davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
THE DEPARTMENT FRA UDS.

HOW CITY CONTRACTS SHOULD BE LET.
WHAT RAILROAD CONTRACTOR THINKS OF MR.
THoMPsoN's EXPLANATION.
TO The Editor or The Tribune.
SIR: In common with other railroad contractors
of large experience, am much amused at the at
tempts of Commissioner Thompson to explain sat
isiactorily that city contracts let according to
law and if there is loss to the city it cannot be
helped that the Honorable Commissioner and Cor
poration Counsel know of no legal way 10 prevent
it, Persons of any experience III contracting ex-
claim, That's "too thin"
know of no law which compes the city of New
York to guarantee It's own estimates, and ex-
perience shows that the engineers are very poor
"guesseTs."
1t is understood the world over when contract
is let TO the lowest bidder either means speci-
fed amount Of money to complete the job without
regard to measurement or a specified sum per cubic
yard for the work actually performed, TO be meas
ured by the engineer employed by the parties for
whom the work is performed
One or the other Of above plans should be adopt
ed for doing city work. All the engineers employed
by the city need do is to prepare plans and spccit-
cations Of the work required to be done, stating
that the quantities of different kinds of work arc
unknown and among the bidders will be found
the most respectable and responsible contractors
in the country, who won d like 20 do the work for
he city because the pay is sure, and therefore moro
desirable than any other work that can be found,
but who now never think it worth their while 10
put in Il bid for city work, because they consider
CONTRACTOR.
Ns,r- York Dec % 1888.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

opDERs To OFFICERs-OFFICIAL REPRINANDs.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-COmmander Henry
r. Robson has ordered to duty in charge OF the
navigation Department, Navy Yard, NewYork; Medical
director A. L. GihOn to duty in charge OF the Naval Hos
nital Washington; Passed Assistant Surgeon Charles W.
usb has been detached from the Colorado and granted
three months sick leave Assist mt Paymaster T. j.
Cowie from the New Hampshire and ordered to special
duy leave of absence for one year. with permission 10
leave the United States been granted Surgeon E. G.
Vermueen; Lieutenant A. NJ. Knight has been ordered
90 instruction in ordnance at the Washington Navy
Yard January 10; Ensign Dewitt Goldman has been
detached from the Franklin and ordered to the hantc
January To-
The acceptance Of the resignation OF Ensign W G.
David TO take effect February 81 1884 has been changed
40 as to take effect August %, 1884 Ensign A. E. Jar
dine. United States Navy. and Gunner George Dunn
were retired today the latter at his own request
The Secretary Of Navy has dsapproved the findings
n, the court martial in the case Captain A. W. Johnson
who was acquitted Of charges OF cupabe negligence and
inefcicncy In the performance OF duty IN the matter
of the collision with the schooner Druid IN CON
70 do anything whatever cannot under the circumstances
be regarded exercise OF due diligence but, on the
contrary in the opinion OF the Department required
finding that Captain johnson was guilty or nexcubaOle
negligence Notwithstanding the number FanK ana eS
ent not accept their leient Judgment as he cor
Greata diligence to avoid impending collisions under cir
Cumstances no difficult than those which appear IN
officers viii be held the sTctest responsibility In every
case which NAV unfortunately occur"
In approving the sentence OF the court marital In the
case OF Lieutenant Charles A. Stone, which was suspcn
sion from rank and duty for two years, during which
time he is to retain present number in the list of leu
tenants Secretary Chandler reprmands him severely In
general orders
Navy Yard, Mare Island California The hulk OF the old
steamer Mohcan, which sank several years ago, VIII Dc
sold at public auction.
The Secretary OF the Navy has issued an order to
suspend work Boston Navy Yard and after jan
nary 10 ana for the dismissal OF half the force employed
there on that date The breaking up Of condemned YES,
sells will continue and the yard will then be converted
into a ropewalk. An order closing the League Island
Navy Yard and converting ii into construction yard Tor
steel vessels will be issued Tie breaking up OF
the steamer Osspec is completed
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
ARMY ORDERS.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29.-Leave of absence for
four months 10 take effect about January 10, 1881,
has been granted FirstLeutenant James ID. AcKcrnan
18th Infantry The leave Oabsence granted SecondLeu
tenant Walter A. ThursOn 18th Infantry, December TO-
has been extended three months Leave OF absence until
March 81 1884 has been granted secondcutcnantA Alex
ander Thomas 9th Infantry The resignation OF Second
lieutenant Alexander Thomas 9th Infantry, has been
accepted 10y the President take effect March 81 ssh
Captain Joseph Sanger LIST Artillery, has been ordered
to report IN person MaorGeueral John II SchOtcld
United states Army, commanding Division Of tie Mis-
sour, for duty as aide-de.camp.
During the temporary absence OF the SrgeOn-Gcncral
United states Army, Major DayidL Huntington surgeon
will by direction OF the President take charge Of the
office Of the Surgeon General and perform his duties
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
REDrcLNG W4GES ~ THRE4D MILLS.

William Clark, treasurer of the Clark's Thread
Company, of Newark, stated yesterday that the
proposed reduction of wages in the mills Of the
company affected only sixty spinners, and that
there had been no indication of a strike The re-
duction was fifteen per cent in the Newark mill and
gupcrntendent was taken without reference TO any
action of the Mile End Thread Company, In East
Newark. A conference of the spinners and the SUI
uerintendeut was held, but no change was made in
The terms of the reduction. The reduction was
made" said Mr.. Clark, because the company was
paving higher wages than cOmpetitOrsaud because,
since the last reduction in the tariff thread can DO
Imported cheaper than 1t can be made here. Ii there
is another reduction of the tariff, there will be q
corresponding reduction in the wages. III cOmpica-
IL will be DONE"
The average wages now paid to the spinners is
stated TO be Sl7 in the Newark mill and $50 in the
Kcarncv mill With the reductions, these hands
in the Newark mill Will average from SO to $40
per week.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
HEIR TO 4 COOL HUNDRED THOUSAND.

Charles II. Mathews treasurer of the Metro
pOlitan Opera House, called TO Akron, Ohio, on
Thursday by a telegram announcing the death Of his
father James II. Mathews. The deceased man, who
upwards of eighty years Of age, was scOtchman. For
thrtylye years he agent at Akron for the Mutual
Life Insurance Company Of NewYork and In that time
he paid the company premiums than any agent in
Ohio He Mayor Of the city for ten or twelve years
Heamassed fortune which win probably reach 100000
There is no anticipation that be left w and the pro-
perty viii be divided between sons of whom Treasurer
Mathews is one Mr.. Mathews married a second time
years ago. but made separate provision for his
wife part OF the marriage contract that she does
not come In for share IN the property. Treasurer
Mathews came 10 New-YOrk eight or nne years ago as
boOkkeeper for Henry +. Abbey who was felowtowns
man
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29

substantial house converted into stage ana tue o
erea giving old Christmas customs, sSeh as bringing IN
the bosr's head, finely presented Dr. Warren from
early childhood has had keen perception OF ooors and
forms and all dresses In the Opcreta were provided BY
him. and colors were provided with reference 70 scenic
effect The vocal talent supplied largely by the choir
OF Holy Cross Church. OF which DR.. Warren ana MS
brothers were the chief promoters AMI DIT Iucke the
compiler OF church music, rector George Henry Naren'
the Kew York millionaire, Is brother OF Dr. warren
business failures In Troy this year numbered ex De
crease from last year The assets In these cases were
ony $4,000 against liabilities OF S247OOO Business Is
generally on solid footing, and commercial confidence
high.
The holiday trade in Troy almost assumed metropolitan
proDortiOns retail house had 3lO employees anu hle
horses nard work, and took in $4,000 IN one Day
Trinity Methodist Church Is attended by several non
union OudeTs employ ed IN eighooring WORKS IN the
Mace of strikers At the sundayschool Christmas cele
braon the men were escorted TO and from cureh Dy po
lice and three policemen were stationed In the Vesubue
during service while the Moulders Union patrol paced
the street outside
"The Oncens Lace Handkerchief" was given In fine
svle at the opera house by aNew-York company this
week. Fanny Davenport returns ulhoIIV"l III louoie'
after four years absence.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
THE HosrIr1L FUND contributions.

MOST FAVORABLE OUTLOOK FOR TIE PRESENT
YEAR-EAPEDTAuuN, FOR SUNDAY.
The reports received by the Saturday and
SUNDAY Hospital Association with regard To the progress
the collection for the present year boo the Yagi1u. trades
and exchanges, arc most encouraging. Certain IL
is that the collection Will exceed in amount thar ~ any
previous year Asa sample of work his (. what Louis
Stly one Of % committee oI six has done for tar Dry
G0ols Auxiliary bis aggregate alone reaching $40
LawIeucc, Taylor & CO.., SluUi a. ID. JuilAtul * Coz
500; Harding and Colby g. Co, 500; Faulkner, Page
* CoeIOD; Coffin, Atcmus Co 500; Gn1grc \. Clark
a Bro 800; George H. Byrd 500; O. jan Piuhus
500; Ammllown 81 Smith, 500, ". EwIr SON,
800; Townsend & Yale, 500; Isc'in, Nca-cr & CO..
800; f. Buttcrncld co., 500; Low, Hartman a Co..
800; W. simpson, sons & Co, 500 Brown, Wood &
Kiugnau, 800; Bliss, FaJyun Co., 500; LnwTruco
Co.. 800; II. b. BIumcutna, through jos, Ian don &
Coz 500; the Barbour Brothers Co., 500 LIrEcm"ycg
Eschclcr 500 c. 4. Aliuorlt & Co., $50 Brorag,
Mllkcn & Coz $50; WmuGinr, Houct & Co., $50;
Kibbc Chalcc, shrccyc & Co.. so J. & b. Alien, $50
Enower ~ Thomas, S25: Edward WarDurg
& CO., So; H. j. Libby, SO; WhcclwrEAt, Anderson &
Co.. SO; Uplau Tucker n Co, SO joy, Lincoln *
Motley, S25; Mitchell Bros, S2j; Grccumogut Spin
ming CO.. 1885, i. G. " C. Whitman, 50 Through another
source the following: H. b. Clahm Co., 5000; Wood.
ward, Baldwin d Coz 800; Lion Hro,hris Co, 7lD|i
Denny, Pool CO., SlOOi Mdrich, ldIng. q Clifton,
From the Cotton Exchange the following subscriptions
reported mp 20 date: Fielding ~ Gwyn, 30 uman,
Co. SO; Lehman Bros, So; Hopkins Dwight q co.,
! -25: r. W. Williams SIS; Trivcrs ~ Hickman, 80
Thomas Scott, 80 Uohr. HJucman * Co., 20; J. r.
HauCman, 92J kuoop, trerch Cos 80 H. Hntz *
Co., 80; b. q. Watts, S4Ji White, j., FlJi ~ &.
Allen, $iO; J. II. Parker, $40; Murphy d Mccormack,
! 80; Il. sledcnberg, 81 cut Of meHpcnted Charity
/ Fund voted by the Exchange, 500
From the STOCK Exchange TIE following gifts are re-.
/ ported: -pcycr & Coz 500; W. b. Bonn. 500; John
! j.. Johnson, 500; J. e. Iappn, TlO0 Wocrisboncr -
| Co., 500; Blake Bros 81 CO.. 80; L. Cam Co., TO
A IS. Diumori., SO; J. c. Wacott $40; J. benjamin *
Co., ~lOi t. MOItOu, $40; A Dye & Co.. 80; George
Alexander Brown, SO; Rudolph tkcppCr, so; trWyuuc
| q Day, SO.
Through the personal efforts Of A. h. Ansupslrr the
treasurer of the Paints, Oils and Drug Trade Auxiliary
the contributions from this source already equal tho total
| Of last year. similar reports received from the
Treasures Of tie C-ur and Tobacco Manufacturers Trade
/ Auxiliary, and Book Trade AUXILIARY. EucDura ing Ir.
ports also from the committees in the Mercantile
| Produce and other Exchanges.
What II c1peoted from the Churches Hospital sun
! day Is bes, illustrated By the following table:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29

According to the annual statement of Controller
BrinkerhOh, the net city debt now is 37,04S,-
rs rs o. o. AT the same TIME iaS' year was
The James Methodist Episcopal Church has
placed mortgage for $4,000 on the new edi6ce it
is building at Reid-ave. and Monroe-st.
The lighter c. G.. Brewer, lying at Prentces
stores, was capsiZed by the wind yesterday morn
ing, throwing 900 bags of sugar INTO the water.
little Of it was recovered The loss is estimated
at $4,000.
Daniel Luyster. first Alderman of the Eighteenth
Ward of Brooklyn. died on Thursday, at the age of
g. He was an active volunteer fireman in his
young days. He left widow and grown children.
Miss Keziab B. Blackburn, who was found dead
in her rooms in East New-York, where she lived
alone. left a will providing that she should be
buried in rosewood coffin with six silver handles
on each side, and it should be carried in a hearse
drawn by six horses, and followed by six coaches,
and attended by six pail bearers with white kid
gloves and white scarfs. She left $1,000 IN
savings bank
Mrs. Liedke, Of East New-York L. l., informed
the police of that place yesterday that she sus-
pected that the woman whom John KOop said that
he had murdered near New Brunswick n. j., last
summer was her sister, who married a man named
kooP five years ago. The matter VIII be nveStl-
gated.
JERSEY CITY.
George Fox, an employee of the Delaware, Laeka-
wanna and Western Express Company, who disaD-
peaTed slXweeks ago with 1910, returned yesteT-
day and surrendered himself to the police.
LONG ISLAND.
FRESH POND.-John Dryer undertook to lead a
vicious bull to Maspeth to beslaughtered on Thurs
day afternoon. When near SIMPSONS Oil-cloth
factory the animal became unmanageable and
tossed Dwyer in the air and when he fell gored and
paved him. Dryers cries were fortunately heard
by some of the factory hands, who went to hls
sistanCe and drove the animal off. DwyeT
taken to his home suffering severely from his i'll
juries.
FAR ROCKAwAY.-LewisC OrsOn, propretOrOf the
Waverly House. while seated at window on Thurs
day was knocked from his chair by lightning. The
building was not damaged.
LONG ISLAND CITY-1he Board Of Aldermen met
last night and proceeded TO consider the tax levy
for 1884 The amount required for interest IN the
funded Indebtedness of the city will be SSl ,622.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
SING SIyG.-A vocal and instrumental concert
was given on Thursday night in the chapel OF the
prison by the choir, composed Of number OF tho
inmates.
WHITE PLAINs.-Surrogate Coffin, of Westchester
County, yesterday issued letters of admission TO
John Abendroth, of the estate of the late Philip
ROlhaus of Port Chester estimated at $3O0,OOO.
By his will the property is left TO three nicees;
Maria Elizabeth Thieling, Catherine Elizabeth
Schroeder and Mary Amanda Lyon.
STATEN ISLAND.
EDGEWATER.-James A. Baker, village clerk, has
received S1O5 for the relief of the families of tho
pilots who lost their lives in the pilot-boat Co
lumbia.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
NEWS FROa STATE CENTRES
BUFFALO,.
CHRISTMAS CHURCH MUSIC-RHEA-MAT-
THEW ARNOLD.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE

TBY TELEGRAPH 10 TIE TRlBCNEl
RrFFALo. Dec 2S.-A review of the Christ
mas season Just closed shows that trade was on tho
whole very satisfactory All the merchants report large
sales The churches which at this time exhibit frlehy
rivalry In the extent and variety Of their musical pro
grammes did in any faD behind the standard Oh
former years Special solosts and small orchestras were
engaged in seyera, churches and large congrega
ons tits usually the custom here to employ the services
of outside singers on festival days, the number OF really
available local soOists being somewhat limited though
the general average OF salaries is quite large One church.
which is willing to pay, according TO report Sl2OO year
FOR Soprano not yet been able to ind just the
voice reouredj and another wealthy congregation lacks
tenor though ready to pay what Is large salary III
CITY Of this size The custom of engaging prominent VO
casts Oh special occasions resulted at one time III secur
ing the services of Miss Lillian Norton and TINS season
those of sgnor BToconni OF the Boston BDon Theatre
Company, and Mrs. Belle Cole, the concert soprano.
The theatres have offered special attractions this week
Mile Rhea has been seen in round OF her popular char
acers The spectacle Excelsior" has run through the
week at Music Hail. and Richard Mansfield has presented
his realistic creation of Baron Cherria at another
house. Mile Rnea is always the recipient Of many social
attentions during her Buffalo engagements. F. E. Fargo
president of the Press Club gave elegant reception IN
her honor on Friday evening at the superb Fargo house.
the occasion calling forth prominent society representa-
tiNes in great numbers
Theodore Thomas gives concert With his orchestra
January 3, and while IN the city he Will lay out Ac pro
gTamme for the June musical festival
Matthew Arnold has been secured for lecture early in
January through the efforts of local literary c!uD
Society Is meanwhile marking him for her own Though
is not vet known whether be will submit to even led
course OF nOnlZln5.
ushed visitors and is announced to lecture tomorrow
evening on The Boy OF To-Day"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
WASHINGTON NOTES.

WASHINGTON, friday, DOC =, 1888,
OFFER oF COMPROMISE REJHCTED.-The Secretary OF
the Treasury has rejected the offer Of compromise In the
cotton Of f. Masch OF New Orleans which has been
pending in the department for long time The Solicitor
OF the Treasury had recommended the acceptance Of the
offer Of compromise.
LAND ENTRIES CANcELLED.-Upon evidence showing
fraud making entry the Commissioner Of the General
Land Office has within week cancelled tweuty-Oue en-
tries OF public land IN Colorado, twelve II Dakota and
seventeen in New-MeXicO.
DIsBARRED FROM PBACTlCE.-The Secretary OF the In
terror has dsbared from practice before the Interior
Department Edwin II. Hall, pension attorney from
Boston. This action taken upon evidence that Han
had discounted payments Of pensions to pensioners hold
ing their certificates collected in violation OF law.
THEY ALL FAILED To PAss.-The Board appointed 20
examine candidates for appointment assistant naval
constructors In the Navy has reported that the standing
OF those examined as follows: H. K White Jsl;
George p. rockingham 477j c. r. HauscOm 4lZ; W. H.
Hart $40; John FIisbie 3O7. The minimum standard re-
QuiTed to pass the examination was COO.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
ALBANY.
THE RATHBONE TRBGEDY-NEW YEARS
CALLS-BOARD OF TRADE.
IrY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. +


A1pAyy. Dec. 2S.-The RathbOne tragedy at
Hanover has been the subject of general conversation
and has attracted wide sympathy for the unfortunate
family Mrs RathbOue, the first victim is recalled as the
one who supported President Lincoln when he fell In the
box at Fords Theatres and her dress stained with the
Presidents blood, has been preserved by the family
relative of Mrs RathbOne by marriage states that before
the family sailed Mrs RathJoue informed him that her
life had been already threatened by her husband in one OF
his despondeut hts The relative urged Mrs Rathbone
then to secure divorce the grounds OF incompatible
ity OF temperamcut but under ordinary circumstances
their domestic life was happy that sho decided not to
take so painful step
In attendance the ball for tho benefit Of the Nursery
Hosuita this year was complete failure and II Will
probably not undertaken next year. 1t has been the
social event Of the winter FOR the last five years Hitherto
tickets have been issued solely By invitation This year
they were put on sale.
The Thursday Assemblies" opened more successfully,
and promise be the feature Of the seasons social enter
tainmcnts
New Years calling as an old Dutch custom, has held
its own tcnaclOusy in the city, but This year few ladies OF
social prominence will keep open house. and the number
Of callers will limited The custom Of passing the few
DAYS between the holidays IN the country Is being taken
up and affords an excuse for the basket on the door New
Years Day Governor Cleveland will receive members OF
the legislature state officers and citizens at the Exccu
tive Chamber, between l ana o'clock on Tuesday
Several prominent ladies interested In music are crcu-
latng a subscription list for concert b. Theodore
Thomas in January none OF the managers are Will
Ing TO run the risk Of loss For several years every first
class musical performance here has been financial fail
ire Two years ago lposon Is understood TO have lost
81 900 on two operate performances with Gerstcr and
valcra Since that tine there has been no crcditaDlc
Italian opera given here.
Tue Board Of Trade has on foot project 10 become
stock company purchase erect building Of its own.
establish an option board, and put itself In Inc with sim
liar commercial bodies throu ghout the country At pres
emf the board Is ia moribuud condition, and some means
of restoring interest Is necessary 10 is pcfpetuIiy
The city IA cOnto-ting the claims f1r eNpru 'urc7 md
dam ec incurred 300 the erection ~ the NcwlOrk Con-
trii Railroad vIduct lcr0-, Broadway. y the terms ~
tLc ngt under which the work DONE the railroad
agreed 10 pay the yiudIct and the city 10 pay FOR
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
STATE cIrIL SERVICE COMMISSION

ALBANY, Dee. 2S.-The State Civil Service
Commission has designated the following a Board OF
Examiners Albany: Hiram L. sckcs, reporter Court
OF Appeals chairman James 4. Morrison, Deputy super
mtendent Of Public Instruction. Willis +. Merriam war
clerk Controllers Office; Richard G. Mks receiving
clerk, Treasures Office and John c. Clifford, clerk In
surquce Department The Board IS made to consist OF
fye instead Of to insure the actual
OF full number OF examiners nc times when official
duties In the departments pressing and may be
kept away by Official engagements. The Commission Is
now ready to receive applications for examination for adj
mission to the service. All applications must be adj
dressed TO the Commission at Albany, and proper blanks
will be promptly furnished. An examination will prob
ably be held about the middle Of January next
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29

BUSINESS FAILURES

Higgins g. Fowler, manufacturers of soap at
No. 234 Cherry-st, made assignment 10 Alfred W.
Lewis Yesterday with preferences Of $12,550 The firm
vas composed of William b. Higgins and William j..
Fowler, and has been existence since December /,
1881, when 1t succeeded Higgins Brothers Fowler Of
which firm they had been members Dun's agency has
reported them being slow in their payments for some
time
Genet & Silver, who began the commission lumber busl
pess In April 1892, aud dissolved October l5 1888
made an assignment yesterday 10 John l. Underh with
preferences OF So $50 Sc
Rudolf wese, manufacturer OF frames and moudings,
at No. 1873 Grand-st, has made assignment Henry
q. Keini with preferences Of Sl3,979 IS.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-29
IN ANTHROPOLOGLCAL SOCIETY.

About dozen medical and scientific gentle
met yesterday afternoon at the call OF the Rev. Ed
ward p. Tbwing, Of ST Mark's-aye. Brooklyn, In the
rooms Of Dr. A ID. Rockwell No. 46 East Thrtyirst-
St., TO form provisional organization to be known
"The NewYork Anhropoogcal Society" and 10 include
"perons who interested IN the history and phenomena
Of human life and the relations Of body and mind in health
and disease" Mr. Thwing presided. A constitution and
bylaws were adopted The Rev Mr. Thwing elected
president Dfs. W G. Jarvis and r. OrmstOu, ycepresi-
dents and Dr. A. d. Rockwell, secretary. The society IS
the first society Of the kind In this country although in
Europe there are several notably the Society Of