davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
MURDER OF AN AMERICAN SAILOR.
Consular Trial and Sentence OF the
Culprit in China.


SHANGHAI, Oct. 25, 1873.
An inquest was held at the United States Con-
sulate at this port the 10Th ut. on the body Of
Henry Bergh, a sailor on board the American ship
Mary whitrdge, who, 1t was alleged, came to his
death through ill-treatment on the part OF the
second onicer, Matthew Reed.
The jury brought in q verdict that Bergh had
come to his death through the act OF said Matthew
Reed, "who, according to the evidence, inflicted
blows on the face. on the side OF the head and on
the shoulder OF said Henry Bergh with his hand,
with his bare foot and with rope-bound nalyard
block" Reed was tried for murder before Consul
General George +. Seward on the 10th Of this
month, and the following is the
DECISION OF THE COURT:
l am OF opinion that the deceased Henry
Bergh came TO his death by blows inntfted
upon him by Matthew Reed, as described and set
forth In the drst count OF the Indictment. am
further OF opinion that these blows we're inflicted
IN cruel and unusual manner and In heat OF
passion, but without intent TO XIII or the knowl-
edge that they would cause death. l am
therefore OF opinion that the said Reed is not
guilty OF the murder OF said deceased, but that he
is defined in the laws OF the state OF New YORK
as OF the second degree, and Is then punishable by
Imprisonment for not more than seven or less
Laws OF the State OF New York are binding
upon the Court, accept them In this instance as
anordng clear and authoritative definition OF the
nature 0i the crime committed, and deter mination
Of the punishment which IS appropriate thereto; +;
and, considering all the circumstances OF the case,
as well as the nature OF the climate OF this port,
am OF opinion that the ends OF justice Will be met
by the imprisonment OF said Reed for term OF
three years. accordingly find that the prisoner,
second degree as deaned BY the Laws cf the State
OF New York. and condemn him to imprisonment
In the Consular jail. or elsewhere as may pc deter
from the date hereof. GEORGE y. SEWARD,
Consul General, acting judicialiy.
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
| CURIOUS CUSTOMS CASE AT NEW
ORLEANS.
Personal Property Of Ex-President
Thiers Undor Seizure.

Personal Property OF Ex-President
Thiers Under Seizure.
From the New Orleans Herald, Nov. 26l
somewhat remarkable case now engages the
attention Of the Collector and Surveyor OF the Port
The steamship Charles Albert, French vessel,
arrived here on the 10th inst from Havana in bal
last, but without manifest or other regular papers,
The inspectors discovered board Of her i've large
cases filed with costly articles OF Chinese manu-
facture and other dutiable goods, most Of which,
the Captain (Caryon) declares belong to the ex-
President OF the French Republic, N. Adolphe
Thiers, and some to himself.
An investigation OF the matter elicts the follow
ing very curious story:-Captain Caryon states
that his steamer was engaged in the c0olie trade
and that he recently carried from Hong Kong to
Havana large lot Of coolies. Before leaving Hong
point purchased q lot Of costly and beautiful
Chinese goods, which he forciby placed on board
the Charles Albert telling the Captain that they
were presents for President Theirs and command
ing him to deliver them whenever his vessel should
return to France.
This the Captain demonstrated against, saying
that he did not know when he should return to
France, but the Admiral said there was no other
French merchantmen In port and ne must take the
He states rurtner that both he and his first ofcer
purchased quite number oil valuable articles for
Havana his frst oficer committed suicide by
spring1ng overheard at night and that he (the
coptatn) mas Laken Cnarge OF MS euectS.
On his arrival at Havana he was chartered to
come to this port TO take cargo OF cotton to Liv
erp00l and arrived here, as before stated, on the
l0tn inst. He accounts for the absence OF mani
fest by saying tnat he had never been to America
before and was ignorant Of our customs regula-
tiOns,
The customs onicers were at loss for some time
to know how to treat the case, but finally con-
cuded to seal up the goods subject to orders from
the department.. TO say the least, the
Captains story is very remarkable
one aud Is not entirely credited.
1t seems almost incredible that q French admiral
would send such valuable articles to the President
OF the French Republic in so irregular and ques-
tionable manner, trusting to luck, as 1t were to
their reaching their destination.
Among the articles are number OF superb silk
spreads or quilts, very elaborately and curiously
wrought IN Chinese patterns, said to be worth each
$500. There is one shawl, sight OF which would
make the eyes Of city bellies farly sparkle again,
valued at 1900; q lady's magnificent ebony work
box, tnlaid with ivory and gold, valued at over
$1,000; any quantity OF exquisitely wrought
Chinese curiosities, vases &c. The Captain is con.
siderably disguised by the trouble ne mas fallen
into about his remarkable cargo, and wishes very
sincerely that M. Theirs had the goods which
he claims the patriotic Admiral sent him from
Hong Kong.
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
CHARGES AGAINST A CITY MARSHAL.

The charges preferred against City Marshal
Toplanyi by Dr. Walter 8. Wells, OF No. 1877 Sixth
avenue. were further heard yesterday by Mayor
Havemeyer.
The complainant charges that Topanyi, on or
about the 10th of October, called upon him at his
piace OF residence and stated that he had come to
make O levy on property 70 satisfy q judgment oD-
tanned in the Marine Court amounting to 5000;
tnat Toplanyl offered TO return the execution un-
satisfied on payment to him OF $40. and the same
amount to Jonn T. williams, who claimed
to be his assistant. The oner was
declined, and the Marshal left without
making any levy; that complainant thereupon
had served on Toplanyi notice that the property
in question was In ms possession by courtesy, 1t
being mortgaged TO John J. Ste; that on the 9th
OF November, Toplanyi, aided by Williams and
three others, made levy on the property. which
LOCKS were broken. furniture thrown out OF second
story windows, drawers rined OF articles OF value,
wearing apparel and everything on which they
about the street, and other articles were
stolen BY Toplanyi and his assistants; !;
that Topianyi was under the influence or
room and locked him. up, Topanyi taking
possession OF the key, and threatening and abus
ing complainant in violent manner. Complain
ant further charges that Toplanyi demanded the
surrender to him OF complainants watch and
chain and, the demand not being compiled with,
drew q pistol and again demanded the watcn and
chain and hreasened complainant ina. nc m snoua ,h
watch and ceain; that complainant, believing that
his life was in danger, did give up the watch and
chain; that also, under similar threats ana nt,m IN I'M
dations complainant signed and delivered to VIII
liams due bill Tor $25; that IN concl1sion, Top.
laDyi, IN o violent manner, removed MS medical
Instruments and all other property without author
The The further investigation viii be resumed on
Friday.
The New York herald., 1873-12-02

occurred some two months ago and ever since the
young girls brother has been endeavorng TO lorce
the Counts consent TO the marriage but was re-
peatedly put or until learning mat the Count had
sent his son out OF the country ia order to pre-
vent anything o the nature taking place, either
with or without his consent. Young Cardenas
seeing his 81 ter and parents submerged IN the
snes ea.' her shame became known"armed 5,mself
and met the Count to demand reparation Tor the
honor OF his sister aud family This being declined
he plunged hrs knii into the Counts heart.
IL Is generally asserted In relation to this afair
that the Counts conduct throughout had been
most aggravating. That the indiscretion OF the
lovers was intended 10 make a marriage impera-
tive; but the Count was bitterly opposed, and, with
the command Of Immense wealth and influence
he had his son arrested bv the police the day sub
sequent TO the elopement and managed to get
him OF to Spain. The Count was well advanced in
years, but his death has thrown great part
ARIsrocR.cY OF HAVANA INTO MOURNING
the Count was generally esteemed for his benevo-
lent disposition and gentlemanly character, but in
this case the sympatnles OF the community rest
with the young assassin, who, IL was erroneousy
reported yesterday, had finished his existence by
poison. he Is kept close prisoner at the JAIL and
some OF the principal lawyers OF Havana have
already offered their services In his defence.
The Minister OF the Colonies still continues his
examination into Cuban affairs and the state OF the
island; but he Is regarded more in the light or
Sunday last % he conyosed % the editors Of the differ
ent daily and weekly journals OF the CITY, and made
them an address, stating his purposes and wishes,
and iattering them by acknowledging the power
Yesterday the Casino Espahol invited him to in
spect their rooms, and gave him brilliant recep-
ton. The Volunteers Improved the opportunity
and organized . grand serenade, which took place
IN front OF the Casino 1t was expected that during
the evening His Excellency would make speech
or offer toast, but, to general disappointment,
the evening passed away and His EXcellency drank
his wine and ate his sponge cake without anything
further tnan casual conversation. His Excellency's
appearance Is very prepossessng, and he looks
every inch the gentleman and statesman.
The virglnius Still Anoat-Hcavy Km-
portations Of Flour Into the Island.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. l, 1878.
The steamer Juniata from Havana reports that
the virginius was still anoat when she left Havana
on Tuesday last. All vessels arriving at Havana
had full cargoes OF hour, and $4,000 barrels had
been ordered from New Orleans.
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
A SNOW ANNIHILAToR.

Last evening machine designed to oblItersta
the snow from the streets OF New York was exhib-
tied on Lexington avenue and In East Fortietn
street. 1t was drawn By four horses, and as IL
passed over the surface OF the street ut the rate OF
from three to four miles an hour the lying be-
tween the wheels was Immediately dissolved. Tho
annihiator as the device called BY Its Inventors
Mr.. John Mullaly Is very simple contrivance.
consisting OF q boiler OF suitable capacity mounted
upon wheels. Connected with the boiler 10 q su-
perheater, the steam from which is discharged into
a tank, or steam distributor placed between the
wheels This tank Is three feet long by seven fccs
wide and IL provided In The bottom with nearly 100
pipes, through which the superneated steam In
elected upon the snow rs the machine Is drawn
over the surface of the street Covering the escape
of the steam from the sides oi the tank IL apron
or curtain which also serves TO c0nhne the hoat
within the limits covered bv tho tank.
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
THE NEXT POPE.

Cardinal Pecci, Archbishop OF Pcrugia,
To He tho Successor OF Plus TX.
From the London Hour, Nov 1871
We learn from good quarters that by the pri-
vately expressed wish Of Plus TX. the College OF
Cardinals have for some time consulted as to who
would be the best person to elect as successor OF
the Holy Father, In the event OF anything happen
Ing, suddenly or otherwise, to the latter. By q
very considerable majority their selection mas
fallen upon Cardinal Pecci Archbishop OF Perugia,
and there is little or doubt but that he VIII be-
the next Pope. This prelate was born IN 1910, and
was made n cardinal IN 1868. He has resided but
little at Rome. having throughout all the period Of
his episcopate-since ls4s-oeen q hardworking
bishop. He Is a man OF very decided Views, being
what is called an Ultramontane, but Is OF very
conciliatory spirit, and would, no doubt, live ON
terms of amity with the Italian government. lie In
OF unbemished character, very religious and pi0us
in his lfe and greatly respected even BY the ree-
thinkers OF Italy.
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
BROOKLYN NAVY YARD.

NO orders have been received by Admiral Rowan
to discharge any men from the Brooklyn Navy
Yard, where 5000 are now employed. The work Of
rafting the lower rigging was continued yesterday
throughout the cold northeast snow storm by the
hardy riggers on board the Colorado. This ship
will 60 into commission tomorrow. Engineers
Lave been ordered to the Tennessee, and she will
be towed over to the Navy Yard for outfit this
week. Work Is progressing as usual on the Mime
sotas Roanoake Dictator. Florida and Swatara
Captain X. w. Shuleldt yesterday relieved Captain
Ransom as Executive Oficer OF the yard The
storeship Supply went out of commission, and the
Gettysburg arrived with stores from Washington.
Recruiting Is progressing rapidly, large number
OF landsmen being shipped
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
NEWS FROM HAVANA.

Discussion OF Possible Hostflities-Noise
About American Display OF Forcc-2OO
Spanish Letters of Marquc To BE Issued
In Case OF Wharf.-The ssConstancia'' On
the e"Herald''-Butcher Burricl Not Lion-
fzed-Assassina alton OF Count Penalvcr-
Minister solcr Regarded as n Natural
Curiosity-Thnt tsProfound Calm which
Reigns in Cuba"-The Fortfnca tions
Being Armed.
HAVANA, Nov. 20, 1873.
The question OF the hour and even OF every min
Ute as the Dtdro calls the all-engrosslng question
OF the capture OF the virginius, still occupies the
press of this CITY, and is the subject OF general
versaton. The possibility, or the probability. OF q
war between Spain and the United States is the
topic OF most general interest The opinions OF
the American press, while sneered at and con-
demned by the Spanish commentators mere, have
their iuIl weight as expressing the views OF the
mass OF the American people, and are therefore at
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
CHINA AND CUBA.

An Independent Celestial Mission to Visit
the Spanish Antilles Gcm-Thc CooIic
Tranic To BE Investigated.
SHANGHAI, Dot. 25, 1873.
A Chinese mission is to be sent to Cuba to in
quire into the condition of the coolies employed on
that island. This has been done at the request OF
the Spanish Minister
The Hong Kong government has issued explicit
orders for all vessels destined to carry coolies be-
tween Macao and Havana to quit tnat port This
ernment OF Macao.
The Chinese authorities have followed the action
OF the British authorities at Hong Kong by pr0hib-
iting the staying OF these ships either at Whampoa
or Canton.
The New York herald., 1873-12-02
MODERN soEPTIcIsM.

In the chapel OF the Church OF the incarnation,
corner OF Thirty-nnh street and Madison av-
enue, the Rev. !. Cotton smith delivered lecture
to a small audience on "The best methods OF deal
very exhaustive and scientific one aud was listened
TO with great nttantton-
The New York herald., 1873-12-02


majority OF the press OF the United States and the
opinions already stated above, keep silent on the
question.
The Dfnrio and other journals notice the recent
arrival here OF Brigadier General Burriel, the CON-
manding General OF the Eastern Department, by
whose orders the victims OF the yirgtnius were
butchered at Santiago de Cuba, and give as their
object the desire to felicitate the Captain General
and the Colonial Minister upon their safe arrival in
Cuba. am, however, informed, that he will be
sent to spain-bdjo pdrtido de reoisro-a military
Iormality equal TO court OF inquiry II is certain
that the Governor OF Santiago de Cuba has
TO be ieted and feasted by that class Of Spaniards
In this island to whose passions he undoubtedly
pandered IN the hope OF popularity among hem.
Unfortunately this same subserylency by other
commanders has caused the government OF Spain
many complications.
called upon the citizen Minister yesterday; and .
friend assures IL that upon leaving .'signs OF an
altered c0untenance were visible:r which, in
plain English, means that Brigadier Burriel lett
An assassination took place last Sunday morn.
ing at about nine O'Clock and almost on the steps
oi the Cathedral, which has caused great sensa-
tion throughout this city, as the victim, Don Juan
Cris0sfom Pehalver, Count or Pefaver and San
Fernando generally known by the latter title, was
a person OF great wealth and influence, and closely
allied with many OF the principal and distinguished
families OF Havana, besides for many years taking
active part In the administration OF city affairs.
The facts Of the murder are, that, upon leaving
the cathedral after hearing mass. and just about To
enter his own house across the street, he was
stopped by Augustus Acosta Cardenas, nephe
Of the Count, and after few excited words OF con
yersati0n between the two, Cardenas drewa
LONG KNIFE AND STABBED THE COUNT
to the heart, killing him almost instantly. Tho
Count staggered lew steps to reach his door, and
fell dead into the arms OF his servants, who out
upon noticing the disturbance while the ASSASSIN
was arrested Dy the police, although he attempted
to make his escape
The motive OF the murder was satisfaction fol
wounded honor. IL seems that one OF the Counti
sons, youth OF II, had elopcd with the sister o
Cardenas In order 10 force marriage against which
the Count was bitterly opposed because OF thu
Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1873-02-07

A MOST extraordinary ease of
mesmeric influence is reported in
the Indian Medical Gazette: The
subject on whom this influence
call it what We may--is exerted, is
a young married woman named
Naunee, and the person who pro-
duces the influence, unconsciously
to himself, is her husband. They
commenced to live together about
ten years ago, but at the end of
eight days the woman became in
sensible and remained so for some
time. In this condition she was
taken to her mothers, where she
speedily recovered. She soon re-
turned to her husband to whom she
was much attached, but was soon
found in her previous condition.
On being removed, she Immediately
regaincd her senses. Seeing that
they could not live together, though
their attachment was strong and
mutual, the parents Of the woman
asked that she receive separate
maintenance. AS the strange case
was being heard in court, the hus-
band entered, when the wife became
inscnsiblc as before, and was re-
moved to the hospital where she was
cared for, and her case carefully
watched. Experiments were made
to see if there was no trick about it.
While she was in bed her husband
was muffled up and made to walk
through the ward. She said she
felt he was near her and that she
was bv no means well. but had not
Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1873-02-07
Niagara Falls Dry for q Day.

The water famine in Buffalo dur.
ing the recent storm recalls 4 simil-
lar phenomenon which occurred
twenty odd years ago, when, if we
may credit history on the subject,
the falls OF Niagara were dry for a
day. Below is paragraph dcscrip-
tive of the event, from Iolley's
Niagara" which we find in circu-
lation:
The winter of ls4s had been in
tansely cold, and the ice formed on
Lake Erie was very thick. This
was looscned around the shores by
the warm days Of early spring.
During the day u stiff easterly wind
blew the whole field up the lake.
About sundown the wind chopped
suddenly around and blew gale
from the west, This brought the
vast tract of ice down again with
such tremendous force that it filed
the neck of tn lake and the outlet,
SO that the outflow Of the water was
very greatly impeded. OF course it
only needed very short space of
time for the Falls to drain off the
water below Black Rock. The con-
sequence was that when we arose
in the morning at Niagara we found
that our river was nearly half gone.
The American channel had dwin-
led to respectable creek. The
British channel looked as though it
was smitten with quick consump-
ton and was fast passing away. Far
up from the head OF Goat Island,
and out into the Canadian Rapids,
the water was gone, as it was also
from the lower end Of Goat Island,
out beyond the tower. The rocks
were bare, black and forbidding.
The roar Of Niagara had subsided
almost TO 4 moan. The scene was
desolatc, and but for its novelty and
the certainty that it would change
before many hours, would have
been gloomy and saddening.
Every person who has visited
Niagara will remember a beautiful
Jet Of water which shoots up out of
the water about forty rods south of
the outer Sister in the great rapids,
called with singular contradiction
ofterms, the "Leaping Rock The
writer drove a buggy from near the
head of Goat Island to a point above
and near to that jet. With log
cart and four horses he had drawn
from the outside Of the outer island
a stick Of timber, hewed twelve
inches square, and forty feet long.
From the top Of the middle island
was drawn still larger stick, hew-
ed on one side, and sixty feet long.
There are few places on the globe
where a person would be less likely
to 90 numbering than in the rapids
of Niagara, just above the brink Of
the Horse Shoe fall All the peo-
pie of the neighborhood were
abroad exploring recesses and cav
tiles that had never before been eN-
posed to mortal eyes. The writer
went some distance up the shore Of
the river. Large fields at the mud
dy bottom lay bare. The singular
syncotc of the water lasted all the
day, and night closed over the
strange scene. But in the morning
the river was restored in all its
strength, beauty and majesty, and
we were glad to welcome its swell
iup tide once more"
Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1873-02-07
ADraniaSic Seen in Court.

The following from the dispatches
in the daily papers describes a
scene Of not frequent occurrence
outside the pages of a novel:
New YORK, Jan. 23.-Onc of the
most dramatic and romantic scenes
of Grip Van Winkle" was revealed
to-day in the Brooklyn court house.
Mrs. Elizabeth Speyer, who brings
suit in the Brooklyn court to rccov-
er $40, 900, as her dover of the es-
tate of the late John Spcycr, was
cross-examined to-day. She said:
81 was born in Maine; when l was
fifteen years old left my parents,
who were poor, and was employed
in millinery store in Boston;
there | met Mr.. Hugh Miller, to
whom l was married; we lived for
while in my native town, and
then removed to Jamaica Plains.
1t was at this place, over thirty
years ago, that my husband aban-
doned me. ] sought for him every
where; four years after he abandon
ed me, / was informed that he was
dead" She then related the story
of her marriage with Bell, whom
she had arrested and convicted for
bigamy, and her marriage to Mr..
John Speyer. AS. Mrs. Speyer
descended from the stand, Mr.Spey-
er's lawyer arose, and, III 4 loud
voice, called the name of Hngh =.
Miller. Mrs Speyer stood amazed
and overwhelmed with confusion.
Her counsel were ,hunderstruck,
and all the audience arose and
viewed the old man, who arose in
answer to his name. His appear
ance is that of u well-to-do farmer.
He testified that instead Of aban-
doning his wife, she abandoned
him. He said: "We left Jamaica
Plains and came to New York to
live. Two weeks after, returned
home at noon,my wife was gone and
all the furniture. ! found note
stating that she left me, and would
never return, and that | need not
look for her. l met her after that
one day on the street, and she told
me she had married q man named
Bell. acc> pied the situation and
went to sea, which l itollowed for
twelve years. then went to Wor-
cester, Mass, where | now re-
side"
During the examination Of this
witness, Mrs. Speyer never removed
her eyes from him. She seemed
struck dumb with amazcment. 1t
was the first time she had seen him
since the day on the street, when
she told him she was living with
Bell, over thirty years ago.
The Rev. Mr.. Cone, who, Mrs.
Speyer says, married her, is dead.
His son exhibited the record of
marriages. In it was the record of
marriage to Bell, under the name
of Elizabeth G. harrington. There
was no record Of her marriage to
John Speyer. Her vision Of a flu
ture was destroyed by to.day's de-
velopments.