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


rather better demand with sales Of 500 bags Rio
and Marscaioo, m rates given another column Freight
engagements were moderate, and rates unchanged.
The Recent Terrible Affair In Washington.
On last Sunday afternoon, in the most aristo-
cratic square OF the federal capital, and under
the very droppings of the Executive mansion,
me Of the Emost distinguished members of the
lower house of Congress encountered and killed
he Jaw oflicer-of the government for the District
IF Columbia Both Mr.. Siclles and Mr.. Key
were men of high attachments, good social posi-
tion and extended popularity-both in the
prime of life-both in the outset OF distinguished
careers. One deliberately violated the sanctty
Of his friends firesde, inficting upon bis honor
the deepest. possible stain. The young wife of
Mr.. Sickles had forgotten her marriage vows, her
duty TO her husband and her children. The
proof was ndubitable; the outraged husband
obeyed the firstimpulse Of injured human nature;
! he polished, highly bred, iqsouciam man Of the
world was changed 10 moment to The savage
seeking the life Of his enemy, who was sent to
his Maker unrepentant, unannealed
As matter of course, such an affair, with
such circumstances and such surroundings, could
not fail to+Tcreate the most in ense excitement
wherever the swift wings of The telegraph con-
eeyed its particulars. In all Its aspects the
affair is a most lanentable one. Here are two
families desolated at one blow-one life sacrificed
and others made forever miserable. Pub
lie opinion will, we apprehend, be almost
unanimous in favor of Mr. Sickles He had ad-
| mitted MIR. Key to his freside and his table, to
The societyaof his wife and children-to that
magic circle where the man. wearied and baited
in political discussions could seek and find the
only repose be might know on the face of the
earth. The circumstances go to show that this
peaceful and happy existence was deliberately
invaded, and then desecrated, by the seducer. 1t
cannot be denied that such circumstances will
go far to excuse the sudden vengeance which
MIR. Sickles wreaked upon the head Of Mr. Key,
answering his hand, offered in the disguise of
friendship, at the muzzle of the pistol Distinct
also, is the inference that the punishment to be
meted out to Mr. Sckles, who has deliberately
violated the laws Of his country, which he was
especially bound to support, will be mitigated
by the fact that his sufferings have already been
more terrible than any torture which the most
ingenious inquisitors could ever have invented
No Jury in Washington will over convict Mr..
Sickles of the murder of Mr.. Key. The punishment
preceded the crime, and so long as the assaiIant
shall live 60 long will the memory of that terrible
Sabbath be present in his waking hours, and dis
turb his deepest slumbers If the aim of the law
is entirely exemplary its action is entirely unne-
cessary in such cases as this No judicial action
could point moral with more severity than do
the circumstances attendant upon the killing Of
Mr.. Key by Mr.. Sickles.
The effect of this melancholy affair upon the
public life Of the survivor will be temporarily
disastrous. The people of New York, whatever
may be said to the contrary, have deep seated
respect for the law, and under any circum.
stances, will view its abrogation with repug-
nance. They may excuse the act, but will hest
tate to reward the author. But the services of a
brilliant man like Mr.. Sickles will not be alto
for all In some Of the border Territories where,
from the laxity of society and the weakness of
infant governments, the theory Of violent RENE
dies for violent social evils is necessarily recog-
nized, he may commence new career, uustained
by social ban. We hope and trust he will do SO.
Few young men in public life had more promise
than Mr.. Sickles previous to this affair. He was
the recognized leader, as he was the cleverest
man, in the delegation from the commercial me-
tropolis of the country. An eloquent orator,
keen debater, and hard working man in COM
mittee and, withal, not losing sight of those 30
cial amenities which adorn the life of the public
man. be had all the prerequisites for first class
statesman. There will be those who will be glad
to return him again OF Washington after time
shall have in some degree softened the bitterness
Of the cup which has been presented to his lips.
The BROOKLYN NAVY YARD CoRRuP1yoxs.-
The Committee of the House of Representatives
on the subject have exposed such mass of cor
ruptions and rottenness in the management of the
Brooklyn Navy Yard, that it demands imperious-
ly thorough cleaning out. The Secretary of the
Navy, Mr.. Toucey has, in this matter, been en-
tircly too amiable and lenient. He has allowed
the Congressional and other managers of these
spoils too much rope, thinking, no doubt, 1t
would be best for the peace of the democratic
family here to give them all they asked. He
finds himself now very much ont Of bis reckon
ing, and the only way whereby be can escape
the charge Of completely is to purify the Brook
Ign naval establishment, beginning with the exc
cution ofthe navy agent and the naval storekeeper
and following up the work with the dismissal Of
all hands concerned in the jobs and compound
ings disclosed by the House Committees report
Mr. Toucey must ask this Of the President, or the
President may have word or two to say to Mr.
Touccy, to whom the supervision Of this business
has been entrusted. The same set of epoils mana
gers who have thus ruled the roast at this Brook
Ign Navy Yard have for two years been moving
heaven and earth to Dust Collector Schell, be-
cause be was not the man for their purposes. In
these movements these spoilsnen have had the
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