Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-04-10
STAR.
TncaL INTELLIGENCE.

Tar CASE OF WV. WELLs-The Supreme
co--t Yesterday delivered its opinion sustain
80 the decision Of the Circuit Court.
Four years ago, it will be remembered,
wells was convicted OF murder In this city
IL ssntenced to be hanged, but was pardoned
40 President Fillmore on condition that he be
;nprisoned in the penitentiary for life. A
-.sr ago application was made to the Circuit
Iorrt for his discharge under a writ Of habeas
Owns. the prisoner cousel, Charles L. Jones,
s.suning the broad ground that the pardon
+ absolute and the condition void The court,
however, refused the application and re-
landed Wells to the penitsntiary, when the
ea.s was taken to the Supreme Court on an
sppssl
Yesterday morning Justice Catron deliv.
cred the opinion Of the court sustaining that
dthe Circuit Court, saying that the condition
If the pardon was not the exercise of a new
poser, but merely a substitution of one pun
shment for another, and arguing that the
gardening power must be understood as it ex-
sted in England and in these colonies prior
70 the formation Of the Constitution.
Justice Curtis and Campbell concurring,
aid it was understood as assuming that writs
az error in criminal cases Lot being permissi-
bic to the Supreme Court, it has no jurisdic-
ton in the premises, and therefore the case
should be dismissed.
Justice Mclean, dissenting, argued that the
example Of England in matters Of prerog ative
was not applicable in this country, the Exec
utive being confined to positive law, in the
absence Of which, in this case, the conditional
pardon was not sustainable. 1t was the ex-
ercise Of . new power
ORPHANS FAIR AT CARUsI's SALooN.-The
Fair for the benefit of st. Vincent's Orphan
Asylum, which is now in successful operation,
has been got up with much care and good
taste by the indefatigable lady managers Of
thi. praiseworthy institution. When we have
had an opportunity Of examining, we shall
endeavOr to speak more infinitely Of the va
riety of elegant, chaste, and beautiful arti
eles displayed. In the meantime we will say
that each Catholic congregation of the city is
represented by its respective table; the va.
rous articles prepared by the orphans occu-
pying the extreme end of the room. There is
q pOst-ofice for the transmission of unysated
istters that may be deposited and those de-
sirous Of learning what fate may have in
store for them, can at the same place consult
the oracle, or "Fortune Teller" An interest
ing paper entitled the g Fair Offering" will
also be distributed through the Post office.
The orphan girls of St. Vlncent's are expect
ed to be in attendance at the Saloon this af-
ternOon and early evening, and we hope to see
their hearts gladdened by numerous and lib
eral patrons. -
The CIRCUs.-Messrs. Spalding 4 Rogers
are reaping the prolific harvest that their en-
t.rprise merits in bringing together nearly all
the star riders and gymnastics of the age.
Such large and enthusiastic audiences have
never before frequented any circus in this
city. Robinson, Hernandez, Magilton, Dun
bar Donaldson. Omar and Libby, are the
chief favorites, although all the others have
their sympa. hisers.
Tonight is the first night of troop of trick
ponies Of the great equestrian allegory with
which Mr.. Hernandez created so great q SEN
an ire sistibly laughsble. equestrian burletta,
by Dunbar and Donaldson, adapted from the
French. -
APorBECARIKs' ASSOCIATION The apothe-
carries of this District, we are glad to see have
Organized themselves as "The Apothecaries'
Association Of the District Of Columbia" de-
signed to protect the interests of the commu
nifty and Of its members.
The qualifications for membership render
essential a previous education in the practice
Of pharmacy for a period sufficient to acquire
a fundamental knowledge Of the profession
A bill has been drafted for the action of the
City Councils to carry out these protective
features in their constitution, and they intend
TO apply to the present Congress for a charter.
We wish the association every success
The ARMORY Those Of our citizens who
tsyor the military associations will be glad to
learn that the wOrkmen are engaged in pre-
paring the ground for the erection Of the new
armory The work was commenced on Tues
day at the site first selected on the mall be-
tween Four and a-half and Seventh streets
Its a SPOT that can be made to answer all the
.urp0ses proposed. No doubt a suficien,
space will be laid of for a handsome parade
ground, which will be an acquisition to our
volunteer regiment and companies A proper
place for regimentai drill and parade is wha,
they have stood in need OF and desired fol
many years. -
PRIZES FOR THE MoUsrED GUARD Call
ing at Keyworth's splendid jswelry store last
evening, we were shown the valuable prizes
TO be eontended for on the 18th instant by the
members of the Presidents Mounted Guard.
A large silver pitcher and two silver cups, q
exquisite workmanship and beautifully orna-
nented, and 4 very beautiful cameo bre astpin
and earrings to match. Those articles were
all manufac tured at Keyworth's warerooms,
aud reflect great credit upon the skillful me-
eksnics Of our city.
FINE OYsrERs.-Our friend Reynolds. of
the FL Dorado, on Pennsylvania avenue, next
70 the United States Hotel, is constantly in
the receipt Of very fine oysters, which he
serves Up in very fine style. We notice, too,
that his supply OF the game OF the season is
always ample and in fine condition, and in
great variety. Those who really love good
eating should surely give him a call.
CoURT OF CLAIMS Yesterday, John V. L.
Pruyn, Esq, of Albany, New York, was sworn
al attorney Of the court.
Hon r. johnson concluded the argument in
the case Of Gibbons and Kelly Us the United
States and the case was submitted
Testimony was ordered to be taken in the
case Of Lydia Frazee. administrative Of John
FraEee, IS. the United States, claiming COM
pensation due the said John Frazee as archi-
tect and superintendent of the New York Gus
tOm-house. The court adjourned.
PICKPOCKErs ABOUT About IL o'clock last
night gentleman of this city was accosted on
the street by person with heavy black mus
taehes, who feighed to be a Frenchman, and
whose design was apparently to make a raise
by means of a slung shot, or some weapon of