The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-10-12
Special correspondence of the Troy Daily Times
THE HERMITs LETTER.


Old Prison-John Fitchs Steamboat - Old
Works and Queer Names.
New York, Oct. 8, 1876.
One of the most peculiar features of
metropolitan life are its trafiickers in be-
nevolence-the confidence OF men who
impose on the philanthropist and who
have the made ingenious schemes to assist
their purposes. These schemes need not
detail here; the subjecg is too well known.
1t is to be observed however, that these
imposters are easily detected when their
credentials are examined. Recently an
application in behalf of school was
brought before literary gentleman who
was desired to read the recommendations
''from distinguished men," One of these
was signed by Hon. William G. Bryant. Z"
This signature at once betrayed the fraud.
The gentleman referred to the indsr erp,ts-
gatoriOus of the Epening Post, of which
he had copy, and which is the special
work of Mr. Bryant. This prohibits the
use of "Hon. or esq" in that journal.
The "Hon." was so absurd solecism as to
occasion smile. The imposter had over
done the matter. The "Hon. William c.
Bryant" had no existence
THE POLICE INVESTIGATION.
This has begun, and two officers have
been displaced, but the chronic fraud that
has so long involved the entire department
cannot be easily removed. 1t is probable
that the subject will be taken up by the
next legislature and unless this be done the
present effort will only be time thrown
away. There are those who may suppose
that the sale of Morrissey's club house in
dicates an abatement in gambling but this
is not the case. Morrissey's reason may
he calculated on another score than fear of
the authorities. Ii is now said that poll
icy man is detailed TO stand before every
gaming house on Barclay street. This
policeman is Of as much use as the lamp
post. The moment he appears on the spot
his fee is paid, and that is the extent of
the matter. lie interferes with no mans
business. An experienced member of the
police department, after holding office for
eight years in the headquarters" in Null
berry street, told me to-day that they were
all rs rotten as ever, and that the investi-
cation was comparatively speaking fail
known before, and it has made no progress
toward a prevention of the evil.
THE ToMBs HORRORS.
The examination of the Tombs, as re-
ported by the press, may shock the public,
but the general facts have often been re-
ferred to-. The Tombs is at best an un-
wholesome place. 1t is built on "made
land" as it is termed, and there are hidden
springs which keep the entire neighborhood
perpetually moist 1t is infested with rats
and other vermin, and the atmosphere is
30 repulsive that few minutes is sufficient
to disgust any one of decent associations.
1t is to be remembered, however, that the
horrors referred to are chiefly found in the
lower tier of cells. There are three other
tiers, which are as wholesome as prisons
generally. 1t is a curious fact that Flora
Foster, the matron of the female depart
ment, has passed more time by twenty fold
in this prison than any other person, and
yet retains good health. Flora's Office is
in the worst part of the building, but she has
a breath of fresh air morning and evening.
The usual population of the Tombs Is about
300, which is large number to be incar-
cerated in such limited space. The
Tombs has held many criminals of note Of
the male sex, but only one woman of dis
tinguished villainy-Mrs. Cunningham Bur-
dell. She, however, was such a wonderful
combination of crime as TO make up for
the disparity in numbers. 1t 10 doubtful il
the Tombs has ever contained person so
apt and ready to commit crime of any kind
as she. Her skill in managing the Burdell
tragedy shows that she might have rivalled
Lady Macbeth in the murder business.
SOME PRISONERS OF NOTE.
Among forgers the most distinguished
were Monroe, Edwards, Huntington and
Ketchum. These men operated, each IN a
distinct and peculiar manner, and one which
required that knowledge of trade which be-
comes first-class business man. Monroe
Edwards was an accomplished f1nancier,
and committed his depredations in very
secret manner. Commission houses in this
city received bills of lading of cotton and
other goods, on which they were requested
to make advances, as was then the custom.
They did so, responding through the mail,
and found too late that they had been de-
frauded. The bills of lading were forge
ries. The work was done 30 secretly that
a long time elapsed before the culprt was
detected. He was found in Philadelphia,
living in luxury. The trial was one of great
interest. His conviction was gratifying
surprise, ana he died in Sing Sing, after
three years of prison life. Huntington was
noted broker, who sold dimmense guam
titles of counterfeit ''paper," and spent the
proceeds in splendid extravagancs. lie
was ably defended by the late James 7.
Brady, who assumed the novel and original
plea of "moral insanity" In other words,
the prisoner was insane On this subject.
When asked what he would do If released,
he replied in AN artless manner, make
paper" Brady labored in an elaborate
manner to obtain an acquittal, but the jury