New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-05-17
LOOKING FOR THE AsSASSINS ON THE
SCYTHIA.


suit with MIR. Egan.
LOOKING FOR THE AsSASSINS ON THE
SCYTHIA.
TWO REVENUE CUTTERS DETAILED FOR TIE PUR-
PosE-MARsHAL KNOX WITH NUMBER OF
DEPUTIES CRUISING OFF FIRE ISLAND.
Soon after the assassination of Lord Frederick
Cavendish and Undcr-Secretary Burke the British
Government communicated with the executive Off
GERS of the United States Government and received
assurances from the President the Secretary of the
Treasury, the Secretary of War and other Cabinet
officers that all the assistance in their power
would be given to the British authorities
In their endeavors to arrest the assas-
sins if they should take refuge in this
country One of the earliest suggestions made by
the police authorities of Great Britain in connec-
ton with the finding of the assassins was that they
might endeavor TO escape to America before they
could be intercepted. The first steamer leaving
Liverpool in which it was possible that the muir
derers might have sailed was the Scythia OF the
Cunard Line and it was thought not improbable
that that vessel might have the fugitlves
on board. Inquiries were made in regard
to the persons who had taken passage on the
Scythia and it was found that there were
several whose anecedents could not be learned. In
particular there was party of five or six persons
whose actions were thought by some of those who
saw them TO be suspicious. cable dispatch was
sent by the British officials to Minister West, and
Consul-General Archibald of this city, was also
communicated with.
The British Minister after consulting with the
President, obtained the promise of the
assistance of the Customs officers, the mar
shals and other Government officials Several
conferences were bad between the Consul-General
the United States Marshal, Collector Robertson and
~ fl,a nfffp enfM
shall Knox, in Pine-st. 1t was thought that the
fugitives would not be likely to seek refuge in a
country having an extraditon treaty with England,
but it was thought best to guard against every pos
siblc contingency by preparing to secure the assas-
sins if they should be found on board the
Scythia. A description was furnished by the
Consul-General of two of the men supposed to be
concerned in the murder The first was described
as a stout man, age about thirtythree, with light
complexion and dark whiskers and moustache. tie
wore blue pilot coat and soft hat. The other
man was about thirty years DID, of pale complexion,
with sandy hair, whiskers and moustachc lie had
on faded brown Overcoat and soft hat. Both
men resembled fremen or sailors. Warrants were
obtained for the arrest of four men who
answered the description of the murderers Orders
were received on Friday night last from the secre-
tary of the Treasury to place the revenue cutter
the Custom House authorities to board incoming
foreign vessels at the disposal of the United States
Marshal A dispatch was sent to the Secretary of
the Treasury stating that the Grant ana
one of the other cutters were mNcr-
going repairs and could not be made ready In time
Orders then sent to the captain of the revenue
cutter Dexter, then lying Of Whitestone, to pro-
ceed TO New-York and await further instructions
from the United States Marshal.
A final meeting of the Consul General, Collector,
Marshal and Commissioner was held at Marshal
Knoxs office on Saturday afternoon. The descrip-
ton of the men who were sought was found to be
very vague, and COnsul-Gencral Archibald decided
to telegraph to the British police for further de-
scrption accurate as was possible IN order that
if any suspicious persons were found, their
1denti ty might be established at once. 1t was also
suggested that in addition to the warrants man
date should be obtained from the President direct
ing the use Of the judicial powers of the Govern
ment for the purpose of aiding III securing the crlml-
nails Under the extradition law a warrant was
thought to be sufficient: but as an additional pre-
caution and to shield the Marshal in case mistake
should be made the Presidential mandate was asked
for The warrants were given to United States Mar
shal Knox to serve, and the revenue
cutter Dexter was put at his ser
vice The Dexter arrived from WhltestOne
on sun day ana on MONDAY aItcrnOon' MdhSlleh
Knox. Deputy -Marshals Bernard, Dowley, Brooks,
Horton and Mcllen, and representative of the
British Consular Office, went on board and proceeded
I O sea- The cutter was directed TO cruise between
Sandy Hook and Fire Island until the Scythia was
sighted and then to board her.
The army steamer Chester A. Arthur
formerly the police boat Henry Smith, was
also temporarily transferred to the Treasury
Departmcnt and placed in command of
Lieutenant Tozier, of the revenue cutter
Grant who hoisted the revenue flag her and
proceeded to Sandy Hook To await the arrival OF
fbo ScvtLia The movements of these vessels caused
val1ous surmises among the other Oincers OF the
revenue marine who we're unable to obtain any In
as TO tho nature of the service for which
tbe two steamers were detailed. 1t was hnaly con
clnded when the revenue cutter Chandler was sent
Ia Quarantine later III the day 10 arrest
soldier on board the British bark Nllliain
Cochrane that the other vessels had Dceh delaleu
or the same service. =, .- "a, -
ably be taken before United states commissioner
Osborne as he is usually called upon by the British
Con su General 10 hear cases involving inc inter
pretation of the treaties between this country ana
Great Britain.
WHAT CUSTOMS OFFICERS SAY
At the Custom House the prominent cillcels were
not inclined to say anything about the matter yes
terday. They confessed in manner and speech that
they knew far more than they were willing TO make
public. but the general for not
revealing the facts of the case was the
confidential nature Of the business 1t was ad-
,,ittsd that Tinted Sfatpa rnarshala seeking