The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-12-11
by the popping OF a champagne cork, and the

The other question, regarding black mail and
black mail journals, is also satisfactorily set
tied by this invaluable trial. 1t seems that the
term black mail' has heretofore been one Of
very vague and mysterious meaning Some
times black mail was to pay for abusing some
thing or somebody; sometimes it was for not
abusing them. Then, again it was for putting
some egregious humbug to the skies; and some
times for keeping silent, and not exposing the
imposition. Now, however, we have at last
the real, true, genuine, artistic definition OF
this terrible term, black mail. It's real mean
ing seems to be, manager hiring critics and
newspapers to abuse his own principal artists
The unkindest thing in this whole black mail
business, however, is that Mr.. Bennett and the
terrible HERALD-who have been regularly,
hourly, daily, and weekly accused of I" black
mailn any time these fifteen years, without
shawdow of proof-are entirely out ofthe ques-
ton in this real, palpable black mail affair.
Nay, while the poor artistes of Fry's opera
coop were scattered in dismay, like. afrighted
chickens, by the managerial Critical Reynards
that Fry had let loose upon them, and were
running to the big watchdog ofthe HEEALDfor
protection, the small fry Of the press were get
ting fat on black mail oyster suppers, while
poor Bennett was only pelted with the shells.
Whatever may be the verdict in the present
trial. we shall consider ourselves fortunate in
having been the means Of setting at rest the
perplexing questions Of who are the oyster house
critics and what are the black mail newspapers
Of New York. This is glory enough for one day.
A SPLIT AMONG THE ABOIITIoNIsTs.-Tke
newspaper of Fred Douglass, black man, and
one of the leaders Of abolitionism in this State
and all ov er the North, comes to US with ten
mortal columns of an attack upon Garrison, his
amiable white brother, who is also leader Of
the abolitionists 1t seems that Garrison and the
anti-slavery white niggers have been assailng
Fred Douglas. and charging his paper with be-
ing almost as bad as the New YORK HERALD and
the New York Observer. Under such charge
poor Fred winces most terribly and there is
some cause for it; for to be charged with being
as bad as the New YORK HERALD amounts to =
violation of the ten commandments, in the esti-
nation of Garrison and Co. Douglass groans
heavily under the charge, but let him take
courage and keep up his heart. There is yet
some comfort for him. If the white abolition.
lists. headed by Garrison, want to get rid of
him, why should he not abandon Rochester and
the abolitionists. and come to New York to set
up an oyster saloon-a business suitable to his
name, race and color. If he does we will war
rant him large custom from men who are
hostile to abolitionism in every shape and form,
but particularly favorable to oysters in the
she'll or out Of the she'll.
GENERAL WooL.-This distinguished officer
in the American army has been in this city for
the last few days. experimenting the embarka-
ton of troops for California. He left yestar-
day. Gen. Wool has had his headquarters at
Troy, and is in command OF the northern di-
vision Of the army. He has recently received
an order from the Secretary of War removing
him to Baltimore. Before he leaves, we learn
it is the intention Of the citizens of Troy, and
other friends and admirers, to give him public
dinner, as testimonial fer his services. In
that event we shall take care to report the pro-
ceedings.
To General Wool is due, in no small degree,
the success of the Mexican campaign. He led
the American troops through an immense
desert, under great difficulties and he planned
and fought the decisive battle of Buena Vista
before Gen. Taylor came up. Whatever glory
springs from the victory, belongs more TO Gen.
Wool than to General Taylor, though the
latter has always received the lions share of it.
General Wool is both q practical and well
informed soldier. ard he is well deserving of
the contemplated honor.
psnpy ,,,rc +, ~ Tho n.rk.t sbi,