AMERICAN ITEMS.

Evening Star, Issue 4085, 30 March 1876, Page 4

AMERICAN ITEMS.

The annual rental of pews in Plymouth Church (Mr Beecher’s), the * New York Tribune’ of the sth January says, occurred on the previous evening. There \yas a full attendance, and the bidding was spirited. ’ The entire sum realised from premiums and rentals amounted to 63,680 dollars (about L12J56), against 71,100 dollars last year. The result, however, was gratifying to the members of the church, in view of the “ hard times ” which prevail. The ‘ New York Sunday Mercury ’ announces that a council composed of the most eminent Congregationalist divines, has been ordered to inquire into the fitness of Beecher to i*emain in the denomination. The witnesses will likely be Redpath, Mr Bradshaw, Florence Tilton, Mrs Moulton, and Mrs Stanton. A Bill has been introduced into the Ohio Legislature making habitual drunkenness for one year sufficient cause for divorce. A move is on foot in the Southern States in favor of Treasurer Bristow for President, and Postmaster Jewell for Vice-President.

General Backock, charged with conspiracy in connection with whiskey frauds, has been acquitted. The President gave evidence on his behalf. There were great rejoicings over the event at St. Louis. Backock has since sent in his resignation as private secret tary to the President.

The great four-mile repeat race at Frisco for purse of 10,000d015., given by Pacific Jockey Club, obtained eight entries, and was won by Forsters. . . A great Bank robbery was committed at Baker’s Field on the 18 th February. Cashier Lansing said that while putting away the books into safes, he went to attend to a knock at the door. A man entered and knocked him down with a club, making him insensible, and then stole 27,000d015. Chief Ellis was notified, and at once despatched Detectives Keiper and Stone to the scene of robbery. Within a short time they discovered that Lansing was the true thief, and arrested him for theft. Lansing then made a clean breast of the affair, and told the officers where to look for the .funds. Eight thousand dollars were, found concealed in an outhouse, and the remainder had been secreted in the wall of the Bank. A hole had been cut in the wall paper and the money dropped down. The hole was then concealed by hanging a picture over it. The cashier has been arrested, and all the money recovered to the extent of 20,000d015. He is being tried in New York.

Reverdy Johnson died at Anapolis, Maryland, on Wednesday, February D, from injuries resulting from an accidental fall in June, 1809. While Minister to England, he negotiated the treaty 5 for the settlement of the Alabama claims, which is respected by the Senate. Up to the time of his death, at the advanced age of 79 years, there was no indication of decay of his intellect, or the failure of his great powers,