. Well, I suppose tuat I meant what 1 said; 1 am
rich enough now.
y. Didn't vou tell lis that that silk bat you wore the
tugiii you were arrested Wtta tbe only oat you bad?
A. May be 1 did, Mr. Jenkins.
(J Well, wnst did you m.sn by Hint when you say
now tbat you had auoiber out? A. Well, 1 guppoas 1
meant that that bat *u lb* only one 1 wore through
tbo wuek.
a MftTI Niaoxr.
Q. You suld you were at Girard avenue and Broad
unci on tdo Thursday atlor I no murder? A. No,
fir; 1 did i.oi, air.
y 1 ha to it on my notes?''1 was at Uroad and
Girard avenue ou Thursday luoruing."
"Then, sir, you liuve got It wroug," said tbo witness
with great positive tie. v.
Tbo oQloiai stenographer hers read Irom bis
notes, and it appeared that Hunter bad said that
the day was Thursday. Titers was s aeosailou iu
the court room when the wituoas was detected
In ibis coutrsdtctiob, aud Mr. Jsuxiua then
saM:?"Well, air, what have yon got to say now?"
Humor paused a moment in unutBielceble eoufusloa
and llteu answered:?"Well, 1 prsauruo 1 must have
| been thero late lu tho altorucuu."
* You said no without any presumption ibis morning
on your oath?"
"i'liea 1 suppose It must bare been true," said tbs
I WltDSsSL
11UNTKK AliUSKU.
Concerning bis irequsol visits to Graham. Hunter
ropsuled his denials. The cross-examiner asked:?
"Then you woro not there tho three, Tour or five times
that Mrs. Utricli aud Mrs. Graham testified to?"
"I was uol; 1 was quite amused ut that story, sir."
"Yes, it was quite amusing, wasn't it?" rejoined
the l'rosecutor.
Ho dvutod all knowledgool the postal card addressed
to llavls notifying him that Armstrong wax coming
to C.iiudeu. rhi. postal card Graham says was giveu
hlui by Hunter to mult.
TIIK 1.1 PK IKSt'KANCS.
Q. You testified that Mr. At matrons; toid you that
you hsd better make tho insurance $:'G,OUO, because
th ru wore other creditor*, a. Yet, .sir; I sun' thai.
Q. Aud you worn ouly to rouulve $10,two out of it?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Thou you wore willing to curry $10,CUO insurance
lor the benoQt ot other pooriln whom you dtdu'l know ?
The witness was obliged to'admit that be was.
Q. Then your statement made to me ou the uisht of
your arroat wasn't true? a On now, Mr. Jenkins,
you oughtn't to throw that statoinent at mo.
Q. I hen is that xlaiument alia lalaehood? A. Oh
no, 1 wnu'l say that; it is uot nil a laischood. ll you
were dragged away irom your lainily, Mr. Juukius
Q. Well, that will do; I ask you ll you said so, in
your lirsl statemont, IT it was uutruu? The witness
began to oxposlulalu again aud to protest against tho j
ttrsi statement Iioiuk referred tut Mr. Jenkins re
morselessly repeated his question until tho witness
was ohltgod to admit that if be said so In bis first
statement be told au untruth.
Ul'.NTKK CONTRADICTS HIMSKLP.
Tbewltneas had suited iu his direct examination
that on the duy ol the murder he went Irom Arm
strong's plsoe to Hughes', and remained there until
a quarter past live, when he went to
Kpp'u, and remained there until about half
pist six. Ou croxs-cxumi nation tba wit- j
ness contradicted himself, by siutiug ho could |
nut remember ins movements on the lutal day. 1>I- 1
: rectly uller this there was uuotner coutrudlciiou in I
| relation to the time In the day In which he received
| Kpp'S nolo. Huutar, la hie direct testimony, do
! clared that bo received It alter going t > Armstrong's
I and uelore going to H ugbes*. Allerward lie reversed
i tbis order. *
y. You sav you never saw Davis? A. No, sir; I
never saw him.
Q. Mrs. Armstrong says you said that Davis b id
murder written in his lace. Did you uol say Mini?
I no prisoner's answor, delivered iu a voice tremulous
either wnli nervousness or pusxioo, created a sensa
tion "ll Mrs. Armstrong says that 1 say thai sbo
ilOH."
Humor's rross-oxnuaination will bo continued In tbo
mornlug. It was the geuerai lmpresMou lu the court
room that Mr. Jeukins had shaken Hunter's story In
soviral points.
UNDER THE RED FLAG.
SOCIALISTS COMMEMOBATK TUB FitKNCH UBVO
LOriON OF 1848 ?" UBGANIZATION OF
LABOlt"?CITIZENS MABI'BLKT AND DBUBY
aUDBBSS TQfclB bXMTATIIIZKHH.
In rcspouse to a call lor a moss meeting of socialists
to celeurate the aooiTtrsarv ot the Insurrection of
1848 more assembled last night at Gerraania Hall about
ono thousand persons. They rungod in appoarauce
Irom the rough and rugged day laborer t? the dapuur
dry goods cleric, lbs former predominating, but lbs
latter class lormlng no tncousldorablo portion of the
audlouce. Forleot order was preserved throughout,
nothing occurring despite the revolutionary tend,
menu expressed at times to mar tho peace. The en
thusiasm displayed was trequontly quito demonstra
tive, tho euflience losing no opportunity to testify
thoir approval ot socialistic doctrines by loud and
continuod applause. The arrangements had avldontly
been conducted by practiced bond*. The speeches
were low and the speakers well selected, aud at a
seasonable hour and while the audieuoe were still In
the best of outhtuiasm tbo meeting was declared ad
jo tinted.
COMltL'.VISTlC IIOTTOKM.
Tlia ball WUbang wltb red buuners bearing various
Inscriptions. To the right ol mo stage was the uiotto
on one, "Do pain on <lu ploraii, Jain, 1843." In tho
centre, suspended over a portrait ot Blsnque, the lead"
mg French soclullst, was a banner bearing the words
"Abolish war by organising iudmtry." A abort dis
tance away bung another announcing tbe tact
that "Wealth Is sooial in Its origin and tnuat
be social in its destination." To tho left war tho
Fronoh Inscription, "Vivre en travulllunt ou inourlr
en combutiant; Lyon. 1834." Another socialistic doc
trine displayed was, 'Oar object is tho organization
ol society independent of king, priest, capitalist or
loafer." Among those seated on tho plattorin was
Citizon Justus Schwab.
TIIK MKKTISU.
The meoting was called to order by Hugh McGregor
who, in opening, aaid:?"It is not Galling guns but
ideas that rule lite world. As liino hsa progressed, as
invention alter Invention bits beon tnado, there has
developed the conception of a universal social rspub
lie. It Is before this grand Idea that the stand*
ing aimlcs ot tbe world will fado away
Uke naia ana owls bsloro the morning sun.
It Is boloro this Idea that tbo theolostan
will give place to the man of sclenco, tho soldlor to
tbe workman. Tbo object of tlite meeting is to lay
boloro tbe people ot Now York and of the United
States one ol tbe ell or la tbal, baa been made in tbe
p iat tending to realize the conception wo beliove iu
to-eay aud moau to acoompimh."
TUB ICKMOI.rriO.VS.
Tho apeaker then ode red tho lollowing resolutions,
wbiob were unanimously adopted amid toud ap
plause:?
Considering that tho resolutlnn of June 24, JrttM, 'n
au-.-ur ted br tbo wnrkligincfi of Paris, ? *s an affirmation
ot the "right ol labor." a demand lor the "oriranlaetlon
of labor," anu was, therefore, pro-enilueutly au iuduatrlal
revolution,
C nddoiing thai tliu provisional government, In its de
era I of February 1*im, altlrmed:?
>lr..f?'I bet it la tlrno to put an eod to the long and lu
Iquitoua imfTvilug of the workers
Smuvi Tliat the question of labor fa of tbe molt extreme
Imports nee.
I hint That iio higher quostlou can claim the attention
ot a repebllrsn government.
t'uuith - That It Is nor ussnry to find immediate mean
whereby the people may ho guaranteed tho laaltlmalo fruit
ol lh-ir labor.
('..nelderinir that the provisional government of the Re
publico! IH4H decreed
fit-f?I'bat a permanent comraieaion, vailed a Govern
mental Commissi.>u for tl.o W or* i nguie n, be app-nnted,
whofv exproea and (pedal dutr (ball he to act iu their In
ters-!.
.Se. -r I - I hai workinainon -hall he aupmated to take part
In -au eetauil-sloa Twa re for#, be It
l.vsdv-d, I'bat w reslUriu inu eecond etauae of the
mniilleelo amtrtaeed br tbe wo-klugmeu of I'aila April IK,
IMS-, to the Provisional government, which waa ae lot- i
low - : ?
"fu prove that tbe idea- of the organisation of labor
nnd e-ociatlun, ?i teetrageousiy -ustaiued l.v the men de ,
voted to mir c-oe . ?re hr ideaeol the people and that ;
IB - revolution would be an abortion il it old not i.eve tho I
ell* i ot nutting au end to the exspollatlou or robbers of I
man by hie lei low man.
It?evlved. Ibat an Indorse and raaltirin tho aeulimeiite
expra?tml ny the Ootntuleaii u ol the l.iixeiuhurtr, vital) '
I etied lor the w rsi.gme'ii hy the provisional xoverument, |
which aie aa follow- : ?
"dv gratulioua and cnmpnlsniv odiiealinn the maaae of I
Intel.actual anil moral development for all."
" the fratei uai aa-octal toil oi (lie fuieae and resources of |
the 'natrumenie id Inbor lor ill.'"
"That there la n thins euhverslvc or chlinnrical la lliea*
seutiiunnis, - viits tl>at eo? loty liml- Itself hy viriuu of the
present iiniuiitrlal depression Irresistibly and fatally Im
pelled by tho lores n etrcum.t nines to oulsr upon tlil
netn. win eh -'one van lead :o tbe reailsatmu ?>' fratirmty
by the a - icietlon id mitral interests and of tbe puyalval
and ovouoml' forc-s "
Me-olved. That the luduetrlal eoiiilltion of the Uuileil
Htflte- In IH7H by virtue of it- similarity no the social
con iltlou ol k ranee In |Hgx. is a proof that mere nolltical !
forms i-aunol In.titnto Industrial freodonr.
Iteewived, I hat, l?r Irom h-lug intimidated br the men
a. e< of reprvlefwn eat>r*-?#.l hv the capitalistic pro-a the
aocMlsts will never.Iieless continue to ua? then ? Herts to
props ,-el - their ideas aud adnentv tlia minus and lie stra of
tiro norklnxmen In rvasM ti> ll.slr rights, their duties aud
their power, h| r.-p.-sting lli* lorninln ol l.nfayettn.
"Vt lien oprreasorn line manned ite height iii-urractlini
n-.-'Unit tvrauny I- the most aaerod of rights and tho most
hi iy of dull**."
hesolvoil. That e ropy of those resolution- he sent to the
following cllfariis : -l'.mlle He Ulrardln, Jules Minn. Leon
UsmbettS. Heiijninlii Ui-raelt, Mc Mali on. Otto Uismarek.
U. ft- (Irani ami Kutberlotd H. Ilayea
MI'RKCII or CIT1KKV MAUTILkT.
The chnlrtum uvst lutroducoil citizen Msrtnlet,
who, in ms luiroduatory rotusrks, Drat paid in* re
spools to the fprvss, lot wliicu he aslil the socialists
entertained th* greuiest regard, but wiieu journalist*
stiaciieu Importance to unsu-irdei slid privnte con
versations noid by trrsapoDsibls purlins and spread
lin n, hsloro tbe public as emanating irom socialist
lo.dorn, lie would euler his protest sgsilisl
such unjustifiable quoutlous. Me muun for tbo
press. Now, ss to the reveal charge brought
against tlia sooisJUin that tliey were responsible
for the sllempt* no the lire of the Ktnperor William,
me charge could not bo eusimaed by tbe least evi
Uenco Whatever, ft is truu ill it itu-ir gr.mdisihers
knew now io rid tnemsslvss ol Louis XVt., nmi no
doubt thsre wero poop.o nviug now who would liko
io be rid of those wiiu gov-rii bit-ily and annoy them,
but responsibility lor tuts deed cuunl not
be laid ut tbu doors of the socialist*.
As to 1848. It wiir sooe ssrortalucd Iu
Kraoeo that after Louis 1'htllppe had b>sa sunt nut ol
thv country and I lib llpuhnc proclsiirtea, that the
worklngmeu had gniaed outtiiug whatever. I he lat
ter then pr .|Mised the well known national workshops.
They ssknd wny should the government have b**e
changed at ull If l be people did not gain sdvsntsgos
by tbu change. Tbs goVcromtai o; the than Kepa'.-ilo
would oot Ititan and the barricades tuadt tholr appear
ance iu the streets of Carta.
cavuiumao's ruii.
After tbe citizens bad beeu slaughtered, Cuvslgnsc
reported oll.ciuily lb >1 tie bad secured to France
twenty years of peace. What a puaco! 'loduy tne
question g still the saute. Aye, it is tbe great burn
lug question, What must we do to ubtuiu the desired
result? Above all let people be Instructed, ibe satue
as those who consider themselves as belonging to a
hivbur class Kverv one will then bo able to answer
the question, "What do you want?" propounded
to hiui bo frequently by the possessors ol
tbe soil. - Wo have been accusod of violence
and especially lor tbe deeds ooin milled by tno Corn
mono in 1871. History, wlirn once written by impar
tial banns, will not lajr tho blame Ol misdeeds at our
doors. Wa did not originate Ihom. We were driveu,
houudou into them, and so will it over be when work
lugaicu have uo lood to give to their latnilies. Lot
those who have learned the dangers and horrors ol
civil war remember that oouieau like tbese must
come il the workingmeo ere oppressed by other classes
ol society.
UO MOT DHKAD THk CONVLICT.
Wo who are true descuudauls ol ibe Communists of
old loar not the ooiiltici, though wo djllosl It, but
nover will we be lound as tbe uggrossors, never o.n
sucu a confl cl oiiue iroiu men who lovo the poople
us do ibe workiuginou. Wo cau only bo goaded imo
It, and no one can bo bold ro-pouslble lor
deans committed when onto the peoplo uro
uiuoo desperale. Wo hoar now dally it groat
muuy lb reals in ihu public pruts and elsewhere. In
s menacing inauuur Wo ure told eveiy hour ol tho duy
thut there are so many policemou and to many mili
tiamen hi light and slit every one ol us. Why ull
tue.c threats? At any rale liiev aro ridiculous.
Now York never will have so many troops us
Lotus l'mlippe hud under him, and what his
bocoine 01 Louis 1'hilippo? Lot not these men who
now threaten us deoeivo themselves. It Hie peoplo
aro once uiudo dosperulo and riso in their might that
very moment poliuo und militia will logemor vuulsh
in thin ulr. Nuihlug can resist tbe mighty onward
march 01 tho poople. (Ureal uppluuse.)
CITI/.dM hllfllv'S SPKKCIt.
The next speaker was Citizen ilucry Drury, whom
the chairman eulogized us a man who, like Mazzlm,
kont alivo tne sacred lire ol liberty. Citizen Urury
sutd:?"Although we are In tho minority to day und
calumniated, despised und Vllillod, there muy be a tune
wnsu we ai e gone wneu tne questions tun ideas wo now
doieuu will borospOcUd. Thcspereb to wnicn We havo
Just libieued Iroin my colleague relievos iu? ol ihu
necessity ol rslerriug to ibosu scenes in l'aris in June
wheu in u single in/lit barricades arose mi the streets
und a dynasty wus overthrown which was seated on
the mo..i poiutnd ol bayooets aud the best ol mus
ketry. Will these despots ol all Buttons, bo tboy
democratic, autocratic or republican, ever learn that
an Idea ii> stronger Ihau ull the soldiers ihoy
can keep to Hold it down. We aro asked what wo
uieun by tho revolution ? What is the 'Jtth ol Juuo
lo us? What is 1>48 iu France to us iu the United
Mules? tu response, 1 say that I lie condition ol l lie
United Suits lo-du) Is exactly similar to the -social
und industrial condition ol France iu 1M8 We havo
in tho United Males to-day men without siieiler, with
out lood, without clnihiug.
Kk VOLUTION A ST CONOrrioNS.
Thoso condiiiouh brought shout mo rovolultous of
178U. 1Tb J and lidO. I'no drsl Frou :h He volution
was a gland balllo In wbicu wore engaged ull the
Idoas, interests uud cunllicUug passions thut could
auiiniilo ma mluils o. men. Tim! butllo is still
raging, i-ud It ncnouvea ua lo study its import
uud use it us a l.caeou light of oaution which
snuutd prevent society ol lo-dny Iroiu ropcatiuz the
errors ol SoSMly ol too past. lUvolutloii represents
a principle and au idee. Hud It not been so the
coulutuu ol tbu I'owers of huropo would have crushed
the lust Freucb Kevoluiion Socialism Is tho domi
nant (act ut tue niuuioi'iith couturv. (Loud uppluuse.)
Tut speaker claimed that socialism introduced u now
principle?namely, solidarity?wuich led to uuiversal
harmony, universal health and universal knowledge.
Cittsua Drury next took sevoroiy to task those who
spoke ol socialists di-puruglngly. 'Ihey did not soak
lo maka the rich jioorer uud tbu poor rtcber. lbcir
dociriue was to make tbe poor rich and the rich
richer We workiugmea to Jay suy that if we ure to
be lorced to subsist iu poverty and lo sutler tbo pangs
of Uuuger no society can be secure, iio matter
what lorm oi goveruiucui exists, fhe social coudi
lioo ol a people governs tho ttutlou. Wheu Iu 1448
tbu workiueu ol Parui arose tboy asked oulv lor labor.
Only two lot ins ol civilization had ever existed?ouo
destructive, the other constructive. Iu all nations
and under all dynasties those two lurtns bavo been Iu
uulagoulsm to each otuer, and tho workmen bavo
always been oa the side ol peace uud construct ion.
The speaker Ibcu urow a vivid picture ol the dally
rocord ol starvation lo bo icon in the journals ol a
largo metropolis, anil said, "When I know that ull that
tuiumy Is upheld by society my boarl almost bursts Iu
ludiguution." (Loud cheering.)
Alter a warm tribute to tbo men of *48 the speaker
conciuued by reading u poetic eulogy ol lbs same by
Gerald Alusscy.
THU GOVltUNINO Bui)? DISAPPROVE OF TUB
MEETING.
Tbe socialistic labor party declare Id tbolr official
papers ibui ibey bad no counccilou with llio mealing
In tbo German la Assembly Rooms, and tbat tbo
members ol tbe party daclmad to bo invttad by mem
bers ol tbolr own party unless such tuom urn bad
submitted thilr intentions to organise these meetings
nud tbey were approved by tbe general direottug
body ol tuo socialistic movement.
This deolaraiiuu was made to dispose ol tbo action ol
Mr. J uttus Schwab, alio, without any authority (rout
the dlrecttug body ol tbo socialistic party, coniblnoi
with Mcgy una bis associates to orgauixo last night's
meeting in celobrutiou ol the French muvouieul ol
'4H. Tnis explains ibo absence oI all speakers ol tbe
German socialistic party Iroin the meeting nut night.
Mil. WliEELOC'K'S SUICIDE.
Tbo Relicl Society ol tbe Stock Exchange mot yos.
torday and appropriated $200 10 delray the funeral
expenses ol tbo late Moses A. Wheelock, who bad
bosn chairman ol the Excbangs lor a qaarter of a
century. Other movomunts are going on among tbe
tneiuburs ol tbe Uomd looking to tbo rebel of bis
family. II Mr. VVbcoiock bad committed suicide be
lore bo made an absolute transfer ol bis membership
bis widow would have beeu untitled to $10,00u, wbicu
sum would come Irani the Gratuity Fund. At present
Individuals propose lo make up Ibis amount by sub
scriptions, and already iu!X? baa been subscribed.
Tuc Exuoauge cot'ld take no scilan lu relation to bis
do ab, us bu was uot a momosr at tbe time.
i'bo lollowiug jurora were yesterduy sworn to bold
an Inquest on the body : ?Amos Rostwick, William C.
Allaire, Horn O'Urteo, George J. Peuchurd, A. Syduey
Roberts, M. I)., sod Arthur Durdeil Frost. No ad
ditional tostiiuony to mat published in yesterday's
Hskalu Was takuu. Deputy Coruuor Gusbiuun mado
nu exteroal uxamination ol ibo body ot tbe deceased,
and louud turn death was due to laceration ol tbo
bralo iroui a pisiol shot wound on Ibo right side ol tbe
bead. Alter viewing me retnaioe and beariug the
testimony ibo Jury louod tbat deceased oaine to Ins
death by sulcldn oy shooting bimsell at Nu. JO East
Twenty-third street, June Hd, lttitt.
THE GRAVESEXD POISONING.
Coronor Stmius, ol Hrooklyn, will bold an loqutst
to-day luto tbo oircumstancos attending tbe recent
death of Mrs. Maria L. Hubbard, ol Gravesond, L. I.,
who Is bolloved to bave been poisoned. In conversa
tion yesterday with tbe writer tbe Coroner staie.l
that l'ro essor Eaton bad uot yet Qn.slied bis analysis
ol Mrs. Hubbard's stomach uor ol tbe lager ol which
the deceased lady partook Juat Colore bur demise.
Tbe cnomist will, however, uuuesvor to be present at
the inquest and testily. lu case be gives it as tua
opinion tbat Mrs. Hubbard was poisoned tbo Coroner
Intends to make arrests at once and band lbs turtles
over to tbe U.strict Attorney lor proevcutiou. lie
am Imeods belora opuuitig the It:<|U?*Mt to ascertain
whether, ss has been rumored, several ol tne Jury
mob are relatives ol the deceased lady s busDauo. lie
did not state, however, what action lie would take lu
ease me rumor proved lo be well louuded. Nine wit
ncsses have bt-ub subpoenaed to attend tbe inque-t
and aiibpumas are lo the bands ol detectivoa lor wtbor
persons who aro believed to be lo possession of im
portant testimony.
LED FROM HOME,
Alfred Montague, srbn has a wile and two children
ID Cambridge, Mass., loll that plaoa a lew days ago,
in company with Budget Ray, a girl eighteen years
ol age, whom, be >* r.itd to bave enticed irom
her borne, fbe couple came to tbia city andafiei
ward wcut to Drooklyn. The parents ol Itridget
inroriuod the police of tbe latter city that tbey
tbougbl tbstr daughter and I.or alleged abductor
were iu Brooklyn, and detectives wsro given cnaig?
of the esat. A itcoy letter was written and plao. d
to mo post olltce, and wlien llridgnt called It it yea
P May alio was taken ? 11 to cu*to iy by Detectives
Frost and Cowers, ol the Polico i antral Ollice. ntm
aiild Moutague bad left her and guns to Mature il,
Csnndi, and abe wanted to return to her parsete.
Wbuu ber parenia were informed ol bet wiiersoLnuls,
one ol Ilrtdgel's unit a wot to llrooklyu, aud accom
panied llie gtrl back to Cambridge laat evening.
DISCOVER If GP A SALT MINE.
A romarkeble discovery or pore rook salt liss lost
bean mado id tbls State, noar tbo little vtllago of
Wyoming, lorty tulles aootbwost ol Roobeetsr, on
the Koohestor and Slate l.tue Hallway. On Tuesday,
last week, a laborer, employed by a Mr. Kvsrsi, wae
sinking mi oil woil near the village, wneu at a depth
or 1,'2UU loot tbo drill struck a stratum ol rock aalt
which proved to be 100 lout thlok. Tbo lull exteut
ol llio mino is Dot known, but it it auppoaed
oover a largo UTrilury, and mat the
?all marsbea ol Syracuae drain tns bed. A dominant,
" ?l i
tgned by tbeJusttco of t'..e ?l'e iue, llio Fuainiaeter
and suvsral merchants of the village, bus been sent
to tbi* city, ruby verifying tbe discovery, i i.o salt
baa been examined by u sciontlQo gentleman. uud be
says tbat H is tbe best rock salt.. I hose lurnilur with
salt eay that Mils salt lust discovered is puie si.ougb
lo be shipped lo market dlncily irom the utine with
out receiving rnctnleal purification.
Cooaidoritblu exuiteineni is the result, and it Is said
that il tbs tie l prov< ? ol wide eiieut it will revoiu
Hunts" the salt trartn ol the country and destroy lbs
evaporating industries ol tbs treat aalt moDupMle*
wliicn liavo long received exorbitant government
protection. 1 Intro are but lew extensive minus of
pure aalt in thu wurlo Tb< to la oimi in Valencia, oue
in Poland sod one In Armouts, near Mount Ararat.
WILKES BOOTH.
What Mr. John Matthews Knows of
the Man and His Grime.
SOMK PAINFUL REMINISCENCES.
Nature of the Letter G ven Him by
Booth for Pub ication.
HE RECEIVED, READ AND Bl'R.\ED IT.
Seated in a rosey parlor of tbe Criterion, in Union
square, last evening, Mr. John Matthews, the ou me
dian, and u Hi.uai.i> reporter chuttcil earnestly con
cerning tho former's kuowledgo ol Uooib and the
terrible tragedy with which his name Is linked.
lu tho despatches ol yesterday V IUkalii appeared
an extract from tho Washlugtou /'out giving u porliou
or an interview with Mr. John Coyle, lor
merly proiirielor ot tho old A'atwiml hUi-lhyncer,
which Colouel Forney in his rival Journal
frequently Alluded to as "the organ o! John Wilkes
Booth." lu this Interview Mr. Coyio denied the truth
of tbe statemcul that lie ever possessed the docu
ment written by Booth, scouted us an imaginary
t> inquel the now much talked ot dinner party, und
stated ttial "Mr. John Matthews, tho gentleinuu to
whom the staioment had buon gtvou to he delivered
to me, told me bo bad received it, and on too night
ot the ustussiustion nud opoued It, read It and de
stroyed It."
It was quito evident to the rep< rter, lielore tho
object ol bta visit hud beon made known to Mr.
Matthews, ibat that gonilemun bad Ulvlued It and was
reluctant to speak ol tbe event which plunged the
country into a gulf of grlel.
BOOTH'S COXVKSSIOX.
When his attention was culled to tho Coyle inter
view Mr. Matthews said:?
"1 suppose you want me to talk of that paper which
is now called 'document,' 'statement,' and so on.
Well, sir, 1 would rather not do it. Tbe resurrection
of this sod nir. 1 r?tbe gboulisbuess ol same news
papers?has prostrated nearly every member ol tne
Booth famiiy. aad, as the friend ol its members, 1
should not spcuk of It If 1 did not tbtuk what I may
say will eud lor a time tuts sudden revival ol tbe
topic."
"Do you sav this revival ot tbe matter bag caused
tbe Booths so much annoyauco us to prostrate them ?"
"1 do, air. 'Ihey are rouliy indisposed. Mow could
ibey be In any other condltiou r Can you Imugme a
mure trying situation for gentlemen who are brought
into contact with tho public so Ircquently r do tar ss
Mr. Coylu's tutorvlow is concerned 1 can say It is cor
rect so fur aa 1 know. 1 will speak of this matter?
uud .peak ol It honestly and Iruukly?only because It
may set It at rest. John gave mo the statement Mr.
Coylo speaks of and uudur just such circumstances us
he mentions."
"Coyle says tbo thoroughbred mare on wnicb Booth
escupod bus ucvor beeu hoard ol. That's a trivial
mulier, but do yon know anything ot It?"
"Yea; he shot her in tlio swauips of Virginia."
"Wbydtd ho shoot her wnen, disabled as bo wan,
tbo uiuro was everything to him lu bis uiteiupl to
escape?"
"do shot bar to keep himself alive. That's what
became ot the mure. You must remember lie could
uot keep tbo highway. He bad to make lor the
swamps to tilde there. Tlioro, with a broken aukio,
alter a long Journey in s chilly April morning, after
eudurlng fitiguu sufUoieut to kill uny ordinary man,
Johu killed the mare so that he could lie down on her
warm body aud keep himself alive.*'
"Where did you gel that story from ?"
"1 got It Irom Mr. Fred Aiken, lie was tbe boy
IIarroid's counsel. Hurrold told bitn tho story. It
looks geuuiuo because It looks liko something Jobu,
quick-witted us be was, would do lu that situation."
"1 suppose you've read the siory about Booth's
making love to .-seuator Hale's daughter, with young
Lincoln ss a rival; how Boulli attendod a supper ai.d
ball at lite National Hotel tuo night of the assassins
(Ion duU "
"OH, y? 8, sir. I, uoforluoatcly lor ma, too every
Uiiug roluiisg to tout uffutr. Kvery Iriond 1 have
thinks It a kluduess to point those things oui to mr.
but It isu't. 1 Udt tragedy," wild mo actor, quite
seriously, "nun made mo ten yearn oltlor."
'?It there any Irutn, do you think, >u that story r"
"Truth I not n particle. Ills the osssuco ol nou
scn.r. It pretended to come Iroui a wuwuu who
know all too pnrtioa?knew everybody and every -
thing?and then it wan hi mod that K. M. T. lluutor,
ol Virginia, wrote It. 1 tako It that kir. Hunter hex
?oiuothlnc better lu do ihau to reel oil such imluer
dash u? that. llcHldee, young Lmcolti dotnea having
ever mat Mtei llale. And aa lor Huoilt attoodiog a
ball, why ho huleu that?ho deapiaod a droei coat na
much an nu actor docs a poor part. Klght hero lot lue
say oomotbiug about Mr. Unhurt Lincoln. Ho is re
ported ns auylns ho nuvcr knew "tb a dlsaoluto
uotor," mean log John. Ju-t auy lor mo that the man
who says Johu Wukos Uuoth was a drunkard or a die
solute man is a liar. 1 tvould liko you io use just that
word. He waa a temporals man, anil, considering his
canvivlal temper, a wry lempciaio rnuo. 1 never saw
him drank or unywnora near I , and 1 think 1 knew
him aa well an the rest "
"You eaw Speaker Kandall's denial of tbo dinner
atory t"
SPEAKKR UANUAM.'s WORDS.
"Yes. But words were ascribed to him ihere which,
h id the ullatr ever occurred, bu might well hsve used.
He Is reported aa huviug ssid, *liurn It, >or Uod's
sake, burn It, Auy mau upon whom It's lound will
buug.' And so he would nave bauge l. 1 get a touch
ol the throat disease wucuovor 1 think of it I toll
you, air, the Angel liubrlsl h imaell?with all reaped 1
Say it?wouldu't ho sale at that titno with mat docu
ment."
"Of courso you rememhor* it's contents, Mr.
Matthews?"
'-fericcity well," be added, slowly. "When I say
nertcotiy 1 moan 1 can cull to mind u good deal of it.
It was not very lengthy?s.ty tnrue pages ol letter
paper. One is not apt to lorget a paper u! that kind,
particularly when it oost him so inuoh trouble salt
did me. My footsteps were dogged by uulvolivt-e,
the houses lu ihe neighborhood where I lived worn
sourched, and hut lor Colonel Hill Woud, who knew
mu lioiu childhood, and who was in charge o' the old
Capitol, I might have had a pieasanter limo within Its
Walls "
"H ive you anv nhjeetlohs to sketch tho cootonts of
thai letter now. f "
Cue actor became thougbllul tor n moment, and
said, "Why tbcro was omy one .cr, true that yavo
thoslightest lokllog ol his luiention, auu that in too
Vaguest Way."
"What old tho root rolato to?any private bull
osa* V"
"No, uo; not at all. I could not ny what It did re
late to. It read liko an editorial?like a newspaper
article?on tho country and its aflairs."
an rtwauNu witkbss.
"Can't tou roiueuiher sums ol III Kaposi tome of
II, even II it *u* unimportant, in this matter.''
"I couldn't If 1 would, aud I would?wII," ho
broke ell suddtuly, "if you'll ftav hero a fow mo
?uetita I'd go up to my rooms tod got you aa extract
Irons t|?"
In a lew momenta Mr. Matthews returned with an
envelope lull ol newspaper clippings. Having loosed
several ol them over, lie Dually produce! one, saying
"This will toll about all I know ol ihe statement.
Y'ou tee it's a letter from tne to the MutiowU J mirth.
tjrui.fr I was thou a anno a in the Hur
ratt trial, hut the letter nut being in extsienoe,
you know. 1 was not allowed to give Ha contents.
Carrmgton and K.dwards 1'wrrrpont objected, but I
persisted and gut th? tacl to the jury?that rturrali's
name Wits not attached to the document. Judgo
k'lstter objected, and I then published this lettsr. '
Tlio extract in Its entirety reads na lot'ows. it wax
printed in lit /Meff^fiNMi1 ui July ih, IM?:?
TXB mowll I.K rTKK
W AaiHNoroN. J ol/ 17. IH07.
Riiitohn TsTskUisNrnit:
Ownilkmun Much h>< hseii ssbl In lire public prints In
regai <1 to tli* in i .sin r letter if John Wilkes i o on tit
am the pmsii to whom tula letter wo Istrasie.l, I know
Its voutents sod the c n npis'.ances si ending It* delivery
tato my bands natter than ear person imv living
It eas on ths altOraovti ut rrldav, tpnl I*. IVt'r,
at shout lour e'clwek, that 1 John W ilk*. Hoolli?sn
tiorsohack un Pennsylvania avenim, at tin* triangular nn
eioure between Tniriecinn and fourteenth atie.uw Ms
nun, .biMia nanus and passed tha compllm-iu* ot ths dry
It so happsssu lust the eXieers of Ueesral l.ee's arm/ h ,d
jn.t paaei'il ap In a body I ashed lluolh, "Jnhmiy hare
y.ui auen lore'* eflcOrs Jotl brosght In* lis
replied, "Tne, Johnny I haws." then olsuiag his
head a pen hi* fetch sag, exclaimed, "Ureal Uod ' I here
nn longer s cowntry 1" tKs ivios hie psltftees, ntrvou.
n.'Sw and saltation, I remarked, John, hue Mtvoae 1 n
em; wbal I. the mallei f' To WbiXh lit- replied. "Uh, no.
It I* nothing," elliliOiitllia.il with. "Jiihiitiv. I lisve s Hi
lls favor In *?k of/ iii will you grant It ? Ally, cur
islnli," I replied, "what la It r* lie then elsieil. "Par
lisps I in ir laavs town to-ntght, aad I have a U-uer ii" .
which I desire lo he published III tow ,Viilwin"f /ar ''17
pies a sttend to 11 hu me, a a less I .? you before in
o'clock to-morrow; lu that es.e 1 win see to ti myself."
At Hist moment I noeei v?d tiOWerai tfraut ruling hjr In
Sll -pen carriage, cerryl 1 g sUo I.i? iiagge e. -eeisg tnli,
I rsllsd Mr Hooin'w atientliin M him, gnd sild, M hy
J oh I ay, there soeaiirsn. I thought he w.e coining III
the thssirs this evening with th ? President." tt here
he eseleiii.eil I pointed to ihe carriage; he looked
toward It. gia.peb my hand tightly ami galloped down
llie Iiv. n ie .Iter me earrings Inst ws. 1 he last time I
met him until i sew Inm on tne tlaso ul Kind's Theatre on
the mtmorshlo night ol the I flu ol April
I mm ps.sed im Men) persons who knew Hnel'i. or lied
ever .sen lllnt. were art sated an 1 sent to oris >?? I lie .ecret
ol the letter ? >? conflled to a lea swaSdnRilai In ends oSly ;
when I siwthat the editor* ofthi.Viiio.il In" ?/? r
wore .uspeetod of having aoppre.sed lb. drroment. anil
were Interrogated In regnro to II el the pentleatl -ry trial,
I crmwhieretl II my duty to earn no ail reap .miiillltv In the
matter by etplsining the whole .Halt m ihe proprietor,
nl aald paper. teeordiaslr I <tid en 1 dij oall
at the oilieo ot the paper, and staled all tha Im te
to them. a. staled above To-day, In rwart, SftOV answer
lug a ew direct question*. I endsavof id to make an #?
pianatlnu ol th* matter, whlen wst wi (eeted to by th ?
prosecution and related ny Judge flensr I U? haw nisi
ilrttsi n which Bret procured ihe new* tr im 1 ne Jadletsrr
Committee ol my listing heon before thom nod
what ti*tlrnony I had glvsu, has tpuheo el X so
erecr of manlier and tin observation "If rilitlUlf rtonH
occur Uuri-ijr tilt nig t. ' .tc.. uu the ourt ot WilkeO
B?o?h. I d. ?ir* to >; .ie <11 that did occur *1 that inter*
vivo.unl lo say *Uu that llio toiler with ne
to r cr ut tun jr. nor u i> ili -ro an/ remark made about
no * IU11. .t to .it lot Mil ooc Hr itiiritl Ibe nig it
Xoo or l 111! . uit.ilil. ?( toe I tier. ll cm written oa a
sheet of commercial note linger. cuverin r tbrao pages.
Too Br?t i?un;? ..ere oritlea in Ii? apirit sad style "I
lite IMu'ud. l ibie loiter, iiuu It * ij only ul lb# ceitcludiug
par*.:r.ip I tlrot aay.bliig >*? lild liourtu. upsu wlial baa
transpired, which ? it to tlii- elfuet oud lu tnese words t?
"fat a loo.- time i buvo devoted tuy cn.-rjiios, ar tiiaa
m i uiihio * to tbo ncc uipllsbiusot of it certain end. I
I.too boon ditapuolatod. 'Ilia muincnl ba* now arrive*
wuoi. 1 unlit change my plaits. .VI iu> will blauie ma fat
wii it 1 urn ouout to do, but posterity, I am aura, will Jua
tify inc.
*' Han who love tbeir country batter tUaa raid or Ufa,
"JOHN W. BOOTH.
"I'trsiit
"II till.nil.
"Aistaoti*."
liaipaatfaly. JOHN MATT ME ITS.
pi.hit t iiitatkd oh not?
Having finished readme the loiter aloud, wtlb oeca
slouul uiierru|iiiuut liom tbo comedian, the raportet
saidYour motuorv, Mr. Matlbows, seems to buvt
set vo l you woti in quoiiug ilia oouciudlng too lance
ul Booth's loiter. Can't you make it aerva you ag
well at lo ilte portion thai preceded that seatenoe.
l'loaso try?"
"1 asture you what preceded It amounted to noth
ing?absolutely nothing. On mr honor, 1 give in thai
letter all of Boom's loiter wuicu gave ibe lain tea*
inkling ol his luluullou."
??You bellave bit aci wua not premeditated?"
"Not in lite least. At wall aa any one cau know of
sucii u thing 1 know mat astatalnetlou wag nol men
Honed until u littiu bolore ui tie o'clock on lb a area
ingot tbo uet-d. John and I'u rue and others were at
iho ileriMon llou-v on K street, at the corner ol
Uighih, just a hilt inock. iroui tim alley wbicb lad to
ilie sluge door ol tho llieatie?they call It tba St.
Cloud now. 1 until.?it nine o'clock. Why don't
pi-ople refer hick to lite testimony ana the uewaptper
dies nl tnaldile? J'ay ne a wear. i<> this. "
"Very true; but tn' this loiter Uootn gave you be
relora 10 hit disappointment. What do you think ha
mcuus by Hint ?"
"Why tinipiy iho failure ol the plao to capture
tbo i'rciildeut? t t't all Kverv ouu knows that
' w m John's iuc ?bis bib by?and bo spent money on
It at he it-iyr."
routii.
"But how do you rciuuciie ibe want of premodlta
tiou uutll nine o'cio k in ilia < vcnluf tsd tbo (set
that bo bunded you a letter at four o'ulueg that after
noon winch styt, ns you quote it:?'Many will blaiuo
mo lor what I am uhou: to do. but postsrtty, I out
sure, will justify me.' liowr do you?"
"1 cauuni go tuto any lurtlier explanation," Inter*
ruplod the ucior, evtuuully ueitlej "The subject lo
mo it moat unpleasant und should never have boon
re.iurri'ctud."
"Well, pasiiug that, what do you think woo Mr.
John T. Cord's idoa In resurrecting tvf He seems is
be the p irty at laulu "
"1 mould uo vory sorry to think that Mr. Kurd is
opened this lamentable amry intentionally. It mnsi
have boon brought ub >ul uy the overhearing ol au ao
; i idental couvers iliun which louud li? way mto print.
; lie is too kind hearted a until lo u ilict an Injury on
. the HUllering family, and be it loo wise a m .u Dot to
| see i hat this oft lold tale ngatu repeated would do to. '?
; "Mr. Ford himself tullared iniprlaouiuout, did bo
nut?"
'?Certainly bo did, aod so did lilt brother Harry.
1 in fuel, everybody iu the remotest way counseled
| with the tlieairu tillered in some sltupu or oiner?by
Imprisonment or pence eiplouuge."
"iVbut do you mean by the rmladcfphla loiter to
your roiiitniiiilciitiun?"
"1 relur to the letter John aunt hit brutber, Jubn
aleei or Cl .i ke; Ciurku w is ulso imprisoned. I think
, wo huvo talked ibout enough of this tad aflttr, and
what 1 have said It as only been sal I In put a stop, II
possible, to tbo renewal of ibis talk."
a \rKi.t. Kirr atccKKT.
Tbo roporter leti Mr. ytutiiiews Urtnly Impressed
with the hcllel that lie sncw u great deu> more about
tbo sUhjoot tb Q t: 0 kocnea. cro --ex tuiu .lion could
elicit?a grual deal more luun he wi 1 ever toll ueaptto
bta atautupiiou of loquacious frankness.
MANAGER AND ACTOR.
JACOB A1SEULK AND DAT ltOONLT DAVE A SL'OHl
MISUNDERSTANDING.
Ibcro was a lurge gathering of interested spectators
In the Essex Muruct I'oiicu Court yesterday wbes
Jacop Aberle, the maniiger of llio Tivoll Theatre, and
Put ltooncy, the Iriati coined tun, were led belore lb*
bur uud accused ol having engaged lu a lis tic oouteai
od the night belore, Aberle bad a cut over the
temple and Koonoy bore just above big
loll optic a very eloquent act ot bruises.
As is generally the case, It was a difficult matter to as*
certain wbo was complainant and who defendant, as
cnarges and counter charges wore made with great
persistency and earnesluoss by botb. The Judgo es
sayed to unruvol the tangled web of tbo contestant*
lule, but louud bis task hopeless and nat
coustrainud to give It up In despair. In mis dilemtni
nothing remained lor bim but to mete out equal pons
tahinenl, and be acted accordingly, holding oacb In
$i>UO. Assembly innn James Ilay os appeared as bond*
man In the comedian's bebalt and Mr. H. Nuuss pee
luruiud a like service lor the mauoger.
Tbo ruuior Urst mooted, to the effect that the
trouble bvtwoou the manager and tbu actor had tt*
origin in a quarrel on acuouui ol aulary. was round te
bo without luuudatlon. ilOoiiey bad uoi boen engaged
by Aberle, ami u was ouiy in a barroom diacussion
that the trouble arose. Anerle was standing near tut
doorway, talking to a couple ot Variety performers,
wbou llooney drew near mid engaged la the oosv*r
sutluii. He was disaatlaUi'd, according to A'torle'l
beliol, wlin tbu letter's encouragement ol a riv .l per
lurinur; but Koouoy and bta Irieuds deny alt
lit i a. Wben Abcr.c asked the comedian II
he was not porloriniug for $71 a week
at nuullior enabltahravul It >ouey waxed qu ia
warm and seemed incinvd to lly at nla questiooer.
Nome of the ny-lauders Interposed, ana both tbs
men were qu oted. 1 tiev suparuted lor a wnlle, but
some momenta alter met again, wben, accoriliug to
Abcrlo, llooney atrucK biin on the bead wills
Something be bold in bis bund. It ap.
p ara that there wis a goner*! commotion
aiier that. I he attache* aud loungers made
quite a tumult, and the pa.r ol variety mea are said
to have dupiayed groat nerve aud euergy in tbo pur
suit ol Ko-.nvy, whom an officer Anally took onargt
ol. but who la reported by other* to bavs mail* n*
very I ran lie rfloria to escape this la lUu atery tola
by Aberle and 111* Irlends, but utterly dented bj
Room y and bis Iriuod*. Anything luribe' nowevor,
could uot be loarned.
liOAiiD of police justices.
DIHCUPHINO TllK ijt.'l hTI >N OF COMMITMENTS
AT '11!? lit KKtilII.AU MUMTULY MEETING.
The Heard el I'olice Justices bold their regular
moutbly mootlog at the Jeflersou Market Court last
evening, Judge Flammer in me cnair, and Judges
Hlxby, Huffy, Kilbralb, Ksamire, Murray and Otter*
bourg proscut. In view ol cortaln suietneuta mode
at tbo last meeting ol tbo Hoard ol Apportionment la
regard to the great number ol persons committed te
cliarllan.o Institution i by the police justice* Judge
Hixby wile red the loKowmg resolutions, which wart
adopted by a vole ol 4 to 3: ?
Resolved, I list sash folic Clerk shall, on or before the
ItHii (Jay ul dtt li rvwry nitiiiih, i?r? part*, ?r c?u*? U
plWparad, ill Uu|iiicntn ? written Biaiaiuam of wit par*
tuns eouaniltwd dariutf llm i>ia< r-.liuinutilli I ? reform %?
lory wiiii tuarllabia iubIHoti uis otliwr than savti aa wrw
tin- or the tnanatfemaftf of tlii Comir?i?sioi>?*rs of ClmriiUi
i? n>l Cor reel ion, wtiu ?f i? 1 i ?*u(J audi slaiaiuaul wiltiom aw*
Iwy t?? tim ( lark of tiia II ?wr? ol folic* Juiticsn. I tin
? tataniftit inu?i contain Ilia nam* nn?l rasidwwca of a*<*tl
romiilwiuant. lh?i naaia, r**i<laiir? au<J aga of thw per?wa
eomiuitni. oy wi?*i Ju tica |?>niniiitsd ami to what institu
tion. witfi dnts and caua* of cmuiitruant.
itsioiVed. I Hal the Clerk ol Hi* Hoard of Police Ju?tU?|
?hell or-parc Monthly, and msh?1 to thw Coruplruller, a
?twiam**(Jt of wil pa* sons e >nirn ttod b? ttie Justice* lo InatU
twit"ii* otliar than those otider til" control "I Ilia Oommls*
Honors ot lliiriliffi and i?rractiou. which itwtem-al
contain ilia name. re ?inane* and wir* of tha p -riui
j cmui milled. dale cailea and lilac# ol roiu intineiil, and hjr
| what Jueliia At the and of this elatam mt shall ho tddai
[ w tenia bUowIiik the nunihar of pareons ootniniltad hy awed
JnatiCif.
Juiiges Huffy and Murrey opposed the resolutions on
tbo ground that a record ol lb# commitments to all
' the institution*?those under the esre ot tbo Com
missioners ol ttiertiiee aed Correction as well?
should tie prt-pnr d ? tut sunt, it say rvcort ol lh?
stud at alt w:?* sent. Judge Murrey .aid lie though!
li w.i* time euough to Inrntib such mlornntlion wii -s
the Coief M sgi.usie caiieu lor ic It seemed to bim
ridicu.uua to oll>'r any statement to explanation ol
I the r official ui-tion wnen no atalcrnnnl was officially
calleu lor. Juug* Huffy Ibeu offerad to* loiiowiug
resolution, which *?? eieo adopted
Resolved, That tbli Beard Is <?( the eplaien that lb#
ewliJ'Cl uf miiimi to Hie reform <tery in?tll*iteat Is
I a Hi slier aft... Una eseh |u?t.r indi v.tiisti, tit I any >,??.
lees ?r vlulatl >n uf rtatr in Ihl. nitM ilss it * i|Mititt fee
I wlin It eat it Jut'.ice t? aealec.iag er vlalatiug duty It aleae
retfioBtinle.
Tb* api ointment ol Ubiel Clerk el tha Court el
j Sproisl Nes-iiot. a wee, by gcnersl eon tea I, postponed
till the iiteetieg la hep.ember. IM Heard Met
I adjourned.
END OF THE TKTHttt
Far some little ma* Captain Caffrey, of tb* First pro
otuci, has been on tbaiookuat lura wall dressed young
, n?n who has been vieumiglug downtown prodaee
; morcbAolg with well etevuied forged cheeks Hid
p an wea to purt'li.tee a small bill ol goods, leader lb
pay mem a lorged eheck !?r more Ibau the amount,
ami receive tire balance In money. The eheeaa la
every **>e purported to be signed by Maoy Ik Co. of
I'ark k THIoru. Ihev were tlrtwu on eltner tug
Hung ol ths Metropolis or the Broadway Hank.
TlW following Uruis were victimised in tint I
amounts, ranging from $10 to $6<!:?>Johl
Uibe.u .1 Cat, Hon. >\l llroa-i street
J. W. Uegraw, No. (Ml Ureenwich street; Hugl
McAieer, No. fl'j Hrond street | Levi Kvangtue, No. iw
WaHiitugiou street, ami William T. Youug, No. It!
Ilearle ei. Yeeter isy the young man was made prt*
mi r. Ho went iMe the store of b. K. Randolph, No,
04 I'eari si r?ei, ami purchasing a email bill of gootli
irnu?rvd u p>nuoni a client uy Macy A Co. tor $$?
Mr Itendoiph became suspicions and eeut for tbt
police, < epuiiiCi.ffrev and Helm live Hogati reepoude I,
and fvcoguiSed Iroin lb* deteriuiion the person whs
bad twin iiud the other Orma. rhey took blm to tbt
Tomot Police Coart, where eight compimnt* wero
voiered ag*in<i bnn. tbo prisoner g?ve bta nam* ad
Ttinoiiiy J. i.'itnau. Judge Wendell rtiaaaucd blm
pir exauiiustiou.