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6 TERMS OF THE TRIBUNE. TURKS OV SOSBORtPTtOK (TATAM.! 1* ADTAMOT). I v.-..:.; 8 §:88 Parts ot a year at tho ittna rate. To prevent delay and mliUke*. bo anre and gif® Post CD co addrea* In full. Including State and County. Aemlttancea may bo made ellbor by draft, ezproM, Poat OHoo oidor, or in reglatored laltera. at ourriak. TBRUfI TO OirZ BUDBOninKIIB. Tally, delivered, Sunday excepted S& oontr per week. Ballj, delivered, Sunday Included. 80 oonta per week. Address THE TRIBUNE COMPANY, Corner Medlion and Uearbom.su.. Chicago, 111. TO-DAY'S AMUSEMENTS. UOOTVT.Y’B THEATER—Ranrtolnb street, between I fork and LaSalle. Kngamniontof Tony Pastoreva oty-Troupo. Afternoon ami evening. M'VICKKR'S THEATER—MadIfon street, between Poatbocn and Suite. Kngogomoot of the LlDgam troupe. “La Testation." AOADRMYOF MUSIO-Halslm! street,between Mad ison and Monroe. Riißngemontof Davenport. As Irua Aram* and farce. Altemuon and evening. EXPOSITION BUILDING-Lakesbero, foot of Adame itroot. •* Paris by Moonlight." Afternoon and atoning. SNTT-THIRDBT. RASP! B A 1,1, OROUNDS looiblp gamo between (be Ualtitnoroß and Obi •ogoe.' SOCIETY MEETINGS. WM. B. WARREN LODGE, NO. 2(0 A. F. A A. M.- “7 .rdorur tho W. M. R DpNtoft Wat ©Bkroc. Saturday Morning, July U, 1874. Tho excitement in the city this month is a Chess Congress. Tho fact is eloquent. It tells mote forcibly than words can of the dull devil which has entered into and possessed tho world of amusements. Sevoa days oud twenty hours is tho recorded llmo in which a now steamer recently made tho passago across tbo Atlantic. Several steamers of tbo somo Huo have gono to tho bottom of tho ocean in quick timo. Tho motto of this company is “ Speed and safety,” not, as It should be, ” Safety and speed.” Prof. Blanc tested a now llylng-maohino in London yesterday. Tho experiment cost him his lifo. Wo are at a loss to account for the scien tific principles which required the Professor to launch out from a balloon at a great height from the ground. Mon with no nonsense about them would havo takon a first departure from tbo top of a fonco, and thou looked to Providence Tor encouragement. . Tho number of emigrants from tho United States to Europe is steadily increasing. Hard limes and want of work aro tho causes of tho movomen t,whiohhaa aoounterpart in all tho panio seasons known to American history. Wo could have retained thoso men by issuing largo quan tities of paper-currency; and wo could thon havo oujoyod tbo blessed privilege of all starv ing together a few years afterward. “Independent iu nothing” is a very comical watchword for this day and generation, yet it has boon given out by the party managers to tho loyal press. Evidently a now reading of tho linos has been agreed to. When the leading man tt&lm his devoted adherents, “ Will yo be slaves ?” they aro expected to answer, “Wo will, we will.” When ho demands, “ Will yo he freemen ?” thoir reply must bo, “ We’ll dlo first.” A good innovation iu tho postal system has boon made by tho authorities iu this city. It is tho attachment of letter-boxes to tbo street cars. Statistics prepared under tho direction of Assistant-Postmaster Squires show that thoso boxes havo been a great convenience to tho public, tho number of deposits made havo i™r*otuui oio«Uiy from tho start, and beyond all expectations. Thus, in October lost, tho first full month aftor thoir introduction, 39,080 loi ters were mailed in street-car boxes; and for 3ono, 1874, tho number was 164,113. Railway property is in England, as in some *yarts of this country, not a very paying invost- Jnent at tho present time. About six mouths ego railroad stocks began to decline thoro at an alarming r&to, and they are still sinking. It is mid that the dividends for tho first half of tbo year 1874 of English railway stock will bo unsat isfactory. Tho stocks havogonoon declining, too, spite of tho fact that tho price of coal and iron has fallen very considerably. This fall in tho Value of railway stock is duo to the diminished activity of trade. A member of tho Moderate Republican party In tho French Assembly submitted a resolution yesterday calling for a clear statement of Mar tha! MacMahou’a pretensions. Tho formal ques tion is wrapped m words, so that tho idea for )bo time eludes analysis j but tho substance of it is as wo have stated. Bcb&to on this inter pellation was postponed until the constitutional ollle come up for discussion. It seems hardly oecessary for the Marshal to repeat at this timo vhat ho has just said very clearly. French representatives at tho Brussels Con gress will bring charges against tho German Government for its conduct of tho war of 1870- *7l. Counter-charges will be mado by the Gor mans. If much rubbish of this description Is shoved into tho Congress, its deliberations will not bo of consoquonco ono way or another. No Peace Congress cap give to its regulations an cx post facto operation. Tho sooner a definite un derstanding about tbo mooting at Brussels be comes spread abroad among tho European Gov ernments, tho bettor for its prospects. The very vagueness of Us Intentions now threatens to de feat whatever objects it may have been origi nally designed to roach. Mr. J, D. Ward, Member of Congress from the Second (West Division) District, baa returned to the city, and yesterday expressed himself to our reporter in a manner that would have startled a strict party man a year or two ago. Mr. Ward says frankly that he wants to go back 'to Congress; that he prefers to go under the auspices of the Republican party, but that ho shall vote os be pleases; and, finally, intimates that if the Republican Convention docs not eoe fit to renominate him, ho will not hosltato, In case ho fools eo inclined, to maker an independent race. 'Whatever people may have ihoucht of somo of Mr. Ward's former political actions, there are few men who will withhold admiration for his present Independent spirit. Ho Is one of a good many living examples that show how much “party ” has been loosing Us hold within the poet two years. The Chicago produce markets wore generally stronger yesterday, with more business doing In breadstuffs. Moss pork was In moderate de mand and a shade firmer, closingat $16.BS(?pl8.00 dash, and 018.BO<g)18.65 seller August. - Lard was and timer, closing at per 100 lbs cash, and $11.37K toller Au gust. Moats wore moderately aollvo, ami a sbado Armor, at oJ!£@fls£o for sliouldors, $0.40 (or short ribs, for abort dear, and 10%® 110 for sweet-pickled bams. Hlghwinoa woro active and firm, at por gallon, Lake fi eights wore dull and easier, at 4o for corn to Buffalo, Plour was aulot and unchanged. Wheat was more active, and M o higher, cloning at oaali, and sl.lO Roller August. Corn was active and lo higher, dosing at Co%o cash, and 00%®00)£o seller August. Oats woro In good demand, and >ifo higher, dosing at id%o cash, 440 seller tho month, and 83%0 seller Au gust. Bye was quiet and flnnor at 800. Barley was excited and higher, closing at $1.07 seller September. Hogs wero active, and 100 higher, dosing firm at $5.C0®0.86. Cattle and shoep wero in fair request, and wero firm. The Commission appointed to govern tho Dis trict of Columbia temporarily has adopted a now order of things. Many dorks havo boon dis charged, among them eleven assessors; tho executive Quarters havo been vacated; direction has boon given for tho sale of all tho horses and carriages belonging to tho District, and it has been rondo a rule that ad contracts shall bo lot to tho lowest responsible bidder. Those changes have been made after a careful examination into tho affairs of tho District. They aro tantamount to a con viction of tbo Shepherd Itiug by competent and honest men. If this wore all, wo should havo gained nothing; for it would bo usoloss work to provo tbo old District Government a gang of thieves. A correspondent writes to bo informed bow much value should bo attaobod to tbo theories about the comet’s tail, which woro published iu The Tiudunk (as commuuicatious) on tho Oth Inst. Wo answer: 1. It is difllcult to understand how wo oould “soo”tho tall l( no such thing woro In oxist- 2. It is not now bollovod by scientific men that light is a subotauco which is capable of being w&rmod by friction. The attempted ex planation of tho immaterial theory must, there fore, bo rojoctod as fauoiful and absurd. 3. Tho theory is by no means now. Prof 'William Mitchell, of Nantucket, advocated almost precisely thoso views very clearly, and at con siderable length, in Silliman'a Journal, nearly forty years ago. The Ror. lleury Ward Bocchor has requested certain members of Plymouth Church and So ciety to examine Into “ tho rumors, insinuations, or charges ” respecting his conduct, which havo boon made by Theodore Tilton. His letter to this ond is dated Juno 27, two days after tho publication of Tilton’s loiter In tho Golden Age. Tho public will be surprised, and not altogether pleased, to lo&m that Mr. Beecher has named the men by whom ho wishes the inquiry to bo conducted. Wo should expect ono perfectly innocent, and confident of his ability to establish his innocence, to lay tho whole matter unreserv edly before bis church and society, and leave tho result to thorn. Accused persons are not, in ordinary cases, allowed to ohooso tho, jurors who shall pass judgment upon them; and wo aro nn ablo to soo in what respect Mr*. Beecher’s case is so peculiar as to demand a departure from usage. Another feature of the investigation which will bo unfavorably commented on is tho delay of the Committee in citing Theodore TUton. Ho stands iu tho relation of prosecuting wit ness, and should havo boon tbo first man summoned to give testimony. Tho fact is, however, that the investigation has been in pregross several days, and will prob ably bo concluded Ibis week, yet Mr. Tilton has not boon before the Committee. Tho objections which wo Lave urged to tho spirit of tho inquiry aro not fatal. It may bo conducted fairly, and with good results. In any event thoro can bo no doubt that Mr. Boeohorhas doao wisely in ac cepting tho aituatiou, and demanding a prompt investigation. BUSINESS PROSPECTS. All over tbo country wo hour tbo complaint of bard times, dull times, no profits in business, no money to be made. At tbo sumo timo the rato of interest Is uncommonly low, and tbo amount of money seeldug investment unusually large. Tbo dullness affects tbo lenders equally with tbo borrowers. Honey has boon offered in Chicago, on what is called cash security, at 5 per cent, without takers. What does it oil mean ? How docs it happen that money is plenty and yot ev erybody is complaining of bard times ? In order to answer this question wo must go baok to tbo period autonor to tbo panic. Wo shall then find a condition of groat apparent prosperity, unwonted activity in every depart ment of industry, with corresponding oxtrav ganco of living, and a lavish investment of capital in now enterprises—especially in rail roads. In tbo midst of this exuberance and abandon came tbo failure of Jay Cooke & Co., followed swiftly by other suspensions, and cul minating in what is now known as the September panic. The panic—that Is, tbo immediate terror —was. not of long duration, but, boing itself the effect of certain causes, tbo same causes have continued to pro duce thorn grist, although tbo element of frenzied alarm no longer exists. Tbo simple fact is, that there was loss capital in tbo country last September by some hundreds of millions of dollars thou was commonly supposed, for overy dollar invested in on unproductive railway or other non-paying enterprise was for tbo timo being sunk and obliterated os effectually as if it bad been dropped in Ate middle of the ocean. It was tbo sudden discovery of tbo fact that there was a largo amount of capital missing that caused tbo panto terror, and put nearly all the banks of the country into temporary sus pension. When the panio subsided the fact remained, and it is that which still afflicts business. Wo have not got eo much property as wo supposed, A vast amount of what wo thought wo had Is as idle us u painted ship upon a painted ocean. There are railways, even in the older States of the Union, whoso dully operating expenses ex ceed their daily receipts, Nor has this lavish and wasteful expenditure been confined to new railways. It is hut a few days since the start ling report was made by a committee that the Croat Western Railway of Canada, one of the oldest and most popular roods ou the continent had been “improved” up to a point where It could earn no more than the interest ou its bonds,—the improvements consisting of branch Hues and extensions. In other words, the property of oven this magnificent line has been temporarily lost to tbo world, for although the road still onswora tbo purposes of transit for which it was constructed, it is like any other machine which consumes as much as u produces from day to day and yields no surplus to Its owners. Ik U hardly possible that tide partlcu THE CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE: SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1874. lar road can long remain unproductive, but it is a fair illustration of the causes of those hard times. Nor have railroads boon tho only sin ners. Public and private buildings havo much to answer for. Tho whole country has over built, and Chicago is not singular In this regard, though tho reunite of overbuilding are rather more conspicuous hero thau elsewhere, by reason of tho fire. It’s no uso crying for spilt milk. What wo havo lost or put beyond our roach can only bo recovered by labor, economy, and patience. Havo wo soon tho worst of the strain, tho hard est of tho hard times ? It is not easy to answer this question, A theoretical answer cannot bo given. Wo can only watch tho course of busl nens and nolo the Improvement when It comos. Shortly boforo tho Ist of July thoro was a very perceptible change for tho hotter, which con tinued until a few days ago, when tbo soveto drought seemed to threaten tho corn-crop. This had a depressing effect which has not yofc been recovered from, although tho rocont rains havo • saved tho com and put tho farm ers in good humor. Theso beneficial show ers havo made all tbo difference between riches and poverty, between happiness and min* ory; ond it seems almost certain that tho pres ent dull summer will bo succeeded by & fairly prosporous autumn. Tho economy practiced during tho past nine months has loft tho coun try nearly boro of all articles of consumption ; and If tho prices of cereals continue good thoro must ho on aollvo fall trade. Tho lesson re ceived from tho September panic will guarantee us against any more reckless investments for a long time to come, and, as months and years go on, and tho country growaup to tho untimely rail roads and buildings which aro now, as it wore, hanging in tho air, the recovery will bo all tho more rapid by reason of their not having to bo built again. EXCURSIONS FOB POOB CHILDREN. Last summer tho free excursions organized in New York for tho purpose of giving poor chil dren a day’s pleasure in tho country attracted very general attention. The project rocoivod prompt opproval throughout tho country, and its results woro more beneficial than evon tho pro jectors could have expected. This year a move ment has boon sot on foot iu Chicago to tho same end. and wo vonturo tho prediction that it will not bo hehiudin tho gouorosity of its organi zation nor in the pleasure afforded to those for whose benefit it is organized. Wo print in our local columns a call fora preliminary mooting, which Is signed by L. Z. Loiter, Gotu Stager, W. F. Coolbaugh, Robert Collyor, and many othor gentlemen of largo- moans or high position. Thoso gentlemen cannot afford to attach thoir names to a call of this kind* without giving tho project aomo of thou* personal attention, and tho ; success of tbo undertaking is therefore assured. Tho mooting is to bo bold at tho offioo of tho Republic Life Insurance Company, Noa. 157 and 159 La Sollo street, on Monday morning next. Tho business men oro invited, with a particular request that all friendg of children bo present. Our business men cannot ignore such an in vitation. Tho opportunity of affording a day in tho country to children who rarely havo an hour’s rest or a moment's pleasure, and many of whom havo uovor boon beyond tbo city's limits, must appeal to ovory man and woman who pos sesses a penny to spare. After tho preliminary organization shall havo boon formed, therefore, wo suggest to tbo managers who shall take tho excursions in hand to provido some place, oosy of access, to which everybody may contribute his or bor mite to tho enterprise. Tho children of woli-to-ao parents may take down their littlo savings-banks and give part of their miniaturo capital for the benefit of othor children who neVor havo anything to savo. Mothers who cherish fond recollections of children who havo passed away will bo glad to part with somo of thoir pin-money in such a cause. Indeed, it will bo a bard heart and a scant pmso that will not open at such, an appeal. Thoro was never a time in tho history of Chi cago when excursions such as ore proposed would have been more grateful to tiro poor chil dren than they will bo during tho present summer. For somo months tho poorof thiacity, liko all other largo cities, have suffered greater deprivation than usual. The hard times and lack of employment have pressed thorn sorely, and thoir children havo shared thoir want and troubles. Many a homely comfort has boon taken away from thorn in tho common necessity for retrenchment. Tho season so for has been unusually warm, and bas more than likely brought weakness and disease among those classes huddled together in unsavory neighborhoods. More young children aro hard worked than rich and indulgent parents dream of. Pooplo who aro compelled to bo out lalo ©’nights may not unfrequently oncountor them, —weary, worn, and dejected,—sometimes afraid to go homo to cruel parents who will maltreat them for thoir inability to earn what was ex pected of them. It is not alono tho poor, but tho children of tho poor, that yo havo always with, yo ; and thoir littlo bodies suffer tho moro for thoir weakness, and thoir littlo hearts pain the harder for thoir lack of experience and philoso phy, . A day’s tost, pure oir, and uninterrupted fun this summer may savo many a lifo and bring sunshine into many a little soul that boa soon naught but darkuoss, Tho proposed excursions, therefore, must be a success. And that they may be numerous oud generous, lot tbo meeting next Monday be well attended, and let some plan be adopted which will ouablo everybody to contribute in money, food, transportation, or what-not, according to his moans. Our lake and handsome suburbs af ford delightful opportunities for chose excur sions, and the generosity of our pooplo will eoo that they axe well Improved. THE JUDGES IN THE WISCONSIN RAILWAY CASS. The Now York Daily Bulletin of the Bth has an article ou the Wisconsin Railroad law, review ing the decision of the Court that sat at Madison to hear the injunction case brought in the name of tho Chicago «t Northwestern Railway bond holders to prevent the enforcement of tho Potter law. Wo have sold that tho article la tbo Bulletin was a review of tho decision. It would bo more correct to say that It was an attack on the integrity and good faith of the Judges who gave it. Tho Bulletin says that tho Court did not, in their action, trout, or intend to treat, the question be fore them upon its merits t and that tho decision was buly what was to ho expected considering tho Granger Influence lu tho West. It speaks of tbo Judges as dependent upon political movements, and accuses them of hav ing shirked tho issue, aud evaded tho responsi bility of doing their duty, Tho action of tho Court, It alleges, was such that it saved Judges Drummond and Hopkins the risk of appearing to oppose the Grangers. Judge Davis, it says, did not himself behove ha his decision, and gives as a reason that he recommended that the ease e should bo carried Immediately to the Supremo Court of tbo United States, and that tho en forcement of tho law should, In tho interim* bo suspended. This recommendation It considers os proof that Judge Davis did not bollovo tho decision mado by Judge Drummond to bo good law. Wo are sorry to notice that any suspicion has been thrown on tho Court. There is no ground whatever for such aspersions as thoso made by tho Bulletin, In the first place, Judges of tho United Slates Courts aro not subject to political contingencies like the Stale Judges. Federal Judges aro appointed fop life. Thoir salaries cannot bo diminished after thoir nomination. They con bo removed from tho Bench only by doath or impeachment. It matters littlo to them what party is in power, Republican, Democratic, or Independent i whether tbo Granger or any other Influence is for thorn or against thorn. This may bo said of all tho Judges of tho United States, since tho temptations to which they aro subjected are reduced to a minimum by tho Constitution. But to Impute any motive other than tbo highest to tho Judge who deliv ered tho decision In that ooso is preposterous. Judge Drummond Is so woh known to tbo people of tho Wdst that If all the papers In tho country where ho is not known should unite with tho Bulletin to asperse him, It would bo impossible to produce tho slightest impression hero. Tho Bar of Judgo Drummond’s circuit will testify unanimously to his judicial carefulness, probi ty, impartiality, and learning. Ho is what every Judgo should bo, —one of iboso who would do Justice though tho hoavous should fall. Such is tho witness borno by all who bavo known him since ho began his distinguished career on tbo Boneb. * Wo did not, any more than the BuVelin , antici pate tbo decision which was mado in that case, and wo doubt whether it is conducive to tho prosperity of Wisconsin. It may bo that tho Supremo Court will not affirm Judgo Drum mond's decision, though wo think it will; but, whether it doos or not, no cloud will rest on tho integrity of tho Court that gave it. Judgo Davis' advice to tholitigantswasmoroly a friendly suggestion, and wo think a wipe ono. To say that ho did not concur In tho decision whon ho sat on tho same Bench and hoard it road and did not dissent, is as wild and wide of tho mark as tho suggestion that Judge Drum mond was under the influence of tho Grangers. THE DEMOCRATS AND THE INDEPENDENTS. Tho Rock Island Argus , whoso editor, Mr. Dauforth, is a member of tbo Democratic State Committee, noticing tbo discussions among tho so-called Democratic papers as to tho time and place for calling a State Convention, outers a protest against such a Convention. The Argus declares that there is no necessity for ono, and trusts that tboro will bo no mooting of the Com mittee, and declares, among other things, tbat “ West of Ohio there is no such party in tho field as tho Democratic party." Tho Monmouth Jiecim also opposes a Convention, and the Oqaawka Spectator declares tbat if a Conven tion be called no considerable portion of tbo Democrats will conntonanco it. AH thoso pa pers propose and urge, with more or loss ear nestness, that “ there bo no Democratic Conven tion, and no call for ono; that there bo an union with tho Independent Reformers," and the sup port of tho Democrats be given to Messrs. Gore and Ettor, thereby carrying tbo State and defeat ing tho Republicans, as thoy think can bo easily*dono. Among tbo reasons given by the Argtta for adopting ibis plan that tbo Democratic Con vention would bo dividod upon tbo currency and other questions, and might adopt an unmeaning platform, whereas, if such a Convention woro held it ought to adopt a clear and distinct decla ration In favor of specie payments, the exchange of greenbacks for coin by the Treasury, opposi tion to all legislation by Congress which can bo done by the States, and opposition to legislation regulating the habits or restraining tbo free dom of the people except for crimo. This plat form, tbo Arqua fears, might not bo adopted by the Convention, as it ought to bo, whiletbe nom ination of a third ticket would result in electing the Republican ticket. In the absence of any other authoritative dec laration on the currency question than that adopted by the Independent party, the adoption of its candidates will amount practically to an indorsement of tbo platform of that party. It is that very platform that has excited distrust and opposition, and driven a multitude of those disgusted with the Republican party away from tbo Independent organization. Nor can these pooplo bo made to vote in any way which will oven seem to indorse the policy of inflation and irredeemable currency. There is more at stake in this matter tban the mere election of one sot of candidates and the defeat of tbo other. Tbo character and credit of the State are involved. The pooplo of Illi nois cannot afford to have their good name tar nished by proclaiming themselves the advocates of perpetual shiDplasters. Roth public and in dividual credit would bo impaired thereby, and this would be an expensive price to pay for the election of tho two candidates nominated by the Independent Convention. It is not necessary that there should he a Democratic State Conven tion, nor that a thud ticket should be nominat ed, but there is a necessity, and a very urgent one, for a Convention which, oven though itmay conclude to votofor Messrs. QoreandEttor, shall also speak m unmistakable terms tbo language of good faith to tho public creditors, and shall dis tinctly aflirm tho true financial doctrine that there la and can bo but ouo standard of mouoy< and that tho standard recognized by tbo civilized nations of tbo world. There must bo a firm declaration in favor of a resumption of specie payments, and tboro should bo oe firm a protest against interference by tbo State with the social habits and personal freedom of tbo people. Having thus vindicated the character of tho peo ple of tho State, the conclusion to vote for the candidates of tho Independents will carry with it no offensive, false, or injurious implication of sympathy with inflation and with Irredeemable, lying money. Such a Convention may be called, stating its object and purpose, and no one, Democrat or other, need attend or participate unless bo is In sympathy with that object. Such action would in no way embarrass any proceed ings in local districts having for their purpose an union to elect persons pledged to reform. Tho wanton and unjustifiable destruction iff the buffalo on tho plains finds a parallel in tho needless waste of life in tho soal-iisbiug district, Thiuldug men have raised their voice in protest against tho reckless destruction practiced by mankind upon all sorts of property, animal and vegetable, which threatens rapid extermination. Tho description given by Capt. Gray, of tho steamer Eclipse, of a battue of seals Is a fright ful revelation. A pack of seals having Uca lighted) lb. ocotti oj In British ships wore lot loouo on thorn. In four days 10,000 seals had boon killed, 2.000 mortally wounded, making 13,000 old seals destroyed. Tho ouba which woro killed by tbo mossaoro of their mothers, aud loft without sustenance, numbered 12,000 more. In oil, 24.000 animals woro slaughtered for 800 tons of oil, half of thorn, at .tho leant estimate, being wasted. Anything mote sickening it would bo difficult to concotvo. WALLACE ON SPIRITUALISM. Wo have already called tho attention of our readers to two remarkable papers which ap peared in tho Fortnightly Beviaw from tho pen of Mr. Alfred Wallace, tbo eminent naturalist, on tho subject of Spiritualism, Tho foot that they are perhaps the ablest contributions over mado in advocacy of that strange creed, was suf ficient to entitle them to uotico. Mr. Wallace may have a bias towards Spiritualism. Wo bo liovo ho hast hut ho has also a scientific mind,— ono which, as a rule, docs not occopfc that for which there is no ground. A writer in tho Lon don Spectator of Juno 6, who seems to have a very wide acquaintance with tho lit erature of Spiritualism, and who informs ns that bo has attended something like twenty seances t some of them with celebrated mediums Ilko Mr. Homo and Mr. Foslor, reviews Mr. Wal lace’s articles, and makes a fow remarks about them which aro evidently just. Like Mr. Wallace, bo is evidently very much interested in tho subject of Spiritualism. Like him, ho has boon very pains taking to arrive at a rational explanation of its phenomena. Unlike him, howoVor, ho rejects tho doctrine, not being able to discover any rea son whatever why ho should accopc it. In all tho seances which ho attended, tho writer in tho Spectator assures us ho novor witnessed any phenomenon wbioh might not bo accounted for on the “ most ordinary and humdrum view of lifo." SUU, ho does not moot Mr. Wallace’s challenge by tho cry of “Inorod iblo nonsense!" Ho is able to explain away all tbo so-called phenomena of Spiritualism that has como under bis own immediate observation* Not so cosily, however, tho circumstance that men of undoubted acuteness, calmness, and honor testify to tbo oxistonco of certain extraor dinary and unexplained facts of a medium- Istio nature. That mon possessing such quali ties should bollovo in tho foots of Spiritualism and become converts to it, and tbat its newest converts should bo mon of a higher average calibre than tbo oarlior ones, is tho only surpris ing thing this writer notes in tbo whole history of Spiritualism, and bo is ready to admit that this alone is sufficient to moko it reason able to Inquire further and with greater coro into tbo alleged wonders of modem Spiritualism. Tho question to be solved in tho case of tho intelligent aud honest adherents of Spiritualism is how thoir illusion arises ; and, as Hr. Wallace’s critic remarks, a careful cross examination by investigators of some of tbo lead ing instances will bo ablo to show how it docs. Tho alleged facts, If true at all, aro highly im portant ones, no matter what their.explanation, whether they signify only a now physical force, a now field of volition, or a now ovidonoo of im mortality. The writer in the Spectator rightly finds fault with Wallace for saying that tho reality of tho facts ho alleges aro so indisputably proved that they do not want confirmation. Regarding Mr. Wallace's instances of spirit-photographs, ho says that an excellent photographer has assured him that, so far as they depend on mero scien tific guarantees, they aro good for nothing for (ho purpose for which they are quoted; that ho had himsolf examined tho facts carefully, and discovered fraud at work in thorn time aud again. However, it is with Mr. Wallace's asser tion, that If Spiritualism be true it constitutes “ a great moral agency which may yet regenerate the world," that his reviewer finds most fault. If, ho argues, tho phenomena alleged by Mr. Wallace do actually occur, and aro duo to tho agoncy of spirits which ouco lived upon earth, tbo principal inference from tno fact is “ that ninety-nine hundredths of the communications como to ns from tho moral rub bish of tho unseen world." This, oven Mr. Wallace does not deny, since he grants that “rub bish " is tho word which best expresses the intel lectual aud moral condition in which, perhaps, ninety-nine hundredths of those who are born into tho world loavo It. If this be not tbo explanation, wo must, then, infor that tho loss of bodily or ganization impoverishes rather than develops the faculties of spirits. A writer, Mr. Crookes, mentioned in our critic’s article, remarks that the “intelligences which commu nicate througn mediums aro possibly not human at all, hut may oomo from some other race of beings—Ariola aud Calibans—presumably below our level, not above it." That thoy may bo such or anything is possible, eindo no effort was ovor made to Identify them with the Individuals whom they represent themselves to bo. Spiritualism at Us best is but a faith In immortality, plus the excitement of receiving a series of absurd commu nications from tho other side of the grave; and, as the writer In tho Spectator shows, it is no great spiritual gam to believe that, after wo shall h&ve shufllod oil our mortal coil, wo shall bo endowed with tho glorious facul ty of knocking about our friends’ tables, showering flowers upon them, of giving thorn a lock of spiritual hair, appearing in a misty cylinder with our head just dimly visible at one end, of playing on a harmonium, ringing . bolls, untying Knots, or making musical instru ments move about a darkened chamber. If the phenomena of Spiritualism prove anything, they testify to tho oxistonco only of a lot of in visible beings distinguished as acrobats, simple tons, and liars, purporting to have been once mon like ourselves, and to have been acquainted with ourselves, with our parents, friends, or first cousins. That mon of gomus like Wallace should believe in it proves of itself nothing,—ex cept, perhaps, thatgeniusisnosafoguard against deception. If Hr. Anthony Conißtook, tho amateur detec tive, hud happened In Georgia lost week, ho would have found a glorious opportunity to keep his name huforo the publlo, hut an the matter now goes, tho postal authorities have' autici patcdbim, ami tho opportunity has gone by, Tho stupid little city of Atlanta has boon roughly shokon by a woman who bus, ao uho claims, boon subjected to a great many slights by her follow citizens. Presumably sho occupies a fair social puuitiuu, for bor huaboud is described as “ a well-known merchant." If not, Insane, this lady illustrates tbo full fury of a woman Boomed in a manner at once novel and alarm ing, namely, by writing on poatal-oarda and un sealed letters the moat hare-faced charges of in trigue against the bost-Knowu people in Atlanta. Of course, such wholeaalo oalumuy oould pro duce but a slight effect in tho Judgment of any thoughtful person, but tbo design wu6 neverthe less sutUoleutly malignant to ho termed devilish. The motive which prompted tho woman to thus attempt tho discomfiture of the most deserving psoplo in khs city appears to haya been pique, which amounted to a has boon hoard to declare that iho bad rocolvod many alights from Atlanta ladles, and intended to revolutionize society In that city. From tbo description, oho probably moved in tho boat circles of society. The dosporaloncss of bur remedy for nodal neglect makes her ao phenomenal In thoso days of Laura Fairs and Nancy Oloms. Tlio city ia not unnaturally nox ious to rid Itaolf of so disagreeable a member of society, Population is about all its citizens hove loft. Ono of tho first of tho ecclesiastics! masquer aders of tho English Church, tho Pov. A. H. Mookonoobio. Hector of St. Albans, has boon cited before tbo ancient Court of Arches.—a tri bunal wboao characteristics are power and Imbe cility. Tho offender has boon tried for llltual- Ism many limes, but tho Court has boon unable to prevent his fantastic dressing or teachings. Tho last summons found him in a state of lofty contempt for any court, and be signified his in tention of utterly ignoring tho tribunal; but, on mature reflection, ho has decided to appear under protest. Ho argues that the Court of Archea is not a spiritual court, Inasmuch as it has at sundry times boon subjected to tho ruling of secular courts, and that ho is there fore not bound to submit to its decisions. In other words, he thinks that, while tho Court oau summon and sentence him, ho would bo unau thorized by tbo touchings of his Church to recog nize tho sentence. Ho far bo has boon consist ent, but tho judgement of tho Court has iuvan bly boon tempered with the mildness of un certainty. His protest is, however, a direct challenge, and tho question of tho authority of tho Court may finally bo settled. Hhould tho reverend gentleman bo “unfrocked" from tho English Church, it is probable that ho will head another and extreme branch of tho Reformed Episcopal Church, which will have nothing in common with its American cousin but dislike. Tbo Rov. Canon Cooper 1b the champion of the crab, tho liberator of tbo lobster, tbo savior of tbo shrimp. At tbo recent intoraational con gross of Boclotlos for tbo provoution of cruelty to animals, in England, tbo Rov. Canon gavo notico that bo would “movoa resolution condemn ing tbo practice of boiling lobsters, crabs, and shrimps." Wo presume the word “ olivo " Is loft out. But this Is a serious matter, and tbo humanitarian divine will find himself minus something more than hie lobster salad and shrimp sauco. Crustaceans aro among tho favorite ammunition of English Can ons and curates, and who so dares to abolish tbo chief staple of tho Rector's lunch tablo will have to settle it with tho Rootor. Of course, no docent housekeeper trill buy lobsters, crabs, or shrimps which havo died a natural death. Fishmongers will not oven attempt to sell dead lobsters which have not been killed by scolding. Wo may soon expect to And a hint of too much co-operation convoyed to tho Rov. Canon in tbo words of Hamlet to Polouius; “ You aro a fishmonger," working la tho inter ests of fishmongers. The New York Witness, a religious daily paper, commenting ou thoßeoolior-Tiltou case, draws a distinction between tho cases of King David and that of a modern clergyman. It assorts that “King David could continue to bo Kiiig after publicly confessing his sin intbo mattorof Uriah, —a sin compared with which almost any other appears venial; bat a preacher could not con tinue to act as such after confessing any sin of unclsannesa." Having thus as a moralist pro nounced such an olTonao unpardonable in a cler gyman, it further on, os a theologian, says: We nrs more troubled by Mr. Doccbor’a terrible lax ity in doctrine than by h!a alleged slu la this mutter. His errors in doctrine aro repeated and peruiuted in, and, Judging from ble reported utterances on Sunday last, they ate growing worse and worse. So, ia tho Judgment of tho Mr. Beecher's heterodoxy is more fatal than an in fraction of morals would ho, and which, if pub licly confessed, would drive lam from tho pulpit 1 Tho managers of the St. Louie bridge celebra tion have reason to bo mortified at the exposure which followed the failure of the fireworks. It seems that SIO,OOO was voted for fireworks, and for that sum a magnificent and gorgeous display was promised. But the Committee privately contracted to pay but $<1,500, still advertising to the public the SIO,OOO show. Iho Committee have boon detected and exposed, ou the one hand, in their swindle on tho public, and, on the other hand, in being bamboozled by tho con tractor, who was simply treating them to tho same false pretenses by which they wore de ceiving the other greenhorns. Gen. Crook, according to tho Tucson (Ari.) Citizen, employs Indian weapons for the punish ment of Indians. Tho free blanket and musket theory he has found radically defective, while tbo musket-ball and bayonet are more useful. Tho murder of Lieut. Alray and tho massa cres at Camp Giant stirred Oon. Crook up to tho punishment of three Chiefs, Ohuutz, Fadro, and Coohmay. The heads of those noble red men woro demanded as tho only terms of peace by him. Ho has already received those of tbo Iwo latter, with a promise that tho first-named warrior shall Join his brethren shortly. NOTES OF THE CANVASS. An Alabama letter in tbo Atlanta (Ga.) Herald predicts that Alabama will, iu November, go Auti-Bopnblican by from 7,000 to 12,000 majority; that George S. Houston (long timo in Congress before tbo War) will bo tbo next Governor; aud that tbo next Congressional delegation will bo ilvo Democrats to tbroo Republicans. —Tbe woes of a Southern .Republican (white) Congressman are expressed by Mr. Clinton L. Cobb, of North Carolina, a candidate for ro-oloo tion, who says to bis friends: *• If Igo for tbo Civil Bights bill, lam beaten; and, if I don't go for it, lam beaten; and what in tbe h—i am Ito do?" —Tbe Louisiana Republican State Convention (Marshal Packard's) is called at Now Orleans, AUg. 5. * —Tbo Toledo Slade utterly denounces and re pudiates Isaac B. Sherwood, tbo Congressman for that district, and says, iu one of its bitter paragraphs: As Mr. Sherwood is likely to bo tbe Republican nom inee fur Congress this lull, tbe Humtu-rncy will buve the advautugo of us iu the mutter of Unices, no mut ter who iboy nominate. —Congressman Dunaoll'a political contractors, In Minnesota, have been “hauling sand’* to good pui pose. Duuuoll carries ail tho Republi can primaries, so far, and hlu nomination (but not his election) is assured. —Sumps is named by the New Orleans Repub lican as an “ able elotosiu&u " of the Kellogg Legislature, and a coming Congressman of Lou isiana. But it seems to us we have heard of Stamps in Congress already. —/•There appears to Ls some bitterness of feel ing omoug Republicans in the Seventh Congres sional District of Illinois, The itouiaii County liL'cord says t Wa notice the name of 0. A. 11111, of Joliet, is men tioned, with his consent, an a cauifiduto for Ouugrtss before the Republican Convomiou of this dlbinct, when It convenes. Wo have no.lilugjigaluht Mr. Uhl. —be Is doubtless a flue muu; but, if Kendall and Grundy act Justly, they w.U never consent to hike a candidate from Will County. Let LaSalle have it. WUi County has twice used us shamefully, when wo offered u man who was, and Is uuw, the jH'er of suy muu In the district; and we were played with and put aside like children who hud no riguu, No man from Will County should represent tnls district in Congress, and it Is nut probable ihut either of our small counties will put up u csudidute (us it would bo of no use), but let LuHuilb have it lor bit time. —Of the political situation in Massachusetts, the Boston Advertiser says j Many j-oraous lu ilftißuchuiotts, who havo uiually coutriuuted to liu lorgs Republican majorities, Lave cumulo buduvo that the Republican patty needs the discipline of defeat. Ihero may not bo enough of thtm to lidminidtor the discipline, oven if the uitenmuvo wore entirely taalafictury to them; but it would lo folly to deny (hot the number in largo enough to make their cuui'bo iu tho coming election uu elomuut of con siderable interest. —ln bis speech before the Clinton County (Iowa) Republican Convention, Congressman Cotton sharply assailed the editor of tho Daven port Oaxelte, and gave his views us to the man ner lu which the editors of party-papers ought not to behave themselves. More than one man eeema to think that the winning oard for a Con- großßtonal candidate this year is to publicly at tach party editors. It may be*a good thing to got a nomination, but it remains to bo soon how muon it will nolp a man In scouring an election. Wo ore sorry for all our brethren editoiial who cannot get along raorrllv with their Congress men, but Binl wo presume we do not know how to sympathize with them properly.— Dcs Moina Register. —That popularity which Congrcßsman Cotton gained in tho Second District by his votes on th® • currency question will, wo have every reason to bollcvo, secure him tho nomination again, and those articles which have been so Industriously concocted to prevent hta success in convention will merely serve to defeat him at tho polls. Tho knowing ones who study tho slates givo him evon now a majority of throe, supposing all not board from should bo in opposition. A. different course on tho same question has effectually settled Senator Wright as his own successor. Ho for onco made a wrong estimate, and, while en deavoring to pleaeo tho farmers, forget to ascer tain how they stood on tho inflation question. Thinking to carry all before him, ho ctuWvoiod to mold tho Dos Moines Convention to his Views, and in full caucus spoko for over an hour, morel; to discover that ho had not scoured a single voto. This has uumbotod his days in tho conn, oils of tho nation, *and Iho Jaoet Inflation may bo inscribed on hla tomb.— Davenport Democrat, —Tho Inter- Ocean Is easily satisfied. In tho resolutions of tho Indiana State platform it finds its views represented. Likewise in thoso of Illinois. Likewise now m thoso of lowa. Cut the only way it finds Us views ropiosontod in the lowa resolutions is to misrepresent tho reso lutions. It says substantially that the resolu tions call for expanded currency now and specie rosumptlon horoaflor. The resolutions do nothing of tho kind. The Jnter-Ocean knows they do not. They demand tho payment of (ho (iovonunont s obligations In ouln, reiterate the resolutions of MS and ’72, embracing speedy to* sumption of apcclo paymont, and demand a free banking system, based upon specie-resumption nt such time as is consistent with the material and industrial interests of tho country. Then is not tho scintilla of any intent in the platform favoring inflation now and specie-resumption hereafter.— Keokuk Oale City. —The St. Louis Globe is violently opposed toi third term, to which, of oomso, no one has tni very serious objection; but a brief paragraph in tho Democrat, of tho same city, lots tho caf out of tho Globe bag, as follows: “The Olobi neglected to mention, as an interesting foot in history, that our article of Monday last wai written by Senator Morton on tbo fly-loaf of I letter to him from Mr. McChtselem, In which that stem and incorruptible patriot tendered M Mr. Morton his support, and that of tbo Globe. for tbo Presidency in 1870. Wo trust wo violaU no confidence in mentioning* tbo touching his* toricol reminiscence." Tho young editor of tht Globe, as long ss wo can remember him, alwayi had a genius foe intrigue and a hankering after President-making. Senator Morton ii probably aware of his poor success in tuat line ol business; hence tho declination of his support in 1870. Washington National Republican, TEMPERANCE. Xlte Temperance Question lii Olaom* iiißtun, Ell* Svteial Diepaich to The Chicago Tribune . Bloomington, HI., July 10. —The ordinances now lo force in this city prohibit tho sales of liq uor in quantities less than ouo gallon, and in no case must it bo sold to bo drank on tbo prom isee whore sold, so when Bloomingtonlans would wash down their gullets with foamy beer they form a syndicate, throw ino a hat their subscrip tion, and buy a gallon of beer, which is removed from the promise, and drank, oftentimes in tho street. To-day. Otto Kadghiu, a well-known saloouisc, was lined SIOO for selling boor to parties, knowing that it was thole intention to drink it in an adjoining alloy. Gon. Bloomilold, City Attorney, read various decisions of the Supremo Court, showing that 14 about the premises " includes the streets in front and on the sides of the place where liquor is sold. A man named Coocloton was unsigned to-day for keeping a tippliug-houso. He does not sol* liquor, hue allows parties to bring it to bis place to dxiuk. Decision not given, but it is presumed that it will bo against Congluton, ad the tido hex fully sot in in that direction hero. The Ladies' Temperance League have math arrangements to hold open ate meetings every unday afternoon, bogSiuuing next Sunday! io the Comt-Huuso yard. THE CROPS. •Reports from Various Parts of tbo (Vorttiwowt. Special DUpalch to The Chicutjo Trfburu. Likcolk, Nob., July 10.—There are brilliant prospects of an excellent crop. Wheat in this section was partially destroyed by tho storm Wednesday night. In tho southwest part of this couuty, the had passed through a strip 2 miles wide and many miles long, utterly destroying all tho wheat and badly injuring tbo corn. Quo man lost CUO acres. Some smaller farmers woro completely ruined by tho storm. Several bams woro struck by lightning and several homes woro killed. Special Dievatch to The Chicago Tribune. Sohoolcbaft, M.cb,, July 10.— The wheat harvest in Schoolcraft is fully onc-Ualf done* The weather has been good, and the crop is be* mg gathered in splendid condition. The yield will be 20 bushels per aero as an average. Oats and corn are doing well. The small-fruit crop is exceedingly largo, and prospects for apples and poaches are bettor than it has boon for five yours. Correspondence 0/The Chieaoo Tribune. W-vtboh, Mo., July 8. —Wheat about half a crop. Oats and barley are good. From piouoot prospects, will have less coru than last year, ou •account of extrema dry weather, The drought extends north and west Home 200 miles, and, unless we hare a radical change m the weather In a tow days our corn, will bo an entire failure* CorrctDonUeiueji/'Tue Chicago 'J'runint, VmoiNiA, Cass Co., HI.. July B.—This seo. tion was visited to-day by a heavy fail of. rum. which makes all Nature look gay. Crops of all kinds promise well. Fall wheat is nearly all to tbe stack, and tbe promise or an abundant yield will bs fully redeemed. Coru bids fair to yield an abundant return to tbo husbandman, if the cliiueh-bug abates its efforts ; aud tbe tarn of to* day promises to stop tbe ravages of this post, for a time at least. Taking Cass Couuty over, tbo prospects of the farmer are most flattering. Business of every kind is brisk, aud our trades* people are in good spirits. THU INDIANS. Reports of Further Oiitrmre*. Washington, July 10,—Tbo following Indian news was received this morning by tbe War De partment: Maj. Blunt telegraphs from Fort Laramie to tbo Omaha headquarters, under date of Juno 20, that a freighter reported being fired at that morning by a party of Indiana, near Eaglo'a Nest. Capt. Cain, commanding at Fort Fotterman, W. T., telegraphs to Omaha, July 8. that citlzeuo bauliug wood report being brad upon that morning about daylight by six Indians; also that) at noon, 10 miloafrom tbo fort, a man named JcstO Hampton was shot In tbo bioast and dangerously wounded by a party of eight Indians, supposed to be Bioux. Exaggerated! . Sverial Dispatch to The Chicago Tribune, St. Paul, July 10.—Later informs ion re* duces the preparations of, the Indian attack o« Si, Joseph, tu Northern Dakota. It appears now that seven Indians wore engaged. Thost* contented thomaolvcs with killing u half-brood family with whom they had a long-standing quarrel, and stealing a few loose horses willed came in their way. The excitement at Pembina and vicinity is oil over. A LOAN WANTED. Special Dltpatch to The Chieaoo Tribune, Bloominutoh, 111., July 10.—It is said that ap* plication is to be made by the Supervisors of Livingston County to brokers of this city foe SIOO,OOO, to bo borrowed on county bonds, for the purpoaft of rebuilding the Court-House at Pontiao, destroyed by lira on the Fourth. Since 1871 the credit of tbut county iu this part of iho State aud iu Ronusy Wauia has boon decidedly below par, aud sho may now And herself in a dilemma. Iu Liviiilngstoii County borrowed on ton-year bonus SCO,OOO la secure the location of the Reform School at Pontiao, and did secure said location by that loan. After paying one yoar’e interest, the Supoivisors, thinking there was a chance to have the loan declared illegal and un constitutional, applied for and received a toty porary injunction against further paymout. H* time the injunction woe dissolved, and then- by popular vole of the outlie people of the cfonty, the Supervisors were instructed to ca*y *bl si .i to the Supremo Court. The suit van car* lied up, and, on the strength of thf decision, the bonds, interest and principal, w*re repuat* ated, ait act which at the tune exolpd much to dlguullon, and le now likely to wewU «u IhoM who ooueooUd and maneuvered it-