davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
The Billings Murder.

Jesse Billings, .Jr., if not guilty of the
murder of his wife as charged, is certainly
entangled in net of circumstances as re-
markable as any that ever put mans life
in danger. His past relations to his wife
that show motive; some incidents Of do
mestic life that point to possible former at
tempts in the same direction; the history Of
the weapon found in the we'll; the story of
the rootprints-all these taken together tell
with accumulated force against the likeli-
hood of his innocence. In tho state in
which the ground was at the time it was not
possible for man to reach the
place from which the fatal shot was
fired without leaving the evidence of
his footprints. Footprints arc found
and they answer exactly to the soles of the
boots that Billings had on that night. He
admits that he was that day at the very
place where these prints were found, and
that they are probably his. There should,
then, be other footprints there, but appar-
emily no others ore found No other per-
son impressed the soft earth with the
weight of his foot that night-unlcss it was
some person who wore boots with soles just
like those worn by Billings. Now he wore
indiarubber boots. There is but little in
dividuality in rubber boot. They are
made by hundreds or thousands of u GER
tain pattern and certain size. Given
the size and the style of the fac
tory from which the boot comes, and
any boot Of the number will make
OH impression just like any other. Perhaps
in that neighborhood a hundred men have
got boots from the same shop and of the
same size as those Billings wore. Alone,
therefore, the footprints might not count
up heavily against him; they constitute,
however, but one link in the chain.
Stronger, n great deal, than tho fact of the
footprints are the facts in regard to the gun;
and these are facts of sort to which jury
is likely to be very susceptible. This gun
was in the prisoners hands n few days be-
fore the murder; was missed after the mur-
der and was found in well two days later,
containing n cartridge shell which It's the
heel of the somewhat hattencd bullet found
in the woman's head. 1t would be difficult
to find any reason for putting the gun in
the we'll consistentwith the innocence of the
accused; and if the gun was not used by
him, but by some person who came to do
the crime and whose safety depended upon
speedy fight from the neighborhood, that
person would in all probability have taken
the gun with him. But where was Billings
when the crime was committed? His de-
fence is to be based apparently upon the
attempt to prove that he was at neigh
boris house. This alibi, however, is of tho
same unsatisfactory sort that was pleaded
recently in Camden in the case of Hunter.
Actual experiment shows that it IS possi-
bic to 60 from the scene OF tho murder
to the place where Billings says he was
in such period of time as would have
enabled him to be there some ten minutes
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
PERSONAL INTELLIGENC

Senator J. d. Eus,is Of Louisiana, Is at the Hotel
Brunswick.
EdgcGcid Is C) BARRIERS servo their customers with
frce lunches.
Sir Al, xard:r r. Gait arrived at the Giscy House
yesterday from Montreal
Mr.. Nicolas SLishkin, Russian Minister at Wash
inSton, is a. tho Clarendon Hotel
General d. s. Stanley ana family arrived at Fort
Monroe ON Monday. and were scrcnaded BY tho Artii
lcry School Band.
A despatch from Chief Justice Waite, received yes
tcrday a. Toledo Ohio stated that he VIII DO In Toledo
on Thursday. the 18Th. President Hayes Is to reach
the city at twenty minutes to seven the same NOM
Ing Both gentlemen come from Dayton, where they
are attending tho session OF tho trustees OF tho
Soldiers Home.
Mr.. A. Z. sprague, secretary oi tho International
Code Committee oil America, has issued a circular
describing the work OF the recent Conference at
frankfort, Germany Mr. David Dudley Field pre-.
sdcd in tho absence Of Lord Chief Baron Kc'ly, VI
England. The Conference approved the principle
that tho Suez Canal and all similar waters should bc
open in war time. committee was appointed to
report upon tho righ, Of war Indemnity, 1t being
contendcd that fhn aggressive power may indemnify
ilseii-as Russia has indcmnined horseif-indemnity
will become an Incentive to war. committee re-
ported that Germany, AUSTRIA Great Britain and tho
Unitcd States favor conference to prepare an In
,crnati,nai law for bills of exchange. The Chinese
and japanese Ministers at tho Court OF ST. James
havo recently joined the International Code Asso-
tInn.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
AMUSEM r.C5 = ..
Hermann AT TIE AQUARIUM.

AthMANS AZ IdE ASVAnioa'
The pretty theatre attached 10 the Aquarium was
crowded lat evening on tho occasion OF the Initial
performance OF Hermann the pres,disitatcur, after
absence OF two years. although the first regular
entertainment to which the public VIII be admitted
does not take place until this evening. Dir.
Hermann has a sufficiently weird ard Mephisto-
phelian look to inspire confidence in his
ability, that however marvellous were his
ieats Of sleight-o!-hand few seemed bewildered by
his extraordinary methods OF deiusion. He was bril-
lany successful in every thing he essayed and with
characteristic grace and coolness 80 mystihed his
audience that applause arrested only by sxpros
sions Of blank amazement True. many OF bis tricks
were not forgotten by those who Witnessed
his wonderful manipuations tho occasion
Of his previous VISIT, yet they were none
the less entertaining and erj,yabie. what
Herman does Is done with master hand. battling IN
most INSTANCES the widest conjecurcs vi the specta-
tor. His programme last evening was exceedingly
varied, orucEg many novel features In he wizards
art. His nyipg cards clsapp knew where;
his seht aud uhcncuinbered person revealed world
golden nsh, while his unlimited supplies OF 1a2s ana
fruit from some unknown source failed not to provoke
both wonder and hearty mcrrimenI HIS rapidity OF
action nonchaianco and dcxterty and wtthal pccu.
liar graceiuncss Of motion al once stamp him us a
clever magician, Who is ut once amusing and incxplicp-
BILE. ihe second part OF the entertain mcn Is called
"Elixir Vitn," IN which, personating a physician,
he cody decaptatcs patient without loss of blood.
But perhaps thc most Astounding eat VI thc evening
ms great cabinet performance IN which several
characters are introduced 10 assist In carrying
out very successful feat. Shut oil, apparently,
ali comm catiou, parties nrc securely bound
IN tho cabinet, but the appearance OF n witch upon
the stage at nil times proves sucient TO dissolve them
INTO space. From the seemingly empty enclosure out
bounds nugc monkey, who, utter a vigorous chase,
is finally captured una laced 10 a glass box,
which Is M ide udditional secure with ropea.
On the reopening OF the cabinet the monkey
has disappeared, although tho ropes romaia
before This somewhat astonishing treat
tpif lad land nn llu90 nnh nd nOhI "
bswidercd, slowly flied out OF tho Aquarium, ponder
ing over mysteries OF TINS reinsrkable and To-
pcnious manifestation OF the msgic,an's art Ar.
Hermann warmly welcomed. and, Juog.ng by tho
performances last evening, there Is ttc doubt tnat
the AqCarium with IT'S other attractions, viii be
the scene OF much woutcrment for some limo
TO come. MILE Adde rendered variable assistance IN
the successful carrying out of ire performance, and
alto sether tho entertainment was both UNIQUE anu
enjoyable.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
"oLlyfA" AT THE UNION SQUARE.

"O.ivia" s,ili occupies tho boards of tho Union
Square for few nights more, and last evening It's
thirty-lih performance w9s given before toleraby
large hoasc. Considering tho carly stage OF the
son IN wnicn tac initial representations we're gwen
and tile rather weak characters Of tho play ITSELF the
management have no reason TO complain VI tho pa.
tronagc they havo received Tho success of "Olivia"
may bo mainly credited to Miss Fanny Davsnport's
Interpretation OF the heroine In the Grst acts
us the sensitive and loving grl wavoriog between her
duty and her lover. Miss Davenport; at ouce ingra-
ta,es herself In tho sympathcs OF hor audience and
In the thirI sct, when she learns from his lips
tho trcavucty OF tho man Tor whom sho had given up
homc and ir,,nus, the strength oi her emo tiona
powers brought toats 20 the eyes OF many spocta-
tore. Her hrst attempt In this character proved
a decidcd success, bnt nothing 10 compare la
strength OF natural emotion to th0 portrayal OF last
night. Mr.. Fisbcr also presented a moro hnlshcd
picture oil the Wear tho last act, when tho old
man faiis asleep and talks III his dreams, no was
cclicnL Tue rather ungrateuI part OF squire Thorn
hih, the reckless pron.gatc Is now moro carefully
gcicd by Mr.. Charles A. stevenson, showing n close
study oi the character In Tho scene when Thornhili
tells his victim Of the mock marriage thero was a
glimpse oil a better feeling that attcrward camo TO
light at the close oil tho play Mr. Edwin as the mys-
torious Lenciac,or, Mr. B1rchcll, and Mss Linda
DIetz as Sopby have also improved
"Olivia" will remain on The boords Of tho Union
Square next week, and will bc then taken oil to mako
way Tor 'Mothtr and SOP, - "A new aud original play
from the pen oil Victor Sirdou underlined ior Tuos.
day, September "a
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
MUSIC VI AND DRAMATIC NOTES.

Miss STAFFORD appears in a dramatic entertain mcnt
at Cnlckcrng Hall tomorrow evening.
Miss Ada Csvendieh viii receive n testimonial bene-
a. on Friday nlgut, when she Will appear Pauline
IN "Ihc Lady oi Lyons' and recite "rhe Charge OF
the Lsh, Brigade" Mercy Mcrrck continues TO
draw.
grand concert in aid Of The yellow lever fund III
10 given tonight al the Academy OF Music under the
Immediate supervision of the committee appointed
by Mayor Ely TO take charge Of bcncnt performances
Mss signorina Comma Donati having volunteered
her services for the purpose. This lady Will bo re-
mcmbercd iu connection win an opcratic company
which sang with considerable success at tho Acadcmy
last spripg Mr. August Belmont, ON behalf OF the
stockholders, has Kindly gwen the OF the Acad-
emy, and MISS Fanny J. Lowering, OF Boston; MISS
H. Auerb cb, con,ralto Mr. Charles Fritsch, tho well
Known tenor; signor susini, basso; q. Gotischalk,
baiionc; Professor T. D'Auria, leader and director,
and Professor f. Agramontc, pianist have also kindly
volunteered
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
Al the Theatres.

Fortunately for playgoers there will be
new bills in several city theatres within
few days to come, and the public will have
an opportunity to see the fine artists now
on the boards in other characters than those
in which they have recently appeared.
'Gfeat runs" are great things for the thea
tire, as they represent the largest return
for any given outlay in the preparation of
scenes and other elements of presentation
great things for the author also in the
very few instances in which there is an
author to be paid. and not bad things,
up to certain point, for the actors
But FOR constant playgoers people who
count upon the theatre to supply
them with regular and considerable part
of their amusement-the great run is a terri
BILE bore. They never had any long runs at
Mitchell's Olympic; and if the old man had
ever tried it there would probably have
been an event in metropolitan history to
which the Astor Place riot would have been
as the snuffing OF n candle to first rate
bonfire; and Mitchell's was the beau ideal OF
the class of theatre that the regular play
goer counts upon. Wallacks Theatre has
several times had narrow escape from Sc
curing similar position in the affections Of
large circle Of genuine lovers of the comic
muse; but then the regular playgoer
knows all the sold comedies" by
heart and wearies from time to time OF
monotonous theatrical diet. In fact, the
continuous production Of plays OF the same
class, with the same lovers, the same rogues,
the same bewitching fair ones, the same
hard-hear:ed fathers, the same intrigues and
the same incidents, is not greatly different
from O "run" of three hundred nights.
Doubtless it was perception of this that
induced the recent protfer of o variation in
the style Of "Clarissa Harlowe." But what
q variation ''Clarissa Harlowe" is not
a pleasant story as originally told; but in
its stupendous proportions as left by Rich
ardson to an ungrateful posterity, and in
the multitude Of scenes and details of the
pond erous novel, the viler interest
even though it is the main one
is covered up somewhat and CLOSED
over and not constantly forced into
the foreground. But in the play its rela-
tive prominence is infinitely greater,
simply because every part of the story ex-
cept the offensive part is cut away conse-
quently it is dead failure and the public
taste is seen in the empty benches. This,
therefore, is one of the plays that are to be
withdrawn. BY the way, what are the
constituent elements of comedy?" An
other play to be withdrawn is, Of course, the
"Open Verdict" and third is ''Jane Shore"
"Henry VIII. and the ''School ior Scandal"
are good substitutes for two Of these, though
that 1or the third is yet unannounced.
Miss Anderson's success in the play of
'.Eyadne" dcepens the impression OF her
great promise, and Miss Cavendish con-
tinues to enjoy the we'll earned success she
has gained. At the Union Square ''Olivia"
draws we'll, and at the Lyceum bit of
peculiar character in the part Of I" Joshua
Whitccmb" attracts an appreciative audi
ence.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

extinguish him forever. This can be accom-
plished with certainty only by union, and
we expect both of the old parties to join
hands to put this unquiet, daredevil poll
tician in position where he can give no
further trouble to either of the regular or
QanizationS.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

ANOTHER LAWYER comes lowering over the
estate of the late InillionLaire, Mr.. Whitaker,
oi Philadelphia. One appeared few days ago
with an alleged will in opposition to the one pre-
sentcd by the heirs. The latest legal lumnary
on the scene processes TO hold valuable infor-
nation on 'hc subject. for which he demands the
irific Of twenty thousand dollars. Millonnaircs
sccnl 10 be created ion the benefit of the Bar.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

WALL STREET YESTERDAY.-The market for
stocks was OF the dnllcst and without feature.
Governments were shade weak, States were
ignored and railways were irregular. Gold,
1908; money ON call, 12 to 2 per cent.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

MAYOR Ely cndcavored to soothc the unem-
ployed laborers yesterday by assuring them
that he is ready to entertain charges against the
Park Commissioners. IT the workingmen will
only prefer their complaints the Mayor will act
80 promptly and cncrgetically that they will
have work right away-unless. which is very
prot able he finds that the Commissioners are
s'modcl officers"
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
TRIPLE SH ID Il .
~ lORK. WEDNESDAY, sEpTENDEK is, 1878.

The probabilities that the accat.er IN Aew
York aud its rieiaity today ,riH be 9arm and
partly cloudy, uih fresh TO brisk uinds. To
nao,7'Op IL promises TO be ma,m aad fair, fol-
l0sced BY Increasing c!Oudiness
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
ssrHE NEW MAGDALEN" AT THE BROADWAY


'The New Magdalen" was performed last evening
at tho Broadway Theatre for the ninth time with Miss
Ada Cavendish 10 the role Of Mercy Mcrrick. The
audience apparently not very enthusiastic one,
but tho supbcrb acting OF Miss Cavsndish in the two
last acts the play warmed tho spectators into
un enthusiasm which showed itself In frequent and
hearty outbursts OF applause.
Miss Cavendi.h certainly improves on acquaintance
In an artistic point Of view. There not trace OF
tho nervousness which sho evincsd In some slight
degree at her first performance. Having, It were,
become ustd 10 hcr surroundings, she seems now
thoroughly AT home, anu The rendering OF her purt
was without blcniish. In tho scene where gOAded
10 madness by Tho snecrs and taunts OF Grace Rose
berry she turns upon the heartcss woman and dchcs
her with all the bitterness OF soul torn oy anguish
and despair Miss Cayendish really grand Indeed,
II WAS almost Impossible later to convince ones sell
that woman VINO 50 pitcousy begged Tor tho for-
ciyencss OF tho man to wEom sue had pltghted her
troth was the same woman who had but mcmen
before caused rival TO shrink ia terror before tho
tempest vi rage Mrs Caibart us Lady Janet Roy
percd her ae rpretntioD. Miss uia Haucbctt
Us Grace Rosebrrry seems nure deniihed with that
iovcaoic character Mr. Dudley rs Horace hclmcrcit
has proved, and Is apparently altogether oat OF
his element In the role iu which hc Is cast. Mr.
Joseph Whesock IN Julian Grey gave charming
rcndering OF tho liberal minded, tender hearted
young parsop. Ho fairly won tho applause and ho
dcs.rvediy shared the nonor5 OF thc evoning with
Miss CavendIsh.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
HELLER AT PHILADELPHIA.

Robert Heller and Miss Heller on Monday evening
auGuratcd tho opening Of the Broad Street Theatre,
Philadelphia, under It's new management, Mcssrs
Ford and Zimmerman. Mr. Acller's amusing and
wonderful tricks received with many signs Of
enjoyment the second sight performances OF Miss
Heller capped the climax OF the enter tarmcnt knd
completely mysiinei tho audience Mr.. and MISS
Heller will remain at inc Broad street Tneare all the
xrop
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

AT New ORLEANS an increase in the number
of the yellow fever cases is reported this morn
ing. From Grenada the accounts are encourag-
ing, although the virulence OF the disease has
not vet abated.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

IL THE Police COMMISSIONERS continue
many days in their present frame of mind it is
very probable that there will be a good many
vacancies on the force. This, according TO the
report of their proceedings yesterday, is the
present outlook
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

IT WILL BE SEEN from the report Of the
Custom House inquiry yesterday that the feel
ing between the sugar refiners and importers is
anything but saccharine in its character.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

CoNNEcTIcUT's HARD FIsrED DEMOCRACY
wheeled into line yesterday on the old Jack
sonian platform of hard money and public
honesty
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

TIE DEATH RATE STATISTICS are quite en-
rouraging, notwithstanding the efforts of the
Street Cleaning Bureau to cut down tho pop
ulation.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

In RESPONSE to County Clerk Gumbieton's
invitation to the Bar to investigate the charges
against him twelve lawyers met yesterday and
gave him clean bill of health. 1t was IA tri-
umphant vindication, and he ought to feel proud
of;
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

The DEBATE on tho proposition to heat the
city by steam in the Board of Aldermen yestcr
day shows that General Spinola has laid his
pipe properly in that important quarter.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

THE LATEST CHAPTER in the murder Of Police
mau Smith, of Jersey City, is the indictment OF
Mrs. Smith. Bennett is not included but is
held as q witness
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
ADJUSTMENTS TONIGHT.


GRAND OPERA HOCsE-THE NEW FRITZ
PARK THEATRE -HuRnicANEs.
BROADWAY TuEATRE-TnE New MAGDALEs.
BOOTHS THEATRE-JANE SHORE
wALLACK's NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. uARLowE.
BOwERY THEArRE-THg STRIKE.
AMERICAN INSTITUTE FAIR
STANDARD TuEATRE-OpEs VERDICT.
UNION SQUARE THEArRk-oLrvIA.
FIFTg AVENUE THEATRE E-EvApSE.
LyCEUM rHEATRE-J osHuA wHIrcoxB.
GERMANIA THEATRE-DoRF uSD sTADr
NIBLu'S GARDEN-MAzsPP.
NEw YORK AQUARIUM-LivIsG WONDERS
ACADEMY OF MUSIC-FKvEn SUFFERERS BENET:r
CITY THEATRE-TuE DRusKAWD's HoXx
THEATRE BRIGHTON Variety.
TIyOLI THEATRE-vAEiETY.
THEATRE COMIQUE-vARIGrY
SAN FRANCISCO MINsrRELs.
TONY PASTOR'S--VARIETY
HAYMARKEr THEATRE-vARIETr.
ST. JAMES THEATRE-vAEMrY.
GlLMoRE's GARDEN TnohAs' CorcERrs.
CHICKERING HALL-GRASD CoNcERa
KURTZ ART GALLERY -TiiK TELKruoSE.
BROAD ST. THEATRE, Phiiadeiphia-RoBKRr H<LLER.
The New York herald., 1878-09-18

earlier than he was if he had actually fired
the fatal shot and that ten minutes would
give ample time for dropping the gun into
the old we'll
The New York herald., 1878-09-18
SANE SHORE" AT BOOTHS THEATRE.


A largo audienc occupied Booths Theatre last
evening to witness the eighteenth performance OF
Jane Shore" AS was to be expected, the play pro-
cccds ith that degree OF smooihness only gained by
constant repetition MISS Ward seems 10 navo over
her personal objection to tho part Of Mistress
Jano Shore, and now acts with more forcc In the
scenes that really belong to tho character. Whore
Jane crecps into her husbands house and implorss
his forgiveness Mss Ward acts with true womanly
instinct, ana wins Ito sympathy OF her auditors by
tho palmetto Interpretation oi the limos falling
her. acted this Is one OF tho
best tho play. Tho rugged ami honest
friendship OF John Grst Mr Tay lori contrasted with
the despair and Aercc resentment OF tho husband.
Shore (Mr. lcvick), forms striking picture; tho
first pleading tor the errng wife ana the other re-
ius,ng pardon. Between those comes the miserable
woman, opIy TO lnd her husbands heart and door
barred against her In the scene between Jano Snorc
aud G!ostcr tMr. VandeEhoG) Hiss Ward HIS greaty
improved, for she acts with degree oil reserved force
which shows that tho actress Is constant student.
Mr. VandonhoT IS st traditional as the wicked Duke,
being gioomy and cruel as OF yore He tails Ia
giving force TO anger ana hate when
pun,s hmcut Tor wichcraft. In the hands OF moro
vigorous actor this might be made the strongest
In tho play. Mr.. Levick vas as good last night as
Henry shore ut tho opening performances and ~
only just to say that the conception could not we'll
DO improved. Mr. Taylor, ns the outspokou, brave
hearted bake =, has part well suited TO him, and Is
therefore seon ut his best Tho play will he kept
the boards only tow nights more, us "Henry WILL !"
Is In active pre- cparation
The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1878-03-28
"Not If It Was My Boy !"

Some years ago the late Horace Mann,
the eminent educator, delivered an ad-
dress at the opening of some reformatory
institution for boys, during which be re-
marked that if only one bog was saved
from ruin, it would pay for all the cost,
and care, and labor of establishing such
an institution as that. After the exer-
cises had closed. in private conversation
gentleman rallied Mr. Mann upon his
statement. and said to him.
Did you not color that little. when
you said that all that expense and labor
would be repaid if it only saved ono boy r
mot If IL leds my boy" was the solemn
and convincing reply.
All ! there is a wonderful value about
MY boy" Other boys may be rude and
rough other boys may be reckless and
wild other boys may seem to require
more pains and labor than they ever will
repay other boys may be lett to drift
uncared for to the ruin which is so near
at hand but MY boy'-it were worth
the toll of lifetime and the lavish wealth
of a world to save him from temporal and
eternal ruin. We would 20 the world
round to save him from peril, and would
bless every hand that was stretched out
to give him help or welcome. And yet
every poor, wandering, outcast. homeless
man is one whom some fond mother call
ed My boy" Every lost woman, sunken
in the depths Of sin, was somebody s
daughter. in her days of childish inno.
cence. To day somebody's son is hun.
cry outcast, pressed to the very verge
of crime and sin. To day somebody S
daughter is weary, helpless wanderer
driven by necessity in the paths that lead
to death. Shall we shrink from labor,
shall we hesitate at cost when the work
before us is the salvation of soul Not
If it is My boy" not il we have the love
Of Him who gave His life to save the lost
i The Christian.