The New York Herald Newspaper, February 16, 1855, Page 2

362 : NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1855. AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. ~~ ‘THE PACIFIC RAILROAD BILL IN THE SENATE. tateresting Debate on Steamers, he Collins Important Bill Regulating Emigrant bipments. INCREASE OF SUPREME COURT JUDGES’ SALARIES, MORE ABOUT THE GIBSON CASE. Gorrespondence on all Sorts of Toples, &., &e., &o. THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION. Senate. Wasnincton, Feb. 15, 1855, ARMY OFYIOKRS AND KANSAS LANDS. A communication was received from the Secretary of War, giving further information with regard to the alleged interference of officers of the army with lands seserved in Kansas for the Delaware Indians. ‘THE WORKS OF JEFFERSON, HAMILTON AND MADISON. On motion of Mr. CLayroy, (whig) of Del., the Com- gnittee on the Library was instructed to inquire into the expediency of publishing the works of Jefferson, Hamil- fen and Madison, and the papors and correspondence ef James Monroe. INCREASE OF REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS’ PENSIONS, On motion of Mr. Cass, (dem.) of Mich., the Commit- fee on Pensions was directed to inquire into the propriety ‘of paying all the Revolutionary soldiers and officers now living one hundred dollars per annum from the first of January last, where their pensions are less than that sam. ‘ADDITIONAL CIRCUYT COURTS IN MAASOURI AND ONTO. The bill authorizing the holding of an additional term ‘of the Circuit Court of the United States for Missouri, ‘was amended £0 ax to include the district of Ohio, and MILITARY HOSPITAL IN MINNESOTA, ETC, A bill was also passed, providing for the. erection of military hospital near Pembina River, Minnesota, for ‘the relief of families, and for the benelit of the officers and crew of the United States ship Sea Gull, and for tne establishment of a land district in Oregon. THE INDIAN APPROPRIATION BILL. The amendment to the Indian appropriation bill pend- tog at the adjournment yesterday, respecting the pay- ment of the claim of R. W. Thompson, was opposed by Messrs. Bayard and Stuart, the latter’ reading from offi- eial documents to show that Thompson held intercourse with the Indians, contrary to law Mr. Brown, (dem.) of Miss., replied, setting forth that Thompson not only urged, but obtained for the Im- dians an equitable claim, which our government was in- atined to disavow. Mr. Hovstow, (dem.) of Texas—When the government doen not heep faith with the Indians, it docs not seem very disreputable for private individuals to follow their example. ‘The amendment was then'lost, by yeas 19, nays 24, Mr. Buown then introduced ‘an order requiting the Comptroller of the Treasury to examine the claim of ‘Thompson, as to whether anything and how much was 4ue to him, and report to next Congress. Negatived by « vote of 19 to 14. ‘THE HOUR OF MEETING, ETC. Mr, Wrurr, (dem.) of Cal., rose to order that the Sepaie, for the residue of the session, meet at 11 o'clock. ‘The order was reconsidered and laid on the table. An executive session wad held, and the nomination of 3 arter to five o'clock, upor ion, there being but twelve Senators present, the Senate ad- jeurned, Wasuixeron, Feb, 15, 1855. JHE BRTTER VREKERVATION OF LIFE ON BOARD PASSENGER VESSELS. Mr: Srwanp, from the Committee on Commerce, asked the consideration of the bill regulating the carriage of passengers in steamships and other vessels, ‘Tre bill was read twice, and put upon its passage, [The bill is given in another columa } Mr. Bexsansx, (whig) of La —lask that the further reading of the bill be suspenied, while 1 make a state- ment ip relation to it tothe Senate. TheSenateis aware that the subject of a passenger law was referred at the jast session to a special committee, of which the hon- erable Senator from New York, now absent in con- sequence of ill health, (Mr. Fish,) was chairman, and this bill is now reported from the Committee on Com- merce. Lassented to it reluctantly, because, prior to the departure of that honorable Senator from New York, he being sstisfied that there was no time for his bill to pass at this seseion, he requested me to pay expecial attention to it, and not allow action en it during his abserce. I withdrew my opposition to the reporting ef the present bill in the Committee on Commerce upon tatements being made that the Senator had assented to the modification of the bill which he, as chairman of elect committee, has reported to the Senate. I ince received a letter from bim, from which I tements were erroneous, and that bill as reported by the select com- mittee, aud which is the fruit of much labor, and the gathering together of mach information from ‘all parts ot the Union. I think, under the circumstances, the Senate will not be disposed to put this bill upon its pas- eaze in this hasty manner. Mr. SEWARD—Mr. President—My esteemed colleague ree Fisb) submitted at the last session a motion to ave a rpecial committee appointed for the purpose of considering the defects in the passenger laws, aud that committee reported a bili to remedy those defects. Mr. | Fish was leaving here the otber dey when a number of New York merchants appeared and stated there was gteat ¢mbarrassment in their city, resulting from the ecizuze of vessels, owing to the misconstructioa of the ex- isting laws, They called on the Treasury Department, aud that department framed a bill which {s exactly like a | and they requested me to introduce the bill here. answered, that if it conflicted with the bill of my colleague, Tcould not, and that I must have his permission. My col- league went away suddenly. I did not s9 him again. Tey reported to me that he assented to, and approved of, the introduction of this bill. I was preparad then to present it, and I called upcn the Senator from Louisiana, one of my associates on the Committee on Commerce, to obtain lus co-operation. He told me he had been re- quested by my colleague to watch his own bill, and not | , another proposed | 40 consent to, or permit the pas by the citizens of New York. eo ‘nereupon I refrained, and advised the parties in New Vork of the circum: | stances. They replied to me that although I had not seen my colleague, he“had assentei to it; and they pro- duced to me a letter from the Secretary of the Trea sury, saying that the department understood him to bave assented to it. Unier these circumstances the bill of my colleague was referred, oo the moticn cf the Yenator from California, (Mc. Gwin,) te the Committee on Commerce, by whom yester iy morning | was unmmimourly instructed to report this bill, urge its passage; ani ac pa tare the informa urred in that recommen- tion which he thea dati in the shspe in which it wae sent from the Treasury Department. Now, my friend from Louisiana, who has just come into Seaate during the second reading of the bili, says that he has just now received lace information, fron my colleague, ‘Mr. Fish, in which he protests against the passage of this bul.’ Inasmuch as it concerns the city of New York, which is more immediately within his representation than mine, that is sufficient to induce me to consent that the matter lie over until we hear further from hii. Mr. Brxsamix—I have but one word of furthcr expla- nation, and it is simply to say. in justice to the Senator from New York now present, that when I informad him ‘af the desire of his colleague that the bill should be de ferred until he couli return to have action on it, he cheerfully yielded, and did not insist on this bill uatil he had been informed that hie colleague had yielded his ob- jections. The following is the letter fom the Secretary of the Treasury, alluded to by Mr. Seward:— TREASURY Derantaest, Feb,"3, 1855. Syr—1 have the honor to acknowledge the rezeipt of your communication of the 2d instant, with the mn pany ing copy of a bill regulating the carriage of passen- fteamships and other vessels, and which forms h chapter of the compendium of the revenue pared by this department, and in reply, to state, the department approves the chapter in question. as amended, but proposes to attach an add the repealing section, and a copy of which ix aerewith enclosed. Copies of the chapter as amended have been this day forwarded to the Committees on Commerce of both houses of Congress. {have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obe éient servant, __JA3, GUTHE Secretary of the Treasury. To the Hon. W. H. Sewanrp, U.S. Senator. The bill was then laid over. SUPREME COURT JUDGRS’ SALARIES INCREASED, Mr. Tovcey, (dem.) of Conn., intro luce! « bill to in crease the salaries of the Judges of the Supreme Court, which was passed, by 30 yeas to 15 nays. GENERAL NOCSTON AND Wis OPP ovEyTs a Mr. Hovstor, (dem.) of Texas, no} he Senate tha there was a asphle’ villifying him, trom the pen of Thomas J. Groen, which had been ls'd on Senito-s’ desks. He then gave Mr Green a» tremendous lashing, Mr. Cass, (dem ) of Mich., said he did not believe a word of such charges; whereupon the subject was eropped. EXTRA COMPENSATION TO COMMODORE PERKY, The Committee on Foreign Relations reported a bill woes $25,000 to Commodore Perry on,account of Bis diplomatic services at Japan. 1OWA LAND BILE. A bill to change the boundaries of the land districts of Sowa was pas THE SWAMP LANDS, ‘The Senate adhering to its amendments with regard to the Swamp Land bill, asked for a committee of confe- rence. 5 obi 4 UAa, ga seo wit phe After a) sho recedence the Dfs- trict of mb abd Maou ro eid Mr. Gwin mo" ‘a’ 8 bill, poy ere, Southorn and Central router, av oenbstite ah’ original bill reported by the select commitiee. Nor- ite for onal clause to | Br ee th "The Senate then adjourned. + House of Representatives. Wasmeten, Feb, 16, 1855, ‘THE LAND GRADUATNON BILL. ‘The SPRAKER anmounced the first business in order to be Bennett’s bill granting lands equally to the several States for railroad and scheol purposes, and that Mr. Hamilton was entitled to the floor. iy Mr. Haven, (whig) of N. Y., appealed to him to yield it, with the view of going into Committee of the Whole om the State of t he Unton on appropriation bills. There were now but fourteen bes the session, and those bills may be lost are at omed ac! a ‘ Hovsto} f Ala —No deubt of it. Mr, Euuiiz03, (eiem) of i, ‘thom moved that Mr. Bennett’s bill be committed to the Committee of the demanded t Whol Stete of the Union, and he arcteshen, pending whieh the House went inte previous question, pending committeeon THE MAIL STEAMER APPROPRIAMON BILL-—THE COLLINS STEAMSEIPS. ‘ Mr. Oups, (dem.) of Ohio, offered an amendment, a) Piating wight, hundxed and ity cight thousand dal- sme for the transportation of the from New York to Live back, and repe: that part of the Do. and p ficienc; of 1850 which ‘dizects bs 2 of the Navy 4 terminate the arrangement for the litional allowance to the Collins line, proviled Collins and his associates ae el all due to build another steamship, in accordance with the terms of the contract, and bave seme ready for mail service in twe years from the passage of this act. If the steamship is not ready within the ‘time ment , by reason of any neglect or want of any diligence on their part, then the shallcarry the mails-between New York ‘and Liver; ) from the ‘expiration‘of said two years, every fortnight, free of charge to the government, until the new steam- ship halk have commenced said service. . OLDS, presuming the amendment was understood, would not trouble the House with a speech unless the proposition should be opposed. A Voice—Opyosed. . ‘Mr. TWEED, seen: ) of N. ¥., inquired whether there has not been a pro; to carry mail between New ieee Liverpool, less rate than was paid to Mr. Collins? Voicrs—Yes; Jess than one half. Mr. Oxps replied—Sucn proposition has been made. Mr. Smirn, (dem.) of Va., objected to the gentleman postponing his remarks under the idea that House underst vhe subject. He wanted the gentleman to give a reason for this enormous appropriation, eepecially had been made to perform the service for the money now paid. Mr. Oxps remarked, he was heretofore faverable ito giving notice for a cessation of the extra compensation, ut subsequent investigation has convinced bim that justice to Mr. Collins requires the money to be given. His line of steamers have done more for the American name and skill on the ocean than all the govermment steamers put together, Mr. Souters, (whig) of Md., inquired whether the Collins line was not held b; itish Mr. Oxps expressed the belief that net a single dollar of the line is owned abroad, and spoke in high praise of the beauty, model and excsilence of construction of the Collias steamers ‘That line must go down if this appro- riation is withheld. No doubt Mr. Collins coul: form the service for much North Star, but not in steamers like the Atlantic, Baltic and Pacific. The new steamer Adriatic will not, he ven- tured to say, be excelled by any on the ocean, Mr. Col- ling has more than performed his regular en; ment. We live in « fast we have fast horses pretty women—(laughter)—and we want the fastest steamers in the world. The Collins line cannot be sustained un- less extra compensation be allowed. Never yet has the company been able to declare a dividend on the capital stock, and within a few weeks the stock has been sold for sixty cents on the dollar. As to the unsuitable- ness of those steamers for war, the idea originated amoi the old fogies of the Navy Department. Every vessel, no matter how perfect the model, how excellent her moving qualities, receives their condemnation unless built under their own supervision, He re‘erred to the testimony of Commodore Stewart and others, to show the superiority of the vessels of the Collins line, and that they can be appropriated to war purposes. Mr. Sirs, of Va., eaid he had listened with inexp' sible surprise to tlie spesch of the gentleman, who the last member from whom he expected to he: remarkable somersault. It filled him with amazement. Mr. Oups asked him to give way for an explanation. Mr. SaitH #aid ne would be willing to do #0, and would thank the gentleman to tell why he urged th propria tion, when the service could be done just as well for half the money? But the gentieman had taken his seat w.th- out making the explanation. Mr, Ops said propositions were made for carrying the mails for less, but the object was to induce Collins to buy off the proprietors, Advertisements were published for the performance of the mail service, but not a single bid was received, Mr. SauTu.—When was that? Mr. OLps.—During the last Congress. The same men bave come forward offering t> do the service for less money then is paid Collins. Vanderbilt wanted to enlist him (Olds) in bis behalf; but he refused. He did not want such vessels as the North star, but those which can be converted into war steamers, like those of the Collics line. Mr. Sara rei med reuding from a speech of Mr. Olds, delivered in 1552, to the effect, that we bad a responsi- ble bidder before our committee, and the bil was re- ported for the ‘ransportst on of the mails from Jeree ‘ity to Galway, Ireland, at $10,000 the round trip. if his were so, asked Mr. Smith,’ why give Mr. Collins 33,00 for the same service? ’ Further, the gentleman ‘rom Ohio said in the same speech that’ members want to give the extra compensation as a bonus to beat the | Britieh line. Let them say so and not do it under the | pretence that it is sary to the mail service of the country. Mr. Smith’ read other extracts : “As Chairman of the Committee on Post Offic Post Koads, the gentleman from Ohio thea persecu- ted Mesere. Collins & Co, butlike Paul journeying from | Tarsus to Damascus,had fallen under the power of a aew ig! bas been converted in an extraordn wonderiul manner to a different conclusion.” (Laugh- ter.) He readan account of Paul’s conversion from the New Testament, not in the spirit of irraveranca, but to point a moral and adorn a tale, The conversion of the Apostle, the great persecutor of ‘the Christians of that doy, was ecarcely less miraculous than the sudden | and unexpected conversion of the Chairman of the Post | Office Committee. (Laughter.) Mr. OLps expressed the hope that bis conversion was as pure ws that of St. Paul’s, but he should not go to hin, (Smith, aw St, Pant dito Annaniag, to recover his sight. | ‘Mr. Sar, resuming, said the geatleman had alluded to the old fogies of the Navy Bareau to get rid of 19 responsibility of his official station— | ‘Oh, wad the power the giltie gle us, To tee ourselves as others see us, It wad frae many » blunder fre us, Aad foolish notion He would proclaim it here that Mr. Vanlerbilt fers? to do the service for a very consilerably sess tam thin | Mr. Collins, tendering good security; but the propos'- | tion was rejected and duly disregarded, in order to con- | tinue the present monopoly. He declared himself op- | posed to the whole scheme, viewing it as a source of cor pruptin. ir. O1ps asked, if the gentleman was so opposed to extras, how he got the name of ‘Extra Billy?” (Laughter. ) | | Mr. Saori retorted. The gent’eman had no right to be impertinent. But it was only one who could violate the rules of oréer who could violate the rules of good man- ners. He got the name honofably by extra and faith- ful service in the democratic party, not by dishoaorabl> means or unworthy trick. ‘Do you,’’ he asked Mr, Olds, “ understand that!’ (Sensation Mr. OLps—You ought to understand it better than oar gee r. Sarre further replied, saying in conclusion, “ Weuld to God the gentleman's past history was that of w democrat,’” Mr. Watarivor, (dem ) 0” N. Y. said—Mr. Chairman, Looking to the important relations which the city of New York bears toward the commerce of the Unisn, and | the measure of her annual contributions to the revenue | of the country, no one will deny she has a legitim | right to be heard in the matter now before us. T question involves high and grave considerations. It af- fects deeply our commercial interests, and is ao less | than this: Shall American naval enterprise, invited by your legislation, begun and sustained under your aus- | pices for the wisest considerations, and resting upoa a is of the soundest economy to the country, be ne- ox or discarded by hesitancy or refusal to continue he cdatract which gives us a position of ascendancy in the rivelry between this coantry and Great Britain in ocean pavigation, The gencral government had long felt the reproach that lay at its door for neglecting the interests of our commerce for seven yeara, by permitting our transatlantic rival deliberately to assume superiority in ocean steam naviza- tion, In the yesr 1838, the first ehip of the Cunard line was built. 8) d the Great Britain. In | the ing, the British government made a con- ven years with the proprietors for carrying from their shores to ours, What was the con: dition of things at that time in the competition between the American British sailing vessels? The former | eefled all competition in the transportation of light | merchandise and of passenge Superior apoed and other sailing qualities placed them far ahead of the Eng: lish models. What was to bedone’ Tho British govarn- ment, justly sensitive to the commercial interests of its | citizens, sought a remedy in the contract of 1839 with | Cunard, and with it went to that line almost a mo- nopoly of the valuable carrying trade which we had previously possessed. In this new and profitable | channel of business, our Angiofrivals weat on most prosperously for themselves, but most detrimentally | to our splendid clipper ships, that had been doing | « thrifty bus'ness, and had distinguished themselves in this special department of the carrying tr | The country felt the neglect; our people saw the | listlensness of the legislative department in the matter, but finally publis opinion—the propelling power in out institations—reached there balls and dictated the enact- t of 1845, by which the Postmaster General was thorized “to contract for the transportation of the ited States mail between any of the ports of the nited States and a port or ports of any foreign power, ——— Fee 3 3 , in bis opiaion, the public interest wou! thereby be noted,’’ and the Postmaster General was also directed, in all cases of offer to contract for carry- ing the mail between any ports of the United States and | S87, foreign port or place, ‘ to give the preference to such bidder as sball contract to carry the mail in « steamsbip or steamshi: nd the said contractor atipu- lating to deliver said ship or steamships to the cat, or fa? per officer, upon demand made for the fay nod converted into a vessel of war, the United States deli bound on their part to to wail | owner cr owners tbe fair full value of eer oh ship or verse! at the time of such delivery,” it, which shows to and received from the blanche’? to build ships 1, peaches increase of ait je steamships’ ca) tion to determine het ‘the ruuning creased to tke pro} Atty cent. contract it was stipulated that they shor run twenty trips out-and back at $19,250 per They were then required to increase the twips 10 twenty-six at the same rate, and the whole allowance for the whole service was @ fraction over $500,060, With all the ‘tons power. increase it requires Dut little calcnla- expenses were ia- By the original care, prudence, cones ae the aeons aha on nee speed, ‘was found proprietors were sin} mot 3 abd while the malkeervise as performed faithfally, to the benefit of the postal revenue, the finances of the owners were collapsing, and the whole business was on the point of ‘discontinuance. ‘The Cor of 1852 thoroughly sifted the whole sub- ject. They found the then contract was a losing concern to the peeneeers. rs they were unwilling, even if the ability of the owners would allow, that the eervice should be continued at a loss. The alternative was brought directly before them as it now is: Shall the an ocean steamship line to Great Britain stop, or shall it goon’? The answer is found in the act of Sengzoee of the 2lst July, 1852, in which it is delared as f For additional compensation for increasing the ti tation of the United States mail between New York iv: erpool in the Collins line of steamers to twenty-six tril shall be directed by the Post- mformity to the last annual re- lettcr of the tt of aie ‘avy, commencing said increas- Minge, at the rate of thirty: resent allow- jou of the yhousand five tri ance, the sum of two hundred ‘end thirty six hundred dollars: wided, That it shall be in the power of y time after the Slat day of December, 1354, to additional allowance herein provided for upon tiving six months notice. What effect did this legislation produce? By siving the increased compensation of $13,750 per trip, ant gate for each trip equal to $: service was raised from rising $506, to $838,(00, and the Lepore Cope pe the a8 Of January, 1855. After that period, unless you now in- terfere by. further legislation, tne original contract, which extends to the 1st of April, 1860, will leave the owners to do the service at the sum of $500,500, with the enormous loss which they must necessarily sulfer, even if they have the ability to go on witli the service. Now, all the world knows that the rates of living, and the cost in every di mt of the mechanic arts, havo risen one hundred per cent since the original contract was made, and that they have been augmented fully fifty per cent since the increased allowance by the law of 1852, This, of itself, would be an un’ answerable argument against any attempt at reduction, by failing to come ae to the spirit and par- pose of the law of 1852. But what advantages have not resulted from the establishment of this Awerican lice, in addition to the national reputation we have acquired upon the seas? Previoos to its organization the mari- time genius of our rival bad ever triumphed. But in this fierce cor ition American skill and genius has brought the two great continents nearer ether than bos have been brought before. The reduction of the cost of freight on light articles has been nearly one hundred per cent; s reduction of twenty-six per cent in the price of passage; a reduction of one-sixth of the time in the pasrageo’ crossing the Atlantic, The cheap support of war ships, ready at a moment’s warning to ne from the hands of the present owners to those of he government, and rerfectly capable of taking on equipments of ‘battery, and iron material, should the exigencies of the service require it, withal officers and seamen, ti discipline ‘and ex- perience in the science of navigation, constitute an ele- mento! strength in time ef war, and a commercial fa- cility in time of peace, which place them far beyond all competition Are all’ these advantages—posilive and direct, not only to the city which I have in part the honor to represent, but the whole Unioa—to be sazri- ficed by a discontinuance of that enlightened policy which bas always given to the United Statea the palm of victory in @ struggle for the commercial supremacy of the peas? Mr. Letonxr, (dem.) of Va., apres Mr. Olds amendment, Urey besos of one which he intended to ¢fler, authorizing the contract with Hanson for $385,000, No quest on taken. The committee rose, and the House adjourned. Our Washington Correspondence. Wasurxctoy, Feb. 14, 1865. A Treaty Being Negotiated—Another lerritorial Govern- ment in Embryo—A New Era in the History of the Red Man—Colt’s Patent, Threats and Revolvers—The Texas Debt Bill in the Senate—Treaty of 1819 with Spain— Mr. Orr's Exposure—Fast Legislation, de. A delegation of Choctaw Indians, now in this city, are negotiating a treaty with the government, by which they are to be guaranteed the right of a territorial govervineut upon an equal footing with other territorial governmeuts. By sucha treaty the Choctaws will not only be entitled to » éelegate in the United States Con. gres#, but admizsion os a Staie into the Union, whenever they tave the requisite number of popalation. In this treaty the Choctaws propose, for a suftic’ent compensa- tion to be paid by this government, in money, to take charge of and manage various Indian tribes which have svatted upon the Choctaw territory, and ere now occu- Pying it in violation of existing treaties, If this treaty be negotiated, and conlirmed by the Sena‘e, it will not only be the most important Ind{an treaty ‘entered into by our government, but it will be the commencement of a crew ¢ra in the history of the red man, leading to a perfect civil and political equality with his white brothere, Aitbough the Colt's Patent case seems to have been unseremoniously hicked from the halls of Congress, yet the parties interested are determined not to remiin kicked out. Efforts will be redoubled at the next session of Congress, and the friends ot Col. Colt are alrealy ex- ons coptidept bopes of success before the + louse of Representatives. In this connection, I would mention that various and sundry threats are rumored to have been made Dine and his friends inst cer- tain members of ress. One rumor is, that the Colonel was coming on for the express purpose of testing the virtue of one of his revolvers upon the person of the Hon. John Letcher, but was written to by & friend from this city ‘‘not to come’ Sensible advice, this. How- ever, I place no confidence in these rumors, but ra- ther inclined to think that Col. Colt, in his pa‘ent ex- tension, bas been rather persecuted than opy 5 The Senate, to-day disagreed to the amen its made to the Texas debt billin thé House of Represeatatives, And will insist upon the bil in its original shape, appro: $8,600,000, The House amendment a ne only what has already been appro; rinted, $6, , and whith now stands on the books of the United States Treasury to the credit of Texas. It then amounts to no appropriation at all, but» mere permission to the State of Texas to receive what is alread eo the State of Texas, and the time «pent in its passage so much time lost.’ It is now believed, however, that the committee of conference will recommend the lore 4 of the Senate bill without an amendment, and that thi perplexed question will be finally settled, A bill to carry out the provisions of the treaty of 1319 consideration in the House to-day, Orr, of 8 C., made an astounding exposure of eter of the bill and the flagrant frauds already ted under cover of this treaty. This bill proposes F cent interest on all the claims allowed under Which would amount t: 000. Mr. Urr 't $1,062,607 bad already paid, and that too in the face of assurances when the payment of these claims was assumed, that they would under no clreum- stances exceed forty thousand dollars, Some of the claims andy vouchers read by Mr. Orr produced mach merriment through the ball. The roped a ty vote this morning, ordered that 10,000 copies of Com. Perry’s report shou! whenever it should be submitted to sent members. Should they not_have added, reports hereafter to be printed?’ E. “and CORRESPONDENCE OF OTHER PAPERS. (Correspondence of the Pennsylvanian, Administration organ.) AsuINGTON, Feb. 14, 1855, 4, a 80 feelingly aliuded to, wi called uy to ad- dress his fellow citizens of Washi La during the last + Liew it General bil in ‘consequence, as his best customereare in the Old World. ur this morning, and the weather you are month President to should the additional no doubt appoint General Shields a. General, cmentnens ene ey =. for geiaing. fon one of the very for which Siese (are asrewards for services ‘Bainsomnens eee of rey ; Them” He fell like Dodge, » he cannot, like Dodge, sion. It is pot easy to make a out any leas conspicuous part: of an Indian war is resorted to creation ot about two hundred and fi! missions, for general distribution among the maimed and weunded, and for adding two and a ha¥ millions of i All bi ition le- mentary part of that echeme, aid: feat it second rng. “ hard to it; but what execative patronage may do, it “Nin onid that the President is painfully exereised in gard to the French Spoliation bill. All his antecedents reorganizing and the navy usted in the House. The bill for building seven ‘eiditional tear sloops of war will doubt- less be rejected to-morrow. The temper of the House is Leap is adverse to any more legislation in that direc- tion di bn Gp reads » Mr. Seward, of Georgia, caused much discussion this afternoon, by moving as an amendment a plan nearly equivalent to the internal im- vement bill of the last session, which was vetood. le argued, very sensibly, that it was better to deepen and improve the Southern harbors, so as to fit them for the admission of largo vessels, than to build ships adapted to those harbors in their present, condition. Most conspicuous among the opponents of this reasonable suggestion was Mr. Ashe, of North Carolina, who last year got through an Sstpecyristion of $150,000 for the improvement of the Cape Fear river, which was the only si im the whole Union found by the Presi- dent to be constitutional. There is a report that Santa Anna’s government has requested the recall of General Gadsden, on the ground of unwarrantable intermeddling in the civil dissensions of the country. The request has probably not been made in a pees form, but rather in the shape of a representation that General Gadeden’s presence in Mexi- co was detrimental to the public peace, and not favora- dle to the present good standing between the tw countries. There is no probability that the suggestio of bis withdrawal will be favorably responded to. A Bill to Regulate the Carriage of Passengers by Stcamships and other Vessels. Sec. 1, No master of any vessel owned in whole, or in part, by a citizen of the United States, or by a citizen of avy foreign country, shall take on board such vessel, at any foreign port or place, other than foreign contiguous territory of the United States, a greater number of pas- sengers than in proportion of one to every two tons of. such vessel, not including children under the age of one year in the computation, and computing two ehildren over one and under eight years of age, as one passenger. That the spaces appropriated for the use of such passen_ gers, and which shall not be occupied by atores or other goods, not the personal bagsage of such passengers shall be in the following proportions, viz:—On the main and poop decks or platforms and in the deck houses, if ‘there be any, one passenger for each sixteen clear su. ian feet of deck, if the height or distance between ihe decks or platforms shall not be less than six feet and on the lower deck, (not being an orlo) —, i any, one passenger for eighteen such clear superficial feet, if the height or distance between the Cocks or platforms sball not be less than six fect, but so as that no passenger shall be carried on any other deck or plat- forms nor u} apy deck where the height or distance between cecks in less than six feet, with intent to bring such passenger to the United States, and shail leavo such port or place and bring the same, or any number thercof, within the jurisdiction of the United States; or if any such master of any vessel shall take on board his vessel at any port or place within the juriadistion of the United State: greater number of passengers than in the proportion aforesaid to the spece aforesaid, or to the topnage aforesaid, with intent to carry the same to any foreign port cr place other than foreign contigu- ous terri! as aforesaid, every such master shall be deewed ga y of @ misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof before any cirenit or district court of the United aball, for each passenger taken on board beyoad foreraid. or the aforesaid, be fined in im of fifty dollars, and may also be imprisoned, at ‘cretion of the Junge before whom the penalty shall ‘de recovered; but shi it be necessary tor the safety or convenience of the vessel, that any mn of her cargo, or any other articles, or article, shotld be placed on, oF stoced in, any of the decks, cabins, or other plac fae ie | to the use of passengers, the same may be placed in lockers or enclosures pregared for the purpose, on ani exterior surface impervious to the waves, capable of being cleanced in like manner as the decks or platforms of the vessel. In no however, shall the places thus provided be deemed to be a part of the space allowable forthe use of passengers, but the same shall be deducted therefrom, and in all cases where Roe or used, the upper surface of said lockers or enclosed spaces shall be deemed and taken to be the deck or plat- form from which measurement shall be made for all the purposes of this act. ae also provided that one hospi- in the sj § appro) to pa }, and ya rate therefrom by an appropriate partition, aad fax nished as its purposes require, may be preparad, aud when used, may be inclu ‘in the space allowable for passengers, but the same shail not Lee A more than one hundred superficial feet of deck or platform. Sec. 2, No such vessel shall have more than two tiers of berths, and the interval between the lowast part thereof and the deck or platform beneath, shall not be Jess than nine inches, the berths shall be well con- structed, parallel with the sides of the vessel, and sepa- rated from each other by partitians, as berths ordinarily are # , and shall be at least six feet in length, and at least two fect in width, and each berth ‘be occupied by no more than one ; but double berths of twice the above width may be constructed, each berth to be ive by n> more, and by no other, than two women, or by one woman and two children uncer the age of eight years, or by husband and wife, or by a man and two of bis own ch Irem under the age of eight years, or by two men, members of same fami nd if there shall be any violation of this sec- tion A y of its provisions, mn the muster of the 1 and the owners thereof shall severally forfeit and ‘the sum of five dollars for each passeager on bord of raid vessel on such voyage, to be recovered by the Cae Le in any port where sucht vessel may arrive or b Sen All vessels, whether of the United States or any foreign country, having sufficient capacity or space according to law for fifty or more passengers [Sa ic than cabi ers) sball, when emplo; in tras prune such passengers between the United States and urope, have, on the upper deck for the ure of such ge get a house over the pansage-way leading jo the apartments allotted to ruch pasengers bs- low deck, Armly secured to the deck er combings of the hatch, with two doors, the siM® of which shall be at least one foot above the deck, so cons'ructed that one dcor or witdow in such house may at all times be leit open for ee, and all ee ie bee gp ced hay the ac ‘carry one an such passengers more, shall have two sash boosts; and the stairs or Jadcer leading down tothe aforesaid apartment shall be furpished with a band rail of wood or booby batches may be substituted for s vessels having three permanen’ decks. Eee, 4. Every such vessel so employed, and having the legal capacity for more than one bundred such pas- ee Lge pet Teast two Mn popeahad purify the apartment or apartments occu) ch passengers; bors one of which sball be inserted apartment or apartments, and jaced in the forward apartmen's, and one cf ing cap to carry off the feul air, ving cap to carry down the fresh {ators shall have s capacit; tioned to ths size of the apartment or ay te be perined, namely: if artment or apartments will lawfully authorize the , the capacity equal to a tube of and in if reception of two hundred such of such ventilators shall each twelve inches diameter in the for partments shall ri it least four feet six inches above the upper deck of any such vessel, and be of the most approved form and Laprininpes but 72 — ie ae report to be made and approved, as provided, that such vessel is e,ually well ventilated b: other meana, such other means of veatilation shall be deemed held to be a compliance with the provisions nf this long and one Pea eee and provision shall be made in the manner ‘thie ratio, for a greater or leas number of but nothing contained shall boogie A the ra; it to if eas aforesaid, shall have on make such arrangements for cooking between that shall be deemed desirable. Ee & Ail vessels t if, without waste or neglect on the part of the sxenger, or inevitable accident, the; ve insufficient thd the ofptain shall furoieh comsfortevle food 10 suck e residue of the vo; in ree gard to food, also be a comubanet otae enol Sec. 7. The captain of any such veesel so employ- po is caea dl Ses to maintain good discipline such 8 as will tend to the Anger rommetion’ of That itcan be thoroughly iment, £0 it can Orot Beads ball also provide a safe, convenient pebeparinnies eineet. Satna taclnsige: se of every one unt sueb passengers. And wi the weather is such that said cannot be inustered on deck with their bedding, it s! be the duty of the in of every such vessel to cause the deck occupied by such jsengers to be cleansed with chloride of lime or some ‘and also at ually efficient disinfectin, t, such a as said captain stay rete mececsary. Sec. 8. The master and owner, or owners, of any eh vessel no employed, which shall not be’ provided with the house or houses over the BSN EO WATS, as pre- scribed in the third section of this chapter, or with ven- tilators, as prescribed in the fourth section of this chap- Ee Bie enbanenn en enekine. 2 with the houses over them, as prescribed in fifth section of this chapter, shall sareeally forfeit and pay to the Unit- srery lation of, ar neglect to. coaforma ta; the provi vi mn of, or to form provi- lon of each of said sections, and fifty doliars for each and every neglect or violation of any of the provisions of the seventh section of the , to be recovered by suit in any circuit or district court cf the United States, within the jurisdietion of which the said vessel may arrive, or from which she may be about to depart, or at apy place within the jurisdiction of such courts, wherever the owner or owners, or captain, of such ves- sel may be found. Sec. 9. The collector of the customs at any port of the United States at which any vessel so employed shall ar- rive, or from which any such vessel shall be about to depart, shall appoint and direct one or more of the in- spectors of the customs for such port to examine such ‘vessel, and report, in writing, to such collector whether the requirements of law have been com; with in re- spect to such vessel; and if such report shall state such compliance, and shall be approved by such collector, it rie be deemed and held as conclusive evidence there- £ec. 10. The provitions. juisitions,spenalties and Wira cl site asteralating to aimeeonta omesian neces priated to use of passengers, are hereby extenied and made applicable to all spaces appropriated to the use of steerage passengers in vessels propelled in who! or in by steam, and navigating from, to and be. tween the and in manner as in this act named, and to such vessels, and to the masters thereof; and so much of the actentitled, ‘ an act toamend an act entitled ‘am act to provide for the better security of the lives of passengers on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for ether petponee sppeored Au- | irr thirtieth, eightten hundred and fifty-two, as con- iets with this act, is hereby repealed; and the space appropriated to the use of pasgengers in vessels 80 as above propelled and navigated, is hereby subject- ed to the supervision and inspection of the ctor of the customs at ed ppt of United States at which aby such vessel a! arrive, or from “which she shall be about to depart; andthe same shall be examined and reported in the same manner, and by the same officers, by the next preceding section directed to examine ani report. 11. The vessels bound from any et im the Uni- ted States to any port or place in the ific ocean, or or place to tic or its tri- on its tributaries, or from any such port in the United States on the At bay ies, won. i Page to the Sortgeing Pro- visions regulating e eof passengers In'merchant vessel, exces oo much as relates to pro- visions, water and fuel; but the owners and masters of all such vessels shall in all cases furnish to each pas- senger the daily supply of water therein mentioned, and they snall furnish, or caure passengers to furnish for themselves, a sufficient Supply of good and wholesome food; and in case they shali iail 80 to do, or aball pro- vide unwhoksome or unsuitable provisions, they shail be subject to the pepeity seoriaes in the sixth section of this chapt case the passengers are put on short allowance of or provisions. fee. 12. The captain or mister of arriving in the United States, or a: thereof, from any foreign place wi time that he delivers there be req 'y ‘th y ~abip or vessel, pursuant t> law, shall also liver and report to ths collector of the distrist in which such ship or vessel shall arrive, a = rere of poy —— taken on board Ns or por vessel at an: perk ee ce which hat or manifest it sidute fae uty of the said master to designate particularly the age, sex, and occu- rapier ee ively, the part of vessel occupied by ace aucear the wore gc pote try to which they severally belong, and that of which it tion to become inhabitants; and shali fur- ther set forth whether any, and what number, have died on the voyage; which list or manifest shall be sworn to by the said master, in the same manner as di- rected by law in relation to the manifest of the cargo, and the refusal or neglect of the master aforesaid to comply with the provisious of this section, or any part thereof, shall incur the same penalties, disabilities, and forfeitures as are provided for a refusal or neglect to re- port and celiver a manifest of the cargo aforesaid. Sec. 13. Each and on collector of the customs to whom such manifest or list of pas: as aforesaid spall be delivered, shal! quarter yea: return copies thereof to the Secretary of State of the United States, y whom statements of the same shall be laid vefore ogress at cach and every session. Sec. 14. That the amount of the several penalties im. pesed by the fc provisions regulating the carriage of passengers in merchant vessels, shall be liens on the vessel or vessels violat those provisions, and such ‘vessel or vessels shall be libelled therefor in any circuit or district court of the United States where such vessel or vessels shall arrive. Sec. 15. All and every vessel or vessels which shall or pos a! employed by the American Colonization Society, or the Colonization ty of any State, to transport, and which sball actually transport, from any port or of the United States to any colony or colonies on west coast of Africa, colored emigrants to reside there, shall be, and the same are hereby, subjected to the operation of the foregoing provisions regulating the carriage of passengers in merchant vessels, Sec. 16. The collector of the customs shall examine each emigrant ship or vessel on its arrival at bis port, ond ascertain and report to the Secretary of the Frea sary the Lime of sail ng, the Length of the voyage, the ventilation, the number of passengers, the! ce on board, their food, the native ‘country of the emigrants, the number of deaths, the and sex of those who died during the voyage, t with his opinion of the cause of the mortality, if any, on board, and if none, what precautionary measures, arrangements or habits are supposed to hi any, and whet, agensy in casing the exemption. : 7. The act of 24 March, 1819, entitled “An act tin Poseonger ships and is; the act of 224 February, 1847, entitled ‘‘An act to regulate the car. ni of passengers in merchant vessels;’’ the actof 2d of March, 1847, entitled “‘An act to amerd an act enti- tled an act to ‘regulate the in of passengers merchant venscls, and to determine the tine when, said act shall take effect;’’ the ast of Slst January, 184 2 titled ‘Am act exem: vessels employed by the Ame- rican Colonization oe oe, in Treonprteg dlored e colored emi- rants from the United States coast of Afi ‘rem the provisions.of the aste of the 22d February 24 of March, 1847, regulating the of ngers in merchant versels;” the act of 17th May, 1848, enti- tled ‘‘An act to provide for the ventilation of passenger vessels, and for other pu ;'’ and the act of 3d March, 1849, entitled ‘An act to extend the provisions of all laws now in force mr pen | to the carriage of pas- sengers in merchant vessels and the regulation thereof,’ are hereby repealed. Frepesod dditional clause to repealing section of ebap. IX. But nothing in this act contained shall in anywise ob- struct or prevent the prosecution, recovery, distribu- tion, or remission of any fines, penalties, or forfeitures which may have been incurred prior to the day this act goes into effect under the laws hereby repealed, for which purpose the said laws shall continue in force. But the Secretary of the Treasury may, in his discre- tion, and upon such conditions as he shail think proper, discontinue any such prosecutions, or re modify such penalties. The Case of Captain Gibson. LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF POREION APPAIRS—FURTHER DEVELOPEMENTS— THE CAPTAIN'S NARRATIVE, ETO. Captain Gibsom, who, as the readers of the Herato will remember, was imprisoned at Batavia, tried on a ri. diculous charge of treason, and suffered by the confisca- tion of his property, has addressed a letter to the Chair- man of the Committee on Forign Affairs in the House of Representatives. The present letter is in answer to one put forth by the Dutch government, in relation to a memorial alleged to have been addressed to the Dutch government in the East Indies. Capt. Gibson states that he has written no such memorial, and proceeds to detail the circumstances which surrounded him at Batavia. He was without friends—in s noisome dungeon, sur- rounded by felons, and had no prospect of immediate re- lief. Im this dilemma, by advice of the representative of the American government at Bataviaphe addressed a Vetter to the Governor-Gtneral of Netherlands India. t or contained @ nafrative of Capt. Gibson’s’ in various of the world. closes with these wotds :-— « * sn. ¢ bd bd convictions. forbearance for whatever indiscretions have committed against the majesty of its lews. After the reception letter, 20th February, 1862, the Captain was , but only to be again arrested” on the 25th. He remained in prison until the date of his escape. It was during this time that the Dutch go. vernment allege that he wrote the second letter, He saye:— : h Minieter that I even- ‘staie pn Rapatrmpdt arm go Governor General the astatement of my previous conduct; ihe othe lication for a stay of 4 aan ne ts velall says, In his despatch to Me, Bak. my case. Mr. Van by fy mont of Feb. 25, 1853, on this subject—(H. Ex. doe. Noo Ie, ‘s.) tn the mean ete Gaia of Bobs 38 while he ‘was at liberty, Mr, Gibson, under the imprest, sion that he would again be incarcerated, wrote to Governor General the letter of which a copy this, in which he implores his clemency, acknow- jges the imprudence of his actions, and askefor ar immediate trial, in. the Hope that extenuating digeum stances would cause @ mitigation of the punishmen' which, strictly speaking, he might have deserved, in followi he sed himself to t pn aeaal, mpilatn him to San teapowes Toner" in Po ae ‘all furthe uA ba ne sg! ore 7 Now, there are twe-palute in whith Mr. Van Hall. an self agree, namely, that I made two communica tothe Governor Geneial, and that the last in the time ti stay all of ‘was a mere supplication to stay hater Jette, pe We differ in regard to the time when the was written, and as to what it containce. If, then, can establish, Lipid hen sey proofs, that the sent bore the date and contained the matter stated ba me, and also that no letter such as that Saieaiuernets 25 could have been written or sent, it must be concl ed that the Dutch have suppressed the true letter, ang) have foisted a spurious one upon our government. Shiyj proof I shall. attempt. ve * , * * ‘The first proof I shall offer to support my statemen”y ot what my first letter to the Governor-General Sextain, ; ed, is aagure merely, Mr. Belmont, in a Mr. Van Hall, dated January 4, 1854, (H Ex, doc. 16° 18,) says, referring to an unders' ‘thy Retherlands India authorities to return certain evidenc and papers submitted by me to the Governor-General:. “In accordance with positive unders' 4 Gibson sent, on or about the 20th February, 4 Statement 10 the Governor General of Nether ‘nds India accompanied by seventeen pac o mar Ato Q, together with the log of the Flirt’? ‘The objec of this despatch was too! the return of these pap / After communicating with the N. I. government, ; Van Hall returned a reply, promising deliver up th papers, but not denying statements of Mr. B 0 in regard to the statement.sent. Now the date of ingt statement ea with the date of my commun cation, and a careful examination of Mr. jad patch will show that Mr. Van Hall was under the ngcer, fer den ing Mr. Belmont’s statements, if untrue. | oe are rns rte th Fel 1D: package Of smitted by Mr. Cramerus uncer ‘his ometait 4 Fak package, with the evidence of its authenticity, I shall tak reat pleasure in submitting to your inspection. The Stat, fepartment received s package from Mr. Cramerus i* my case, containing important papers, certified in manner precisely similar to that of the package in quer, tion; indeed, I no doubt that the papers in quer tion will be consi as authenticated in the mo: ample manner by the State Department. Captain Gibson further quotes the evidence of Com{ mander Magruder and of Captain Bassett, master of th, | American ship Daniel Sharp, to prove that the lett: sent on the 20th of February wasa nartution of facf alone. This paper has been suppressed by the Dutcr- government, and onc of an entirely different characte” substituted. Captain Gibson then proceeds to analya, this letter, aud makes out a very goo! cave to show the: this letter was forged for the Dutch government to ser¥ its purposes; and then gives some particulars about bis “poetic imagix ings,” thus:— e a pre the baal art feeling of awe forits hlatony , renown rostrate grandeur. I fou) them a pate who impressed me with the idea that th were the Sclavi of Asia, and occupying the sitio, In relation 10 the Teutonle race in’ the Saat tat th? Sclave and Teuton maintain im the West. Withoy | battle or bloodshed, and without a history to mark thea. Malay races have Polynesite Borneo, and th” of the islands of the Eastern Arebipelog<, ene races have planted the abo: races amon," whom they came. tir language the native and their religioa the native religions. I for er tractable, infused with an ex, ive spirit, and capabh of assimi! with the advantages of education to o1 civilization, I felt that there was 2 des:iny im store fa" the tang races, and ventured to exprees idea, no, only to the intelligent Dutchmen with whomI becam, acquainted, but with the more intelligent Malays, Wit! the latter I talked of the advantages of our civilizatio® and of the elevation of the Malay masses by educatio! and an improved economy. Idid not suppose that 1; wasan nce against the Dutch government to pod ca beams spreading ever those vast seas, and of it gne dey becoming » power among civilised men. z * * | The letter of the 18th it would not do for the Dutc to eer me, wi a [vehigd part YY mE z & g and the by the procurement ofthe Netherlands nia govesaears ureme! ide Ind: Tdisowa and deny that letter. pre 7 It forthe proof f th . i r lett further of the spuno of ne 25th is required, it will suggest itself #2, ev that considers it attentively. Jast person wh) aw, Sd aoe Se. pew, buman t coul ie such a confer: would be man of the crimes coufessed. When an instance oath of this is presented, a new fi added Biter ef buna cccentrici saan ” w-which was soughtio be dealt fabricated Jerter, ts the caterons that puctdions’ oti Me could conceive. It aimed at brand crime and cowardi py My? & 5 os tame Dm a0 Dutch government has strengthened hold upon the regard of my friends, and bes found sympathy in this country. the honor to be, spect 5 re the ones to Mes WHT WALTER MGIBSON. f Additional News from Cube—The Late spiracy at Havana and its Actors. Some erroneous and some imperfect accounts hav,’ been published in different newspapers respecting recent arrests in Havana, We are able to give som® particulars and explanations which wil present whole matter in a more correct and intelligible ligh$g ‘The conspiracy which bas been discovered and arres' was not of recent date. The foundation of it was laig] under the governments of the two last Ce G ral, who were Ne dn and even obmoxious to nd. of the isla: who has been arrested, and who may have caj tally suffered ere this time, was not director of the LYS Raphi bee eg able ai judy and knowledge. jee) Wud ban been for some ‘yours married aan eo ead of a famiJy. Asa priest cannot be treed from hi ppt bate ‘even by the Pope, this is looked upo | ase It seems that the inal pian was to bill th Cai itd hol’ os the Opurn, from ‘ iy stopped’ It tat should, not succeety opp at a mot = » wan to be sought at a ball to be given to the d a by, nd if that also failed, he was to be assay ted, by pereons. pretending to have business wit him and calling at the palace. The Governor was not assailed in either of modes, but sas alarmed one night by the ex’ vais! ment of bs gas lights, and discovery was made 1 that onspirac; on foot. It seems me evidenc bad before been cbtained by the government ay was of some use. When Pinto’s house was visited ta] the officers rent to search it, they at firet eould cover nothing, but after a time his old pocketbook wad papers of ind } 4 ! py ee,» connection wi cont Trough tot proving that be was ths chiefs = At the date of the latest letters public peace was disturbed, nor business in any manner iaereget the of a filibuster expedition. It in said tl im case of apy attempt by a party to lani in Caba, #0 ofthe blak troops willbe detached to rece ve they ai them to that the test readiness exists among the whele butiness left to them. werive Fire iN Vickssung.—Vicxssur urred ‘about