davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
NPT-HAMBURGH AGAIN.

A startling fact has come to light with re-
gard to the Hudson River disaster. The express
train was lured to destruction by a false sig
nal, for which the parsimony of the company
was directly responsible. The signal post upon
which the lights were hung al night stood at
the draw, and until this Winter a man has
always been on duty at that point, with in
structions to mind the bridge and signal the
trains. Two months ago, for the sake of
economy, this watch was removed, and the care
of the bridge was added to the duties of a man
stationed at water tank, nearly quarter of
mile below. The trains were to be tagged
from the tank instead of the bridge, and at
night the white light, indicating all right y
was left permanently hanging at the post
seventy rods from the nearest Waterman.
The road curves somewhat at Wappinger's
Creek, but for nearly two miles south
of the bridge there is nothing to Obstruct the
view of the signal-post. The express seems,
from the most careful accounts we can gather,
to have been about mile and half distant
when the oil car fell across the track, and if
the danger signal had been displayed instantly
the train could easily have been stopped. 1t
was almost directly under the white light that
been within reach of his signal, where he
ought to have been, he could probably have
shown the red light in time to avert the dis
aster. Possibly even then it was too late; but
we do not think so. The accounts of witnesses
are of course somewhat confused but we have
testimony enough to be satisfied that it was at
least three minutes after the fall of the oil car
before the express struck it. The operation
of changing signals is very simple and expe-
ditious. The man, supposing him to be on the
spot, had only to pull cord, and allowing
him little time to collect his senses, he could
certainly have done that in less than minute.
Besides. if he had been at the draw he would
have seen the freight train breaking up and
thus been warned of danger, before the broken
car actually came abreast of him. Being at
the tank, however, he was out of the reach of
his signal, and probably ignorant of what had
happened.
The freight conductor testifes that the
brakeman who tried to carry danger light
forward from the calabOose was unable to
make his way over the obstructed trestle-work,
and man from the engine consequently got
down upon the ice and hurried toward the
tank. How many precious seconds were lost
in this scrambling back and forth is not GER
tain; but in all probability enough to make
the difference between life and death. The
plain fact is that at moment OF danger, when
the fraction of minute was precious beyond
calculation, the false beacon indicated safety,
and the guard whose duty it was to change it
was placed 30 far away that he could not
reach it.
1t gives us real pleasure, after this, to call
attention to MIR. Toucey's card. indicating the
! railroad officials from tho charge of neglecting
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
Nem'Qork Daily Gribmtte
SATURDAY. FEBRUARY II, 1871.

Returns from eleven OF the French Departments ndi
cate election OF BOnapartst and Oreanst candi-
dates and but few Republicans. - The surrender OF
the and small Of the Army OF Paris began
yesterday 80 Violent earthquake shocks have been
felt at Darmstadt - The biz providing fund for
the support Of Pope has passed the Italian Chambers
t= The report that Turkish army is threatening
ROumanLa is sutboritatiyely denied.
In the Senate yesterday. the House bill regulating
rank in the Navy was reported, with amendments A
resolution introduced raising the Mission at Berlin
70 the grade that at London. &C. In the House.
the Conference report the bill granting pensions 10
1912 veterans adopted The Naval Appropriation
bin passed.
The Alabama Commissioners have been confirmed by
the Senate == An accidental explosion Of gunpowder
killed three aud burned several in West Virginia
coal mine Serious fires, with loss Of life, have
occurred in Peru, Ind, ana Northampton Penn. -
Five men have been injured by blasting accident in
New Hampshire =- The steamer Effort has been sunk
In Mobile harbOr.
The Hudson River Railroad accident is attributed
the failure Of the Company TO keep signal at the
drawbridge. - The English stockholders are taking
measures for the repeal Of the Erie Classification
go A. A. Redneld lectured on the "Theory of Legal
Determination" go Gold, I11i, iii! Thermometer,
no 38o 40
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

Our Albany correspondent expresses the IN
dignation felt in Republican circles ut the
State capital concerning the apparent use OF
Republican votes, or of the absence OF KepuD-
lican voters, to promote the interests OF Tam
many measures. To this we do not care at
present to add until fuller exposition OF the
facts may make clear the blame that may be
awarded and the quarters in which it may be best
deserved. For the present we content ourselves
with inviting attention to the statement of the
case, accepted at Albany as just and complete.
1t will be seen that the bill for indefinitely
increasing the perquisites of the Clerk of the
County of New-YOrk passed the Senate by
Republican aid, and that Mr.. Tweeds Croton
bill has been referred, against all apparent
fairness, to the packed Committee in which
Mr.. Tweed considers it the safest. For the
rest it will be noted that railroad affairs begin
to engrOss attention, and that the curse of all
Albany treatment of such questions already
blights their consideration. Whether the
measures proposed are just, or whether they
are merely means for striking" rich corpora
tiODs, is the question.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
TIE FENI1N OVATTON

We hate parades. Even when most season
able, they are not calculated to increase the
sum of human happiness while III the dead
of Winter, and over the mire and slush of
thawing snow, they are markedly abOminable.
Then parades are for victOrs and Irish pat
riots are not and seldom have been triumph
ant. We submit, therefore, that the Fenian
exiles might well have been spared the ovation
of Thursday, cordial and imposing as it was.
However, their admirers thought otherwise,
and New-York turned out imposingly to do
them honor
Here, we respectfully suggest, the business
ought to stop. Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and
other cities, stand ready to renew their well
come but to what end Might not the
will be wisely taken for the deed ?
The exiles are mainly in the early prime of
life. They have their way TO win in the
world, and being carted about in professions
gives little pleasure and no profit. Several OF
them have families all mean to eat the bread
of honest usefulness. Shall they not be
allowed to begin soon to make up the time
lost to themselves in gallant but fruitless
efforts for others
We are nowise authorized to speak in their
behalf. Our only reason for our faith that
they would like to be excused from further
honizing is our knowledge of their simple,
modest, manly bearing and the prompt irmness
with which, on nearing our port, they refused
to be made party cats-paws on one side or the
other We cannot help thinking that they
would like to have done with Populations and
audiences, and be at liberty to walk the streets
like other folks and settle down to their work,
when they find it, without being the victims
we mean the subjects-Of interviewers and item
hunters. Whatever their choice may be, we
insist that il be ascertained and respected.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

lively party of real dead ghosts is reported to be
raising tremendous uproar around the dwelling of
a Virginia clergyman. They career visibly and
viyaciously about the front yard in the guise Of
men, but leave no impression upon the snow.
Rampageous gatherings are heard at doors which,
when opened, disclose an unpleasant blank Guns
are powerless, bullets going through them in the
most tantalizing manner. Otherwise they are
agreeable fellows these ghosts delighting in jocund
conversation through wall and window with their
unwilling hosts. They possess in common with other
more celebrated ghosts, tendency to be extremely
frank-making no bones at all of informing the said
hosts that they "are no-account people, Nobody
knows what these mysterious doings mean, and each
particular hair in the vicinity stands permanently
on end.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

We invite especial attention to the two let
tiers which we print to-day on the subject OF
the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the one
from distinguished amateur of this city, and
the other from the learned and brilliant con-
noisseur James Jackson Jarves. They relate
to movement which has been for some
time maturing in the charge of gen.
tlemen whose names are the best guar
antee of success. They have Stunned pub
Lefty in the initial stages of the enterprise,
but now the time seems to have arrived to ex-
pose their plan to public approval and CO.
operation. Enough money has already been
guaranteed to place the work upon sound
and substantial basis. But it is an enterprise
of the highest public interest and import
ance, and to insure its complete and cred
liable accomplishment we do not doubt
that the City and the State will be glad to
join in any practicable way. So powerful and
beneficent an agency in the spiritual and
aesthetic education of our people should no
longer be neglected, and the present time
seems peculiarly propitious for laying the
foundation Of an institution whose good re-
suits would begin at once and extend through
all the future.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

1t is set forth in OF two newspapers that none
of the colored clergymen of the city have visited
John Thomas, coored, who is to be stranged at the
Tombs on the nth inst; but in justice to the persons
thus arraigned, it should be remembered that
Thomas is a Catholic, and we are not aware that
there any colOred Catholic priests in the city.
For the rest assured that. under the spiritual
consultations administered by Father Duranquet the
doomed man is exceedingly comfortable, smokes " q
large briar-woodI pipe is rather contented,S
is happy, Notwithstanding his approaching fate
and also is willing to see those who have desire
to visit him"-all of which proves, what we have
over and over again asserted, that for minds in a
certain state of benghted stolidiy the rope has
terrOrs
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

Those carping critics who assert that the West
produces no wondrous orators entreated TO note
the following eloquent effort of an Indiana legs-
lator, and, noting vail their faces: 1.-THE American
people-and we are proud to call ourselves that-are
rocked in the bosom of two mighty oceans, whose
granite bound shores are whitened by the floating
canvas of the commercial world; reaching from the
ice-fettered lakes Of the North to the febrle
of Australian seas, comprising the vast interim of
five billions of acres whose alluvial plains romantic
mountains and mystic rivers rival the widest Ito
plan dreams that ever gathered around the inspired
bard as he walked the Amaranthine prOmenades of
Hesperian gardens, is proud Columbia, the land Of
tho free, and the home Of the bravew What could
be finer than febrile waves" and "Amaranthine
promenadesin Pity t is that this beauteous burst
should refer TO nothing but gravel roads.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
Caribbean.

A singular trial is now pending in the Superior
Court in which Tie plaintiff, a widow, sues we'll
known insurance company in the city for payment
Of policy of 1000 her late husbands life The
company refuses payment OH the ground that the
husband insured his life in different companies for
$4,000, and few weeks after went West, and,
while going from Cincinnati TO Louisville on the
mailboat, committed suicide for the express purpose
of securing the money to his family. SO far as
known, the deceased had been unfortunate in BUSH
ness believed himself impractical, and incapable Of
taking care of his family and having literally in
sured his life, concluded in respondent mood TO
get rid of eeotually under the conviction that his
wife could get along better without than with him.
This would seem romantic than real, if daily
experience did not teach us how far reality Outruns
romance. Had the incident been put into novel.
il would have been called altogether improbable, If
not absurdly unnatural. Indeed, we happen to know
that an author who recently introduced similar
instance into story obliged TO cut it ont, be-
cause the editor declared one would believe 1T.
Irrespective of the folly and sin of suicide the act Of
the man shows spirit of selfsacrice to the last and
in the highest degree Few mortals could be induced
to surrender life for the sake of anotheTs mere pc.
cuniary gain. There must have been something gen
erous, however mistaken in the nature which could
deliberately quit the world that another might enjoy
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
in his poke

Our Washington dispatches indicate certain
degree of dissatisfaction among a minority OF
both Houses in regard to the Commission for
the arrangement of the Alabama Claims,
founded principally upon the delay that con-
stituents will suffer in drawing their share
of the English peace-offering, which they now
look upon as certain. We think that month
or two moro or less, can be borne without
especial distress by these impatient claimants
who only recently have begun to cherish
genuine hope and that they can safely rest
their interests in the able and patriotic hands
that have them them in charge.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

The French elections have only too perfectly
justified the apprehensions we expressed i'll re-
gard to the fatal effects of Republican dissen-
siOns. The Government of National Defense
was deprived beforehand of the moral force 1t
could have exerted among the peasantry if it
had been compact and united. As it was the
only symbols of authority these ignorant rus
tics could see or comprehend were the local
gentry, who were usually of the traditional
monarchical parties, and the clergy, who of
course supported candidates hostile to the Re
public The result is what might have been
expected. In the principal cities, where news
papers and public meetings have enabled the
voters to gain some idea of the questions
at issue, the Republican candidates have
been generally successful. In the rural
districts the three mOnarchical parties
appear to have divided almost the en-
tire field among themselves. Gems. lie
Flo and Trochu have been returned by their
faithful Bretons from Finisterre; Mr.. Theirs
has been elected by an enormous majority
and other prominent Orleanists will take their
places in the Assembly prepared to advocate
the claims of the Count Of Paris to the throne.
For the shame and disgrace of France, there
will be many Imperialsts, as at present re-
ported, and large number of men elected as
the candidates of the clergy. The Ultramon-
tanes will doubtless be in favor as their first
choice, of the Count of Chambord, but failing
to elect him, they will be much more likely TO
sell out to the Empire than to trust the rigid
honesty of the House of Orleans or the radical
liberalism of the Republic.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

court of honor will have to be appointed at once
to determine what is unmanly" The heightened
journals Of Washington launch that dreadful epthet
at any one who says bad statue is deficient in
merit and while we are striving to comprehend the
force of the definition Mr. Farnsworth still further
confuses our ideas by denouncing Mt. Banks rs "un
manly" because in the mere defense Of q personal
friend he criticised so great man as Admiral Por-
ter" We suppose in Mr.. Farnsworth's system Of
ethics the depth Of groveling depravity would be
reached by man who would attack Bowery rough
in defense of q baby.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
THE STEAMER TENNESSEE.

NO NEWS YET RECEIVED AT WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.-Up to noon to-day.
no intelligence had been received at the Navy Depart
concerning the steamer Tennessee u Is suggested
that perhaps the Commission, after they got to sea, re-
solved to commence their examination in part Of the
island distant from the capital OF San Domingo, intend
ing finally to meet President Baez. This is given thu
only reasonable explanation OF the delat in hearing
the Commission, the Naval authorities hero have
faith in tho strength OF the vessel.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

The people of Indiana. fearful of being upfted
and pulled out with pride in their unriyaled legal
liberties, are constantly petioning for change in
the divorce laws. In obedience to their demands,
the Senate Of that State has recently passed bill
expurgating that clause in the statute which leaves
it to the court to decide what Is proper justifca
ton for divorce. The people are so pleased with
this change that there is no knowing what further
restrictions may be made-unless, indeed, our New
York female apostles OF Free Divorce should jour
ney thithor in indignant haste and enter violent
protest. .....
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

The Boston CopgyegatOnalist reCentlyprinted com
munication which pretty broadly asserted that the
Democratic" party looked with disfayor upon pop
ular education This has aroused some Democrat In
New-Baltimore, Mich, who writes to The COHgre0a-
tonalis to inquire whether it would not be better
for religious journal to skip such sweeping acerloHs
against our Democratic friends assertions which
imply that the Democrats M party wish to Keep
the people in igrOnanC and consequently in Sn" thus
bringing a reprock upon the oaus Of our blessed
Master" This serious Yellowplush declares that In
michigan at least some of the most noble cham
pions of free school have stood shOlder to sh0d in
the Democratic ranks there whole lives" and so the
accusation of The Congre0dhOnast is not true by
Long shot" The letter-writer is not angry, but
0reeredp and subscribes himself Yours In the
bonds of Christian affection" 1t is pretty evident
that notwithstanding his appetite for what he Is
pleased to call "EdicatiOn," this Democrat" got
no srfeit Of that in his tender years and that ne
and WebsteI's Spelling Book must then have been
not upon the most intimate footing "A Democrat"
who does not know how to spell words of four syl-
tables, or even Of two should be wary not only OF
writing to the newspapers, but of flying into pas
sion when he is charged with love Of Ignorance.
AS for The CongregGtOaasfs assertion, pray was MT
Henry A. Wise a Democrat and did he ever make
a speech in his life in which he failed to denounce
the Free Schools Of the North
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

The efforts to explain the long delay in
hearing from the San Domingo Commission
ers which every day brings us from Washing
ton, serve only to demonstrate the deep
anxiety which is felt for the fate of the
Tennessee and the unwilingness to credit the
fearful suggestions to which this protracted
silence gives rise. Tho theory of our
correspondent that the Commissioners may
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
,, ,,o,, ,.uv TRIBUNE, SATURDAY FEBRUARY IL, 1871
have resolved to land at the southern extremity

have resolved to land at the southern extremity
of the Island, and only meet President Baez
at the conclusion of their tour is so ilitrinsi-
cally improbable that the fact that it MS
suggested by the Navy Department shows but
too clearly the apprchensiOns entertained in
official circles concerning the expedition.
Still, let us grasp at any shred of possibility
and hope, while we may, that the Tennessee is
safely anchored in some quiet harbOr of the
Caribbean.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
Advertising Rates.

DAILY TRIBUNE SOC, 40c, 50c 75c., and 81 per line
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According to position III the paper.
In making remittances always procure draft on
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Where neither of these can be procured, send the
money, bit ARRAYS IN REGISTERED letter. The reg
istratOn fee has been reduced to fifteen cents, and
the present registration system has been found by
the postal authorities TO be virtually absolute
protection against losses by mail. All POstmasters
are obliged register letters when requested TO do
Terms, cash in advance.
Address THE TRIBUNE, NewYOrk.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

the stark and mangled corpses of their vic
tins. 1t does not accord with our previous
information but we are so desirous TO accord
il all possible credit that we give IL 10 the
public, authenticated by the signature OF the
ros,, rnsible officer, without, for the present,
,o1 % comment.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

The temper of Congress in regard to Admj-
raj Porter's Overbearing dictation was shown
significantly, yesterday, in the passage of Mr..
Starkweathers bill for the reinstatement of
Naval Constructor Hanscom against the vim
dictive opposition of the versatile letter-writer.
The debate was marked by that bitterness and
indecorum which the contagion of the Admi-
rails name rarely fails TO produce in Congress.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

scOm to have recourse to the Court of Claims,
which was established for precisely that pur-
pose, fearing that there they will get no more
than law and justice. There ia not Con-
gresham who does not groan over this nui-
sance and it is probable not one but has at
least half-dozen of these importunate claims
=. L.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

The Chicago Evening Post discusses our article
on Tunnels under the Hudson and East Rivers
as though we proposed that they should be
constructed or aided by appropriations from
the Federal Treasury. The writer evidently
knew better; but fancied that point might be
made by incorporating us.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

1t is sometimes complained that the title
"Erie Robbers" is too severe designation
for the excellent worthless who have displayed
such skill in stealing railroads. To those who
think the phrase hard one, we commend the
recital of the foreign stockholders in the petit
ton printed elsewhere
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11
Typ-TOYN 1DVERTLSENENTS

For the accommodation of uptown residents,
Mr. T. H. Brown has opened offices at No 81 West Thirty
aeoOud-st, junction Of Broadway and siXth-ave, and
at No. 40 East Eghteenthst., between Broadway and
FOurhave where advertisements for IHE TRIBUNE will
be received up to "a in the evening
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

The German hunters are dividing the lions
skin before the chase is fairly over. Berlin
dispatches state that the indemnity OF two
hundred million francs TO be exacted from
France is to be cut into quarters, of which
North Germany takes three and leaves one to
the South
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-11

The speck of war between Tunis and Italy
grows no larger The belhgerent tone of the
Cabinet of Florence has probably convinced
the Tunisian authorities that further trifing is
out of order. Prince Hussein has been sent to
Italy with full powers to settle the matters IN