davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
A LIFE FOR DRINKS.
JAMES SMITH, LADoRER, KNOCKED DOWN AND
KILLED BY JOHN SHERRY, A BRUTAL

JAMES SMITH, A LADoBEB, KNOCKED DOWN AND
KILLED By JOHN NJ SHERRY, BRUTAL
LIQUOR sELLER-ARREsT OF THE AssAILANT.
brutal assault, resulting in homicide, occurred
last night in the Twenty FIRST ward. The victim is
James Smith, aged thirty years, who lived East
Twenty FIRST street, and by occupation driver Of
coal cart His assailan is John McSherry, aged about
thrtyGve years. the keeper OF beer saloon at 400
East Thirty fourth street.
AT about six o'clock the attention OF passcrs by
attracted a scunle in froEt Of NcSherry's saloon
The proprietor ejcctng Smith from the premises.
Smith appeared to oner but little resistance and when
he had reached the sidewalk apparently intended TO go
away without further trouble, but AcSherry followed
him, and without any pcrccptblc provocaton struck
him three or four powerful blows in the face, telling him
to the sidewalk McSherry then reentered his saloon,
leaving Smith unconscious crowd soon collected,
and policemen arriving they carried him TO the Thirty
fifth street station house. police surgeon being
called ho found that Smiths skull fractured. A
few later he died McSherry then arrested.
Al the house he admitted having struck Smith,
but denied that the blows Knocked him down, saying
that the fell The prisoner explained that the de-
ceased had called for drinks being somewhat under
influence Of liquor and then refused 10 pay for them.
For this reason McShcrry committed the assault Cap
tain Murphy found three persons who had Witnessed
the assault and who Will testify that the blows struck
by McSherry Knocked Smith down. The witnesses
were detained in the station house over night
Coroner Croker responded, answer to a summons
by the Captain for the purpose OF taking the
ten statement OF smith, but before his arrival the man
dead
The police speak Of tho deceased as q SOBER indus
trio IN
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
THE GERMAN INDEPENDENTS"

The central organization Of the German indcpen.
dents Oswald Ottendorier presiding, held meeting al
tho Beethoven Maennerchor Hall last night Rcsoiu-
tions introduced by the Executive Committee were
adopted declaring that the taxes OF the city such
burden to tho people and could and would be less
ened II the salaries Of holders fixed prosper
ous time down that the expenses Of the city
government should bc reduced twenty or twenty-five
pcr cent aud calling upon the Legislature to take
measures toward the lcssenng Of salaries and ex-
pcnses
adopted calling the Legislature to adopt Senator
Booths bill forbidding the Mayor TO make appoint.
mcnts after tho election OF hts The Com
mittce on Legislation directed TO support the
efforts OF the saloon keepers and liquor dealers organ
Izations 70 obtain a change Of tho Excise law.
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
BOARD OF POLICE.

The full Board OF Police Commissioners met yester-
day President Smith in the chair After the transao-
ton OF routine business OF importance permission
was granted to delegation Of German saloon keepers
10 address the Board
William Kramer Of the Atlantic Garden. thereupon
stated that ho wished TO call the attention Of the Board
to raid made by the Captain Of the Sixth precinct
his premises on last sunday week. THIS raid, tho
speaker insisted lnstgaed by personal spite on
the part Of the Captain II his place violating the
Sunday law there dozens OF other places IN the
precinct doing likewise and yet bis was the only
place raidcd.
President Smith replied that captains should not
make any distinctions doing their duty and assured
the delegation that any complaints made against any
member OF tho department in the usual way would
ceive due consideration.
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
CITY OFFICIALS ON THE SCANDAL.

The excitement and discussion consequent upon the
downfall OF General Belknap extended the City Hail.
Yesterday the local political representatives who gen.
orally congrcgate thus vicinity spent their entire
time in canvassing the peculiar circumstances OF this
latest national scandal
Mayor wickham spoke of the subject TO the HERALD
representative in strain which betokened deep regret
fer the humiliation brought upon the whole country by
the fraudulent actions OF OF its Cabinet officers
He did not wish to discuss tho disgrace from any po-
litcal standpoint 1t a matter which would be
looked upon In the light OF calamity to the whole
country We might give foreign governments an op-
portuuty decry republican institutions and argue
TO their failure at indeed sad spectacle"
clu led the Mayor land which all interested in
their counirys welfare must look upon with feelings
OF sincere regret"
A NATIONAL sHANE-BUr STILL no NEWS TWEED.
Sheriff Conner remarked that his own trouble,
brought about by the escape Of Tweed, much
usurpcd his attention he had scarcely time to consider
anything else 81 have already spent SO, 900 in
the search for Tweed said the Sheriff. "and have
yet been able to get tho slightest clew to his where
abouts II is extraordinary that we'll known
as Tweed should securely sccrete himself fov such a
length OF time without discovery. As TO Belknap's
case can only look upon II in the light Of Amer
lean citizen IL isl dreadful affair. and much to be
deplorcd- No mere partisan view should be taken OF
this latest exposure OF fraud in public Office II Is
not question of democrat against republican, but
crime which must bring the blush OF shame 70 every
who loves his country"
THE COST or KEEPfSG APPEARAScEs.
Alderman Pnckney thought the influence OF Mrx
Belknap had great deal do with the downfall OF
her husband She lady fond Of fashi enable dis
play and this mania had led her into indscretons in
order 10 obtain funds for the keeping up appear
NOT RESPONSIBLE
Alderman Billings did not consider that President
Grant could be held any way responsible for the
Of his Cabinet officer, blamed for the hasty accept
ance OF General Belknap's resignation. lie the Pres
denD bad not sufficient doubt the honesty of
his Secretary War; the gentemans record had been
always good in fact brilliant before those charges be-
came known At tho White House
ONLY AN INDIVIDUAL NATTER.
Alderman and ex-Judge Howland did not think the
scandal would affect tho interests OF the republican
partv IL was certainly fortunate that such frauds
should have been committed within the lines Of the
organizations but II individual matter aud In
diyIduaIs should alone suffer for their misdeeda
'sBAD FOR rHE REPUBLICAN PARTY"
General william y. Smith, President Of the Board Of
Police was found at tho Central ONCE adiudcating on
the deIInqucncies Of New York policemen.
'.wha. do you think OF the Belknap affair, Gcneralf"
asked the reporter.
Tho veteran army ofncer sIrOked his beard and
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
WHAT GENERAL PINcKNEY THINKS.

The First Assembly District Republican Association
held special meeting last evening. Colonel Joseph
Pinckney, who was present. representing the Exccu-
tive Committee of the Republican Central Committee
stated that several complaints had been made 70
that body by republicans, stating that they
had been refused membership IN the various
district associations and the meeting had been
called in order TO allow fair play TO all
true republicans desrous OF becoming members On
Thursday evening last the Executive Committee had
decided to adopt this course in view OF the various
complaints. 1t OF the utmost importance that
there should be Of dissension among the
bers Of the republican party at the coming election
very short time ago everything seemed to indicate
that the republican party would elect their candidate
for President but within few days there had been
blanket thrown upon them by the recent exposures
at Washington The democratic press and members OF
Congress had ht TO throw the entire
sponsibility OF Belknap's conduct on the whole
republican party. 1t unfair to hold the party
sponsbIe for the dsgraceful and dshonorable acts Of
one man. Tho democratic party might well be
held responsible for the frauds perpetrated by William
NJ. Tweed AS for the statement that President Grant
was cognzant of Belknap's conduct General Pinckney
felt positively that he totally in ignorance Of
the matter-that hearing the startling revelation
his head was bowed with sorrow ami shame. IL
euson he said that there still left In the repub-
can party enough honesty and vitality to insure its
success.
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
MR.. ROLLINS ARREST IN PARIS.

Mr. G. NJ. Rollins the senior partner OF the firm OF
Rollins Brothers, brokers, OF Wall street, and Mr.
Harmans the Paris agent OF the house, both
rested in Paris recently for negotiating OF the
forged bonds received from Williamson, the accom-
plice OF Gleason, Roberts and Spence Petts who ID
now in prison awaiting trial for forgery. Williamson,
who was known the firm by the name OF Farnham
and had done some legitimate business with them,
quested Mr. Rollins to negotiate some California aud
oregon bonds for him while in Europe. Not suspect
ing anything wrong Mr.. Rollins took the bonds. AZ
soon as Williamson arrested cable despatch wal
sent TO Mr. Rollins, but too late prevent him from
Offering them for sale On this becoming known the
Paris police they arrested Mr. Rollins and Mr.. Har-
mans As dispatches explaining all the circumstance
have been Paris is believed that they will bs
at once liberated.
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
HENRY G. BOWEN swINDLED.

julius jacob, OF No. 40 Eighth street. New York, an
actor by profession, and who has lately been employed
by Henry @. Bowen a servant, arrested yester
day, charged by one OF Mr.. Bowen's sons with emboz-
element Not long since Mr.. Bowen having some
household furniture to dispose Of and not wishing TO
have II sold private sale, had IL removed TO
the auction rooms OF Mr. Hegeman, corner Of Pearl
and Willoughby streets, Brooklyn. Shortly after its
sale julius Jacob went 10 Mr. Hageman stating that
Mr. Bowen had sent him 10 collect tho
pay for the goods Mr.. II. gave him the money,
taking n receipt which jacob signed Mr. Bowens
name Immediately after this transaction julius dis
appeared lie was captured by Detective LooDcy.
The New York herald., 1876-03-04

Democratic members in Congress who were nvestigat-
ing corruption would take OF that and that he
know Of no preparations for the funeral Of the repub-
can party being made by the sorrowng democracy.
Mr. sche did not know OF any proposed meeting Of
democratic leaders in New York elsewhere TO take
action in the mater and he also stated that II not
his intention TO call the National Executive Committee
together TO take action any special way; but with
quiet SMILE reiterated his FIRST remark, that the dem
ocratic members would attend in Congress to the nves
tieation and that ali that was necessary
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
SYMPTOM OF THE STATE OF SOCIETY.

Mr.. George Ticknor Curtis said yesterday:-'T have
paid much attention to the details Of the Bclknap
matter only know In general that II turns that
Mr. Beknap, Secretary Of War, or his wife, the
other has for years been in the receipt OF large sti
pend for having appointed a certain individual to lu-
cratve trading post The revelation is horrible
currenco painful and Illuminating in the last degree
every citizen who Is capable OF feeling for the
honor of the country. fear however, that 1t Is
only a symptom OF state OF society in Washington.
Among OF the Official classes there a strong ten
dcncy toward extravaganza OF living. Comparatively
small salaries must in order to sustain such expendi-
ture, be eked out by peculation dishonorabe
practices OF some kind In regard to the political effect
Of the do not know whether II or is not
likely put end 10 the idea Of General Grants being
dominated for third term. have long believed that the
sorrupons of tnis administration very great and
that unless the people OF the country shall determine to
put the government into tho hands OF the opposition
by placing the democrats power under circumstances
ct such responsibility will prevent this kind Of cor
ruption and all other kinds, may well despair OF
seeing anything like good and honest government II
may turn out in this particular that Mr. Beknap
was not cognzant OF this neanous at its
ception but that 1t was originally made with his de-
ceased wife without his knowledge 1t yet too
to form any opinion as to the degree Of his personal
cupabty in the matter. There will, OF course, be a
rigid investigation
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
rHn HALE NOT rrr KNowN

Mr.. Taylor is a member Of tho Manhattan Club, and \
leader in the democratic party. He said it might bc
possible to impeach the President the developments
increased in the investigation and II Robinsons story
was true, referring to the Fort Sill trader
"Why," exclaimed Mr.. Taylor, 'fhey talk
about the stealing that has been done in
New York; 1t is nothing to what is being done
in Washington. The whole country is theirs TO draw
upon. What Secretary of War wickham Andy
Garvey would make. (Hcre Mr. Taylor laughed SO
much that his humor become infectious to all around
him. The half OF the corruption at Washington has
not yet been spoken Of" concluded Mr. Taylor
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
Views of Prominent Citizens on
Belknap's Disgrace.
A NATIONAL CALAMITY.
General Decentralization Through
out the Country.
EXTRAVAGANCE IN OFFICIAL SOCIETY.
Incorporating Sentiments Of the
Newspaper Press.

The crime OF Secretary Belknap and his impeach-
nent the engrossing topic Of conversation In all
circles yesterday The news OF the corruption ne had
been practising the sudden and unexpected announce
ment OF the damning evidence against him, his ac-
knowledgment Of the offence his prompt resignation
and its acceptance by the President camo crowding TO
the Of the people and for time bewildered them
In this special all the honored precedents in nvcs
tigating tactics seem to have been dsregarded; the
press was kept comparative ignorance OF the evil
aence the committee had in hand, and until its work
was concluded and determination arrived init
nation of its scope bruted abroad The old plan
lhe plan which has thwarted many an Investigation
VI manufacturing public sentiment against the per-
department to be Investigated by tho publication
and then OF scraps of proof OF political corrup-
lion and knavery happily disregarded by Mr..
cymer's committee. when its work finished IL
presented the results and recommendations a unit
and before the proper tribunal.
To public trained and used to the hearing OF details
OF alleged political knavery the convincing array OF
nconroverble evidence presented by the House COM
mittee too much for immediate comprehension.
None OF the moral OF the lesson taught lost
by gradual teaching; it unlocked for and came
rom unexpected source. 1t was well done, being
done quickly.
Early yesterday the crowding OF the awful inteli-
gence great that the public seemed hardly TO
realize the truth OF the reports but day advanced
and the facts Intellectually dgcsted by one,
opinions began form and ideas TO find expression
The general sentiment, taking the people whole. is
that the thing itself and its development only be
regarded in the light of national calamity People,
whose pride OF country would not allow them to go
behind the verdict in the Babcock case and who
painfully conscious OF the and technical escape
The nations honor had in that fearful struggle
chapfallen indeed when they learned that by his
acknowledgment, one OF the Presidents chosen few
oical counsellors had accepted the pieces of silver.
man whose advice sought and regarded by the
federal Executive; man into whose hands was
posed the trust OF the nations armies, and
on whose judgment and integrity our existence
nation, in a measure would depend In the event OF
war, fallen from his high estate was indeed, pic
to asonish the cynic and the patriot alike The
pitiable and degraded position OF fallen man. who
had been but yesterday pet OF the people, excited
sympathy all sides No ones voice raised in
condemnation OF the ruined man; In fact he seemed
to have been forgotten in the face Of the great DIS
grace that had fallen on the people Duped and be-
fooled In the highest executive branch of the govern
ment how could honest men reasonably bo looked for
among the lowlyp
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
STILL ALIVE.

The report circulated yesterday, to the onect that
Henry Ward Beecher dead, for short time at
tracted some serious attention, though one could
trace original One version Of the story
was that the plymouth pastor had committed Suicide
while another represented the apoplexy. In
all the places of public resort the report for
hours the theme of general conversation, and numbers
OF Mr. Beechers friends called at his house 10 see
whether there might be any truth in it. Reporters by
also called but all the result the
same Mr. Beecher found IN his usual health aud
spirits and was some what amused at the report
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
OPINIONS OF EX-GOVERNOR DIX.

Ex-Governor Dix said to HERALD reporter last
evening that he had read with profound regret the
story exSccretary Belknap's offences and deplored
the occurrence OF such disgrace Of the
tion's Cabinet Ministers There s said the ex-Gov-
ernor, general Generalization all the country.
1t appears week after week in the exposure OF frauds
and corruption in political well mercantile affairs
Twenty years ago, in his addresses to the people, he
said he had foreold and warned them that such Pc
rod as the present coming With the growth and
increasing prosperity OF the country there began
departure from the old time practices and customs
This departure was accelerated by the war.
General Dix does not believe that the exposure Of
Belknap's dongs will interfere with Grants prospects
OF third term because there havc been prospects
Of third term recently He believed that what the
country needs is Presdens strong firm and able, who
will have tho courage 10 bring about the restoration OF
purity and honesty to public affairs with Washington
society he not familiar, and could not therefore,
speak of the temptations in Official life at the capital
He could not what particular bearing the Beknnp
would have upon the republican party, but he did
not think it followed that because OF exposures
the democratic party entitled to the Presidency.
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
DISTRICT ATTORNEY PHELPS ON WRECKED

In his Summing up' yesterday OF the case OF Aus
tin Black trial for subornation of perjury in the
Court OF Oyer and Terminer District Attorney Phelps
alluded to the Cabinet disaster follows'The very
rings while speak, with horror, and the whole
country shuddered to find that in the most unex
pected moment gallant soldier, high in the confidence
OF the nation and deservedly entrusted with Of It's
highest posts, against whom the breath OF suspicion
has cast reproach; who bore throughout the
conflicts of the plume stainless Henri OF Ma
varre whose services in the field and Cabinet have
been recognized by grateful country; that hea
soldier. gentleman OF unsued record, OF most hon.
orabe instncts-that he yielded to sudden and over
whelming temptation and fell fell Lucier, the
of the morning, and the place that knew him before
will know HIM no MORE and those who loved him, and
the great mass OF our countrymen go about with
downcas eyes and sorrowing hearts regretting that
reputation bright his is shattered forever and
60 with averted faces and the mantle Of oblivion
over the record Of his shame.''
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
aRooKLYN SENTIMENT.

All classes and conditions OF men and in tho
City OF Churches for time intermitted the endless
discussion of the local scandal and shuddcred the
details of Belknap's fall In most circles the subject
treated matter for profound regret, and many
virtuous lesson deduced from the frailty Of fair
woman and the ambition of brave man, fallen under
the temptation a life Of vain rivalry in extravagant
display.
''GLAD IT."
Said a leading democratic politician OF Brooklyn to
the wrter'I glad of It, They have little racket
OF their the republican side OF the fence.
For the past two three years they have been the
party OF moral ideas and nallibty, whereas we have
been all that was corrupt and wicked. They threw
Tweed at until we had nothing say All that
pure and good they took credit for that side Of the
fence and they know how it is themselves,
and they know II, too, at time when they
can least afford to have 1t made public
know OF no lamcntable exposition OF adminisra
tive mbccility than that which is displayed in the
posures by the press today Don't say anything
about the third term problem that is out Of the ques
tion There is no earthly prospect of success for
Roscoe Conkling-Donklng or no Donkng-rhyme or
no rhyme All republican candidates good for a
free passage up Salt River In my opinion Samuel J.
Tilden has the inside track to-day. Well ii is i'll
wind that blows nobody good; but never did think
that there much stock to be taken in that party
moral ideas which arroeaed TO themselves all that
was virtuous in politics This has been bad year for
the BIS in every walk in life. In Brooklyn wo have
our Beechcr, Bowen and Bell; in Washington they
have had their Baboock, and now they have Beknap
burden. Poor old Tweed has been a scapegoat for
political demagogucs for . long time, but It is long
lane that has turn"
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
MUNICIPAL NOTES.

delegation from the Irish societies formally waited
upon Mayor wckham yesterday and invited him TO
review the parade on st. Patrick's Day
Colonel Parker an Indian officer, formerly OF Gen.
cra Grants slan among the callers tho Mayors
Office yesterday.
II IS said that Comptroller Green has discovered
loophoe by which he hold back the salaries tho
civil Justices until the LIST OF January next II be con.
aidars u axnadiant ia do
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
MEETING OF sToNEcUTTERs.

meeting OF the stonecutters' Association was held
last night at Masonic Hall, Mr.. r Powers in the
chair. Resolutions were adopted reversing tho action
OF the last previous reference Park Com
missoners Donohue and Martin and the meeting voted
that both these gentlemen, as appoihteos OF Mayo1
Wickham and holding opinions IN harmony with hrs,
are opposition 10 the fair remuneration OF labor aud
that Commissioner Martin, IN his attempt 70 reduce
the wages Of mechanics and laborers has shown hin-
aalf no friend 10 lahnr
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
NO FUNERAL.

Chief Justice George Shea, OF the Marine Court,
stated that could be any funeral OF the repub
lican party II there nobody to bury ie after the
erposE He saw no reason that any honest citizen
should rejoice however, at the shame and disgrace that
had fallen Secretary Belknap and the country at
large. Judge Shea added that ne did wish to talk
of tho shameful and sorrowful spectacle for pubca-
ton by any MEANS and matter to wha. party Cit
zen belonged there no cause for Joy
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
pEEcHER KNOWS NOTHING.

reporter OF the HERALD called on Mr. Beecher
yesterday to ask his opinion Of the Beknap when
the question was put TO him he seemed feel relieved
that he was going 10 get OF easily, and answered
quicky;-"Bless mel don't know anything about It.
only read II this morning as an item OF news | have
nothing TO say on the subject" He then remarked
~ thought you had come like all the rest OF them TO
see whether was alive dead There have been
about twenty reporters here to-day for that purpose
The New York herald., 1876-03-04
Mr. AUGUSTUS scHxr1.,a vrrws

This gentleman, who - President OF tho Manhattan
Club and Chairman Of the National Democratic Execu-
tive Committee found in the back parIor OF the
Union Trust Company, OF Broadway and Rector
urceI Mr SchcI did not feel like giving expression
10 his private relation to the catastrophe at
washington He said that Il too soon to talk and
hat he did not wish say anything He said that the