The New York Herald Newspaper, June 21, 1868, Page 3

WASHINGTON VETO OF THE ARKANSAS BILL. Able Argument of the President. Zhe Pest Oath Requiring Voters to Swear in Favor of Negro Zgquality Denounced. The Bill Passed by the House Over the Veto. Report of the Committee on the New Whiskey and Tobacco Tax Bill. HEAVY REDUCTION OF THE TAX. VETO MESSAGE. The Arkansas Bill Returned to Congress ‘With the President’s Ohjections—An Able Ar- gument Against the State Constitution—C: gress Again Urged to Return to Obedience te the Constitution, WASHINGTON, D. C., June 20, 1868. ‘The President sent the following message to Con- gress to-day:— To THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:— I return without my signature 4 bill entited “An act to admit the State ef Arkansas to representation in Congress.”” The approval of this bill would be an admission on the part of the Executive that the “Act for the more efficient government of the rebel States,” passed March 3, 1867, and the acts supple- mentary thereto were proper and constitutional. My opinion, however, in reference to those measures, has undergone no change; but, on the contrary, has been strengthened by the results which have attended their execution. Even ‘were this not the case I could not consent to a bill which is based upon the assumption, either that by 8n act of rebellion of a portion of its people the State of Arkansas seceded from the Union, or that Con- gress may at its pleasure expel or exclude a State from the Union or interrupt its relations with the government by arbitrarily depriving it of representa- tion in the Senate and House of Representatives. If Arkansas is a State not in the Union this bill does not admit it as a State into the Union. If onthe other hand Arkansas is a State in the Union no legislation fs necessary to declare it entitled to representation in Congress as one of the States of the Union. The constitution already declares “that each States shall have at Jeast one representative;” that “the Senate shall be composed of two Senators from each State; that “no State without its consent shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.” That instrument also makes each House the judge of the election returns and qualifications of its own members, and, there- fore, all that is now necessary to restore Arkansas in all its constitutional relations to the government is a decision by each House upon the eligibility of those who, presenting their credentials, claim seats im the respective houses of Congress, This is the piatn and simple pian of the — constitution, and believing that, had it been pur- sued when Congress assembled in the month of December, 1865, the restoration of the States would long since have been completed, I once again earnestly recommend that it be adopted by each house in preference to legislation which I re- spectfully submit is not only of at least a doubtful constitutionality, and therefore unwise and danger- ous as precedent, but is unnecessary, not so effec- tive in its operation as the mode prescribed by the constitution, involves add itional delay, and from its terms must be taken rather as applicable to a Terri- tory about to be admitted as,one of the Uni- ted States than to a State which has occupied a place in the Union for up- wards of a qnarter of a century. Ths bill de- clares the State of Arkansas is entitled and admitted to representation in Congress as one of the States of the Union upon the following fundamental conditions:—That the constitution of Arkansas shall mever be so amended or changed as to deprive any eitizen or class of citizens of the United States of the right to vote who are entitled to vote by the consti- wition herein recognized, except asa punishment tor such crimes as are now felonies at common law whereof they shall have been duly convicted under laws equally applicable to all the inhabitants of said State; provided that any alteration of said con- Btitution prospective in its effect may be made in regard to the time and place of residence of voters. Ihave been unable to find in the constitu- tion of the United States any warrant for the exer- cise of the authority thus claimed by Congress. In assuming the power to impose ‘fundamental con- ditions” upon @ State which has been duly admitted into the Unign on an equal footing with the original States in all respects whatever, Congress asserts a right to enter a State as it may a Territory and to reguiate the highest prerogative of a free people, the elective franchise. This question is reserved by the constitution to the States themselves and to concede to Congress the power to regulate this sub- Ject would be to rev erse the fundamental principle ot the republic, and to place in the hands of the federal government, which is the creature of the States, the sovereignty which justly belongs to the States or the people—the true source of all political power, ‘by ‘whom our federal system was created, and to whose ‘will it 1s subordinate. The bill fails to provide in ‘what manner the State of Arkansas is to signify ite acceptance of the fundamental condition which Congress endeavors to make unalterable and irrevocable. Nor does it prescribe the penalty to be imposed should the people of the State amend or change the particular portions of the constitution, ‘which it was one of ‘the purposes of the bill to per- petuate, But as to the consequences of such action itleaves them in uncertainty and doubt. When the circumstances under which this constitution has been brought to the attention of Congress are con- sidered it is not unreasonable to suppose that efforts will be made to modify ‘its pro- visions, especially those in respect to which this measure prohibits any alteration. It is seriously questioned whether the constitution has been ratified by a majority of the persons who, under the act of March 2, 1866, and the acts supple- mentary thereto, were entitled to registration and to ‘vote upon that issue. Section ten of the schedule provides ‘that no persons disqualified from voting or registering under the constitution shall vote for candidates for any oftice, nor shall be permitted to vote for the ratification or rejection of the constitu- tion at the polls herein authorized,” assumed to be in force before its adoption. In disregard of the law of Congress, the constitution undertakes to impose upon the elector other and further conditions, The fifth section of the eighth article provides that “all persons, before registering or voting, must take and subscribe to an oath’ which among others contains the following clause:—“That I accept the civil and political equality of all men, and agree not to attempt to deprive any person or persons,,on ac- count of race, color or previous condition, of any po- Hitical or civil right, privilege or immunity enjoyed by any other class of men." It is well known that a very large portion of the electors in all the States, if nota large majority, do not believe in or accept the practical equality of Indians, Mongolians or ne- groes with the race to which they belong. If the ‘voters in many of the States of the North and West were required to take such an oath as a test of their qualification, there is reason to believe that ® majority of them would remain from the polls rather than comply with its degrading conditions, How far and to what extent this test oath prevented the registration of those who were qualified under the jaws of Congress it is not possible to know; bot that such was its effect, at least suMicient to overcome the small and doubtfpl majority in favor NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, JUNK 21, 1868—TRIPLE SHEET. of this constitatien, there cam be no rea sonable doubt, Should the people of Ar- kansas, therefore, desiring to regulate tne elective franchise so a8 tO make it conform to the constitutions of a large proportion of the States of the North and West and modify the provisions referred toin the fundamental condition, whatis the consequence? Is it intended that a de- nial of representation shall follow? and if so, may we not dread at some future day a recurrence of the troubles which have so long agitated the country? Would it not be the part of wisdom to take for our guide the federal constitution rather than resort to measures Which, looking only to the present, may in @ few years renew in an aggravated form the strife and bitterness caused by legislation which has proved to be so ill-timed and unfortunate? ANDREW JOHNSON. WASHINGTON, D. C., June 20, 1868. MISCELLANEOUS WASHINGTON NEWS. WASHINGTON, Jyne 20, 1848, The New Whiskey and Tobacco Tax Bill. ‘The Ways and Means Committee have completed the revised tax bill and reported to the House, After @ very protracted discussion the committee have fixed the tax on whiskey.at sixty cente per gallon. They have also agreed to allow the transportation of whiskey in bond. This last proposition was sternly opposed by the chairman of the committee, who favored the plan of faying the tax at the distillery. . General Schenck will endeavor to have it #0 amended when the Dill comes before the House, With regard to tobacco the committee has fixed the tax on all kinds of chewing tobacco at thirty- two cents per pound; coarser brands at fifteen cents. The elaborate machinery for collecting the tax on whiskey and tobacco, which was in the general bill reported to the House, has all been transferred tothe new bill. Some members of the committee opposed this, on the ground that it would consnme time to discuss it and it might hazard the bill. The whiskey ring is anxious that the bill should fail, so that the tax may be kept at ita present rate. The majority of both houses, however, are determined to put some measure through lowering the tax op whis- key, if it should only be a joint resolution. Reception of the Chinese Embassy by General Grant. General Grant gave a private reception to Mr. Burlingame and the prominent members of the Chinese Embassy at his residence this evening. The affair took place between the hours of six and nine o'clock and is said to have been quite pleasant and agreeable. The staff of the General were present in fall uniform and assisted in the reception of the Gistinguished visitors. Nominations by the President. ‘The President to-day sent to the Senate the follow- ing nominations:— William N, Moore, who is conservative President of the Board of Aldermen, to be Postmaster of Wash- ington, in place of Sayles J, Bowen, whose commis- sion has expired. Andrew J, Moulder, to be Surveyor General of California. John L. Trainer, Assessor Internal Revenue of Fifth and Thomas 8. Pettit, Assessor for Second dis- trict of Kentucky. Thomas B. Price, Collector Internal Revenue, in Third district of Maryland. R. W. Mullen, Collector of Customs at Teche, La. Whig: Hubbard, Collector of Customs at Stoning- m, Conn. The nomination of Thomas B. Price a8 Collector of Internal Revenue for the Third district of Mary- land isto supply the place soon to be made vacant by the resignation of Wm. Prescott Smith, who has accepted a prominent railroad position. Pardons by the President. The following pardons were to-day issued by the President:—Thomas Fitzgerald, who was held by the United States District Court in Maine for assault with intent to kill, and sentenced to one year’s im- prisonment, was pardoned upon the recommenda- tion of the United States District attorney and many influential citizens of Maine. Alfred Delastasins, ¢onvicted in the United States District Court of Pennsylvania of making a counter- feit mail key and sentenced to three years’ imprison ment, was pardoned mpon the recommendation of influential citizens of PRdladelphia, including Messrs. L. L. Cheney, Geos Righ@ndson and N. H. Taggart. H. Heath, who was @ major general in the rebel army, has been pardoned upon the recommendation of General Schofield, Secretary of War, and others. Weekly Financial Statement. The fractional currency received from the Print- ing Division of the Treasury Department for the week ending to-day amounted to $513,000. United States notes received during the week, 160,000. The amounts shipped during the week were as fol- lows:— To Assistant Treasurer of United States at St. Louls...... seeeesecetseesescseees 100,006 To United States Depository at Pittsburg 60,000, To national banks and others..........-.. 367,922 Amount of notes shipped during the week WAS ees seeee see 129,618 ‘The United States Treasurer holds in trust as secu- rity for national banks the following amounts:— As security for circulating notes $341,456,400 For deposits of public money: |, 447,950 National bank notes issued week..... - 174,910 Total amount iss 308,492,881 ed ate. From this is to be deducted viz.:— Mutilated bills returned. Notes of insolvent ba following amounts, < $7,975,642 a burned. 522,' Leaving in 09,985,035 Fractional currency redeemed stroyed during the week 603,181 Visit of a Brooklyn Delegation to the Executive Mansion. Acommittee of prominent citizens of Brooklyn, N. Y., headed by Representative Robinson, of Brook- lyn district, called on the President to-day for the purpose of urging prominént measures respecting the protection of American citizens abroad, The, committee retired, well satisfied with their inter- view. ‘ Health of the United States Treasurer. 7 General Spinner, United States Treasurer, has been quite unwell for several days past, and was to-day able to be in his oMce for the first time since the early part of the present week. Excitement Among the Farmers of Kansas— The Settlers Calling for Help. WASHINGTON, June 19, 1868, Itis not less remarkable that the entire radical Congressional delegation from Kansas were the active participants in this nefarious job. So well is this understood in Kansas that the people of that unfortunate State are deluging Congressmen from other States asking the protection and aid that should be extended them by their own recreant delegation. A citizen of Kansas writes to an Indi- ana Congressman concerning one of these land jobs that ‘the treaty was drafted in Washington, and the consent of our entire delegation obtained last winter, hence the settlers must look to yon and others, not our representatives, for relief." Members of Congress who were generals in com- mand of the army during the rebellion are in con- stant receipt of letters from those who served under them asking protection. Hon. John A. Logan, of Timois, hands me the following:— PRTERSVILLE, Cherokee county, Kansas, June 4, 1868, Hon. Joun A. LOGAN, M. C.:— Dean Sir—For the sake of thousands of brave boys who fought for the nation’s life, and since the war has ended have sought homes in thts country, For their sake, for their wives and little ones, donot allow this beautifal land to be taken from us and sold to some sharking railway company; but let the poor boys have it. ‘They have earned it.’ We cannot expect anything from our own representatives in the Senate, and I sometimes fear that some others are too much interested in speculation to help us, We look to you for help. Would that the, government could allow us, each andevery one, to purchase homes at government terms, $1 25 per acre, or under the homestead Jaw if possible, was with you on the trip to Canton, Mississippi, in 1863, under the lamented and beloved McPherson; Wasa signal officer, and one day rode to the front with you. 1am told that Senator Pomeroy testified that these lands were worth four dollars per acre, and a day or two afterwards voted in secret seasion to ratify the illegal sale of 1866, giving them to speculators for one dollar per acre without giving those settlers who firat took ion since August 11, 1866, a chance to buy, even mone they were willing to pa: the government twice the sum actually Fealiged from the «ale to the speculators, The Kansas Congressional delegation consists of three mem Senators Pomeroy and Ross and Hon, Sidney Clarke, Netther of these gentlemen ook sideg With their constituents im the Oherokee land sale, but all three of them rendered active ald to the land who wil? doubtless realize millions of dol from the settlers’ hard earnings. T apprehend that Mr. Representative Clarke will get leave to remain at home next November, and if either of the Roserable Hesalore should =n Relr appearance emong their constituents i Southern Hansas about this time a vacancy might be made in ue best lawyers in Con upgpimons in th lawyers gress are in the opinion that the Supreme Court must decide all secret land sales to be illegal. The settlers may yet obtain their rights under the law and custom as established by the government since its foundation, but attempted to be set aside by speculators within the past two years. It is to be hoped, therefore, that a case may be brought before that court at ap early day. ANOTHER LAND JOB, The treaty is now before the Senate, to be considet at any time in secret session. By the Operations of this nefarious treaty a Ch! specu- lator gets OF ed muililon acres of land without paying the United States government one cent. He merely romises to pay the Indians—the alleged owners of he lands in question—twenty cents per acre some time during the next fifteen years. is enterpris- ing operator will realize full three dollars per acre above ex; making a clear profit of $24,000,000 by the transaction, every cent of which should go fate the Bational treasury instead of the pockets of Other ators have made & > at this rich rs the contest among them getting lively. it is thus far confined ly to the speculators, No one takes sides with the people, or for one instant regards the rights of settlers, THE FORTIETH CONGRESS.. Second Session. SENATE. WasHINaTon, June 20, 1868, MBMORIALS AND PETITIONS. ‘The Onarr laid before the Senate a memorial from citizens of Georgia expressing disappointment that Congress has imposed upon them the necessity of amending their constitution by striking out the pro- vision to discharge the people of that State from cer- tain debts, and p. that a bill before the House to amend the Bankrupt law be enacted into a law. On motion of Mr. TRUMBULL, (rep.) of Ill., who Feported upon by tie Committee OD the Judiciary, repo y yy the Comm! on judiciary the memorial was laid on the table. iW Mr. Moraay, (rep.) of N. Y., presented a petition of Francia Hart and other print and bookbindera, representing that much of the prevailing distress would be relieved by the io of the Tariff act that failed last session, ant Draying that its conside- Tan be resumed, Referred je Committee on nance, Mr. BaYARD, (dem.) of Del., presented a petition of citizens of Delaware on the same subject. Messrs. Sumner, Willey, Conkling, Patterson, Tenn., and others presented petitions of the sol- diers of 1812, , praying to be included on pension rolls. Referred to jommittee on Pensions. Mr. Yarvss, (rep.) of Ill, presenien. & petition that Congress establish a re} ublican form of government. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, CLAIMS OF KANSAS MILITIA. Mr. WItson, (rep.) of Mass., from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported, with amendment, the joint resolution to settle the claims of the State mili- tia of Kansas called out to repel invasion by General Sterling Price. Mr. HARLAN, (rep.) of Iowa, moved to take up the bill in relation to the Rock Island bridge. Several Senators objected on account of the sparse attendance, to-day having been set aside for the con- sideration of pension bills. ILLINOIS JUDICIAL DISTRICTS. Mr. TRUMBULL called up the bill to amend an act to divide the State of Illinois into two judicial dis- tricts. The committee report a substitute establish- ing terms of the United States District Court at Cairo, commencing in March and October, in addition to those held at Springfield. The amendment was adopted and the bill passed. COLORADO. Mr. YATES endeavored to call up the bill to admit Colorado, saying the committee had reported it with amendments, to which nobody could object, to send the matter back to the people, with the condition at- tached of the adoption of the fourteenth amendment before admission, Objection was again made on the grounds above mentioned, and he withdrew the mo- on. DISTILLED SPIRITS FOR ARMY HOSPITALS, Mr. WILSON called up the joint resolution author- izing the turning over of certain distilled spirits to the commecn General for the use of the army hos- pitals, which was passed. TREATMENT OF COLORED PERSONS ON RAILROADS. Mr. SuMNER, (rep.) of Mass., called up the resolu- tion in relation to the treatment of colored persons on the railroad from Washington to Baltimore, in- structing the Committee on the District of Columbia to consider if any further legislation is needed in that connection, He said:—When I offered that resolu- tion I had in my hand a great dea! of evidence show- ing abuses on that where colored persons of in sexes and very respectable had been treated very badly on the road between Washi and Baltimore, to which I felt itmy duty to the at- tention of the Senate. The consideration of the resolution was objected to by the Senator from Maryland (Mr. Johnson), who is not now in his seat. Since then I am happy to say a change has taken place on that road, and I am not aware now that there is any occasion for the inquiry. By way of confirmation of this statement I beg to read a letter from one of the former complainants, who has been formerly very badly treated on that road. Mr. Sumner read a letter from George Down- ing. formerly of New York, now keeper of the restau- rant under the House of Representatives, informing him (Mr. Sumner) that the managers of that road have yielded to the progressive spirit of the age and have eoncluded to treat all persons alike when travelling on their road, regardless of color; that the managers have assured him (Downing) that they will punish by dismissal any of their employes who disregard this rule. Mr. Sumner continued:—Under these circumstances, considering that the managers have come to this explicit understanding with Mr. Downing, who is a representative of the colored race, I do not propose te press the inquiry any further, and, therefore, I ask leave to withdraw the resolution. CLAIMS OF BRITISH SUBJECTS VS. THE RIGHTS OF AMERICAN CITIZENS ABROAD. Mr. SUMNER called up the joint resolution to carry into effect a decree of the Southern District Court of New York in the case of the British steamer Labaun appropriating $13,122 31 as value of the vessel and $5,000 and upwards for the cargo, to the respective owners, illegally captured sie the war. Mr. CONNESS, (rep.) of Cal, frie! man of the Committee on Foreign ‘Affairs, always shows vt op aroer in reporting bills for pay- ment of British ships, but he does not always show be gi promptness in reporting bills for the protection of the rights of American citizens abroad. There have been times—I should be sorry if they are past— when the rights of man commanded protection quite as much as the property of men. friend would Ce wish to be known as an advocate for the rights property and the payment of debts as contradistinguished from the rights ofman. Some months I inquired of the honorable chair- man of the Committee on Foreign Affairs when we might ex @ report on the House bill then before committee, and he made the an- swer that the committee would take it up at ita next meeting. Since that time it has been stated in the eae (Lhope not correctly) that the commit- tee had agreed to lay that bill over and consider it the next session of Congress. It does not become me to criticise the action of a committee of this body, particularly upon such statements; but I will say that it is not scarcely the thing, as it ap- peared to me, upon an important subject that the committee should ee to postpone the matter without submitting that question to the body which had referred it to them. In my judgment there ts but one opinion in the American law as a basis of action for our government upon the subject which I have referred to, and which is comprehended in the bill before the Committee on Foreign Relations. Irise to call attention to it and to invite the attention of the country to it, and to give notice that I will move to discharge the committee from the further consideration, and call the yeas and nays on that question. I want the privilege of voting that American citizens, being abroad upon their own business, shall not be subject to interference, inter- Tuption, arrest or imprisonment by any foreign Power; and upon that proposition I intend to have in one way or another an early vote. It was stated in the newspapers that the action was taken to some extent in deference to the diplomatic representatives the chair- of the foreign Powers at Washington. That cannot be true. ‘Mr. ScmNeR—And of Mr, Seward. Mr. Conness—And of Mr, Seward. That can scarcely be true either, I will not undertake to dis- cuss the question on this occasipn, because I don't think it would be proper. Mr. SUMNER was understood to say, “Quite right.” ir. ConnESS—But I do say, as a Senator here, and as one citizen feeling a deep interest in this subject, but not claiming exclusive interest in it, as was inti- mated by the Senator on another occasion, that tt demands our attention, and that the tone of public feeling upon this subject is sound and true. It is not ephemeral nor asserted at this time for local political effect; but, sir, the opinion is made up in the face of the arrest of our citizens abroad and their incarcera- tion in foreign prisons, from which they are gradu- ally being discharged by the wee of her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, if not other po- tentates of Europe. I said on another occasion if this government isnot fit, and abie, and willing, and determined to support its citizens abroad, tt must be held to have abdicated one of its most essential func- tions, and I intend to ascertain how many Senators there are who will hesitate to give earnest effect to this opinion. [ do not intend to occupy my seat here and vote for the payment of damages to British ships while American citizens are in Brit- ish prisons, and I hope there will be an end to it, We are constantly engaged in acts of courtesy, civiniey and comity towards foreign nations, and es- pecial i towards that nation which never makes nor never has made any ceremony in putting its strong arm u our people whenever it suited its pay. I would like to know how long the honorable chair. man of the Committee on Foreign Relations is to ‘ive precedence to bills for the payment of British ships and neglect and Mee eae om one session of Congress to another, the important question that I have referred to?’ - ant Pore Senator from Caltfornin at holding me He for the order of business Of reports ‘made by the Commisteo on Foreign Re- jttoms. Sir, he does me me much honor pana aan ie great a ility. Iam here ae aSefaior ime: pimectt me repressatative of that committee; all. So far as 1 act on ques- tions from tg only ag their Teprese! instructed to do. Now, sir, that committee has instructed me to re- rts Ul 1 carry into effect a decree of the District art of New York. Ofso much | presume therecan be no question, has as yet given me no instruc- tions on the matter to which the Senator calls my attention and the attention of the Senate. 1 refer to the bill from the House of Rej ntatives in refer- ence to the rights of Amei citizens al . on & former info! occasion I said then under the consideration It has on the committee, 4 hat that it was of the committee. several occasions considered and the action of the committee thus far is not my action, but the action of the committee, and I may say unanimously. 1 will not go into the consideration of that action now. refer not to step aside from the subject actually before the Sen- ate. There is no occasion for it. If the Senator de- sires to have other matters carried into this discus- sion there may be occasion, 1 shall content myself with simply one observation. There has been a re- port in the newspapers with reference to the action on this bill. The report is entirely without founda- tion. It was stated that the chairman of the com- mittee had had aconference with the Secretary of State, and that he acted in pursuance of his sugges, tions, On that statement I have this to say—that I have never once exchanged a word with the Secre- tary of State on this subject; nor have I received any OTeE stone, from him, direct or indi- rect, That is the answer I give to that re- Ered So far, al as the report pretends fo attribute influence to foreign diplomacy I may make the same remark. The bill was considered by the committee independently without any influence from any quarter, and the conclusion that they have reached thus far was founded on their own judg- ment, looking at the best interests of the country, and with a desire, I believe, as sincere as that of the Senator himself to maintain rights of American cit- izens abroad. If thus far they have not been able to see their lines of‘duty precisely as the Senator sees his, I hope the Senator will be candid enough not to attritmte to them any want of interest in the cause to which he refers. He reminded the Senate that the committee can report biils relating to prop- erty and yet neglect bills relating to human hts, Tam not aware that I have reported from that com- mittee during this session any other bill that falls within the salerory to which the Senator refers. This is the first bill of the kind—the bill I hold in my hand—because it is the first in regard to which there has been any occasion for action. It was @ bill almost of necessity, because it was to mae out a andemant of one of our own courts de- claring that the United States stood in debt to certain persone: and this bill simply Bropoaee to provide the means for the payment of that debt. Now I cannot understand why a committee that thus simply dis- cl its duties should be arraigned for some imagined neglect of the great cause of human rights, on which I believe all its members are as sensitive as the Senator from California himself; cer- tainly I will not yield to that Senator on that subject in any form in which it may be presented. My opin- fons on the rights of American citizens, whether at home or abroad, have been too often declared, I desire that those rights shall be asserted and main- tained. Possibly I may differ with the Senator as to the way in which those rights should be asserted and maintained; but I cannot allow that Senator to con- sider himself any more devoted to that cause than [ am. NowIhope, if the Senate please, that it will act on this bill, Mr. ConNgess—This, Mr. President, is avery curious answer to the question that I had the honor to pro- pound to the honorable chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, and I call the attention of Senators and the country to it. Sir, I saw, regard to the honorable Senator’s answer, that he does not step with firm tread; but, sir, he steps forward in dealing with this subject as though his feet were clothed with moccasins. He, in the first place, is not thecommittee. Does he imagine, sir, that we do not know that? He pauses on what the committee has done, but intimates that they have with unanimity Postpones this great question, Well, Mr. President, do not arraign the committee. It is my right to inquire into this subject here; nor do I claim any superior interest in this subject to any other Senator. I wish it distinctly understood that upon this subject I am peculiarly and only American. But, Mr. President, I intend to pursue the notice I have given, and [ shall invite the attention of the opposite party on the other side of this chamber, and I hope, sir, when the uestion comes up it will get their votes, and that the party to which I belong, and who are peculiarly the advocates of human rights and have not volun- larily sprang into this contest shall be shamed into it. Ido not intend that it shall be left unacted upon. Mr. Conness again contrasted the importance of this subject with that of-the péhding bill and repeated his intention to move to discharge the committee, Mr. SUMNER—I ask now action on the bill, Mr. Stewart, (rep.) of Nevada,gannounced his,in- tention to vote against paying any ciaims of British subjects until the Alabama and other claims against the British government are settled. ‘The bill was cut off bythe expiration of the morn- ing hour. PENSIONS. According to previous order, the Senate took up and passed bills from the Committee on Pensions to pay pensions to the following named persons<—Wil- ton Anderson, widow and children of H. E. Morse, J. B. Dickerson, Mary B. Craig, Margaret Huston, Cornelia K. Schmidt, Eliza J. Renard, Josephine R. Burgher, Susan A. Mitchell, Austin M. Partridge, John Kelly, FAizabeth Butler, Mary Graham, William McKean, Robert McCreary, Knapp, Hampton Thompson and George W. Locker. ‘The above were House bills, and were passed with- out anjendment. The Senate passed, also, thirty-eight House Pen- sion bills with amendments, and twenty-five Pension bills were reported from the Senate committee. «+ EXECUTIVE SESSION. At fifteen minutes past three o'clock the Senate went into executive session and soon after ad- journed. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, June 20, 1968. THE MERCANTILE MARINES Mr. CHANLER, (dem.) of N. Y., presented a protest of the Shipowners’ Association of the city of New York against the passage of the bill in relation to the mercantile marine of the United States, which pro- vides for the appointment of marine boards, with the power to supervise the construction, equypment, repairs, &c., of mercantile vessels, MAIL SERVICE IN MONTANA. The House resumed the consideration of the Sen- ate joint resolution, authorizing a change of mail service between Fort Abercrombie and Helena, in Montana Territory, which was before the House at the time of adjournment yesterday. The question being on Mr, Delano’s motion to lay the joint resolu- tion on the table, The motion was rejected, Mr. DONNELLY, (rep,) of Minn., moved the previ- ous question on the Passage of the joint resolution. Mr. WARD, (rep.) of N. Y., contended that the joint resolution Fehtrsidin an expenditure of $80,000 f year should beereferred to the .Post Office Com- mittee. Mr. FARNSWORTH, (rep.) of Tll., chairmamof that committee, said the committee approved of tt, but that a reference at this time would equivalent to its rejection, as the committee would not be called upon for reporte this session. ‘The eee question was seconded and the joint resolution was passed—yeas 57, nays 50. PENSION TO ANNE CORCORAN. Mr. VAN _AERNAM, (rep.) of N. Y., made a report from the Conference Committee on a bill giving a pension to Anne Corcoran, which was agreed to, The House then proceeded to the business of the morning hour, being THE CALL OF COMMITTERS FOR REPORTS. Mr. Myers, (rep.) of Pa., from the Committee on Patents, reported back the Senate bill authorizing ‘Thomas Crossby to make application to the Coinmis- sioner of Patents for the extension of his patent of the 4h of April, 1864, for the improvement in ma- chines for printing woollens and other goods. 1 a, Goce from Mr. JENCKES, (rep.) of R. ., the bill was . Mr. POLAND, (rep.) of Vt., from the Committee on Revised and Unfinished Business, reported back the memorial of Abelard Guthrie + fs. and mileage as delegate from the Territory of Nebraska to the Thirty-second Congress. The report states the facts and makes an adverse recommendation. The report was laid on the table. Mr. Covons, (rep.) of Pa., from the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, made a report on the subject of ventilation of the hall of the House of Representatives, recommending floor exit vents. Ordered to be printed and recommitted. Mr. Pomeroy, (rep.) of N. Y., from the Committee on Banking and Currency, reported a bill authoriz- ing the Manufacturers’ National Bank of New York to change its location from New York to Brooklyn; also authorizing the Commercial National Bank of New Orleans to change 1s name to that of the Ger- mania National Bank, and the Second National Bank of Plattsburg to that of the Villas Bank of Platts- burg, New York. Mr. Farnsworrn supposed that this was a way of whipping the devil around the stump, by closing up the irs of one bank and turning tue charter over to another. Mr. PoMEROY protested that there was no such ob- ject in view. if there was be would not report the bill. After a short discussion (le bill wee passed, Mr. Price, (rep.) of lowa, trom the Comm!ttee on the Pacific Kallroad, reported back the Senate bill re- lative to the reports of railroad compacies, requinins the reports to be made to the Secretary of the If- terior instead of the Secretary of the Treas! Which Was passed with an amendment. KENTUCKY CONTESTED ELECTION CASF. Mr. Coox, (rep) of Ill, from the Committee on Elec: tions, called up the contested election case from the Ninth Congressional district of Kentucky, of McKee against Young, the committee reporting that John D young, who holds the certificate, was not duly elected, but that Samuel McKee, the contestant, was duly elécted and that John D. Young has furnished aid and countenance to the rebels and was not en- titled to take the oath of office as a Representative. Mr. Cook proceeded to toe the pane in support of the position of the Commi: on Elections. VRTO OF THE ARKANS4$ BILL—THB BILL PASSED VER THE VETO, Mr. Cook was iogerered by a message from the President vetoing the bill for the admission of Ar- kansas to representation. ‘The message having been read the Srraken stated the question to be:—"Will the House, on re‘ er: ation, agree to the passage of the bill)” Mr. PAY moved the previous The vou wae taken and Tésuited—yeas 101, nays 31; @ strict party vote, the Speaker voting in the afirmative. ‘The SPEAKER announced that two-thirds having, on reconsider: voted inthe aMfrmative the bil bad then House and would be trans- mitted, with the objections of the President, to ine Senate for ite action. THB COVINGTON AND O#10 RAILROAD. Mr. POLSLEY introduced a bill relating to ihe Cov- ington and Ohio Railroad and its establishment asa troad. Referred to the Committee on Roads and THE EBNTUCKY ELECTION CASE RESUMED. ‘The House resumed the consideration of the Ken- tucky contested election case, and Mr. Cook continued the argument in wupport of the resolutions, He ued and quoted test Amony in that direction that John D. Young had given aid to rebels, and was consequently disqualified from takin, theoath. Healso argued that many votes whic! had been given for Young were those of former rebel soldiers, who had no right to vote. Mr. Jongs, (dem.) of Ky., tngnired of Mr. Cook whether he did not know that the Kentucky Legis- lature had passed a law in 1865 restoring to their civil rights all who had participated in the rebellion? Mr. Cook said he was not aware of the fact, but that even if it were so the Kentucky Legisiature had no right to deciare that the whole Confederate army, which was largely composed of Kentuckians, should vote in the election of members of Congress. Mr. Jongs remarked that that might be the gentle- man’s se'pion, but the constitution gave to the States the right to reguiate suffrage, and no law of Congres3 had yet been passed in contravention of it. Mr. Cook denied the proposition that men who had been engaged in armed hostility to the government had the right to vote for members of the House, and claimed that the same right which authorized the government to send troops into Kentucky to subdue armed rebellion existed to prevent the destruction of the government by the selection of disloyal persons. It was not competent for the Legislature of Ken- tucky to make voters of men who were not people of the State of Kentucky, and if they were public aaies they were not people of the State of Ken- ys Mr. Brox, (dem.) of Ky., called the attention of Mr, Cook to the act of the 19th of December, 1865, re- pealing a Brena law of Kentucky which deprived rebels of all political rights and restoring all such persons to their rights. Mr. Coox Sungested that that repeal applied to a law different from that indicated ie Mr. Beck. He contended, in conclusion, that if the votes cast for Mr. Young by rebel soldiers and at precincts where eee elections were rebels were excluded, oom jority for the contestant would be forty-one Mr. KERR, (dem.) of Ind., @ member of the Com- Mittee of Elections, opposed the resolution, and re- ies to the argument of Mr. Cook. He claimed that he testimony taken by the committee last fall in Kentucky wasacontradiction of all allegations of dis- loyalty against Mr. Young and that the acts construed into giving aid and countenance to the enemy were Participated in by the strongest Union men of the pisce and were often done for the protection of his inion neighbors. THE WHISKBY AND TOBACCO TAX. At @ quarter past three o’clock Mr. Kerr ylelded the floor to Mr. ScHENCK, who reported from the Committee of Ways and Means a bill to change and more effectually secure the collection of internal taxes on distilled spirits and tobacco and to amend the tax on banks. He sald by order of the House he had a right to proceed with the bill to the exclusion of all other business, but he would not ask to go on with it now; he wished only to have it printed and to give notice that he would call it up on Monday at two o'clock. Mr. Cook then gave notice that he would move the previous question on the Kentucky contested elec- Uon case this evening. Mr. BANKS gave notice that as soon as the Tax bill should be disposed of he would ask the House to consider the subject of the treaty for the purchase of Russian America. THE KENTUCKY ELECTION CASE AGAIN. Mr. KERR resumed the floor and continued his argument against the report of the Committee on Elections in the Kentucky contested election case. He argued that each State had the right to regulate its own electoral laws, to enfranchise or to disfran- chise as it deemed fit; that Congress had not at- tempted to interfere with the right of Kentucky in that respect, and that therefore the laws of Ken- tucky entirely governed the subject. That being so, the 625 ores proeesey, to be excluded were, if they were those of men who had been in the rebel army, could not properly be excluded. Besides, as his friend from Kentucky Mr. (Adams) had suggesfed, Congress had not, tn al! its reconstruction measures, undertaken to say that the men who had served in the ranks of the rebel army should be deprived of their right of suffrage; on the contrary, Congress had always recognized that right. Mr. GoLLaby, (dein.) of Ky., next addressed the House in opposition to the report of the com- mittee. a tive o'clock Mr. Coox moved the previous ques- tion. Mr. MUNGEN, (dem.) of Ohio, moved to adjourn, Negatived. aan TRIMBLE, (dem.) of Ky., desired to address the oul Mr. Woop, (dem.) of N. Y., offered to let the debate go on, with the understanding that the previous question shouid be seconded. Mr. Jones did not understand what necessity there was for pressing this matter. Mr. Cook assigned as a reagon that on Monday the Tax bill would exclude all other business, Mr. JONES said that the members from Kentucky desired to be heard on this subject. Mr, MULLINS, (rep.) of Teun., added, ‘And so does Tennessee.” Mr. GARFIELD, (rep.) of Ohio, suggested that the cla farewell to their ol speed with a three times tl was spirited greeting the cadets and middies on board the three ships of the practice fleet as the steamer moved by them, and long after the vessel had the voices on the wharf and the shi and hats were waved from the steamer, class and appol which f alluded in my letter yesterday :— and concluding a settlement 3 WEST POINT. Departure ef the Graduating Claes—The Last Order and the Changes—A Signal Drill— Din the Fleet Officers. West Pornr, June 20, 1868. The graduating clags shook off its cadet uniform this morning at reveilie, and bade farewell to cadet restrictions and regulations. Throughout the whole day the “grads” were to be seen on the plains either in newly made plain clothes or with some insignia of an officer about them, such as a regulation cap or Pants with the stripes indicative of the branch of the army to which the ex-cadets considered them- Seives as already belonging. The forenoon was oc- cupied in giving the last pull to the ropes that bound up the portable worldly goods of the new shoulder strappers, in helping the porters to put as many trunks in one wagon as would en- danger its stability, and visiting their friends at Roe's Hotel. It was really amusing to see some of them in officer's dress sauntering about among the members of the other classes receiving their ‘con- gratulations and their military salutes, the one with all the good nature of old friends, and the other with all the sang froid of veterans. THR FARRWELLS, At about three o’clock the members of the gradu- ging classes of the two Academies who had not left earlier tn the any with their friends, homeward bound,’’ took their final departure in the steamer Daniel Drew, all of them intending to re- main in New York at least during Sunday. As the steamer cast off her fines and moved away from the wharf, the crowd of cadets of the other who had congresaled on the landing to bid companions, gave them ree and a tiger, which nates. The same between them and returned by the es and farewells passe: beyond the sound of 8 handkerchiefs landing and the THE NEW ERA. ‘The following is the order relieving the graduating Fating the new officers of the corps, to SPECIAL ORDERS—NO. Hranquanrens, U. 8. MInITARY AcApEuY,} 1. after turning 1 GLE. jn thal poseeesion . After turning in all public property’ in their p x envat thelr accounts with the Freas- dating class will be relieved duty at the demy to-morrow morning at re d granted nce until the Both day of Beptember n i, ointments beretofore existing in the battalion of cad hereby revoked, and the following arrangement will ta reveille to-morrow morning :— is Bergland, Fitzimmone, Taylor and Perr To be Lieutenants—Cadets Duvall, Augur. Lyle, Nye, Rob- inson, Tillman, Hardy, Osgood, Lindsay, Leggelt, Thomas e and Rourke. To be Sergeant Major—Cadet Wood. To be Quartermaster Sergeant—Cadet Weir. To be Sergeants—Cadets Homer, Chaplin, Reed, Stevens, Tibbetts, ina, Bomus, Fountain, McAuley, Holden, Chapin,” Pouiley, Edge Dennison, D 8.; Olmsted and A To be Corporals—Cadets Davis, Dudley, W. H. Wasson, Hong, McKinney, Wyatt, Davenport, Nare, Russell, A. H.; Wetmore, Goddard, Hickey, Pardee, Wheeler, Townsend and oillon. The foregoing appototments may undergo a revision, based upon soldierlike perfoamance of duty and exemplary deport- ment at the close of the ensuing encampment, TIL, Cadets Willard, Dahlgren and Clark, of the graduating clase, are hereby detailed for duty during the ensuing encamp- ment, and are granted leave of absence trom reveille to-mor- row morning until the 5th proximo, on which date they will report in person to the Superintendent. ycommandot — Brevet Brigadier General PITCHER. Epwarp C. BorNTon, Brevet Major and Adjutant. And thus hath passed into history the good name of the class of '63, and to-day the cadet battalion performed its regular duties, mounted guard and double quicked to parade, just as though there were not fifty-four vacancies in its line, and that the band had not brought tears to many an eye the night be- fore, when the strains of “Home Sweet Home” and “Auld Lang Syne” foated on the breeze a sorrowing farewell to those who are gone from their accus- tomed places. A SIGNAL DRILL. The second class had a signal drill before Generals Schriver, Myer, Pitcher and the Board of Visitors this afternoon. A line of signal stations was es- tablished connecting Roe’s Hotel, Fort Putnam, the cadet battery and the north gate of the post. A flag signal station was placed at each of the above points and messages were wafted over the entire line by the cadets. Affer thoroughly testing this mode ‘of commanication, which was of such great service during the rebellion, the flying fleld tele- graph was brought into requisition. A line was ran out from Fort Putnam to the hotel, and erected upon lances in a very short space of time, when the two stations were at once in communication. A second line was also run out from the hotel to the north gate. Messages were then successfully sent by the cadets by telegraph. At times a message would be sent by flag signals and the an- swer be returned by the telegraph, thus test- ing both methods. The drill was a novel one for this place and exceedingly interesting. ‘The telegraph train, be it Known, is an entirely new affair, and had never, I believe, been fairly tested before the present time. It combines everything necessary for establishing and maintaining commu- nication With an army in motion. Three miles of line per hour, it is said, can be easily erected, and it can be taken down at the rate of four miles per hour. All the material necessary is carried with it, and House meet at eleven o'clock on Monday. Mr. SPALDING, (rep.) of Ohio, objected. Mr. Pruyn, (dem.) of N. Y., suggested that the House should meet at six o'clock in the morning and sit till eleven. Several objections were made. Mr. GARFIBLD moved that the House take a recess till eleven o’clock on Monday, go (that there might be another hour for debate on the election vase. ‘The motion was agreed to, and the House, at Ove Minutes past five o'clock, Look @ recese till eleven o'clock on Monday, LABOR MOVEMENTS. The Journcymen Bakers. We ought briefly to state that the journeymen bakers of this city are associated {nto three societies or unions, numbered from one to three. No. 1, comprising al members of tht trade not of Ger- man birth, struck for higher wages and less hours of work fourteen days ago, and all of them, excepting thirty-one, are now at work at the increased pay. These thirty-one or a majority of them atill hold out, but hope that their employers wii! grant the terms of the union in the course of this day. The Union No. 2 of the bakers is composed of the journeymen bakers of German descent, employed on the east side of the city, and they struck last night for the same increase, At the meeting of this Union, held last night, it was announced that but seven members were out of work, ail the others, between five and six hun- dred, receiving the increase. No, 3 also held a meeting, they being German bakers employed on the west side, at Biegen’s Hail, on West Thirty-second street, and it was then stated that of their seven hun- dred members only about sixty are refused the de- mand of the Unton. All expected, however, that the master bakers will to-day or on Monday consent to y what is asked, since no one, by the rules of the Union, is allowed to work for less than the rate es- tablished by the majority. Meeting of the Journeymen Bakers, of Brooklyn. ‘The journeymen bakers of Brooklyn met last night at their rooms, No. 72 Myrtle avenue, Mr. Hastia, the president of the Union, in the chair. After the transaction of some routine business the president remarked that there was not, in bis judgment, that unanimity of feeling existing between the journeymen bakers or society men of New York and those of Brooklyn, there should be. It was suggested that a committee of three be appointed to coufer with @ similar committee from the Bakers’ Protective Union of New York for the purpose of accertaining where the men come from who take the places of men ip Brooklyn who are now ona strike. The motion pre- vailed, and Thomas O. Donahue, Jerry Hurley aud John Gridon were appointed as the committee. The names of several bosses who refused to pay the wages fixed by the society were reported to the Meeting. It was reported that $70 had been divided among (he men Dow out of employment, Th ‘This organization met in iimited numbers jas night at No, 142 Delancy street, Mr. George Kercher presiding and Mr. George Babenf acting as secre. tary. They also look to an increase of wages, but did very little except latening to a speech from Mr. Kuobioch, the President of the Bakers’ Union, No. 2, and passing upon some routine business ama enroll. | Young Men's Democratic Union © {bg new members, The Journeymen Tailors. | About four hundred journeymen tailors met at | Christoph Karl's Germania Hail, in avenue A, last evening, Mr. Nahres presiding. No organization having yet been held of the trade the object was (o unite all the tailors in one society, 80 as to move | more effectually for an increase of After seve ecches another meeting was ordered to ve by the chalr, when # larger number is expe ted to be present, “ The House Framers, A large number of the members of this trade as- sembled at Munziger’s Hall, on West Thirty-second street, last evening, Mr. 8. L. Kraemer in the chair secretarg. and Mr. Franz Riedt oMciating The object of this meeting was to perfe with a view toa future demand for increased pay, and this being accomplished the meeting adjourned, NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. Lieutenant Commander Joseph B, Cogalan has been ordered to the United States steamer Portsmouth, Surgeon Henry 0. Mayo has been detached from the marine rendezvous at New York and placed on waiting orders. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Francis Joselyn hes been discharged from the naval se tien. The United States atoamers Guorri ‘snd Haron ‘were at Rio Janciro May 26, All on were well. nothing 1s wasted or lost. It is most assuredly an ingenious arrangement and destined to perform very important service when brougot into requisition in campaigns yet to be fought. ‘A DINNER TO THE FLEBT OFFICERS. The academic and miltary staf of this place to- day gave a grand complimentary dinner at Cozzen's Hotel to the officers of the practice fleet. Much good feeling was manifested and a great deal of wine drank on the occasion. The cadets will go into camp on Monday. CITY POLITICS. at Ma- sonic Hall. A public meeting of the Young Men's Democratic Union Club was held last evening at Masonic Hall, East Tnirteentn street, the President, Andrew J. Rogers, in the chair. Addresses were made in the course of the evening bythe chairman and Messrs. Ambrose L. Pinney, Cyril H. Brackett, John W. Murphy, D. C. Calvin and others. Most of the speakers alluded in high terms to the prospects of the democratic party at the ap- [a theitls 4 contest at the pois in Novem- er, and the name of Chase was received with marks of enthusiastic approbation. McClellan, Sey- monur and other prominent democratic leaders and statesmen were not witnout supporters, and cheers long and loud were repeated at the slightest allusion to them as probable candidates for the Presidency. There seemed to be that, however, in the tone of the speakers and in the applause of the assembly which virtually accepted beforehand the succession of Chase. The July Convention, it was believed, would be composed of the wisest, ablest and purest men of the democratic party, and they were to select the man who was to be the executive officer of the na- tion for the next term. It might be one or the other of the popular men of the party; but it would be the duty of every honest and loyal democrat to support the nomination, whoever might be selected as the representative. THE SCULLING MATCH FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP. LADELPHIA, July 20; 1868. Henry Coulter, one of the contestants in the race yesterday pubiishes the following card this after- noon As one of the principals in the late scuiling match for the championship of the American waters, it is due to myself and the oo that a few words of explanation should be given. In the match on the 18th inst., after the start, I led Hamil! nearly a boat's length, when he, to the disgust of even some of his friends, pulled into and “fouled” me. I was tn my own course when he pulled into me, and as the boate came together he caught hold of my out Tr, when, in my efforts to separate the boats in order to hy fair race, both of us were precipitated into er. Ithen turned my boat up, got into her and asked Hamill to do the same, and not disay joint those who had come to witness the mi + le refused. I then pulled over the course and claimed the race. In accordance with the decision of Stephen Ro- ‘an old and houorable boatman, in the maten between Hami!! and Baown at Newburg, N. Y., | was fairly entitied to the championship anc kes, He Roberts) decided that as Hamill was on the lead at Newburg, at the time of the alleged foul, he was en- titled to the race. Noone who saw the race on the 18th inst. will deny that I was on the lead, and that the foul waa intentiona! on the part of Hamtl), whom I charge with being afraid to row me a fair and hon- ori race. To-day, in order to satisfy a referee whoee decision was partial in the extreme, and to show that I meant business and desired to win upon my own merits, J consented, against the wishes of my friends, to row the race again. It seemed, how- ever, that fate as wellas foul play Was agains; me, for at the third stroke my oar snapped in two, Mr. Charles Eliott, one of the judges, called Hamill back to make a fresh start; but Mr. White, the refe- | ree, cailed out to Hamill to goon. Mr. Blitott ap- pealed to him to call Hamill back, especialiy as my friends had waived their claim on the day previous for the purpose of deciding which was the better man. At the Ume of the breaking of my oar we had not fairly started and were not more ‘than two or three boat lengths from the starting point. If there had been @ particle of honor tn the man who acted as referee he would have ordered us back to make a fresh atart. Thave made the above statement for the purpose ing myself fairly before the boatmen gnd citt- zens of Philadelphia, to whom 1 desire to return m, thanks for bef kind favors during my stay. J will Say, in conclusion, that I staud ready to row Mr. Hamill or any other man for aay amount he may be pleased to name and at any time he chooses. y ULTER, Champion of America, a CALENDAR FOR THE COURT OF APPEALS ON MONDAY. ALBANY, June 20, 1868, The following is the day calendar of the Court of for Mol Jane 22:—Nos. 148, 1191 AO oe ea od 198 AS, or, 106M 6 &