The New York Herald Newspaper, February 2, 1859, Page 6

4 NEW YORK HERALD. 7aMES GORD SPFLCS H.W. CORKS OF POULTON 4ND Wassa0 8T8 IDOE Money sent by matl will be at the “Pile DALY HERALD, noo conte per suman Tus WEEKLY APSALD, eee ct. af contd or BS per mamum; ems conte por copy. $4 per, annum (0 part of Great Brat, Calyorn = Bio th and MWh of sch’ month at cot fanmuin. nk PAMIL AERaLD, cvery Wednesday, at four cenle per Ohytonbany CORKESPONDENCE, containing tmportan sworkd; ¢/ weed, weil he AORRESPONDRNTS ARE ‘Lsrrens ND PACE- MENTS THIS SVENLNG. BROADWAY THRATRE, Groadway.—Waaxnn—Csra- Bact oF Tam Ganans. NIBLAS GARDEN, Broaawar.—Aferneon and Evening— omecs Pauroumasces—Cxarvep Honses, MULES, dc, WRRY THKATRE, sowery.—Tus Tunas Fast Mum, on wun Pausis homssor Chosous ‘TON'S NRW THRATRE. Broadway—Ove Fawn abOheaw CoctixPorviat Pawo. WALLACE THK ATRE Brosdway.—Tus Verseas ; 08, Praxce and ERLAL LaURa KEENK'S TH Aunnicas Cousis—Aunt ‘KR. No 6% Broadway.—Ocr muorts's Map, a Pie KAICAN MUSEUM, Broadway—After cen ASS rening Nene Mixstuausy—Craiosrties, 40. WOOD'R MINSTREL BUILDING, 661 and $63 Broadway— armorins tases Davos, a0.—New Yaar Cauca, BRYANTS' MIN@TKELS, 4RUHANICS’ HALL, 437 Broads qay— Nagano Songs osu Howcesques—Tae VereRan. SNIFFEN'S OsMPHELL Bonitogiss, Ac. MINSTRELS, 44 Dovsis Baopen Room. LYRIQUE HALL, 765 Broadway.—Ma. Vanpexnorr’s De. me “New York, Wednesday, February 2, 1899. MAILS FOR EUROPE. The New York Herald—Edition for Europe. ‘The Cunard mail steamship Europa, Captain Leitch, will loave this port vo-day for Liverpool. ‘The European mails will close in this city at a quarter past tn o'clock this morning. ‘The European edition of the Heratp will be published at balf past nine in the morning. Single copies, in wrappers, Bix cent. ‘Subscriptions and adwertisements for any edition of the New York Hera.p will be received at the following piaces ia Europe -— Loxvon.... Sampson Low, Son & Co., 47 Ludgate Hill. Lapsing, Starr & Co., 74 King William street. Pars... Lansing, Buldwin & Co., 8 place de la Bourse, Lavexroot, Lansing, Starr & Co.,.No. 9 Chapel street. R. Stuart, 10 Exchi street, Bast. Havus.....Lansing, Baldwin & Co., 21 Rue Corneille. Hauucnc ./De Chapeaunge & Co. The contents of the European edition of the Henatp will combine the news received by mail and telegraph at tho oMce during the previous week and up to the hour of publication, The News. ‘The tariff and loan questions are just now the prominent topics at Washington, and merchants, manufacturers and lobby agents are flocking thither to influence legislation upon these important sub- jects, As is well known, the democratic members of the Senate, with one or two exceptions, have already decided against any alteration of the exist- ing tariff by the present Congress. A caucus of members of the House opposed to a protective ta- riff and specific duties was held last evening. It was composed principally of members from the Southern States. The caucus, after considera- ble discussion, adopted resolutions declaring it in- expedient to disturb the tariff of 1857, and also ap- pointing a committee of five to report at the next meeting—which is to be held on Saturday evening next—meaenres by which the government expendi- tures can be reduced. In Congress yesterday the Senate took up the House bill making grants of land to agricultural colleges. Several amendments were offered, and pending a motion to recommit the bill the Senate adjourned. Inthe House the vote whereby the Homestead bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole was reconsidered, and the bill was passed by a vote of 120 to 76. There is, however, little probability of the bill passing the Senate at the present session. The Senate’s French Spolia- tion bill was then taken up. Mr. Burlingame re- counted the history of the claims in Congress, and coneluded with moving the previous question on the passage of the bill. The Speaker, however, decided that as it contained an appropriation of money the bill must go to the Committee of the Whole. Such reference was accordingly made of it, and the bill may be regarded as effectually killed, so far as the Thirty-fifth Congress is con- cerned. A number of projects of local interest were brought before the Legislature yesterday. We re- fer to our telegraphic despatches for particulars. The radical abolitionists have held a convention at Albany, and adopted resolutions embracing Senator Seward’s revolutionary ideas, as enunciat- ed in his celebrated manifesto, promulgated some time since at Rochester. The overland mail has arrived at St. Lonis with San Francisco dates to the 7th ult., two days later than those received by the Isthmus routes. The Supreme Court of California had dissolved the in- junction restraining the Fund Commissioners from iseuine bonds of 185°. Business at San Francisco was very dull. Late accounts from Northern Mexico state that General Garza was again preparing to march from Tamaalipas to the assistance of the liberals. A conducta, with a million in specie and bullion, had arrived at Matamoras. Advices from Utah to the 4th ult. have come to hand, bot they contain nothing of importance. General Johnston had reviewed the army, which | was in a high state of efficiency. Our correspondent at Bridgetown, Barbadoes, writing on the lith ult., says:—The United States war steamers Westernport, Com. Hunter; Atlanta, Com. Ridgley, and Memphis, Com. Marchand, com- pleted their couling and sailed from this port on the 27th of December for Paraguay, via Pernambuco, ‘The hospitalities extended to the officers and crews of the expedition were generous and open hearted, end were duly appreciated by the recipients, and will assist in welding additional links in the chain of friendship which happily unites Great Britain and America. A little produce of the new crop is coming to market, but in very small quanti- ties. After all the despondency and misgivings the crop will approach an average yield, owing to the improved state of the weather for the last six weeks, which resuscitated the stunted cane and caused a harvest to load the ground. The health of the island is good. The heavy stock of bread- stuffs and provisions has disappeared, and prices are beginning to look up. The water works are progressing rapidly. Coolie labor is very satisfac- tory, and the Indians are very much pleased with their pay and treatment. A large number of citizens assembled at the rooms of the Board of Education last evening, to witness the last (or so supposed to be) examination of the scholars of the Daily Normal School. The occasion was a most interesting one. The exer- cises were gone through with in the best and most classical style, eliciting the approbation of every NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1859. terday, a communication was received from the Comptroller relative to the measures necessary to Separate the future accounts of the county from those of the city, and requesting an expression of the views of the Board upon the subject. The an- nual report of the City Chamberlain shows that he had in his custody on the 1st ult. money and securi- ties to the amount of $1,004,024, which sum is under the control of the Supreme and County courts. A number of bills were received and re- ferred, and the Board adjourned till Tuesday next. The sales of cotton yesterday embraced about 700 bales, The higher grades were rather scarce, while middling up- lands closed at 120. per Ib. Good to choice extra grades of flour were firm, while common brands wero heavy an‘ easier, The late advance in common flour was dispropor- tioned to the corresponding value of the better class of extras; and hence the pricea they reached could not be sustained. Wheat was less buoyant, and sales were mo- derate. Old corn was scarce and firm, while new was dull and without a change of moment in quotations. Owing to telegraph despatches from New Orleans, stating that mess pork in that market had advanced to $19 25 a $19 60, the market here became firmer yesterday, and sales of new mets were made at $18 123,, and old at $17 623¢ a $17 75, and prime at $13 60a $13 623;. The stock amounts to about 77,283 of all kinds, and the stock of beef to about 06,828 bbls. and tierces. Lard was active and firmor. Sugars were firm, with sales of 700 a 800 hhds. of New Orleans. Coffee was steady. The cargo (2,500 bags Rio), per M. A. Forrest, was sold evening before last at Llc., nd 400 bags Laguayra sold at 1140.0 12c, Freight on- gagements were moderate, and rates unchanged. The Treasury and the Tariff—The Northern Majority of the House ws. the Southern and Western Majority of the Senate. The resolution which was put through the democratic caucus of the Senate on Saturday last, declaring that it is inexpedient, at the present session, to disturb the existing tariff law, was, doubtless, intended as a party decree, pass- ing this important subject over to the next Con- gress, in contempt of the President’s recom- mendations. But the resolution introduced into the open Senate on Monday, by Mr. Bigler, affirming the President’s views, and the proceed- ings of the same day in the House, very clearly, show that this last Saturday’s Senatorial caucus, instead of shelving the question under consider- ation, has only precipitated the inevitable issue, from which there can be no more dodging. Mr. Bigler appeals from the caucus to the Senate—from the Southern managers of that caucus to the representatives in the Senate of the several States in their public capacity, and puts to them this unanswerable proposition— that, “as the creation of a large public debt in time of peace is inconsistent with the true policy of the United States, apd as the present revenues are insufficient to meet the unavoid- able expenses of the government, Congress should proceed, without delay, so to re-adjust the revenue laws as not only to meet the deficit in the government expenses, but to pay offthe present debt, so far as it may be liable to immediate cancellation.” On the same day (Monday) there were some proceedings in the House on the same subject, of a still more significant character. Mr. Houston, of Alabama, a prominent leader of the Southern democracy, and, if we mistake not, a low'cd valorem tariff disciple of Mr. Secre- tary Cobb, asked leave to introduce a bill au- thorizing the President to contract a new loan of twenty millions; whereupon Mr. Covode, of Pennsylvania, wished to know whether the gen- tleman intended “making any provision for the payment of the loan, as the delegation from Pennsylvania will not consent to vote for an appropriation of money until there are some measures adopted to supply an empty treasury. He would tell the gentleman they (the Pennsyl- vanians) are not going to suffer them (the loan party) to run the country into debt without first revising the revenue laws, so ag to increase the receipts of the treasury.” But Mr. Houston was not thus to be frightened off, and so he moved a suspension of the rules, in order to make an opening for his twenty million loan, And this motion has given us something more decisive than the decree of the Senate do-nothing caucus; for the vote of 73 for the suspension, to 127 against it, as we take it, is tantamount to a resolution by tae House that there shall be no more loans nor treasury notes without some provision for their redemption. Thus, then, stands the case. The Southern and Western democratic majority of the Senate, whose constitaents are-more deeply interested in cheap “store goods” than in protective duties of any kind, are afraid to touch the low tariff of 1857, and shrink from it, notwithstanding the stringent necessities of the treasury. But the Northern majority of the House, whose constitu- ents—especially the Pennsylvanians—are very deeply interested in home manufactures, are not disposed to let slip this present golden opportu- nity for at least that incidental protection which a revenue modification of the tariff may confer. With this division of Congress the President stands committed; while by the other side, the President’s head clerk of the Treasury, Mr. Cobb, is regarded as the genuine oracle of the policy of the democratic party, We apprehend, too, that in this conflict be- tween the tariff majority of the House and the anti-tariff democratic caucus of the Senate, as in all other cases, the weaker body will have to snecumb to the stronger. The House, under the constitution—and wisely, too—holds the initia- tive authority over the revenues of the federal treasury; and, in this connection, the resolution against Mr. Houston’s loan bill may be accepted aa a very seasonable rebuke to the Southern de- mocratic leaders of the Senate. Their little plots and plans for the next Presidency, and for the Southern elections yet to come off for the next House of Representatives, upon which may fall the election of our next President, may be worth look after; but a rapidly increasing public debt, and a heavy excess of current expenditures over current receipts, are matters of higher and more immediate importance than all the local conveniences and inexpedients of President making politicians. The House of Representatives have the right side of the question, and they have the adminis- tration with them, of which the President of the United States is the official organ, and not his head clerk of the Treasury. This resolation againet Mr. Houston and his loan bill should be, person present. Speeches condemnatory of the | action of the former Board of Education, in abo- lishing the Daily Normal School, were then deli- sored by Mesers. Neilson, McFarlane and others, and “41> classes were afterwards kindly dismissed by A. « Wright until Thursday next. At the meeting of the Board of Supervisors yes- and doubtless will be, followed up by the House; and if the Senate should remain incorrigible, and refuse a modification of the tariff, let the House stand fast and refuse any more Treasury notes and Joane. An extra session of the new Congress, “fresh from the people,” will doubt- Jess come to some satisfactory agreement, and so the sooner the President shaM be convinced of the e necessity for an extra session, the better it will be for all concerned. But the democratic caucus of the Senate, as we understand it, have agreed that the members of the party may dieagree upon this question of the tariff. Perhaps, therefore, the resolution of Mr. Bigler, when brought to the test, may prove the existence of a sufficient democratic balance of power in the Senate to pass a new tariff bill ning the present session, In default thereof, it is the democratio purty, and not the adminis- | consumed in our domestic manufactures, which tration, nor the opposition, that will be. subject to the drawbacks and dangers of an extra s#es- sion. The administration will be justified in this resort by the exigencies of the government, and the opposition will be apt to improve the oecasion of an extra session, in the definite ar- rangement of some general plan of operations for 1860, We are aware that since the passage of the tariff act of 1846, free trade principles have been steadily gaining ground in the South. Much of the essence of secessionism Hes in the sup- posed advantages which would accrue to a South- would then have no foreign competition to en-"j counter, The other two-thirds—which now form so large an clement of the clothing of the world— wduld remain with us, or seek new scenes of manufacture. No rmall portion of the foreign textle trade would seek our manufactures, through the thousand paths that commerce finds a way to open, when there is a profit to be made, thus civing us greater employment, and taking off another portion of the crop. In this way the changes of trade would be great; but its sources would not be dried up, and consequently the eprings of our revenues would not experience ern confederacy from reciprocal arrangements of | that immense diminution froma war which would free trade. But the Cemocratic party have now to confront the demands of heavy expenses, small receipts, an empty treasury, and an increasing publjc debt ; and they must now decide whether these demands shall be met by higher taxations upon imported goods, or through a direct taxa- tion of the people, or the decision will be made by the opposition. The free traders of the South must consent to higher duties upon iron manu- factares and other articles, or toadirect tax upon their niggers, according to their three-fifths ratio of representation in Congress, The one alternative or the other is inevitable, and the longer a decision is evaded the heavier will be the pressure when the day of settlement sha}! come. Our democratic President makers may agree to disagree upon this subject; but the party in power cannot escape their responsibilities to the country in reference to siort supplies, heavy ex- penses, and a heavy public debt. There is mis- chief, too, in this caucus movement of the Senate; and though it may be levelled at the President, it will react, if followed up, against the party. The President is secure in his positign, but the party is among the shoals and quicksands of the most treacherous navigation; and it may be that the disorganization of the party, commenced upon the Kansas issue, will be completed upon the tariff. A few weeks will settle the question. Fear of a War with France and England— The True Measure of National Power, The cavillers at the bill for placing thirty millions of dollars at the disposition of the Pre_ sident, to be used in part payment for the island of Cuba in case of a successful negotiation with Spain, advance as one of the weighty argumeats against its passage the assertion that auch a step would eventually involve usin a war with France and England. How this great result is to follow from the simple announcement of a desire on our part to acquire Cuba, and to acquire it peaceably, is not stated, and we cannot conceive. As this bug- bear of a war with those nations is continually held up by the opponents of any step that really is a living part of an American policy, it may be worth while to look into the subject, and see what a war between the United States and Eng- land and France, or between the former and either of the last two Powers, would, in fact, amount to. They comprise three out of the four living nations of the world; and a con- flict between them, or between the United States and either of them, would be some- thing very different from any of the past European ware, or those that have oc- curred between us and any European Power. The three nations may be said to be very nearly balanced in physical strength—their populations not differing greatly in numbers— and that of each of them far exceeds anything in the shape of national Powers that have ever entered into conflict, excepting only the late war in the Crimea. They are, too, in this re- spect, more evenly balanced than any other nations in the world; and each can freely com- mand the multitudinous mechanical appliances and improved weapons and instruments that have been introduced in warfare, and which have £0 enormously increased the cost of its prose- cution. These considerations alone are sufficient to compel each of these nations to adopt a careful hesitancy about going to war with each other, even upon motives of direst aggression; and much more do they operate when the subject in dispute is not only a question in which they are not directly interested, but one in which their indirect interests may lie in its success. Of this character is the question of the acquist- tion of Cuba by the United States. Neither the interests of England nor of France are directly aggrieved in the transfer, while such a step would conduce indirectly to their advantage, by bringing the prolific industry and trade of Cuba within the scheme of our material and social de- velopement, and putting a stop to the last rem- nant of the inhuman African slave trade. This is the question of war, viewing the three nations as equal Powers. But it has another aspect—one which every statesman, whoever he may be, is bound to con- sider before he plunges his country in a war. The three nations referred to comprise the three greatest members of the republic of trade, Their interests are bound together with mighty bonds of mutual exchange, which can be appreciated in the aggregate by the political economist; but 80 deeply do their varied ramifications penetrate every source of industry, the human mind can- not grasp nor estimate the intensity of evil that would be produced by their rupture. It is no exaggeration to say that such an event would paralyse the labors of industry and the exchanges of trade all over the world. Here, then, begins the effect which the political economist can grasp and estimate. Industry and trade are the fountains of revenue, and revenue constitutes the sinews of war and national power. In order, then, tocorrectly estimate the relative physical power of the three nations in a war between them, we must look at their respective condi- tions when the exchange of products between them is paralyzed. A detailed examination, which it is unnecessary to go into here, would show that a very large proportion of the indus try of France and England depends upon the cotton they procure from the United States, and that another large portion of it depends upon the fabrics into which this raw materialis wrought. To deprive them of cotton for one year would throw the industry and trade of both of those countries into inextricable confusion, and at once deprive their governments of the greater part ot their revenue by drying up its sources, So evident is this to merchants and statesmen, that it has been proposed, instead of offering Spain one hundred and thirty millions for Cuba, that our government take the same amount, and advance it on the cotton caop of one year, which shall be kapt back until England and France ob- ligate Spain to cede Cuba to us. Our own posl- tion would no doubt be injured by a war that would prevent the conveyance of cotton to France and England, but not to a degree any- thing like the injary that would accrue to, them. We would have the cotton crop in our own hands, and one-third of it, at least, would be Yan ole come upon those of England and France. Ia this point of view the three nations are not equal Powers, and the United States, in the event of a war between them, would largely preponderate over England and France in revenue, which is the material of war, and the true measure of na- tional strength. For these reasons, the fear of a war between ourselves and England and France—either or both—is unworthy the consideration of statesmen, and is nothing more than a bugbear to frighten old women and ignorant children. There are higher motives than those of fear to prevent a war. The laws of political economy and social science bind them to peace and forbearance, even under instances of direct aggression, But the fear of a war because we desire to acquire Cuba by a peaceable negotiation from Spain is trans- cendently silty, It should not be entertained” for a single moment in discussing that question, which is to be decided upon principles of nation- al developement far higher than any considera- tions of dynastic interests or kingly advantages. Tux Unpratnep Swamps Unper THe Crry, AND TuEm Coysequences.—There és not in the world, perbaps, a city more susceptible of thorough draining and sewerage than New York, lying, as it does, directly between two rivers, and with in- clination east and west: towards each; yet, strange to say, owing to the hurried and impro- per manner in which many portions of it were constructed, the soil at this day is nothing better than a sponge, from which poisonous exudations are emitted in the hot season, causing intermit- tent fevers and other local diseases, Singularly enough, this is the case with five of our public parks and squares. St. John’s Park, Wasbington Square, Madison Square, Gramercy Park and Tompkins Square are all located on ground which was at one time under water, and was filled in without any attempt todrainit. The Senate Sanitary Committee, which has been in- vestigating the sanitary condition of this city, among other witnesses summoned Mr. Egbert L. Viele, the eminent engineer, who, in illustration of his testimony, furnished them with a most ex- cellent map, showing the topography of that por- tion of Manhattan Island lying between the Bat- tery and Eightieth street, from which it appears that several large tracts of ground, in different quarters of the city, which were originally either ponds or streams, have been carelessly filled in before building upon them, and are at the present time, ae a natural consequence, damp and un- healthy localities. For example: the district around where the Tombs now stands was originally a pool, known as Collect pond; it was over seventy feet deep, and was lower than the bed of the East river. This was filled in with earth, and we can fancy what soil it must have made. Time was when the prison was first erected, that prisoners who were placed in the lower cells at night were found dead in the morning—either suffocated with noxious’ gasses, or frozen with the cold damp. The whole region contained between Chambers and Broome streets, Greenwich street and North river—which includes St. John’s park—was a marsh. So, also, was that part of the city lying at the foot of Murray Hill, and ex- tending over the vicinity of Madison square and Gramercy-park. It was once an extensive swamp, and has never been drained. From University place to Hamersley strect, running through Washington square, flowed the stream called “Manetta Water ”—the old Indian title—which fell into the North river, but which now, of course, soaks through the ground, sending forth deleterious miasma. It has been ob- served by Dr. Foster, in his practice through this district, that intermittent fevers are frequent, and he avers that he can tell exactly, by the character of the symptoms, in many cases, whether his patient is residing within the infiu- ence of the old “Manetta.” The vicinity of Tompkins square is similarly situated. It is merely a marsh, with dirt dumped upon it, and parties residing there have stated that in very hot weather the aroma from the ground is far from agreeable. It is pretty well known that in some of the | lower parts of the city it is very difficult, if not impossible, to procure dry cellars. When the old wells were used, a portion of the water was drawn off in that way; but since they have ceased to be employed, it rises continually into the cellars. At this moment there are several streams to be seen in the upper part of.the city, above Fifty-ninth street, not yet built upon—one of which is now used to turn a mill, If these be merely filled in, their waters dammed up, as it were, and no provision made for drainage, as was done heretofore with the localities alluded to, of course the land will become a muddy sponge, and the lessons afforded by the errors of former times will remain unheeded. We hope, therefore, that the Sanitary Committee have paid proper attention to remedying this evil, by re- commending a thorough system of drainage asa preliminary to laying out that portion of the city, at all events. A Nor ror tHe Tartry Mey to Crack.—The duties that will be paid into our Custom House during the present week will amouat to nearly, if not quite, two millions of dollars, and those of the next week will not vary far from the same sum. This revenue is from goods already ar- rived, or known to be on their way. It is stated by many of our most intelligent jobbers, that the orders which have been sent out for goods ex- ceed anything that has been done in former years, and that the revenue during the present month of February must exceed that of any previous month. Our hotels are crowded with people, and the spring trade is opening with a spirit that encourages every one. The only complaint among importers is that our public storage and Custom House facilities for the despatch of goods are quite unequal to the requirements of trade, and call for further increase. Court Chambers, Judge Sutherland did not sit yestorday, in consequence of the death of his youngest gon. Srnanorns iv Wasminaton.—Tho hotels of the federal metropolis are crepes wits guests. Never of the inauguration of a they 80 crowded. Washington Siar, THE LATEST NEWS. AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL THE TARIFF QUESTION. Proceedings of a Democratic Caucus of Mem- bers of Congress—Disagreements Among tne Democracy, dic. Wasurmaron, Fob. 1, 1859, A democratic caucus was held to-night. John Coch- rane acted as chairman, and Messe. Ruffin and Cava- naugh us secretaries. Mr. Vallandigham had been nomi- nated for secretary, but be declined, saying the call for the caucus bad not been submitted to the Ohio delegation, at whose instance he had come here to ascertain the character of the proceedings. About fifty members were Present, principally from the South, but including two from New York, two from Minnesota, one from Ohio, and five from Illinois. Mr. Musson, of Virginia, said he was unwilling to bo ‘ound by the action of the caucus: the House of Repre- sentatives was the proper place for action. He offered resolutions declaring it inexpedient to disturb the present tariff, and against protection or specific duties. Mr, Pus.rs, of Missouri, said he was opposed to specific duties and protection of any form. He was for a modi- fication of te tariff for revenue purposes, to meet the demands of tbe Treasury, and remarked that there should be a retrenchment in the expenditures, Mr. BarkspaLe, of Mississippi, was opposed to all duties, and ‘avored free trade and direct taxation. Mr. Mrxs, of South (arolina, spoke to the same effect. Mr. : mawarr, of Maryland, did not know that be was properly present under the call, as he was in favor of a judicious tariff for revenue. He thought that the present one was not perfect, and that a change might be mado with advantage to the country. Mr. Crawrorp read the call, which invited to the caucus all members opposed to protection and specific duties, Ho said it was signed by many gentlemen now present, and the understanding was that all democrats were invited to attend. Mr. Houston, of Alabama, thought differently, Ho was willing to confer with those only who were opposed to protection and specific duties, and did not care to attend a meeting of gentlemen entertaining various opinions for a conference. Mr. Moxnas, of Illinois, wanted the Chairman of the Com- mittee on Ways and Means to answer whether the com- mittee intend to report any tariff bill, and if so, of what character? Mr. Pups replied that he could answer for himself. He was disposed to report a bill modifying the tariff in order to increase the revenue of the country, but he had to in- form the gentleman that the committee had come toa dead lock. Mr. Morris suggested to Mr. Phelps that he preparea Dill and submit it at the adjourned n eeting for considera- tion. “this gave rise to expressions of good humor. Mr. Garnett opposed a modification of the tariff, and alluded to the fact that the present expenses of the govern- ment were more than necessary. He considered it the duty of the democratic party to inaugurate a system of retrenchment and reform, and offered a resolution for the appointment of a committee of five to report means by which the expenses of government can be reduced. Mr. Lamar, of Migsissippi, was opposed to specific du- ties. He thought it high time that the demooratic party define its position on the tariff, and that the present law should have a fair trial. Mr. Sraruxns, of Georgia, said when he first entered Congress in 1843, the expenses of the government were only twenty millions per annum. ‘he country had gone through the expensive Mexican war, with sixty- three thousand soldiers in the field, for fifty- three millions, and now, in time of peace, the estimates were seventy-three millions. Many expendi- tures were wholly unnecessary, and reform was indis- pensably needed. He believed forty millions an abun- dance for the national expense. He was therefore opposed to an increase of duties, and said the expenditures should be brought within the present receipts. - Mr. Crawrorp, of Georgia, offered a series of reeolu- tions asa substitute for Mr. Garnett’s, which tho latter ac- First. That it is inexpedient to disturb the tariff of 1857. Second. That a committee of five be appointed to report at the next caucus means by which the expenses of tha government can be reduced. Mr. Crawrorn believed and was advised at the Treasury Department that the simple extension of the Treasury Note law for one or two years, and authorizing the re-issue of the nearly twenty millions redeemable next July would be sufficient to relieve the treasury. Mr. Tartor, of Louisiana, expressed himself strongly against any decided action at the present time. He be- Meved that it was due to the democratic party and the country to postpone proceedings until a general meeting of the democrats of the House could be called to consider the resolutions. Mr. Srewarr, of Maryland, made an ineffectual motion to table them. Mr. Reagan, of Texas, Mr. Phelps, of Missouri, Mr. Craige, of North Carolina, and others participated m the debate. The reeolutions finally were adopted nearly unani- mously. Mr. Grorncr Taysor was opposed to this action at this time. He thought it premature and calculated to place gentlemen in a falso position before the country. He was unwilling to bind himself by. the pro- ceedings of this caucus, representing, as it did, less than half the democratic members of the House. He therefore moved to reconsider the vote by which the resolutions were adopted, with a view to have the motion entered, so that they might be called up for consideration at the next meeting. Un motion of Mr. Burnett, the caucus adjourned till Saturday. A general invitation wiil, it is understood, in the meantime, be extended to all democratic members of the House. Our Special Washington Despatch. THE TARIFF AND LOAN QURSTIONS—THE DEMO- CRATIC CAUCUS—ORGANIZATION OF NEW TERRI- TORIRS—THE FRENCH SPOILATION BILL—THE PRINTING INVESTIGATION, BTC., ETO. ‘Wasurxatoy, Feb. 1, 1860. A democratic caucus was held in the hall of the House this evening—Mr, Cochrane in the chair, and Mr. Ruffin, of North Carolina, and Mr. Cavanaugh, of Minnesota, secretaries. There were between fifty and sixty present. Afrce conversation was had among members, some adboring to the present tariff without change, others con- eulting the possible future necessity of an increase of reve- nite to defray the expenses of the government, and some pro- posing retrenchment of expenditures as the proper remedy. A loan by government for its relief met with general ap- probation; but no one seemed impressed with the proba- bility of its being carried as a separate proposition. Mr. Millson, of Va., offered resolutions against disturb- ing the tariff, and in favor of ad valorem duties; but no vote was had. A vote was taken expressing the opinions of those pre- sent against changing the present tariff, and calling an adjourned meeting of the caucus for all democrats, with- out distinction, next Saturday evening. The cancus is regarded as rathor a failure on tho part ofthe section desirous of endorsing tho action of the Senate caucus, Mr. Maclay signed the call for the caucus this evening. The caucus was called of those opposed to specific and pro- tective duties, As Mr. Maclay holds the controlling vote in the Committee on Ways and Means, it is probable he may vote for a loan bill apart from a change in the tariif, and in that event the loan bill will come before the House as the committee’s report. But this is as far as it is likely to go. The Committes on Ways and Means did not discuss the tariff question at their meeting this morning. They aro waiting for the reply of the Secretary of the Troasury to a resolution, That reply will bo sent in either to-morrow or Thursday, and will be an emphatic reiteration as to the necessity of a change in the tariff, and substantially en- doreing Mr. Phelps’ bill, The President opposes a loan bill, on the ground of the impropricty of increasing the public debt for ordinary expenses in time of peace. The tariff of 1857 is really a protective tariff for the benefit of the woollen and cotton manufacturers of New England. It ‘was cnt and carved to suit them, under the inspiration of the large Massachusetts lobby fund. It ia questionable if the administration nood fear the fact of the next House being republican, for, so far, if the government had depended upon the democrats in Con- gress for carrying the bills necessary for its support, it would havo been in the vocative, There is, however, an important consideration, which induces the belicf that after a good deal of buncombe a change in the tariff will bo agreed upon this session, It is this; It was distinctly understood that the resolution of the Senate caucus was not to be binding upon any Senator's yoto; and it ig al- ready known that eeveral of the participants in that cae. cus are willmg, a8 @ matter of compromise, when the Point coume, to vote for a modification upon the basis of the revenue tariff of 1646, These, with the republicam votes, will be sufficient to carry it. Iam, therofore, Btrovgty of the opinion that there will be no necessity for Ob extra session, and that the tariff will be modified. The French Spotiation bill received a severe blew ia the House this mornmg, im the vote sustainiug the de- cision of the Chair and sending the bill to the Committoe of use Wuole. There are but two ways now open to reads it, One is by ®euspersion of the rules requiring a two thirds vote, which caunot be had; the other, by passing over each bill Laving precedence of it seriatim, and thus reaching it. This can be done by a simple majority, bub it is more than doubtful if it has sufficient friends whe are willing to vote aside all other measures £0 as to give ® precedence. During President Pierce’s admin’ however, it passed in this way. Some of the lobby mem- bere working for this bill are so unpopular that their eom- nection with ittis enough to defeat any measure, The House C mmittee on Territories met again this morning. After a free digcussion the committee authorised the chairman to report a bill organizing the Territory of Colona, to be called Jefferson. They also in structed him to report the bill presented at the lags meeting—that beresftor no Territory shall be admitted inte the Union as a State with # population less than the num» ber required by the ratio of representation in Congress, The Senate Committeo’ on ‘Territories have authorised bills to be reported organizing the Torgitories of Arizona and Dacotah. The question of Colona will be brought up ct the next meeting. The House Committee on Forcign Affairs met agaim to-day. Tho committe intend bringing the subjoot of Uuba before the House early next week. The Pennsylvania delegation protest against Judge Black's leaving the Cabinet, and havo recommended Wil- son McCandless, of Pittsburg, for Judge, in place ot Irwin, resigned. He will probably receive the appointment, ‘The special committee appointed to investigate the ac- counts of Mr. Seaman, the late Superintendent of Publio Printing, have succeeded in getting plenty of evidence of the extensive ‘‘loans’’—o they are delicately termed— which Seaman managed to negotiate with nearly all the manufacturers and contractors who supplied the paper. Mr. Wendell is summoned to appear to-morrow, but it is understood refuses to answer certain interrogatories of the committee, on the ground that the committee exceeds the legitimate scope of its duties in investigating any thing but the simple accounts of Seaman. THR GENERAL NEWSPAPER DESPATCH. GROANS OF THE SPOILS SEEKERS—THE NEW TERRI- TORY OF JEFFERSON, ETC. Wastryoros, Feb, 1, 1860, Messrs. Pryor and Heiss in the States to-day momoral- ize Congress to give them a share of the advertising, and complain that the Executive has crowded them out, Although evidently a majority of the House is in favor of the passage of the Senate French Spoliation bill, its necessary reference, under the decision of the Speaker, to the Com- mittee of the Whole on the State of the Union, may be re- garded as conclusive of its defeat. The Interior Department has received information from the Commission to survey the Texan and New Moxicam boundaries. They have succeeded in approximately establishing the parallel, and were making the base line with the hope that ina few days they will be able to in- form the department of tho fixing of the initial point. ‘The progress of the survey has been retarded by extreme cold weather in the valley of the Rio Grande. The party has been thrice attacked by Indians. Tho military escort despatched to them had not arrived. J. M. Spillock bas been confirmed as United States Mar- shal for tho District of Georgia, in the place of Mr. Stew- art, who was removed on the ground of not having used sufficient vigilance in the yacht Wanderer case. THIRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS, BEOOND SESBION. Senate. ‘Wasmmeroy, Feb. 1, 1850. RELIEF OF COM. PAULDING. Mr. Sswaxp, (opp.) of N. Y., offered = resolution for the relief of Commodore Paulding. Referred. om LANDS FOR AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES, Mr. Wane, (opp.) of Ohio, moved to postpone prior or- ders, and take up the House bill donating lands to agri- cultural colleges. He was sure the appropriations would pass, as they always do; and Cuba, backed as it is by mani- ec tenmec cements tie or Serie on y. a on the lion the Senate adjourned. Mr. Grow, (opp.) of Pa., called up his motion to reeon- sider the vote by which the Homestead bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union. ‘Mr. Srerneys, (adm.) of Ga., thought the present land system ought to be changed, but was opposed to this bill, Mr. Mrutsos, (adm.) of Va., was of the gpinion that the bill should not be passed without discussion. Mr. Gnow replied that it had been discussed for eight years, more or less. Mr. Grow’s motion was agreed to. Mr. Mitzsow said if the Dill paes the House, it must go to the Senate, where it will be discussed to the delay of the public business. Mr. Grow replied that it had been debated there. Mr. Joss, (adm.) of ‘Tenn, said if it did not delay the vv bill passed by 120 agai any person, who is the head ote family and over twenty- inst 76. It provides that one years of age, and a citizen of the United States has filed an intention to become such, naturalization laws, shall be entitled to enter a q ‘THE FRENCH SPOLIATION BILL wi from the Senate was taken up. of ifass., said inasmuch Mr. BuRtNGaMR, (opp. claims covered bythe bit had been discussed he had risen, not to make a speech, but a y-ix Fe opp dege er arnact melnge tips ‘The bill has a oi of money. . WASHBURNE, (Opp.) of Maine, said the decision here- tofore made was that it was not necessary to refer such Dill, as it only provided for ascertaining Nabilities, and did ‘not appropria te money. Mr. Lercuer urged that 6 bill of such consequence should certainly have a full and do!tberate ration. eae ee reminded the presumed that the President is now friendly to the bill. Mr. Lercamr replied—Did tho jtieman pretend to bring here the opinion of the President as a power sufll- cient to control members of the House? Was that the Pht aged on the other side, from which we have m told, over and over = of executive infla- ence? But even sup that Mr. ‘Buchanan, na Senator, reported the bill from the committee, ‘and voted for it, was that any reason why tho House shoald depart’ from its rules, and refage to consider the bill in Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union? Mr. BuxuxGame desired to withdraw his suggestion that the President may be infavor of the bill. The way things went yesterday, when the motion was made to introduce the Loan bill, was #0 disastrous that the suggestion would not aid the parsage of this bill. , LETCHER pe ti ae not think to help his original position by that sbift. In reply to « ques. of Mr. Davis, of Maryland, he said, the lent and. of the Treasury, whenever there was a surplug it under the provisions of this bill to the proposed stock of five millions. If hig recollection was not at fault, Mr, Buc was a, member of the Cabinet cach timo the former French intion bills were vetocd; and he supposed Mr. Ba- chanan must at those periods have becn consulted ag a member of the Cabinet. Mr. Heanes, of Ind., moved to table tho bill. Nega- od—5 against 106. ‘The Srxaxgr, for reasons which he stated, decided that the bill makes an jation, and mast be considered oS Toon, ie Ta Pa cpaticd bee de . FLORENCE, (adm. appealed from the decision Fon mouon of Mt Sx (adm.) of N. ¥., the appeal . StcKLRS, (adm.) of N. ¥., was tabled—126 against 50. ‘The bill was then referred to the Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union. KANSAS INDIAN RESERVATION, Mr. Resseit, from the Committeo on Indian Affhira, re- ported a bill relative to settlers on the New York Indian oer m Kansas, pending which the House ad- United States Supreme Court. © Wasuinatoy, Fob. 1, 1899. No. 58,—The Whitewater Valley Canal Company vs. Henry Vallette, Argument concluded for plaintiffs, No, 69.—Nathamicl T, Kdgon yaa, ©. Young. Appeal =