New Orleans Republican

COMMISSIONER WELLER'S COURT.-The case of the United States against the captains of the tugboats Admiral and Aspinwall, charged with manslaughter in having caused the death of Officer Douglass, was before the Commissioner. There were several witnesses examined both for the prosecution and defense. The material part of the testimony is already before the public, and there was little or nothing new transpired at the examination before the Commissioner.

The managing owner and agent of the Aspinwall, Mr. Henry Copes, was examined at some length. His evidence was in favor of the two defendants in the case, as men of character, sober, competent and careful. A young lad, about fifteen years old, also gave his evidence in a clear, straightforward manner, but threw no additional light on the affair. Steamboat Inspector Flanders was also examined, and a copy of the rules set forth to govern boats on the river was submitted in evidence.

There was no argument by counsel, and the Commissioner decided that there was no evidence to show any culpable negligence on the part of either the captain of the Admiral or of the Aspinwall. He said he was convinced that the Aspinwall had no intention to pass the Admiral. Had she made attempt without making the signals according to the rules, a great fault would have been committed; but the proof was the other way. He should, therefore, dismiss the case and discharge the prisoners. In disposing of the case, which the Commissioner regarded as a pure accident, he spoke with much feeling of the death of a worthy young man.