The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-01-04

When the journalists, hy-and-by, make up
the list of important events that transpired in
the year of grace 1872 the record will be begun
by recital of the affecting incident attendant
upon the enlargement of the sainted Connolly
from the horrors of Ludlow street Jail on New
Years Day, and popular love will cluster
around it, and bless the patriotism of the men
who wrought out this strange epoch iu the
country's history. The disinterestedness of
Connolly's son-in-law, Surrogate Hutchins, in
becoming bail for the ex-Comptroller will sur
round his name with halo of glory, and he
will narrowly escape Democratic canonization.
We are glad to know that this remarkable man,
notwithstanding his troubles, preserved his APP
petite, and at 10 O'Clock partook of a hearty
breakfast of jail-fare-beefsteak and eggs-and
in honor of the day invited Warden Tracy and
his son to partake with him. Then he read the
daily papers until he was tired, lit cigar and
put his room in order Che did it himself) to re-
ceive callers While his refreshment table was
being laid, carriage drove up, from which de-
scended an under-sheriff, Connolly's bondsman
and another party. The door was promptly"
opened, and the deputy-sheriff rushed into
Mr.. Tracy's private room, and, sezing the war
den by the arm, said hurriedly, "John, 1 want
Connolly" This abrupt summons rather star
LED the warden, who, Notwithstanding, main
tanned his equanimity took his cigar from his
mouth and asked: ''Have you his discharge"
NO." replied the under-sheriff, 'but I've got
habeas, and there's a carriage waiting out
side in which we will go down to City Hall to-
gether." 'T'll go at once and apprise Connolly"
said Warden Tracy, and forthwith proceeded to
the eE=Onmptroler's room 10 acguaint him
with the news OF his release. Meanwhile Mrs
Connolly, Mrs. Hutchins and Mrs. Fithian had
arrived in another carriage, and were then
closeted with the Comptroller. Warden Tracy
entered Mr. Connollys apartment and inform
ed him that he was about to conduct him to the
court of Oyer and Terminer, from whence he
would doubtless leave free man.
Directly the old gentleman heard this the
tears rushed into his eyes, and quite an affect
ing scene took place between himself and his
wife and daughters. They one aud all fell on
Mr.. Connolly's neck, and for some minutes
neither of the persons in the room spoke a
word. Warden Tracy perceiving that the scene
was purely of domestic character and that
his presence was not required, withdrew, and
ry with Mr. Joel O. Stevens Mr. Connolly
having recovered his equilibrium, Immediately
sent for his boots, and casting off his slippers
was soon all ready to start. Mr. Tracys son,
youth about y years of age, and a great ia
vorlte OF MI; Connollys,, was quickly in at
brushed the latter helped the ex-Comptroner
into it. After few minutes private CONVEX
sation with his wife Mr.. Connolly lit a fresh
cigar, and kissing his daughters announced
that he was quite ready to proceed to the City
Hall. The Sheriff hafingiacecpted bail in the
the same with the criminal Indictment At
II clock, therefore, Mr.. Richard B. Connolly
passed through the portal of Ludlow Street
Prison, and was once again a free man,