The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-23

A Wealthy Merchant Goes Mad and Start,
a Wonderful Religion.
eREENBAcKs FOR SAVED SINNERS.
A NightlOng Sermon in Novelty Store Ends
in q Fight for life.

Tho last struggling remnants OF the large brigade Of
Saturday night "drunks" were being ranged in front
the judicial bench at the Tomos Police Court yostor-
day for sentence, when series Of uncarthly bowls
came from the prisoners pou causing audience TO
star, in astonishmcnt The Judge looked amazed and
suspended proceedings, and the police rushed the
pen TO ascertain the source OF the extraordinary
sounds Peering through the sliding window Sergeant
Woodruff . solitary prisoner standing near
the wall, gestlculating wildly ana bowling at the
top Of his voice Presently his yells be.
came Ineligible. He appeared 10 DO addressing
imaginary German companion, TO whom he
ascribcd all the vices incident 10 the most hardened
criminal, and on whose head called down impreca-
tons OF the most shocking nature. After each
ccssivc ,mprecaion he paused for reply ana recev.
ing none. broke forth violently than before
against his unseen companion accusing him Of rank
cowardIce IN refusing 10 answer This being equally
unsuccessful! IN provoking a reply he delivered Z
singing invective against tho entire German race,
branding and all deficient In all the known
social, moral and religious virtues
After listening awhile 10 the strange harangue the
Sergeant entered and demonstrated with the prisoner
but il only had the effect Of making him moro violent
than ever and II was finally found necessary TO re.
move HIM from the pen by iorce task that proved
far IRON easy owing to the mans strength. On beng
his name as Martin Higgins, but he quickly
grew violent again. and the police werc OBJ
liged TO carry him to the Tombs, whcro he wai
examined by the Prison Surgeon, who pronounced HIM
insane. The unfortunate man presented the appear.
ance OF person OF education and means. He was
about forty five years OF age and of cdium build. HIS
clothing was new and expensive and he carrie .
massive gold watch and cham He full back
beard and his features were clear and expressive HIS
black restless eyes oenoteo FORMER business acute
The charge on which be had been arrested was that
OF insanity, OEcer Mink, Of the Fourth precinct who
made the arrest lestityng that when found BIO was
praying aloud in Chatham street Office for the con.
Version Of the inmates one 81 rt the Istsr n
mans pocketbook, which contained SO, LOG "a, which
he tPowe mad taken from him the night previous to
taken charge OF by the Court the finding q
the owners friends or relatives
Not satisfied that the unfortunate had not been
ccced by some sharpcrs who might have como across
MIN, Captain Murray personally took charge OF the
case and proceeded to investigate. He first learned
that resided In Brooklyn, at No. 100 Ryefson
street, and was supposed TO DO possessed Of consider
ablc property having ut ono time been heavily engaged
in the sugar and m0iasses trade, In which he had
cumulated fortune. Four bank books were found
among his effects. representing $3.50 600 On Monday
last he entered the Office OF Rorer Powell, at No 81
Chatham street. Tho hrm mentioned announced
their handbills as agents Tor novelties Higgins
purchased $40 worth Of goods and returned the follow.
ing day and appeared anxious, according 10 the firms
story 10 enter INTO partnership lev days aterward
Mr. Powell he called the legal adviser Of Mrx
Higgins who assured him that while Mr. Higgins had
at time been considered little deranged he was
perfectly competent TO look after his business interests
On Friday last Higgins again came 10 their place ct
business and proposed to purchase tho interest ." Mr.
Rorcr that person offered TO sell for $780, Tho
money paid and receipt given Higgins slept ~
NOVEL IDEA FOR cLxRGyMsx
On saturday night, while there were present In the
room Rorcr, Powell, Mr. Carr. Mr. wcstiall and an:
other man whose name 10 unknown, Higgins created
ftnUh nv hnl Tho mn
ing the persons present with threatening gcsureA
Their fears however, were speedily allaycd Tor draw
ing from his pocket Plethora pocketbook, he LAID
on che counter and sapping II with his hand said
IL propose TO preach tc you sermon on CHRIS.
do not believe il the principle that the congregation
should pay their preacher believe that the preacher
should pay his congregation for listening 10 aim and
in proof OF my sincerity shall pay 70 each OF you VINO
listen 10 me continuously for one hour the sum Of
So" The demented man here emphasized his sin.
cerlty by taking roll OF bills from ms pocket
book and placing them the counter The congrega.
seemed pleased with the plan and rested quietly
In their seats to earn $40 The speaker cleared
his throat and commenced by warning them that they
were all ON the road TO perditon still be had
hopes Of saving them. He then descanted on the
many sinful practices OF the present generation and
gradually worked himself up into fever OF religious
enthusiasm.
After tho impromptu preacher had been speaking
some thirty minutes one OF The congregation grew
tired and yawningly signed his intention OF retiring
and iorfeng chance Of both spiritual and monetary
reward THIS appeared 10 greatly incense the DO
mented man, who Sharply repH60:-
..Ah l see SO Is not enough TO keep your Sl.lus
after. ion Then, behold make It SOD man"
The individual who yawncd here brushed hlnscli up
and said that he guessed he would stand IL Twonty
minutes more OF indignant denunciation Of sin aud
another OF tho congregation gave II up and quietly
sippcd out OF the door, When Higgins discovered his
absence he became exceedingly angry saying
..Ths is a battle with Satan, but | shall VIM Ono
hundred dollars, | sce Is not enough Here is $500
for each who continues TO iisten," anu the
speaker counted out four rolls OF $500 each
The congregation now grew Interested and for long
tno mint m
unincrruptedy but at last, while he was In the midst
his escape. Higgins looked around on his thinncd au.
dicncc and with a smile remarked
Every good. Then IL shall be $500 to each man,
and he separated the money into three piles OF 5000
each.
This seemed to satisfy the congregation, ana tho
preacher continued for two hours longer. At the end
or that time another detection took pace through the
Office door, leaving the dcmentcd man with Rover and
Powell his only auditors, who we're pretty we'll worn
out The speaker however appeared AZ fresh as when
he had begun, and he Immediately proceeded TO en-
courage his remaining hearers by separating the
money into two piles OF 81 ,0OO each, which ho prom
iscd them at the end OF his sermon
Powell settled himself on the sofa and shouted go
ahead" while Rover pulled his hat over his eyes and
leaned his the window Sill, apparently deter
mined TO see II out. IL now near mdnight, and
the weared auditors looked significantly at the small
quantity OF oil in the lamp.
LIGHTING ROOM WITH GRkKNBACks.
Gradually the light grow DINNER. and the hckcrin0
glare told speedy end oil the misery but the insane
man was not to thus thwartcd Tor when at last tho
lamp ceased 70 burn no gathered up old newspapers,
and placing them the stove, set them on lire. The
congregation grew frantic and demonstrated, but the
preacher was hrm