THE DAILY EVENING TELEGRATO -PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1870. 3 CUv Affair ' The following ofncera have been elected iy the Union Benevolent Association: iTresident, Samuel II. Tetkina; Vice-Presi Vlents, O. Fisher Learning, Benjamin Ooates; Jireasurer, L.. 11. Wood; Corresponding Secre tary, L. Montgomery Bond; Keoording Sacre- ary, John II. Atwood; Managers, Tuonm l-etimer, John Buhlen, William Furves, Arthur G. Collin, Benjamin Orne, 1'boinas Wattson, Joseph II. Dalles, Johu Aihhurat, 1 nomas A, Budd, Itichard Wood, Carries Stewart "VVurlz. M. D.. Joseph A. CUv. Alfred M. Collins, John E. Graeff, I leer v U. jSherrard, J. B. Van Dueen, S. Morris Wain, John B. Getz, William A. Porter, George C. Morris. During the past year the Moyaniensini Sonp Society have distributed soup, meal, and bread for sixty-nine days, supplying adults aud children, to the number of 1.100, with 110,400 pints of soup, .1000 pounds of bread, and f(00 pounds of meal. The Treasurer reports his receipts at .2,.S9:$,; land his expenditures at $2,21G,42. An elec ntion for a Board of Managers on Tuesday re sulted in tne choice of the following mimed gentlemen: Collins West, President; Hugh Mevcnson, ice-President; John Pierce, Treasurer; J. Lesley Anderson, Secretary; R. K. Btewart, J. M. Cooper, J. A. Boger, Hush LMcConnel), William Stewart, William Kelley, James lison and liicliard Urown. Shortly before '.) o'clock last eveninc an ivtilnrm of fire was sounded from Seventeenth find Vine M reels, but the firemen on repair ing to the setne failed to find auy fire. While the insurance patrol wagon aud the Empire Hook and Ladder Company were proceeding to the supposed fire they came into collUioa at tbo corner of Fifteenth aud Vine streets. The insuiance patrol wagon was proceeding at a rapid rate up Fifteenth street, aud just as the hook Biid ladder truck was crossing Fifteenth street on the way up Vine, theappv ratus was struck by the patrol wagon. Tho front nxlo of the truck was broken, anrl t.hn f putrol wagoa was considerably injured by the collision. A member of tbo hook and ladder company was severely injured by the acci dent. At the meeting of the Looal Preaohera yesterday afternoon the question, "Is it the duty of Protestants to insist upon the reading of the sacr' d Scriptures in our public schools?" y was debated at considerable length, a number or the members of the association taking part V in the discussion. The association theu re solved itself into a conversational meeting on Sabbat h-Bthool instruction, Sabbath school literature, and family piety. The evening session consisted of a discussion on the subject of temperance, and a number of the local preachers gave their experience and accounts of the work performed by them in the temperance cause. After several short addresses had been made, a benediction was pronounced, and the convention adjourned to meet at Indianapolis next October. At the annual session of the Ktata Conn. oil, O. U. A. M.. yesterday afternoon, the r following gentlemen were elected officers for the enBuing year: btate Councillor, Richard P. Andreas, of No. It; 8. V. C, J. K. Snyder, of No. 3; S. C. Secretary, John P. Pratt, of No. 30; S. C. Treasurer, John Krider, of No. t2; S. C. Inductor, John Server, of No. ."2; S. C. Examiner, Martin II. Williams, of No. 7; S. C. Protector, C. V. Eastlaek, of No. 12. A meeting of the Public Buildings Com mission was held yesterday, Mr. John M. Rice presiding. A resolution was adopted empowering the President to procure suit able rooms to meet in. A resolution was ofi'ered directing the architect to prepare plans for the Public Buildings on Penn Squares as they are now situated, and other plans for buildings at the intersection of Broad and Market streets. The meeting then adjourned. Domestic Affair. Gold closed yesterday at 112J. The yellow fever is quite bad at Mobile. The health of Chief Justice Chase is rapidly improving. Considerable damage has occurred to vessels on onr great lakes during the reoent storm. The Prison Reform Congress closed its Bessions at Cincinnati yesterday, after sitting a week. Heavy smuggling transactions have re cently been discovered in Boston, which im plicate several prominent merchants of that city. There was a very protracted meeting of the Cabinet yesterday, but the nature of the business before it was not allowed to trans pire. Again comes the rumor that Mr. Delano is to succeed Mr. Cox in the Department of the Interior, and the announcement is only delayed nntil his successor in the Revenue Bureau can be determined upon. THE METHODISTS. Ytfctrrday'a Session mt (be MethadUt Stale Convenlloa. At 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon the dele gates to the Methodist Convention of the Stat6 of Pennsylvania assembled at Horticul tural Hall. After a temporary organization had been effected by the selection of Rev. Dr. II. L. Richmond, of Meadville, as (,'haii man, atd the Rev. Dr. Robert Patter- Bon, of Philadelphia, as Secretary, all present joined in singing the hymn commencing "All nan the power ox Jesus Name. The Rev. ur. jNesoit then delivered an impressive prayer. On motion, the Chair appointed commit tees on credentials and on permanent organi zation, who retired for the purpose of pro ceeding to business. The calling of the conferences disclosed that the following were represented: Pitts burg, Erie, East Genesee, Central Pennsvl vania, Wyoming, Philadelphia, East German, and Newark. On motion of Dr. Perkins, the roles of the last General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church were adopted to govern the convention. A committee from the Local Preachers' Association, now in session in this city, were then introduced, and extended an invitation to the convention to be present at their jubi- 1 .ill l T 1 r it r ti j ee, v i j uciuuu. r. ox., as me union ju. i. Church. The Committee on Organization then re ported the following as the result of their labors: President, Rev. Bishop Simpson; Vice- Presidents, II. Sindabaugh and J. W. T. White, of Pittsburg; Rev. W. P. Bignell and J. 8. McCalmont, of Erie; Rev. W. Cochrane and Major B. H. Dart of East Genesee; Rev. ' J. C. Smith, D. D., and Payne Pettibone, Eeq , of Wyoming; Rev. Thompson MitohelL P. D., and Hon. Eli Slifer, of Central Penn sylvania; Rev. D. Cook and II. LI. Allen, LU V., or i'Miaaeipma; uev. J. J. l. lira con and Theodore Gildemier, of East Ger man. Secretary, Rev. R. Patterson; Assis tant Secretaries, J. II. Walter, Esq., of Pitts burg; P. A. Laffer, Esq., of Erie; Rev. C. S F. Howe, of East Genessee; J. W. Rhodes, M. D., of Wyoming; George 11. Snyder, Eij., cf (Vnfrsl Pennsylvania; Rev. W. J. Taxson, cf Philadelphia; J. W. Jrckson. The above officers were all unanimously electtd. A committee of eight was then appointed on resolutions. After which addresses were made by Rev. George Peck, of the Wyoming Conference, Rev. Charles Cook, of Philadelphia, and others. In the evening the convention reassembled, and after the usual devotional exercises the following topie was discussed at great length: "Metbodinm: Its Growth and Present Posi tion in the State." The convention then ad- ourned nntil !) A. M. to-day. C05S1 1 T UT10NAL HE FOR 31 . Meeting of ths 1,'nlan I.enane. In accoi dance with a Ions-time avowed dfnire to agitate the question of conntltu tiotial reform, the members of the Union League or Philadelphia assembled In special meet ing at their house on Broad street lant evening. Scarcely any of tho prominent members were ai'PPTir, ann punctually hi eiaot o ciock iioh. morion McMlrhael, president of that most Influential oipRiiizptioii, called the meeting to order, Faying: Ocntloncn ot the Union league: rue board or dirr ctors have convened this meeting, an the notice publihhed in the daily journal, and sent t each of j ou through the tott, bus informed you, "for the purpose of considering a proposed application to the Le gislattire tor tbo call of a convention to enierd the constitution of Pennsylvania." They have been moved to take this action not only be caufe their own convictions of duty prompted them to do so, but also because prominent citizens in ilillercut sections of the State have urged that, recognizing the necessity of and the public demand for eurh a movement, an institution so favorably ituatert to promote it as the Union League should give to it the sanction of its indorsement, and aid it ny on tue means in us power. l or jonie weens past tuis snniect lias Deen unuar discussion by the Hoard of Pir ctors, and they will present tor your consideration this evening a pre amble and resolutions which embody their views, and which they trust will receive your approbation. As I presume the; e are several gentlemen present wl.o will address you, I shall not anticipate what any of them may desire to say by further comment. J hi all content myself with the declaration that I join nioK heartily in the good work we have inau gurated; and mat wnen it suau na crowned witn success, as I do not doubt it will be, I shall regard the share which our League will have had in its cor summation a not tho least of our claims to that liith character for patriotic effort which it has 'always been our aim to establish. 1 have now tue pleasure ot introducing Mr. (Jib- tons, who lias been selected by the Bo:rd to pre sent the reroiuttous. The resolutions read by Mr. (ii boons were as follows: Wbereas, It is declared by the constitution of PennFvWania that all power is inherent in tho peo ple, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and bappint ss; and that, for the advancement of tbeso ends, they have at all times an unalienable anil imk feasible right to alter, rciorru or aboiieh their government in such manner as they may think propel ; And whereas, i ne nigu powers eon i erred upon the Legislative department of the government were delegated by the people, with the full couli deixe and expectation that they would be exercised for the common benefit, aud that no temptations of private gain or advantage would ever control or influence any branch of tho hiw-ioaking power of the State, in the execution of the sacred trust con- tided to its management; And whereas, J tie history or the legislation or Pennsylvania for many years past is strongly marked by the corruptive power of corpora tions, seeking special favors by the tempta tions of bribery; the franchises of the State are bartered tor money, and our legislative halls have olten been converted into market places, where inn or t ant public offices have been sold to the high est bidders by faithless and venal public servants: vested rights have bee u threatened and assailed for the sole purpose of extorting ransom from their lawful proprietors, and public acts, which concern the common welfare, are parsed or rejected with out intelligent consideration, and tnus the safety and happiness of the people are frequently Im paired and imperilled by dishonest and incompe tent representatives; And whereas, There appears to be no other re medy lor these monstrous aud acknowledged evils than such weii-confidered amendments or the con stitution of the State an will deliver the legislative body from the temptations which continually assail it, and improve the character of its members, by securing the rights of minorities in all popular elec tions; therefore Kesoived, 1 hatttie members ot tne union Lieague of Philadelphia, now assembled in general meet ing, do approve and recommend tne caning ot a convention, to be composed of delegates chosen by the freemen of the State, for the purpose of pro posing amendments to the constitution of Penn sylvania. Kesoived, In order that the wlshea of the freemen of the Commonwealth may be duly ascertained in respect to the calling of such a convention, that ap plication be made to the Legislature at its next ses sion for the passage of a proper act, submitting the question to the people for their decision at an elec tion to be held for the special purpose on the first Tuesday in May next, or at some other convenient time a Kesoived, That a committee to constat of ten per sons, five of whom shall be taken from the body of the League and live from the Board of Managers of the League, he appointed for the purpose of di recting public attention to the subject of the fore going preamble and resolutions, with authority to confer with any other committees that may be ap pointed by other organizations or meetings having the tame ends in view, and with power to take such measures in the premises as to them may seem meet and expedient. In supporting the rr solutions Mr. Gibbons spoke most eloquently, lie said: The preamble and resolutions which are now submitted to the action of the League were unani mously approved, as stated, by the Hoard of Di rectors. 1 believe they do not magnify the corrup tion known to exist in the legislative department of our State government. It is the inevitable result of a system which gives to that department the power to confer special and valuable privileges upon one set of men and deny the like to others who seek them for like objects equally meritorious. Wherever such a power resides in a legislature, all experience proves that neither those who seek nor these who confer such favors are beyond the reach of temptation. The franchises of the State are secured in these latter da j s less by considerations of a public na ture than by means of private gain to Individuals, and hence they have become the almost unfailing sources of that corruption which is shaking the con fidence of many people in the stability of popular government. Public opinion exhausts ltd indig nation upon those who have surrendered to the temptations of bribery, while the managers Of cor- 1oratlons who permit the money ot their stock iolderto be applied to such purposes escape ob servation and punishment, aud seem to imagine that no share of the responsibility rests upon their shoulders. A Bounder morality teaches that they who procure the bribe to be ottered are the first transgressors, and are more guilty than their vic tims, who were too human to resist it. "It must be that ortences come, but woe to that man by whom the o Hence comethl" If it be right to grant the franchises of the State for a particular purpose in one county, it is equally right to grant them for like purposes, when re quired, in auy other county. Or if it be right to grant special powers and privileges to one corpora tion, it is equally right to grant the like powers to all others or the same character. The people are entitled to impartial legislation, llallroad compa nies, manufacturing companies, mining, banking, Insurance and trust companies, and other corpora tions, created for other purposes, have performed and will continue to perform important services to the (state, and are so completely interwoven with all onr social and material wants, that .they should be created and regulated only by grneral lixwi. Such a reform would strike the root of the corruption eomnlained of. The extent to which special legislation is carried may be seen by relerence to the pamphlet laws of the state, xnev exnioit tne race wuicu mav urooa biy excite some surpribe.that our vast andexpeusive machinery for making laws huds very little em ployment in matters which concern the public ceuerallv. It costs, perhaps, Hundreds or thous' uds of dollars to set it up every year, and Is then tincloved almest exclusively in special legislation, at an additional annual expeuseof $300,000. The laws ef 18ti8 are printed iu a huge oetavo volume of 1414 cases: the laws or iw!) in a similar volume or iooi ton lie ties: me ui joiu huu w iimuiuo hi umi baues: making a total of 4T0 pages. Twentv-one thoueau J copies of these laws have teen printed at the pablicexpense, and about three uidred paces out of the whole number eootaln all the general laws which have been passed for the last three years. In lt&8 the Legislature passed tl general laws and 1274 special or private act. In 1HJ it passed U general laws and I'M special or pi ivate acts. 49 general laws, and about 1200 private or special acts. Hundreds of these special acts relate to cor porations; hundreds apply only to particular ooua- lie; many oi mem reiaie to sueep, goais, uoga, nJg. and other families of auioiatad nature m cer- tkiii KmiithiM, aud ail vf them to jualtert whack rould he better regulated by general and prmnent laws, er which might bn safely left by eontltu t lor, a I provision to the control of local authorities. If the power cf the Legislature were restricted to the passage of laws of a public nature, there would be, in fact, very little for it to do. Klennlai sessions are all that the pobllo welfare would require. We are more likely to sutler from too much than too little legislation. If our general elections were biennial, instead of annual, they would come often enough for the peace, safety, morality and happi ness of the people, and the Chang would result in a prodigious saving of time, health and money. There are other subjects which woul4 neces sarily force themselves upon the attention of a con vention. The rights of political minorities are en titled to respect, and should be guarded and pro tected by the fundamental law. How this c vibe best accomplished Is a question which la a ret ly engaging the attention of some of the best mind in the State. Although Mr. Ituckalew is not of my nolltical faith, I am free to say that in my opinion he Is entitled to great honor for his patriotic eft'arts in this direction. The practice of conferring political patronige upon courts of law, whose judges are elective, Is a flireateningevll, which is worthyof serious thought. Our sysfm of public education is a very imperfect one, and compares unfavorably in its result with that of some other countries, far behind us in liberal Ideas on subjects connected with political science. These are matters that need not be discussod here, but tbey are too Important to be neglected in any revir-icn that maybe made of our State consti tution. 1 he proposition embraced by the resolution in volves r.o qnostirn of party politics. It contetu 1 lates nolbirg more than the ascertainment of the will ! the freemen of the State in relation to the ca'.l of a convention for the purpose indi cated. It is impossible to close our eyes to the ne c Fhify ef some popular endeavor to check corrup tion In public places, which is confined to no party, and has grown so bold, that it seems to challenge the virtue of the people to an open contest for su premacy. It is not peculiar to Pennsylvania. It Is quite as bad In other States. Not only the Legislature of Is'ew York, but. tbe local Judiciary of its great com mercial capital is befouled by it, and the halls of Congress are not free from its loathsome touch. Hut onr duty is at home, among our own people. If we do our part faithfully we shall unveil the old shield of the Commonwealth, which has been so long ob scured, and make tbe pledge of "virtue, liberty and Independence," which our fathers inscribed upon it, our pledge, to be kept hereafter inviolate. Mr. Frederick Fraley, president of the Schnvlkill Navigation Company, rose to second the resolu tions, using the following words: I vtry cheerfully give my support to the resolu tions now nnder consideration. The lieoesMty for peiiooical consideration of tbe organic law of the State b8 been rendered so obvious by experionco, that It is unnecessary to go into any detailed argu ment to demonstrate it. . The statement of the fact, that we have had three revisions of the Constitution since the year 1770, besides the partial changes Uiat have been ma lo fince 1838, nnder the legislative provisions for amendment, shows that the changes which are con tinually going on, caused by the increase of popu lation, tbe enlargement of material interests, "the advance of civilization; and the conflicts of corpo rate and individual rights, the relations of caoit il and labor, furnish new forms for legislation, which, if unguarded by constituonal provisions, must be left to the omnipotent discretion of legislators. Did we rely as they do in England on the con current action of tho legislative and execut ve powers for building np a constitutional system, some of tbe evils under which we sutler might hi mitigated, if not wholly prevented, by the addi tional care which tho people might then take in the selection of their public servants; but we rely on tbe restraints ot our written constitutions to protect us from legislative and executive encroach ments, and we find, when it is too late, that great rights have been sacrificed, or great wrongs done by laws hastily and Inconsiderately passed; often, indeed, without going through the recognized forms for enacting statutes. Such looseness ef legislation is a temptation to unprincipled men to steal power or to amass wealth, and recent experience tends to admonish us that all ordinary vigilance is battled bv the skill of such assailants, and that sure protection can be found only in strong and well defined constitutional limi tations. Evils of such magnitude beine now universally acknowledged, the question is bow shall they bd remedied. The existing constitution provides for periodical changes at tbe will of two concurrent legislative votes and ratification by the votes of the people. But this process is attended with many difficulties and imperfections. However crude a proposition for amendment may be, If It passes the first stage, it must not be In any way altered either in its second or final consideration, and hence amendments made in this way are of doubtful utility. Much the better plan is that heretofore adoptei for the amendment of tbe constitutions of 1770 and 17!0. Conventions composed of tbe worst and bast men ot the Stale, conservatives, theorists, radical reformers, the advocates ot appointment to ottice by executive action or by popular election all meeting in council, comparing their several views, and finally eliciting conclusions after auple debato and careful scrutiny. The object of the present movement in the League Is to provide by law for the holding of such a convention; that the time has come lor It, few if any doubt; that both the great political parties see the necessity for It is ap parent, in the action of their acknowledged jour nals. The support of such a body as this to the Legisla ture in the call for such a convention is of great Importance. It Is identified with the important changes which have been made in the Constitution of the United States changes all in the direction of human rights and the demands of an improved social condition and civilization. Pennsylvania needs for tbe true development of her resources tbe enlargement of her facilities for intercourse by railroads, canals, &c; tbe perfect education of her people; the protection of the rights of labor; tbe encouragement of tho introduc tion of capital laws broad, liberal and com prehensive, but uniform and stable. These should be precise in their character and be pro tected from legislative encroachment or enlarge, ment by fixed constitutional provisions. The in convenience of such strict limitations will be fully compensated by the greater sanctity and security that thus pertain to the grants of life and power which charters will then give. Mr. Gibbons has touched on another subject than those hitherto embodied in our organic laws the representation of minorities. This is a subject worthy of tbe attention of all who value tree insti. tutions of government or their permanency. Un der our present systems it is partially reached by tbe making of election districts, but this is so par tial, and so much affected bv purely looai condt' tions that It is practically worthless. Such repre sentations can be readily provided for by simple constitutional provisions, and among the many forms that have been suggested, the members of the proposed convention will find no difficulty In esta blishing a rule that will test the value of such a just recognition of what is often a full moiety of those entitled to tne elective irancuise. Let ua go forward then earnestly and faithfully In this good work, when the election of members to tbe convention is authorized; let us choose our wisest and best citizens to represent tue city or fni ladelphia; let us go into the work with the highest aims lor tue public weuare, auu irom moor uav ing such objects our good old Commonwealth will continue to have tbe anections of her sons and the resnect of thn world. After Mr. Fraley bad finished, the floor was taken bv Mr. George L. Itozby, who spoke as touows: Mr. President The movement to secure a con veutlon for the Introduction of such new provisions into our State Constitution as experience has shown to be necetsary, must receive the cordial support of every good citizen. That in a growing nation new conditions and new wants must arise Is a self-evident proposition. When we numbered three millions of people in only thirteen States, our political system was necessa rily less complex than now, when we have forty millions in thirty-seven States. The vast increase of our population both by natural growth and foreign immgration, continually suggest new political problems for our solution. bo many heterogeneous elements of humanity are cast upon our shores irom all quarters of the world, that our utmost faculty of assimilation la tasked to combine them in one harmonious whole. Whilst this process la going on It should be the duty or every citizen to guard against sucn cruoe pouu ral action as mav arise from deficient culture, in temperate zeal or imperfect acquiantance with the vital principles ef the free constitutions of thsie United States. I have heard a speaker say, from the platform on which vou. sir. sit. that when in Europe the re mark had been freauentlv made to him, "that our institutions wotked well because we had a small regulation dispersed ever a vast extent of terrl tory." "Wait," said these European critics, "until your population shall have become dense; until every walk of life shall have been crowded with anxious competitors; until you shall no longer find vent for the passionate, enterprising and discon tented la the new regions of your huge domain Into which they now daily press. When at last America kball in point of population and competition for the means of decent living be, a Europe in, then we shall see the strength of your boasted institutions tested. 1 hen we shall see if the human pnaslona which have so otten desolated human hopes, and overthrown many a fair political labrlo ot fluent promise will be charmed into silence and peace." And then the prophet cloted fettered as ha was by European experience with the annoncemeut of his grave distrust for our future. We reed not accept such gloomy reasoning as a juht fortiayal of what shall come to u. 1 ra'.her quote It here m illustrating the axiom, that "the price of liberty is eternal vigilance." If, under the more complex conditions our people are assuming, there are rot sufficient safeguards against violence and frand in the administration of oar public af fairs, now is the time to engraft such feature upon our Slate compilations as may eflectuallv result these evils. Already our sister States in the west, profoundly conscious of Imperfection In their or ganic laws, haveengaged in and, for tho time, per fertcd this work. We need so to amend our constitution that if bad men do succeed in getting Into office and power, thrv n ay be largely, if not. wholly, divested of ability to do mischief. If ruffians overawe honept men at ibe polls, or seize by force the ballot-box, or fraudulently count tbe votes it contains for the puipose cf senillng to the Legislat ure, or elsewliere in public life, some tool of theirs, vile enough to do Ibt lr bidding, we must provide in the constitution a harrier against his indulgence of their desires. When the representative shall have been proved lmtotent to reward the wretch who based his claims for remuneration upon a plentiful display of knife and revolver at the polls, or by bursting with brutal violence into tbe chamber where return judges are peaceably performing their duty, then shall one great motive lor the display or political rt nianism re removed, r or i will no toe worst oi lion an nature the justice to believe that it loves cot evil for Its own sake alone. How our legislators shall be disabled from the remmirsien of venal crimes, and be compelled to render bonorable service to the public for un happily the skirts of the Pennsylvania Legislature ere loin, btjo we aare not pronounce tnetn clean will be determined by the convention which is i!cw proposed. An Increase In the number of f or legislators, as practised in New Kng- iland, will make their services more difficult of purchase. An oath taken previous to the occu pancy of their official seats that they have spent no money, nor used any Improper means to obtain office," will exercise a restraining influence. Tha rutlication of every bill of consequence before final action npon It, 'and then the Insistence upon the approval of an actual majority of the members of the Legislature, and that upon a call of the yeai and nays, would eiiectuauy restrict reckless and vicious legislation. Hut these are matters to be discussed hereafter. ur creat want Is to secure good men for publio life. Tor years we havo been steadily driving them from it, and have almost made public life ignomi nious. If our institutions are to live, this must erase. No republic can exist If overlaid with vio lence and fraud. God grant that the time may come, as heretofore, when there shall alone sit in our public halls men 'Upon whose front engraven daep, Deliberation sits, and public care, And princely counsel in their face Majestic shines." Mr. Uuzbv was succeeded bv Mr. Soeiknun, who, Indorsing the action proposed, felt that the ( t (I v as fo difficult of accomplishment, that some thing more than an amendment to the constitution was wanted. Something should be done to purify roiitics in the first stages, and this the sneaker considered could be reached by giving suffrage t women, and by this mean only could perversion be prevented. Mr. William Kotcii wistar, following jnr. speax roan, took exception to the preamble, while agree ing with tbe resolutions. He could not coincide with the idea that the rights of minorities to re presentation was the enly method to secure re form And furtlfer, he thought that expression should be given to the idea that an elective jud.- cthty is a great evil, Mr. John Price Wetherlll continued the debate, and claimed that the meeting was called to Bho the necessity or a convention and not to discuss items, and advocated the resolutions as they were written. Colonel Francis Jordan, secretary of the com monwealth, thought that no time should be lost iu carrying this movement to a head. In his opinion the sentiment of the country was already ripe for the movement. In all preliminary action details and partisan effort should be studiously ignored. Colonel Jordan himself felt that a State Treasurer rhould not be appointed as now. Legislation at the State capital, he was prepared to affirm from his i fficial knowledge, was a thing of the past, con sidered as it uted to be in the early days oi pure representation. Ko member ever gives attention to anything hut the private bills, and public mea- suscs are left to fall to the ground. This can only be remedied by constitutional amendment, and nr improvement can be expected nntil this course Is taken. After some participation In the debate by Messrs. James Milliken, Jr., John Goforth and others, ibe preamble and resolutions were read, and the meeting adjourned. On this subject the following letter frciu Governor Geary is of interest: KxKCCTiVH Chamber, Harbisburo, Pa., Oct. 17.1B70 George H. ISoker, q., Secretary Union League Dear sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, inviting me to attend a meeting of the Union League, to be held at the League House on the 18th Inst., at 8 o'clock P. M., "ler the purpose of considering a proposed appli cation to tbe Legislature for the call of a conven tion to amend the constitution of Pennsylvania." 1 cordially commend the object for which the meeting has been called, and notice with pleasure that the Union League of Philadelphia has taken theinlative In tbe preliminary discussions of so im portant a measure, before the meeting of the Le gislature, so as to elicit public opinion, and to give form to the wishes of the people upon the subject. it is generally conceded that our Commonwealth has outgrown the constitution of 1XJ8. I hope, therefore, tbe subject will be thoroughly discussed by the people during the brief period prior to tho meetirg of the next Legislature, as It is my pre sent intention to lay my views In favor of calling a constitutional convention before that body in uiy forthcoming annual message. Previousiy determined official engagements else where, at the time indicated in your invitation, will deprive tne of tbe pleasure of meeting with tbe League as vou request. Yours truly, Jno. W. Gsaby. TXXS WAH. LAST MIJHI'rt DESPATCHES. BISMARCK S PEACE PROPOSALS AS REPORTED BY GENERAL BURNS1DK THEIR REJECTION 1IY THE FRENCH RECENT MILITARY OPERATIONS. VALBNCIKMNKrt, Oct. 18. The Prussians attacked the unfortified town of Montdidier, killed three citizens and captured 150 of the Mobiles. A requisition of 150.000 fraacs was levied on the town, aud the Mayor and M. Durand, a banker, were taken as hostages for payment. Tho Wurtemburg troops have been placed under com mando!' Ibe Grand Duke of Mecklenburg. It Is asserted that the Emperor Napoleon has 10,000,000 francs secured In real estate, through tbe agency of lirown liros., of New York. The Journal of St. Petersburg says tbat Favre, on hearing tbe Prussian conditions of peace, through General Burnslde, thought they were rea sonable, and their rejection la consequently unac countable. ' Messrs. Lucon and Mlttnacht had an audience with tbe King of Wurtemburg, aud subsequently proceeded to Versailles. General Iloyer, with a iiag of truce from Bazalne, bad an Interview with Bihniarck, who has made a report of their conver sation to the King of Prussia. The result of this negotiation Is not yet known. London, Oct. IS. Special to the New York Tribune. A correspondent at Tours telegraphs under date of October 17: "I have returned from Blois. No engagement has taken place. The French are daily receiving reinforcements and a battle was expected on Tuesday on the left dank of the river, near La Ferte St. Aubln. . "Bourbakl arrived yesterday .at Blols, and took command of the army. - "The Prussians have destroyed the bridge at Beaugency; their left having crossed tne Loire la several Dlaces." Lomlon. Oct. 18 Special to New York World. Tbe negotiations at Brussels between Barnslde and others have resulted In a total failure. The Foreign Office was to-night informed of the failure, and abandons an nones or settlement, and tue ootnoara ment of Paris will commence immediately. Siege guns were mounted yesterday at uuatiuon. Russia demands a revision of the treaty of 1S5S. Spirited encounters occurred on Sunday, on the lice of tho Kouen road. The Prussian col urn a moved np the right bank of the Seine, and ap proached Les Pettis Andeleys. Tbe town wae oo curled by the SHth regiment, watch, on tho ap proach of the enemy, crossed the river, blew up the bridge, and fell back. The Prussians moved up the river to Couroelles, where they passed the Soiue. They were turioujly attacked by tbe Franc-tlreura,and finally coinpdllo J to retreat In disorder. A French war steamer has been ordered to carry th French malls over the channel. ' A letter from Paris by balloon, dated on October 14, says the squares and pleasure grounds hive been planted with cabbages and eauli flowers. There U no anxietv to make peace. The battle of Bay- nux resulted In such severe loss that the Prussians aked tor six hours to bury their dead. Bhmarck's proposal for peace, through Burn tide, were tbe payment of an lu.lniuuity of L40, f ui.fKO. Alsace aud Lorralue to be neutral territory for ten years, and then to decido by a pUuUoit,uu their future status, and the 1'rnselaus to outer Ptris and slifn a peace there. Tbe PrlsUtu in diguautly refuted ihrnte terms. Touaa, Oal. H Moie favorable new has been received from Paris. A bridge has been thrown across tbe Seiue. by which Independent communication has been es tablished between lorta hreulon and Ivry. The Mobile eviilinue to wake tucccaitiul ortie. Ke- ports from official and private sources show that bands of sharpshooters In all part of the country occupied by the enemy are becoming more and more effective, and cause much annoyance ani damage on the German line of communication. An official dispatch states that the frano-tlreurs, after a successful engagement, occnpled Melun. No official Intelligence from Orleans have been made publio to-day. Strategical movements In that di rection are on foot, which render It necessary for the government to withhold all information likely to be of service to the enemy. A private despatch from Chateau d'F.u, dated to-day, reports that shells were thrown Into tbat town this afternoon. A telegram from Pljon to-day announces that Vessoul has been occupied by the-Prusslans. In the absence of any representative of the United States at Tours, the French government re quest the New York Associated Press to mke known to the American government and people Its extreme desire to make a new postal treaty be tween the two nations, and that It would gladly re ceive a special envoy from Washington, with whom negotiations might be concluded to that end. ""marine telegraph. For mdditional Marina Newt $e rtrtt Page.- ALMANAC FOR PHILADELPHIA THIS DAT. StK KiPM 6-1oiMoon Skts. 0-07 Suw Kith ft-UlHioH Watkb s-r.3 PHILADELPHIA BOARD OF TRACK. Wash. Bi'tcbkr, ) lsm akl w. mobhi8, committee of the month. JAVIBS DOUGIUKTY, J WOYKMKTM OF OCKAN MTKAMMUlPt. FOK AMKitlCA. Paraguay London New York Sept. 17 Uuiding Star.. Havre.. New York Sept. 17 Denmark Havre ..New iork tepr.. xi ..New York v IL. Sent, T C. of Meiico. .Veracruz, C. of Alauch'tr. Liverpool. ..New York Oct. ..New York ct. Calabria Liverpool. Aleppo Liverpool. Boston Oct. Nebraska IJverpool.. ..New York Oct. Pereire Brest. few York Oct. Cuba Liverpool. . . . New York Oct. Pennsylvania. . Liverpool . . . . iMew x one iK:t. Etna. Liverpool.... New York v. II. Oct. Australia Glasgow New York Oct. r OK IS U HOPS. C. of BrooMyn.New Y'ork. ..Liverpool Oct. France New Y'ork... Liverpool Oct. India New York. . .Glasgow Oct, C of Brussels.. New Y'ork... Liverpool Oct, Pereire New York. ..Havre Oct. Italy New York. ..Liverpool Oct. Auntralla.....New York ...Glasgow Oct, , ..Liverpool via II. Nov. Etna New York O. of Wash'tu.New York, ...Liverpool Nov. COASTWISE. DOMESTIC. BTU Alaska New York. ..Aspin wall Oct. City of Mexico. New Y'ork... Vera Cruz, etc. .Oct. M issourl New Y'ork . . . Havana. Oct, Tonawanda. . . . Philadelphia. Savannah Oct. Wyoming Phlladelphla.Savanuah Oct. Achillea I'nuadcipnia.cnarieston wet. Y'azoo Philadelphia. New Orleans. . .Oct. Malls are forwarded by every steamer iu tne regu lar lines. The steamers for or from Liverpool call at yueenstown, except the Canadian line, which call at Londonderry, xne steamers ior or irom tue immi nent call at Southampton. CLEARED YESTERDAY. Shin Tonawanda. Turley, Mobile, Cope Bros. Steamship Fantta, Freeman, New York, Johu F. Oh). Steamer H. L. Gaw, Her, Baltimore, A. Groves, Jr. N. G. bark Enterprise, Mulder, Gibraltar lor orders, L. w estergaard a to. Brig c. V. Williams, Thompson, Charleston, Chas. Haslam A Co. Schr Z. Steelman, French, Wilmington, N.C., do. Schr Cameo, Dcnnlson, Boston, do. Schr Harry c. snepparu, ciars, tnaneston, via Wilmington. Del.. do. Schr E. A. Bartle, Smith, Norfolk, J. Rommel, Jr., & uro. Schr Moggie Mulvey, Rawley, Boston, do. Scbr J. C. Patterson, Wlckson, Fall River, do. Schr Josephine, Rogers, Providence, do. Schr J. A Garrison, Smith, Alexandria, do. Scbr A. T. Cohn, Cohn, Washington, do. Scbr Fred. Smith, Smith, Barbadoes, Souder & Adams. If" Schrs A. D. Huddeii, Lyra, m. u. ireia?id, ana M. Dutch, for Boston; N.C.Price, for Cape May; md UaDDibal, for South Amesbury, were cleared on Monday by B. Audenrled & Co., and nut ai before reported. ARRIVED YESTERDAY. Steanmhin Hercules. Doughty, from New Orleans 9th Inst., with mdae. to Philadelphia and Southern Mail Steamship co. steamer Achilles, coibnrn. rrom new urieans via Savannah, with mdse. to Philadelphia and Southern Mall Steamship Co. steamer Anthracite. Gren, 24 hours from Now York, with mdse. to W. M. Balrd & Co. Br. brig Hermes, Leea, 18 days from Porto Ca"ello, with coilee, hides, etc., to Johu Dallett & Co. Schr John Lank. Kemp, 4 uays irom laopiann River, with railroad ties to Collins a Co. Schr Jonn snav, niton, o oajs irom uosiun, in ballast to (Urns. Haslam U Co. Schr Tarry not, Knowies. a days rrom New ork, with salt to Wm. Buium & Sous vessel to Souder k Afams. Schr ocean Bird. Marsh, 6 days from James River, with lumber to ColllnB A Oo. AT QUARANT INK. Brig Ellen P. Stewart, Holland, from Sagua. Corretpontlrnfe "f The Evening TelertravK JJASTON fc MCMAHON'S BULLETIN. New York Okkic, Oct. 18. Five barge leave In tow to-night, for Baltimore, light. John Tiacy, with iron, for Brldgeton. Baltimore Bkakcu okkick, Oct. 18. The f illo.v. Ing barges leave in tow to-night, eastward : H. Palmer, W. S. Button, J. B. Avery, R. F. SlUi. man, W.J. Duulap, Belle Daniels, C.B.Simmons, Rockwocd, and K. V. De Witt, all with coal, for New Yoik. Dido, with coal, for Brldgeton. Sptcial Despatch to The Evening Telegraph. havhk-de-Gkacb, Oct. 19. The following boats left this morning In tow : Dhawalighirl, with lumber to Patterson & Lip plncott. Sandusky, with lumber to Taylor & Betts. By Telegraph.) Lewis, DeL, Oct. la 1 A. M. The pilot-boat Howard reports the brig Ellen P. Stewart, rrom Sagua, passed In yesterday. In the harbor to-day, barks Ocean and MaryFal lam, in ballast for orders, aud Emily, from Turk Island for orders. - A large ship is anchored near the Brown. 4 P. M. The pilot-boat Cope reports the ship Tus carora went to sea to-day, and three bark from i& bo v In harbor, vessel reported this morning, aud bark Bid well, from Havre, la bahast for orders ; 8 schrs and a small steamer from above, hound southward. Wind N. W. ; blowing f fesh. Thermometer, 85. MEMORANDA. Ship Jamestown, Call, hence, at Savannah yes terday. Br. steamerB City of Antwerp, Leltch, and Siberia, Ilarribon, for Liverpool, cleared at New York yes terday. Steamer Mary Sanford, Chad wick, for New York, cleared at W lluiington, N. C, 17th Inst. (Steamer Francis Wright, Nlckersou, for New York, sailed from Havana 10th Inst. Steamer Rattlesnake, W lnnett, for Beverly, sailed from New Bedford 17th Inst. Steamer George Washington, Gager, from New Y'ork, at New Orleans ltJth Inst. Steamer Cortes, Nelson, for New York, sailed from New Orleans 17th lust. Steamer Tonawanda, Barrett, from Savannah ISth Inst, for Philadelphia, has on board 861 bales upland cotton, 8 do yarn, 130 casks rice, 82 tons iron, xoo empty barrels, lT,im feet lumber, bales waste cot ton, and 76 Pfcgs. mdse. Steamer Yazoo, Catharine, for Philadelphia vU Havaua, cleared at New Orleana 14th lust. Passe u gers: C. Muller, Cecilia Gilbert, Maria Thoruton, Rose Delgado. Feleclta Bosque, and G. Sclinel Ian. Cargo for Philadelphia: 67 bales cotton, 00hldea, Vib bdls. do., 87 buH moss, 60 empty carboys, xl7 empty barrels, 38 pkga. old Iron, 7 roll leather, and 9 pfgs. mdae. . Steamer Norman, Nlckerson, benoe, at Boston 17tu Inst. t Br. bark Tolly, Rodd, hence, at Falmouth th inst. lor Stettin. m Bark Almoner, Carey, hence for Queenstown, put Into Schull (Long lalaud channel), 1st lost., through at ress of weather. . Bark Desiah, hence for Queenstown. before re ported abandoned, was passe J Sept. ti, in lat. 8T D, long. 66 S, by bark Tropic Bird, at New Bedford. Br. bark Gladstone, Brown, hence, at SatiUa Mills, G., 4th lust. . Brig Reporter, Ccombs, hence, at Salem 16th Inst. Brig Milwaukee, Brown, at Boston from Philadel phia, lost about 10 tons ot coal in a gale 8th lnU off Chlncoteague. , Brig Neuvitas, Trask, from Boston for Philadel phia, returned to Holmes' Hole 14th Inst, and sailed again loth. Brig Kldwell. Baker, from Havre 31st August tor Philadelphia (below), was spoken 18th ulL, lat. 63, It ng. 16. Brig Tubal Cain, Stone, hence for Cronstadt, in tbe bound, Lls'iiore, ltd lest. Brigs Naihanlel Stevens and G. W. Chase, from Boston for Philadelphia, at Holmes' Hole 17th inst. Schr Benjamin Gartalde, Brown, for Philadelphia, wiled froiu New Bedford 10th Inst. Siiira K. W. Tull, Kot.utiis, and H. N. Miller, M 11 tr, li -iicc, at Bubton 17th Inst. Schr James Satterthwatte, Kinney, for Philadel phia, cleared at Boston 17th Inst. Schr Kensington, Baker, henea, at Holmea' Hoi lf th Inst, and sailed for Boston. Schrs Susan, from Portland, and E. F. Canada, from Boston, both for Philadelphia, at Holme' Hole 17th Inst the Canada sailed again. Schr Ethan Allen, Blake, henoe, at Portland 16th Instant. Schrs Charles II. Moller, Brown, and J a. Ponder, Jr., Brown, fm Boston for Philadelphia, at Holmes' Hole 16th inst, and sailed again. Schr Clara Merrick, Hand, hence, at Lynn 10th Instant, Schrs J. S. Watson, Honck ; Ann Ellzaliet.h, Kelly ; and William Boardman, Blllard, hence, at Lynn Ilia Instant. Schrs Henry, Dobbin, and Raven Wing, York, hence, st Lynn IMh inst Schr Teluman, Hall, hence, at Charleston 17th Instant. Scbr Admiral, Steelman, hence, at Salem loth Instant. Schr C. W. May, Euson, hence, at Providence 161b instant Schrs B. Bradley, Mulligan; Anna E. Saffiird, Powell; and Llzrle Florence, Llpplncott, forPhlla Oelpfita, sailed from Pawtucket lftth lust. AMUEM(iN I t. ACADKMY OF Ml'SIO MLLB. NILSSON. MAX STRAKOSCIl respectfully announces to the public that the fourth and lt GRAND N1LSSON CONCERT Win take place THURSDAY KVKNINO. Oct 80. at S P. M., and ONE ORANH N1LSSON MATINEE, SA1 L'RDAY, Oct 88, at 8 P. M. Doors open nt 1 o'clock. Mile. Christine Nllsson will be assisted by Miss ANNA LOl 1SKCARY, the favorite ContraXG. Sipnor BRIGNOLI, the distinguished Tenor. Signer N VKRGEK, the eminent Baritone. Mr. HKN'RY" VIELXTEMPS, the great Violinist The Grand Orchestra will be under the direction of MAX MAlvLTZLK. Conductor Slguor BOSONI. Ocnerai Admission UDO Reserved Seats (Balcony snd B ilcony llox.es). 3-nO Reserved Seats (Parquet and Parquet Circle).. "() Proscenium Boxes ami 30-OJ Admission Family Circle us) Reserved Sea's, Family Circle l-ftd To the Matinee, tickets with resorved seaH in rarquet afcd Parquet Circle aud Balcony, i each. Family Circle as above. Seats can be secured for either performance at the Academy and NORTH'S Music Swire, No. 1026 CHtSNUT Street Stelnway Pianos are used at all "Nllsion" Con certs, io IT WALNUT STREET THEATRE. BEGINS AT TV, THIS (Wednesday) EVENING, Oct 19, Third appearance of MR. JOHN S.CLARKE. Commencing with t'olman's five-act comedy, THK HEIR-AT-LAW. MR. JOHN S. CLARKE as OIL PANOLOSS. After which Mr. Clarke's reconstructed version of THK TOODI.Ed, MR. JOHNS. CLAKKK as TIMOTHY TOOOLES. Friday BENEFIT OF MR. J. S. CLARKE. GRAND MATINEE ON SATURDAY. MR. J. 8. CLARKE as OUR AMERICAN CO US IK. MRS. JOHN DREW'S ARCH STREET THEATKE. Begins V to 8 o'clock. LAfT TIME OF "HAN AND WIFE." THIS (Wednesday) EVENING, Oct 18, 1870. POSITIV'KLY LAST NIGUTOF MAN AND WIFE, With Its great cast and One effects. To-morrow LONDON AHSUINCK. On Friday THE SCHOOL, FOR SCANDAL. A great bill on Sturdy- Three Pieces. On Monday ROBERTSON'S LAST SL'CCESS FUL COMEDY, "M.P." QHESNUT STKEKr THEATRE, No. 121T K. L. DANENPORT Lessee and Manager. P. E. ABEI. Business Manager. LAST WEEK OF THE L1NGARD3. The Grand Musical and Operatic Extravaganza. PLU'lO . WITH I.INGARI) IS HIS SKETCHES. Every Evening this Week. MATIN or. ON SATURDAY AT 3 O CLOCK. Admission '25, to, and 75 cents. ioiT J 7" OX' 8 AMERICA N T H K A T R ; WALNUT Street, above Eighth. NhAV NOVELTIES EVERY NIGnT. Enthusiastic Reception Nightly of THE GREAT, 'ill E ONLY COOL BURGESS, who never hud an equal in his specialties. Re-engagement of the Highly Popular CHARLES VIVIAN, the Gn at London Mimic. The Oueen of all Peerless Dansense M Ll E DE ROSA, Premiere Danacuse Assoiuta, will appear In Two Ballets. MISS EMMA ALFORD, the celebrated Loudon Serlo-Comlc Burlesque singer. SYDNEY FRANKS. A most Original cmnlu Singer and Mimic. LICK SANDS, the Famous Lancashire Clog Oancer. JOHN MUlLIGAN, tne Jmperoroi an same louindians. IMMENSE OLIO ENTERTAINMENT. XJEW ELEVENTH STREET OPERA loUSS 1 THE FAMILY RBSOKT. CA.RN CROSS A DlXKY'S MINSTRELS, The Star Troupe of the World, Every Evening lu their Ethiopian Soirees. Box office i) pen dally from 10 to 1 o'clock. After 1 o'clock at Canivrcsa a Co. 'a Music store. No. 6 N. Eighth street R. F. SIMPSON, Treasurer. J. U CARNCROSS, Manager. 6 OT U ROlI STREET OPERA HOUSE, ARCH Street above Tenth. THE PALACE OF MINSTRELSY. SIMMONS At b LOCUM S MINSTRELS, THE CITAMPION TROUrE OF AMERICA. 01 N FOR THK SEASON, With tbe best Minstrel Organisation in the world. Box odlco open from A. M. until 4 P. M. for the ale of reserved seats. Btf FURNITURE. LUTZ ci IILEIIJ, (SUCCESSORS TO I. LUTZ), T7o. 121 . ELEVENTH Street. Have now on hand a full assortment of tl rot-class FURNITURE, which their friend and customers are mpectluily Invited to examine before pur chasing elsewhere. Also, lately rece ved a largo Invoice of FRENCH FURNITURE, Manufactured by the best houses in Pat is which we oiler to sell at Pails pailc prices. 10 T Urn F I R E AND BURCLAR PROOF SAFE "MAllVIN'S SAFES. The IJest Quality! The Lowest Prices! The Largest Assortment! Fire-proof? Durelar-oroof. a MARVIN'S CHROME IRON SPHERICAL J3u.i'grlv Safe Will resist all BURGLAR'S IMPLEMENTS for any length of time. Please send for catalogue. MARVIN & CO., No. 721 CXISSXror Street, (MASONIC HALL,) 865 Broadway, N. Y. PHILADELPHIA. 106 Bank it, Cleveland, Ohio. A number of Second-hand Safe, of different make and size, for sale VJkHY LOW. bales, Machinery, etc, moved and.bolated promptly and carefully, at reasonable rate. Ill fmwua SAXON GREEN NEVER FADES. s lem