The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-03-01

who had been guitor TO Miss. Swan. M Key had an
easy, gentlemany manner, and was general favorite
in society He had just title OF that blase which
distinct from the ustng joyousness and unrest Of
the American character and notd fer some eccen
tricities Of manner which made him rather interesting
otherwise he had fair reputation at the bar. and
was generally esteemed among gentlemen with whom
he associated al upright and honorable man.
DANIEL e. sICKLEs.
Mr. Sickles is native Of New York. aged about forty,
and the Of Mr.. G. G. Sickles, prominent member
Of the New York bar, whose Office s within stones
throw Of the herald buildings, and whose private resi-
dence s at No Abingdon square. Mr. Daniel E. sicklcs
has been since his maturity prominent Nov York poit
oian. Bis drsi occupation that of printer, but he
Afterwards admitted the bar, where he has always
been prominent, having been associated with leading
counsel, and always acqutting hmsef with credit In
1859 he married The lady who has been the Of hs
present misfortunes and accompanied Mr. Buchanan TO
England Secretary the Legation tho Court Of st.
James Returning he sgain took active part in city
politics, and, after o violent contest, was elected
member OF the State Senate by o smal
plurality Mr.. Thomas J. Barr, now colleague
with Mr. sickles in Congress. Az the Cincinnati Conven
ep by which Mr. Buchanan nominated for President,
Mr. Sckles took active part and also in the canvass
which succeeded il. He was chosen TO represent the
Third district Of New York in the present Congress- by
clear majority over two competitors and he is also
member elect OF the next Congress, commencing the
9Th inst In the state Legislature and in Congress Mr.
Sckles has always been prominent member. He is
fluent speaker and an acute debater Apparently Of
nervous and cxctable temperament, he is still
distinguished for his imperturbabilty and cool
ness under the most trying circumstances He
triumphed difficulties which would discourage any
ordinary man. and has his way, literally "out Of the
6e" He distinguished for agreeable and peasantsoc
manner, and 70 all outward seeming gentleman born
and bred Such, aso his surroundings. Last year.
in the metropolis be occupied pleasant cottage at the
foot Of Nneteth street, overlooking the Hudson where
the hospitalities society elegantly dis
pensed by himself and Mrs. Sickles There all the
surroundings Of wealth. taste and fashion, joined with the
thousand nameess attractions that make up the charm
of the home circle. Mrs. Sickles really wanted for
Of the eegancies in which ladies much delight,
and seemed perfectly happy, surrounded by her family
and her friends It sa,d that Mr.. Sckes dozed his
wife and dotted upon his daughter, beautiful little girl OF
six,years Their town house always full Of friends,
who never failed to repeat their visits In Washington
Mr. sickles rented commodious maneion in the most
arstocrac part Of the capital No. President square.
Here, Tuesday Of each week, Mrs. Slckles had her
morning receptions, always attended by the most pre-
people town. On Thursdays Mr. Sickles gave
formal dinner, at which there always brilliant
party His future promised to be most prosperous but
phomne propose, ct e Dieu di.poss
THE EFFECT OF THE TRAGEDY IN THE
CITY-THE TALK OF THE TOWN.
The tragic affair in Washington produced great
ton in the metropolis yesterday. There has been
tonir of fha prrd rdo and
Atlantic cable excitement more generally noticed
than this sad case Of domestic ruin and bloody re-
vepge. In the streets the law courts, public houses
private dwellings, and, in fact, everywhere, II
the prominent topic Of conversation not only from the
thrlngly interesting particulars of the case, but from
the fact Mr. Sckes extensively known and
quainted in this city.
The almost general opinion seemed to be that Mr.
Sickles had done what most other among under
the circumstances would done whether such
a course is right wrong Many not only thoroughly
endorsed the killing of the seducer but declared that
no other could have been adopted that there
excuse paaton for the dcsoaon which he has thus
brought into happy family; violating the confidence Of
friend whose hospitality he daily enjoyed; desecraug his
hearth and be trayng his honor and leading guleess
girl astray from the paths Of virtue.
1t was conceded by all that this affair, whatever
may be the facts Of the case s most sad and unforu
Date-to Ms Sckes in the loss Of devoted husband and
excellent position in society to Mr.. Sickles for the
total ruin Of his domestic peace, and perhaps of political
prospects, to deceased off in the prime Of life and
in the midst Of political success leaving his children
orphans; and to the friends Of all parties.
There were found wanting those who utterly
demned Mrs. Sckes' conduct though others as much
pted as censured her. Some Of the remarks very
severe, especially among her own sex. Women are
not noted for being remarkably charitable to one
other in such cases, the general impression among
the female seemed 10 be that there for
Mrs. Sickles that she had position, attention, and
confding husband-al that a woman could wish for
and that she deserved the most stringent fate for her vic
laon OF the dictates Of virtue In this they
hardly thought of the punishment the unfortunate
will suffer for the remainder of her life.
There were some, however, who claimed that there
extenuating circumstances; that she young
when she marred-too young to be trusted pro-
mscuous society too innocent and guieless to be sub
ected 70 the arts Of designing too thoughtless per-
haps, TO have realized fully the enormty Of her crime
until she had gone far to retract or too nfatuated
with . dishonorable man. who took advantage Of her
weakness; that she to be pted more than blamed
and that perhaps closer watch should have been exer
csed by her husband upon the class Of with whom
he allowed her 10 associate excluding, with the argus eye
OF jealous lover, tne sngntest aenton from the Oer
tne instead Of favorng his addresses aording him op
portunies and leaving his precious jewel uncared for
IL were, TO be mercessly despoiled.
The utmost sympathy was manifested for the children
Who can picture the feelings Of those chidren-ther
mother dishonored outcast-their father perhaps the
inmate Of CELL and certainly borne down with the misery
Of the disgrace which has been ruthessy brought upon
hmY The thoughts Of these little children, and especially
of the fate Of the little which yet to the light
saddened many hearts Their prospects in life have surely
been blighted In the bud.
In the law courts the impression seemed 10 be very pre-
vaen that Grand Jury could be found to indct Mr..
sckes, at least that jury would convict him Of
murder that the Of those few appeals TO the
higher law which men, knowing their own natural
impulses, very 10th TO punish in others It seemed
to be the general opinion that Mr. sckes would be re-
leased with perhaps, brief term Of Imprisonment owing