Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • 8

8 FOREIGN. German Catliolic Journals to Be Confiscated by the Government. Further Political Troubles Anticipated in Spain. Alptonfijts Preparations for An AFRICA. JTeto York Herald Special.

Zanzibar, Dec, IS, via London, Dec. 80. Tho fruited States steamer Yantic arrived on the 10th. Wilson, with the United States Conbol, John F. Webb, and officers of the ship, visited tho Sultan on the 11th.

They wore received by tho troops and met by tho Sultan in front of his palace. Captain Wilson represented to the Sultan the sentiments of tho American people in regard to slavery, and requested the abrogation of a clause of the treaty with England. The reply was received on the 17th. He save: years ago. I was forbidden by my father, Said-Said, to export slaves to Muecal.

The slaves now carried there are stolon by Arabs and tribes from tbo Persian Gulf. I will make strong Qffiwta in the future to prevent the kidnapping of slaves. I will make every Tho English corvette Briton arrived here on the 12th and waits for Sir Bartlc Frere. The Yantic also waits. Two other English vessels are expected here.

GERMANY Behlin, Dec. journals of Konigsherg and Posen have been threatened with immediate confiscation, if they publish tho insulting references to Germany in tho recent Papal allocution. The Charge Affaires of the German Legation at the Vatican will probably ho instructed not to attend the reception cf diplomatic body by the Pope on the Ist of January, on account of the allocution. ITALY. Rosie, Dec.

German Charge cf Affaires informed Cardinal Antonclli last week that ho had been instructed to take unlimited leavo of absence. He has since closed the legation, and quit Rome for Berlin. RUSSIA. St. Petebsbdt.o, Dec.

Czarevitch slept six hours last night. Tho fever has diminished. SPAIN, Had bid, Dec. 30, via. Loxnox, Dec.

31 6 a. rising of the Alphonists is expected. The Government is prepared to suppress it. Citizens of Madrid are opposed to Amadeus, who is greatly excited. FRANCE, Pabis, Deo.

thousand franca were collected in the churches of Roselle, yesterday, for the relief of the rescued crew of the steamship Germany. GREAT BRITAIN, New Touk, Dec. London despatch states that two more failures are announced there on thi Stock Exchange. PfIEWIPKIS. THe JElivcr Flatboat and Seven Lives Lost Near rSandolpli-- Sinking: of a Forry-Itoat.

Memphis, Dec. steady rain fell during the night, which has the ice, causing large quantities to slough off and sink. The danger to the boats in port has greatly lessened. It is now probable that the ice in the bend above them will all go at once. The river is rising steadily, and the floating ico diminishing rapidly.

The Legal Tender, from New Orleans, arrived last night, and tho Belle Lee this morning. The officers of tho latter report having passed tho following steamers, which were in safe quarters: Check, at Helena, Phil Allen, at Island GO, Bismarck at Paper Landing, and tho Jennie Howell, at The latter and the Bismarck were preparing to come on up. The Belle Loo met a largo number of Brown A coalboats comparatively uninjured; also, rescued one Harvey, his wife and child from a dredge boat at the mouth of the St. Frances River, where it had drifted from this city. The ferry boat Excelsior has sprung a leak, is sinking rapidly, and will prove a total lose.

She was valued at belongs to Patterson and is uninsured. Parties who left Randolph yesterday morning, say the ice gorged there is thirty feet high, and that a flatboat, with seven persons on board, was drawn under it. All lost. This news causes great excitement here among steamboatmen. The river is rising rapidly.

Memphis, Doc. SO. o'clock a largo portion uf the ice above Jefferson street broke away, carrying off the cabin of the Bello Pike, and at the foot of Monroe street it struck tho P. W. Strader, causing her to list so badly that it was feared she would capsize, but tho ice soon Massed, and she righted again.

She has .250 bales of cotton on board. At 11 to-night, the weather is clear and soft, with a stiff breozo from the southeast, and but little ice running. TOLEDO. Extension of City Water Works, Toledo, Dec. 30.

County Commissioners to-day approved and adopted the application of the City Council for extending the limits of Toledo, by including within the same new territory from each side of the previous boundaries. The Water Works Trustees, to-day, submitted to the City Council a plan of water works adopted by the Board, estimated cost of which is The system adopted is that known as the stand pipe plan, and provides for seventeen miles of pipe. A SAD END. Widow of Ten Hunkands Burned to Death. Special Despatch to The Chicago Tribune.

LaSal.ee, Dec. Saturday evonmg, a shanty in the norths of this town-n an known aa Christina Mack, lived alone, aown, and tho body of the old woman was afterwards found among the ruins. She was a pauper, 73 years of the survivor of ten husbands. Tho origin of tho fire is unknown. A Domestic Tragedy.

Special Despatch to The Chicago Tribune, Colusibds, 0., Dec. 30. Mecbanicsburg, Ohio, last nitjbt, a colored woman, named Bowson, in a tit of rage or insanity, cut tbo throat of her child and then performed a similar operation upon herself. The injuries were not deemed fatal at first, but at a Into hour this evening your correspondent was informed that both mother and child will die. Cruelty on tbo part of her husband is tho cause of tho terrible act.

Ocean Steamship London, Dec. steamships Spain, Minnesota, India, and Westphalia have arrived out. Krv Yoke, Dec. steamship Greece, from Liverpool, and Victoria, from Glasgow, and Eheln, from Bremen. Deo.

SO, steamer Franklin left lor Now York on Saturday, and returned to anchor off redoubt. Sue sailed again this morning. A murderer Out on Special Dispatch to The hicefo Dattox, 0., Dec, 30, shot Spatl" And Cathcart on Saturday night. was to-duv leased on 1.000 bail to answer the charge of shooting With intent to bill. Spann's throat is swelling, and ho has great difficulty inbreathing.

Ho will probably die. Cathcart was shot in tho lungs, aiid is rapidly growing worse. ur Persons Convicted of Iflurdcr by a Paprr ft ms Wart. Frointh: (fexcK) Dec. 14.

Bf. 2 bhedby. Arthur Shelby, 3Mi Woods, and Ailhani were convicted of murdorii: tho degree. Dun vt County. this week, and sentenced by turner bj be hanaodon rridny.

r.f The raMoa wa coaunctof! by si .1 V.Vlkor, employe rr.o.ub- or the man. iho case wp.s one ot the interesting in the annals of criminal trials, and tho evidence, though conclusive, vraa entirely circumstantial. Bon. McKcevor, tho murdered man, waa shot from his horse at night near tho residence of the Shclbya, his throat cut, and body carried on horseback three miles, and thrown into a cave in tho prairie, 150 feet deep. A largo rock was placed on the bloody spot whore his throat was cut, and, apparently, every precaution was taken to avoid detection.

The appearance of the rock indicated to the 5 eve of the frontiersman that it had been recently placed there. Close by it was paper wadding that had boon fired from a shotgun. On examining tho gun of Ben. Shelby, paper wadding was found in it, and another piece of paper that bad evidently been fired from a shotgun was found under doorstep. In his house was found the Chimney Comer periodical, and it was ascertained by comparison that the throe pieces of gun wadding had boon tom from that paper, A small fragment of coat, of peculiar texture, found at the bloody spot, revealed tho fact that the murder had been committed there.

There were many other circumstances pointing to the accused poraons as tho murderers, but one deserves especial mention. On carefully placing tho paper found whore the blood had been covered by tho rock, and comparing it with the wadding found iu Ben. gun, the following enigma could bo read from one paper to another With piece of paper, or a elate, Sit round tne fire, both large and imaU; A letter make, almost an eight. And now you see what covers all. A SERIOUS DISTURBANCE.

Two Gamblers Kcfuso to licave tho Curs when Ordered Conflict and tlic From the Omaha Herald Dec. 28. Some time ago, tho Union Pacific Railroad and the Omaha Bridge Transfer Company determined to make an earnest and practical effort to prevent gambling in their cars. They issued orders to all conductors to put gamblers off from all their trains, and if they had any question as to the legal aspects of the matter they determined to take their chances. Last evening when tho time came for the 5 transfer train to leave tho Union Pacific depot, tho conductor, Mr.

John Staley, discovered two well known gamblers seated in a car. They are known hero by the names of Big Matt and John Sullivan. The conductor told them they must quit tho train, and they assured him that they were passengers and that they must cross tberivor in that train. They would not leave, and they did not believe they could bo put out. The conductor called on Captain Paine, the depot policeman, for assistance, and they two, accompanied by other railroad employes, entered the car again.

Captain Paine advanced, to Big Matt to arrest or remove him, and took hold of his shoulder. At this Matt struck a blow with a revolver which ho hold in his hand, and cut a deep and ugly gash over Captain right eye. The gamblers then cocked their pistols and backed into a corner, from which they could not bo removed without blodshcd. Tho railroad men then went to the depot for weapons, and to await orders to tho emergency, which, as will be seen, had now coma to bo serious. It then looked as if blood must ho shed, or tho com pany back down from its order.

A telegram was sent to Superintendent Shelby asking Ho ordered the conductor to take force of employes, arm them, and eject tho gamblers from tho car. The clerks at the depot office were then provided with loaded pistols, and accompanied tho conductor and Captain Paine back to the car. Meantime the gamblers had left, and tho Train, well guarded with the armed dorks, crossed the river without them. Wo have since learned that Big Matt and his companion cicased tho river on tho ice. Marshal Kimball repaired to the bridge on the first intimation which he received of the trouble there.

It is scarcely necessary to say that he will preserve the peace, and that ho always has a competent force under his command to do so. If Big Matt or Sullivan return to Nebraska they will bo arrested. In Peril from a Prunlccn Front the Altoona (Pa.) Tribune. A few nights since the locomotive of a train on ihc Pennsylvania Kailroad was run Detween Pittsburgh and Altoona by an engineer who had, unknowingly to the conductor, become considerably intoxicated in the former city. At times, at the most dangerous places, put the engine to its utmost and fifty muss an hour.

But whenever ho saw a red light he reversed the locomotive, and brought into operation the patent nir-braae. Tho stoppages from Pittsburgh to Altoona on this account were very many, and the train was several hours late on arriving at tho latter place. The peculiar movements of the train greatly excited the passengers and filled them with painful amazement. The conductor had become informed of the condition, but ho could find no one to whom ho could entrust tho responsibility of running tho train. He studiously kept his secret from the passengers, lest its dimigoment would fill them with terror.

Notwithstanding tho dangerous hands in which probably a hundred lives had boon placed, the train reached the end of tho run with safety. It is needless to add that the drunken employe of tho company was promptly discharged. Ho had previously been considered one of the best and most reliable ho was one of tho tho road. On the day of the accident, ho fell in with a party of friends, and dram; an inordinate quantity of liquor. Catholics and Protestants in It seems there has been some misconception somewhere, but especially in England, as to tho relative numbers of Eoman Catholics and Protestants in Ireland.

The following is according to tho census of 1871: There wero then returned as Protestant Episcopalians, 633,295 as Presbyterians, 555.238 ns other Protestants of different sects, 19,035, giving as tho whole number of Protestants, 1.260,568. There were returned as Eoman Catholics, 4,141.933. Tho Eoman Catholics aro therefore totho Protestants as 4,141,933 to 1,260,568, or about to 1. Railroad News. Muscatine, lowa, Dec.

30. citizens take great interest in the now Chicago Muscatine Railroad, The route proposed will save forty miles between these two cities. Jacob Butler, S. E. Whichcr, S.

G. Stein, H. Woltshbum and other prominent railroad men hero, say there will bo a hearty co-operation from this point. The New Orleans New Obleans, Dec. compromise has been effected in tho case of McKee versus Weed, by which Weed and others relinquish tho entire establishment of tho New Orleans Times to the heirs of H.

W. C. King, its former proprietor. Publication will be resumed on Jan. 1, with M.

F. Higney, editor, and Henry Os'eeu, business manager, as heretofore. Fortlie SamUvich Islands. San Fuancisco. Dec.

Generals Schofield and Alexander sailed for Honolulu on the steamer California. Tho precise nature of tho mission is not made known, though supposed to have connection with tho present critical condition of affairs in the islands. New York City NewYoue, Doc. number of now schemes for reorganizing the City Government are expected with tho opening of tho Legislature. It is understood that the Committee of Seventy and the Rexmblicau General Committee will each have one.

Fatal Skip Halifax, Dec. Tho schooner Lord of tho Isles of and for Halifax from St. Martins. WcaMudicp, struck on Iron Bound Island last night, and became a total wreck. Tho Captain and four of her crow were drowned, and tho mate died from exposure after reaching shore.

Hajitfoed, Dec. stockholders of the JEtna Fire Insurance Company, to-dav, unanimously voted to reduce tho capital stock from $3,000,000 to $2,000,000, and afterwards voted to increase to tho original amount, and assess the stockholders per cent. Tbo Louisiana Jluddlc. York, Doc. 30.

Louisiana Committee, in a long letter, deny tho statements of Senator Kellogg, and General Heron, in another letter, states that tho secret of tho whole difficulty lies in tho political disappointment of "Wannoth. murdered by Sak Francisco. Dec. private letter from Arizona pays that tho Lre family, circus performers, eight persons well known in this State, were all murdered by Apaches while on their way to Mexico Arizona. Dined and VTinccl.

MrLw.tmrE, Dec. Carponterwaa baunncicd tho Plankinton House, tonight. hy the Younsr "Men's Kcpuhlicau Club of MtkwauUAA. THE CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE: TUESDAY, DEC EM HER 31, 1872. ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL.

Present Stage and Cost of Im- provements. Tho Report for the Season of 1873. A few extracts from the Eoport of tho Canal Commissioners just issued will bo of interest: THE CANAL COSmiSSIONERS REPORT that tho business for tho season has boon much less than it will probably be on an average hereafter, as the Illinois Biver has been unusually low during tho whole season of navigation. The people along the lino of tho canal and Illinois Biver have a deep interest in tho further improvement of the river. Tho lock at Honry, which has been in uso for one season, fully demonstrates the feasibility of tho improvement of tho whole river below Honry, with four moro locks and dams between Henry and tho mouth of tho river, at a cost of not exceeding $1,500,000.

The navigation of tho river will be good from LaSalle to ita mouth, a distance of 230 miles, for the largest class of steamers, and this at a cost of $12,000 a mile, including what the United States Government shall expend In dredging, say $140,000. The lock at Homy will pass twelve caualboats at one lockage. 'When tho river is improved as above indiiatod, steamers of 1,200 or 1,500 tons burden can navigate it, and run directly through from LaSalle to Now Orleans at certain seasons of tho year. Light draught boats can run to and from LaSallo to all points on tho Ohio and Missouri and Upper Mississippi Bivers. Caualboats, loaded to tho full capacity of tho canal, carrying 0,000 bushels of grain, or 100,000 feet of lumber, can be towed, by suitable tugs, in squads of eight or ton each, and all pass tho locks at once.

Tho navigation of the Illinois Biver is now exceedingly uncertain. Tho additional expenditure of $1,800,000 would make it certain for from eight to eight and one-half months in the jrear. Thus it will bo seen that tho coat of tho improvement of tho entire river (230 miles), being only about $12,000 per mile, will bo tho least expensive work of its capacity over constructed In this or any other country. THE BETOBT. To the Honorable Board of Canal Commissioners Gentlemen In compliance the directions of your Board, I herewith submit the following report relative to the repairs and maintenance of the Illinois and Michigan Caual during the year ending Dec, 1,1872: On the 6th day of November, 1871, I had the honor of receiving the appointment of General Superintendent of theDlmois and Michigan Canal, bjr your Board, which resolution weufc into operation Dec.

1, 1371; but, at the request of my predecessor, I assumed the charge Nov, 20, and entered upon its duties, which consisted first, in breaking ice and closing the canal for the season, and in making the usual yearly invoice of all property, tools, teams, boats, dredges, cranes, houses, bams, sheds, in your possession, or belonging to the late trust, now the State. found the towing path from Lemont to Bridgeport in a very unsafe condition, being obstructed with largo piles of rock and earth, old derricks and cranes, engine-houses and machinery of various kinds. In many places clumps or holes had slid in the face of cho bank, so as to make the bank so narrow that it was hardly possible for two teams to pass. The channel was obstructed with boulders of all sizes, from the Summit to the Sag, some of thorn so largo there was only four feet of water over them when the lake was low, and at Summit bridge the channel had never been excavated but forty feet wide at the surface of the water, and less than thirty on the bottom, and in the centre of the channel at Bridgeport, where the old lock formerly stood, there was a deposit of earth from a dump-boat, that reduced the depth of water to less than four feet. Locks Nos.

1, 2. and 6, below Lockport, had been exposed to the frost so that they had crumbled away in such a manner that they were no longer safe for navigation, and the dredge and steam crane, repair boats, flats, carts, tools, and canal property wore scattered from Bridgeport to LaSalle, and much out of repair. That part of the Illinois and Michigan Canal known as the or Summit level, had bui four months before been turned over to you from the hands af the Board of Public Works of the City of Chicago, In the condition above stated, with no provision made for shutting off tho water of tho lake, that flowed unobstructed to Lockport. And hero allow mo to remark that under tho arrangement for tho Bummit level of the canal, when first constructed, tho Bummit drainage of tho country nouth and eastof tho canal, andfour miles north of Lockport, and tho canal itself, wasted all its surplus water into tho South Branch at Bridgeport, and thus, by the use of summit level, the summit between Lake Michigan and the Illinois Eivor was only two and a half miles north of Lockport; while under tho arrangements of the deep cut, the summit, so far as drainage is concerned, is many miles north of fc south shore of Lake Michigan, which makes it too plain for doubt that in times of high water something would bo needed to off tho lake, and protect tha lives and property of the citizens of Lockport and Joliet, and tho towns down tho river, to say nothing of the interest of canal navigation. After making aomo preparations, I commenced a dam at Bridgeport, Dec.

11, and completed it Dec. 15, and hau tho water out of the summit level. Wo then commenced removing boulders from the bottom, as well as from tho slope of the canal below water line, and widening the channel under Summit bridge, and Jan. 3,1872, commenced the guard lock at the Summit, having in the intervening time submitted plans and specifications to your Board, which received your approval, and an order for its construction, of the following dimensions: Length between gates, 122 feet; width. 26 feet; depth of water on miter sills, 8 feet at low water of lake; balance of channel 26 feet, spanned with eliding gates, making a drainage capacity equal to the full size of tho on Fob.

12 had so far completed tho whole nndortaldng as to bo able to cut the dam at Bridgeport, and allow the channel to fill, and on Feo. 15 Norton mills commenced operations at Lockport. Locks 1, 2, and having crumbled away, ad as to bo unsafe for navigation, required to be faced with timber. AU being completed, we were ready for tho opening of navigation on March 1, but ou account of tho weather that event was delayed until April 1. Getting the dredge from Henry, the steam crane from the Sag, and tools from Bridgeport, La- Salle, and other points, was next order.

Rebuilding boats for fitting out tho dredge and getting it in working order next occupied our time. In tho intervening time aomo large and troublesome earth-slides had gone into tho channel of the canal, between Summit and Bridgeport, tho removing of which, together with tho deposit in the mouth of tho canal at Bridgeport, has occupied the most of the season with the dredge. The repairs proper of canal have been done by the four repair boats, and about the usual number of mechanics. Navigation has been obstructed two days on tho twenty-two mile level at Marseilles, by a break in tho bank, of small dimensions, but sufficient to require tuo water to bo drawn off, the breach being repaired in the afternoon and night following. and one day by tho breaking of threo trunk braces of Vermilion Aqueduct.

Although tho season has boon uncommonly dry, and tho river never lower, we have been able to keep a full canal through its whole length, except on two or threo occasions, when tho wind was high and strong from the southwest, tho Summit level has been reduced to seven feet on the floor of the old lock at Bridgeport, and on such occasions boats could not pass from Lomont to Bridgeport drawing four feet six inches, which clearly demonstrates that tho deep cut was not cut deep enough. March 19, 1872. received orders from your Board to remove Calumet Dam, at Blue Island. Commenced the removal March 20. but was restrained by order of tho Court, but, pending the action, by mutual arrangement, I removed four feet of tlio top of tho dam, in which situation matters stood until July 12, when I received orders from tout Board again to proceed and remove tho balance of tho dam, ana July 16 commenced operations, and July 18 was again enjoined, and thus matters now stand.

INACCURACY IN VOTE-COUNTING, To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune Sir: Your article iu this calling attention to tho general inaccuracy of tho count made by the Election Judges throughout tho country, is doubtless well-timed. Perhaps the stingy provision generally made for their pay has something to do with this. Tho Election Judgos of thia city, for the last election, wore obliged to take their places at 8 a. and receive votes till 7 p. without intermission for refreshments; and then, without adjournment, to count the votes, which counting took tho most experienced till tho next morning to complete, and many did not get through till lato tho following dav.

what compensation for tills do you suppose has boon allowed? Tim mini of three to each Judge 1 I think tho people of Chicago, after getting tho services of tho Judges for that sum, ought to comolniu much if their votes were not counted any better than tho vote iu Bouton. Chicago, Deo. 30, IH7J, AMUSEMENTS, THEATRE, A largo and fashionable amliouoo grootod (Iharlotto Cushman last availing at MnViulinr'n Theatre on tho occasion of hor appearance an Lady Macbeth. Much lias boon expected of her in this character, and she must have boon something more than huuun to have furnished a realization of all that was looked for. Fitting representatives of this role are so rare in tills ago and generation that it is not usual to find any clearly defined idea os to tho heat approved manner of treating thii extraordinary character creation.

Therefore it may he presumed that Miss Cushman waa expected not only topresent a moro masterly picture than any who have preceded her, hut also to bring forward a conception and Interpretation of tho role almost wholly new. In this there was loft but slight occasion for disappointment. Miss Lady Hacbelh is peculiarly and distinctively her own, differing widely from all others. It is essentially a masterpiece of light and shade, bestowed and arranged by the genius of a great a fierce, fearless nature urging on tho vacillatng coward to a bloody deed, and there the lender, worshipful wife, soothing her lord with all a softness now exerting her utmost power to instil into his nerveless will somewhat of her own mighty courage, and again relapsing into utter weakness and prostration at tho knowledge of the terrible ravages remorse is making upon him. It is not until the sleep-walking scone that she reaches the oxtremest heights of dramatic power.

In all that precedes tho effect is not wholly perfect. The voice and face and hair (for sho wears no wig) show age beyond that which we have been accustomed with Lady Macbeth, the disparity being mono auearaat that Macbeth is made to appear a man la the prime of life; bat in the sleep-walking scene all these peculiarities seem to fit tho occasion with singular exactness, and, allied to the wonderful art of tho actross, serve to complete a portraiture of thrilling intensity. Miss Cushman was warmly applauded from beginning to end, i ud. was twice called before the curtain. Her support was, iu the main, excellent, and tho piece waa finely put upon the stage.

FIRES. OX WEST MADISOX STBEET. At half-past 8 last evening, a fire broke out suddenly on the first floor of the two-story frame building No. 17X West Madison street, near Hoisted. Jacobs dealers in hats, caps, and furs, occupied that portion of the structure, and one member of the firm and a dork had closed the establishment and gone to a neighboring restaurant to get something to eat.

Ten minutes after they left, smoke was observed issuing from the front door, and an alarm was given from Box No. 314. While the firemen were on the wiy to the scene, the police removed all the goods they could. They were obliged, however, to desist after carrying out about S3OO worth of the stock, the flames progressing so rapidly as to force thorn to make their exit. The fire soon made its appearance on the second fioor, and the reflection became quite brilliant.

The light attracted thousands of people, who nearly blocked Madison street, many doubtless expecting an extensive conflagration. The adjacent buildings on either side of No. 171, and nearly the entire number on the block, are frame shells, and had there been favorable wind probably every one would have been reduced to ashes. The Frc Department, by flooding the burning structure, regardless of its contents, precluded the spread of the flames. The adjoining building on the cact was somewhat damaged by Are, as was the one on the west.

Nos. 169 and 171 are owned by Joseph Beuchol, who occupied the second floor of both as a dwelling, and the basement of the former as a store-room for sashes, blinds, and doors. His loss on the buildings will not exceed S4OO, on furniture SIOO, and on stock $l5O. Ho has policies which will partially cover the damage. The first floor of No.

169 was occupied by Henry S. Haas, pawnbroker. His stock was covered up by the Dire Insuranca Patrol, and was not damaged materially. The first floor of No. 171 was, as stated, occupied by Jacobs Co.

Their stock, which was almost totallydostroyed, was worst about $4,000, and is insured for between $2,000 and $3,000 in the iEtna and North Missouri. No. 173, owned by A. Trnesdale, was damaged to the extent of 525 insured for $1,500 in the The origin of the fire is a mystery, but was generally attributed to an overheated stove. EAST MADISON STREET.

The Fire Insurance Patrol extinguished a fire in the basement of a building on East Madison street, near Franklin, about 10 last eveuing. Some one had thrown a lighted cigar on a pile of shavings. No damage resulted. ON SOUTH DESFLAINES STREET. A young lady who boards on the comer of Dcsplaiues and Monroe streets, dropped a lighted kerosene lamp on the floor of her room about 8 last evening.

The oil escaped from the lamp, and, igniting, set fire to the carpet. The flames were put out after the carpet had been slightly damaged. ON SOUTH CANAL STREET. Box No. 317 was turned in at twenty minutes after 1 yesterday afternoon, for a fire at No.

60 South Canal street. The contents of the office of Carter, Baker Dale, attorneys, were damaged to the extent of SIOO. An overheated stove was the cause. ON SOUTH WATER STREET, The alarm from Box No. 4, at a quarter after 4 yesterday afternoon, was occasioned bv a fire in the basement of the four-story brick building, No.

133 South Water street. The structure is occupied by Lyon lung, dealers in produce. Tho gas meter was out of order, and while a man was adjusting it, a pile of straw near by was accidentally ignited. Yery little damage was done. Tho straw covered a pile of potatoes, having been distributed over them to shield them from the cold atmosphere.

THE OX EXPRESS. To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune Sir: It has been a query with mo for soma time what had become of the ox-teams that were of late so numerous about the city; but Christmas has made it plain to me at lost. I had a Christmas present sent mo from Kankakee, and another from Cleveland, 0., and received the first in just seven days, and the other in six. Have another on the way from LaCrosse, which I shall confidently expect within a few days if no snow-blockade ensues. ftow, it ia clear to me that such speed could not be made, especially in those short days, by any other means of locomotion but oxen.

It is a subject of wonder how our good, honest ancestors lived without an Ox-Express to jerk their Christmas things through for them in little or no time; but so it was only a few short years ago. Gee Broad. Chicago, Bee. 29,1572. FIRE ON RAILROAD-TRAINS.

To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune: Sib: Allow me to suggest a plan to prevent tho terrible loss of life by fire on railroad-trains. A tank of water could bo placed above and below tho stoves in tho cars, so constructed that, in case of accident, the fires would bo extinguished at once. Respectfully yours, A Lady. Chicago, Dec. 29, 1372.

A Gentleman Corsican brigandage has beon attracting some little attention in Europe lately. Judging from tho following letter, penned by tho notorious brigand, Suzzoni, end addressed to the French journal, Temps tho profession of a robber ia not incompatible with a certain degree of culture. It ia quito rofretbing to road such a letter nowadays. Dating his letter from Nov. 29, writes M.

Suzzuni to tho editor, havo been good enough to speak of us in a recent issue, and I thank you having done so. Though tho bandit puts the highest price upon liia freedom, ho has a weakness for glory; but he aspires to glory without any reflection upon it, and you have somewhat misrepresented the nature of a transaction in which I played what was, as I flatter myself, a very honorable part. Your version of it would induce people tosuppoae that I stopped a noble candidate for the Assembly upon the Cerviono road merely with a view to depriving him of his coat. I ask you, sir, what could 1 have done with such an article win pimply desirous to obtain tbo pleasure of a plmrt lon with ono of our granilnnn, pifil lo pIIOIT lliri! tllftt Ifl a HllZwmhl higher Uip.m any C'cmni or I)nlco. r.pofw] pitn ns i.

might a friend, aii'Mf I yropHmt'Hbftl. Hpotil'l uxOhant'O )iln rnnfc It tvjifl (ml a joko. by tbo of our lutopvlovr. 1 would mako HpiHMiiMf (m ft fflofid, were I in position to do fin, Inti plptijld never dream of asking ono. A I bfUi'ilt Ifl ft hip it of and I do bo lUjrdnltwi for a flreeU or a Noapobbio co ni'n ifK fnr from my having oxorolncd miy mm furor nMn Inflnfm'vi upon M.

do il.i ll'opo'n b(ivo reason to hollnvn I lint It Mflfndo during our inlid pi 100 I him iicmy voles. Youth, SCANDAL IN HIGH LIFE. Tlltl Mil), mill 'l'll min. (Ifcii, 1(, I itn inj rf tirm Ttirh I hi hi, Yim are, I 1111,111111111, tvttli (ho lent scandal in 111,, ti life, tinning that hii Midi papnr has given It limiil 1 in, I inrun tlm nloinnnnnt nf I -inly Tiiwindicnd ivlUi l.nld Ihlwanl 'I liynno. You have liun.nl of Uin of Urn pui tli and tlui discovery of 1.1 iitin In i'lvriii, mu) of that strange "no English" scene tit Dim -Lord MncdnlT pommelling l.uril Thyiino, null lilh gilllo doing tho uaiiui for Imlf a dozen Eronch wnilnrn who came to tho seducer's aid.

Eurther information thrown some light, 011 tho affair. 'J'ho lady wan very young when Mho heciinm a wife--a school-girl of amt she in now hut HI. Ifor husband wan dovotnd to her, hut ho waa no lona devoted to tho philanthropic Inborn with which ilia natno in associated. la thoao lahom tlio lady boro no share. Sim waa mil wanting in heart, but alio could not make tho care of tho poor tho abr.orhing iutoroat of her life.

And aho had no groat womanly ambition of any other kind. Her leisure waa a torment to hor, and so alio tried to mako an occupation of amuiemcnt. Bho entered with an acquired zoat into all tho elegant dissipations of English fashion, and, unfortunately, without a husband for hor companion. Tho Marquis waa too weakly indulgent of her tastes. Ho was always kind, but he could not bo sympathetic.

His impulses carried him to the haunts of the poor; his carried hor to the fetes of the rich. From the outset of their marriage fate had decreed their separation in heart and mind, divorce infinitely more complete than those kindred judgments of the law, which affect only the body and the estate. The husband wont ono way, tho wife' another; the ono needed no other companionship than that of his own high thoughts the other had no such inner resource against solitude, and she found a Lord Thyune. Of this noblomau it is perhaps not too much to say that he is one of those men who aro masters of all tho arts of misleading, yet they are at tho same time so completely the slaves of their faculty that in default of a better subject they will deceive themselves. They do not alone tempt women from the path of honor, but mon from the path of duty.

Their activities alternate between amorous intrigues and the gamingtable, and they are forever moving in a vicious circle of debauchery. This type is not at all uncommon among the younger eons of tho British cursed with tho fortune of a peasant and tho tastes of a peer. There is a dull uniformity of mischance in their lives. They live on the bounty of tboir rich relations at home until that is exhausted; they got into debt and are obliged to lly abroad, where they seek the means of support in the business of preying on their kind. As it takes a thief to catch a thief, so it takes a gentleman to mako a fool of a gentleman.

They nave tho true eye for a fat quarry of their class. Young Englishmen with pockets full of money and minds as rich in inexperience may always be had for the seeking in Germany and in France, and the aristocratic sportsman who hunts in both countries may live comfortably on the spoil. Insolvency had driven Lord Thynno from England, and ha went to Paris as naturally as a consumptive patient seeks tho air of the South. Ho subsisted on a slender allowance of some £SOO a year, provided mainly by the bounty of his sister, and on some remains of his property. Such, at least, wore his known sources of income, and for the rest it is naturally not within our provinca to attempt to estimate them in detail.

Ha was accompanied in exile by his wife, and her unspotted name was a passport for both to the most brilliant society of tho French capital. His tall, Blender form was a familiar sight at and at the skating club, and although he was verging on ho was distinguished by his erect bearing and hie dandyish air among tho men who attended tho Imperial receptions. He was one of those bom Lotharios whb cannot ceaso to dazzle until they cease to live. His hair was of silvery whiteness, but if it had been black oa night ho could not have trimmed it with a moro coquettish air. Ho was tho idol of many ladies, and he counted among his conquests not only tho daughter of an English noblemen, but tho wife.

Each received his visits to tho family on her own account, and both were the sport of the acquaintances to whom they revealed their secret in turn. But tho mother at lost surrendered her supposed interest in him by eloping with another man, the Captain Gordon whose dual exploit; was tne assassination of an Italian lady and of himself at Naples the other day. Such was tho foreign society of Paris in 18CG. But Lord exile "cam? to an end. His relatives made a compromise with his creditors, and he returned to London some short time before tho outbreak of tho war.

Thus whitewashed ho was once more enabled to figure in good company in his own country, and Lady Townshend came in his way. He offered a perfect contrast to her husband. His mind was free from tho preoccupation of fixed principles, unless the determination to mako oneself agreeable at all hazards may to placed in that category of honor. Ho never failed in his attentions to the woman whoso pride had hitherto taught' her that she was neglected for a dearer object of regard. In fact, Lady Towhshend foil deeply in love with Lord Thynne, and all tho world was aware of it hat the person chiefly concerned, Lady lord.

It was talked of in society. While hia Lordship was absent on his philanthropic missions, his wife took her daily turn in the Bow. and the new friend of the family was always bv her side. It was talked of at the clubs, for her old admirer at last grew so unguarded in his attentions that it was impossible for oven men to shut their eyes. Women had long been in the secret, and when tho outraged wife of Lord Thynne publicly upbraided Lady Townshend at a ball, tho scandal at least reached tho oars.

But his trustful affection readily accepted tho explanation that was offered, and his confidence was so firmly ro-establiehod that he did not even suspect the cause of her flight until three days after she bad left his house. There is every reason to believe that the elopement, though duo to a deeply laid design on Lord part, was prompted by a sudden impulse on that of his victim. Her admirer had disposed of his house in London for ready money, and he had several times seemed to be urging her to some course which she resolutely declined. On tho day of her flight she was dressed for a round of visits in town, and totally unprovided with tho simplest necessaries of the toilet for a voyage. Her costume attracted attention at Dover, and when she was discovered her maid had to bo despatched to Paris with her jewels and clothes.

WINNING THE WRONG WOMAN. A Stri Icing Illustration of the grors of Epistolary Courtship, and of the Caused by Similar Prom the Pittsburgh Commercial A novel breach of promise of marriage was brought to light in this city a short time since, and is now pending before arbitrators. Eighteen years ago, near the City of Belfast, an impressible young Irishman fell deeply in lovo with a blushing, rosy-chcekod lass of his own neighborhood, at a given at the house of a friend. The young man had never been in love, and he was so smitten by tho charms of tho fair one that he could not rest until ho made a proposal of marriage. With the characteristic boldness of a rollicking young Irishman, ho popped tho question, but was somewhat cooled in his ardor on finding that tho object of his adoration did not receive tho proposition with that favor which ho had anticipated.

However, like many another suitor, ho was compelled to accept tho decrees of fate. Time wore on, and tho young man, having determined to sock his fortune America, bade adieu to friends at homo, and no farewell was so sorrowful as that uttered in tho hearing of tho girl ho left behind He located hero in Pittsburgh, and obtained employment in a rolling-mill on tho South Side. Seventeen years had passed, and the impressible young man. who had been so smitten with tho rosoy-cheekod lass, had changed materially ia appearance, in feeling, and in sentiment, but ho still nursed an affection for his first lovo. Indeed, ho had never loved another, so she remained not only his first, but only love.

He had lost all traco of her, however, for many years, and did not know whether she was married or single, living or dead. A friend from Ireland happened to call upon him, and tho recollections of auld lane ayno were revived. How natural It wbb for Jlr. to about his love-laea. With deepening interest he learned' that she was still alive, and that aho waa doing well, and better than all, that sho wes unmarried.

The old flame waa soon rekindled. Thinking that time, and, perhaps, want of better opportunity, might have changed the feelings of tho rosy-choekea lass, he determined toreoew tho offer of seventeen years before. Ho had learned in that time to look upon matrimony with somewhat of a business eye. and ho found an additional incentive in the foot that tho maiden had become an accomplished seamstress, and carried on a profitable establishment on her own account. Then Mr.

hud ability to earn a handsome competence, and realizing how pleasant it would bo to Join their fortunes hero in the Smoky City, ho possessed himself of the proper address, and, in tho glowing language of an ardent ho tom tho story of his years of patient waiting, his unceasing affection, and all that sort of thing. Then ho camo right down to business, proposing to send her money to pay her passage to THUlnirgh, and to make her his wife immediately on her arrival here. Tho letter was received, and the response was favorable. Several lender opislies passed between tho parties; but a remarkable fact was fact that seemed ominous of evil to Mr. namely: That Miss could not recall the or seventeen years before.

It was uncountable to him that she could havo altogether forgotten Hint night, and the conquest she achieved in winning his hoarc. Notwithstanding this troublesome circumstance, tho details wore arranged and the contract Anally entered into. The passage money was forwarded, tho vessel selected, and it waa understood that on tho arrival at tho Union depot in this city sho would display a whlto handkerchief from a car window On the left-hand side, so that Mr. could And her without difficulty. Tho happy day camo, Mr.

was in waiting, and tho train was momentarily expected. On his arrival he scanned tho windows on tho left side of the train, but sow no signal. The passengers had nearly left tho platform, and ho was about giving np in despair, when he was approached by an elderly and not over prepossessing lady, who said: take you for a countryman of mine, and as lam a stranger hero, I wish to ask you if yon know Mr. who works in am tho very answered Mr. and I came here to meet Miss am Mias sir replied the lady.

Mr. gazed at tho woman in utter astonishment, and failed to recognize in her the who had so captivated him seventeen years before. A fearful mistake had been made, and Mr. woe compelled to inform Miss that ehe was not-the lady who had won his love, and for whom he had so long cherished an affection. It is not necessary to detail the explanations which followed.

It is enough to say that Mr. refused to many her because she was not the person he loved, and tho person ho supposed he had courted by letter. An examination developed the startling fact that she was a second consin of the rosy-cheeked that she bore tho same name precisely, lived In the same locality, and waa the daughter of a man whose name was identical with that of the father of the maiden with the rosy cheeks. The from had caused oil the mischief in mistaking one lady for another. Mr.

courted the wrong person; and worse than all, he had made a solemn promise of marriage in writing, which contract tho lady held in her possession. She was some eight years older than the rosy-cheeked which placed her on tho wrong side of fifty, and this was an additional barrier to tho consummation of the contract on the part of Mr. Bat tho lady, who had come so far to wed, Stood upon her contract, and when tears and persuasions failed, she sought legal advice. Mr. held that he was not liable under the promise, bnt, on advice of his counsel, agreed to refer the whole matter to arbitrators, whose decision is to be Anal.

The arbitrators chosen are three mem hers of tho Bar, who aro now engaged in perueing tho correspondence and hearing evidence, to enable them to arrive at a just conclusion. It is understood that Mr. agrees to pay Miss passage back to Ireland; bnt the lady ineiste that she is entitled to damages for breach of promise. The lawyers think there is a nice question of law involved, and the case would have gone before the Court had it not been that both parties wish to avoid the publicity which a public trial would involve. PREVENTION OF FIRES.

lidter from Powers, the To the Editors of the yew York Evening Post: Tho terrible disasters at Chicago and Boston have not surprised me, for I have eiptected these things to happen whenever a certain bination of circumstances should occur. We have built houses with atone, bricks, and other materials, apparently fire-proof, and have filled them with combustible materials from top to bottom. Yea, we have put a wick at a Mansard roof, to set them a blaze the moment another similar bull din" on fire affords the torch to them. Not to multiply words, wo havo made furnaces of our for smelting purposes if the outer walls would only stand the fire! But they also tumble down, and so the firtj Spreads to Otlicr similar the streets in Chicago took fire. They were paved with pitch! Thus pitch at bottom and carefully dried boards smeared with pitch at top I Does it require the voice of a prophet to foretell the fate, sooner or later, of a city so built up I havo the highest respect for the ability and skill of my countrymen.

Indeed they surpass, in the main, all other nations in this regard. But nevertheless we have a few things to learn, and among them is how to make, not a house, but a whole city, fire-proof, for no fire-proof house can be made in the midst of highly combustible buildings. Indeed there is no safe that will withstand the heat of a furnace. The very walls will melt or crumble into dost, if not from inner fires, at least from outer flames. to be fire-proof in our own buildings, our houses must also be fireproof and this calls for municipal laws, regulating the material and the construction of buildings, and what should bo required.

abandonment of all wood floors. floors to be made of bricks, thus sealing down all ventilation in case of stairs to be metallic, or of stone. I The rafters of the roof, like the joists of the doors, to to all bricked over before putting on the slates or tiles. Eat (it may be asked) will not joists and rafters take fire Yes they will, and often do take firo hero in Florence. Bat with a floor of bricks laid with mortar upon them the Fire Department need not hurry to such a fire; hours, indeed, might elapse before they reached it.

I have known an instance of nearly two days burning of the end of a joist, just under a fire-place, and yet the beam not burnt off, only deeply charred. The firo cannot get through the bricks, but it would soon find its way through a wood floor, and then with ventilation it would soon reach the garret. In short the whole building would be in flames within half an hour. Brick floors do not prevent fires, but they prevent conflagrations. No city can ha burnt with brick floors, nor has a house been burnt within the city of Florence during my residence here of thirty-five years.

Florence, Nov. 27,1672. Toil may Uy a floor of wood on bricks. Anecdotes of Edwin From the Philadelphia Press. One night we visited the circus, and ho was in raptures with the riders, one in particular, a fine youthful athlete.

that hoy, with all his youth and said Forrest, far more pleasure to this audience than I could in Othello or Macbeth. How I envy the handsome rascal I have before related our call on Henry Clay, in 165J, when ho was stopping at the American Hotel, Chestnut street, after tbo Compromise Measures, which Clay advocated, and the famous Pierre Soule, of Louisiana, violently opposed. I praised abilities, which Mr. Clay at once denied, ending with the exclamation; is nothing but an actor, when, suddenly recollecting that the great tragedian was present, ho added quickly; I mean a French actor, Mr. As we passed down stairs after the interview Forrest laughed very heartily as ho said And I think tho best actor of the two was tho old man Once a few of us were asked to dine with a man about town, and when wo reached the rooms, at the appointed time, we found our host had forgotten bis invitation.

YiTe did not remind him of hie neglect, but sought onr homes, wi'or and hungrier men. Forrcsc preferred to cat his dinner at on Seventh street, where I found him an hour later, with a large broiled chicken before him, and a bottle of champaguo at his side. As I drank his health, ho exclaimed, plunging his fork into the luscious foul, I old holding it out at length, bird in tho hand is worth two in the At my rooms, in Washington, on a certain occasion, a Senator, deeply in hia enps, insisted npon roughly handling tho tragedian, who was then Buffering from gout. Forrest boro it for a long time, while the guests wore greatly annoyed. At last, unable to hear tho pain, he said it.

air, nnhand mo. or I will recite mm ot pour speeches, and then everybody He had a fund of anecdote about Oenerrl Jackson, whom ho bad known in bis bovhood Nashville, but waa not much irapressed'by Gei whom.be ha.l mat at Richmon Ho was among the spectators of tho reception, and liked to tell hew the Fran patriot questioned evoryboly that salutad him Are you married be would ask, and It the reply was, Yes, the Marquis would say. Happy man and if the next one answered No to tho same interrogatory, tho illustrious would also exclaim, When he prosecuted our Sunday Dispatch tr libel, on account of tho severe criticisms of finest of dramatic reviewers, John D. Stockton, I caned on him, and, telling how kind Captain Hineken, one of the proprietors, had been to me when I started the Press, be quickly rejoined. A man who did that for you in your days l' trial, my friend, must be a good man.

Telegrap- Dougherty to stop proceedings on tho condiiioi of the proper retraction to bo written by And it waa done. ti.is Dno. £9, at residence of tin the J. Burrell, Mr. James Carter nnd -Miaa Emma Cli-ruih'jrs, daughter Edward Chambers, of this No cards.

Dec. 30, Thomas bod of Ann Lewis, at late residence, 111 aged 23 years and I months. the residence of his parents, in this No. 97 Dec. 29, of conmmpilon, Edward il only son of S.

S. and Wright, agod 18 years, months, and lldtya. Sunday, Dec. 29, Mrs, Sarah Egan, aged Mi rears and 10 1 Funeral from the residence ot her slater, Mrs. Chattertoa, 191 Tuesday, at York papers copy.

city, on tho 29th Willie Eugene, youngest child of Andrew J. and Jcnaio A. Park, aged 1 months and 13 days. Funeral from tho residence of his parents, West roe and Cali oral.vav., on Wednesday, at 11 ff2fUtica (N. papers plcaso copy.

Dec. S3. IST2. at her residence, 613 South Chicago, 111., ilrs. C.

A. in tbo 5-lth year of her ago. Funeral fccvlcos at St. SI. E.

Church, corner Wednesday, Jan. 1, 15T3, at 10:30 a. m. of tho family invited to attend. Carmg-s Cemetery.

Pr Watertown (N. and Canada papers please copy. mmun sale; Public At our Store, Eos. S5 and 87 MONDAY' and TUESDAY, Deo. 30 and Bu at 10 a.

m. and 2 p. rEJ $20,000 WOETH OF Diamond Sets, Eings, and Pin Gold and Silver Watches. Beautiful Gold Jewelry. Test and Opera Chains, Pins, Eings, Lockets.

Clocks, Opera Glasses, Furs, Also a splendid line of Fancy Goods. positive and without reserve. EXiI3QI7 FQ3TBB, Auctioneers. DRY GOODS, IMS, NOTIONS, THIS MORNING, at Very large lire Furs, which aro vo bo closed rogardlesa of cost. La: assortment of other HARRISON OF Household Furniture AUCTION, On TUESDAY MOKNXNG, Deo.

31, Et at 440 Stato-st. Look out for gains, as the property will positively be soli- EXiISOS' EOSTEH, Auctioneers. By WM. A. BUTTERS CO.

65 and 57 South O.ual-at. BOOTS AND SHOE AT AUCTION, on MvimiNO, Dto. at 9:30 at 55 and 57 Cacal-st. CiteailKi Oa "WEDNESDAY, Jan. 1, at 10 o'cloc at 23, 27, 25 and 31 West Washington-st.

WM. A. BUTTERS A Auctioneers Custom-Made OlofeMug 1 Shirts. Drawers, On 2. at 9V; WM.

A. BUTTERS Ancuoneets. Cnstoi-fiai Going OH TUESDAY, DEC, '3l, AT 91-2 These goods, In style and quality, are surpassed in Chicago, we shall offer in a dition to the above, Pino All "Wool wear. Caps and Turbans, Knit Goods, Gloves, Pine Plated "Ware and Cutlery, Pino Seta, GSO. P.

GOlll3 23, 2i and 23 P-aadolph-st. LAST AUCTION SALE Boots and Shoe; FOR 1572, ON TOM, EEC. 31, AT 9 1-2 Advanced prices will rule in 1573, and bn era should not forget that this is the CHANCE to get goods at THEXK OVT. PRICES. GEO.

P. GORE Hiram Powers. By W. O. HOFF3HA2ff, IMPORTANT SALES OF TEAS.

L. M. HOFFMAI SOX CO. will soli on WEDNESDAY, Jan. 8, 1873, at II At Salesroom, Nos.

97 and lifevr 'York, By order of tho importer, 13.C00 packages choice Season Teas, coroprLinjf invoices of Green Teas, Oolong Souchongs, and Japans. Catalogues and amnios will be ready at the ofllco of auctioneer on and after the 2d of January; and at tr. salesroom, two days previous to sale. Sale FOEFIITED PLID6I Of AvGOLOSMID, Pawnbroker, will sold at r'USXcIO At without reserve, f.r 2 r.u\. a-; on WEDNEo- DAi, 1, at a.

m. in tho iDornutg. Liok out loi bargains UHnnr.ds do. HAUKihOX A Auctioneers, UJ Suira Caa.il-^t. 33T ORDER OP THE U.

S. COURT, I will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION, at fho office of bank, pcc. 31,1372, at 13 o'clock for cash, all tk office fixtures of the Scandinavian National Bank, cotu lug of bank counter, desks, chairs. bitter press, do. 1).

HARVEY, lU'cclvar maebisd. DIED. AUCTION SALES. By EDISON FOSTEB. The Grand.

Central WIIiIi SEXjIj AT WM. A. BUTTERS DRY GOODS, By GEO. P. GOBE CO.

AT AUCTION, 3 IB Jk. THE BALANCE OF THE AUCTION SALE..