E(G-3RA H H a ALA A VOL. XIII. NO. 91. PHILADELPHIA, SATURDAY, APRIL 1G, 1870. DOUBLE SHEET THREE CENTS. B FIRST EDITION "CHERRY HILL." Animal Report of tlio Inspectors of the Eastern Penitentiary of Pennsylvania. Hon. Bichard Vaux as a Social Scientist-Facts, Figures, Theories, and Results. The forty-lirst annum report of the inspectors of the State Penitentiary, of which body the lion. Richard Vaux Is President, has just been issued. The most important portions of it arc m follows: The Penitentiary Is a State Institution. Tt was established after the most earnest consideration had been (liven ly competent lulnds to the subject of convict discipline and penal jurisprudence. Then, for the first tunc In the history of civilization In the 1'nlted Mates, those citizens or other persons who were punished for crimes or otlenses against society, were made the subject of Penitentiary discipline during their conviction to imprisonment. The sys tems of imprisonment before extstlnir, If they could be denominated systems, were regarded as most Injurious ta the convict and to society, and were but an Incarceration ol criminals in a prison, there to be kept from all association but that of their own class. Prisons or Jails were then moral pest houses, where crime was only an active, etlectlve moral epidemic, contagious as to all who were In association. The congregation of convicts was a principle which tended to make all as bad as the worst. By this Incarceration a crime-class is orga nized. This crime-class, on regaining its lib erty, makes for Itself a protective union while engaged In new depredations on so ciety. The effect of association In prison is to invite and encourage association of these crimi nals after they are discharged from custody, and thus contribute to the existence of a crime-class In the community. This nnwtse system of pun ishing for crime Increases both crime and criminals. Tbis was the system then in operation, only because no effort had ever been made success fully to establish a wiser, more philosophic, or a more common-sense treatment of convicts. It was the result of a close scrutiny into the vast abuses of this Indiscriminate mixing together of all ages or offenders punched for different crimes, that the dis interested and able men who took up the subject of penal jurisprudence were forced to abandon the congregate system as it was in itself a crime and seek for one which radi cally remedied all its evils. The theory was Hell-evident, that if the congregation of convicts was a direct, positive injury to each convict, and ezcrclsed a dangerous Influence on the community, then theopoosltemodeof treatment would, neeea e arily, prevent these consequences. The separation of each convict from others under sentence for rrirrea, during their imprisonment, was worked out into that philosophic system which, throughout the world, to-day, is known as the separate or Pennsyl vania system or penitentiary discipline. It is believed and hoped, by those who have hnd oiticial connection with this penetentlary (the only penitentiary now established in which the separate cystim IB aaminisierea, as a rest or mai system), that the law-making power of Pennsylvania will not destroy this system, without the fullest Investi gation. It is the belief or the Inspectors that the evidence which Is before your Honorable Bodies, and which has been publicly proclaimed for nearly thirty years, fully, completely, and unanswer ably preves that the Pennsylvania system of Peni tentiary punishment, as administered In the Eastern State Penitentiary, is as wise, as beneficial, as effec tive, as any now established by law. The proof of this assertion Is to bo fouud in the facts, statements, deductions, and experience which this Penitentiary presents to the mind of the unprejudiced aud disinterested student of penal science, for the past thirty years the inspectors have annually presented their views and opinions on this subject, 'i'tiey have been accompanied with such Information and exhibits as are essential to a full understanding of the questions Involved In any discussion of penal systems. As yet, no one. by reason of his ability and opportunity to study and examine these questions, has snccesfully denied these opinions aud views of the Board of inspectors, sustained, as they have been, by the facts adduced in their support. It is here and now asserted that on a compari son with any other system of couvlct treatment tn which the profit made from convict labor is not the test, the separate system has for many years shown itstlf superior, in all that relates to dis cipline, health, Improvement in the physical aud mental condttion of convicts, their reformation, and the protecting of society against tiie organized crime-clans which is becoming so ungovernable. It is now further asserted that, under proper limita tions as to the extent of the comparison, the sepa rate system is not more costly thun other systems, especially In States containing large cities, and where, consequently, populations are more liable to the congregation of offenders against property and personal and public security. Aguin. it is asserted that, under our system, the convict is better enabled to correct his lire, change tils habits, strengthen his rest Ives for amendment, is more directly and posi tively subjected to improving lufluences, more r adlly enabled to understand the object of his puu Uhment, and avail himself of its purposes, and more effectively protected against temptation on regain ing bis liberty, and secured against the force ol con tamination by lutcrmlngllng with the crime-class in populations, than nnder any other now in operation, cither in the United States or Europe. From tnese remarks it is easily to be understood, that the knowledge and Information necessary pro perly to judge and decide on issues of such import ance to the convict and to society are not obtained by ititnitlon. It requires large experience, most can till study, almost daily observation, and the examination or facts as they relate to principles, and of principles as they are sustained by facts, in order to reach a wise and safe couclusiou. It is a science wo are discussing. It is neither a whim, a caprice, au experiment, a notion, a Job, nor a speculation. It is u science, consequently it Is to be considered and Investigated only as such subjects can be examined. For the past fifteen years the Inspectors of the State Penltcutlary for the Eastern Distiict of Pennsylvania have presented statistical tables, which thoroughly exhibit crime, crime cause, the individuality of convicts, their moral, mental, physical, educational, and social conditions and relations, from which are established the principles on which their punishment by imprisonment can be best applied. These concur in showing that tbe separate system is the safest, the beet, the most scientific or philosoplilo sys tem to which theT can be subjected, for their advantage and the substantial beuetlt of society. This lias never been successfully refuted. True it is that some excellent men have brought ihfiiiiHcivm to believe that a system which a. h miatps convicts is the better mode of prison treatment. There the belief ends. No reason has ever been presented to prove It best, as against each particular reason, of all that are submitted, to prove it. m.ttn lip an. it is here asserted, from the expe- rleece ft nast vears. after full, and csreful, and thorough investigation, that the separate system cannct be successfully assailed in respect of those nartltulbis as to which it has been called upon to justify it self. To collect in one place a given number of persons convicted of crltno, associate them for work, or instruction, or for so-called relt gious teaching, and assert that thereby they are individually and collectively beuetlted, to a groater decree, thun l? senaratlug them for like pur poses, and that such separation falls to benefit them to the same extent, is to assert that eouallv efficient means are better when applied to a class collectively than to each individual sepa rately. It would be as true to maintain that a largo auinher breathing au atmosphere iu common are more healthful tliau each of that number Inhaling sure air separately. It would bo as true to ooutend lUat a large number of sick, In association, could be as pn perly treated by one general remedy as eacu iiiuiviuu&uy ueaieu, lit m-parauuu, or uuu-usao elation. To prove that a large number or convicts associ ated together for punishment ore better enabled to rise above their degradation, ever reminded as they are of its cause and character by this association, than if they were eacb separated from the other and unknown to each other, would prove that tbe best society tor scu-uupruveiucui was a society ui cou virtu. To seek to establish the fact that there are no con taminating Influences in convict association, under the best system regulating It, Is to attempt to prove the non-ex'stence of a law of our nature which Is as Id as man. To ask tbe sincere soul, anxious to receive true religious teachings, if they cau be better attained in a large congregation than in isolated self-commu nion, under the earnest Influence of direct personal appeals, is to expect a denial of the plainest practi cal experience or the religions mind. congregational worship is very gratciul to the mind, very agreeable, very Impressive, for those who have the fullest opportunities for private devo tions; but convicts are not sentenced to peniten tiary punishment for the purpose of enjoying art agreeable or interesting mode of worship. It is to be doubted if an opportunity for idle curiosity to gratify Itself, which Is frequently the wish of those to whom the company of one's self Is the most dis agreeable, can be the true basis for religious asso ciat ion. To advocate congregational labor of convicts Is to require not only the associated labor of the con victs themselves, but further to unite It with the best appliances of machinery or mechanical devices, in order either to make it self-supporting or pront maklng; and when these resnlts are reachad then an antagonism by the honest industrial classes Is created, which must destroy tho former or depre ciate the latter. The evils which are thus created In society, both in the out-door Industries and lu the administration of the system or punishment, vastly counterbalance the satisfaction which the advocates of contract associate labor in prison attain by its enforcement. General disturbance lu social and Industrial or ganizations, thns produced, Is but an inadequate compensation for maintaining a system involving a persistent disregard of science, public opinion, and sound political economy. It is not the wish of the inspectors to further dis cuss this question- They have only here made such suggestions as must lead the reflective and dispas sionate to consider the subject In all Its relations to the State, the people, and the convicts themselves. It is with this view It is earnestly hoped that the Legislature will not without the fullest investigation of the principles which underlie tills important branch of social science, destroy the separate sys tem as it Is now administered at the State Peniten tiary at Philadelphia, leather protect it in its efforts to fully demonstrate the real character which so un doubtedly distinguishes it from other systems. Let the opportunities be continued, that the cu mulative experience gained In this Penitentiary may make tbe theory and practice of the separate con finement or convicts so undoubtedly satisfactory and convincing, that it will be aocepted as the best system yet devised for Penitentiary punishment. The Inspectors would most respectfully aud with deep earnestness invoke the attention of tbe Legis lature to other and more serious questions connected with penal legislation, than changing or destroying what Is deemed wise and effective, or accepting what Is elsewhere of doubtful propriety in prison discipline. The cause of crime now demands attention. For many years the effects of Crime cause have been considered. The penal laws have been revised, the punishment for crimes has been modified. But I, tue attention has been paid to the conditions in society which produce these effects. The idea has been to legislate for persons convicted, but not much has been attempted to restrain the commission of the crimes for which they suffered imprisonment. it Is submitted most respectfully, that before legislation Is perfected putting into operation a comprehensive system of correctional or penal laws, and destroying established penitentiary discipline, the mind of the Legislature should be enlightened on all questions which are so Intimately connected with this Important subject. The first duty is to obtain full statistical information as to the actual condition of the whole population as to crime, pau perism, education, industry ; and then it would bo less difficult to enact such correctional or preventive laws as are imperatively demanded. The necessity for such laws would then be less commanding, for the preventive would take the place of the penal. At the suggestion ef any citizen who feels himself to have au inspiration, without adequate knowledge or even capacity to learn, it is most unwise. Indeed it would he regarded as a folly. to make either correctional or penal laws for the government of society. vet so it is, mat me law-maKing power nas, oy legislation, mude rules governing penitentiaries and convicts tnerein, wnicn were oniy Known to oe taws by one or more citizens who were instrumental in their enactment. Such action by the Legislature of a great State on grave and Important questions is unworthy the name or legislation, however it may be In harmony with Its practice. It will not be denied that stability, in any system of laws relating to particular or special objects, is more to be uesireu man irtquent or sporadic at tempts at change, and even If it is thought such change in itself might be beneficial. 1 he whole sub ject, its completeness, the just relation of its par ticulars to eacn other, in a wora. tne system in ope ration, requires to be thoroughly understood, before it 1b possible, even from tho best motives, to alter or amend It. The chance, whatever it may be, frequently pro duces evils more serious in their effects than those which the change imposed was intended to correct. The close observer of the eifect or even the general legislation or states is rorced to regret mat laws have been specially enacted which, lu themselves Innoxious, have, by disturbing the interests pro tected by former legislation, produced unforeseen and miBcmevous consequences. If this be true in general, men it is more siriKingty so of the results of incongruous laws introduced into the legislation affecting special or particular systems or social condition. It follows as an indis putable fact that the system of penal jurisprudence, witn us manuoia special relations to society, to con victs, to crime cause, and to the best interests of the peonle. cannot be subjected to cnange in one parti cular without affecting the harmonious working ef all parts oi me system ltseii. Statistical Tables. SrtOWlKO TflK VARIOUS CHARACTERISTICS AND RELA TIONS OF Till 309 ADMITTED l'KISONKKS FOK TUB YKAKlSCD: natural relations of convicts received in I860: No. pr. rt.it'otored, UI.IR'Uoloa Males Females. . .200 6 era iu .it ui id. . . . 11)4 Females. 206 66-09 BEX. pr.ct. Adult: No. 24-92 White Males... lss llinort. No. lute Moles... 77 pr. rf 59-21 White Females 8 Mulatto Males. 6 Black Males... 8 65 White Females 4 1-80 11 29 Mullatto Mules 12 Mulat, Females 1 Black Males... 10 83 H2 6-i a 93 80-10 216 C9-90 AOS. pr. rt, I From No. No. pr. el. I'nderlS 2ft 18 to 21 w 81 to 25 73 an to so 69 80 to 35 81 HUH ilO tO 40 . IT e-ci l-ca 22-01 40 to 45 5 45 to 50 D 23-62 22-8H 1003 1-C2 8S ftO to 60 12 00 tO 70 4 1-80 260 6608 43 13-94 BOCIAL RELATIONS. Parental. No. pr. rt. Cnuji'iot. No. pr. rt. Parents Dead.. 100 82-80 Unmarried. .177 a i -it Parents Living. 88 28-48 Married 119 US-51 Mother Living. 43 Father Living.. 78 18-92 Separuted 6 25-24, Widowers 7 lttt 2-27 100-03 S09 809 JtJiirationut. An. Biihiln. No. pr. rt. Illiterate 51 ia-60' Abstainers .... 80 12-62 Mod. Drinkers. 140 70 88 Somefs Intox. 69 loiten lutox'd.. 20 2ft -S9 Head only :9 45-Kl lieau anu wmczitf 22-33 6-47 309 100 -00' 1NDIETKIAL RELATIONS, 309 100-00 pr. rt. Vnapprentlred 2W Apprenticed and I-eft 83 Apprenticed aud served until twenty-one M-73 10-68 2-59 years oi age " 309 100 -00 rrRKCITS BEFORE CONVICTION. Anger-maker 1 Laborers 151 1 Ilaker l t.ivery stanie keeper. Barber 1 .Machinists 0 Bartenders 9 Mason. , 1 Blacksmiths 6 Miller 1 Boatmen... K Moulder 1 Bolt-makers 2 Musician 1 Book-keepers 8 No particular occup'n. 7 1 Painters 7 Bricklayer Brush-makers... 2 Peddlers 2 Butchers Cabinet-maker . . Can era Carpenters Carver. 6 Physician 1 l: Plasterer 1 4 Potter l 8 Printers a rpuddier i Caulker Cigar-makers.... II Sailors 4 Salesmen 8 Clerks Coachmen Cook Coopers...' Pent 1st Dyer KDglneer Fireman Glider Glass Cutter Harness-makers, Hat Finisher.... Hostlers Housewife , . Huckster Total 19 Heamstresses. . . 3 B Servants 1 Shoemakers.... , 2, Khoe Fitter .... 8 1 1 1 uoapniaker . (Stonecutter... TallorB 9 Teacher 1 Tinsmiths..., Traders 9 8 1 1 1 Turner....;.. Walter Watchmaker. Weavers 9 Ao. pr. rt. 42 13-59 1 -82 43 13-91 DIRCBAROKO CONVICTS. The convicts discharged during the oast rear were as follows: No. nr. et. I No. nr. ef. White males. ...258 86-43'rolored males... 37 12-25 While females. 5 l ed, Col d females.... 2 -64 263 87-Oul 89 12-91 Ssv: Sentence expired 12T Pardoned it Kemeval to County Prison 14 Died 7 Suicide 1 Commutation of sentence 123 By order of court. 8 802 GENERAL SUMMARY OF RECEPTIONS AND DlHCtTAROES. The whole number received since the admission of the first convict, October 25, 1829, is 6537 Discharged by expiration of sentence 84K.1 995 4410 803 lit) fetii 3 9 2 2 88 4 42 9 n e 3 9 8 9 10 4 12 16 8 14 110 14 124 148 177 B25 11 3 13 1 1 4 4 Discharged by removal to Almshouse Discharged by House of Kefuge Discharged by County Prison Discharged by State Lunatic a By iu in Discharged by revocation of senteuce Discharged by change of sen tence Discharged by Writ of Habeas corpus Discharged by Wrltor Krror. Discharged by order of Court Discharged by Commutation Law ,,, Hanged (crime, murder at sea), u. s. convict Escaped.... 4633 1267 tsano Leaving tn confinement, Dec. 81, 1869 637 Escaped convict of Feb. 8, 1S67, returned. ...... 1 Total. .. . . ... . . . . . ....... . .639 To wit: White males 642 1 Colored Males. . ..83 .. 2 ST While females.. 9 . Colored females. Ull RECONVICTIONS ON TUI BASIS OF DISCHARGE. No. I'r. L First conviction to this or any prison, so lar as Known uzi ea-04 Second conviction, bat first here, the previous one oaing to a congregate prison 98 19-37 Third conviction, bnt flret here, the pre vious two being to a congregate prison 21 0-34 Fourth conviction, but first here, tbe previous tnree being to a congregate prison 1'58 Filth conviction, but first here, the pre vious four being to a congregate prison 3 ".9 Sixth conviction, but first here, the pre vious live Deing to a congregate prison i Old convicts, first here, the previous con victions being to a congregate prison.. 43 b-m 606 100-00 From the above it will be seen that of the 606 re convicted convicts but t.22, or 63-64 per cent., were on their first conviction sentenced to this peniten tiary. Time Served. JHnehargeH. Vuderl year, 633 1 to 9 years win 8 8 ' 4 1 5 6 4 6 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 10 years and upwards WrtOI.H NUMBER OF PRISONERS. Received since the admission of the first prisoners, October 25, 1829, to December 81, 1869, la 6537, viz.: AO. pr.et.i A: pr.ei. 76-21 Colered males. ..1218 18-63 White males... 4982 White females. 200 8-05. Colored females. 187 3-10 5182 79-871 BEX. 1355 20-73 Mnorl. No. pr. ef. I Adult: pr. et. White Males... 893 White Females. 67 Mulatto Males. 134 Mul. Females.. 84 Black Males.... 193 13-60'Whlte Males.,4087 62'62 87 1 WITe Female. 143 8-051 Mulatto Males 36S 2-19 6-45 '62. Mul. Females. 38 83 8-21 2-95 Black Males.. 637 Black Females. 83 61 Black Females 82 49 1844 No. 20-66 6193 79-44 AGE pr. et. 1 From No. pr. et. rnderis 2ti 4-44 40 tO 45 843 6-25 18 to 21 1064 21 tO 25 1613 25 tO 80 1340 16-12 45 to 60 262 24-67 5 to 66 248 20-60 66 to 70 83 ll-15;70to80 13 8-68,80 to 90 1 4-01 3-79 1-27 20 80 to 85 79 85 tO 40 661 02 6687 85-46 950 14 64 SOCIAL RELATIONS. riirentat. No pr. et. (bnjuyuf. No. Parents dead. .2240 84 -86 Unmarried 3741 pr. et. 67-23 Parents Uvtng,18i0 27-69 Married 2332 86-44 Mothers llvlug.1615 26-77 Separated Widowers. 84 1-23 Fatuer living., vjo 12-18 389 41 442 63 Widows C537 1001)0 6637 100-90 Sapplemeatarv Reports. Subjoined to the thoughtful report of Mr. Vanx, and the statistical information from which wa have given full extracts, are the Physician's, Steward's, and Moral Instructor's reports, all of which show great system and efficiency in those departments. The Penitentiary seems to be admirably adminis tered, and to be doing Its highly Important work well. It has always been a model institution, and it wsb never under better discipline than it is at present. FROM THE STATE. I.ny Delegation. Special Despatch to The Evening Telegraph, Wii.kehbakke, April lfj. The Ws'ominf' Conference votes for lay delegation 134 for, 0 against. FINMGU A Kit COMMERCE. EVENINO TEI.KORAPH OFFIOE.l Saturday, April 16. 1H70. t The local Money market shows somo activity this morning, aud the rates are perceptibly firmer than for several days past, and currency less redundant. A fair business demand is slowly springing up in the city, which added to remittances to tue interior towns produces a Blight pressure at the banks, which begin to aflect the tone of the general market. Tbe range of call loans is still 5(oj0 per cent., but there is very little doing at less than 5. Discounts are moderately active, ana tuo best business paper in the market is current at about 7 per cent. outside the bnnus. "piIILADELPnTA STOCK EXCITANGK SALE! Reported by De Haven & Bro., No. 40 3. Third street. t llWT AlUAKlJ. 16000 Pa 68 8 B6..... 106 8sh Meeh Bank.. 82 v 1200 dO J" i in n lit ui B5wn 113 45t)U0 d0...8d B6. 108. Iiuuocnyos. n.m.iw. 14000 C fc A HI 68,89 lots... 95 16000 Pa BS reg 100 2o00 Pa 1st int..... 99 47 sh PennaK..ls. 68V 10 do Is. 6S' 141 sn ien vat. ..is. do 22 do...d bill. 56 6s gn C A Am It. is. U9 16000 Bead es,-!i. a 80 do...B5wn.H9 11000 Coun'g tt ttda 88541 14 sh West 1 HICCOND BOAKD. Bk.... 76 12660 City 6s, New.lOiKI I65U6 do 1B.102. 1500 Leh gold L... 92 11000 Klmlra 7s.... 94 13 sh Lek Val.d b. 66 12000 Leh V old bds Cp.... 09 11000 Phil &K6g.... 8a loosh Beading tt... 49 600 do 49 ; 100 do 49; t1IMMlT&1 m 6s. B9 V tsuoora rg 0B...1B.109 lou sn ncn av rr.. it MEHBHB. UB UAVBN BHUTHBK, HO. ll B. Tmra street. Philadelphia, report the following quotations U. 8. 68 Of 1881, 114J(114 V i do., 1863, 112,'(112?i 5 do. 1864, HiaillX: UO. 1866, lll)tf(SUtXi do. 1865, new. i do. 1867. do. Il(i4(110)tf : do. 1868, do., 110S!U0X i 10-40S, 106.106H! D. & 80 Year per cent. Currency, niSi4H17i DneOomp. Int. Notes, 19: Gold, 113KU6118KI Silver, 108110. Union Paolflo tt. tt. 1st Mort. Bonds, $845(4860; Cen tral Paoiho R. K., I9i&42e; Union Pauloo Land Grant Bonds, liTifi. Reeonriettd. Fr Cent, 4fl 7-1 157 7-78 11V3 131 ll- 735 100 13-79 203 24 1182 124 22 17-84 65 11 16-92 27 6 18-81 20 8 15-00 8 1 12-50 84 1 8-78 5052 606 10-01 SECOND EDITION FROM THE WEST. Tow-boat Kxplanlon'-KiiKhtral ! ef Life. Cincinnati, April 16. The tow-boat Hover 'exploded her boiler at 11 o'clock last night, above the Little Miami Railroad depot, and floated down to the foot of Butler street, where she sank. There were twenty-three persons on board. Madison Cervale, a deck hand from Boston, Ohio, was brought ashore badly hurt. Three others aro known to have been saved, but the fate of the others is not known. Latek. Captain Samuel De Wolf, of tho Kovcr, is badly hurt about the head, and his right arm Is broken. J. Aleshire, mate of the Gallipolis, is hurt in tho hips They are both at the Brondway Hotel. Ellis Aleshire, carpenter, is seriously scalded. The following are known to have been saved: Joseph Martin, first engineer; D. Do Wolf, mate; Thomas J. W. White, fireman; Joe Martin, and two other persons whoso names aro unknown. Tbe officers and crew who havo not been beard from tire: A. 8. Woodward, pilot; Reuben Sanger, John Christy, Henry Brown, colored, a man known as Edward; Levi Sangor, first steward; Robert Decker, second steward, and tho following deck bauds and Steward Lavett, 8amuel Flndlay, John Flndlay, Robert nicks, Robert Bailey, Ellis Bones, and Joshua Saprod. The coal was owned by the Tomeroy Com pany. The explosion occurred as the boat was steam ing out from her berth under 140 pounds of Bteam. The Fenlnn Consresn. Chicago, April 10. The Fenian Congress has adjourned sine die. An Executive Committee of nine members were elected to take the place of the President and Senate, which have been abolished. Tbe names of the members of the committee will be kept secret for tbe present. Tbe expulsion of Richard McClond, of Connec ticut, by General O'Neil, was unanimously re scinded by tbe Congress. The Printers' Htrlke. St. Louis, April 1C Notwithstanding the withdrawal of the Union printers, tbe work of the Jiepubltcan is performed, though by a re duced force, and that paper declares it will be able to hold out against the strikers. Army Coart-ftlartlal. Louisville. April 10. A court-martial has been convened here to try Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Inspector-General James Totten, U nited States army, 'a be court met yesterday, and is composed as follows: General S. (J. Lovell, ICth Infantry, President; General 8. W. Crawford, Colonel 2d Infantry; General C. Fennepacker, Colonel 10th Infantry; General H. W. Waples, Lieutenant-Colonel W. 8. Any, General R. S. Granger, 10th infantry; General R. Ayres. Generol T. J. Haines, General Patten, Captain C. A. will tan, ot tne lUtQ infantry. Judge Advocate. One of the charges against General Totten is said to be absence without leave. After remaining In session here two or three days the Court will proceed to Charleston, 8. C, for the purpose of procuring testimony. and will then return to this city to conclude their proceedings. FROM THE PLAINS. Uailroadlng In Denver. Dbkvkr. Colorado, April 16. At a meetincf of the Denver Central and Georgetown Railroad Company yesterday, John Evans was elected President; Charles Burleigh, Vice-President: R. R. McCormicK, secretary; ana u. a. Aloflatt, Jr., Treasurer. Arrangeincr ts are being mado to secure the construction of the road at an early day. The Santa Fe Giold Mines. Denveh, April 16. Telegrams from Santa Fe report that great excitement prevails there over the new mineral discoveries eight miles south of Barney Station in isew Mexico, it is said that the roads are lined with people travelling to the new mines. leoal mTELLianrjcn. Railroading n Case. Court of Quarter Sessions Judge Ludlow. It has been authoritatively established, we be lieve, that a good cuBtoin. when abused, may be fruitful of bad results, isucn is tne ract witn regard to the custom known in this aourt as "railroad- Ins" a case, which means to push it to trial and iudir meut witn ail posaioie naste, to prevent a laiiure or justice oy tue aosence oi material parties. An in stance oi us misapplication is tne iouowiug case: in reoruarj last wasnington w inters, a poor young man. was arrested aid committed upon the cnaree oi menway roooerj upon tne person or William II. Lord and aggravated assault and bat tery npon reter rage: immediately bins or indict ment containing four or Ave drag-net counts, maklnR accusations of the same offenses In the mast subtle forms conceivable, were presented to ths Grand Jury and by them at once returned true bills. On the following day the case was put upon trial, Page appearing in court witn Danuagea neaa as if he had Just escaped butshery. Lord would not say positively that tbe prisoner robbed him of the dollar and a half he had lost, but from circumstances inferred that he did. The other prosecutor presented a pitiable Bight as the result of a beating supposed to have been in flicted by Winters. Tne prisoner in the dock had no counsel to defend him, bad not been able to se cure the attendance of witnesses, and was accord ingly found guilty of highway robbery and assault aud battery of an aggravated character, aud the Judge, being misled by the aspect the case then bore, at once Benteucuu mm w tu imprisonment oi eight years, five for tbe first offense and three for the latter. Subsequently his friends ensraged Counsellor Kneads, who, within the Bame term, Hied his motion for a reconsideration of this senteuce, and the judg ments were accordingly ordered to be opened pend ing the (hearing. Upon the whole, it was ad judged that the sentence upon the robbery bill be annulled, the verdict set aside, and a new trial granted; and that upon the bill charging aggravated assault and battery tbe sentence be reduced from three years to four months, to date from the pri soner s commitment. mo wuoie sentence is changed from eight years to four months, the great and severe mistake being made by thus recklessly "railroading" the poor man s case through. This practice was only Justifiable, and only resorted to by former UlSinct AitoruejB, ucu iumu n uauger that the defendant or some important wituess designed fleeing the jurlsdlction.or a composition of the felony was i.. nnueuk, or some otuer circum stance by which tbe ends of Justice might be frus trated was feared. But in this case the prisoner was safe, lying in prison and nnable to secure ball, aud tbe two prosecutors were residents of the city, well known lu the communltv, and quite anxious to ap pear against blm. Ho that a delay of a few weeks or a few days could have worked the cause of the Commonwealth no harm, might have given the pri soner an opportunity to prepare for trial, and have saved the Court from this great and mortifying mis take. . . ADout Children. Court tif Quart Sessions Judge Feirc. A case was heard this morning, in which Thomas Tyson Bought to recover the custody of his three in faut children, all under the age of seven years, from his wife, from whom be is living separate, upon the ground tnat sne was oi immoral ana intemperate habits. In answer to this, Mr. Bregy, representing Mrs. Tyson, denied the imputation so unfeelingly made 'by the husband, and showed that he had never thought of taking the children until he had been sued oy tne wue tor oesertion anu oruerea oy tbe Court to pay a weekly Bum for the support of herself and the children. The Court agreed with Mr. Vregy and remanded the children to the cus tody of the mother. Deeertlea Case. Mr. Beltr.er, Solicitor for the Guardians of the Poor, eugaged the Court for a short time with bis week's list of desertion cases. Til I ltD EDITION I TO DAY'S CABLE T1HV7S. AFFAIRS AT THE CAPITAL. FROM WASHIXO TON. The Howard Invmtlantlont Special Despatch to The Evening Telegraph. Washington, April 16. The House Com mittce on Education and Labor held a session to-day, and continued tho Investigation of tbe charges against General Howard. Testimony was produced showing that General Howard and bis brother Charles are the original owners of the patent brick out of which Howard Uni versity Is built, and that they made a large sum of money out of it. The Parna-uajr Cane. It was expected that a report on the Paraguay Washburn investigation would be submitted to the Foreign Affairs Committee to-day, but no quorum appeared, and it was postponed. The report covers 3T0 printed pages. Senator WlUoa has so far declined to meet with General Logan for a conference on the Army bill. It is under stood that Wilson is working quietly against the bill, and that his plan is to let It lay in com mittee until it will be too late to secure action npon it. FROM THE WEST, Snowstorm In Indiana. iNniiTtAroMs, April 16. Five Inches of snow fell here since 6 o'clock this morning, and It is still snowing. Other points in the State report a snow storm prevailing. Additional Information of tbe Rover Disaster. Cincinnati, April 16. Supposed lost: Asa Woodward, pilot; John Calvin De Wolf, first mate; and Jane Bell, chambermaid. Persons on another boat say they saw the two former go down. Wounded: Joseph Martin, engineer, slightly scalded ; Levlj Soueser, steward, slightly injured; Reuben Sousscr, fireman, baily scalded; E. L. Bowen, deck hand, badly bjulsed; George Abels, engineer, badly bruised and scolded; John Christy, fireman, slightly bruised; Robert Decker, steward, dangerously injured; Samuel Findley and Leonard Brown, deck hands, slightly scalded; Allen Aleshire. carpenter, slightly scalded, uninjured; Joshua Saferead and Wiillam Love, deck hands, and Thomas White, fireman. FROM JVEW I ORK. Accident on the New York Central. Rochester, April 16. The freight train going east last evening on the Central Railroad was thrown from the track at Sand Cnt, a short dis tance from tbis city, by a broken shaft. A freight train from the east ran into the wreck, smashing the engine and killing forty or fifty bead of cattle. Samuel Clifford, engineer, jumped from his engine and was seriously Injured. A boy on one of the cars was also Injured. Paseenger trains from the East were laid up at tne break all night and Western bound trains were detained in the city. One train was sent east by the Auburn road, but that was detained at Cauga by the high water. It will be night before trains can again pass the wreck. Grain from the West. Buffalo, April 16. Credible Information states that a contract has been made to carry wheat by rail from Buffalo to Now York, light erage free, at 12 cents per bushel. Tbe Erie Railway steamers St. Louis and New York left port at 6 o'clock this evening, the former for Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, and the latter for Cleveland and Toledo. These are the first departures of the season. Both steamers went through the ico without hin drance, and the navigation is fairly opened. Rew York Money and Stock Markets. New Yoke, April 16. Stocks firm. Money easy at 6 per cent. Gold, 113,'. Five-twenties, isa, cou pon, Wiy.i do. 1864, do., Ill ; do. 186B do,, 111; do. do. new, wy,; do, 1807, liov; do. 1868, 110"; 10-408, 106'i ; Virginia es, new, 69; Missouri 6s, j Canton Co., 9; Cumberland preferred, SO; Con solidated N. Y. Central and liudson River, 9-i7i; Brie, 115; Reading, 99)tf: Adams Express, tl'i; Michigan Central, llOx; Michigan Southern, 88 Illinois Central, 1HH; Cleveland and Pittsburg, X ! Pittsburg and Fort Wayne, 9i ; Western Union Telegraph, 82. FROM NEW ENGLAND. Stabbing Affray In Boston. Boston, April 16. Philip Houghton, a steady and industrious young man, aged 23 years, was beaten and stabbed by two desperadoes at North End a few days ago, and has since died of his injuries. Two men, known as Fay and Grnm lisb, are nnder arrest awaiting the result of the coroner's inquest. Gerrlsh, the Defaulter. Loweix, April 16. The bondsmen of Thomas C. Gerrish, tho defaulting Treasurer of this city, to-day paid into the city treasury fsl6,000 as a compromise of settlement with the city. This and tbe amount previously paid makes about two-thirds of the defalcation; the city loses the balance. FROM EUROPE. The Plebiscite. Pamh, April 16. The Finaro, Independent organ, announces to-day that the Emperor Na poleon has written a letter on the signification of tho Plebiscite, for the Instruction of the peo ple, flight minion copies ot this document win be printed forthwith, in order that it may be placed in the hands of every ruler in France. Mblp News. Oueenstown. April 16. Arrived, steamers Java and Pennsylvania from New York. TnU fflernlna-'s Quotations. London. Anrll is. Consols opened at 941,' for money and 94(94 for account. American secu rities quiet, U. H. Five-twenties of 162, KSV. or 1S65, Old, 8TV: f W '; HM'HJ, 86.. Kailway stocks quiet; Erie Railroad, Sux; Illinois Central, 113)tf ; ureal western, j. Livehpooi., April 16 Tbe markets are still closed on account of the Easter holidays. Fbakkfokt, April 16 U. ti. Five-twenties opened firm. Havre, April 18. Cotton opened quiet and steady. FROM THE STATE. Methodist Episcopal Conference. Pcrakton, Pa., April 16 The Wyoming Confo. reuce of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In session at Wllkesbarre to-day voted on the subject of lay delegation, with the following result: For lay dele gation, 134 ; against, 0. Baltimore Produce Market. Baltimore, April 16. Cotton firm at S2j'' Flour firm and fairly active; Howard Htreet superfine, 4-8TWniB-12M; extra, 5-8TX(r46; do. lamily, 6 HM ; City MtllB superflne, $4-8T),5-80; do. extra, 6-60ci6iiB; do. family, tT(H8-T6? Western super fine, 4T8(5; do. extra, $5-itfM5-62 ; do. family IO6-70. Wheat firm; prime to choice Maryland red. ll-4fiai-W. Corn-White fairly active at tl-os 1I6: vellow firm at 11-08. Oats quiet at 6A65c. Mess Pork firm at 2J. Bacon firm; rib sides, 160.; clear do., ;io.Vno.; shoulders. 13c nams, I9(20o. Lard firm at italic Whisky firm at New York Predaco Market. New YObk, April 16. Cotton nulet but firm; sales of 400 bales, with holders demanding an advance, at !i8cV. Flour steady : State, W-NMBUS ; Ohio, 14-Tft6 ; wHtern. I4-46M6: Southern, 6-60M-76. Wheat ttrm but eulet Corn active and advanced So. ; sales of 61.0OU bushels mixed Western, l-10Atlt for new, and 1-C81-11X for old. Oats firm; sales of 19,000 bushels Btate at 6M4680., aud Western at 68)tfo. in store and sou. afloat. lieef quiet. Pork firm; new mess, 28-i(M2o-lW' Lard quiet. Whisky Aria; western, sit FOURTH EDITION Disarmament of European Powers A General Congress Proposed FROM EUROPE. A Oeneral Disarmament. Paris, April 16. It is reported here to-day that Great Britain and Russia have agreed to propose a general disarmament to the Prussian Government. Plan of a European Centres. It Is understood that at the termination of the plebiscite the Duke do Perslgny will proceed to llerlin to propose a general European congress. That Old Bore, Newmaa Ball. London, April 16 Newman Hall finds it neces sary to-day to contradict the rumor which has been lately circulated to the effect that he intended to live in the United States. The Alabama Claims. The Saturday Review discusses the Alabama ease in the light of Serjeant Barnard's book, which main tains that the detention of the Alabama would, even If possible, have been legally unjustifiable. The Review thinks the Serjeant wrong, as the detention order was actually Issued, though it came too late, the Papacy and Maaoary. The tuildtr, issued to-day, has an article on the recent papal anathema agatnat Free Masonry. The writer raters to the vitality ef the Masonic Order, bo)h here and on the Continent. FROM THE DOMINION, The Red River Expedition. Ottawa, April 16 The expedition to Red River will number 10,000 picked men, including a steel battery and the rocket brigade, as well as 2000 loyal Indians. Suspected Incendiarism. Yesterday afternoon a fire broke out in a new building in the rear of the Ilouse of Commons, intended for a library, bnt it was extinguished before much damage was done. Detectives are on the track of persons who are suspected of setting the building on fire. FROM NEW ENGLAND. The Lumber Business. Concord, April 16. The Merrlmac) continues at the overflowed bounds, and lumber men are busy on their drives. Otis Allen, of Lowell, witn three million feet of logs, Is now at Squaw Falls. Sixty men are employed at this drive, and it will soon) reach its destination. Following this, about twenty miles in the rear, is Norcross & Dander's drive, of about elx or seven million feet, and one hundred hands, mostly from the Penobscot country, FROM THE STATE. Special DetpaUh to The Evening Telegraph. WILEEHBARRB, April 14. The Wyomlnc Bonference of the Methodist Episcopal Church now in session here, decided tbis morning by a vote of 121 to A, In favor of lay representation. This it is understood decides the question definitely, giving an excess of 190 votes over the necessary two-thirds required. BASE BILL. Openloc of the Philadelphia Season Atbletto vs. Picked Nine. Special Despatch to The Evening Telegraph, Seventeenth and Columbia Avenue, April 16. The opening game of the Athletic Club opened this afternoon at S-4S. The Picked Nine are as follows: Clinton, Bd; Cepe.r. f. ; Flowers, catcher; Lovett, pitcher; Koake, short stop; Severn, left field; Allison, 1st base; Schaefer, 8d base; Henbel, centre field. The Ath letics play in regular order as heretofore announced. Athletics went to bat Bomelster umpire. First Inning Athletic, 0; Picked Nlue, 1. Second Inning Athletic, 8 ; Picked Nine, 0. Third Inning Athletic. 8; Pleked Nlue, 0. Fourth Inning Athletic, 8; Picked Nine, 0. Flth Inning Athletic, 4; Ploked Nine, 0. The Motamensino Hosb Ball. On Mon day evening next the annual Easter ball of the Moyamensing Hose Company will be held at the Academy of Music. . This grand affair will bring the ball season to an end with a blaze of glory, and from the announcements made with regard to the programme ' we anticipate that it will be the most gorgeous entertainment of the kind ever given in Philadelphia. No expense will be spared to make the ball a brilliant success, and as the arrangements are in the hands ef gentle men of taste and experience, it Is certain that all who attend will be provided with ample facilities for enjoyment. The Academy will be magnifi cently decorated with floral and pictorial adorn ments, and the music and refreshments will be of the highest class. Two bands will be In attend ance, Grafulla's, of New York, and Mark Hass lcr's, of Philadelphia. The refreshments will be served in the foyer, which for the occasion will be transformed into a grand banqueting hall, and magnificently decorated with flags and flowers. This department will be in charge of the accomplished caterer Adolph Proekauer, and nothing will be left undone that can con duce to the enjoyment of the guests. Those of our readers who wish to have a glorious time should by all means go to the Moya's ball on Monday evening. - Phlladelpbla Trade lleport. Saturday, April 16. Seeds There is less activity In Cloversced, but prices are unchanged. Sales of 9d0 bushels at 'J(i 9f0, ohlefiy at the latter rate. Timothy. is firm at 17-60. Flaxseed is quiet, and the crushers refuse to pay over $2-20. Bark In the absence of sales we quote No. 1 Quer citron at per ton. The Flour market is steady at previously quoted rates, but there is no demand except from the local trade, who purchased luoo barrels, In lots, at S4-ttTtf 4-70 for superfine; tl-TfkSr; for extras; $5-25t,4S-5 for Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota extra family; 6-8fi(46 for Pennsylvania do. da ; $s-6o6ii5 for Indiana and Ohio do. do.; and t6-S03T-60 for fancy brands, according to quality. Itye Flour is held at at 14-75 per bil. Whisky Is dull and nominal at 11-03 for Iron bound Western. jlatest snirrag otelligenceT For additional Marine News see Inside Page. (By Telegraph.) New York, April 16. Arrived, steamship Union, from Bremen. PORT OF PUILADKLPIIIA APRIL 16 STATE OP THERMOMETER AT THE BVENINO TELEGRAPH OFFICE. T A. M 49 1 11 A. H 68 1 1 P. It tt CLEARED THIS MORNING. Steamship Whirlwind, Sherman, Providence, D. 8. Stetson k Co. Steamer M. Massey, Smith, New York, W. M. Balrd A Co. Pt'r Vulcan, Wilcox, New York, W. M. Bul Co. Norw. bark Vingolf, Olsen, Cronstadt, L. Wester- DrAArd k Co. h Bark John E. Chase, Davis, Sagua, Workman & Co. A-KK1VKU THIS MOnu. Steamship Aries, Wiley, 43 ours from Boston, With mdse. to II. Wlnsor A Co.. Off Brandywiue, passed ship Nimbus, from Liverpool, and an unkuown fcorth German bark; off Wilmington, passed an un known American bark, a" bound up. Steamship Fanita, Freeman, 4 hours from New York, with mdse. to Jufln F. Ohl. Bchr L. S. Levering, Corson, 13 days from Sagua, wit!) molasses to A. Merino. Schr tten. Grant, Colhum, Bdays from Norfolk, Va, with lumber to Collins k Co. Schr Mary F. Russell, Smith, 10 days from Wil mington N. C, with lumber to D. Trump, Sou k Co. Bolir American Eagle, McFarland, 16 days from Calais, with laihs to Massey A Co. Schr D. k E. Kelly, Kelly, 8 days from Boston, with fish to captain. Hchr Halite 8. Godfrey, Godfrey, from Boston. Schr Hannah Blackman, Jones, from New Bedford. Schr C. 11. Wood, Gandy, from Providence. Schr Manaway, Hampton. 1 day from MUlvllle, with iron pipe to R. D, Wood 4 Co. Schr Aurora, Artls, 1 day from Frederics, Del., With er-in to Christian k Co. bchr Ariadne, Thomas, 1 day from Smyrna, Del., With grain to christian k Co.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers