davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22
The Harlem River Improvement.

The Committee on Commerce OF the
House of Representatives has before it
petition for an appropriation to Improve"
the Harlem River, and as it has also before
1t petitions and requests for the Improve
ment" of something less than five hundred
other rivers and creeks, and as the merits
OF and the necessity for the improvement
of the Harlem River are less known in
Washington than in New York, we advise
the Chamber of Commerce and the mer-
camille community at large to take this
vitality important question in hand and use
the necessary means to let Congress know
what is meant by the "Harlem River i'm
provcment"
General Newton. who has made n thor
ough survey OF the waters Of Spuyten
Duyvil Greek and Harlem River, officially
reports that the whole improvement can be
made for two millions Of dollars, and
that it can be completed III two years
and a half We believe it is
fact that contractors having abundant
capital are willing to undertake it at this
time when labor is cheap, for a less sum,
and to furnish guarantees for the fulfiment
OF the contract When completed chan
mel seven miles long, three hundred and
fifty feet wide and fifteen feet deep would
connect the waters Of the Hudson with
those Of the Sound, and the port of New
York would have nearly doubled its facili-
ties for the accommodation of commerce.
The New York Central and Erie rail
road cars would be brought alongside
of the ships which are to carry their con-
tents to Europe; the whole freightage OF the
Erie Canal would be brought in roomy
basins in direct connection with coasting and
foreign bound ships; the cost Of handling
and transshipping freight, which has been
so great and burdensome drawback to our
port, would be economical to degree that
would enable US to compete with any port
on the continent.
Congress ought to appropriate ut least
half million this year for the Harlem
River improvement. 1t is one Of the most
necessary and meritorious works which will
come before it., and it has been thoroughly
studied by one Of our ablest engineers,
General Newton. But Congress will not
do anything unless our merchants mako
known their wants ina manner which will
show that they are in earnest
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

a crumbling empire In oil the capitals in
Europe this is acknowledged except in Lon
don, and it is not acknowledged there be-
cause it is apprehended that the settlement
will certainly be to England's detriment-
Yet what has she to propose in its stead
Only the continuation and reconstruction
Of the Ottoman Empire. That substitute
for the solution that is imminent Europe
will not accept. British foreign relations
were never before in condition OF such
hopeless inanity in the history of the country;
and this is what the tory party has done for
England. That is the party Of a vigorous
foreign policy; 2 the party that believes in
maintaining England's influence IN Cont
Mental politics the party that sneered
illimitablyat the liberal government during
the French war because it did not
step out and annihilate Germany with
Russia behind her. 1t was evident enough
to Mr.. Gladstone and Lord Granville that
the time was gone by when England could
be the life of coalition to determine the
fate of Europe, and they did not care to
learn at the price Of terrible calamities what
they could see without. The tories came in
partly to strengthen England's influence on
the Continent, and fine mess they have
made Of it,
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22
Now for the UNDERGROUND.

From the HRRALD's special cable despatch
from London it will be seen that there APP
pears to be good prospect Of the speedy
construction of the Central Underground
Railroad in this city, authorized by the
special charter Of 1868, known as the
sVandenburgh" charter. English capital
lists have taken up the enterprise, and Sir
Edward Watkin, who is well known in
railroad circles, is said to be the president
OF the company. According to the cable
report the money has been raised in Lon
don for the construction Of the road, and
the Sixth avenue horse-car corporation is
said to offer pecuniary aid in the hope of
'killing the Elevated road" 1t is added
that the Elevated company is to be ''liti-
gated at every point" and that English con-
tractors are soon to be here to make esti-
mates for the construction of the under
ground road.
We shall gladly welcome the new under
ground company if it will set vigorously to
work and build its own road. An under
ground road would possess many advantages,
and if one could be constructed at so mod
crate IN outlay of capital as to warrant low
fares it would be an excellent thing for the
city, The more roads the better for the
travelling public Competition would keep
down the rates and insure full accommodate
tions for the people. Let us have both the
underground and the overground roads by
all means. But if the English company,
under the inspiration Of the Sixth avenue
horse car corporation, designs to go to work
in the courts instead of under the streets. if
it prefers litigation to tunnelling and spends
its money on lawyers instead Of on engineers
and laborers it will never accomplish
anything but its own ruin. We have had
enough of rapid transit litigation. The
people and the courts are tired Of it. Let
English capital come here and set sensibly
to work in constructing the underground
road, and it will be welcome. The enter
prise will pay. There is enough travel for
over the earth and under it. The thirty
million passengers carried last year by the
Third avenue company alone would swell
| ct once to sixty millions on rapid transit
line for persons who now travel once day
on the horse cars would make the trip be-
tween their homes and places of business
two or three times day on steam cars. The
English subscribers need have no fear Of
the remunerative character Of their invest
ment but then they must keep clear of the
Sixth avenue corporations quarrels and for
swear the courts
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

1t has been charged by the Republican
General Committee, in o sort Of semi-official
manner, and has. been asserted in other
quarters that Mayor Ely, in taking steps
for the removal of the Police Commission
ers, is actuated by political motives and not
by desire to increase the efficiency and to
improve the administration of the city
police. The Mayor is said by some to be
anxious to make partisan commission,
and by others to be party to some mys-
terious intrigue by which Governor Tilden
hopes to overthrow the Tammany organiza-
ton and annihilato John Kelly. The hidden
motives that prompt the action of public
men are not always of very exalted char
acter, it is true, but so long as their pro-
posed work is clearly in the public inter-
osts it is not material to inquire on what
inducements or with what object it may be
undertaken. Mayor Ely's removal of the
Police Commissioners-for we cannot doubt
what his decision will be-is so evidently
an act for the public good that we can well
afford TO accept it without inquiring
whether he has any other incentive than
that of faithfully performing his duty. This
is simple question of public policy in
which motives are OF no.consequonce.
Every citizen Of New York knows the
filthy condition of our streets, and has wit
messed the neglect, eyasions and impudent
denals of the police authorities Every
body knows that men who admit their in
ability to enforce the simplest provisions of
law cannot be fit to hold SO important q
public trust as the control of the police of n
large city. That is the whole case, and is
the only issue on trial before the Mayor.
We do not intend to permit that issue to be
befogged or lost sight Of The opinions of
ex-oflicials, themselves noted only for in
capacity, or Of thousand friendly witnesses
as to the excellence Of police board which
is VIGOROUSLY inefficient, are of very little
value. The Mayor has the power to remove
for cause, he finds ample cause for the exer-
else of the power, and he stretches official
courtesy to its fullest extent when he suffers
his time to be wasted in listening to legal
bubbles as to the legality of his official
moved it will be the duty Of the Mayor to
appoint their successors. Should he then
attempt to avail himself Of the opportunity
to further any large or small conspiracy Of
certain cliaues or to turn the Police
Board into partisan body 1t will be time
enough to denounce him, and the HERALD
will promptly do so. as it alwaxs does when
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

should we do with the buildings that ac-
tually stand? Tear them all down? No
one would propose that, and yet there is no
other adequate remedy.
In the Barclay street calamity all the evils
seem to coincide-a dimsy structure that
went to pieces at once, and an indifference
to precautions that would be called crimi
nal in any country where everybody is not
habitually careless of everybody elses life.
It is only known of the explosion that it
was not due to the boilers, but it is
not certain that it did not have
some relation to them. The story
told by the wife of the engineer that he
said he wore his shroud every hour he was
in the place indicates that there was some
known defect in the machinery of the
establishment, which he had reported, but
which was not repaired because the greed
of monoy-making would not per-
NIT the necessary delay. 1t does not
appear precisely what that defect was,
and SO it cannot be said whether it
could sufficiently account for the facts. AS
little is known Of the fatality of this calam-
ity it is assumed on negative evidences that
the loss of life was not great. We cannot
yet accept these evidences. The first that
man on the lower floor knew Of
danger was that he saw coming
'from above" shower of sparks and
fire. For that to ''come from above"
MI the floors must have been almost. in
stantly wrecked. What became of the
hundred and fifty people who were on those
floors? No one came to the windows
There are only few incidents of rescue in
that way. Are all those persons in tho
twenty feet Of debris below? It is to be
feared that many are.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22
EngIamd's Difficulties.

1t is the interest of Europe collectively
that the Eastern question, which has been
nightmare in politics for some genera
tions, should now bo settled definitely !;
that the solution nearly secured by the war
shall not be again put away indefinitely in
the future. For the peace of Europe that
end is desirable. It is less dangerous
for any one Power to be greatly
aggrandized by an accession Of territory
than for all to be tempted by the aspect Of
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

The WEArHER.-Rans have continued to pre-
vail between the Missouri Valley and the New
England coast and also in the Western Gulf
Although tho pressure has diminished but q
little on the Atlantic coast it has fallen very
generally west Of the Mississippi River. The
unreasonable fine weather we have been cx-
periencing is due to the fact that no atmospheric
disturbances occurred on tho surface of the
earth, except that in Northern Texas, but took
place at a level above tho surface mir stratum.
As o consequence the latter maintained its posi-
ton without being affected by the passing
storms, which, however, are not unlikely TO
descend to the surface when they pass off
the American coast. Thus dangerous tempest
may suddenly strike vessel In md-occan with
out the barometer indicating it's approach many
hours in advance. The prevailing winds over
the United States east of the Rocky Mountains
are northeastcrly and casterly, with very
irregular distribution OF temperature. Ycstcr-
day the coolest weather was experienced on the
New Brunswick coast. The weather III New
York and its vicinity to-day will be cold and
,loudy, with threatening of snow or rain. On
o-morTow it will probably be warmer and fair.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

There was an unusually large attendance last even.
ing OF the members OF the Yale Alumni Association at
their monthly meeting at Delmonico's
President Porter was In attendance, and OF course
was called on Tor q speech. He responded witLou
hesitancy In a graceful, orhand manner, giving the
latest OF the college and presenting In vivid COL
ors the contrast between the college In the old days
and the college OF the present time the course or
the evening exercises well written and humorous
paper read by Mr.. Lyman II. Bopg, OF the class OF
1862 Its sutDct being History OF the Bully Club and
Bullylzer al Yale" Supper as usual followed. w,th
accomplishments Of song and story Yelling
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

FLORA TEMPLE, whose victories and achieve
mcnts form SO large and bright a portion Of our
turf annals died yesterday at Philadelphia in
the thirty-third year of her age. She was the
property of Mr.. WEIGH, of Philadelphia. Up to
tho time Of her retirement she remained what
she was so aiicctionately calcd--thc queen Of
the American turf.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

WALL STREET YEsrERDAY.-Thc stock mar
ket WAS dull and there was strong undertone,
md prices were either firm higher. Gold fell
to 1925. Government bonds were firm. States
dull and railroads quiet. Money Oh call was
easy Mt q u per cent.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

ECONOMY Is UNDOUBTEDLY POSSIBLE in the
city departments, but hardly upon the scale
contemplated by the Council OF Political Reform.
For instance, the suggested reduction Of the ex-
perses of the public schools by over million
Tnlla,.a is absurd
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

THREE INDUsTRIoUs CITIZENS have been
locked up for attempting to pass the fve-dollar
counterfets on the Bank Of Hanover, Pa, but
it is not improbable that other members of tho
firm are still at large.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

IMPORTANT NOTICE 10 ADvEETIsERs.--I0
insure The proper classification Of Advertisements
ii is absolutely necessary thai they be handed IN
before eight o'clock er1y cre'ai,ig.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

PHILADELPHIA's BRAZILIAN STEAMERS turn out
to be mere phantom ships which haslaio exist
ence except in the imagination Of an excited
eubstlv seeker
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

From oar reports his morning he weather u,
Ne,c York aud It's ricinay today ,ciN be cold and
cloudy, riM threatening IF snoo or rain On,
Tomorrow IL W probably be ,ca,D,cs' aud fair.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

SPAIN Is STILL VERY UNEASY about the Es-
tele. Mr. Evarts, it seems shares her anxiety
on the subject and will not allow the Estcle to
go to sen until she has declared her intentions
and he is satisfied that they are honorable
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

THE SHERIFFs did pretty good business
yesterday. So far as heard from there ere four
cxecutions-one in Canton, in this State: ono in
Maryland, one i'll North Carolina and one on the
Pacific coast. Two were white men and two
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

public official neglects duty or abuses
trust. But as Mayor Ely has steadily
refused to make the Police Board partisan
when he had the power and was urged by
all his party to do so we have no fear that
he will reverse his conduct at this late day.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

MoSTREALs DEFAuLrISG IMPORTERS, the two
Davises. have gone to parts unknown with the
million dollars belonging TO their creditors.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

The OWNERS of the water rights around
Lakes Kirk and Mahopac intend that we shall
understand the question thoroughly. They
have begun their little story with the Revolt
ton, but if necessary they will go back to the
discovery OF the Hudson.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

WHAT MEMBER of the old Ring sent the five
thousand five hundred dollars yesterday to the
Comptroller as conscience money?
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

TIE FIRES OF the cigarmakers strike arc
still brightly burning, Notwithstanding the de-
mails of the manufacturers.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

IT Is To BE HOPED the next Grand Jury
will follow the example of the one just dis
charged and order the removal Of some more Of
the numerous street distractions.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

THE MARYLAND AND DELAWARE RAILROAD
was yesterday sold and bought for the bond
holders. 1t was only hundred Thousand dol
lar affair.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

ANOTHER LARGE SALE OF PICTUREs took place
yesterday, the collection Of the late Mr. New
comb, of Louisville. Very fair prices were oh.
fnipad
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22

THERE Is WHAT THE MARKET REPORTERS call
an Improvement in putty-in other words, it has
gone up half cent per pound.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-22
WITH SUPPLEM E Mt.

NEW YORK. SATURDAY, DECEMBER g. 1877.
The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-12-15

The inroads of prosecution on the
political leaders of the Republican
party of South Carolina was well
shown the other day OH the reassem-
bling of the Legislature of that State.
When the Senate adjourned in April
last it stood: Republicans II, Demo
Gratis Is. Ten Republicans have since
retired from the Senate, through fear
of being prosecuted by that body for
offenses committed while members of
it. In the interim four Democrats
have been elected to fill the vacancies
made by these designations. The Sen
ate therefore, now stands: Democrats
90, Independent 1, Republicans 6, va
cancies 6. In the House, also, enough
Republican members have resigned to
reduce their number from SO to "a,
giving the Democrats SO majority,
where they had only 2 majority be-
fore. The Democrats as will be seen,
have now complete control of the
Legislature.-N. 0 Democrat.
The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-12-15
Sherif's Sale.

State of Louisiana-Parish Court-Parish
of Ascension.
In the matter of the Tutorship of Jean,
Louis and Adele Mollere.
DY virtue of and in obedience to an order
ID and decree to me directed by the Hon
orable the Parish Court for the parish OF
Ascension in the above matter, and bearing
date of November %, 1877, will proceed to
sell at public auction at the Courthouse
door of the parish of Ascension, at Donald
sonville on
Saturday, the 9Th day of january, 1878,
between the hours of 10 A. NJ, and P NJ,
the following described property to-wit:
A certain tract of land situated in the
parish of Ascension on the right bank of the
Mississippi river about two and q half miles
below Donaldsonville, and fronting on said
river, measuring two arpents front on said
river by depth of forty arpents, the side
lines opening to the rear, bounded above
and below by lands of James Teller, and in
the rear by lands of James Teller and Jean
Jacques Leblanc, together with all the
buildings and improvements thereon and
thereuntO belonging.
Terms and Conditions
The purchase price payable at the re
spective majorities of the minors Jean
Louis and Adele Mollere, and to bear inter
est at the rate of eight per cent. per annum
from the day of sale until full and final pay
ment-said interest payable quarterly IN
adoance--the purchaser to secure the pur
chase price principal ard interest by special
mortgage and vendors privilege with pae
dc non alea,aaado on the land sold, and to
bind himself to pay five per cent. attorneys
fees in case of suit.
Parish of Ascension, December l, 1877.
P. A. JONES, Sheriff.
The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-12-15
The State Debt.
GNatchitoches indicator |

Our idea of placing the State debt
of Louisiana where it could not be
the burden it is now, even were 1t
twice as large, is to borrow from the
people of the State yearly, at rea-
sonable rate of interest, money with
which to pay of, the present bonded
debt. TO do this it is necessary TO
authorize State syndicate to open
subscription books to the loan at the
Tax Collectors offices in each parish,
issuing bonds at par to the lenders, IN
denominations of from $50 to $500.
Said bonds to bear six per cent. in
terest, payable in forty years, and
their proceeds to be applied to the
purchase and retirement of the pres
ent bonded debt.
This gives the people of the State
direct interest in its credit, and the
interest paid out by the State would
remain at home, while it now goes to
Other localities.
The people of Louisiana would sub
scribe to this loan literally and the
poor as we'll as the rich would be able
to do so. Any farmer or mechanic
who lays by his $50 to $500 yearly,
would readily invest it in a State
bond, because it would then be Sc.
cure and at the same time pay a good
rate of interest. The taxes now paid
out would hardly be felt, for that in
terest would be returned to circula-
| ton Throughout the State.
We think it is worth while for oul
State financiers to think over this plan
and if they adopt it, relief will al
once come to all taxpayers.
The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-12-15
DunalOsonbllle Chief.
Two Dollars a Year.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY
Fnnrth Indinial District

comprising the parishes of Ascension, St.
James, ST. john the Baptist and st. Charles
District Judge, -.-----.-.- Morris Marks,
District AttOrney,.-..----F. b. Earhart.
Regular terms of Court in Ascension open
IN the third Mondays Of June and Deem
Der.
The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-12-15
ADVERTISEMENTS,
Succession Sale.

State of Louisiana-Parish COurt-Parish of
Ascension.
SUCCESSION OF GABRIEL WINTER.
Clinton Winter ct. al,
vs.. No. 1876,
Henry Winter, for q Partition.
DY virtue of and in obedience to an order
ID of sale to me directed by the Honorable
the above named court, in the above entitled
and numbered cause, and bearing date the
25th of October, 1877, will offer for sale at
public auction, at the Courthouse in the
town of Donaldsonville, parish of Ascen-
sion, on
Saturday, the 9th day of January, 1878,
at IL o'clock A. NJ, the following described
property, viz:
A certain tract of land situated in the
town of Donaldsonyille, bounded by Clai-
borne, Houmas and Lafourche streets, and
extending from Claiborne street to the New
Orleans and Texas Railroad.
Said tract will be sold in lots separately,
according to plan thereof made by r. H.
Bloomfield, Parish Surveyor of this parish,
which will be exhibited by me on the day
of sale. The plan may be seen at my Office
in the Courthouse, at Donaldsonyille, until
the day of sale.
The property embraces forty-fivc lots OF
ground, eligibly situated for stores and res
licences.
Terms and conditions-Cash in United
States Treasury notes.
Parish of Ascension, December l, 1877.
P. A. JONES, Sheriff.
The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-12-15
We have it that upon the several

We have it that upon the several
plantations of Edward j. Gay, Esq,
'lo sugar is. being made. That gentle
man believes there is considerable
economy, with great saving of labor
and time, in sending the syrup to his
New Orleans refinery, there TO be
converted into sugar. The idea is
not bad one, and the time may yet
come when planters, especially small
ones, will find it to their advantage to
have their syrups converted into
sngar in the city reineries. Sugar
.Plaater.