The New York Herald Newspaper, January 16, 1858, Page 1

5 Ww YORK. ERALD. WHOLE NO. 7806. IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. Exciting Discussion in the House of Representatives. ‘THE CORRUPTION CHARGES UNDER CONSIDERATION. An Investigation of the $87,000 Tariff Disbursement Ordered. Inquiry Into the Sale of the Fort Snelling Property. of O. B. Matteson Again Brought Up. The Case om. Paulding’s Return Home Without Leave. Me New York Assembly at a Dead Lock on e the Speaker:hip, &o., &o. &o, Affairs at the National Capital. @ONGRESS AND THE CORRUPTION ¢ASES—THE $97,- 000 AFFAIR TO BE INVESTIGATED—WILL 0. B. MATTESON BE EXPELLED?—-DESPATCHES FROM,COM- MODORE PAULDING—HIS RETURN HOME WITHOUT LEAVE—THE BANKERS AND THE NEW TREASURY NOTES—NO ALTRRATION OF THE TARIFF THIS YEAR—THE NAVAL CONFIRMATIONS TO BE RBCON- SIDERED—-THE PRINTING CONTRACTS—CLAIM FOR INDEMNITY FOR LOSSES AT PUNTA ARENAS BY THE CAPTURE OF WALKER, ETC. Wasnineton, Jan. 15, 1858. Speaker Orr will appoint an able committee to investi- gate the Lawrence eighty seven thousand dollar transac- tion, and a thorough investigation will be had. Mr. Letcher’s duties on the Ways and Means Committee will probably preclude his being on the committee. Messrs. Stanton, of Ohio, and Winter Davis, of Maryland, will be on it. The pamphlet for which it is alleged eight ‘thousand dollars was paid was made up of editorials frem the Times. The announcement of the resolution to expel 0. B. Mat- teson, of New York, created considerable fluttering on the republican side of the House. He will be expelled— there’s no hope for him. The Committee on Ways and Means will do nothing with the tariff this session. ‘The vaval confirmations will come up again on Monday upon a reconsideration, when each case will be voted on separately. The confirmations haying taken place in a lomp yesterday, it is believed two or three may be re- jected. Despatches were received to-day at the Navy Depart- ment from Commodore Paulding, dated Aspinwall, Janu- ary 3, relative to the capture of Anderson and the filibus- ters. The Commodore says:—On the 30th ult. the United ‘States steamer Fulton arrived here from San Juan del Norte, conveying to this place, by order of Captain Sands, forty-five of Walker's men, captured by Sands on the San Juan river on the 24th ult. These men composed the party that ascended the Colorado river to Castillo. It would ap- pear that the filibusters had abandoned Fort Castillo after @estroying everything they could, and had taken to ma raading upon the river in the steamer Ogden. About one- ‘third of them are under medical treatment. IT have, therefore, ordered the prisoners to the Wabash, and in- tend to sail for San Juan as soon as the passengers arrive frem California, leaving the Fulton here, where I shall have communication with Captain Sands. I will sail wrh the prisoners for Key West, and await tbe orders of the departmeut as to their @eposition. The steamer will arrive in New York on the ‘Mth, affording time for the department to communicate ‘with me by the steamer that sails from New York, aud alee by the steamer that sails from Charleston for Key ‘We. The Commodore also sends a detailed account of a@airs, all of which have appeared in the papers. The Commodore aleo states that he will leave at once for the United States. As he has not recetved permission to re um, hie conduct in thus leaving his post is viewed with susprise and displeasure by the President. It is certainly very extraordinary. Sothing has beeg received by the administration rela- tive to the Yrisarri treaty, as to whether it has been rati- fet by Nicaragua. A strong effort is being made by certain bankers here and ‘a New York to induce the Secretary of the Treasury to make more liberal terms for the Treasury notes he is about faeuing; but Mr. Cobb is firm in his refusal. He will give ‘Dut three per cent interest for the whole time they may as, and ® confident he can dispose of them at that rate. A warm contest is going on here between Dr. Eddy, Antrew Robinson and Sherburn Piper, for the Collector- ship of the Niagara district in New York. These parties ere all here. Kaddy is the favorite of the hards and Piper of the soft abelis. ‘The Indian chiefs visited the arsenal to-day, and wit- memed a display of artillery practice. Their astonish- ment was unbounded. Governor Floyd addressed each chief in a short speech, and presented him with a hand- some musket. A large crowd of spectators was in at- tendance. Among them I noticed Lord and Lady Napier, Sir William and Lady Ouseley and daughter, Secretary ‘Thompson, lady and niece, Count Sartiges and lady, Baron and Lady Stoecki, and many members of Congress. The chiefs were to have visited jhe United States ship Ptymouth at the Navy Yard do-day, to witness the firing of Captain Duhigen’s big gun; but the rain caused a postponement. ‘The report that Mr. Appleton, the Assistant Secretary Of State, is concerned in the printing contracts of Congress fe incorrect; he is m no way interested in these jobs. ‘Steedman and Banks are the printers for the House, and Mr. Harris, of the Union, the printer of the Senate. After Steedman and Banks secured the House contract they made an effort to obtain that of the Senate also. They probably expected that Mr. Appleton would lend his influ- ence to their interest; but as he did not, it is thought that the reports were started that be was concerned with Mr. Harris because he had occasionally written an article for thejUnion; and as that paper had walked off with the prize. Mr. Appleton, I understand, is not even a proprietor in the ‘Onion. All the connection he has with that journal is this -—Whenever the Cabinet desires an explanation to be made to the public, Mr. Appleton, from bis position, and ‘wnderstanding the subject fully and clearly, writes the article. That is all. W. Blair Lord, of New York city, has been appointed stenographer to the Cullom Investigating Committee of the against the United States to Lord Clarendon, a copy of ‘which I also send you. The filibusters here are anxiously waiting for the arrival of Commodore Paulding, against ‘whom they intend to bring suits at law for private dam- ages. The Commodore may yet experience considerable persona) annoyance from his course in Greytown: — Howonante tre Srcurrany oF me Navy oF time ATER OF AMERICA. of Baber B, Crate, o native of Sestinnd end @ subject of her Majesty Queen of Great Britain and Ire. Jand, now a teeidont at Ponta Arenas, in Central America, showeth, That your petitioner has lived at this y iviece lawful business, for several years, where a and made other improvementa on a piece ry ree from the former pilot of this port. That the 25th day of last month a of men arrived at port in the American steamer Fashion, from Mobile; men were under the command of Genoral William armed and equipped for war; that the United hip of war Saratoga was lying in the harbor at the opposition being to General Win. Walker armed followers; that your petitioner rented to . Walker a part of his premises, and algo received y of provisions in his warehouse, at a stipu- storage per month for each » Your vanced on the security of the provisions the ‘on the &th day of the present month the com: the United States navy took General ‘Walker and his followers prisoners, and sent them on board of vessels of war lying in the harbor; that on the 10th day of the month @ number of armod men under the command of Lieut. Girardi, of the United States navy, landed ot; Your petitioner's premises, and demanded de. ‘y of all the provisions, &c., stored on accsunt of Gen, Wm, Walker; that your petitioner answered that conld hyve them upon payment of his claims, not till then, at the eae tipo hapding tt ff { had full by your petitioner by having his premises forcibly en- tered and property destroyed by a ‘of armed men ander the command of an officer the United States Navy, in order that your petitioner may have justice and receive recompense thet . And your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray. ROBT A. CRAIG. Punta ARKNaS, Central America, Dec. 16, 1867. Punta ARENAS, CenTRaL America, Dec. 16, 1857. My Lorp—I take the liberty of enclosing to your lord- ship a copy of a petition I have this day forwarded to the Honorable Secretary of the Navy of the United States of America. Your lordship must be aware that the point on which I have built my house is in disputed territorv, whether per- taining to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, or the Musquito King under British protection, being unsettled. ‘Several months since a Costa Rican force landed on the Point, took forcible possession of my premises and did me serious damage, of which I made complaint to, and asked protection from her Majesty’s Consul residing at Greytown. He answered ‘that he could do nothing for me, as the Costa Rican flag floated on the Point.” Last month General Walker and a party of “flibusters,”” as they are commonly called, landed on the Point and raised the Nicaraguan flag. These people made a fair bargain with mo for the rest of my premises, paid for what articles they purchased or used of mine, and com- mitted no outrages. Having a large quantity of provisions stored in my house I advanced them five hundred dollars. holding their goods as collateral security. Of General Walker or bis men I have no compiaint to make since their advent; my property returned an income--tor many months before it was unproductive. Yet Dr. Green, her Majesty’s Consul residing at Greytown, urged me to pro- test tohim against these meg occupying my premises, warning me, if I did not.so protest, I should lose my right to protection as a British subject. ‘On the th of this month the Commodore of the United States naval forces here, having made Walker and all his men prisoners, forcibly removed the property im my stores, refusing to pay me my rent, or the money advanced, for which I held the provisions as collateral security; I was made a prisoner, and my own personal property carried away. I then sent a protest to Dr. Green, and enclosed my pass- port aga British subject traveling to this country, and asking his interference in my behalf. Her Majesty’s Con- sul, Dr Green, residing at Greytown, treated my applica- tion with contempt, which, yf lord, must be my excuse for presuming to address your lordship on this subject. lam a poor man, my lord, a loyal subject of her most gracious Majesty, and am not aware of having committed ‘any crime or done any act by which I have forfeited my birthright, or the proud privilege to boast myself a Briton, with the right to my country’s protection from oppression by any Power on earth. s 1am too poor, my lord, to ‘protest, Yor reasons of State, against men who molest me not, but on the contrary were doing me an actual benefit; and who, being 4 to land in this country by the commaneer of a Gaited States: ship of war, I had good reason to suppose were engaged in a lawful enterprise. I have the honor to be your Jord- ba most ob’t humble servant, —_ —- the right honorable the Farl of CLARENDow, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., London, England. THR GENERAL NEWSPAPER DPSPATCH. Wasitrxaron, Jan. 15, 1958. The Navy Department has received despatches from the Lieutenant commanding, Craven, of the schoomer Varina, dated at the Guif of Darien, Dec. 5. He says they arrived there on the 2d ult.; have a base line of 5,400 feet, and would be prepared to ascend the Straits on the Sth of December, leaving Acting Master Radford to sur- vey the Gulf in their absence. ‘The President has issued a proclamation embodying the treaty for the settlement of the Sound dues question (pub- lished in Friday morning’s Fxraup), and declaring its binding force on the government and citizens of the United States. The four companies of the First dragoons now stationed in the Department of New Mexico will be transferred to the Department of the Pacific, to which is to be attached #0 much of the Department of Utah as lies west of the 117th degree of longitude. ©. F. Hurlburt, of New York, Assistant Clerk of the House of Representatives, resigned his office to-day. -—- -— ——-- THIRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION, * Senate. ‘ Wastincron, Jan. 15, 1858. ‘The Senate is not in session. Hease of Representatives, Wasmveron, Jan. 15, 1858. THE RETIRED NAVAL OFFICERS, Mr. Bocock, (adm.) of Va., asked the House to take up the joint resolution of the Senate, the whole effect of which is this —An act was passed by Congress at last sea- sion authorizing the naval officers, who were affected by the Retiring Board, to apply within one year to have their cases examined, the action of the Naval Courts of Inquiry being the ground on which the President might nominate for restoration. It was not known cutside the Senate what was going on there, but it was known that these Courts have acted on certain which have not yet been a ‘was fair to presume that the nate were considering the proceedings of those Courts. ‘This was the last day when anything could be done under that resolution, which, if not now passed, will render in- operative all these Courts have done. Mr. Jones, (adm.) of Tenn., would prefer that the reso- lation should come up for consideration in regular order. It proposed to increase the number of officers of the navy, to which he was opposed. The resolution was then read. = Lovasoy, (opp.) of Il., ‘objected to its consitora- INVESTIGATION OF THE SALE OF FORT SWELLING. Mr. Bunwerr, (adm.) of Ky., offered a resolation, which was authorizing as committee to investigate Sikes shnane the ale of Fort Roel , and to em- ploy astenographer. He remarked that was a case which the public interests required should have a ckee examination. ‘THE CASE OF JUDGE WATROUS, OF TREAS. Mr. Hoveron, (ad: of Ala., from the Committes on the Judiciary, a resolution, which waa adopted authorizing the said committee to send for and mere in relation to the cbarges against Judge Watroun, INVESTIGATION OF THE RosTON $87,000 roXD—o, n. MATTE SON'S CASE AGAIN ON TTR TAPS. Ss ts , it appears by Committe Middlesex neyed corporation, ita committee to investigate ite ces and the disbursement of ita funds. He urgently advocated the passage of the resolutions, in order to ascer. tain whether money was used to influence the ection of the ir. ed by law for the purpose of securing to citizens of the country their ; but in this case be woud de rt from the rule of policy he would select for jis own guidance, So grave charges have been made by individuals and a partican press, with what mo- tives and for what purposes he would net undertake to intimate, that it eeemed to him the House would consult ite dignity as well aa ite bonor by the resolutions. Of the facta disclosed by the Commi of the Ma- iS nufecturing Company he knew nothi 1 What he “hed seen in ne “ire it an en of money in the Fn i i gs ere was, however, po charge against any member phe fll hated. 4 J ag Say charges have been made by r jo persons, He, as a ve from Massachusetts, in whicheh had ita chief establishment, wished the bottom. He took occasion to say that he did not be- lieve that the hands of any momber of this House have been stained by the money of Lawrence, Stone & Co, The name of the sepior of the firm has stood, and stands A MORNING EDITION—SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1858. PRICE TWO CENTS. to-day, a8 asynonym of mercantile honor and integrity. He would not deepen the shadow which rested on it, be- a cause of the honored dead wiho bore it, and the living, who bear it. He that this investigation ‘would disclose the fact that senior member of that firm had been unfortunate, rather than involved in the intention of crime. Whatever may have been his mo- tives, he preterred to esteem him asa friend, but he would not shield him from the commission of wrong. Mr. Davis, (opp.) of Md., said that no man held the po- litical press in more contempt than he. He stood in no fear of it, and heid it in such utter contempt that he should take no notice of it except 10 carry it before tho Grand Jury for vile hbel. When cbarges are made in the press he deemed them unworthy of investigation. He re- garded his reputation and the reputation of every gentle- man here as more than enough to look in the face the whole combined prees of the country. But this was a dif- ferent case. It involved one of the merchant princes, in the books of whose firm an entry appeared of $87 paid for procuring the psasage of the taritf act. This |s a statement based on a responsible name, and it is adequate foundation for an investiga’ion. The record did not say how the money was distributed. It may have been spent legitimately to pay the expenses of agents. If it got into the hands of any member ligt him die the death. He was for following the precedent of the last Congress in con- ducting this proposed investigation. The select committee appointed to enquire into charges against certain members charged with corruption oppressed no man in his rights and character, bat were trente ated justly, carefully jand tenderly. He op} at lengi . Stanton’s propos! which clothed the committee with the powers of a grand jury, and in the absence of the record left the character ‘of the accused open to suspicion. Mr. Sranton in reply, said be proposed that the commit- tee should keep a full’ record of the proceedings, to be produced whenever occasion required. Mr. Davis said the gentleman to take away every thing of advantage to the accused, and thus would embarrass the proceedings with difficulties. Mr. Kone, (opp.) of Pa., remarked tbat all such in- vestigations involved time, trouble and expense; but he was in favor of the one now proposed. These char were extensively made over the whole country, and if they were nothing more than newspaper charges, he would be still for investigation. He*could not concur with the opinion of the gentleman from Maryland relative to the newspaper press, which bad not failed to serve its fenction. You may put corrupt men in the House and Senate, and corruption may reek all along the avenue, yet with all its abuses, a free press may save the liberties of the people. This charge was not only made in the news- paper press, but on the authority of the stockholders of the Middlesex Manufactusing Company. He knew nothing about Lawrence, Stone and Company. It is said they are merchant princes of New England. But he knew that these merchant princes struek hands with the free trade interest in the last Congress, to crush the industry ef Pennsylvania, He knew that faith in the interésts of New ¥ngland towards the rest of the country was the cause of the panic. The gentleman from Massachusetts spoke of the high character of Lawrence, Stone & Company. Were they to be etlogived in Congress because their books show they spent $87,000 to control the industrial interests of the country? Mr. BURLINGAME replied that the gentleman from Penn- sylvania was laboring under misapprehension, and after repeating what he had said, added:—* If the gentleman means that was a eulogy on the senior member of the firm, let him make the most of it. I did not consider it a eulogy.” Mr. Kuxket.—TIf the gentleman retracts, I am satisfied. Mr. BuRLINGAMK.—I retract nothing; I never said it. Mr. Kuykki.—If the gentleman avers that he did not pronounce a eulogy, I am mistaken. Members were as- sailed with regara to corruption in connection with the tariff policy, and it has been charged over and over again that members bad combined for mercenary considerations to affect that policy, together with propositions to admit railroad iron free of duty, Thus the great interests of Pennsylvania were kept in anxiety and suspense. The charges were uttered when the tariff act was under con- sideration. He heard them when he went home, and but for the mild and genial winter{ there would have been starvation within the borders of that State. Mr. Harnis, (adm.) of Ill., thought it was proper that some investigation should wke omy and thought it did not affect him and those with whom he acted. Mr. Morcan, (opp.) of N. Y., wished to know by what authority the gentieruan made that assertion. Mr. Haxxis replied he had before him the names of those who voted for the modification of the tariff. No- thing bad tranepised to show in what direction the money had gone; but what transpired last seasion the de- mocratic side nee seer Be, ts oar trom the resent i: vest mi well enough to go to 3 but they bad better turn to the congressional record, where would be found a case worthy of consideration. He meant that of Mr. Mattesou, who, fortunately, was not a member of the democratic Mr. Harris then offered an amendment, setting forth the proceedings of the last House*rejative to Mateson, and instructing the committee now proposed, to take all ‘the facts into consideration and report what action is ne- cessary to vindicate the character of the House. Mr. Matteson, he said, was still resting under serious imputa- tons. Mr. Stanton raised a question of order, that the amend- ment ia not german to pending resolution. ‘Tho Sreaxxr ruled it out of order. . made the tale, ‘and that a meniber (Smith from the ye eotignting “commises tleman’s own State moved for an in' eee @ family affair—that's all, Mr. Grow. .) of Pa. against the RA shy 5 wr of Maryland’and (Mr. Honest Tiinoie, The lattor bad attem to we Rt on members of the House, and, like the man of old, thanks God he is not like other people, and wraps his cloak self-righteousners about him. He that the at- tempt to make the select committee of the last Congress & precedent would not be successful. round the most humble individuals the safeguards of the law. The Keer oot og repre that the person charged shall be confranted with his accusers. Tae former com- mittee called profiigates from the streeta to blacken the character of members, and ina seeret chamber allowed them te give evidence in the of the accused. He against the raising of @ tee and that wit- nesses Rhall be called without the accused being permitted to confront them. The character of a member of Con gress ebould not be held jess in esteem than thatof a petty. thief, who i entitled to @ fair trial. He repeated 1 the committee of the last Congress prevented the ac- cused from confronting the witnesses, and, having #sup- Rigel of the evidenco, asked the House to pass Harris, of Tii—The lomat from (Ohio says IT and others are like the man of old. If ho means to assert that, “I thank God I am not as other men;’’ he is correet. If the gentleman will put himself in the position of the otber man mentioned in the Scriptures, by way of contra- diction, and exclaim ‘God be merciful to me a sinuer,’’ T bave no doubt the exclamation would meet with a hearty ‘amen from every gentleman on this floor. (Laughter.) Mr. Lerewex, (adm.) of Va., wanted to know why Mesara. Stanton ghey quietly in their seats when resolutions were {i proposing an investigation into the conduct of the late Clerk of the House, and in re- lation to the sale of Fort Snelling ? Mr. @raytow replied—The Fort Snolling case involved nobody by name. Mr. Letenen, resuming—Nor do these proceedings in- Yolve the name of any member of . When the case of the late Clerk was taken up, why did not the gon- a from a Ki) a Now, he ; great outrage was committed, rights violated and the accused and im secret, and drenght before the House for judgment. Mr. Sraxtow said the Clork was the person named, The rights of any mem- wale of the Fort Snelling case did not involve the ber or the character of the House. did not rise on ove occasion, because nobody wae named; Sola Gobo ‘= coremry Ld Floyd . far an unfounded charge was never male on the reputatio public oMeer. Mr. Ronert Swrm, oem) of Til, said be offered the resolution for a committee to inquire into the fects con- cerning the sale of Fort Sneiiing. He never said the fee- pow Be gags ', but he thought from the knowledge in hie (Smith's) possession that the subject required investigation. Thie was due to the Secretary of War, the administration and the demo- cratic party. He bad notified the chairman of the com- mittee that he would appear at any time and tell hie story. He thought something was wrong in that sale, but he did not charge it by implication on the Secretary of War. Lp gin By and imprudent to sell the buildings at Fort Snelling. Mr. Suman, (opp.) of N. Y., with the record before him, called attention to the fact that only thi lie cans voted for the Tariff bill, on ite passage, ninety eight who the republican party. Among the nays only two democrats voted inet f, while seventy re- publicans yoted against it. refore, he thought tho chances of Kans | in the charges would be against his friend from Titinote. Mr. Lever replied that one good tum deserved another. He did not consider the charges resting against the democratic Ly, because with the practical illustra tion of the tast Congress before them the republican party stand guilty. w Mr. Sexewan copeans, that if there was anything wrong, or fraud, or bribery in the legislation on the Tartil Dill it was not done by the republican party, for thirty re: publicana only voted for and seventy against it, while only two democrate voted against Ht. Several votes were taken on the amendments to Mr. Stanton’s proposition, when the House adopted the sub- stitute offered by Mr. Letcher, that a select committee of five members be appointed, with power to send for per- fons and papers, to investigate the charges preforred against members and officers of the last F oy ye 4 out of the disbursement of any sums of money by Law: rence, Stone & Co., or other persons, and report the facts to the Houre, with such recommendation as they deem proper. Me. Stanton withdrew his preamble, as the House had geen fit to throw the eubject in the hands of the démo- orhtr Hanae, of 1 of privilege, ir. Hanes, |.) rising to a question » offered a preambie and resolution proposing hat Mr. Mat teson’s case bo investigated, looking to his expuision from the House. As Mr. Matteson was not present, he moved the subject be postponed until Monday week. Mr. mY Benner, (opp.) of N, Y., stated that Mr. Maspenn bad gone home in consequence of sickness in his family. Mr. Harris would call up the subject on Monday week, unless Seve was & good reason shown for further post- ponemen' Mr. Bia, foun. dof Mo., wished to offer an amendment, which was read for the information of the House. It called for the testimony suppressed by the Investigating Committee, it being of great importance, and asserted that Le such suppression the committee failed in the discharge ite duty. The Speaker declared the amendment out of order. Mr, Srwaxp, (adm.) of Ga. doubted whether Mr. Har- ris’s proposition could be acted ‘on, it proposing an investi- gatee concerning a member of the last House. It should referred to the Judiciary Committee in order to deter- mine that question. Hr. Harnis—I don’t see the pertinency of the gentle- mean’s remarks. Mr. Sewaro—That’s your fault—not mine. (Laughter.) INDEMNITY FOK SLAVES. The House took from the Speaker's table the Senate bill making appropriations for indemnity for slaves carried from the Southern States by the British during the last war. The reading of their names caused excessive mer- riment. Mr. Ginpinas, (opp.) of Ohio, obtained the floor, but gave way for a motion to adjourn till Monday, which prevailed. Senator Brown on the Kansas Questio WasuINGTON, Jan. 14, 1868. Jaues Gorvow Benxert, E°q.— Dean Sir—In the Henao of yesterday I observe an ex tract from the Tritune, and an editorial of your own, tak- ing the ground that indeclining to continue my remarks on the Kaneas question in the Senate Thad virtually aban- doned the Lecompton constitovion. This is a mistake. I declined to speak 03 the question of referring papers, and choge to wait until the coustitution should be before the Senate. There was nothing to be gained, as J thought, by continuing the debate on ai immaterial point, when it was certain the main question was to be before us in a few days. Ihave not a shadow ef doubt that Kansas will be ad- mitted under the Lecompton constitution, and this without the slightest regard to any yote that may haye been cast onthe 4th instant, If you and the Tribune had assumed that I declined speaking because I thought the question already settled in our favor you would have been nearer the mark. Very respectfully, your ob’t serv’t, A. G. BROWN. Affairs at the State Capital. INTERESTING TIME IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY— CLOSE VOTE—REPUBLICANS KEPUDIATE THE OFFER OF THE AMERICANS—DEMOCRATS FAIL BY FUSION WITH THE AMERICANS—EVERY THING IN ASQUAB- BLE, ETC., BTC. Atnany, Jan. 15, 1858. The excitement to-day in the Assembly chamber and all the adjacent places, in galleries and lobbies, was more intense than during any previous day since the House has been engaged in endeavoring to elect officers. The lobby brought all their powers to bear, and from their assur- ance al) outsiders were led to believe that an arrangement bad been made by the managers, in two of the caucuses, for an early choice of Speaker. As soon as order was restored, Mr. Law, the American leader, sprung upon his feet and offered a resolution that Mr. Van Valkenburgh (republican) be the Speaker and Mr. Wilson (Know Nothing) Clerk. The audience thought they saw in this movement a speedy settlement of the difficulty. All who were ignorant of the purpose of the wire pullers imagined that a bargain had been struck betweon the re- blicans and Americans. A republican member of the Frouse moved to divide the question so as to take the er and Clerk be teage votes. This was denied, ai united in defeating the proposiias crate uni , Mr. Law then took the other tack, by placing Alvord, the democratic candidate for Speaker, with Wilson, the K. N. candidate for Clerk. This was a very close vote, and it was defeated by only two votes. Mr. Law made another effort by ee names of Van Valkenburg for Speaker and Jobn 8. Ni (dem.) of Albany, for Clerk. This was speedily laid on the table. Mr. Law then withdrew his name as Speaker, stating that the American vote resulted in 54 for Van Valkenburg, 49fqr Mr. Alvord, and for Mr. Horton, 6. After quibbiing on points of order, ard other frivolous motions, the House until to” morrow morning. Thus the SS napa remains compl blocked. Two weeks out of the twelve, which the mem devote to the public interest for the sum of three hundred dol- lars, is already spent. And for what? Merely to gratify political prejudice. On! members who are elected by a certain Gare not look a single momentto = interest in preference to strict party discipline, lence, the members have voted more than forty tines for Speaker triot party grounds, with lines drawn as clone as ¢' jn the = one times of mort high political equabbles, Two weeks have been frittered away in the unsuccessful effort to carry out the dictates of these rival party caucuses. Will not some fearless man of one or the other of the principal parties throw hinmseif in the breach and organize the House? tot 'e ‘The session of the Senate this morning was short, though interesting. Among other submitted was ‘the fol- lowing; no doubt the request will be unanimously ac- ceded to:— Conon Hart, Arnawy, Jan. 14, 1858, ‘To THe PampENt or THE SeeATE— Sin—The family of Worth have in their panses- sion four swords presented to him at different times for his military services, one of which was presented by thie State, one by order of Congress, one by the State of —o by the citizens of Hudson, bis birth. ace. Valued as they are for the actions which they commo- morate, they are also valuable by reason of their material, so much #0 a8 to subject them to great hazard of destruc. tion or abduction, unless carefully preserved. ‘The (amily are therefore unwilling to subject them to the hazards of a private residence, and they have been accordingly, for the last three yours, deposited in tho vault of one of the banks of this city. It ope deeirable that Cy Roma thus be hidden from age of twenty-one, and be ina ow Ae Ry shall otherwise reciaim them. Tam, very reepectfully, &e., J. W. EDMONDS. P. S—It is, perbape, preper that I should add that T make this Suggestion in compliance with the desire of the family. to have these cherished gifts carefully preserved, beyond the reach of all contingency. the matter of non-reporting railroads, Dar! reported that the State Engineer have until the Bret of March to complete his report, and to report to the Attorney General the names of ail roads which have neg- lected to comply with the law, and Sasbeaie fret of - - T, Year ending September 30, 1856, as directed by section 2 of the act, c! 023, Lawn of 1857; and if not, the rea- scone why it baa not been done, and what he has done or caused to be done, and what sums he bas for clerk hire, to whom the same has been paid, the provi- sions of said section. NEW YORK LEGISLATURE. Senate, Atnary, Jan, 16,1868. ‘The CiarR presented a communication from Judge Fa- monds, on behalf of the family of the late General Worth, asking the State to take the custody of four swords pro- fronted to the late Gon. Worth, and deposit them in the State Library tit young Worth is of age. Referred. Mr. Dantino, (rep.) presented a joint resolution in- structing the Attorney General to prosecute those railroad companies who have failed to report to the State Engineer in comphance with the law. Laid over. NOTICES OF ITLA. 9 Aga Matin, (aem.)—To erect’ new City Hall in New ‘ork. By Mr. Noxon, (rep.)—€o amend the 170th article of the Second Code of Procedure. mits f sTRoDT CRD. By Mr. Sewris,, (dem.)—To improve the public health and establish @ sanitary police in New York. By J. A. Wittar, (Fep.)—To incorporate @ permanant Committee on Education for the ministry of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church in the United States of America, THR LONG ISLAND RAILROAD STATW STOCK. Mr. Spnola’s bill relative to the Long Island Railroad State stock fe aa follow’ See, 1. The stock of the State of New York, issned to the Long Island Railroad Company in passuance of clap 198 of the laws of 1840, is hereby made payable on the let of August, 1876, provided any party holding certificates of ‘said xtock who may desire the samo made payable on that day shall,on or before the Ist of January, 1861, present such certificate to the Comptroller for his endorse: ment. Sec. 2. Provided that such certificates that shall not be 20 presented and endorsed shall be payabie on the Ist of August, 1861, from the funds to the credit of the Railroad Company then held by the Comptroller, or other additional funds, if necessary, to be furnished by the company, » Sec. 3, Requires the company to have the funds necessary to pay the interest at five per cent per annurm, on all such certificates as may be so endorsed, and shall also pay to the comptroller $2,000 per annum, to be invested by him asasinking fund, to provide for the redemption of the stock #0 endorsed, in lieu of thte $1,000 beretofore annually paid by the company as a sinking fund Sec. 4. Provides that the company shall not be released from any liability imposed by the law of 1840, but the conditions therein net modifled by this act to remain in full force. ‘A HILL RELATIVE TO HEIRS AND DEVISKES, Mr. Noxkn introduced a bill to amend sec. 53, part 2, chap. 6, title 4, of the Revised Statutes, so as to read jas follows :— No suit shall be brought against the heirs or devisees of any real estate, in order to charge them with the de dts of the testator or the intestate, within three years from the time of granting letters testamentary or of adminis tration upon the estate of heir testator oB intestate, unless it shall bg proved upon the trial of such suit that the in- testate left no personal axsets witnin this State to be ad- ministered, in which case such suit may be commeneod at any time; and if, after the expiration of three years from’ the granting of letters, such suit shall be brought upon proof of an application having been made before the expiration of that period for an order of sale pursuant to the provisions of this title, such suit shall be stayed by the Court in which itshall be pending, until the result of such application; and if'an order of sale be granted thereupon, such suit shall not be any further prosecuted, unless the plaintitt will allege that lands have been descended to th or been devised to the devisees which were not included in any order of sale, in which case a decree in such suit shall not change nor in aa way alfect any lands so ordered to be sold and the plaintiff so proceeding in such suit shall not be entitled to any share in the distribution of the moneys oa the sale, mortgage, or leasing of any premises pursuant to such application. By Mr. Wittiams, (rep. ‘oamend the law relative to road assessments through unimproved lands. Adjourned till one o’clock on Monday. Assembly. Aunany, Jan. 15, 1858. The Clerk announced the question to be on the motion for evening sessions—tabled. Motion for afternoon ses- sions also tabled. On motion being made for the vote for Speaker— MR, LAW'S ATTEMPT TO ORGANIZE THE HOUSH. Mr. Law, (Am.) said—Mr. Clerk, upon a previous oc- casion I briefly alluded to the peculiar position of this House on the question of organization and the necessity existing for compromise, There is nothing improper or disgraceful in the position we occupy. We are standing here in the assertion of a natural right, growing out of party organization, and sometimes necessary for party perpetuity, But in assertion of right, this belligerent attitude may be persisted in too _long. The course we adopt, however satisfactory to ourselves, is a just theme of remark beyond these walls, and away from the actors in the scene itself, We must have learned by this time that concession must be somewhere made, and it is time we should show to the people of this reat State that we are desirous to enter upon the per- formance of our legitimate duties. The American party ‘on this floor has claimed always to stand for concession. it has felt called upon to struggle long and struggle flerce. ly for principles that it has feared might be over looked and forgotten. It has shown its strength and courage, ineffectual as you may choose to regard it; and it sprepared to place itself right before the people. ‘The representatives of the American party here have been told that the simple assertion of the truths for which they battle is sufficient—that “Trath crushed to earth will rise again; The eternal years of God are hers.”” No greater fallacy ever entered the minds of man. Truth, of itself, bas no strength. It lies weak and helpless asthe new born babe, until the strong arm and the stronger purpoee lift it up, minister to ite necessities, develope its strength, and rear it up to the full stature of its powers. Hence it often happens that the advocates of half forgot- ten or neglected truths are compelled to finger long in their defence. The American party on this floor has found iwelf thus situated. It is determined to show itself ready for any honorable concession. For such a course there is a precedent, not established by the American party, but made by its oppovents. Two years since the ‘American party came into this Honse with a plurality o¢ the whole vote. Democrats and republicans were thea minorities. After a protracted and fierce struggle, the Houve was be evnee organized by concessions between democrats and republicans. Did any democrat after that by disappointed and piace Ts. If uch ebarges are assumed to be true, then there is not and has not been a man of mark tn this Staid of any party for whom the devil has pot paid al most fabulous sums, so often have they been sold. T must be permitted on this occasion to step aside from party lines and speak of subjects not strictly german to the question before the House. I do not expect to vote for the gentleman now presiding over this House, the Clerk of last Assembly; but | wish to state a aes ciation of his courtesy as a gentleman and his ability asa Clerk. Whatever may be the future of our cause, { shall always ask and claim the privilege of ranking the gontie- man my triends. Mr. Law concinded by offering a resolution Mr. Van Valkenburg (rep.) bo Spoaker and Mr. David 1. Wilson (Am.) aon.) 3 After fruitless endeavors to divide the question and to _ lay it on the table, the resolution waa voted down, the Americans only voting in ite favor. Mr. Law then & resolution making Mr. Alvord (dem. ) Speaker, and Mr, Wilson Clerk. Lost by a vote of 57 to 66.” All the republicans voted nay; so did Adama and Boughton, Americans. The democrats and the remainder of the Americans voted aye. id Absent and not voting, Moesrs. Alvord, Baker, Bench, Fmane, Engs, D. Fish, Hara, Holbrook, W. F. Jones, Lan sing, Reynolds, Salisbury, Smith, Van Arnum and Van Valkenburgh Mr. Law then moved that Van Valkenburgh be elected Speaker, and Jobn S. Nafew, (dem.,} Clerk. Mr. Startes moved to lay it on the table. Carried by ayes 07, nays 12. Mr. Tarren, (dem.) then moved that Alvord be de- clared Speaker, and Richardson Clerk. Mr. Donyna, (rep.) moved to amend, by declaring that Van Valkenburgh be Speaker. Tabled, on a motion by Mr. Moone, (dem.) 56 to 54. After various motions to adjourn, a vote was taken which resulted for Van Valkenburgh 54, Alvord 49, Frost Horton 6, Law 1 Mr. Gonann, (rep.) then offered a resolution that Van po be Speaker, and Mr. Richardson Mr. Moore moved to amend by making Frost Horton (Am.) Speaker, and Jobn J. Reilly Clerk. Mr. McNort (dem ) then moved to amend by electing eo =e ool and Lod Clerk, and distributing Mr. Devaxet (dem.) moved to strike out Richardson and insert John J. Reilly. The whole subject was tabled. aaa haan for Speaker without change of rerult. Several more efforts to elect lar candidates of Se ee wea, it all wore laid on tho Auusy, Jan. 15—1:90 P. M. unsucceseful All efforta to ine have as yet . ‘The House has refused 9 adjourn and the voting is being continued. A protracted diecuraion took place on an allempt to ad- journ over until Monday, and on different propositions to ge, ee Se eee a House evertually adjourned till 11 A. M. to-mor. Tow. ‘Taw o'Crock P. M. There are rumors to the effect that the effort to elect Messrs. Alvord for Speaker of the House, and Wilson for Clerk will be renewed to morrow. Appointments by the President. OFFICERS OF THR CUSTOMS. George R. Reynolds, district of Bristol and Warren, je ‘ y Rhode Island, re: from January 17, 1868. William Littlefield, district of Newport, Rode Inland, Seep ial lye an . 5 James A. Aborn, district of Providence, Rhode Island, vice Gideon Bradford, whose commission will expire January 17, 1858. Naval 5 William Rider, district of Newport, Rhode Island, vico Milton Hail, whose commission will expire January 31, 1888. Thomas J. district of Providence, Rhode Talend, vice Silaa A. » whose commission will expire January 31, 1868. Sw William FE. Cozzens, port ot 3 Toland, re from January 31, 1868. Francis M. Dimond, 2d, of Bristol, Rhode Island, vieo John Gladding, Jr., ‘wi Janwary 31, 1858. James Fiahor, port of Pautuxet, Rhode Island, vico Sid- ao, © commiasion will expire January $1, Walter of Fast Greenwich, Rhode Island, meer, @. Sina’ es commission wil] expire January 7 * ¢ Ham Vir; , vice William R. Lawes, pe Dyed 7 ieee anaes Jersey City News, Deprcation.—-The new edifice of the Second Presbyte- rian church of Jorsey City is so far completed that it will be dedicated to divine worship to-morrow. There will be three services during the day—at 1054 A. M., and Sand TPM. Rey. Charles Hoover, the pastor, will preach in the morning, the Rey. Dr. P tie, of New York, in the afternoon, and Prof. Hitchcock , of the Union Seminary, in the evening. When the church building is completed it will Be 100 feet in length by 60 in width, and the main audience room will be 60 by 75 feet. building is estimated at $21,000. The total cost of the Important Political Movement in Virginia. Caucus of the Democratic Members of the Virginia Legislatare—Efforts to Censure Governor Wise for his Tammany Letter—. Endorsement of Mr. Buchanan’s Policy In Regard to Kansas, de; SPECIAL REPORT FOR THE NEW YORK HGRALD. Rieumonp, Va., Jan. 11, 1958. A caucus, coneisting of the @emocratic mem ers of both Houses of the General Assembly of this State, was held to-night in the hall of the House of Delegates, for the pur- pose of expressing an opinion in relation to the course of the administration with reference to Kansas. Since the Appearance of Goy. Wise’s Tammany Hall letter the pro Priety of this course bag been generally discussed among members of the Logisiature, especially those of theia who are opposed to the Governor's internal improvement Policy, and his new scheme of an oyster fund tax. The friends of Hunter and the Know Nothings were of course active in urging its necessity, aud they succeeded, but failed however in their efforts to bring a formal censure upon the Governor. The caucus was called to order at a fow minutes after 7 o’clock, and on motion of A. A. Cusewax, anomber of the House of Delegates from Monroe county, Mr. Wm. M, Ambler, the Senator from Louisa county, was appointed Chairman. Mr. Stevens, a member of the House from Rockingham, ‘was appointed secretary. ‘On motion of Senator Catterr a call of the House was made with a view to ascertain the number present, when itappeared there were one hundred and two in all, to wit: eighty members and twenty-two senators, Mr. Coginit, Senator from Amberst, said:—I believe it is generally understood that this meeting bas been called for the purpose of giving an expression of opinion on the part of the’General Assemb!y in relation to the subject of the admission of Kansas into the Union. Different posi tions have been taken in respect to this subject in different arts of the Union both North and South, and it is emi- hently proper at thie time that there should be some ex pression of opinion given by the General Assembly of Virginia. With that view I have, afier consultation with some friends, prepared resolutiows whieh I desire to sub- mit for the action of this meeting. So far as | am person- ally concerned, and so far ag those members of the General Assembly with whom I have conferred are concerned, there is a disposition on their part that nothing «ball be done in this matter hastily or indisereetly; nothing shall be done which should, even by implication, reflect upon any man; but that everything which shall be done, must be done in. vindication of principle and as a mere expression of opinion in contradistinction from anything that may be supposed to reflect upon any human being. It seems to me that the resolutions which I offer will answer this pur- pose better than anything else Lhave seen; and [, there- fore, submit them for the consideration of the mevting:— Whereas, positions have been taken, both in the North and the South, calculated to divide and distract the Southern people, and to defeat the admission of Kansas into the Union upon equal footing with the other States— Resolved, by the General Assembly of Virginia, That the people of Virginia, by an overwhelming majority, sus- tain President Buchanan in the position he occupies in re- lation to the admission of Kansas as a State, under the Lecompton constitution ; and no man is authorized to speak in the name or by the authority of that people who does not sustain the President upon that position. Resolved, in the opinion of this General Assewbly, That Congress has no power to impose any conditions upon & ‘State admitted into the Union other than are imposed by the constitution of the United States; that any such at- tempt on the part of Congress is a violation of the rights of the States— is subversive of the most sacred principles of the constitution, and calculated to destroy the boundary lines between State rights and the powers of the federal government. Col. Rivs.aiy Ruew Provp, Senator from Wythe, said: — Tam very glad, sir,to hear the expression of opinion which is contained in these resolutions, 1 think they em- body the proper sentiments, With a single exception, in the first resolntion, they come up to some resolutions which I have pared, and which I think will obviate any difference of opinion or misconstruction which might be put npon some of the terms contained in the revolutions just offered, I will read my reselations — Resolved, That the harmony and of this Union demande at the hands of the Congress of the United States 8 speady, eatiafactory ‘tnd final settlement of the affairs of sas. Resolved, That we regard the suggestions of the Presi- dont of the United States, in his Jato annual message, as wise, moderate and suificient, and if agreed to. will speedily effect that desirable object. Mr. yP—] think that no possible can arise from tho hen me theso resolutions. I trust, tho plengure of the gentioman ety : dee ay for bis td Pewoketions. purpose in drawing up these resolutions in this form was that we, who repre- nent the democracy of the State, should take no part in federal matters, except that which is to ait culties arising between members of the Union. I ', mr, they embody emphatically what the of the State—i know, my own ‘will maintain, I trast, therefore, that we will speak in these general terms proposed, in or- der that nobody shall misconstrue our language that 20 gentleman or no gentleman's friends shall exception to it, and that no! oe ee ee ee action of the democracy of Virginia. 1 . sir, whilst a liberal and proper construction be placed upon the preamble and resolutions of the from Amberst, there is language in them which might be mis- construed in reference toa certain distinguished, whom we desire to cast no reflection upon. I trust the from Amberst will accept these resolutions in of those which he bas offered. Mr. Epacnns, member of the House, from Halifax county—I would beg the mover of the Tosolutions to state wi it he refers to the conclusions or the arguments of the President in reference to Kansas; | do not approve of his arguments, while I am in favor of bis conclusions, Mr. Frovp—I refer to hie conclusions. Mr. Evmunps—I would like to have that term embodied ip the resolutions. The word “conclusions "’ was accordingly su for “ suggestions "’ in the second reeointion. : Mr, Campmets, Senator from Nottoway—I want to k: whether the resolutions offered by the gentleman over tho way (Mr. ind ma) wore ® & substitute or merely ir. Flove—I suggested to the gentleman the propriety ng them aa a substitute in order Ww obviate ibility of misconstruction. If he does not adopt them, _Lehail offer them a a substitute, It was my have done #0 in the beginning, but I would should have no difficulty about avoid that ted E a Of the first resolution offered by Mr. Coghill, which implied censure upon the eovalter Y Phat 4 3 i 2 i ; i i 28 ii i i i 5 i i i Ea se g ft Es i F Rie ; ut iF i Fs i 4 a = fH j f lh i E i i bel Li gak 3 z z e I ? é st 3 2 53 ! i l : a ie Hi 3 tee te 5 ig H : i His G33 which express moet fully jemocr: , and believing that the resolutions‘T bad the Tower tb oa fo that thing, I sball vote for them in | smn ed to the resolutions offered by the gentleman Wythe. Mr. Froyp—Then, I offer my resolutions as @ substis tute Mr. Swim, Senator from Groenbrier—The gent says that no human being had a right to express, _. ~