The New York Herald Newspaper, April 20, 1860, Page 10

tv IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. ANOTHER AFFAIR OF HONOR. Judge Black Challenged by Hon. Robert J. Walker. HE CAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY, Judge Black Declines an Invitation to the Field. Revelations Before the Covode Committee, ANOTHER AFFAIR OF HONOR EXPECTED. More Debate on the Proposed Volunteer Regi- ment for Texas, &e,, THE AFFAIR OF HONOR. Whe Quarrel Between Hon. R. J. Walker and Judge Biack. ‘ OUR SPECIAL WASHINGTON DESPATCH. Wasuncron, April 19, 1860. Me Hon. Robert ). Walker eent a peremptory challenge to Attorney Genera! Black about four o'clock yeeterday afternoon, by the hands of Senator Brown, of Missis- Sipp!. Mr. Black verbally declined accepting the invita” tion without explanation. - This action of Governor Walker grows out of the “Smony which ‘0a Mr. Walker to take this course is as follows :— Quesiion—Have you recently conversed with any member of this administration on the subject of this let- ter’ 20, are you at liberty to speak of it? Answer—!I bave recently had such conversation. There is no secret about it; go confidential! restraint;upon either of the parties. 1 baye described the scene to many persons since Friday last. I presume this Committee, like many others, hes heard of it. Ihndan accidental discussion with Attorney ‘cneral Black upon the truth of the exis:- ence of such a document as the one referred to in this testimony, he denying and I ailirming. He declared that wo such document existed, and never did exist. 1 told him I hadseen it. He affirmed that I was mistaken; that # such a letter existed no good citizen would witti hola it. I inquired’ of him whether he invited its pro- @uction in the name of the President. He replied “Yes,” that he challenged its production; that { Gov. Walker bad such a paper, his duty to his country, as well as to himesif, required him to preduce it. That io point Of fact, bowevyer, he eaid the story was not founded in trath, or words to that effect, Many severe remarke passed between us. He'Was in @ state of great excitement. When J referred a second time to my having seen ii, ne = sagain, in high rage, declared that I was in gross error; that the President never wrote such @ document; and if Gov. Walk- er or any other person pretended to have such a document, it was a@ mere pretence to cover up @ perpetrate, or in- tended treason to the democratic patty, or & there pretext for Geterting to the black republican ranks, He further added, ‘What ifany one ettacked the administration on this ground, (to use bis exact words) “ We will put a shirt upon him from which he will never escaps.”” Question—In case you had such interview, what led to it? Answer—I was making a visit to one of the oditors of ‘the Constitution, in reference to another matter entirely; I met Judge Black there accidentally; I did not expect to see him; my business with the editor was in no way, directly or indirectly, connected with the objects of this commitiee; I decline answering the question solely on the ground of irrelevancy. My despatch of last night, you will see, gaye you an indication of this ‘smell of gunpowder:”"— “When Mr. Walker read the teet\mony of Schnable he became highly indignant. He holds that the denial of Attorney General Black, that any letter, of instructions from the President to Governor Walker existed, aud Biack’s defiance to either Walker or Schnable to produce it, is equivalent to a charge of falsehood and forgery ‘wpon jim, and it is said that Governor Walker has al- ready called the Atuorney General to a personal account, ‘and that a resort to arms upon the field may be the reeult of the correspondence on the subject, which is said to be going on to-night. Indeed, a rumor is aflozt throughout the city, at the time ef writing, that notes have passed » between Messrs. Walker and Black, agreeing upou a duel; but J doubt if the affair has proceeded to such an extent at this time.” The arrival of the Heratn to night, with the testimony of Governor Walker, and announcing that he had chal- Jenged a member of the Cabinet, produced the most in- tense excitement. BB ie rumored that other challenges may grow out of the testimony of Mr. Schnable and Goy. Walker, inyoly- img other members o! the Cabinet. ‘The President's letter is commented upon with severity by the Lecomptonites, and startles every one. THE COVODE INVESTIGATION. ©orrespomdence Between the President ‘and Mr. Van Dyke, of Pifiladeiphia. OUR SPECIAL WASHINGTON DESPATCH. ‘Wastunerox, April 19, 1860. J. ©. Van Dyke, recently removed as United States Dis- wwict Attorney of the Eastern District of Ponnsylvania, ‘was before the Covode Investigating Commiitee to-day, the object being to obtain from him a copy of certain eorrespondence between the President and the witness. ‘The following is the substance of the questions and an. swers between the Chairman and witness:— Question—In your former examination you stated that ¥f you bad any conversation or correspondence with the President, priogto the month of March, 1860, it was of private and confidential character. Will you state whether you have had any conversation or correspon- dence with him since that time? Answer—I have, gir. ‘Queation—Was that correspondence of a private and eonidential character? Answer—The first letter was, but the injunction of se- eresy was removed at my request. Question—Was there anything contained im that corres- pondence of a nature that in your opinion it would be improper to reveal on the ground of public policy, or which can be classed in the category of privileged com- manications? Answer—Taking the correspondence as a whole, I do not think there is. * Question—Does that correspondence relate in any men- wer to your removal from office, orto the combination among the federal officers in your State for political pur- poses’ Answer—It relates altogether to those subjects. ¥ Question—Have you any objections to furnishing this committee with « copy of that correspondence ? Answer—So far as Iam myself concerned, Ican have ‘ho objections; but there are others involved in it that ‘Would induce me not to desire to expore it. Question—Have you a copy of it with you? Answer—I have it not with me. Question—Can you got a copy of it? Answer—I can by going to my hotel. Question—Then the committee will haye to ask you to Sarnish them with a copy. testimony of Mr. Schnable, of Pennsylyania, before the thi Oovode Committee, That Part of Mr. Schuable’s testi NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, APRIL faire between yourself and Mr. Baker, it has been finally resslved Wo mokoa change, and inte ia Seipeaieete MERE views of the Secretary of the Treasary, the Secretary of the Interior aud Attorney Genera) ,ibe members of the adminis- tration exercising 8 Supervision respectively over each of tne two officers, 1 deem it dueto our frien, ily relations to communicate th's determination to you in advance. This ig the more especially proper, as in solely on roy solicitation yon would consent to remain, and this oply for a few months; and I have reason to be. lieve the place has not sinee More agreeable to yeu. From your friend, very respectfully, JAMES BUCHANAN, Janes C. Van Dyke, Faq, MR. VAN DIRE TO WE. nocuLANAN, * LADKLPHA, March, 16, 1860. __ My Dear Sin—Your letter to me, under date of the 14th instant, is this morning received, in which you inform me that ‘the duties of the collector of aa important por and thoee of the District Attorney are in their nature 6 intimately connected that it is quite impossibie for them. © conduct the public business, with due regard to the public interests, while they are in @ state of open and inycierate hostility as to for- id all pérgona! and ofliciai excourse with gach other,” and that for this reason it has Deen floally resotved to make a change ia accordance with the views of the Secretary of the Troasury, the Se- ereiary of the Interior, and the Attorney Gene I re gret that your letter is marked “Private, coming trom the Pyeaident, with whose appointment | have been Ronored, and concerning, as it does, my olllvia! conduct, Tehould not be expected to treat itas such. I, of course, have po objection oiler to the determination oa the part acuinistration to make the proposed change; bot you will, I trust, excuse me in not allowing tho mpression to go abroad that this change ia re- quued because the personal and political relations existing between the Collector of the Port and myself have evented, on my part, the proper diachur,e of official duties, or that sucb relations have in any way contlicted with the pudlic interests. That such @ change is not con- trolled by these considerations i3 fairly inferable from the fact that the persona] and political relations whic) at Present ¢xist between the Collector of the Port and my- eeif are precisely ihe same as tuey were at the time of wy appointment, and when at your personal golicitation ] accepted the oifice, and are tho same as they bad bacn, with the full knowledge of the admintztration, for nearly one year previous to that appointment. My relations with the Coliecior, as T have frequently informed you i con- versation and by letter, are the reeult of my uawilling- ness to approve the conduct of the Collector in his tyrannica! abuse of the patronage of the federal govern- ment, with @ view to control the wishes of the people in their primary local elections. Thia, in conformity with your own just views a8 expressed in times past, when in 1832-40, 1848-44, and 1847-48, i was gapposed that the game power Was used to prevent your political ad- Yapcement, I have always disapproved and digcounte Ranced to the extent of my ability, The banding together by a Collector of Custome ¢: the entire force of subordi- nate lederal oilicers, the necessities of many of whom Mey compel thet to yield their own convictions to his reats of removal, aud the coatrolling of the political preferences of ether persons under promises of are infringements of the rights lation of the demosratic spirit ar institutions, apd at ors dengerous to the purity and Perpewity of an elective govermwent. And in justitica- tiow of my course, I have to say, in a spirit of the utmost kindness ana good feeling to yourself persoually, thatno desize for office por fear of removal could induce me 89 tar Co forget my Belf-reapect, or forego my rights as a cit- izen, ag to yield even & silopiarquiescence in the conduct of the gentlemon who, in this respect, has so grossly abused the federal patronage in this State. This has beea heretofore the cause of diversity of opmion between the ollecior and myself. An additional cause bas arisen withia a short time, which, being now fresh, appearsto be the principal matter of complaint. I refer’ to the tact that, within a few weeks, when the subject was brought to my notice by a citizen of Philadelphia, 1 expressed my disapprodstion of the conduct of the Collector of the Port, (if correctly reported to me) in paying to persons pro- feseediy employed in the revenue service large ealaries out of the public treasury, when it is sai. that such per- sous notoriously do not discharge the duties of their ap- pointment, but cither devote their tims to other bveiness callings, or are engaged in the discharge of giver public dutics properly compensated for at a lower rate of salary. Tois Ihave considered to be io direct violation or jaw and Sreamary Fogulations, and as subjecting all wWio wore koowing in it to cemure. Thave condemned ** “7 .r¥) concerted ‘sry saorefore, in com- plianee with my oflicial Obl'cwsen to the government, acd with the confident bollef that my conduct ia such matter would meet the approval of the country and the government. I have also to state that in Ostober, 1869, [ Irankly informed you that if my coarse in all matters of party ierurs, though hostile to the dictation of tne Colles- tor of the Port, was no: approved by you, I could not Jonger continue in office. You at that time informed me that there was nothing that had occurred to lessen your contiaence, or to cause you to desire a change; but, on the contrary, your wish was that I would continue in the posi- tion; at the same time expressing a desire that I should bo on friendly persenai and political relations with the Col- lector, which I said was irapossible. It ts a'so for this reason that the cause pow given for my removal is to me the mere unaccountable; for since then nothing has oc- curred to change my official relations with the officers at Philadelphia, except it be that arising from my oflicial no- tice of the report of the improper payment of salaries by the Collector, to which Ihave alluded, and in regard w which I have expressed my opinion, that upon informa: tion properly laid, uo District Attorney could refuge to ec- tertain a prosecution. I have already written to tao Appolutment, of the people, a Proper department for information; but whether the charge is eustained by all the facts, J have not been able to say, the inform. ant not having pressed a further investigation. Having made this statement, with a view of pl the cause of my removal on what I conceive tw be the true basis, I have only to add that all the papers and documents in my possession, belonging to the United States, will be ready tor delivery to my successor, &5 800n as he may be desig. uated and duly qualitied. iam, sir, with assurances of my pergonal regard, respectfu!ly, your friend and obe- dient servant, J. VAN DYKE, To THE PRESIDENT. Att’y. for U. 8., E. D. of Pa. MR, BUCHANAN TO MR. VAN DYKE. Wasutnctoy, March 19, 1860. Dear Sir—I reply to your favo? of the léth inst., ived yesterday, for the purpose of statiag that you ure ite at liberty to use my letter of the 14th inst. az though it had not been marked “Private.” I repeat emphati- cally that this letter presents my reasons for meking ® change in the otlice of District Attorney. My ex: treme reluctance to do what might be disagreable to you las prevented me from adaressing you at an earlier pe- riod, and this although your oificial superiors in the dif- ferert departments were long since of the opinion that the public mterests required guch a change. Thad hoped, although almost against hope, wuen I last rolicited you to remain in office, that your personal regard for myself, if nothing else, would eventually induce you to modity your hostility agawmst the Collector to such a degree as to induce you to hold personal and official intercourse with him con: cerning your respective public duties. Had this been the cage itis all I should ever have required. In this hope lam sorry tosay Ihave been entirely disappointed. I shali part with you with deep and sincere regret, and at the resent moment entertain no feelings toward you and yours except those of hearty will, From your friend, very respectful; JAMES BUCHANAN. Jamis C. Vax Dyxe, Esq. MR. VAN DYKE TO MR BUCHANAN. PaULapeLraia, March 24, 1860. My Dear Sim—I have the honor to acknowledge the re- ceipt on the 2ist inst. of your letter under date the 19th inst, Before receiving your communication of the 14th inst., I had been furnished with no intimation from your self personally, or from any member of your adminis- tration, that the personal relations existing between the Collector of the Port and myself were such as in terfered with the proper discharge of my official duties, These relations, distasteful as tbey may have indeed been, have, however, upon no occasion been allowed by myself to stand in the way of that oificial intercourse which the public interests required. Your conversations with meas well as your letters to me on this subject, have invariably referred to the @bject in its political aspects, and as affecting the management of internal y politics, in which I have always considered every citizen fully competent to judge of bis own course, ithout the assistance of a Collector of Customs. ‘This was especially the case in our last convereation, to which you have referred, and in which you will no doubt upon reflection remember that oflicial duties and re- lations were not mentioned. Your only request at that time was that I would not interfere with the Collector in his management of the then approaching campaign to eleci delegates to our State Convention, called for the purpoze of nominating a Governor and sending delegates to the Charleston National Convention. And the only occasion tm which I ever had any ihtercourse with any other mem ber of the administration touching this matter was in 1858, when the attorney General, in convereation, in. formed me tht, in his opinion, the good of the par required union and concert of action among all the feaeral officers. This conversation referred only to unity io the management of internal party poli tice, and had reference to the J cial Nominating Convention. The tenor of convereation was to secure a complete combination amoug the federal officers of a character which did not receive my approval, for I have 8 regarded euch combina tions as in conflict with the doctrine of State rights, as in- terpreted by the democretic party, and have belioved that to unite in them would be derogatory to every feeling of self-respect. I-regret that the duty | owe to myself and to those friends with whom I have acted, requires me to say this much; and J do it with no other desire than to place myself correctiy before you and them. With the ‘aesuirance that I'reciprocate your expressions of personal good feeling, I am, sir, your friend, very respectfuily, JAMES C. VAN DYKE To His Excellency Jawns Brcnaxan, President. Attorney General Black was summoned before the Covode Committee to-day, to testify relative to the public binding and his legal connection therewith, but his testi mony was unimportant in itself. He was not questioned relative to his conversation with Mr. Schnable about the President’s letter of instructions to Governor Walker, MISCELLANEOUS DESPATCHES. ‘Wasirsaron, April 19, 1860. r ‘THE EXPENSES OF THE INDIAN TRIPES. Mr. Greenwood, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, sub- mits, in compliance with @ resolution of the Senate, an estimate of the amounts that will be required to hold councils witn certain Indians of the Plains and in the ‘State of Minnesota, as follows:— pean Ra easier ep ee a ub the 5 ‘omeucien and other indice the arkauses river, west of the one hnn- roam legree of west longtitude, numbering, as near as eeu thousand fous, $100,000. au tho Platte river, said tribes somes in the aggre; about cight thonsand souls, $80,000. For the anaes and transportation of provisions and Presents, and to meet expenses necessary in holding & connei! with the Red lake and Red river Chippewas, in the State of Minnesota, for the extinguichment ef thelr litle to lands in that State, said Indians nambering about two thousand eouls, $10,000, provided that the goods pur- chased in 1858 for the Yanctonnais Band of Sioux, the re- ception of which was declined by them, may be used in a Begotiations with the said Chippewas of Red lake and river. The Cormmissioner urges the importance of holdmg the Proposed councils at any early day, and remarks that, altbough the estimate may appear large, it is, with the exception of the Chippewas of Red lake and Red river, only at the rate of ten dollars per head. ‘THE COST OF SOME OF THE BOOKS ORDERED TO BE PRINTED BY B® TIORTY-THIRD CONGRESS, The following ig a statement just made by Secretary Cobb, showing the amount that has been paid out of the Treasury for books ordered to be published by resolutions Of either or both houses of the Thirty-third Congress, as Appears from reports of the Supermtendent of Public Printing -— . Compendium of the Censu 4 41 68 Audress on the Death of Vice President King. . bar) a7 Andrews? Report on Colonial and Lake Trade (reprint) ....... Ra a » 11700 45 Reports of the Dixectors of the Miat (reprint). . 52 05 Hepes of Captain Figresree of an repeat own the Zuni and Colorado Rivers (reprint) 5, Report of Captain Marcy of a Recunnolssene ur eon the Vailey of the Red River (reprint). - 25,256 57 Reports of Explorations and Surveys for a Railroad from the Mississippi Riyer to the Pacitic Ocean— Firet volume Second volume Third volume, Fourth volume Fifth volume Sixth volume... Seventh volume. Fighth volum Ninth volume, Tenth volume. Eleventh volume United State? Naval Astronomical o a ) Expedition First and second Third volumes “mee: Rae a Sixth volume, TUT) 16}443 9b Addresees on the Presentation of the Sword of Gen. mn to Congrers..... ‘ United States Naval Expedition to Japan— First volume... Second voume, Third yolume..... 193,348 72 ————— 240,486 72 6,981 - Mortality Statistics of the Seventh Census, Amount paid for books voted tothe members of the Thirty-third Congress by the joint regolution of Feb. ma, 1854, and the resolution of the House of June 20, 1854, aa appears from the records of the office, $202,595 40. NO RECESS OF THE HOUSE FOR THE CONVENTIONS. ‘The House made another attempt to aajourn to-day, but failed to accomplish it, and will sit without a Senate, and, probably, most of the time without » quorum. Hence they cannot transact any important pablic vusi- ‘bese, and none legally. This completes the biindredth day the House bas beea in actual session. There is no doubt, from present indi- cations, that a quorum will be preset during tue next week, A@ much, however, cannot be said of the Senate, many of its members having already left the city. TRE MOUNTED REGIMENT FOR TEXAS. The House to day concurred in the Senate’s amendment 10 the West Point Academy bill to raise volunteers for gervice on the frontier of Texas, but a motion was imac diately made to reconsider, which, it is believed, will be carried to-morrow. Nearly all thé republicawe voted against the Sgpate’s amendment appropriating neariy $1,000,900 & enable the President to callinto service « regiment of Texas mounted volunteers. Mersre. Carter, Curtis, Junken, Morris of Penn., and Schwariz voted with the democrats and South- ern oppositicn in its favor. ILLNESS OF MR. WASHRURNE, Mr. Washburne, of Illinois, Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, has been quite ill for gcveral days, but is sufficiently convalescent to be able to obey the instruc tione of bis physician and journey for a short period. He will joim his family in Massachugetts. SENATOR LATHAM’S SPEECH. Latham’s speech in the Senate yesterday is considered the most brilliant oratorical effort of the session. One hun- dred thousand copies have already been ordered by Southern Senators for distribution. AVPOINTMBNT CONFIEMED, The Senate to-day confirmed the appointment of Frank E. Wooten, as Secretary of State for Utah. THE NICIUGAN CONTESTED ELECTION, ‘The Committee on Elections have reported in favor of Mr. Howard against Cooper, the sitting member in the Michigan contested cage. Messrs. Gartrell, Stevenson and Boyce unite in the minority report. Our Washington Correspondence, Wassineron, April 18, 1860. No Recess of Congress for the Party Oonventions—Th¢ President's Last Levee of the Season—The Lions of the Evening—Charlesion Delegates—Contesting Forces—-Mr. Douglas—Ike Cock, Fernando Wood, &e.—Abolition Pett- tions—Mr. Seward—The Irish Catholiss—The Natives, de. The various movements in both houses to secure # Con- greesional recees in order to dance attendance at the forthcoming political party Conventions having been ignominionsiy rejected, when brought to an honest vote, we presumy that no further efforts will be made to render the legislative depariment of the federal government a mere lacquey in waiting upon these irresponsible outside gatherings of party spoilsmen and jobbers. The two houses will continue in session, leaving the President makers at Charleston, Baltimore and Chicago to do their work without an official recognition from either house. From the abeence of members im consequence of these Conventions, very little businees may be done in Congress for the next four weeks; but it will be something to keep the mill going, although very litte grist may be passed through the hopper. At the President’s reception last night, the last of the season, there were a considerable number of Charleston delegates present, from Maine to California; but, as the reader wili infer, very few of them were of the Douglas acbool. The President himeeif was in ex- cellent condition, and appeared to be entirely con- fident of the best results at Charleston to the country, the party, and the exieting administration. In the company prerent, too, we heard frequent mention of the name of Gen. Jo. Lane, though we were not aware of his presence during the evening. Fernando Wood, chief of the anti Albany Regency delegation; Gen. Caleb Cushing, of Mas- eachusetts,and Col. Cook, Postmaster of Chicago—fami- Marly Known as Ike Cook—the head of the anti-Dougles delegation from Mlinois, were among the notabilities in the Fast Room; but Mayor Wood, it js but fair to say, was the lion of the evening among the strangers there, some of whom appeared to be surprised to lod him an amiable and elegant looking gentleman, instead of a veritable bor- der ruflian eight feet bigh. With regard to the admission of Mayor Wood aud his delegates into the Convention at Charleston, the chances areneten to one against them. If excludea, however, it will be on the ground of irregularity, coupled with & flattering recognition of their orthodoxy as democrats in good standing in the national church. game rule of irregularity will doubtless be applied to the “Ike Cook,’ or anti-Douglas bard sheli delegation from Ilinois; but we apprebend that this delegation and their representations at Charleston will not be without their inflaence, to the prejudice of the bigh-reaching Nortowestern pretensions of the ‘Little Giant.” If we sro not mistaken, upon General Smalley, of Vermont, Chairman of the National Exebative Hold over-Committee, will devolve the duty of calling the Convention to order; and ag he is not fore- sworn to any particular candidate, we have no reason to anticipate any artful dodging in the preliminary organizs- tion of the Convention. We remember that in the Balti- more Convention of 1844, which eapplanted Van Buren with = majarity of delegates In bia favor, it was charged by his friende that the thing was done by moving the fore- finger ef tbe Convention clock fiteea minutes ahead, whereby some of the principal Van Buren men were cheated in the matter of time, und that thus a pro tempore chairtran was sprodg upon them—Hendricks B. Wright, of Vepnsslvania, we believe—devoted to the game of Robert J. Walker and his two-thirds rule, this sort, however, need be apprehended at Chariesion All sides will be vigilant, and we may thus rest assured that everything will be done on the squnre. From the vaet number of petitions presented in tho Senate from day to day by Mr. Sumner and other New land Senators, calling for the abolition of slavery in sae a ya se Ddishop Bi e eae tne elements of the late American and as these elements, opposed to the ', are more likely to be reached by the republicans than the front rank of the democracy, to feel the ground slipping : i THE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION, Senate. ‘Wasn «cro, April 19, 1860. ‘THE PRINTING INVESTIGATION, Mr. Kino, (rep.) ef N. Y., statea that the Senate Print- ing Investigating Committee was ready to report, and moved the. printing of two thousand extra copies of the testimony. Adopted. ‘THE CENSUS. The .«« bill supplementary 40 the act for taking the census was reported back from the Judiciary Committee and passed. PRIVATR PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC USES. Mr. Bayar reported a bill from the Judi Commit- tee, taking private property for public uses and allowing Just compensation therefor, and it was taken up and dig- cugeed. Mr. Masox, (dem.) of Va., said be believed this wasthe first time « proposition had been made to give the Federal governmens power to take land without the consent of owner. Mr. Wicrars., (dem.) of Texas, said the Federat govern- ment had not the right of eminent domain. hes al- ways been the doctrine of the republican party. He did not mean the blacks. The bill provides that when Congress eball determine to make the purchase of any place for the erection of pablic build- ings, &e., with the consent of the State, the President sball appoint commiesioners to fix the value, which price being paid, the property shall be held in fee ‘by the Cni- ted states.’ In case the owner or owners of the Property are digvatisiied;with the price, provision ahali be for zettiement by legal proceeding. Mr. Coriamer (rep.), of Vt., said the power to erect pub- lie buildiv gs and select the site was incidental to the pow- er to collect revenue, &c. If, under the power regu- late commerce, Congrees had power to build lighthouses, t must have the power to locate the site. ‘THE HOMESTRAD BILL. The Homestead bill was taken up. Mr, .Gwix, (sem.) of Cal, modifled his amendment relating to thé “egaliging the occupancy of the minersi lands, 80 a8 to exclude those who merely declared their intention to become citizens from the benef thereof. Mr. Laxg, (dem.) of Oregon, opposed this alteration. He would, Yor nimosoar argent to no such restriction. Mr. Gwin withdrew his modification. Mr. Braco, (dem.) of N. C., opposed the amendment at some length. Mr. Gwin rejoined, and the amendment was rejected by yeas 9, pays 33. ‘° Mr. Wane, (rep.) of Ohio, now moved to strike out all after the enacting clause, and substitute the House Home- stead bill. Proposed some verbal al- ere were DO objections. Mr. Fic, (dem.) of Ind., offered an additional section to the House bill ag an amendment, graating forty acres to any roldier or sailor who may at any time have beba mastered into military service, provided he was not dis. charged under circumstances of dishonor, The proposi- tion was te exiend the provisions of the bounty land war- rant a to soldiers who had served less than four- teen days. ‘i Mr. Wap opposed this, as likely to embarrass the bill. Mr. Fitcu gaia he had no such intention. Mr. CrnTeNpEN moved an amendment to the fifth sec- tion of the Senate bill, restricting the benefits conferred on persons not citizens to those who at the time of the passage of the bill are residents of the United States. He advocated his amendment at soms beg om! and reviewed the histoty of past legislation upon the land system. fs ‘Mr. Jounsox, (dem.) of Ark., replied to the remarks 27 Mr. Crittenden. After further debate, Mr. Firzratrick, (dem.) of Ala., moved to go into executive session. Mr. Jonnson, (dem.) of Tenn., thought if they were not prepared to act on the bill now they never would be. He hoped the friends of the measure would press it toa fus! vote. After « conversational debate, in which, by common congent, it was agreed to vote on the Homestead bili on ‘Wednesisy week, the bill was made the special order for uhat day, atd the Senate went into executive seesion; after which it adjourned till Monday. House of Representatives. ‘Wasunyeros, April 19, 1860, PROTECHON OF THE FRONTIRR OF TEXAS. ‘The House went into Committee on the Senate’s amend- ment to the Military Academy bili authorizing the em: ploy ment in Texas of mounted volunteers. Mr. Boxaam, (dem.) of 8. C , argued that tho calling out of such a force was the most effectual plan which could be adopted to bring to a close the Indian depredations. It would be a crying shame to let the summer pass without reducing the savages to subjection. Mr. Pexpirox, (dem.) of Ohio, thought every conside- ration of justice to the people of Texas and economy in the affairs of the general government required the amend- ment to be concurred in by the House. The government had been derelict in its duty, which would Jusuty the peo- ple in rising and inflicting chastisement to the fullest ex- tent op the Indians, wherever found. Another reason why this force should be employed was our critical condition with Mexico, growing out of events on the Rio Grande, Cortinas having reappeared, and the ‘American troops gone over in pursuit of him. Mr. Boxwam, (dem.) of S. C., referring to the disturb- enoes in Texas, Said that the mere question whether dig- urbances existed there or not was not the real question vefore the committee. Hostilities, it would not be denied, xisted between the Indians on the borders and the white ‘eitlers from the carlieet attempt at gettlement. No stipu- ation could bind them, and the question now was—he was not referring to the Reserve Indians—was the condition of tings on the borders of such a characte? as demanded ad- oifional troops for the protection of tne people? If there should be a necessity for additiona! troops, the next ques- ton was, whet description of troops were required? It bad been ehown that come fifty-one men, women and children, hac been killed by the Comanches withia a tow months past, besides an equal number carried into captivity. There was, then, a war between the whites and the Comanche Indians, and the queation which pre- sented itself was, were there a sufficient number of troope on the borders to protect the peopie of Texas and to keep the Iudians in check? The Secretary of War has declared that the number of United States troops on the Texan frontier is insufficient, inasmuch as the majority of them are infantry, a doscrij Of troops useless in a war with the Comanches. Reference was made to the report of the Secretary of War whercin thé enrolment of & volunteer mounted Texan regiment was recommended, ‘There were eight hundred miles of frontier to protect, extending from the Rio Grande to the country occupied by the Comanche Indians in the wiater, and the troops stationed on this frontier are totally inefficient to Protect the inhabitants. Well, then comes the question how to remedy, the evil, and put a stop to these hostilities, and to punish the Indians. That was the question to consider. It had been sug- gested that two regiments of infantry should be raised; bat this plan was not the proper one. It was known that dodies of infantry were utterly unacquainted with horse- manship, and required a very long ¢ime to make them efficient as cavairy. It was now too late to mount in- fantry and accustom them to the use of the horse, for the summer wes at hand, the most favorable time for opera- tions, and if they allowed the summer to pass they could not operate against the Comanches this year. It was said ‘that the Secretary of War had withheld bis recom- mendation for the raising of this Texan regiment. That was true; but now the necessity for checking the hostilities ‘Decame #0 urgent that the Secretary of War had made the recommendation for a volunteer regimentin good faith. As to this change, that volunteer regiments murdered women ‘ana children, he denied that such was the case, except in instances where it was unavoidable. In the operations of regular tre it sometimes happened that women were Killed. In the gallant fight of the 13th of May, when forty or fifty Indians were killed by the troope, eight Comanche Indian women were unavoidably and unintentionally kill- ed, though the commander of the,troops upon that occasion wasone of the most humane and gallant officers in the American service. If this occurred with regular troops, it ‘was not to be wondered at if it should sometimes happen with irregular troops, especially in wars where women took part. But the government was bound to afford pro- tection to the people of Texas. When Texas was annexed to the United States the government assumed the duty of protecting the inhabitants against the savage foes who in- fested the borders, and it will bee crying shame if they let oe ad pass without affording them that pro- tect! Mr. Prxp.etox, (dem.) ot Ohio, hoped that the Sonate amendment would be concurred in by the House. They nad heard it stated by the two gentlemen ‘rom Texae, that, within the limits of their aistrics, scarcely out of earsbot of the people of the capital of the State, sixty- four men, women and children of that State were mur- dered by the Indians. The papers of this morning give deplorable accounts fron the Texan borders, whica show that people are murdered and homes deserted because the government will not give the poeple aid and protec- tion from the wild and savage Apaches. These accounts show that there is an imperative necessity existing that government should, without delay, order the earolment of a Texan mounted regiment; and that, if this was not done, that then the people of Texas will be justified in or- ganizing a body to inilict chastisement on these Indians wherover they may be found. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Olin) denies that any regular war existed between the whites and Indians. What did the gentle- man mean by a regular war? The Indians were notin the habi: formally declaring war before they com- menced hostilities. No; but they make their approach stealthily, and rob, and burn, and kill before theirjinten- tions are known. It has} char; against the people of Texas that they had committed grest crueltics upon the Indi He admitted sach was the casa, but he at the same time contended that the accounts upon that bead were very much exaggerated. But that such outrages were at ail commitied showed that the people of Texas had been exasperated beyond endurance. It showed that the Indian hostilities were characterised by acts of cruelty and atrocity, ef murders and aseassina- tions, beyond ali precedent in the annals of border war- fare. Those who contended’or imagined that the Reserve Indians were not connected with these hostilities, knew aes, the matter, and the gentieman from New York (Mr. Olin), when asserting this, had allowed his zeal on Debalf of these Indians to get the better of his But it was not these Indians the g. 5 g = H z 2 Fi a i ve Pde a 2 igize frontier of Texas that the whole population were yey ? for i oneltine ian protecting arm a Teason for vernment from the defence of innocent citizens? the concurrent opinion of all persons well this subject that it required mounted men sa 20, 1860.—TRIPLE SHEET. to bo taken advantage of for that purpose. must be carried w ‘See villages and bosses of ‘these Ia- sami aa such @ panishment intlicted upon Tepes ae amie along ihe Toxaa frontier @ bd fi wr, they found a necessity for additional te ype Manag — Ca things accounts fiom ‘Mexican a earned that Cortinas and bie hand ona ders were committing depredations. american rangers bad entered upon Mexican soil for the purpose of capwur- jog him. Cortinas was protected by the people on the Mexican border, and could not be arrested without a vio- Jation of Mexican rights. Under these circumstances, a war with Mexico was imminent. The condition of op the frontier threatens it. The act of the government, in attacking and capturing two Mexican sbips, belonging’ to Miramon, threatens it; and this latter act will make iteeif felt along the Rio Grande, aud excite the people to take part with the people capial ia rezenting this act, and war must be the re. sult. Anattack by Mexico will inevitably be made, and he woula atk, was the government ready to repel it? Were the troops on the Mexican border capable of repell- ing such en attack? Are they strong enough to Gcharge their duty in against the assaul made upon it? The was not capable of meeting the danger. The result will be, as shadowed forth by Governor Houston, that a volun. tecr force will have to be raised to chastise the Indians, and 1 repel the attacks of the Mexicans. What olse will follow? When this bas been done, when the people of Texas have taken the matter into their own hands, after reese, the war into the Indian Territories, and into the Me: territories, and having performed this duty ac- cording to their own discretion, the people of Texas will Present to this House a bill of costs, which they would have to pay. Yee, they will be bound to foot the bill. Know. ing this, would it not be better to give Gov, Houston the power to raise the regiment of mounted’ Texans as pro- Every consideration of economy required that they should take the defence of the frontier into thoir own hands, and not leave it in the hands of the Texans, He erie” House would agree to the Senate amend. ment Mr. McRra, (dem.) of Miss., made a few remarks in fa- vor of the amendment. Mr. Sruvess, (rep.) of Pa., was opposed to the amend- ment, seeing that jt recommended an increase to the ar- ‘my, which he considered was already st the of the . He could not possibly un- derstand why it was that the army was not so disposed ‘as to place a sufficient force on the frontier for the pro- tection of the inhabitants. As to the Indian hostilities, there was nothing to be apprehended from them. He beheved that there was m greater necessity to k¢ a watch over and cheek the outr: and crimes of white men than there was to exercise these precautions to keep down the Indians. It had been asserted that a necessity bad long existed fora greater force on the frontier of Texas than was stationed there. If this was 80, how was it that the troops that were ecnt to Kansas, where they were not wanted, were not sent to Texas? Why did they not send the troops that were sent to Utah to Texas? This force was sent to Utah at an immense cost, and sent there for no other purpose, he believed, than to watch the in- tercourse between Brigham Young and his concubines. {Laughter.) That curiosity being now saitstied, let the troops be sent as quickly as possivie to the Texan frontier, and when they beve arrived there, surely there wiil be a sufficient force to protect the people from ai! hostilities, whether they come from white men or Indians. He wanted the force in Texas to be supplemeuted by United States tre }, Who would not be actuaied by a spirit of Partizanehip, who would pot be impelled by the prejudices ‘and reyengeful feelings which actuate, the border men, who were known to entertain a si lar ani- mosity and hatred to all Indians, and who acted upon the doctrine of ‘manifest destiny’’—that the Indians os Mie net on — us neces. sary, for.the raising of two additional regular regiments, but he thought the plan proposed, of mounting two regiments of infantry. was the one which the House Ought to adopt. It would be # dangerous thing to raise, equip and arm a regiment of Texan 8, Lo Operate on thelr own frontier, and officered from among themsclves The border men were impetuousand rath,and would s0on Plunge the country into a war. Gentlemen said that a war with Mexico was imminent. Why. = war could be raised at any time. War wa; atthe present time at their very gates. They had men mura to order to get up @cavse of war. If war with Mexico is imminent, it is Decause that a party of these very men will eater Mexico im earch of a person, the Mexicans will resist, they will come to blows, ani then we will have a war declared, and it will be announced, ‘‘That, whereas ‘a war exists with Mexico by reason of her own act, there- fore a sum cf thirty millions of dollars shall be appropriatec to carry iton.’’ They bad letters read set- tung forth the horrible cruelties of the Indians, but ifthe Tadians could write letters and supply us with their ver- sions of these transactions, wat;horrible pictures of Chris- tien men’s cruelty and torture would be revealed! You would have more terrible accounts given of outrages and murder and segsesination than are set forth in those let- ters just read, and which come up here se opportunely on this occasion. But he had not yet seen upon what authority the United States government was called upon to afford protection egainst these Indians, until the Texans themeelves had exhausted ail taeir own means, and were then compelled to call upon tho government to come to their relief. If they set an example of this kind, they will have similar de- mands made upon them from all-quarters. He would vote against the amendment, Mr. Orero, delegate from New Mexico, offered an amendment, that a like sum, nearly a millon of dollars, be ppropriated to raise a mounted regiment of volunteers for the suppreesion of Indian hostilities in New Mexico. He “thought that when this question was taken up, when the neceesity of raising a volunteer regiment for the protec- tion of the Texan frontier presented itself, that some con- sideration would have been paid to the | egret of the people of the frontiers of New Mexico. thonght that two volunteer regiments would baye been recom mended, one for Texas and one for New Mexico. The House some time ago refused to agroe to the recommendation for the Volunteer bills, when it Bll pine ae it bo ett had been on the frontier would have been properly protected Again they were forced to come before Congress and ask for aid in Consequence of the numerous depredations and mur- ders of unoffending women and children. When these enormities are brought before the attention of Congress, Snstend of their exciting indignation, they found the gen tleman from Pennsy! , Stevens) eulogizing Indian warriors. Such men as he, such hi as he, ‘were more hateful to. the Indians themselves than their open foes were. He felt sensitively upon the question, for he had had bis own relatives’ blood shed on the soil of New Mexico by these eavage Indians. His mother had been surrounded by them, and his brother’s blood had ‘been spilled by them, since the annexation of New Mexico 10 the United States, They had suffered more than they had while under the iron heel of Mexican despotism. They had thought their condition would have been bettered by the change, but so far as their prosperity and material resources wore concerned, they had been ruined. Mr. Otero put in some letters to be read, in which the agent for ladian Affairs in New Mexico detailed the cruelties of the Indians. He denounced the doctrine that hag been get up, that because there were a few bad, lawless white men in the Territory, the great bulk'of the Jaeger industrious and wealthy citizens, should be to the mercy of the Indian savages. These lawless whites, he asserted, were not the permanent citizens of New Mexico, but roving emigrants soe iaghins from jus- tice, who, having no means of liv: |, take part with the Indians against the peaceable inhabitants. New Mexico has an Indian frontier of fifteen hundred miles, and an Indian communication of one thousand miles— that was to say, that to reach the States from tho frontier, the frontier people bad-to traverse one thousand miles of Indian territory; and yet, under these circumstances, Congrees had up to this refused to give them any efficient protection or aid. He saw no.humani- ty in devending and protecting savages who murdered innocent men, women and children. They onght first to Jook atter the safety of the whites, their fellow cittizens. If he bad his own way he would dispose of them in a dif- ferent manner. Mr. Stanton, (rep.) of Ohio—How? Mr. Orgro—My plan would be to raise a regiment in New Mexico, and to go forth and kill every Indian they t, until they subjugated them. (Laughter.) That would be his pian. The reason he desired to bave volun- teers raisea for the protection of the frontier was, that by the Da ate ci that would be inflicied upon the Indians by the froniieremen they would be impressed with a salu- tary fear of them, and that they might know that it was not necessary to send for foreign aid for the purpose. Wisbout such a body of men they could have no perma- nent security, ‘ Mr. Stantox called attention to the remarks of Mr. Otero, to show that if they made an application for the furnishing of a regiment of mounted voluntecrs for Texas, they would be bound to do just the same for New Mexico, It was evident, therefore, if they a: i ® volunteer regiment in one case, they would be called upon to do itin several, com mittee would do well to look at what would be the results arising from the policy now sought for the firat time to be inaugurated. Would they put the country to the ex- pense of furnishing these regiments whenever a frontier might be exposed to Indian depredations? The claim urged for this particular kind of protection was, that the frontier people were the best qualified to protect their own homes. If this was sound logic in the case of Texas, it was equally eound logic to urge on behalf of New Mexico, Utah and other Territories; and if admitted now it will be urged whenever the necessity exists. It was not denied that the people of Texas were exposed to In- gion depredations, to robberics and to murders; but neither could it be denied that the Todian ‘borcers were equally exposed to the depredations of law- lers white men. Mr. Cons, (rep.) of lows, dented that the Indians were exposed in the zame way. Mr. Stantox, in support of bis argument, showed how oe intecean eee ee vet cone Ohio aay Xans before they cou! jer The indians had been driven had pli . bomes with a strong hand, and with such yiolence that the United States eepe had to interfere to protect them in their exodus to other settlements. He then referrod to the communication from tbe Commissioner of Indian Af- fairs, wherein it was cet forth that some of the charges urged against the Indians for the abduction of white wo- men and other nt, sao wholly unfounded. He was opposed to the enrollment of volunteer regiments of bor- cerers, commanded by officers selected by themselves, al! of whom, men and officers, might be supposed to have ‘Deen engaged in depredations upon the Indians, and all of whom enter! most revengeful and vindictive feelings, which they would give veot to in summary ven- geance whenever they got the chance, whether the In- clans were esd of lations and hostilities or not. they wouff raise a body of such men as the emergency demanded in this way. An ‘utter disre- of human life was one of the prevailing feelings amid }, and if they raised such a body of men, equipped them as a mounted regiment, they would exter- minate the Indiens. The question then was, would the allow the regiment to be raised to carry out the idea announced by the delegate from New Mexico, to exterminate the whole race of Indians? If this idem was ht, if it was in accordance with the civilization priggianity of the nineteenth century to exterminate a w B people, why, then, raise this ‘of Texen rangers, and you will pave taken a Ne step to- wards accomplishing. ‘This course was not the ‘ trong enough for | bad in the manner proposed. Mexico was imminent, reference was made to some which place in connection with Cortinas, who, with his bandits, bad reappeared in the Mexican ‘territory. But no war could grow out of euch anaifair as that, However that might be, he would not wish to give to the President & force such as that it was propoeed to raise, lest it might tempt an invasion of Mexican soil. He did not want to give the President the means of war without the consent of Congress, and was the reason he for one would not consent to the tg of this regiment, which would soon find a pretext volving the country in bloodshed. To meet the exigen- cies of the cage, he would propose that two of the ments of infantry now on the Texan frontiers ized into two regiments of cavalry. This would give all the protection needed, without in the strength of the army, the oioy 4 of the infantry, bat ta @ corresponding ratio increase strength of the cavalry. His amendment was, that the President be authorized, whenever the exigencies of the service require it, to equip and organize two regiments of cavalry from the infantry reine selecting the beat men for that service, either individ or by companies, and that a sum of geven hundred and ninety-seven thou- pose. Mr. Loycewrcker, (rep.) of Pa., was in favor of mount~ ing two regiments ‘them from companies, as this would create tion among officers. Mr. Hvcurs, (dem.) of Md., offered an amendment, which was iy Proposing that tbe army” be n= creased by an additional regiment of cavalry. weare to have cavalry, let them be properly drilied, and not ba likely to fall from their horses at the first = Stanton’s sabe te was lost, eo 8. study at West Plat Yor iy four years. The Senate’s amend: + im the Senate’s Texas regiment amendment, by yeas 74 mhys 72. A motion was made to reconsider the vote. THE AERIAL TRIP. Balloon Ascemsion of Professor John ‘Wise from Palace Garden—Eathusiasm of the Multitude—Magnificent Spec= tacle. Fourteenth atreet, between Sixth and Seventh avenues, and the entire locality of that neighborhood, for a little while yesterday afternoon,.was ina fever of excitement over a balloon ascension from Pa'ace Garden, by Profes-° sor John Wise, the celebrated acronaut, whose name is familiar to most readers from his frequent connection with enterprises of this character, but more especially from the well nigh fatal at‘empt he made last year, in sompany with three other gentlemen, to cross our conti- nent from St. Louis to Now York. A more auspicious occasion for the purpose could not have been provided even by contract. The day itself was beautlfal—the atmosphere clear, balmy and refreshing. No clouds loomed up in the distance behind which the serial voyager was to be lost to view, and a gentle breeze from the southeast served to cool the warm rays of an almost summer sun, without promising an interference with the comfort or safety of the celestial vehicle and its precious freight. The streets were thronged with people, and for an hour previous to the time announced for the ascension it seemed as if the entire world of femininity were out om promenade, and converging from every quarter of the Bag Bde ‘the precincts of Palace Garden. wide the enclosure, owing to the admission fee of twenty-Gve cents, the assembly was not particularly large, probably not exceeding seven or eight hundred in number; but without, where the crowd could get a curb- stone view for nothing, it was immense. Above and be- low, from attic to cellar, every window contained its row of faces, Roofs were crowned with spectators, with little urchins, while the great family of Rabegge, Tabaigge and Bawbtayle, the of Furth hae ani the low the Bowery regions, in ee and children, crowded side- waiks, steps baloonies with true democratic inde- pendence. THE BALLOON. The balloon is the smallest of three which Professor ‘Wise keeps constantly on band for experimental and pro- fessional purposes, and is named ‘‘Ganymede,” after one of the cup bearersjof Jupiter—this small aerial steed bear- ‘ing the similar relation of tender or subordinate to tne ballcon Jupiter, in which the Professor performs is principal aerostatic exploits. On the opposite side ie the motto in large letters, ‘‘Eztra Vlamentia Manta Mun- d’’—which being interpreted means ‘‘Bayond the flaming boundaries of the world.” Toe diameter of the Gany- mede ie twenty-seven fect. It has a capacity for about ten. thousand feet of gas, and possesses an agcensive power only ot four or five hundred pounds, which is nearly counterbalanced by the Weight of the material, cordage, baskets, baliast, indi- vidual and freight necessary for a voyaze. tity of ballast employed on the preeent occasion was be- tween ninety and one hundred pounds, which, in the shape of sand, was contained in open bags, that it be conveniently used ag circumstances required. y Dasket is of the ordinary wicker work, and is three fees six inches in length by two feet eix toches in breadth). apparently a small area for an iudividual to move arcund with any great facility, but ome which, the Professor stated, is amply sufficient for all tho 1¢ purposes of an aerial veyage. The panes Sea weighs fifteen Pounds, and is @ sort of multiplied fish book, wnose prongs, protruding in every gigerne enab'e it readily to catch {nto anything with which it may como in coutuet,, while the cord by which the balloon is anchorad vo trses, fences, chimneys, or anything elee which aifords a hold, is. only of the size of a common clothes line. Being made of linen, however, it is sald to be equal to all emurgencies, and thus combines the essential advantages of ightess and strength. W THE INFLATION. In order fo facilitate this operation, a branch pips had been laid connecting with the main in the strest, and when our reporter arrived on the ground the neti of the balloon, which was elevated on a platform in we centre of the garden, was closely tied over a: canvass tube, which’ in turn communicated with the pipe under ground, and through this the gas was ruehitig into the balioon in a six imch stream. At a distunce oi every five or six feet around its sides were bags weighing eighty pounds each,: connected by hooks to the cords of the balloon, which served to hold the impatient courser in, restrain ita occa- sional surges from side to side, and check its inclinations: upward. . THE ASCENSION. ‘The hour announced for the ascension was four 0’ slock;. and punctual to the moment the Professor mounted the. platform, and stated that he was ready; but he ex- pressed the desire that as a le were coming into the gard their « quarters” every moment helpin, nish his expenses, the ausience should wait and thus mutnally reciprocate towards the other. The audience was, fortunately, patured, and, after « few compli Profeszor, he put the question to a yote, which mously decided in bis favor. A halt hour was ingly whiled away in watching the leviathan and to the music of the band. The time having ever, the acronaut finally he was for the trip. The platform was cleared of spectators. as shut off, the weights detached from the alloon, the cords confided to the hands ofa gentlemen, and the car was fastened and freighted. gentlemen holding the cords now gradusily together, the balloon was allowed to rise to its full het and Professor Wise, with the coolness of a vi took possession of the frail vehicle for his tion. Lingering for a ant wanes J Stave er, ‘Let Go,” was f steed to earth was the gheers and “God ly and majestically like to the regions above. rounding bi lace on the li i Pp H ce ee i his possession, ‘os, he. waa almost. inclined to look’upon it as talisman against harm, and would not now on any be without it. It is one of the few remnants of his from St. Lou's. The balioon remained long in sight, for a few moments, looked, in her graceful beauty, like @ very ‘lord of tne boundless realm;” but as nM adually upward, taking firet a & aue cast course, she dwindled to a mere speck, and ‘son lost to vision in the blue ctherial sky. Mr. Wire Janded on Long Island, then came down in Long Island Sound, and after being through the water towards Throgg’s Neck, it is su; reschea there in safety. On Saturday. pupil of Prof. Wise, named A: his first ascension in the same bal; ‘Tne quan */ we —.