The New York Herald Newspaper, February 16, 1860, Page 12

10 NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. | Passage of the Post Offles ap. propriation Bj’, THE BILL SIGNED P)y THE PRESIDENT. THE CONTEST ¥.9R THE HOUSE PRINTING. Passage Of Bill to Abolish the Franking Privilege by the Senate. @arlow, Revelations Respecfing a Pest . @Mee Oficial, ae, &o., &e. @ur Special Washington Despatch. Wasmicton, Feb, 15, 1860. THE YOST 0 sce APPROPRIATION BILL. ‘The President having approved of the Post Office bill, it Ys, therefore, a law , as amended previous to its passage, R appropriates $4, 96,000 for supplying the doficiency in ‘the revenues and / jefraying the expenses of the Depart- ment for the y ear ending with June isst; $4,000,000 Sowards the supy jort of the Department for the fiscal year ending with Ju pewext; and a further sum of $2,400,000 m payment of gee salaries of officers and clerks, transpor- tation of the mails, wrapping paper, bags, stampe, kc. Interest at 1 he rate of six per cent per annum to com- mence sixty days after the expiration of the quarter in which the , service was rendered, but in ne case Prior to the let of May, 1859, to the present date, Bhall be + said on all sums found to be due the contractors for carry ing the mail. The interest shall be paid only to the con! actors themselves in full of all damages, by rea- won of! gilure or delay in payment. No interest is to be allowe 4 on payments for the last quarter ending with De- cemb pr last. A sum for this purpose is appropriated. THE CONTEST FOR PRINTER OF THE HOUSE. T je republicans legally elected Defrees Printer to-day ®Y one majority, in consequence of the absence of Mr. Je) kine, of Virginia, but the Speaker allowed the demo- F ats to consume time by filibustering until Mr. Jenxins © aid reach the House and vote, which latter act was ' pplauded a3 a skilful pieceof management. Mr. Adams, @f Massachusetts, refused to vote, not liking the manner @ which the caucus nomination was made. Many of fhe republicans fecl aggrieved that Mr. Adams “did mot attend the caucus, as his single vote “there would have nominated Mr. Mitchell, and prevented the existing state of things in the House. Mr. Moree, of Maine, was also in the caucus, and, although epposed to Defrees, refused to vote for Mitchell. Mr. Etheridge on the last baliqt today, threw the enly ecat- tering vote for Gales & Seaton. He and Mr. Adams ‘were hard pressed to vote for Defrees, but to no porpore. ‘The last ballot to-day stood, with the Speaker's yote:— Defrees, 91; Glosebrenner, 90; and Etheridge’s scattering ‘vete. Tomorrow Mr. Adams’ yote alone can settle the question in favor of Defrees. There is some talk to night that Mr. Adams will lead off with the name of Mitchell to morrow, and that Etheridge ‘will vote in the same way, with the understanding that ‘one or two other gentlemen who voted for Defrees today ‘will follow in the same direction, thus indicating, as inthe contest for Speaker, who can be elected, it having been sbown almost to a certainty who cannot be. ‘THE SICKLES CONTESTED SEAT. The Committee on Elections will take up the contested @eat of Mr. Sickles first. It will probably be reached to- morrow. The case turns upon a poim of law, asto the competency of the House to take up and decide a con- tested seat where the legal notification of intention ‘to contest was not given by the csntestant. Mr, ‘Williameon contends that the law requiring such no- tice applies to claimants of seats to whom certificates of @lection have been issued, which does not reach to the case of Sickles, he never having received a certificate. 4 ‘THE HOUSE PRINTING INVESTIGATION. ‘The House select committee to inquire into the printing, ‘inding and engraving business, in all the departments of the government, with instructions to report a pian for the future execution of such work, consists of Messrs. Grow, ‘Quarles, Smith, Hoard, Walton, Florence and Gurley. This committee intends to make a thorough overhauling of the different branches of business named, and will no doubt report a bill which will result in a pecuniary ad- vantage to the government. THE ADMISSION OP KANSAS. A bill to admit Kansas, and a Homestead bill, were in troduced in the House today by Mr. Grow, and duly re- ferred. TROUBLE AMONG POSTMASTERS. Affidavits have been filed at the Post Office Department, sustaining serious charges against the Postmaster at Haverhill, Massachusetts, which are to be investigated ag ance. Other Massachusetts postmasters are accused of complicity with lottery ticket sellers. THE HARPER'S FERRY INVESTIGATION. Mr. Conway, of Kansas, the former agent of the Now England Emigrant Aid Company, was discharged to-day by the Brown Raid Investigating Committee of the Senate. He testified that he met Old Brown in Boston in the winter of 1856, amd heard him speak at several meetings, and kad various conversations with him relating to the affairs of Kansas, Brown never mon- tioned to him any design to invade the slave States. Brown called on him afterwards at Lawrence, in the fall of 1858, and deposited with him for safe keeping certain documents, consisting of promissory notes, made by vari- ous persons in the Territory to the National Kangas Relief Committee—notes which he had gathered up as agent for that committee. Mr. Conway accepted the custody of the papers as a favor to Brown, and held them subject to bis order. Brown never made any disposal of them, and after his execution Conway forwarded them to Dr. Webb, of Boston, for the committee to which they be- longed. Hie never saw Brown afterwards, and never had any knowledge of his Harper’s Ferry incursion until be read of itin the newspapers. Conway did not remember what precise object Lane's Military Board was designed to effect, but he was satisfied that Lane never had the romotest idea of invading Missouri, Vir- ginia, or acy other State on the globe. Conway @id not think that Brown had anything to do with Iane in any of his operations. The New England ‘Emigrant Aid Company was a purely business corpora- tion. Its object was to make moncy. Its method was to put up sawmills, and a few temporary houses, at particu Jar places in the Territory where towns had been located, and to direct emigration to those places. It received its compensation in land in and around these towns. It de- pended on the growth of the towns for the value of its Property and the profits on its investments. It never paid the fare of anybody to the Territory, except its own agents. It proyided a method of taformation to all emigrants, so that persons from different neighborhoods going te Kansas could be put into communication with each other, and could be thus formed into companies. It also arranged with railroad companies for a small reduc- tion of the fare of persons going out in these companies. ‘The New Eggland Emigrant Ait Company never had any- thing to do.with Jobn Brown, nor with any plan for forci- bly disturbing slavery in any State or Territory of the Union. Conway stated that he went to Boston, dn 4856, where he made John Brown's acquaint ance, to set before the people of the North he merits of the canse of Kansas, because he had been driven ost of Kansag by violence. Mr. Collamer asked how he caine to be driven out, and Conway proceeded to state, whea Senator Davis objected to opening up the old affair of Kaness, which ebjection was sustained by the committee, and Conway’s testimony was thus summarily closed. Avgustus Wattles, of Ling county, Kaneas, arrived here to-day, and will give is testimony some day this week. ORGANIZING NEW TERRITORIBG. ‘The House Committee on Territories will mevt to-mor row to discuss the propriety of organizing the T.rritories of Arizona, Dacotah and Pike’s Peak. There is no pros pect of securing an organization for Arizona. DRATH OF DEXJAMIN RUSH FLOYD. Benjamin Rush Floyd, brother of the Secretary of War, died suddenly of heart complaint, at the Lafayette House, th® evening. He was apparently in excellent health but a few moments before his death, and when attacked was packing his trunk with the intention of leaving to attend the Democratic Convention at Richmond to-morrow. He gras @ candidate for the present Congress in the Thirteenth @etritt of Virgins, against Mr. Martin, who was suc- eeewful. ‘THE SAN JUAN QUESTION. ‘The proposition of Great Britain for the settlement of the Gan Juno question has not yet been laid before our government. i ia not at all probable that the proposal Ml be eeepin. We, o@ te Provident bas repeatedly stated een NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1860.-TRIPLE SHEET. Ube" he would not back down from the position be had | Sssumed im the maticr. THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PLATFORM. The committee appointed by the Senatorial cay ua, to | whom al! te resolutions now before the Sena are to be referred, and who are authorized, if they dein tt expodi ent, to report back resolutions, or apla¥orm, wom flieting interests in regard to the qv ostion of Territories, is ocmposed of the following gentlemon:— ‘Messrs, Green, Chairman; Gviin, Chestnut, Bigler, aud Fitch. The Committee will probably bring forward a pro- Position, which will be subymitted to the next caucus, on Friday, The construction of this committee is inimical to the interests of Judge Douglas. A THLEGRAPH LINE TO TH PacInC. A proposition ft wow before the Senate Pos! Office Cam- mittee, and a bill will be reported to-morrow, anthorizing the contract with Zenus Barnum, Hiram Sibley, T. R. Walker, J. H. Benyhill, J. D.Caton, ©. M Stebbins, Norman Green and F. A, Bec, for the uge by government of a line of telegraph from Migsouri to San Fravcisco, for a pertod of ten years, at an annual compensation of fifty thousand dollars ‘from the time the line is completed. The lime is to be finished in con- | ory in Giaits press, The facts wore laid before the Tosumaster | seperal, Pp er .- mauved, aad the identical man who robbed the ™ ap- ited in his piuce, He (Mfr. Chandler’ ~yeosgea this "a wistake, and applied to the Pogt, tte dave it rectified. The Postmaster General ‘he would bave the case investigated, and he had ‘from tims to time to Jearn the progrees made, ‘one of the As- vistant Peetmastere General informed him that a large number of letters from leading in his State had been received stating that i was necertary for the democratic this man should party that be kept in office. He (Mr. Chandler’ ibis man is a Post Office robber, a ', removal apd the putting of a democrat in his place. co not ask @ republican in his place that wilt mot But the Postmaster had not been removed; on the cont ry, be was promoted to the office of Marebal for that district after and proven. It had been a very lucrativeoffice for him. Being Poetmaster, he robbed the mails; amd being vagin 4 ‘United States Marshal, his very first act was to estab! an immense manvfactory of counterfeit coin. From the highest to the lowest office this course Was pursued, and it and more eco- ; H z z tem of jobs should be abolished. Mr. Puan, (dem.) of Obio, was im favor of striking out spires the federal government, which expends more than all the States. The enormous amount, if raised by direct taxation, would net be borne a moments If the go- vernment expended only ten millions we would never two years, at an etimated cost of one million of dollars. Although the compensation is regarded as small, it is be- lieved that the great amount of telegraph interests now ‘held by the yarties named in the biM will secure the building of the line The National Convention of the Sons of Malta com- monced ite session to-day, the object being a thorough re- vision of the laws and ritual of the Order. The Senate yesterday, among other nominations, con firmed Philip Frank Thomas, of Maryland, as Commis- sioner of Patents; and Judge Knowles, of Tennessee, a8 T easurer of the United States. I°CKLLANROUS MATTERS, Commencing with next week there is to be a double daily train by the Southwestern route from Washington to New Orleans, instead of one as heretofore. Our Washington Correspondence. Wasurneton, Feb. 13, 1860. The House Printing—A Hitch in the Programme—The Fine Speeches Over the Lamented D. 0. Broderick—Mr. Senator Green's Plan for Bringing the Mormons to Subjection to the Laws, or to an Exodus to the South Sea Islands, dc. The Howe printing is a sore trial to the republican spoilsmen of the House. They have been wrangling over it for the last two weeks, as the New York city democracy wrangle over the spoils of the Custom House; and from the two experiments made for a Printer to-day, the second standing, Defiees, (rep.) 90—Glossbrenner, (dem.) flate Sorgeant-at-Arms, 89—scattering 4, it is evident that there ‘are still two or three of the republican coalition who have not yet been sufficiently persuaded to trust to luck with Deirces. but as they may be persuaded by to-morrow morning, it would be useless to speculate upon the proba- bie result. In any event the treasury will be fleeced, and the work of reform in this matter will be made secondary to the necessities of party, and a party organ for the Presi- dential campaign. z ‘Ine day in both houses was chiefly appropriated to an exhibition of One 8 over the death of David C. Broderick, late Senator from California. Of these speeches, that which appeared to us the most appropriate was the speech of Hon. Daniel E. Sickles. Brockerick, defeated for Congress "in digtrict now represented by Mr. Sickles, left New . York for California, where his splendid success a8 a politician was brought to an untimely end in a fatal duel. Mr. Sickles—well, it is enough to say that he spoke like a triend and a brother, and with a moderation of praise much more appropriate to the man and the occasion tha. the unmeasured laudations of Haskin and Hi , the fanciful eulogium of Burlingame, or the dark and unsea- sonable partisan observations of Morris, of Illinois. A stranger in the gallery, ignorant concerning the deceased Senator, and of this Congreesionsl custom in such cases, ‘would have supposed from all these fine that Broderick, in his life, was at least the peer of Henry Ciay. But it is cheap to eulogize the dead,and we must esti. ‘mate the politician’s praises from the measure which he bestows upon the living. And s0 the most of these high flown speeches over poor Broderick will go for little or nothing, beyond their proper weight as formal manitesta- tions of respect for his memory, somewhat overdone. ‘Among the good things projected in the way of practi- cal legislation, we are giad to hear that Mr. Green, Chair- man on Territories in the Senate, has hit upon a plan which will bring the Mormons to a positive settlement. His plan isto establish a new Territorial government for Carson Valley (reat side of Utah), and to create a judicial district of said Territory in Utah, and s0 organized as to Dring all Mormon capital offenders against the laws be- fore a Carson Territory or Gentile'jury. An arrangement of this sort, reduced to in two or three Mormon cases, to the extent of hanging, will, it is thought, effect a Mormon exodus that will astonish all mankind. We have no doubt of it, and we hope that Senator Green will push forward bis bill. CHIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION. Senate. Wasmaton, Feb. 15, 1860. The Cuar said (the reading of the journal having occu- pied the morning hour) the first business was the special order, being the bill to prohibit tho issue of bank notes of a certain denomination in the District of Columbia, Mr. Masox, (dem.) of Va., from the Harjer’s Ferry Committee, reported a resolution that the President of the Senate issue warrants for the arrest of Messrs. Sanborn, John Brown, Jr., and Redpath, who had refused to obey the’ summons of the committee to testify, and bring them before the Senate to answer for contempt. Mr. Hats, (rep.) of N, H., #ald be would yote against it. He believed there was no power in the Senate to com- pel the attendance of these men. ‘The regolution was adopted by yeas 46, nays 4. ‘Those voting in the negative were Messrs. Bingham, Hale, Sumner and Toombs. Mesars. Seward and King both voted affirmatively. Mr. Toomns, (dem.) of Ga., made an explanation of his remarks of yesterday. © He had not said that if the Fugi- tive Slave law was unconstitutional the action of Wiscon- sin was right. It did not depend on that. A State court could not interfere with the decision of the United States Court having jurisdiction. Mr. Dooutix, (rep.) of Wis., said he would argue the question at the proper time. He regarded it as an ab- suraity to say that the United States Court had jurisdic. tion if the law is unconstitutional. Various reports, petitions and bills of a private nature were presented. Mr. CAMERON, (rep.) of Pa., moved to take up the bill for the relict of the widow of Gen. Persifer F. Smith. ‘Agreed to. The bill proposed to place Mrs. Smith on the pension roll at fifty dollars per month. ‘Mr. Toomns said he would oppose it, and {ts Sarther con- sideration was then postponed. On motion of Mr. Graces, (rep.) of Iowa, Mr. Davis’ resolutions were made the special order for Monday next. ‘The Car presented the resolutions of the municipal authorities of Georgetown, protesting against the passage of the bill to prohibit the circulation of paper money in the District of Columbia. Mr. Hunter, (dem.) of Va, moved to postpone prior orders and take up THR POST OFFICE DEFICIRNCY BILL. The House having refused to concur m the amendment of the Senate abolishing the franking privilege, Mr. Hun. ter moved the Senate recede from its amendment. Ho ‘was unwilling to attempt to force legislation on the other house. The motion was agreed to—Yeas 42, nays 11. Mr. Toomns moved to reconsider. He was opposed to ‘the Senate receding. In the debate in the House a strong opinion was expressed adverse to the franking privilege, Dut they were opposed to legislation being :acorporated in the ay Mi adores dill. Now, in this bill there was no general legislation, ‘The amendment regulating the print- ing of blanks eflected a radical change in existing laws. Therefore he wished for a reconsideration. ‘The motion to reconsider was lost by yeas 14, nays 42. ‘ABOLITION OF THR FRANKING PRIVILEGE. Mr. Gwin, (dem.) of Cal, now asked the Senate to proceed to the consideration of the bill to abolish the franking privilege. Agreed to. The first amendment by the Committee on Post offices and Poet roads was that the law abolishing the franking rivilege should not apply to those to whom it was granted name. "ee Gwrx moved in amendment that during the session of Congress, and for twenty days before the meeting and thirty days after the adjournment, the President, Vice President, heads ot departments and members of Con- gress should be allowed to send free mail matter not over two ounces in weight. Mr. Gwin said the object of the committee was to abolish the franking privilege. If other legislation was necessary it could be done at another time. Mr. Mason opposed the amendment. ir. DoourrTLe wanted to relieve the Post Office Depart- It of the heavy burdens imposed upon “it. Mr. Hamu, (opp.) of Me., moved to strike out all the bill except the few lines abolishing the franking privilege. He wanted to abolish the system in toto. He did it on ground of personal convenience. He did not advocate it a8 a measure of economy. He believed that if you asked for contrasts with the frankling privilege abolished } You could not get one mill reduction. The railroad an: Steamboat lines take every cent that can be got from the government, and it made no difference whether they car- Tied a ton of matter or atrunk load. The overland mail Toute absorbed six hundred thousand dollars to carry on Civilization. He denied that the embarrassment of the Post Oftice aroee from the franking privilege. otter ae ) of Mich., Saath the expense < e Office Department was owing to the system jobbing which prevailed. He A of the department were also used for the purpose of sub- sidtzing newspapers. In his place of ‘nce this course was pursued, and the editor of the démocratic paper there was subsidized, like the editors of a here. In Detroit there was a salaried office, the duties of which were to transport the mail from the oat Office to the cars. Agentleman connected with the democratic Free Preset was thie salaried Post Office porter. He received twelve dandred dollars a year, and employed a carter for twenty doliars a month to perform the service. He was told that feteo!t was no exception, but throughout the length and braadti of the land this system of subsidizing party presses with the Poet Office funds prevailed. Again, he had a liwe fursher experience in the summer of 1857. ‘A man in th? town of Lexington, Michigan, was detoc; in robbing the mail. He was the Deputy Postmaster, Postmaster living away from the office, and was deputized vecause it wae di he should receive the revenues of this office to enable him to run the deme, hear of an irrepressible conflict, [t was merely a conflict for the spoils. Franking was merely the government paying the postage of Members of Congrees. ir. Sammons, (rep.) of R. I., would stop printing books Mair Davia, (dem) of Mize, tought It might be_well , Davis, (dem. ‘E el not to take the franking privilege from the ex-Presidents or their widows. Mr. Wicrait, (dem.) of Texas, explained that the bill, if not amended, effected this. Mr. Hamlin’s motion was carried. Mf, Mason moved to add that ‘hereafter nothing pass free by mail.” Carried. Mr. Powsi1, (dem.) of Ky., moved toamend by ee viding that persons now entitled to the fr privil Cis al om prepayment, to take effect om the 15th of pri ‘Mr. Iverson, (dem.) of Ga., opposed this. Mr. CLay, (dem. Ala., wanted to get rid of letters of no consequence. received notices of patent medi- cines, abclition documents, &c. Mr, Brows, (dem.) of Mies., was in favor of total abo- lition or nothing. Mr. Hamury objected to the amendment of the Senator from Kentucky. Mr. Powst1 withdrew his amendment, except as to the time for it to take effect—the 16th of April—which was agreed to. Mr. Doolittle’s amendment was rejected. ‘The question recurring on the amendment of the com- mittee, Mr. Haim moved to strike out the proviso in re- lation to whom the privilege is granted. Mr. Brnsamin, (dem.) of La., said that Mrs. Polk was given the privilege as a compliment. Mr. Haxuy to withdraw his motion, if she was the only person named. ‘Mr. Camxzon thought they bad better strike all out. The amendment was then + Mr. Powsis moved to amend the substitute of the com- Bn that the law take effect on the 16th of April. Agreed to. 1e eubstitute of the Post Office bill was then to, Mr. Mason moved to add, that ‘hereafter 1g pass free in the mails.” Mr. Camron moved as an amendment, “excep! news- paper exchanges.”’ ir. SEWARD, (rep.) of N. Y., suggested to exempt newspapers, as is now com! by law. Mr. CamERON . Mr. Cray th it it would only tend to circulation to the New York 2ribune and ‘would not do much to improve the morals of the Mr. iDEN moved to adjourn. Lost. Mr. Mason his amendment. Mr. TrumBuit, (rep.) of Ill., moved, as a new sectio», that publiehers of newspapers be allowed to print on the eame the date of subscription. ¥ ‘The bill was then read a third time, and ey only two voting against it, Messrs. Hemphill and Wilkinson, and fifty-four in favor of it. Mr. Brown offered a resolutioe that a committee be ap- ‘ashington ive increased , which country. pomted on the inauguration of the Ws statue. Objected to. . adjourned. House of Representatives. Wasnrxcton, Feb. 15, 1860. ‘THE TERRITORY OF JEFFERSON. Mr. Apams, (8. opp.) of Ky., presented the petition of the delegate from Jefferson, and the memorial of the provi" sional government of that Territory, asking that he be re- cognized as such. Also, a memorial authorizing the in- habitants thereof to call a convention and form a consti- tution preliminary to admission into the Union, Referred to the Committee on Territories. ‘THE ELECTION OF A PRINTER TO THE HOUSE. ‘There was acallof the House preliminary to taking a ‘vote for Printer. 6 Mr. Wirgoy, (rep.) of Ind., moved to postpone the matter till to-morrow. Mr. Booocr, (dem.) of Va., had heard several gentle, ‘men say that an election was to take place to-day. He wished to know whether that agreement was only on one side. Mr. Sumrmay, (rep.) of Ohio, and Mr, BARKSDALE, each said that was the genoral understanding. Wr. Wilson’s motion was disagreed t>. uo House then proceeded to vote, with the following result :— Whole number of votes. 181 Nesessary to a choice. 91 Defrees. « 9 Glossbri . + 89 Messrs. Etheridge les and Seaton. The House again yote The retult was the same as before, except that Mr. Etheridge alone cast a vote for Gales & Seaton. If this had been thrown for Mr. Defrees he would have been elected; of for Mr. Glosebrenner, it would have made a tie. Mr. Jony Cocnrane, (dem.) of N. Y., suggested a post. ponement. yp.) of Ga., not having heard of any Mr. Hn, ori absentees likely to arrive, urged that there be one more vote to-day. Mr. Stanton, reP.2 of Ohio, remarked that he had paired off with Mr. it. He now terminated that ar- rangement and would vote for Defrees, having assurances that the prices of the printing would’be #0 reduced that there could hereafter be no plunder. Another vote was taken. Before the result was an- nounced Mr. Bonnam, (dem.) of 8. C., changed his yote for come South Carolinian. Mr. Hovsrox, (dem.) of Ala., wanted to know what kind of man he was, and perhaps he might vote for him. Mr. Boxuam would explain if it were in order. ‘The republicans shouted , ‘‘announce the vote.”’ Mr. Pryor, (dem.) of Va., changed from Mr. Glossbren- ner to Mr. Old. Mr. Hawron, (dem.) of Texas, wanted t> change his ote. vote. Mr. Garvetr, (dem.) of Va., objected, and demanded the yeas and nays. Renewed cries from the republicans, ‘‘announce the vote.”” bie e SPEAKER said Mr. Hamilton hada right to change vote. Mr. Garnett appealed from the decision. a Svmaxen directed the name of Mr. H.milton to be called. Mr. Hovston wanted to ask a question, but was inter- rupted by the republicans with eries of order. Amid the jon, Mr. Jackson, (dem.) of Ga., who had, dnring the votieg, absented himself, hurriedly en- tered. Much joy was evinced on the democratic side. Mr. Jackson voted for Mr. Glossbrenner. Messrs. Bonbam and Pryor returned to that gentle- man’s support. Mr. Kxrt, (dem.) of 8. C:. now called for the announce- ment of the vote. ‘Whole number of votes. The subject ‘hon for to-« sul wag then over for to-day. In pursuance of an her ro adopted, a large number of bills and resolutions were Introduced—amo g them a bill by Mr. Morrill, donating lands for the promo- tion of the arts and sciences to the various States, and a bill for the prevention of polygamy. in the Territories. Mr. Wattox, (rep.) of Vt., was referrea tothe on Commerce, to inquire into the expediency of action to prevent the importation of adulterated tea. Mr. Burrixtoy, (rep.) of Mass., introduced a bill for the improvement Sof the Taunton river, and a resolution instructing the Committee on Military Affairs to inquire into the expediency of regulating by a law the term of study of cadets at the Military Academy. Mi. Frxtox, (rep.) of N. Y., introduced a bill for the set- Uement of the ciaims of officers and soldiers of the Revo- lutionary army {and the widows and [children of those who died in the service; also a Pacific railroad bill. Re- ferred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. Bricos, (Am.) of N. Y., Introduced a bill for the establishment of a branch mint in New York. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Mr. Revsoups, (A. L dem.) of N. Y., introduced a bill for the improvement of the Hudson river near Al- pany, and a bill for the erection in that city of a Post office, Custom house and Court house. Mr. Dvxxt, (rep.) of N. Y., introduced a resolution, re- questing the Postmaster-General to communicate copies of all regulations or instructions to the Postmasters, as to opening or destroying newspapers supposed to contain incendiary matters, &c. Referred to the Committee on the Post, Office. Mr. Jon Cocurays introduced a bill to amend the - sepger laws for the better protection and security of fe. male passengers; a bill to establigh the collection districts of the Unitea States, and to designate the ports of entry and celivery for the eame, and regulating the appoint- ment and compensation of officers of the customs; alsoa bill for the simplification and codification of the revenue awe, and for other purposes. Mr. Grow, (rep.) of Pa., introduced a bill to prevent the sale of the public lands, except to actual settlers, until ten years after their survey; a Dill for the admission of Kansas into the Union; and a Homestead bill. Mr. Fiorexce, (rep.) of Pa., introduced a French Spoliation bill, and a bill granting pensions to soldiers of the war of 1812. Mr. FLoxkycx aleo introduced a bill equalizing the army, navy aod marine pensions; and a bill fixing and regulating the duties on*imports. * Mr. Camrnst., (rep.) of Pa., preaonted the resolutions of the impale! Pennsylvania in favor of a protec- tive tariff. Mr. Moorman, (fep.) of Pa., introduced a bill for the improvement of the navigation of the Ohio river. Mr. Morris, (rep.) of Pa., introduced an International right bill. opr Favor offered a resolution calling on the President for the correspondence between the United States and the British government touching the occupation the Committee on Com- island; aleo merce 10 | bat measercs be adopted with » ‘ctw of procuring "eduction of dutieg by foreign govern- - 7 cee Be above were appropriately referred. Mr. Jouw COcmRAND, present the petition of William Jay Heskett and eighteen others of ihe Seventh ward of New York, asking for the freedom of the public lands Adjourned, NEWS FROM THE PACIFIC. Interesting Intelligence from California, Oregon, Washington Territory and ‘British Columbia. . Maior’s Stanton, Fob. 18) 1860. ‘The overland mail coach, with San Francisco dates to January 23, passed this station at half-past eleven o'clock yesterday morning, but in consequence of a severe storm of rain the transmission of the news has been delayed until now. “J CALIFORNIA. Judge McAllister, of the United States Circuit Court, on January 20 refused to dissolve the injunction in the new Almeda quicksilver mine ease. This renders it probable the mine closed Bupreme Court selies the tle. Auch regret in expresacd that this great source of weakh must so long remain un- roductive. P The Republican State Convention to elect delegates to te Grae National Convention is called for the 22d of ebruary. ‘The anti-Locompton State Central Committee adjourned without calling a State Convention to elect delegates to the Charleston Convention. There were indications an attempt would be made to electDouglas Charleston Convention by the Lecompton tion. Many leading Lecomptonites were Douglas proclivities, including the new m. Conven- Senator elect, Mr. Dalloonist, Henry A. Wise, an aerial trip from that city to New York, across great plains. A fire cocurred at San ‘on the morning of the 28d of January, in Mont street, tween Bush and trip, ha very seas and storms. She behaved admirably, and her ( ) expressed himself perfectly satisfied with her movements. OREGON. aot uit with Oregon, dates tothe 12, Washington Ter y lates to the 12th, r- to the 13th, and British Columbia to the 16th. }, a8 usual, eeemed to engross the attention of the le of Oregon. Democrat mentions rumors of a prospective coali- tion between the blicans and anti-Lecompton de- mocrats to clect E. D. Baker, of California, United ‘States Senator in next. Col, Baker was to leave San Francisco to take up his future residence in Oregon by the next steamer, which gives a color of truth to the Tumor. A fire at Oregon City had destroyed buildings belonging to Mr. Harney valued at $20,000. The has a report that Lieutenant Mullen’s command completed nearly three hundred miles of the wagon road between Walla Walla and Fort Benton on . They were snowed in about the 20th ef November in Bitter Root valley. There was great danger that all their stock would starve, and a portion of pee had started for Fort Benton and another for en. WASHINGTON TERRITORY. ‘There is but little news from Washington Territory. A Dill to remove the capital from Olympia to Vancouver had been defeated. Resolutions had unanimously both houses of the Legislature endorsing General Harney’s action in the San Juan affair. BRITISH COLUMBIA. ‘The Right Reverend Bishop Hill had preached his first sermon in Victoria district ehurch. He proposes estab- lishing a first class collegiate school. There is no mining news of interest. The amount of revenue collected in British Colambia during the past year was $300,000. COMMERCIAL. The car of coffee per Ivich and Otto will unsettle the market for the present. Since the departure of the last mail there is a further advance in pork; clear quoting at $17 75 per bbl., and $9 50 for halves, mess at $16 60. ‘The trade are not buying, and speculators are hol: A spell of bad weather would cause a reaction. we sugars are firmer. Refined quoted at12%c. a 13c., for cirele A crushed. “The trade buy al the refiners will sell <o. There ig a moderate demand from the country for all — thay! aoe gee prt ed provisions is generally considered premature, an to induce Oregon traders to Kill their stock too freely. City Intell: ‘Tae RaLROAD ACCIDENT AT YORKVILLE—TuE Bopy Ipgn- TirigD.—The unknown man found a few nights since on the Harlem Railroad track, having been run over by a blac rnupsdooe Banegernt asa Mr. Turburty, a well known and industrious citizen of Yorkville, where he kept a small store. Coroner Gamble commenced an inves. tigation, but owing to the absence of witnesses postponed it until this morning. ‘ Scppen Dears.—A man named Robert Ramsey, a cooper, in the employ of Henry Hays, 170 Suffolk street, fell down. dead yesterday, at the corner of Stanton and Suffolk streets. Deceased had frequently complained of a pain in his breast, and is supposed to have died of disease of the heart. The Coroner was notified to hold an inquest. Fait TarovGn 4 Sky1iGHt.—About half past two o’clock yesterday morning as Harman Feuchell, who has a room in Appleton’s Building, was groping for his apartment in the dark, he fell through the skylight on the fourth to the second story, seriously injuring himself. He was taken to the New York Hospital by Porcher. ‘Tae Wearuer.—The pleasant loll in the severity of tho weather for a few days past has again been followed by a sharp little “ blow” and a heavy storm of snow, which came down yesterday afternoon thick, fast and steady. Big overcoats, comforters, furs, high boots. and umbrel- las were consequently once more in requisition, and con- siderable self violence in the way of chest beating, arm swinging and accelerated locomotion, were found neces- sary to drive cold away and keep up a heaithy circula- tion in the system. The temperature was not so very low, having been, according to Delatour’s record, 29 deg. above zero at noon yesterday; but the change was so sud- den and unexpected that people feit it vastly more than they would a slow and gradual transition. By the way, we have bad plenty of light snow falls this winter, but there has not been a single right good out-and-outer, by which people could get a decent sleigh ride in compensation for the slush and ugly thaws. Cannot the clerk of the wea- ther accommodate the fast young men and the livery sta- ble people, who haye been sadly, disappointed this year in their calculations? Free ty East Tinery-Seventi Streer.—Between nine and ten o'clock last night a fire broke out in the rear por- tion of the second floor of Gardner's distillery, 127 East Thirty-seventh street, causing damage to the amount of several hundred dollars. No correct estimate of the loss bas yet been made, and it is not known whether or not the place is ineured. The owner of the building, which 18 considerably damaged, lives in New Jersey. MEETING OF THE FRiEnps oF Itaty.—The Italians resai- dent in this city, in connection with a large committee, composed of some of our first merchants and professional men, have signed a call for a meeting in regard to Italian affairs to-merrow night, at the City Assembly Rooms, Broadway. The callers of the meeting in their circular state:—‘'In view of the hopeful condition of Italian affairs, the unanimous devotion of the people of Italy tothe cause of Italian independence and the spirit of moderation, pa- tience, self sacrifice and self-control which has marked their counsels and efforts for this end, they, believing that the timely expression of bbs eeg | from the people of the United with the le of Italy in their strug- les and hopes for freedom weuld strengthen and animate italian patriots and other Europeans who sympathise with their cause.’” Perry Swixpunc sy A New Dopce—A man named Moore was arrested on Tuesday afternoon in Sixth ave- nue, charged with swindling occupants of houses by a new dodge. He obtained a number of envelopes which he filled with blank paper, and directed to various houses, He then called at these houses and presented the envo- Jopes demanding two cents foreach 80 delivered. The money was readily handed over by the persons to whom the envelopes were addressed, they they con- tained valentines. On being arrested he confessed that he had made several dollars by th process. Me was held for examination. A Juventie Tarer.—James McGuire, a youth 13 years of age, employed as a boy-of-all-work by Mr. Chas. P. Schuy- ler, of 145 East Fifteenth street, was arrested yesterday | and brought before Justice Steers,on charge of stealing ‘at various times several articles of jewelry to the vajue of ‘$45, the property of his employer. McGuire confessed he theft and Tran held to fate i ‘Savery or Lire at Fires.—The recent appalling calami- ties occasioned by difficulties in escaping from large buildings during fires has attracted the attention of ——_——__ Southern Ocean Steamer Movements. Savawwan, Feb. 15, 1860. The United Staice mail steamship Slorida arrived at Tybee at five o'clock Tuesday evening, anc’ pt ber wher” a41.90 Wednesday morning. NEWS Foi THE STATE CAPITAL, Fi,clting Discussion on the Pro Rata Freight B1llSerious Charges of Bribe- ry and Corruption—Confirmation of Ap- Ppointments, &. OUR SPECIAL ALBANY DESPATCH. Aunayy, Feb. 15, 1860. ‘The friends of pro rata have been busy all the afternoon endeavoring to patch up the breach made by the storm this morning. They all came into the House as confident as if they had not been visited with thunder and lightning this morning. It is mow generally conceded that the only hope for pro rata is in the Investigating Committee find- pg the letter that Mr. Littlejohn said he understood had been written. ‘The discussion continued this evening. Mr. Milliken argued in fayor of applying the provisions of the bill to private individual companies and the canals. He could not see how the cans forwarders could be looked upon as apy more hone’ han the railroad men. They were just as anxious a: the railroad companies are to make money. Mr. Butler also argued in favor of applying pro rata to the conal forwarders. Mr, Littlejohn opposed the amendments. The competi- tion with the carriers on the canals was such that you could not apply thie to them. Mr. Robinson thought that the concession just made ‘was one of the strongest arguments that could be pro- duced against the pro rata bill. He knew that competi- tion did settle this matter, but not in fayor of this pro rata scheme. Mr. Jacques argued at much length in favor of the amendments, if the bill must be passed, but was opposed to the bill in all its features. He belioved that the inhabi- tants of the city of New York were all opposed to the Policy of this bill. The amendments were then voted down, when Mr. Millington, of Herkimer, made a lengthy speech in favor of the bill, in which he viewed the history of the canals and railroads of this State. He thought this contest was ‘between the people and railroads of the State. Mr. Hubbell, of Westchester, next spoke against the ‘bill, charging tho Clinton League with being the mos gigantic lobby concern that had ever made its appearance around the Legislature. He thought the title of the bill should be changed to ‘‘a bill to enable the canal forwarders to raise the wind.”” Notwithstanaing the extra precautions by the Senators to prevent any news from leaking out in regard to the Executive session, and their clearing the room of all but the members and chief clerk, and their ordering the side Tooms to be cleared and key holes watched, I have ob- tained their proceedings. They overlooked one “black kitten” and I have been able to get their entire action. The first thing done was Senator Connelly rising to a question of privilege upon a charge made against him by a Buflalo paper for voting for republican nominees in the last Executive session. He could not see how they could charge him with being in a city railroad combination be- cause he voted for certain nominees. He thought the charge unjust and uncalled for. There was considerable skirmishing on Van Valkenburg, but there was so much waid during the last secret session, and a general dis- position to finish this troublesome job, they soon came to a vote and Van Valkenberg was confirmed by a vote of seventeen to thirteen, as follows:—Yeas—Senators Abell, Bell, Connelly, Terry, Fiero, Goss, Kelly, Ketcham, Lapham, McGraw, Montgomery, Monroe, J. M. Murphy, Robertson, Sessions, Warner, Williams. Nays—Senators Colvin, Gardiner, Grant, Hammond, Hillhouse, Laurence, Mauierre, P. P. Murphy, Prosser, Richmond, Rotch, Spi- nola, Truman. It will be seen by the above vote that Senators Bell, Fiero and Sessions have backed down. Short meals and general party diet has brought them into the traces, and they have finally concluded to repent and become good Re- gency senators. The same democrats that voted in favor of confirmation last week voted to-day, whilsttwo republican ‘Senators, that then could swallow Van Valken! , have eae unpalatable to-day, viz; Richmond PP. jurphy. ‘The remaining nominee for Port Warden, Mr. Louns- bury, was confirmed by & vote of eighteen to twelve, not- ‘withstanding that gentleman has asserted that he had ee purpose of kicking them out and having the bed to himself. They were in session nearly four hours. NEW YORK LEGISLATURE, Senate. Aupany, Feb. 15, 1860. A petition was presented asking for the repeal of the law increasing the compensation of Judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals- also to strike out the ten per cent clause in the law relating to the State Inebriate Asylum and excise money. ; Mr. McLxop Murpny presented a petition from Richard M. Hoe and several hundred citizens of New York, in favor of comity among the several States, and asking that Southerners travelling with their slave servants may be a to hold them in the State of New York for nine A favorable report was made on the bill to incorporate the Dime age pee Alzo,on Felation to Junction Gates a ton Reservoir in New York. Peayattre Mr. Rorcx introduced a bill for the release of the mort- for $85,000 held by the State - (a ples ating y against the State Agri ‘The Judiciary Committee reported in favor of the bill of J, MoLeod Marphy relative to District Courts in Now A like ort was made on the bill for the foreclosi bg iser ees oa cies Railroad. aie . LapiaM introduced a Dill au an adjustment of the claim of the Croton Water Boer te eae in Sing Sing prison. Mr. Rotcu introduced a bill to regulate the sale of sell or give the following poisonous sub- stances without the written order or preacrii ofa regularly educated physician, whose name residence shall be attached thereto, except in wholesale quanti- ties :—Prussic acid, aconite and its various preparations, atrophia and its salts, cantharides, croton oil, daturia and ita salts, delphuia and ite salts, digitales and’its prepara- peers ag ow ‘and its pre] , Veratria and Re cates, canabis indica and its preparations, under a penalty of $100. The Dill to i the New Y¥< + regen req hinriors jew York Homeopathic Col. Algo the bill authorizing the Supervigors of Westchester county to purchase the Pelham bridge. The Senate then went into executive session. Assembly. Axnany, Feb. 15, 1860. Hon. B. B. Johngon, elected from the First district, Delaware, appeared and took his seat, in the place of D- D, Shaw, deceased, and on motion of Mr. Brigham (rep.) his name was added to the Judiciary Committee. ‘The Pro Rata bill was taken up as the special order. A ‘warm debate ensued on the question of applying the rule to canal forwarders as well as to railroad companies. So far as the debate went the amendment appearod likely to oe, the Srmaxgr took the floor and made the lowing remarks:— sources that this House is to be influenced on this question by a disbursement of money to the members. I have received the information from such a source that its ac- curacy is undoubted. I repeat it, sir, for I desire to be understood, that money is to be used by the ts of this Pro Rata measure to influence the action of members upon this floor in regard to it. Ihave learned that a let- ter was exhibited in Wall street, written by a member on this floor, saying that if this measure is to be defeated $100,000 must sent to defeat it with, The member who wrote that letter is within sound of my voice, and knows whether the charge is true or false. Sir, I speak what I do know when I say that money is to be used by “ore te this Lt ge defeat it in the House. . Rogiyson (rep.), in reply ,to an insinuation of the Speaker, asked how Be dared? sath such knowledge in his posession, to continue this gyrate moved ie current Hi Ti & hi sf i : H tigation, Mr. Ca1sscorr moved a preamble: to the eso. ve . m a t Seesaat Gr aseae as capen le ‘. Speaker and others, and fst, ‘The reeolutions were then adopted, and the House ad. journed till 7 P. M. RVENING SESSION. 4 communication was received from Goyernor Morgan, TD TD coclosing @ letter from the Governor of Obio, and hd vesolutions of the legislature of that State in response ta hema ation i viait ‘Albany. e pro rata was then taken up. The iow eliciting most debate was the amendmme exerts il applicable to canals a8 well as railroads, The opposition 10 as Tene come som, ane friends of the bill, Mr. Miller, the er, ab . Flagler, taking ground ‘age inst it on the plea that pro rata could not op to canals ; tha! no complaint or beer made against canais, and that canal forwardets had never discriminated against citizens of the State, and therefor it was needlers to spply the provi ions of the bill to them, Mesers. Robinscn, Milliken and Jaques spoke in favor of the proposition, holding that it was no sound argumeng against extending the provisions of the bill to canals, to tay that canal forwarders bad never discriminated sgainat citizens of the State, but holding also that canals do dia. criminate as well as railroad companies. Mesars. Robin~ sen and Jaques made able arguments against the principle of the bill as unsound, impracticable and calculated t@ destroy the commerce of the State. The amenament to extend the canals was lost, Yeas 37, nays Mr. MuuinGroy then proj algo in favor of the reimposition of tolls on After further abate tho commition rose and reported 8. ir. FLAGLER attem| der for to-morrow, Houee adjourned. to make the bill the especial ors it before taking the question tha —$<______. The New York American Convention. Bixcuamton, Feb, 15, 1860. The American ‘‘Balance-of-Power’’ party met in cons J. J. Mastell, of Schenectady, as seoretaries. The follow a, WW. Eglo of sietben, George ‘aa, 0. Hobbie of Broome, ee \ddress, de —Meears. R. Grades of ; of Tompkins, Harlo Hakes of Sheaneen be? ld i 7 fi J ge i It is the largest and most enthusiastic State Cons vention ever held in Connecticut. General Phelps, of Colebrook, was chosen President. He remarked, on taking the chair, that he had never seea. 80 univereal and determined a feeling among the dem>~ james T. Prait, 186 Henry C. Det .12 Scattering.. . & ‘The Convention then adjourned till two o’clock. The Democratic State Convention has just completed ita nominations for State officers and ‘to the Charleg~ ton Convention. Hon. Thomas H. Seymour, of Hartford. was nominated for Governor, and eleven out of twelve of the delegates to Charleston are favorable to the nominae tion of Stephen A. Douglas for President. f ‘The resolutions have not yet been reported. Guns ar@ ik complimentary to the, nomination of Mr. Seymour, overnor. A letter from Governor Seymour was read declinin the nomination, and Lodpiy § the old ticket. But ine Convention paid no regard to it, and nominated him by acclamation, after taking an informal ballot, which was all, one way. Four hundre and thirty votes were cet. Tha enthusiaem was of the wildest character, and a motion wag passed to insist on nomination. The ticket was completed as follows:— ell te Governor—James E. English, of New ‘Secretary of State—Nathaniel B. Stevens, of Norfolic. reasurer—Col. Thomas H. C. Kingsbury, of Franklin. Taylor, of Vernon. resolved itself into District convention to Charleston. They reassembled im half past five o’clock, and elected delegates at — us » James Pratt, of Rocky Second—Samuel Arnold, of Haddam. 4hird—Andrew ©. Lippitt, of New London. Fourth—William D. of Brid; By Counties:—Ool. A. G.” Hartford co Maton R. West, Tolland county; EA. Russell, Midaies sex; Colin M. ll, New Haven; William M. Converse, New London; jus L. Baker, . George We Peet, Litchfield; P. C. Calhoun, Fairfield. ‘The Convention adjourned till half, seven o'clock P.M, The on Resolutions ‘Rot report til the evening session. A national salute was fired '. "s nomi " over Gov. Seymour’s < ‘The Convention to nominate de general convention at the f Sale of Unclaimed and Stolen Goods. The ninth sale of unclaimed and stolen goods took placd yesterday at the drill room over Centre Market, by order of the Property Clerk of the Police Department. These sales take place about four times a year, and embrace & variety of articles, ranging from a jewsharp upwards, and always attract a miscellancous crowd of eecond hand dealers, prudent housewives afilicted with auction pro+ Clivities, “cheap Johns,” speculative young men and idler generally. The sale of yesterday was smaller than usual, but the bidding was fair, while the prices which the va« rious articles brought would have thrown Mrs. Toodleq into an ecstacy of delight and kept her in a good humor for three months at least. The principal attraction of tha day was the sale of Cancemi’s gun, the veritable fowling Piece taken from his room after his arrest, and which wad found to contain besides a heay balls and a quantity of buckshor? itefecce Pouapeth tom this interesting relic was knocked down at six dollars and. seventy-five cents, which, in view of its former associa« tions, was doubtless considered a bargain by the pur- r. The sale of a lot of pistols and revolvers created considerable excitement among a number of sapguinary looking individuals, whose oa Ssalosted wont” pecrect publ possession mentionables, but ‘was victorious, umph, remarl i wheat be likes of hina ‘things at all, sure.’? ‘This sally created considerable merriment, and our He- brew friend goon retired, with his ill luck. Wa noticed one, lady bidding eagerly for a lot of wheel guards; but what she wanted them for we co ‘not divine, but presumed that be handy to have in the family.”” clothing was reached, cont of after a few sharp ,and bore the as she (dlin’ wit e coveted away in went, “It’s not the oe ith wimmims chequer, and having nothing to expect from “ancle,’? he was compelled to allow the golden opportunity to pam without being able to improve it -f —— The Eatensive Seizure of Jewelry Belong= ing to Wealthy Mexicans—The Property Restored to the Claimants. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT. Before Hon. Judge Betts. Fun. 15.—The United States vs. Packages, dc., Containing Large Quantities of Jewelry.—This interesting case, which has been reported in the Hxratp, being again called, The District Attorney, ex-Judge Roosevelt, addressing the Court, said that since the evidence of Mr. Gorozpe, the claimant, and of his son and daughter, he was quite satig- fied that the be maintained, as from tha rdighrnrsim) the Somme the claimants or inconvenience fault in not making a frank statement. oo A verdict was then rendered for the claimants and en- tered in both casea, and a certificate of cause | Ste to the officers, which will ape government om damages. Counsel for the United States, ex Jadga Roosevelt and Mr. Charles H. Hunt; for the claimants, Meesrs. F. B. Cutting and Craig. The New Steamship R. B. Cuyler. TRIAL TRIP—DISARRANGEMENT OF HER MACHINERY AND SUBSEQUENT RUNNING ASHORB. ‘The new screw steamship R. B. Cuyler, owned by H. Cromwell & Co., and intended for the Savannah routes left this Yesterday morning, with a select part; = vited Ren Miho members of the press, for a tlaltrip down bay. When of the Southwest, the wind blew freeh from the northeast, with a heavy sea, when sud- denly some of the machinery broke, disabling her > when she subsequently went ashore, Deven one fae es Spit. She was afterwards floate ed off, and the t was - tutes past four in the aflernoon, ‘she was in for x aa she was in tow of tha large steam! Underwriter and Huntr Spit and the Hook. The snow storm Chick gene last night, no doubt prevented her from city. She probably anchored somewhere between he Hook and the Highiande, and will Probably be towed to this city this morning. The Cuyler was built with a view of obtaining great speed, and probably the mishap ng Dave been oponsioned by a little too much steam.