The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 2

CURRENT EVENTS. SUPERVISORS. CHARITIES. GREAT GROWTH TEDNESDAY EVENING. DECEMBER 30.

1885. Kir.t Bnrni Local Xliis Paper lias (he Iartreat Circula Bocw Hon of any Evening Paper Published Bv'iirilM nc Stalos. It as an raeainm in therefore op. xcess Femi 'arent. larfm mitting to the imposition upon him of a set of bone hunters and tide waiters, who are in the party only for what personal profit they oan derive from the association and who seek committee places for the advancement of their individual fortunes.

To the end that wholesome discussion may replace a great deal of windy and profitless talk he will endeavor" to restrict debate within reasonable limits and confine the sessions of tho body to questions legitimately related to the purpose for which it is croated. In the directions we have pointed out the honest delegate can effectively serve his party. By pursuing nn opposite course, and clinging to tho old forms, he will render it impotent, not only to assume responsibilities in government, but to discharge the functions of a properly constituted opposition force in partisanship or administration. There are two remedies for the abuses, of which some account was given yesterday by the Eagle, practioed in connection with that provision of law which allows suits for injuries to be brought by very poor people without liability for any costs of the proceedings whether they succeed or foil. The provision is a proper one.

If an impoverished person is run over and hurt by a car or a wagon there is no reason why he should not recover just compensation from the corporation or private owner as well as one who has money to pay counsel and court feos. But there are lawyers who take advantage of the humane section of the statute to. encourage speculative suits with the hope of worrying defendants into a settlement. If the scheme fails they lose nothing, because under the law neither they nor their clients are liable for costs. One remedy is for respectable lawyers to throw ovor the bar or otherwise to discourage these unprincipled shysters.

The other remedy, and a simpler ond more practicable one, is for every judge, before allowing a suit to be brought in forma pauperis to take the trouble to ascertain whether there is reasonable ground for the action, instead of merely taking a speculative attorney's word or oath for it. by the height from which they had been oast. That measure made their catastrophe as signal as their success had been. Some of those, of whose talents, ambition, credulity and temperament Tweed made a dynamic use, proceeded, when thoy came to themselves, to make what amends wore in their power. Revealing timo has discriminated tho weak from the wicked and the victims from the principals.

The knowledge and wisdom of Samuel J. Tilden and Charles O'Conor and Wheolor H. Peckham enabled them to set the ring ogainst itself and to differentiate, the degrees of blameworthiness. The finance department was instantly turned over to justice and every aid was supplied to enlighten those who were seeking the truth. In the same spirit Sweeny himself is declared to have submitted all his accounts to scrutiny.

Oakey Hall, then Mayor, now a London lawyer, stood an inquiry which relieved him of legal responsibility. Only Tweed beliovod in his power to overthrow the facts and to prostrate the law. His arrest, escape, return and death need no more than to be recalled. Tho work of exposure, punishment and restitution was followed by the recreation of new oligarchies and new rings by some of the reformers themselves. New' York City has experienced a change of bosses and not very much improvement in the wisdom of her government.

If moro circumspection has been imposed on the now rings, the art of doing something for the city, even while doing more for themselves, which tho old ring possessed, has not been inherited by the regime which built itself up on the ruins of its predecessor. Public morality, however, has increased step by step with political stupidity, and the sodden successors of bold and brilliant men are restrained from a full imitation of the latter more by fear than by conscience. Mr. Sweeny's return, with a resolution "to keep out of politics," curiously coincides with a condition of politics and government in tho Metropolis which must bo a strong temptation to men of brains to unite for its overthrow, not only to lay bare tho hidden dishonesties, equaling thoso of old in public belief but also to end the theory that the politics of a great city can long bo conducted without a suspicion of brains anywhero at work in its executive management and executive offices. The Old Story of Rapid Tranuit.

The injunction proceedings against the Kings County Company are just what was to bo expected, though they are none the less exasperating for that reason. The history of rapid transit for the last dozen years shows that there are people always ready to resist a great public improvement on private, selfish grounds often on an assumed personal interest which really haB no existonco. The only elevated railroad now in operation in this city encountered repeated obstructions, although the hostility to such improvements was less bitter along the out of the way lino of the Brooklyn Company than upon moro frequented thoroughfares. It would not be worth while to quarrel with private grounds of interference, however Belfish, where they were substantial. A citizen cannot he asked to sacrifice 1,000 to an enterprise affecting many millions of dollars unless he chooses to do so.

What anuovB every right minded man of ordinary publio spirit is the vexatious and unnecessary interposition of obstacles when no personal interest is really threatened. If the citizen's lot should bo damaged to the extent of $1,000 he would have a nerfeet claim against the com from tho fact that a seat in Parliament now costs a successful candidate a fortune, and that tho resources of at least one faction, the nationalist, are exhausted. Tho Tory programme, according to the despatches, will simply put aside tho homo rule question, as it relates exclusively to Ireland, and substitute for it a general ineasuro, applicable to tho three kingdoms. In case an amendment to the Queen's speech is moved, looking to a definite and immediate concession of home rule to Ireland, an offort will bo made by the Government to coorce members into defeating it by a threat of dissolution, and, should this fail, Parliament will be dissolved. The alternative of this most heroic treatment is, of course, to let the quostion como up and meet defeat in tho Houso of Lords, but Mr.

Gladstone is too dangerous a tactician to be trusted with a single advantage. Should he assume tho responsibility of government and appeal to the country on the home rule question the tenure of the hereditary rulers would be endangered. It is quite possible that by systematic excitat ion of the imperial spirit Hodge could be induced to reconsider his vote and save tho country by defeating home rule, particularly as the Whigs would not be likely to make strenuous efforts to convince him to the contrary, and the Nationalists would have all they could attend to in finding the sinews of war for a second engagement. In other words, dissolution would aim to starve out the Nationalists and scare tho recently enfranchised into a support of the Tories which they failed to give a month ago. Mr.

Gladstone's Birthday. The extreme age to which European statesmen live without impairment of their faculties is a theme which has so often been exploited that one hardly dares to refer to it. Two events, however, of very recent occurrence, lead the mind back to tho subject for a moment. One of these is the re election for a seven years' term as Presideut of the French Republic of a man who at 78 is in full possession of mental and physical vigor the other is the seventy sixth birthday of Mr. Gladstone, which was celebrated by him yesterday in a characteristic way.

Emperor William the other day, despite his octogenarian weight of years, was able to make a public referenco to his great age, and perhaps to look almost patronizingly upon his youthful Chancellor, who, in his seventieth year, is still a man of blood and iron. Without going beyond the watery ramparts of Great Britain or the recollections of half a generation, wo shall find no fewer than three primo ministers who have lived to extraordinary age Lord Palmerston, Lord Beaconsfield and the vigorous leader of progressive British statesmanship who carried on with the latter the most interesting dnel iu modern English history. Aggression is rarely found in age, and in that particular quality" Mr. Gladstone is as young as when he startled Europe by his first writings. Approaching the close of his fourth scoro of years, he is the hope of the rising generation, the audacious apostle of justice and advocate of democracy.

To him at last after many vicissitudes of confidence and distrust tho Irish people have aain turned for the righting of centuries of wrong, and in support of him the thinking men of the empire aro at one in the struggle for emancipation from the fetters that, medieval morality and the selfishness of ignorance have put upon tho people. If the feudal system hates him, as ho in turn detests it, ho has his reward in the affections of the people. If his life is spared until he has completed his eightieth year he will probably have the satisfaction of seeing the three kingdoms enjoying local self government in peace. pany building the road and could collect the money. In such circumstances to procure an injunction and to stop an important work of construction, befo any injury was done to 'iiim, it was known that any would be done, and while he had a perfect remedy Inordinary methods of litigation, would be an afSEf5rernbVw iitrago, even if he had a technical right to the writ.

The position offiS BsStoward the Kings. County is a very 6imple one. It cares not a straw for the particular organization or for the individuals who compose it. It has merely contended that any company which Offers to furnish the cit3' with rapid transit and shows its capacity for the business should be allowed to do so upon proper conditions. Terms should bo made with the first competent corporation which conies forward with Buch a proposal.

As the Brooklyn Company, after a long delay, went forward and built its load whilo others were talking, so now the Kings County at last stops talking and prepares to build a more important line. The only wise course for the city, having settled the questions of good faith and financial Btanding, is to let the work go on. But now come Mary Duane and six others and ask that the movement be peremptorily Stopped and the whole business be thrown into confusion. It does not appear that any one of them will be injured to the extent of a single dollar by the construction of this lino. On the contrary, it is altogether probable that the value of their property will be vastly increased by an improvement in which tho entire city is concerned and from the failure of which Fulton street would be the chief sufferer.

These litigious persons rest their application for an injunction on public considerations. They allege that the Kings County has not (he right to build a road. It certainly will build unless Duane and the other jjIainti.Vs in the injunction suit, or other like obstructionists, succeed in stopping it. But what have these plaintiffs really to do with the question of corporate right If the lino should be opened and hundreds of dollars should be added to the rent collected by each of them, they would be quite willing to waive this question. On the other hand, in tho highly improbable contingency of injury to their houses and lots from the road, all they need care for is the recovery of damages, and for this the law provides ample means without resort to an injunction.

There are just two parties concerned in this question of corporate right the city and the company itself. As the Each.e has always eon tended the municipal officers should be satisfied of the regularity of any rapid transit applica tion before they grant it. Is it to be supposed that Mayor Low would issue formal authority to the Kings County to builtt four miles of road on the. principal highway of Brooklyn if its proceedings wore irregular, if its very existence were in doubt Would ho encourage such a movement without first ascertaining, for himself and through his municipal counsel, that the company was sound and solvent and that the movement was in every respect legal and regular On the other hand, is it credible that the men who have put their money into the Kings County, or who have made large contracts with it, or who have deliberately taken the successive steps which commit thorn to an undertaking measured by millions of dollars, would omit to raake it clear beyond porad venture that the standing of tho company under the law Tras unimpaired and its rights remained in full force, before going through what else would prove a solemn and costly fare But, however those speculative inquiries moy be answered, it is plain that they concern the city and the company, and not the plaintiffs in the suit just begun. Their inter est is restricted to tho private one of possible damages to their property, and for such a Wrong there is ample redress without the proposed gross abuse of the remedy by injunction.

It is not worth while to consider here the technical points of the plaintiffs' counsel. There is nothing new in Ihem. They have for years formed part of the discussion of the Kings County's affairs. The representatives of the company contend that early defects in their proceedings, if there were any, have been cured by the later procurement of consents of the owners of more than half the property in value on the line of the road, and that tho unfavorable fiction of the Common Council in the matter counts for nothing if the proceedings are substantially regular. There is upon the whole ao reason to take this injunction suit out of a familiar class of vexatious measures intended simply to defeat rapid transit.

Until the ob 3truetionists are fought down Brooklyn must content itself with horse cars. In his absence. The one provides for tho conclusivo offoct of payments made and only entered in tho pass book, and the other for payments mado In his absence to a third person having possession of tho pasa book. This provision requires the depositor's written order to accompany the pass book. Tho fair implication from this provision la that no other payments to strangers aro contemplated or authorized.

Hxvretsio uiu est cxclwsio alteriue. "Any other construction of the bylaw would render tho clause referred to uumoaulng and Inoporativo. If tho batik wore authorized to make payments to a stranger having possession of the paBS book alone, the provisions authorizing the bank also to make payments to a stranger not only having possession of tho pasa book but also of tho depositor's written order would bo useless and unmeaning. It is the duty of a court to givo offoct to all of tho provisions and language used in framing a law if it is susceptible of such a construction, and thoy aro procludod from giving it such an effect as will render any of its clauses inoperative or ineffectual. Such a construction as we havo indicated is tho only which gives a legitimate operation to the clause roforring to a written order.

This case is not affected by tho decision in Schoenwald vs. Metropolitan Bank (57 N. 418), and similar cases, where tho language of the contract was substantially different. "There the language of tho bylaw plainly Implied and provided for payments made to othor persons than tho depositors and gave a signification to the word payments which included strangers having possession of tho passbook. The conclusion reached by us as to the authority conferred by this bylaw upon tho bank in making payments renders it unnecessary to refer to tho other quostions in the case.

It may not, howovor, bo inappropriate to say that we are also of the opinion that within tho cases of Boono versus Citizens' Savings Bank, 84 N. 88, and Allon versus WUliamsburgh Savings Bank, 69 N. 321, tho Court below erred in refusing to submit tho questions to the jury as to whothor, upon the ovldonco in the case, tho defendant exercieed reasonable caro aud prudence in making tho alleged paymonts. It follows, of course, from this that tho Trial Court also orrod in excluding ovideuce tending to show tho want of care and prudence on the part oi the bank fn disbursing tho plaintiff's funds. The judgment of tho (Jeneral and Trial terms should be rovorsed and a now trial ordored, with costs to abido the result.

All concur except Miller absent. Jamea Troy, counsel for plaintiff and appellant; Roifo, Borgon Snedeker, attorneys for defendant and respondent W. Cogswell, of counsel. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS. Santa Claus Makes Hi Appcaranco in the Lewis Avenue Contrregratioual Church.

The Lewis avenue Congregational Church, at tho corner of Lewis avenue and llonroo street, was uncomfortably packed last evening at tho Christmas colobration by tho Sunday school children, undor tho able management of Mr. James Tollor and Misa Carrie A. Stoddard. The ontortain mont opened with a chorus by tho school, and after a prayer by the pastor tho following programmo was rendered OhristnlRS Greeting Maud de Forrest Song Josus once was a littio child" lufnnt Class Daiey Thomas Recitation TUroo Little Mushrooms" Elsiu Allon Ida Toller Recitation "Tiouble Ahead" Florence Law Recitation "Put on his Snocs" Julia Yard Recitation "Childhood's Days" Eddie do Nieuerlnrk Sung Infant Class Recitation" "Waiting for Santa Claus" Mabel Smith Recitation "WiJlio's Breoohes" Charles Coleman At the conolusion of the exercises Santa Claus, impersonated by George H. Stearns, ontered tho room and made his way to the platform.

lie was greeted with clapping of hands and loud cheers, and for the next half hour Santa Claus had his hands full in distributing prosonts from two large Christmas trees to the little ones in tho audionce. Whon he had concludod, tho children sang several songs and after prayer1 the celebration was declared at an end. Interesting Exercises in miss Smith's Second Place School. Last evening a happy gathering of teachers, scholars and parouta aasomblod at Miss Smith's private school, 99 Second place, tho occasion being a Juvenile Christmas celobration and annual school review. A tree loaded with romombrancos for the llttlo ones, dispensed by Mrs.

Santa Claus, constituted tho festive feature of tho entertainment, whilo a literary and musical feast was served up by the Lilliputlnn studonts, whose ages rangod from tho Infant toddles of 4 years to tho dignified maldon and master of 11. Following is the programmo: March Opening chorus "Welcome" By the pupils Pr 1 igua Miss hicrid Flood Recitation MissCiiiraRittor Recitation Master Herbert Anderson Bouquet of Flowers Fivo littio sirls Tho Misses Mattie Adams, Jessie Bigelow, Iruno O'D ighue, Lizzy Welty, Felion Sanchez. Violin accompanist. Mjss Mina Ritter. Recitation Miss ittie Adams Recitation Miss Jensio Bigelow MiasAnnie Dunn Recitation Master Jamas G'oschina Recitation By two littio girls Misses Kittie Ctonin and Aggie Walsh.

Piano accompanist, Master Herbert Anderson. Recitation. MiBS tiertie Trnndy Recitation Miss Mina Ritter Darky Song By rive little niggers Violin accompanistMiss Mina Miller. Recitation Miss nnie Dunn Keoitation Miss Irene O'Donoghue Pianoiorto selections Mine. Marie Chorus" Good By" By the pupils The affair closed at tho early hour of 9, with cake and cream for the juveniles.

An Evoninsr of Enjoyment for the Children at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. The annual Christmas festival of the St. Matthew English Lutheran Sunday School was held lu tho auditorium of tho church, corner of Clinton and Amity streets, last evening. The seats wero all fillod with the littio ones of the school and their parents.

The exorcises wore conducted under tho leadership of Mr. M. F. Johnson, tho superintendent, and woro opened at 7:30 by Mr. Nayol, who offered prayer.

The Christmas carol of tho infant class was next sung. Miss Bella Watson, a pretty little mlsB of twelve Summers, recited a poem, entitled "Hazol and Samu Claus," descriptive of tho efforts of a littio girl to stay awake in order to see Santa Claus. Miss Watson was soized with stage fright at the outset, but pluckily held her ground and, regaining her composure, recited tho long poem without a defect She was loudly applauded. Dr. I.

K. Funk delivered a flvo mlnuto address to the little ones, tolling them about Christ's gift to the world and illustrated His noble sacrifice by a story of a brave soldier who lOBt his life in Baving a little child from a burning building. He said that the custom of giving presents on Christmas originated from tho fact that Christ's prosent to the world was Ills own precious life given to save our souls. That gift is worth more than all tho gifts made by the world put togethor. Mr.

Charles A. Schirm spoko briefly to tho children about givine presents to tho poor and to tho orphan children. Mr. Schirm has been working among tho children for some wooks gotting contributions of toys, clothing, cnudios, etc, to be sent to the inmates at tho Lutheran Orphan Asylum at Mount Vernon, N. Y.

Two largo boxes of presents woro made up and will be sent to the home to morrow. Mr. Schirm presented tho boxes to Mr. G. C.

Berkomior, superintendent of tho Wurtbury Orphans' Homo. Ho thaukod tho littio ones personally for their generosity aud compli montod them upon their kind action. Short addresses were mado by Bov. D. W.

"etor Bon and another gentloman whoso name could not bo learned, after which Santa Claus, in full Holiday costume, ontorod through a rear door and distributed the numc ous prosonts from tho Christinas tree. The ox llont muBio rendered during the ovenlng was under tho supervision of Mr. A. E. Watorhouae.

Miss Louie Moddondorf prosldod at the piano. ST. MICHAEL'S FAIR. The Attractive Exhibit Mado In the School Hall of the Church. In the hall of the new school attached to St Michael's Catholic Church on Fourth avenue and Forty second 3troet, a ladies' fair is being held to obtain funds to pay off the debt incurred by the erection of the new building.

Tho spacious hall has an inviting appearance as it Is brilliantly lighted, festooned and adorned by rich and costly articles of furniture and brie a brao. Among tho tables are St Michael's, attended by a bevy of charming young ladles, tho Misses Hart, Quigley, Murphy, Corcoran and Mrs. Lausing. St Vincent de Paul's table exhibits a Sohmor piano, Turkish rugs, inlaid Ivory and mother of pearl sets, and gentlemen's toilet and smoking sets. Tho taste dls playod by Mosdamoa Costigan, McGowan, Stickevors and tho Misses Jones, Freol, Tracy, Lambert, McGarry aud Ferry Is commendable.

At the altar table Messrs. OConnor, Campbell and Mc Hevitt with the Misses Moore, O'Connor, McNamara, McAuloy and McColgan can provide tho visitor with chances on almost any articlo, but especially to be noticed aro Quido's "Ecce Homo," a gentleman's plush toilet set, Venetian vases and numerous other articles of brio a brae. The leading foa tures of the Rosary table are a largo statuo of tho Blessed Virgin, some mahogany furniture and almost everything mentionablo In tho way of housekeeping. Mrs. Brown and the Misses Brown, Whiting, Dee, Ferry, Walnwright, Ghegan, Daly and Schubert givo their undivided attention to visitors.

The flower bower is like fairy land with Its ferns and grasses waving In a crystal cave. The bower is under the care of Misses Williams, Ahoarn, Haya, Macy, Charters and Lahey. Miss McDevitt affords ample amusement to tho young folks, while Mesdames Driacoll, Farroll and McDermott refresh the weary and thlraty. Misses McGoal, Konnody and Cumming8 dispense candles and bon bons. A solid gold watch is contested for by the frlondB of ladles who are considered most popular.

The Rev. Dr. O'Connell and his assistant Father KUahy takes great palnB to make everything pleasant and everybody happy and tho financial benefits of the enter tainmont promise to be considerable. FOR THE YOUNG LADIES. St.

Peter's Catholic Literary Association Given a Parlor Entertainment. The members of the St. Peter's Catholio Lltorary Association last ovenlng for tho first timo opened the doors of their spacious club house, on Warren stroet, near Hicks, to their lady friends. Tho result was that nearly' overy young lady in South Brooklyn availed hersolf of the opportunity of visiting the club houso, and long boforo 8 o'clock tho parlora presonted a sight but soldom witnessed at similar affairs. After a short literary and musical programme, which was given in tho parlors on tho top floor, the ladies and goutlomon descended to the hall proper where dancing was indulged In.

Among thoso who contributed to tho lltorary and musical parts of the programmo wore tho Entro Nous orchestra, tho St. Peter's C. L. A. tjuartot, Mrs.

J. Hronnanand Miss A. F. O'Brien, who sang several songs acceptably: Mr. J.

T. Ilroiman, who ro cited "Vilnius" dramatically; Mr. C. A. Wobbor made everybody laugh with a humorous recitation, entitled "Before and After," and Miss Lillian Blau volt, who delighted and surprised ovorybody by hor niastorly execution on tho violin.

This young lady played a solection from II Trovatoro," for which she was enthusiastically applauded. She graciously responded to two encores. At the close of the entertainment the dancing began. Among thoso presont wore: J. T.

A. Twomoy, Annie Dou nolly, H. R. Farroll, Miss Katie McDormott, A. Fran sioli, Mr.

and Mrs. J. E. Irwin, William A. Mul doon, Miss Muldoon, Charles A.

Webber, Miss Wobbor, W. J. Nagle, Miss Galvlu, Edward Thompson, Miss Magglo Tloruey, Dr. Judge, MIbs S. O'Brion, Mr.

and Mrs. J. Mcllugh, O. J. loohan, Miss Mamie Coury, J.

J. Cookloy, 8. Knight, J. McDormott and Miss Mamie Gill. Tho officers of tho association are: William a.

Nagle, president; William Moore, vice president; J. E. Irwin, secretary; C. J. Teohan, librarian; James Norton, assistant librarian, and M.

J. Mur togli, treasurer. FLAMES AT AS EABLV HOUR. At5 o'clock yesterday morning fire broke out in the throe story and basement brick building 53 Orange street, which la owned and occupied by William' Wise. He estimates his loss at 300.

An earthquake shock was felt yesterday at Hartford. J. H. Dunn, a prominent Kew Haven jeweler, mysteriously disappeared on Monday night. Ail Italian organ grindor was killed by a shock from au electric wire In New Orleans last night Work was resumed yesterday at tho Sharps ville.

Iron furnace, which has boon lying Idlo for two years. The City of Erie, hns rojected the application of tho Standard Oil Company for permission to bring gas thero in competition with tho local company. A fireman named Burton was severely injured at tho burning of W. T. Dlckerman's box fao tory, in Now Havon, last night John N.

DeGraff, the defaulting cx Super Ihtoudont of tho Poor of Schoharie County, was yesterday sontonced to throo years' lmprisoumont Ho was charged with misappropriating a considerable amount of county monoy. R. G. flnight, a traveling agent from New York, was arrostod in Allentown, yestorday, charged with abducting Miss Ida Keove from Heading, Pa. Tho young woman was found in his company.

By the derailment of a roight train on the Philadelphia, Wilmlngnn and Baltimore Railroad near Lenni yestorday the onglneor was killed and Bovoral trainmen woro Injured. Captain Polleys, formerly American Consul in Cuba, has committed suicide iu Barbadoos. Charles Herman, who two weeks ago cut the throat of his wifo, was convicted of murder in tho first dogreo yestorday at Buffalo. Tho Jury were out twenty hours. During a quarrel at their apartments, 135 Washington street, New York, early this morning, John Harrington struck and Instantly killed his wifo Helen with a hatchet Mr.

S. N. D. North, president of the State Associatod Press and formerly associated with tho UticaHerald is about to assumo tho editorial management of the A Ibany Express. Professor Edwin D.

Sanborn, formerly of Dartmouth College, dlod yostorday at tho Itosmoro Hotel, Now York. He was in his sovonty oighth year. Minister Pendleton and Mrs. Pendleton gavo their first reception In Berlin last night A largo number of American residents were among tho guests. The Rev.

Francis Harrison, S. T. rector of St Taul's P. E. Church, Troy, died in that city yesterday.

He was ono of the most ominent clorgy mon In tho Protostant Episcopal Church and sorvod on the committoo for the revision of tho Book of Common Prayer. The St. Lohib polico yosterday arrested William E. Pago, a railroad and express agent of Goldon, Barton County, who had stolon three money containing in nil $8,000. After committing tho theft Pago dlsguisod himsolf in womon's clothing and took a train for St.

Louis. His masculine appearance and gait awakened tho suspicion of the trainmen, who notified tho St Louis ofllcors. The British Government has instructed General Stcphonson, tho commander of tho troops in Egypt, to limit his operations to clearing tho country botwoon Wady Haifa and Korosko of rebels. The Government, it is said, desires to meet Parliament with a declaration that It has no dosigns looking to tho roconquest of tho Soudan. Leander Smith attempted on Monday night to rob the store of Kobert Pugh Company, nine miles from Wllmlmrton, DoL Ho sought to offoct an entrance through tho chimney.

Hearing a noise Mrs. Pugh lighted a flro in tho fireplace. Smith endeavored to escape by tho way he como, but stuck fast and roared loudly for help. A crowd of neighbors assembled, hoisted him out with a windlass and landed him In Jail. At the election of the New York Mercantile Exchange yesterday Benjamin Umer, the independent candidate, was elected president over Hufus L.

Colo, the regular candidate. The wholo Indopondont tickot was elected. The Hon. James S. Bailey, formorly United States Senator from Tonnossoo, died yosterday after a protracted lllnoss, at bis homo in that Stato.

Ho represented Tennessoo in the Sonate from 1877 to 1881, and was in his 63rd yoar at the time of his death. The cottonseed oil mill owned by W. H. Stead Company, at Greenville, was burned early yesterday morning, togother with tho machinery and a largo quantity of cotton. The loss by the destruction of the mill was $130,000.

Ten small dwolllng houses adjoining woro also burned. The correspondents of the Atlanta Constitution had a reunion yostorday in Atlanta. About 800 Journalists, most of them from Southern States, were present They wore guests of tho paper and wore hospiiably ontortained. Last night a banquet was given In their honor at tho Kimball House. Ten men were seriously injured yesterday by an explosion of natural gas whilo drilling a well at the works of the Kitanning Iron Company, at Kicanning, Pa.

The gas is supposed to havo lgnitod from tho flro undor tho boilor. It is feared that some of tho injured cannot recover. The members of the Catholic Literary and Benevolent Union of Deaf Mutes gavo an Interesting pantomimic entertainment last night at the Lexington avenuo Opora House, Now York. Mrs. Mary E.

Mackin, wife of Inspector of Provisions Mackin, of Boston, shot and killod herself yosterday morning In her husband's offlco. Mr. Mackin, who was married to tho woman in June last, had begun an action for divorce, and the pa pors were Becured yesterday. Aftor roadlDg tho documents she drew a revolvor and shot horself through tho hoad. Among the congratulatory telegramB ro colvod by Mr.

Gladstone yosterday on tho occasion of tho 76th anulvorsary of his birthday was ono from tho Prluco of Wales. Mr. Gladstone roquostod tho Press Association to convoy to his friends his thanks for the many hundrods of congratulatory letters and telegrams received by him. He also wished to express his appreciation of the tasteful and beautiful gifts and tokens which were showered upon him from overy class aud quarter, and which in many instances woro accompanied by the most touching expressions of regard and affoctiou. Herbert Gladstono presented his father with a bust of Lord Boacongfiold.

Premier Brisson called on President Grcvy aftor a short session of tho French Cabinet yestorday and tendered tho resignation of tho whole Cabinet. Replying to M. Grovy, M. Brisson said ho do sircd to retire from political lifo for a yoar in order to take much nooded rost. Tho majority on tho Touquln credit was too small, ho said, for a stable government, and the result of tho Paris elections was a urthor reason for roslgning.

President Grevy urgod M. Brisson to romain in offlco, but M. Brisson persisted iu his doclinotlon. The President then requested M. de Freycinct to form a cabinet, and tho latter promised to give a reply today.

It was thought last evening that M. do Froy clnct would accopt tho Premiership aud that ho will hold also the Foreign and Colonial portfolios, and will organize protectorates over Madagascar and Tonquin. President Grevy last evening accepted the resignation of tho Ministry. POLITICAL POINTS. At the special election in tho Sixth Assembly District of New York City, yostorday, Warden Philip Kiernan, of Ludlow Btreet Jail, was elected Assemblyman.

Mr. Kleruan's plurality ovor William McEntee, the nomlnoo of tho County Democracy, was 1,025. Collector Hodden yostorday removed Potor H. Leonard, a merchant appraiser, from hl3 position in the Appraiser's offlco. J.

Gruber, a German, was appointed in his place. Tho Democratic City Committoo of Fall Rlvor, have adoptod resolutions donouiiclng Nicholas Hathaway, the Democratic Postmaster of that city, as an unworthy representative of the National Government and a traitor to the Democratic causo" and urging his oxcluslon from all councils of the party and from all fellowship among Democrats. ThlB action was taken because of the active opposition of Mr. Hathaway to the Democratic nominee for Mayor at the recent election. Lieutenant Governor Jones has appointed as his messenger Willie Fairchllds, tho son of a votoran soldier.

Tho fathor of the boy had both arms blown oft whilo firing a salute ovor tho election of President Grant With a majority of the Ropubllcau party, and, presumably, tho wholo of tho Democratic, in favor of tho ropoal of the Tonuro of Offlco act, It la hard for tho Boston Advertiser (Mug.) to soo why that unfortunate pioco of partisan legislation should not bo ropealod before Spring. Commenting on tho silver quostion the Boston Transcript (Mug.) says: Tho vital points touch a depreciated currency, floeclng tho masses to benefit a fow persons already inordinately rich, and the general pecuniary loss to dobtor classes who will bo compelled to pay tho difference between sliver and gold. Tho country cannot long go with two standards. Sucli an anomaly in finance must produce distress and eventually ond in panic. THE LIME KILN CLUB.

A Dinner Tendered the Members by Xucir President Evening. Tho Lime Kiln Skating Club, which was recently organized and is composed of young men residing In tho Thlrtoouth and Fourteenth wards. Bat down to a dinner providod by its president. Mr. Edward U.

Schloutor, last evonlng at 62 Graud stroot Mr. Thomas Itockwoll prosldod, and during the evoning spooches wero made by sovoral of tlio ofllcors aud members. Among tho gontlumon pro. out were Messrs. John H.

Uradloy, Frank McElroy, Louis Schaofer, S. Hagon backer. Professor Ellis Finn, Vose3 Wright, Itudolph Kruto, II. Oorkon, G. Gorkon, Jamoa Byrnes.

John Kugo, William TuIIy, illiam Sperry. Thomas Booden, Ernst ICrdman, Sol Stein, Samuel Killman, Potor Light and Jamos Clark. The first rocoptiou of tho club will tako place at tlio Eastern District Palaco Kink on January 11. TO REDUCE THE PRICE OF GAS. Annual Meeting and Election of tlie Metropolitan Company.

At the annual meeting of stockholders of the Metropolitan Gas Light Company, tlio following woro elected directors for tho ousutug yoar: ILK. Bishop, Benjamin Browslor, Jamos Bergen, Honry Beam, A. V. Campboll, A. McC'uo, II.

Mo Laughlin, William Rockefeller, n. II. Itogcrs, Charles H. Stoddard and John WllUam3. At a subsequent mooting of the flioard of Directors, Charlos H.

Stoddard was olocted president and treasurer, aud A. F. Stalnford was appointed secretary. It was also decided to reduce the price of gas to $2 per 1,000 feot, commoncing with tho bills for January, 1886. F0UXD IH A LOT.

At quarter past ten yesterday morning some rVi nlavimr In a lot on Wllloughby avenue, and Ke)lt aveuue( founU gE 0l a was removed to the Morgue Coroner wM noilSed. JU0i A Review of the Year's Work in the Department. Tho Friction Engendered by a Heterofre neons Combination Mr. Kissam's Many Fights The Financial Aspect of the Situation. The work accomplished iu tho past year by the Board of Charities Commissioners was exhaustively discussod In a review of tho Commissioners' annual report, which appeared In the Eagi.k a couplo of weeks sluco.

To that littio can now bo addod. Tho Board lias been made up for tho past throo yoars of A. II. W. Van Slclon, Independent Democrat; Browstor Kissam, Democrat, and Joseph Reeve, Republican.

Mr. Van Siclen and Mr. Kissam wero appointed by Mr. Georgo W. Anderson four yoars ago and worked together harmoniously for yoar.

Mr. Kissam's leanings woro, however, so undeniably Domocratlo that a cessation of partnership ouued at tho appearance of Mr. Keovo, and tho comoination was thou mado up of tho agilo gontloman from tho Fourth Ward and tho irreproachable representative of New Lots. As a natural consoquonco, tho employes who owed tholr places to tlio good ofilcos of Commfs3lonor Kissam wore dropped from tho pay roll quietly and gradually, whilo as a general rulo nono but Republicans woro boing put on guard. Tho friction botwoon tho hopcioss minority and tho triumphant majority during tho past year has been unusually sovoro.

Mr. Kissam's legal attainments aud personal popularity wero largely availed of when theso qualities wero needful Iu pushing tho County Farm matter through, but whon that event was consummated tho old tactics wero resorted to again. Mr. Kissam always insisted on having charges proforrod against any ora ployo who owed his placo to tho action of the Board boforo dlacliarKing him and Intimated that ro movals wore being mado for which no Justification could bo had. Ho pointed out that Dr.

Troomor, In charge of a portion of tlio Insano Asylum, had actually been discharged by Dr. Shaw without tho knowledge of the Board and as'kod his colleaguos not to ponnit tho continuance of such a practlco. Ho was impliedly accused of moving to havo tlio warden of tho rouitoutiary removed, notwithstanding his repeated declarations that, under no ciroumstancos, would lie cousont to tho dismissal of a Charities official against whom chargos had not beon made ond proven. An investigation was called for into tho revolt at tho Penitentiary last August, and Mr. Kissam, at much private tnconvonlonce and undor cousidorablo public misroproaontatiou, bogau and continued tho inquiry, although its form had boon omasculatod and its results forestalled by tho action of Mr.

Heevo. Another point of dlvorgence among tho Commissioners was on the question of county wards. Tho two older gontlemon In tlio Board wore inclined to roduco tho numbor of thoso haploss charges to tho minimum, without much regard, Mr. Kissam averred, to the ulterior consequences of giving uuintolligently reared children of tonder years a foothold in a world In which thoy wero bound, nine times out of ton, to ond up in tho Peuitontlary. It was charged that distant relatives woro boing forcod to tako children out of tho county's institution by a system of spying and threats, and it was even hinted that in somo instances the authorities congratulated one another at having shipped a haploss little waif to a lady engaged in soiling apples in Philadelphia, who hnppouod to bo its aunt, or' the equally creditable feat of disposing of a fomalo county charge to a Long Island farmor, who, it was sworn, attomptod to outrago hor tlio first day of their acquaintance Howovor theso things be the friction was continuod until tho ond of tho chapter.

Tho last fight mado by Mr. Kissam was against the increase of Dr. Shaw's salary from 3,000 to Jii.OOO. From the financial report of tho Charitlos Ilopartmont, as that document la mado up in excellent shape by Chief Clerk D. C.

Toal, it can bo soon that the wholo numbor of pau pors rollovod or supported during the yoar waj 10,297, and that the aggregate eiponso of rellovlng and supporting this army of unfortunates was f121, 490.99. Tho ostlmntod value of tho work accomplished by the paupers was $20,000 and they wer maintained at S2.19 each a wook. Tho valuoof thf proporty on which tho County Buildings at Flatbush havo boon eroctod, aud Including tho buildings themselves, is put down as $1,500,000, while the first cost of land and buildings was $959,000. There wero 2,714 paupers, Including lunatics, in the county institutions on tho 1st of Decombor. HELD CRIMINALLY RESPONSIBLE.

A Reckless Driver Who ISan Over and Killed a Woman. Coroner Hesse and a jury held nn inquest in an undertaking establishment at 151 Fourth street, last night, lu tho case of Mrs. Solina Sheilas, of Lynch stroet, who was knockod down by a wagon driven by Charles Bold, of 287 Waliabout street on tho night of Dooomber 21, and subsequently died in St Catharine's Hospital from the injures she sustained. Tho first witnoss was Mrs. Mary Colborger, of 1SB Division avouuo.

Sho tostiflod as follows: I saw docoasod walkiug from the direction of Uroadway; she was struck by tho front wheel of tlio wagon, which was passing through Division avouuo, and was dragged along sovoral feot: my attontion was first called to tho wagon as It was passing near Sixth stroot, becauso of the rapid rato at which the horso was going. William Rethschuth, of 222 Wilson street, testified that he had barely escaped being run over by the wagon, and Just gained tlio sidewalk when ho saw Mrs. Sheilas struck by tho wagon and thrown down. Goorgo W. King, of 58 Lee avenuo gave similar testimony and added that he saw tho wagon pass over Mrs.

Sheilas, ond that it nearly ran over him. I had soon tho drivor before, tho witnoss continuod, aud repeatedly warned htm of his reckless driving, but ho only answered with an Insulting go.ituro. Charles Bold, tho drivor, who Is sixteen years old, tostiflod in his own bohalf aud said that when ho had turned tho corner of Division avenue and Fourth stroet intending to go homo, thore were two men standing on the sidewalk ono of whom had a whip in his hand and out ot dovlltry the man plied the whip on his (tho witnessT horso; I took tho loft hand side of tho railroad track and the horso went along at a rapid rate; I triod to stop him but couldn't: there was another boy cloven years old in tho wagon with me; at Seventh street I saw Mrs. Sheilas crossing and I holloed at her to got out of the way; I was about ten feet from her; I and tlio boy thou called about ton times for hor to pet out of tho way, but sho did not got out and tlia wheel passed ovor her: I don't know whether it was a frout or back whoel. By Coroner Hesse Did you feel any Jerk or Jar 1 Witness Yes; after that the horso went at a full gallop; I looked back, but as 1 couldn't oeo anyone I drove ahead; I work for J.

Lovy, at 79 Siogol street, and have been with him four or fivo weeks; I workod as driver Leforo but not steady: I stopped 3 my wagon about tlireo block3 away from whoro tho accident occurred; Mrs. Sheilas walked against tho wagon: thoro wero no goods inside at tho timo. Corouer Hesse made a brief address to tho Jury in which he said that doconsed no doubt died of a fracture of tlio Bkull, superinduced by boing knocked down and run over. Running ovor people, ho said, was gotting now to be so common an occurrence that in an ondoavor to avoid accidents of that kind in the future it would be well if stricter methods wero used to remedy the evil. Tho Jury, aftor a short doliboration, returned a vordict that Selina Sheilas came to hor death by being knockod down aud run ovor by a wagon at the corner of Division avenue and Seventh street, and that Charles Bold was criminally negligent In having caused such death.

THE EMERALD ASSOCIATION. All Arrangement Perfected For tbtt Conainir Annual Ball. The hall of the Emerald Association, which will bo hold at tho Acadomy of Muslo on Fobruary 3, will, in all probability, surpass any previous affair given by the Socloty. The gentlemen who aro on the Arrangement Committee havo been making extensive preparations for tho affair, and already they havo succeodod in disposing ol nearly 2.000 tlckots. Several of tlio members mot last evening at Joff orsou Hall, with Mr.

Bernard Leavy In th chair. A committoo was appointed to look aftor tho docorattou of the Academy, and Messrs. Georgo L. McCloskoy, John C. Koilly, O.

McCullough and Nicholas Carroll were proposod 03 now members. ST. PETEU'S HOSPITAL. At the annual meeting of the Medical Board of St Peter's Hospital, Dr. Joseph A.

Kone, of Dobevoise place, was elected attendiug physician to tho hospital, to flU tho vacancy causod by tho resignation of Dr. Martin, who has romoved to Montclair, N. J. Physicians and Druggists Indorse Palmer's Skin Success as ton skia complaints. Private Citizens Engaged in Business Want tho very best natohoa.

D. W. GRANhEBY Co. have them. Hew York.

"Patk" and others. 20 nnd 22 John et, Pvlc'H O. K. Soap Has no oqual for laundry or bath. Sample froe, npon application, to responsible parties.

For the New Year. Opora or Crush Hats, Dent's Gloves. Balch, FbicS 376 Fulton at. BUSINESS NOTICES. SPECIAL SALE.

LACK CURTAINS. W. A H. MUMFORD, 890 AND 392 FULTON STREET, IMPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS. FRESH GOODS.

LATEST DESIGNS. LOW PRICES. W. H. MUMFORD, 390 AND 392 FULTON ST, NKAR SMITH.

HOLIDAY GLOVES. EXTRA QUALITY FRENCH KID AN: DOGSKIN. THE LARGEST AND FINEST ASSORTMENT IN TI1K CITY TO SELECT FROM. EVERY PAIR GUARANTEED. Gentlemen who aro particular as to tho lit and durftbilitj of their alovua will do well to buy diroct from tho loadiaf manufacturer.

HARDING MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 467 FULTON STREET. FULL UltESS SMUTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Beautifully inado, with different length aloeves aud aire bodies to every sizo nook in stook. Perfect fit euaran teod. Prices fully 20 per cent lower than olsowhere. HARDING MANUFACTURING COMPANY, Tho Largest and Most Retiablo Manufacturers.

4G7 fui.ton 'Street. PICKLED OXSTEKSJ Thousands of ourladioa are seeking tho beat oystoraj grace their New Year'a tables. WILSON, uv lUloa never fails to aend tho best. He knows wlioro thorn, and Ilia customers are deliulitott. "a dora.

BOOK AND JOB PRLN Of evory description at cue is.AUJ.ir. OFFICE. Prices reaaunabte for eood wl The Year's Work of the County Legislators. Republicans Unsuccessful in Their Hunt for Patronnpro Mr. Brit ton's Big Bill.

The Purchase of the County Farm and the Consetiuent Investigation Keenan'si Jail Job The Ventilating Sehemo and the Gatlingr Battery Armory Trouble. Men who Led the Board on Both Sides of the House. The first meeting of the present Board of Supervisors was held on tho 8th of January, 1BS5, and Supervisor Theodore 11. WiUis, of tho First Ward, was olected president pro torn. In duo course tho Board was organized by his appolntmont of the Btanding committees.

Tho overcrowded condition of tho short term wing of tho Peuitontlary had boon brought to tho attention of tho Supervisors half a dozen times, but President Vau Slcleu, of tho Charities Board, again found it necessary to ask for relief on the 29th of January. No Imtuodiito action was taken by tho Board. Tho quostion of patronage was brought up at tho meeting hold on tho date indicatod by Supervisor Willis' motion to appoint ox Alderman Robort Hill night watchman at the Court Houso. Mr. Willis found, however, that ho could not command his own party vote, and Galloghor, whom ho had oudoav orcd to dlsplaco, hold oat against Hill by a voto of 16 to la At a meeting held on February 13 Supervisor Baker presented Mr.

Winchester Britton's bill for for services rondored in tho suit of Crooke against Kings County. The amount was somowhatof asurprlso to thoae mombers of the Board who woro economically mindod, nud tho bill wnssent to the 1 aw Committoo. Supervisor McKano moved at tho some mooting that Chairman Beas loy, of tho County Farm Committoo, bo directed to propare, In conjunction with Counselor Cooko, a bill looking to the roli.if of tho overcrowded short term wing of tho rmitontlary, aud tho Board unanimously adoptod his suggestion. Mr. Willis' proposition to Inquire Into tho feasibility of tho establishment of a workhouse wbb also adopted.

On the 10th of Fobruary tho presentment of tho Grand Jury, in which tho condition of tho county Institutions was vigorously commented on, was read in the Board room. A report from tho County Farm Committoo recommending tho purchase of tho St. Johnlaud site, was handed In by Supervisor Boasley. It was mado tho special order for the next meetlug, and was discussed at much length. The resolution of tho County Farm Committoo was defeated by a voto of 21 to 9.

On March 19, in response to tho requisition of a number of Judges and other omcials who transact businoss In the Court House, a stop was taken in the direction of clearing out the loafers and truants who infost tho corridors by tho appolntmont of Elijah Uolmos, a day watchman, at a salary of $1,000 a yoar. Supervisor Wllkos, from the Law Committee, on April 3, reported In favor of payiug Hon. Winchester Britton's bill of 95 for services against the Crooke heirs in their suit with the county. Tho motion was made tho special order for tho noxt meeting, held on April 9, and was adopted by a voto of 22 to 7. About this period tho rise of tho Now Tork Exhaust Ventilator Company was witnessed, and Agent Ellery, its active representative, invited a special committee of the Board to witness tho workings of tne vontilating arrangemont in a Now Havon hospital.

Tho committeo, of which Mr. Boasley was chairman, visitod New Haven, and its members were favorably Impressed with the work dono thero. They, however, made no recommendation regarding tho introduction of Mr. Ellory's systom into any of Brooklyn's public buildings. Tho contract for repairing and remodeling tho female prison in the Raymond stroet Jail was awarded to Edward Koojum on tho 7th of May at his bid prlco of $32,175.00.

On the 21st of May Architoct Robort Dixon, in charge of the erection of the new Third Gatllng Battery armory, called attention to the fact that tho city's Building Department would insist on alterations In the construction of the proposed building, the ontoring into which would causo a serious loss to contractors, II. D. W. W. Southard, who had uudortakon tho work.

Tho matter was not actod on until the 4th of June, when the Military Committeo, of which Supervisor Jacob Bennett i3 chairman, was authorized to appoint an arbitrator to confor with ono to bo appointed by the contractors, so that an ostlmate could bo made as to the amount to be allowed the contractors for tho additional work imposed by tho alterations. H. Grassman was appointed by tho committoo and William Dixon by tho contractors. Thoy reported on July 2 recommending the paymont of $7,785 to the Mossrs. Southard, but Supervisor Beasoley was fortunate onough to have tho mattor reforrod to Suporlntondont of Construction Daniel Ryan, who was asked to pass on the quostion originally submitted to the arbitrators named.

He reduced the figures as furnished by theBO gentlemen to $0,065 and recommondod that this sum bo paid. Mr. Boasley was satisfied that Mr. Ryan was Justified in reducing tho amount, and moved on the 23rd of June that his figures bo agrood to. The matter, however, went over.

At a meeting of the Board held on the 25th of July an al loged'petltlon from a numbor of citizons was presented asking the Board not to select tho St. John land sito for a county farm. That site had previously hoen Inspected by tho Board and was considered the most suitable by the Charities Commissioners. Supervisor Beasley, from tho committee having charge of tho matter, reported in favor of Bolecting tho St. Johnlaud property, and his recommendation was laid ovor for further consideration.

The matter was brought up on the oocond of July again, at Mr. Boasloy's instauco, and tho St Johnland sito was soloctod by a voto of 16 to 15. At tho samo mooting Supervisor McKano moved that a committee of five bo appointed to investigate the allegations of fraud in connection with tho selection of tho site, and following ordinary parliamentary precedent he was placed at its hoad. McKano is thoroughly satisfied that money was used to influence certain Supervisors to vote for St. Johnland, but tho moral certainty cannot be prosBed into service as a naked fact.

On the 29th of July John Uennessy's Injunction ult to restrain the County Treasurer from paying Edward Koo nan, the ostensible contractor for work at tho Jail, the monoys apparently duo him, bocauso it was claimed that Supervisor John Gallagher was interested In the contract, was officially brought to tho notice of the Board, but no immediate action was taken. On tho 20th of August committoo, with Mr. Boasley at its head, was appointed to investigate tho charge, and it is still engaged in inquiring into it. On tho 29th of July tho Court Houso Committee, through its chairman, Supervisor Larkin, reported ia favor of Introducing tho suavi) and polished Mr. Ellery'B ventilating scheme Into the Court Houso at a cost of $28,860.

Tho recommendation was laid on the tablo and resurrected on the 25th of November, whon it was defoated by a voto of twenty six to three. On the 4th of August Supervisor Boasley, from tho County Farm Committoo, reported in favor of the oroctlon of a workshop and hospital at the Penitentiary, tho buildings previously used for these purposes to be converted Into cells. By this moans tho prison could bo made to accommodate 128 additional prisonors. The recommendation was laid on the table on Supervisor Willis' motion. Mr.

Willis wanted to have a workhouse established. On tho 22nd of Octobor Mr. Beasley said that the Warden did not desire the Improvements suggestod, and simply recommended tho erection of fire escapes and a shoe shop. A hospital building was afterward incl udod. It was on the first of Octobor that Counselor W.

G. Cooko made tho diBcovory that the Board had power to appoint a Surrogate in place of the late Jacob Bergen. Tho Board did not rashly proceed in the line Indicated by Mr. Cooko. Tho counsel also reportod a week lator that tho work of tho Gatllng Battery arbitrators was a nullity, on the ground that tho arbitrators representing the county should have boon appointed by the Board and not by soven of its members acting as a committoo.

On Decombor 3 Mr. Edward HOndrlck son secured the contracts for building the hospital at tho Penltonttary at his bid price of $7,860, and for tho erection of the workshop at tho Crow Hill institution for $5,000. Ho is Just now seeking to get out of both contracts. Ho claims to havo been deceived by a sub contractor who mado a miscalculation of $2,000. At the mooting of tho Board held on Decombor 16 Dr.

A. N. Bell's bill for alleged expert services in connection with the analysis of foreign rags was beaten iu tho Board. It was In tho sum of $500 and had come up before. The Republicans In the Board were adroitly led by President pro tem Willis during the year.

Supervisor Beasley gavo him an efficient support, and Supervisor Barnes, allowing for a lato and troublesome tablet fever, was an ally whoso personality Is only equalod by his oratory. Supervisor John Y. McKano, of Gravesond, was tho business end of tho Democratic minority and he managed to keep his following in such oxcellont trim thas all tho littio tributes of political partisanship fell to tho Democratic side or to those who consorted with that party's adherents. In addition to this Mr. McKano had both his eyes opon when he suspected that a Job was on foot, and it was his vigorous treatment of thoso malcontents who can see no harm in turning an honest penny outside of tholr salary that has largely saved the Board from a reputation that would havo boon but a poor patrimony for thoso of its members who aspire to reach the highor sphoro of politics.

Supervisor Pigott 1b a vigorous debater and a shrewd parliamentarian who rendered good service to his party, while Supervisor N. F. Doughorty in the quieter but equally useful' employment of tho committeo room was an oxcollont ally of Supervisor Ryder's in kooping tho ox'pondltures within bounds. LITERARY AND DRAMATIC RECEPTION. Clone of the St.

Viucent do Paul Society's Entertainment. The entertainment given by the St. Vincent do Paul Lltorary and Dramatic Socloty in Knickerbocker Hall, on Clymor street, Monday ovonlng, was repeated last night Tho singing of Mr. Charles M. Schilling, Mr.

C. P. O'Noill and the St Vincent de Paul's Church choir was duly appreciated, and thoy ruspondod to oncoros. Professor Aloxandor V. Keol, organist of St.

Vincent do Paul's Church, on North Sixth streot, was tho musical director, and Mr. Goorgo S. Schilling actod ns stage innnngor. The entertainment closed with dancing. The arrangements wero Iu charge of tho following committees: Floor Thomas F.

Moran, John J. Keo gan, Andrew J. McKonna, Mnurico J. Kirwin, Kob ert J. Meadows, Thomas J.

Fugau, Andrew X. Dixon, Joseph S. Paulson, John J. Hammond ami James Dolanoy. Rccoptlon George S.

Schilling, Arthur S. Somors, Petor S. Slano, John J. GartlanJ, Joseph F. Newman, John J.

Dohorty, John J. Pitr bou, Potor 8. Booden, Thomas M. Kelly, Ilarthtl omow G. Devanoy, Frank P.

Clanoy, James S. Coy, Walter J. Lawrence and John L. Cavanagy Tho officers of tho eoclotyare Thomas M. Kollyfi president Arthur S.

Somora, vIob president; An. lent; Arthur B. somora, vloo president; An Dixon, recording secretary; Andrew J. Mc 1 drew Kpuna, corresponding secretary; John J. Gartland, financial Becretary; John J.

Doherty, treasurer. Brooklyn's Rapid Strides to Prosperity and Influence. The Increase in Population Darin? the Tast Twelve Years Some Interesting: and Instructive Statistics. The remarkable growth of Brooklyn during tho past low yonrs has boon a sourco of surprlae and gratiQcation to its citizens, who naturally rejoice to aee the city of their birth or adoption flourishing and prosperous. The story of Its increase is written everywhere in the opening of new streeta and tho erection of now buildings, but nowhere bo plainly as in the records of tho Building Department, which toll the whole talo in a form that cannot be misunderstood.

This Is tho twelfth year that this department has boon in existence, and, ns tho readers of tho Eagle aro already aware, tho growth of Brooklyn this year, as shown by Its. new buildings, has boon greater than in any previous year and three times as great aa it was twolvo yoars ago. Tho' yoar of tho census, 1880, givoa us, howovor, a good starting point, and with the help of the building records It may bo possible to loam how much this city has increased during tho period of almost six years that has elapsed since then. The incroaso of population In Brooklyn botwoon 1870 and 1880 was, in round numbers, 170,000, or a little moro than 45 per cent A similar rate of increase during tho five and a half years that have elapsed since the tailing of tho census would give the proaont population of this city as 700,000, as near as may be, and this is the generally accepted figure. But it must bo much more than that if the building statistics for tho six years prior to 1880 and tho six years since, and including tliat year, are to be taken as a guide.

From 1874 to 1879 inclusive 4,344 single resldoi.ies wore built in Brooklyn. From 1880 to 1885 inclusive 0,533 single residences woro built In Brooklyn, an incroaso of fully 50 per cont ovor tho previous ptriod of six yoars. Of dwellings built to accommodate from two to four families thoro wore 1,156 built in 187 1 1879, and 2,823. or considerably more than twice as many, in 18S0 18S5. Of tene raont houses there woro 385 built in tho period 1874 187D, and 1,148, or just throe times as many in the period 1830 1885.

Of flat houses thero wore 132 built In the first period and 620. or nearly live times as many, in the second period, but, as every ono knows, the lator flat houses are larKor that the older ones. Tho only description of inhabited building that does not show a marked increase Is that where stores and dwellings are combined. Of theso thero were 1,614 built betwoen 1874 1879 inclusive, and only 1,603 in 1880 1885. Here, again, it must be remembered that the modern building is moro lofty and commodious than the older structures.

The record of ouildlngs erected for Industrial purposes shows the same result. In 1874 1680 thero wero 284 workshops erected in Brooklyn, and in 1880 18S5 there 512. Of factories thero wero 177 erected in 1874 1879 ond 352 In 1880 1S85. Of stables there were 608 erected in the first period and 910 in tho second; of storage sheds, 172 against 376; of stores, 114 against 149; of storehouses, 78 against 118; of foundries 9 against 32 and ol mills 3 against 16. In overy lino of Industry tho last six yoars show a great increaso over tho first six, showing that tho growth of population has been in a largo measure duo to the growth of profitable employment for the pooplo.

A docimal increase of 45 per cent. In the population Brooklyn at the last con sus would moan an average annual increaso of about 25,000. But as tho Increase would not bo so great in the first years of the docade as In tho last It would mean about 20,000 of an increase for tho yoar 1880 81 and so on, increasing each yoar as the years advanced. A careful study of tho tables of now buildings shows that this has boon tho mode of progression as regards population, but that tho ratio of growth has boon moro rapid. The new houso accommodation provided each year in Brooklyn in tho six years 1880 1885 Inclusive, baa been as follows Population Yeir.

provided for. 1880 16000 18H1 21 000 18K2 20 000 1883 SVI00 1881 36000 1885 5000 Total 51.000 ThlB table is basod on a study of tho. building reports which show the number of people that each house will accommodate. AndnodoubUkoso flguros are under tho mark rathor than ovor it. It Bhould be stated that tho figures of 1885 Include tho buildings of this year In course of construction on tho first of Decombor.

all of which, with many moro now boing commenced, will bo available boforo the beginning of May. As the repairs and additions to old buildings will moro than counterbalance all lossos by flro In the removal of old structures it follows that tho now buildings are so much clear gain and, therefore, that this city has added, since the census, houRes onough to accommodate between 180,000 and 190,000 souls, which would give a population of at least 750,000, if not at presont at loast next Spring. At this rato of growth, which will no doubt bo greatly accelerated by rapid transit facilities, the population of Brooklyn at tho noxt consua will not be very much loss than a million of souls. All this is very gratifying as a proof of matorial growth and it is equally pleasing to ohsorve that other matters havo not been neglected. In the twelve yAui fl recorded in the Building Department 55 new churci.es and chapels have been built, of which 39 wero or ictod in tho last six yoars.

Of halls 46 have been buili', 25 of them In the last six years of houses, asylums and hospitals 30, of which 21 havo beon built in tho last six yoars. The schools havo increased In yoars by 51, of which 32 aro to bo credited to vhe past six years. Tho same rulo of progressive Increase will bo found to hold good with respect to evory description of building spociflod in the records of tho department. Brooklyn so far hai aucceodod in gotting along without many buildincs ot an Immense height, but it Is easy enough to see that tho tendency is towai higher buildings. The following table shows tho heights of tho erected for dwellings in this city during tho past six yonrs 1 story.

2 stories. 3 i stores. 5 stones 1880 52 EM 470 88 1881 45 657 687 101 1 1882 62 644 670 103 3 1883 61 1,153 882 227 1 1884 00 1,062 980 227 4 1885 63 1,360 1,490 359 12 A fow highor buildings have V.een erected. In 1882 there was ono six story structure and and another this year. This yoar thero havo boon flvo seven story buildings put up.

Last year thore was an eight story building and thoro is another this year. With thoso exceptions Brooklyn possesses no very lofty residence buildings, and whilo the tendency is to the Increaso of three and four story houses tho majority of pooplo prefer not to go any highor. This is wise in a city whoro good building lots aro so abundant and to bo obtained at so moderate a price. Cheap land and rapid transit are the two great factors on which Brooklyn's future growth will dopend. THE SAVINGS BANK CASE.

Opinion of Chief Justice linger of the Court of Appeal in the Suit of John W. Smith Aainut'tho Brooklyn Savings Bank. The decision of the Court of Appeals in the case of John W. Smith against tho Brooklyn Savings Bank is of special importance, not only to tho savings banks of the States but to the thousands of depositors whoso money Is intrusted to their care. It fixes the responsibility of tho banks and their liability where they pay out money to third parties.

Tho Court holds that tho possession of the bank book by a third party is not Bufflcient, but It must be accompanied by a written order or draft. Thoro has been a good deal of confusion in the savings bank laws of the State, and this decision is of particular importance in that it flxos tho law. The opinion of the Court of Appeals is by Chief Justice Kuger, and is as follows: The defendant, a saving bonk, seeks to Justify the payment by it of a depositor's money to a straugor upon tho ground such payments were made to a person having possession of the depositor's passbook. Such a passbook is not negotiable paper and its possession in Itself constitutes no evidence of a right to draw money thereon. It merely imports a liaDiiity of tho bank to the depositor for the moneys deposited and an agreement to repay them at such timo and in such manner as he shall direct.

This contract is implied from tho nature and objects of the transaction occurring between the parties (Crawford vs. Westslde Bank, 100 N. The depositor may by special con. tract authorize payments to be made In some other manuor than by his directions, but In order to make Buch payments a protection to the bank it Is necessary for them to show some special agreement with the customer authorizing such a mode of payment. The defendant in this case claims to have had such authority by force of a bylaw printed In the passbook delivered to the plaintiff at the timo of making his first deposit.

Assuming for the purpose of the argumont that the more acceptance by the depositor of a passbook containing bylaws regulating tho manner of making deposits and payments constitutes a contract between the parties, we will inquire into the meaning and Intent of tho bylaw referred to. It reads as follows: All depositB and drafts must be entered in the passbook at tho time of the transaction and all payments made by the bank upon tho presentation of the passbook and duly entered therein will be re gardod as binding upon tho dopositor. Money may be drawn upon the written order of tho depositor or his attorney when accompanied by his passbook. No money shall bo received nor shall any be paid out except by tho toller at the bank in the presence of an cOIcer or trustee. No money shall bo withdrawn as a matter of right without three months' proclouB notice." We do not think the bylaw supports the contention of tho defendant It is argued by it that the phrase, all payments," as used thoroin, means any sum of money delivorod by It to any person who may for the timo boing havo in his possession the passbook, and it is only by assuming that such a delivery of money is a paymont upon that accouut that any color of support is afforded to the argument.

This may have boon the understanding and intention of tho bank In framing the bylaw, but iu order to make that understanding obligatory upon the customer It was also nocossary that lie should have a similar understanding or that tho law should havo boon expressed in language incapablo of any other fair construction. do not think that tho word payments as used lu it can, according to the legal or common acceptance or moaning of tho word, be construed to mean any sums which tho bank might choose to disburso, regardless of tho person to whom they were made. Payinout by a debtor can be legally made only to the creditor or his authorized representative, and In order to constitute any other transaction a payment it is esseutlal to Us validity that it should bo authorized by tho porson entitled to demand it. The defendants havo not hero shown any such authority. An agroomont that payments made in a particular manner shall be binding and conclusive upon the dopositor does to authorize a payment made to a stranger or give any other signlueation to the word paymout than it usually boars.

Tho offoct which, it is argued, should be given to the language used t'au be indulged in only by force of a contract wfh the depositor, but it is here attempted to IraptR tho contract from the moro uso of the words, "all payments shall bo conclusive," etc This is reasoniiigtii a circle and proves nothing. Kurthor examiujitlou of the provisions of the law confirms our viowl. It is quite improbable thut bo important a power fihould havo been left to bo inferred fronw' loose and doubtful phraseology, If it ha been originally intended to be conferred the partjfis, and the plaintiff Is emitted this casoto that construction of the bylaw it edaform to the popular and ordinary oi naiiaiiguago. bvlaw seems to coiitomolato but tvMHDOdos ofmjurioiH, both of which require the pHgnallon ofs)afl8 hookas the condition ap PQslglly authorizing a payment to jiBHHBttor ly, and Dm other one whichB9BHasWado Some anxiety is folt in certain New England localities that this Administration will not properly guard the rights of our fishermen in Canadian waters. A person by the name of Babson is chiefly responsible for it.

The milk in BabBon's cocoanut is accounted for by the fact that he was removed from the office of Collector of the Port of Gloucester by President Cleveland. He retaliates by misrepresenting the Administration. Its action in temporarily extending tho agreement under the Washington treaty was solely to enable our fishermen to pursue unmolested their industry until the end of tho season. When the extension expires the whole subject of the fisheries will be considered, and those who believe that a Democratic Administration will suffer itself to be tricked or bullied by British diplomatists don't know it. Let the Gloucester fishermen take heart.

Their rights are in no danger. Of the thousands who turn night into day in New York, a large proportion live in Brooklyn. lYeio York Sun. This is liable to misinterpretation. The citizen of Brooklyn never crosses the river for the purpose of making a night of it." It would be contrary to his tastes, bis habits and his training.

Neither does he flock to the metropolis in such numbers as to constitute a largo proportion of tho nocturnal sight seers. If he goes for pleasure it is always for reasonable pleasure, and he usually goes home early that he may not bo caught out lato. Left to himself amid distractions and enticements his sense of propriety rarely deserts him. Tho hour of midnight finds him safe at home with a limited cargo of oyster stew and lager. It is only when he meets a New York friend that he is occasionally beguiled beyond the borders of moderation; for he is as social as he is proper and as unsuspecting as he is social.

A New York morning paper publishes the following paragraph A poaooablo foxhound, which John Geiles, of 145 Cedar street, bought recently, snappod at a lady custonior who was patting it a fow days ago and slightly scratched her hand. She got a deatli warrant, and Policeman McDormott shot tho dog yesterday at the store. The lady and tho policeman united in doing a very foolish thing. In every such case it is of the highest importance to preserve the life of the dog. The victim's own life may depend on it To kill the animal is to destroy the onl means of ascertaining whether it was suffering from rabies.

This doubt alone working on a nervous teinper mont is sufficient to produce a fatal result. Keep the dog until its condition con be ascertained. "The Speakership fight," as it is prematurely called, is as yot no fight at all, because the fighters have not gathered, the workers" have not assombled, headquarters have not been opened and "the candidates are not on tho ground. Messrs. Erwin and Hustod remain as tho material to be invested in when the contest shall begin.

It will feebly commence on Friday after inauguration. It will culminate on Monday night. Both men are "confidont." The grand old party is also 1 confident that it will not have a wealth of reputation to take out of the choico of either contestant. Mr. Erwin has gained decidedly of late, but it still looks as if General Husted had tho majority of members with him.

In honor of the sovonty sixth anniversary of the birthday of so great a man as William Ewart Gladstone his countrymen find it easy to lay aside their political prejudices and unite to pay homage to one whose extraordinary powers are an epitome of the genius of the English race. When death shall have removed the grand old man, and the passions which his career aroused have subsided, history will record the universal judgment that he was the greatest Englishman since Pitt. Speaker Carlislo naturally finds the work of constituting the Committee on Coinage, Weights and Measures the most difficult of all his tasks. He desires to consult the sense of his party in the House and he wishes to satisfy the Administration at the same time. As the two are inconsistent, he is puzzled to know what course to take.

There may be lots of honor in holding the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives, but there's a good deal more fun practicing law in Kentucky. The Chicago Times, in conformity with it? policy of objecting to everything, objects to the letter of our consul at Frankfort on the Main, in which he declares that Bismarck is more opposed to the importation of American ideas than he is to tho importation of American pork. The character of this objection may throw some light on the conundrum recently propounded by the Sun Does anybody read tho Chicago Times Puck for this week contains a cartoon which sharply illustrates the difference between an Irish patriot and an Irish blatherskite. The spirit of the stalwart O'Noill, who refused to screw his mouth out of shape in order to "chatter English," still survives, but happily it is modified by the reflection that all great reforms are of slow growth, and that from the standpoint of true statesmanship discretion is quite as necessary as zeal. One of Mr.

Everts' clients, who owes him a large fee for professional services, is Baid to be wondering whether he would accept payment of it in silver. Try him. According to nil accounts, he would just ns lief have it ns gold. Contemporary Humor Small boy (in store) I want to get a Christmas present for me mother. Proprietor How would a pair of slippers do, sonny? Small boy Havo you got 'em made of cloth an' without any heels Proprietor Yes.

Small boy (oagerly) Gimmo a pair. Harper's Bazar. Beans Regarded ns Food" is tho headline in an oxchnnge. That is the way beans should bo regarded. Any one who regards beans as a bovorage is away off.

Hotel Gazette. And what shall wo got for the baby singB a blithe ChristmaB poet in an exchange. Well, if it's a new baby just you get it a wig. Seems to need that more than anything. Rockland Courier.

The Mikado of Japan never wears a garment that has been washed. This probably accounts for tho of the "Mikado" costumes in soma of the graveling companies thut have recently visited Troy. Troy 1 ck gram. Five generals, five colttnels, two admirals and one captain have tmnn elected to tho British Parliament. Bahl The Kemncky Legislature is a bigger thins than a dozen British Parliaments.

Louisville Courief Jow Some Points for City Republicans. One of the earliest responsibilities devolving upon our local Republican friends with the opening of tho new year will bo the organization of the General Committee. Notwithstanding the establishment of outside bodieB of real or alleged Republican proclivities, the committee continues as tho representative locally of Republicanism in the city, the county, the State and the nation. Neither mismanagement nor defeat at tho polls has deprived it of the right to stand as the only agency invested with authority from the State Committee and, through the established channels, though in a remoter degree, tho National Committee of the party. In a partisan sense, therefore, it occupies a higher and more important position than nil tho remnining so called Republican bodies combined, As auxiliary or advisory associations such societies as the lately formed Republican Loaguo, tho Young Republican Club or tho Young Men's Republican Club may, as occasion offers, serve a useful purpose.

But they have no legitimate place in Republican politics except as, by their advice, their co operation or tho individual action of members, they operato through the regular committee and the ward organizations from which tho committee, by the mandate of enrolled voters expressed through the primaries, has its origin. Tho party, under some conditions, might do without the assistant factions but at no time and under no conceivable conqjlication of circumstances can tho assistant factions hope to accomplish anything tangible in opposition to the clearly defined will of the party. It is plain to every intelligent Republican, therefore, that tho organization of tho General Committee, if tho party, is to survive in efficient form, should not be treated with indifference. There will be plenty of work before the Republicans even in such an off" year as 1886. Unless they contemplate an utter abandonment of the field, which is not to be enumerated among the possibilities by sensible men, the party will be callod upon next Fall to submit through its machinery for the consideration of voters candidates for several conspicuous positions.

Nominees nro to be presented on tho City ticket for Controller and Auditor, while on tho Judiciary ticket a City Judge is to be chosen as successor to the Hon. George G. Reynolds. For county offices there are to be nominated a District Attorney and Coroners for tho Eastern and Western districts. Beside these there are to be selected four Congressmen and members of the Board of Supervisors from the even numbered wards.

Of the officers enumerated only tho City Judge, one Congressman and the Coroners are Republicans, although that is no reason why the party should not make a vigorous contest for all of them with the single exception, perhaps, of Congressmen in tho Second and Fourth Districts. The party olected General Steinmetz to tho Controllorship and made Mr. Ammer mon auditor in 1 878. Before that Mr. Schroe der had been chosen Controller and General Nelson Shaurman and Colonel McLeor had been carried through energetically conducted struggles for tho Auditorship.

Both Coroners are Republicans, and tho District Attorneyship was controlled by the party for two terms preceding that of the incumbent. No adequate reason is furnished by experience for regarding defeat in the next canvass as a foregone conclusion. At any rate it will be the interest of good politics for the Republicans to put themselves in tho best possible fighting form for future emergencies. Moreover, the exorcise of caro and dhere tion in the organization of the General Committee will have a considerable influence in inspiring confidence on the part of voters in the authoritative party management. After all, this in itself is moro essential to the party than any question of patronage or matters immediately affecting tho nomination of candidates.

If tho nominees of an organization are to be" handicapped at the start by weakness or apparently well grounded lack of trust in tho nominating powor the race is bound to mean overthrow from the beginning. Excellence in candidates will never count for much if a party shows itself, either through its notion, its declarations or its tendencies, to be undeserving of the countenance and approval of its self respecting and self sustain ing members. What has passed for Republican leadership here during recent years has not been satisfactory to the party masses. To demonstrate this it is not necessary to show that the management has boon corrupt, although the accusation is nowhere made more frequently or moro vohomently than by Republicans themselves. It is sufficiently proven by the marked falling off in the vote, the apathy of voters and tho increase of the majorities for Democratic candidates.

It is moro than indicated by tho formation of bodies which assume to operate as a check upon the regulars, and it is everywhere proclaimed by the disgust manifested, either by direct assertion or entire indifference to results, by individual Republicans throughout tho city and the county. Finally, it is oxhibt. ited in unmistakable shape by the persistent refusal of party men to contribute to the legitimate expenditures of campaigns through a committee in which they repose no trust whatever. To remedy tho abuses of which intelligent party men complain ought to bo a simplo matter for tho incoming committeemen to accomplish. If thoy wore a set of puling amateurs, floundering in the depths of their own ignoranco of what constitutes well directed political activity, failure to deal comprehensively with tho problom before them would bo oxcusable.

But there are plenty of men in tho Republican General Committeo of next yoar abundantly competent to solve the difficulties of a by no means complex situation. It is oasy for every delegate to bear in mind that ho is expected to reflect not his own notions of what iB beBt for his party, but what is required by his constituency at his hands. If ho does this he will endeavor to secure tho election of a chairman and of associate ofEU cers who by reputation, character and capacity fittingly represent not the worst, but tho boBt Bonthnonts and tendencies of Republicanism as it survives in Brooklyn and in the wider sphere of political relation. He will unite in selecting members of'tho Executive and Campaign cordrait teesin the choico of alert, cool headed, fdf "eert and upright politicans instead of sub ltd urn of Peter Si. Sweeny.

It is announced by the New York Sun that Mr. Peter B. Sweeny hns returned to Now York City to resume the practice of law and with tho intention of not engaging in politics. The return of the former politician and official to the Beenes of his activity and to the theater of his influence in other years is made the subject of not a few memories in tho political mind, and becomes the occasion of a good deal of interesting speculation in the general mind. Mr.

Sweeny's return "to practice law and not to engage in polities" may express a resolution to which ho will be able to adhere; but, if that is the case, the indisposition of lawyers to return to the bar will be overcome in a notable instance and the alacrity of politicians to resume their vocation will have a memorable precedent of successful resistance against it. As a general thing, lawyers who have laid aside the harness do not like to put it on again, and politicians who have long kept out of the arena are eager to re enter it. Mr. Sweeny's resumption of a profession of which he was never suspected of being very fond and his resolute abstention from a pursuit in which ho was extremely active and successful would be regarded with a surprise amounting to wonder by the students of human nature. Perhaps, however, the Sun's announcement is in the form authorized by the friends of Mr.

Sweeny hiinBclf and is not a mere newspaper inference. If so, tho progress of the former leader in retaining or iu adhering to this resolution will be observed with interest. With the announcement in the Sun is an enlightening and disarming statement of considerable length, which places tho ex president of the Park Commission before the American public as a man of large affairs in new fields. He haB not, it appears, been intellectually idle while abroad. Always addicted to study, to investigation of great material forces and to intercourse with strcng minds, of which his own insensibly and modestly became a leader, Mr.

Sweeny, says the Sun, has interested himself in the questions of foreign loans and railway improvements, and in cognate matters, during his European residence. Opinions and reports of his are said to have had a decisive influence with British and French capitalists and cabinets. He is also reported as having become the representative in America of syndicates of bankers and engineers concerned in opening up large areas abroad to railway and like improvements. The statement is entirely compatible with the acknowledged intellectual power and enterprise of Mr. Sweeny.

Mr. Sweeny's relations to lapsed and well nigh forgotten political matters in New York and in the United States are closed out by tho Sun with the revival to recollection of the fact that several yearB ago tho legal representatives of the city ncroBs tho river, after rigorous, hostile inquiry, discontinued all the municipal suits against him and relinquished those against his brother James; also there being paid in the cases of tho latter an adjusted sum of four hundred thousand dollars as tho city's claim in disputed transactions. Since then, to completo the education of his children, begun abroad, Peter B. Sweeny has resided in Paris. That object has been effected.

His return to New York is announced. It will be remembered by thoso who recnll past periods and persons that Mr. Sweeny was always fond of trips abroad. Tho time other public men put in by the sea, at tho springs or amid the mountains he spent nearly every Summer in Ireland or on the Continent, storing a capacious mind and a meditative imagination with new improssions. Consequently, on taking up his residence abroad, he was familiar with tho conditions and courses of foreign life, and able affirmatively to enter into the consideration of its attractive ireos.

Mr. Sweeny will be remembered as long time the Chamberlain of New York City and as president of the Department of Parks at the time of the cataclysm of 1871 2. In politics he was recognized ns the statesmanlike force in the Tammany organization, as fond of being not made prominent, in public view as Tweed, the leader of tho grabbing forces in affairs, was of vulgar conspicuity. The friends of Mr. Sweeny have always insisted, and newly insist in the Sun to day, that he was never to the degree roundly charged implicated in the transactions of Tweed, and that ho vainly tried to keep that nggressivo and ferocious freebooter within the lines of law and a reasonable regard to public opinion.

He failed, as did every one who sought to stay or moderate tho course of influences which succeeded a carnival of rapacity with tho production of a vast public uprising. As doubtless justice deserved and as public opinion certainly required, Tweed and his immediate comrades felt Mo. brunt of punishment. None can question thatHy enforced oxpiation nearly matched the .6..,, army of invasion or ei)idemio "jsease could not morocoVetelyhaT' ZM place and poV Their fall measuAU, The Tory Programme ol Dissolution. As the time approaches for the meeting of the new Parliament and for the execution of tho popular will as expressed in tho last election, the maneuvers of the four factions into which the House of Commons is divided are watched with an increasing intensity of interest.

It can scarcely be said that any definite programme on either side has been announced, since the measure of support that Mr. Gladstone will get from the Whig element of the Liberal party is yet a matter of imperfect calculation. The most important of tho data at hand is tho certainly that the Irish question will dominate all others that can at present be foreseen. Upon this Mr. Gladstone's mind is apparently clear.

Ho is ready to lead at once in the direction of Home Kule according to the general outline of the Nationalist plan, subject, of course, to such modifications as must be conceded to carry it through. The extent of these will be determined largely by the strength developed by the Itaili cals. Mr. Pnrnell has given no sign. It is believed, however, that ho will eo op srate with Mr.

Gladstone, as, indeed, it is almost a logical necessity that ho should. The Whigs, as represented by their leaders, Lord Hartington and Sir William Vernon llarcourt, have given an almost peremptory negative to the Home ltulo proposition. They havo left themselves one loophole, however, through which, in case of desperate emergency, they may escape alive. Interest ii 'Hy centers in the Tory programme, and the outluu. t)ftt is famished that morning.

Lord Kaucibip), Churchill, the Hotspur of the Tories, has been iQ Ireland for some days, conferring with tho Orange 'ivies of Ulster. He has announced, further, that a'rory propaganda to meet the Nationalist movement lias already been organized, and that it will be put into active service when the timo comes. This, of course, is a declaration designed to give edge to the one great Tory weapon, pamely, tho threat of dissolving Parliament at once and appealing to the tountry for another general election. How serious sucn a move wouia do. ana now crave possible consequences, may be inforred may I mm 18B.