The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-08-29
CURRENT TOPICS.

IN REFERRING TO THE purchase VI the Day VI
Samana by the United States Government, the
New York Herald Saws: ssThe territory which has
now become the property of the United States has
been tho subject of negotiation for several years
past. The Bay of Samana is situated on the south
side of the peninsula OF the same name, and is
from east to west about forty-three miles long, by
eight miles wide. Tho Yuna-the largest river IN
ST. Domingo-empties itself at the western end
The Bay forms one OF the largest and safest har-
bors in tho world, and, from it's position in rcfe-
rence to the Gulf Of Mexico trade, and tho routes
across Central America, may be regarded as being
the most important point, in military and COM
mercial view in that portion OF the continent. On
it's northern shore, and lying in the light OF
land.ocked bay, is the small and dilapidated town
Of Santa Barbara, which is probably included IN
the purchase. The entrance to the Bay is about
three miles wide, and can be easily defended by
heavy batteries located on both shores. VI the
CAPACITY OF the harbor it need only be said that no
fleet could be gathered within it large enough to
take ND its space, so that, either from the weather
or from an enemy, our commercial and war navy
can always find place OF certain safety In polti-
cal point of view, the possession of the Bay Of Sa
mana by the United States is Of great Importance.
It gives US powerful and controlling position in
the Antilles and the Gulf Of Mexico, and should
this acquisition be followed by the purchase of the
island Of st. Thomas, we will become the prepon-
derating power in the archipelago, and the actual
arbiters Of the destinies Of all the islands which
comprise it. That European powers have always
recognized this fact is certain as according to the
No}so noJo nj paria the attamDt to get
possession Of it several years ago was baffied by
the French Consul-General at Port au Prince. Tho
same paper, under date Of February IA, 1867, in
referring to the visit Of Mr.. FREDERICK SEWARD to
ST. Domingo, declared that the acquisition OF tho
Bay Of samana by the United States 'could not fail
to become cause Of just disquiet to France,
Spain, England, and the Republic Of Hayti." And,
indeed, 80 far as Spain and Hayt are concerned,
it's occupation by US would almost ensure our sue
cess in case of a war with either Of those Govern
ments, commanding as it does Hayti and Cuba on
one side, and Porto Rico on the other. Should VIC
succeed in getting possession Of st. Thomas, then
we would completely hem in Jamaica, and COM
mand the French Antilles islands. The five circuit
miles of land sold with the bay are very fertile, as
indeed is the entire peninsula. They will doubt
less be used to construct the naval station and to
erect forts and batteries upon.
The BALTIMORE Gazette, Of Monday, speaking OF
the sixth day Of the great Schutzenfest in that city
saws In consequence Of the rain, which deprived
many persons Of the opportunity to visit the great
festival OF the Schuetzea Association it was deter
mincI to continue it on Saturday and to-day, 30
that all might have the chance to enjoy the a1nuse-
ments provided for the visitors. New lanterns
we're put up on Saturday for grand illumination
at night, but heavy shower Of rain fell early in
the afternoon, which destroyed the greater part Of
them, and entaiIed on the Association damage Of
some FIVE hundred dollars. After the rain, how
ever, the afternoon and evening were delightful,
but there were not so many visitors as on either
Of the preceding days Of the festival. There was,
however, no abridgement Of the amusements pro-
vided. The dancing saloon was thrown open, and
the Punch and Judy exhibition was made as at
tractive as BEFORE Prof. LESLIE assembled with the
balloon and went through his daring feats on the
trapeze, holding by one foot at ON altitude OF
three hundred feet, and turning snn,Eorsaults.
After he descended Prof. LIGHT male an aacen-
sion which was decidedly the handsomest Of the
Festival. The llloon ascended to a height OF
about fifteen hundred feet, and remained for some
time over the Park. It then slowly foated toward
the north, and remained in full view until the de-
scent, which was near the eastern confines of the
city. At night the magical illusions were very
fine, and up to late hour the dancing continued
The Festival will close tonight, and during the
day there will be shooting and bowling for prizes
A grand vocal and instrumental concert will be
given in the afternoon, and procession OF the
-Gesellschaft. The balloon will ascend,
and at night there will be grand illumination.
For variety of smusements, 1t is intended to make
the closing day excel all the Others The Festival
occurs but once year, and to-day will be the last
opportunity to visit it,
TEE New YORK WORLD of the 26th says: Con
Saturday morning Judge BARNARD, OF the Supreme
Court, issued an order for the arrest OF Mr. THos
F. SMITH and wife, of Yokohama, Japan, against |
whom civil action has been commenced by Mr. |
THOMAS MAauIRE, on the part OF himself and as
,ociates to recover possession OF tho Japanese |
roupe of performers. Sheriff McGoNIaAL, to |
whom was entrusted the execution Of tho order, |
7isted MIR. and Mrs. SIXTH st their hotel and, IN |
@ Ludlow street jail a Japanese boy, ten or |
eleven yoars of age, said to bo "Au Right ac-
them, and, against the solicitations OF
members OF the troupe, preferred to go to jail
ather than to be separated from them. Tho |
.fidavit Of Mr.. MAaU1RE statbs that the |
defendant, THOMAS F. SMITH, mado an agreement |
Nth the acrobats in Japan tho first of October,
ee6 In work for him and give performances in |
lifferent parts Of the world until tho Goth OF |
1867, for the sum of 5OO Mexican money;
hat subsequently SMITH sold part Of his interest |
O Mr.. BURGESS and that MAaUIRE afterwards
purchased BURaEss' interest, and SMITH conveyed
lis to Messrs. RIsLEY, SHEDT & BANKS. On the |
9Th day Of June the plaintiffs entered into another
greement with the troupe extending to the first
ay Of February, 1868, and paid over the contract
money. They charge that SMITH and wifo unlaw-
ulIy conspired with the Japanese for their own
eneft and advantage, to injure the plaintiffs and
reak up the troupe, and that the defendants have
ucceeded in enticing away the Japanese from the
laintifs' control, with the design OF exhibiting
hem in different parts Of the world; that they,
he defendants had enticod the Japanese into the
tate of New Jersey, with the intent to embark for
Europe.
GENERAL ROUSSEAU has addressed letter 10 the
ditor Of the New York Tribune, denying that
ienersl STEEpMAN and himself left New Orleans TO
scape arrest by S1sRIDAN, ss related by the WASH
ugton correspondent Of that paper. He says:
THAT General SHERIDAN made out ali order for
he arrest OF General SrEEDMLN and myself may