The New York Herald Newspaper, December 18, 1868, Page 3

- WASHINGTON The Financial Proposition of the President. Resolution of Disapproval of Its Provi- sions Passed in the Senate. Eulogies Upon the Late Thaddeus Stevens in the House, The Colored Representative from Louisiana Receives His Certificate. THE ALASKA PURCHASE INVESTIGATION. TESTIMONY OF ROBERT J. WALKER, WASHINGTON, Dec, 17, 1868, The Alaska Purchase Investigation. ‘The House Committee on Public Expenditures held another meeting to-day in furtherance of the inves- tigation as to the disposition of a certain portion of the Alaska purchase money. Robert J. Walker was the first witness examined. He narrated at length his connection with the whole affair, stating that he called upon Secretary Seward one day when he was in the midst of his real estate speculations and had a@talk with the Secretary.upon his recent acquisi- tions, Mr. Seward expressed his confidence that the Alaska appropriation would be passed by the House, but he had his doubts that the money for St. Thomas and St. John would be as readily forth- coming. Some time after this Baron Stoeckl paid @ visit to Mr. Walker and solicited his influen- tial aid in rendering the Alaska purchase a topic of such popular prominence as would insure the passage of the appropriation. The Baron expressed himself apprehensive that the House might, after all, refuse to pay for Alaska, or that the subject might be put off to the subsequent session of Congress, which he supposed would be fatal to its success. In this condition of things he proposed to Mr. Waiker to act as a free counsel on behalf of the Russian government, and by the weight of his name, added to the eloquence of his pen, place the Alaska treaty in its most favorable light before Congress and the country. For the services thus rendered the Baron proposed to pay Mr. Walker $20,000 in gold. After tne bill was finally passed the Baron, satisfied that the.advocate he had employed did his work well and effectively, voluntarily increased this amount by $3,000 more. Ultimately Mr. Walker drew a check for $26,000, part of which was paid him in gold and part in greenbacks. Out of this sum he paid F. 8B. Stanton, who had been a coadjutor with him 1n his work, $5,000. He afterwards suggested to Baron Stoeckl that it would be a gracefui thing to do to make a present to the editor of the Washington Chronicle, as that paper had been the medium through which the varied at- tractions of Alaska had been in a great measure set forth. The editor, deeming it incompatible with his peculiar relations to the Legislature to accept a doucer for such services, though satisfied that it was Well deserved, rejected for himself a present of $3,000 tendered by the Baron, but had no objection that his brother should become the recipient. This Was all that Mr. Walker knew of the matter, and he believed that no member of the Legislature or of the government ever received a dollar in connection with it. Mr. W. W. Worden, a newspaper correspond- ent, was next examined, but could only testify that his whole acquaintance with the transac- tion was derived from what he read recently in the papers. The examination will be continued to-morrow, but who the witnesses shall be has not yet been decided. It is generally believed, how- ever, that one Colonel Martin, Mr. M. M. Noah, of Caliiornia, and Mr. Simon Stevens will be sum- moned at an early day, and that their testimony will shed some light on the subject. There is some talk of requestingtBaron Stoeckl and Mr. Bodisco, secretary of the Russian Legation, to appear before the committee and explain the disposition of $74,000 of the fund. Whether these two gentlemen will gracefully comply or avail themselves of their diplo- matic privileges does not appear. Undoubtedly they could tell the whole story, and their refusal will certainly be unfavorably construed by the pub- lic. Some members of the committee seem dis- posed to rest the inquiry, if they cannot dis cover that some officer of the government or member of Congress has not received a part of the fund. This, of course, would shut out all testimony tending to show that newspaper men had been handsomely feed for writing up Alaska and Its attractions. If this course is pursued the most interesting branch of the inquiry, supposing the Alaskan gold to have reached the pockets of other journalists than the Forney firm, will be a sealed book to the public. A very sweeping charge has been made against newspaper men here, and every one of them should be afforded an opportu- nity of self-vindication, Only the guilty fear the light. Eulogies on Thad Stevens. Thad Stevens occupied the attention of the House to-day for the last time. About four hours were spent in telling the country what everybody knew before—that Old Thad was a good lawyer, a fierce abolitionist, the leader of the radicais in the House, and, with all his fanits and failings, a pretty gooa sortof man. The ball was opened by Mr. Dickey, of Pennsylvania, Thad’s successor. As this was his first effort in the House the members gave him considerable attention. He spoke from the old man’s seat, and evidentiy feit that something was that he should do his best. ing him with Old Thad, and everybody was tho- roughly satisfied before he got through that where- ever Thad’s mantle may have gone, it has not fallen on the shoulders of Dickey. He 1s a preacher-look- ing sort of man, with a voice very much like that of Colfax, but an indistinct utterance, and his style is decidedly of the methodical order, Altogether, he failed to make a favorable impression upon the House. Ags usual on funeral occa- sions, every member read his speech from manuscript, with the exception of Asbley, of Ohio, who had written his out and had committed it to memory. Three speeches were made by demo- crats, Fernando Wood and W. E. Robinson, of New York, and Woodward, of Pennsylvania. These were well received, especially the speech of Judge Wood- ward, who discussed Thad’s qualities as a lawyer. Some of the speeches were extremely dull and prosy, and served to thin the galleries at an early hour of the day. Towards the close there were few members present, and they seemed considerably relieved when John Covode read the last essay and the Speaker announced the adjournment. Among those who participated in the obsequies of ‘Thaddeas Stevens to-day was General Sypher, of Louisiana, the youngest member in the House, and protégé of the deceased. In the name of the loyal South and of the people struggling from abject sla- very up to perfect freedom, he thanked God that ‘Thaddeus Stevens lived and labored and triumphed. Arrival of General Meade—Georgia Affairs. Major General Meade arrived here last evening in Obedience to a summons from Secretary Schofield, bot finding the Secretary and General Grant were absent from the city the General left again this even- ing for Philadelphia on a visit to his family, and will come back on Saturday, when General Grant and the Secretary of War will have returned from Chicago. It ts understood that the purpose for Which General Meade was ordered to this city is to consult with him in reference to affairs in Georgia, ‘The elvil government of that Stats has become some- ‘What complicated, between the efforts of the late Misguided to obtaim control of the machinery and expected of him and Everybody was compar- NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1868—TRIPLE SHEET. By direction of the’President Major General 0. 0. Howard is honorably mustered out of the service of the United States ag Major General of Volunteers, to take effect on the ist of January, 1869. General Howard consequently falls back to his rank of Briga- ier General in the regular army, to which he was appointed December 21, 1864, He stands number six on the list of brigadier generals, as shown by the Army Register, and also holds tne rank of Brevet Major General In the army, from March 13, 1865. ‘The President’s Financial Policy Censured. ‘The democrats in the Senate made a gallant effort yesterday and to-day to ward off the passage of the resolution censuring the paragraph in the President's Message relative to the payment of the national debt. To-day Senator Dixon took the floor and argued at considerable length on the ground that the construc- tion put upon the President's Message was incorrect and calculated to mislead. He showed the inconsist- ency of attributing the idea of repudiation to the President by explaining what the term repudiation meant. Mr. Dixon was as usual eloquent and anl- mated in his remarks, and was listened to with much attention. Mr. Whyte, of Maryland, in the few observations he made on the same side, showed himself a clear-headed and forcible debater. Itis believed Senator Whyte will be returned for the full term by the Maryland Legislature as a successor to Reverdy Johnson. Collector Smythe’s Prospects Improving. A very favorable change in Collector Smythe’s chances for confirmation as Minister to Russia has occurred to-day. It is said that nearly forty Sena- tors have given assurances that they will vote for Mr. Smythe whenever his name comes up in execu- tive session. There is a dificulty about obtaining a vote to-morrow, caused by the fact that the House resolution on Thad Stevens’ death will come up as the first business in the morning. It is customary after announcing deaths of members to adjourn im- mediately; but the friends of Mr. Smythe are making @ strong effort to obtain an executive session to- morrow before considering the Stevens resolution. Should this plan succeed the probability is that Mr. Smythe will be confirmed by a large vote to-morrow. Report of Special Commissioner Wells. The report of Mr. Wells, Special Commissioner of the Revenue, 1s now very nearly completed and will be sent to the printer some time in the early part of next week. The report is expected to be ready for issue about the close of the holidays. The Colored Member from Louisiana. Mr. Menard, a colored man, to-day received his certificate from Governor Warmoth as member elect from Louisiana. It will be presented in the House to-morrow. Several papers will also be presented in the House in behalf of Colonel Hunt, who contests Menard’s right to a seat. Revision of the Nataralization Laws. In the House to-day Mr. Van Horn, of New York, presented a petition from Augustus Frank and thirty-one others, of Warsaw, N. Y., asking for the revision of the Naturalization laws, in order to pre- vent frauds in election. Referred to the Committee on the Revision of the Laws. Nominations by the President. The following nominations were made by the President to-day:—Joseph E. Smith, for Collector of Customs at Wiscasset, Me.; Daniel R, Stanton, for Assessor of Internal Revenue for the Seventeenth district of New York; Hiram Ketchum, for Collector of Customs at Alaska; Moor N, Falls, for Collector of Internal Revenue for the Third district of Maryland; Thomas B, Wade, of Montana Territory, to be Agent forthe Blackfeet and other néighboring tribes of Indians; George 8. Gale, of to be Pension Agent of the Widows’ ‘York city, vice Forbes. Judge Fallerton at the White House. Judge Fullerton had another interview with the President to-day, and it is understood he was in- structed to return to New York and prepare certain papers necessary before any further steps are taken in the matter of the alleged complicity of certain United States officials with internal revenue frauds. Judge Fullerton is to come back here again in about a week. " Preparing for Grant’s Inauguration. ‘The Solders and Sailors’ National Executive Com- mittee have appointed a sub-committee, resident in Washington, to provide quarters for soldiers and sailors coming to participate in the inauguration of the President elect. This committee met to-night and organized for the work assigned them. Letters asking information as to quarters, &c., may be ad- dressed to Colonel C. W. Taylor, Secretary, Wash- ington, D. C. The Indian Bureau Bill. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs agreed unanimously to-day to report Senator Henderson's bill of last session making the Bureau of Indian Affairs a distinct and independent department of the government. Mr. Henderson will report the title of the bill on Monday, and about the middle of January will call 1t up in an amended and improved form for the consideration of the Senate. ‘The River and Harbor Bill. The Senate Comniittee on Commerce had up for consideration this morning the bill of last session for harbor and river improvements, a scheme of some magnitude, involving millions of dollars. It Was agreed to postpone its further consideration until to-morrow. Taxes on Spirits and Tobacco. The Senate Finance Committee held a meeting and agreed to report @ bill to amend the act imposing taxes on distilled spirits and tobacco, changing the date of its going into operation from the 1st of Janu- ary to the 15th of February. Bridging the Connecticut River. The Senate Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads had a session this morning, at which a bill for constructing a railroad bridge across the Con- necticut river was discussed without definite action being taken. There is a lobby here strongly opposed to the measure, Supervisor for Iowa and Minnesota, Willis Drummond has been appointed Supervisor of Internal Revenue for the district composed of the States of Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska and the Territory of Dacotah. Bonds for the Union Pacific Railroad. Bonds bearing date from the 16th inst. were issued from the Treasury Department to-day to the Union Pacific Railroad Company amounting to $640,000, Naval Orders, Captain James M. Frailey has been detached from the command of the Saranac and placed on waiting orders. Lieutenant Commander H. L. Howison has been detached from the Pensacola and placed on waiting orders, and G. B. White has bean detached from the Vandalia and ordered to League Island. Lieutenant Commander G. K. Hoswell has been or- dered to the Vandalia, Ensign W. L. Koward has been ordered from Mound City to the receiving ship Independence, and Edward Woodman from League Island to the Portsmouth, Supreme Court Cases. In the Supreme Court to-day the folloving cases were taken up:— No, 2.—Drury & Page, assignees of the Boston Lo- comotive Company, appellants, vs. the Milwaukee Railroad Company and others—a to va- cate the mortgage sale of the railroad. Case ar- gued. No. 3.—Alviso, appellant, vs. the United states—in- volving the validity of a Spanish land claim in Cali- fornia, Case argued. Weekly Report of Castoms Receipts. The customs receipts from December 7 to 12 in- clustve are as follows:— $206,540 THE LEGAL TENDER ACT. Argument in the New York Bank Cases in the Supreme Court—Are Certificates of In- debtedness or Legal Tender Notes Exempt from State Taxation ¢ Wasninaton, Dec. 16, 1868. ‘The cases which were closed to-day in the Supreme Court of the United States, involving the question a8 to whether certificates of indebtedness held by certain New York banks, and algo the still more momentoys question as to whether legal tender notes were ex- empt from State taxation, will form a very interesting contribution, by reason of the subtle and pecullar arguments adduced, to the legal literature of the country. The gist of the intricate arguments presented to the court may be thus related:—In 1863 the Legislature of New York taxed the banks on their capital with- out allowing any deduction on account of the invest- ment of part of their capital in the public loans of the United States government. The courts of the State of New York held this taxation to be correct; but on appeai by the banks to the Supreme Court of the United States that tribunal declared the State tax law to be in effect an interference with the power of the United States government to borrow money, and, as such, to be unconstitutional and void, The Jodgments of the State courts were re- versed. The State Legislature then altered the terms of the tax law, and, in a method slightly dif- ferent from that previously adopted, the banks were taxed on their capital to the same extent as before. A similar course of litigation followed this effort. The State courts decided in favor of the State tax; but on a second pen by the banks the Supreme Court. of the United States decided that the second act bbe no substantial change, that it was as faulty as the first. The judgments of the State courts were again reversed. A third device was then contrived in order, if possible, to tax the protits of banking like the profits of other businesses. The Legislature of New York in 1866 imposed atax essentially to the same extent as before; but in this instance the tax was imposed not upon the banks or their capi- tais, but upon the stockholders to the amount of their respective shares. Again, for the third time, the same series of litigations took place. ‘The State courts, as they had untiormly done, enforced the State law. But on this, their third appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States, the banks were less for- tunate. The State law was justified and the judg- ments of the State courts were affirmed. ‘The end was not yet. Several banks had volun- tarily or Preah pte paid the taxes imposed upon them under the earlier State laws, which had been condemned by the high court at Washington, and to rectify this apparent injustice the Legislature of New York passed an act directing that the city of New York refund all taxes patd by the banks on any por- tion of their capital which was invested in securities of the United States by law exempt from State taxation. This gave mse to the question what secu- rities or paper issued by the United States possessed this exemption, The officers of the city of New York admitted that the stock or bonds of the United States and the Treasury notes of the United States payable at future periods and bearing interest wer e 80 exempt, and accordingly they refunded the taxes paid by the banks on so much of their capital as was invested in those securities. The banks also claimed an exemption as to so much of their capital as was invested in two other kinds of United States paper:—First, certificates of indebtedness issued by the United States government to public creditors, 1a satisfaction of pre-existing and acknowledged de- mands against the government under the acts of March 1 and 17, 1862 (12th Statutes, pp. 352, 370); second, the bills commonly called enbacks or legal tenders, and which in the acts of Congress are called “lawful money.’”’ The city officers insisted that both of these were taxable by the State. The State courts sustained that construction; and now, for the fourth time, the banks have appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, ‘heir cases were Sean on Monday morning and occupied three whole days. Thomas H. Rodman, Wheeler H. Peckham and John E. Burrill appeared for the banks; Richard Grrorean and Charles O’Conor appeared for the city. THE FORTIETH CONGRESS. Third Session. SENATE. WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 1868, JOURNAL CORRECTED. Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) of Ohio, said he desired to correct an error in the journal, into which the morn- ing papers, as well as the Secretary of the Senate, had fallen, in regard to the report of the Finance Committee on the joint resolution of Mr. Edmunds as to the payment of the national debt. The com- mittee had really reported in favor of laying the re- solution on the table. THE UNITED STATES COURTS IN MISSIA@IPPT. SUMNER, (rep) of Mass., presented a petition of members of the bar of Mississlj RI that the United States Court may hereafter sit at Vicksburg. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION. Mr. MoCrEgnry, (dem.) of Ky., submitted resolu- tions to amend the constitution of the United States, designed to protect the rights of minorities and to Eee against the contingency of bringing the elec- jon -of President and Vice President to the House of ntatives. The resolutions, he said, were drawn up by Mr. S. 8. Nichols, of Lonisville, Ky., who had long been a close student of the constitution, and they were worthy of the special attention of the Committee on the Judiciary, to which, on his motion, they were referred. LAND GRANTS TO CERTAIN RAILROADS. - Mr. CHANDLER, {re .) Of Mich., introduced a bill to grant lands to aid in the construction of the Wis- consin and Lake Superior Railroad. Referred to the Committee on Public Lands. Mr. SPENCER, (fep.) of Ala., introduced a. bill granting lands to aid in the construction of the New ‘leans, Mobile and Chattanooga Railroad. Re- ferred to the Committee on Public Lands. BOUNTIES TO COLORED VOLUNTEERS. Mr. PomMEnoy, (rep.) of Kan., introduced a joint resolation that all men who volunteered to serve us soldiers or cooks for three years or during the rebei- lion, and were honorably discharged, shall receive the same additional bounty, upon the same terms and conditions as other soldiers who have received and are receiving bounties under the act of July 23 1866, and the acts amendatory thereto, notwithstand- ing they may have been borne upon the rolls as yy be Referred to the Committee on Military rs TAXES UPON TOBACCO, SPIRITS, RTC. Mr. SHERMAN, from the Committee on Finance, re- rted @ bill amending the act imposing taxes upon spirits, 0, &c., by extending tne time for aMxing stamps to the 16th of February, which was REMOVAL OF POLITICAL DISABILITIES, Mr. Rr rep.) of Ark., introduced two bilis for the remova! of political disabilities from certain per- sons. Referred to the Committee oh the Judiciary. Mr. SawYenr, (rep.) of S. C., moved to take up the House bill removing political disabilities from cer- = citizens of South Carolina elected to State offices. Mr. SAULSBURY, (dem.) of Del., said he would Poo vote to relieve all the people of the South om political disabilit but he could not vote for this bill, because he saw in the newspapers that the persons to be relieved all belonged to one political party, and he was opposed to such partiality in granting relief. Mr. Sawyer replied that some of the men to be relieved by this bill were not republicans, but demo- crate, who were willing to acknowledge the exist- ing State government, and who had been elected to office, The bill was passed—yeas 44, nays 3. Mr. HARRIS, (rep.) of La., introduced a bill to re- lieve from political disabilities certain citizens of — Referred to the Committee on the Judi- clary. On motion of Mr, SuMNER the Senate took up the joint resolution of sympathy with the people of Ed ‘fio their efforts to establish a new order of ings. Mr. Pomrroy suggested an amendment by sub- stituting for the words above quoted the words “a ea form of government." Mr. CONNESS, (rep.) of Cal., thought a better ex. Pression would be “a popular government,” or “more liberal institutions.” ‘A new order of things” mie bly be @ worse order of bog . BAYARD, (dem.) of Del., was in favor of the wise and weil established principle of non-interven- tion in the affairs of foreign nations. What would be thought of a resolution of the Senate recom- ps | the abolition of the Established Church in re! Mr. THAYER, (rep.) of Nevada, moved the atend- ment suggested by ir, Pomeroy. Mr. SuMNER said ff his voice could reach those who now control the destiny of Spain he would tell them not to hesitate about establishing @ republic; but he had united in reporting the resviution in its form because he thi it, under the circum- prudent, and ce ly more of nations, for Con- gress recommend any cular form of gov- ernment. But it was certainly within the province of to express sympathy with the aspira- tions of every people for inore liberal institutions, THE PRESIDENT’S FINANCIAL PROPOSITION. Before a vote could be taken the morning hour ex. pired, and the Senate resumed the consideration of reselution reported by the Finance Committee, — the President's financial recommenda. jons. Mr. Dixon, (rep.) of Conn., having the floor, said that init was fo be X ) admitted that the Senate a right to poe ig ite di of the President's recommendatio ns in this way he thought the com- mittee was entitled to some credit for having so far modified the original motion. In its present form it Was merely an expression of opinion adverse to the President’s proposition, and therefore he could vote for it, because he was opposed to: that proposition, He wished it to be distinctly understood that he was entirely opposed to repudiation in every and any form, but he was not willing to admit that the President had proposed repudi- ation, for the reason, among others, that he did not propose to make it compulsory upon the public creditors to a t hi Mr. Dixon discussed at length Senator Morton’s pian for resuming apecie payment and said he hoped it would not be adopted, because if it were it would produce a state of pro- tracted financial agony up to the time when specie ita were to be resumed under it. Indeed, he ubted that ment could he resumed merely by at Certainty, it had never [oh een reommes, in that way. In England, when, 1819, the bill for the resumption of egnee payment the depreciation to be removed was only two ‘and a half per cent, ao that the bili was not the cause or the means of resumption, but rather the oficial announcement of it. He thought the statement of the amount of the currency had todo its depreciation, erroneous. Mr. Morton, ) Ind., denied that he had made that it; what he had said was that the ans led debt had nothing to do with of the bg Mr. Dixon insisted that Mr. Morton’s printed conveyed that idea. He thought the real cause as las? , eng nor ae Spd wae Pas A mystery. He belie chief cause our national extravagance. If after the war C had established and adhered to a rigid system of economy, refusing to increase salaries and retrench- tog in department of the government, the cur- rency would now, in his judgment, be at par, and his plan for resuming specie payment at the earilest peorenemccaey sate first, to institute such a cred economy, stopping every unnecessary outa; si Af ne a the Pacific Railroad, and cer- the purchase of real omen Ly the government; and second, to remove all political disabilities from the me of the South, as proposed by his col- league, ir. Ferry. The Ore fault he had to find with that proposition was that it was made a year too late to do much good. But it would atjleast go to the people of Connecticut as his (Mr. Dixon’s) vindi- cat use it was supported by the same rea- sons upon which his action a year ago was based. The proposition of Mr. Stewart to punish holding office | in violation of the fourteenth amendment he rogarses a8 a shocking proposition—making the holding by an American citizen of an office conferred upon him by his fellow citizens a crime. Mr. FERRY, (rep,) of Conn., repeated what he had said in the speech commented on by his colleague, that the present si of things was entirely different from which existed at the South two years ago or one year ago, the Southern oligarchy being now convinced of the uselessness of further resistance to the national will, or, if not so convinced, powerless to lead the people further in that direction. Mr. Dixon remarked that although he doubted the possitallts of resuming specie payment by legisia- ion, yet he did not wish to be understood as saying he would not vote for a bill for that purpose. He moved to amend the resolution before the Senate by inserting a statement that Congress agree with the President tn the sentiment expressed in his message that our national credit shall be sacrediy observed. He proposed this amendment, he said, to show by this resolution that ail departments of the govern- mansagrece that the faith of the nation must be pre- served. Mr. Howann, (rep.) of Mich., objected to the amendment because, in his judgment, it was not in harmony with tie plain object of the President's re- commendations on this subject, of which the object was repudiation. Mr. Dixon argued that the message could not be fairly construed to mean repudiation, because it pro- posed nothing compulsory upon the creditors. Mr. HOWARD thought it must necessarily mean the recommendation of legislation which’ would be compulsory. Mr. CoxBert, (rep.) of Oregon, concurred in this view and thongiit tae preservation of the credit and faith of the nation the most important object for which Congress could pegainte or the people work. Mr. Hows, (rep.) of Wis., moved to amend the resolution 80 as to state that Congress agree with the sentiments which ought to have been but were not expressed in the President's Message, that the national faith should be sacredly observed. Mr. SAULSBUKY ironically suggested that the Pres- ident be impeached for having expressed his views in regard to the national debt. Mr. WuyTs, (em.) of Md., wished to say a few words about the resolution, 80 that his vote upon it should not be misconstrued. He looked upon this as @ resolution of censure upon the President for an expression of his opinion, and he could not vote for it, because he held the right of opinion to be sacred. He did not understand the President to have pro- posed repudiation, to mean the complete wiping out of the national debt, principal ana interest. He was himself opposed to repudiation in any forin; but he was no more willing to Join in a clamor against the President, on account of the bea proposed by him, than he would be wiiling to join in an outcry against any Senator who might propose to pay the debt by calling it in and @ reissue at a lower rate of interest. Mr. VICKERS, (dem,) Of Md., also denied that the President had proposed repudiation, and expressed the opinion that the epveenment could not get specte enough in the world to pay the debt. He read from Treasurer Spinner’s report to show that he had charged repudiation upon Congress; but he (Mr. Vickers) did not belteve that the legislation referred to to justify this claim did justify it, and he regarded the making of the charge merely as an illustration of the difference of opinion in the community as to the meaning of the word “repudiation.” He moved an amendment to the resolution, embodying long ex- tracts from the President’s message, and expressing the agreement of with the views thereon oes, ‘he amendments were lost. ‘The resolu! tion as from the committee was then adopted by the follo’ vote: te:— YEas—M Abt Cameron, Cattell, Cuand- ler, Cole, Conkling, eatin Cragin "Disom. Kamunds, Feiry, Fessenden, Frelinghuysen, Grimes, Harian, Hender: ton, Howard, Howe, Kellogg, Morgan, Morrill, of 'Vi.. Nyc, Osborn, Pomeroy, Ramsey, Rice, Robertson, Ross, Sawyer, Sherman, Spencer, Stewart, Sumner, Thayer, Van Winkle, Wade, Warner, Willey, Williams, Wilron and Yates, feasrs. Davis, McCreery, Patterson of Tenn., Saule- bury, Wiokers and Whylese. 7” 4 EXTRADITION OF CRIMINALS. Mr. TRUMBULL, (rep.) of IIL, introduced a bill to provide for giving effect to treaty stipulations be- tween this and foreign governments for the extra- feo an ct ee \ was referred. : it provides that wheneyer any al been delivered by & fain ove rant 8 AH i of the United States for the put of being brought yee the United States and tried for a crime of hich he 18 accused, the President of the United States shall have power to take all necessary measures for the transportation and sate keeping or such accused person and his protection against law- lessness and violence. UNITED STATES CONSULS IN JAPAN. Mr. CoNKLING, rep.) of N. Y., offered a resolution requesting the President to communicate any infor- mation tn his haa igre | the exercise by United States in Japan of judicial powers in cases arising between American citizens and citi- zens of foreign countries other than Japan, and state under what Longin} such powers have been exer- cised; and also what further legislation is necessary for the better protection of the rights of Americans in Japan. ‘The resolution was adopted. ADJOURNMENT. At twenty minutes to five o'clock the Senate ad- journed, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 1868, EULOGIES ON THE DEATH OF THADDEUS STEVENS. Immediately after the reading of the journal the death of Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, was an- nounced by his successor, Mr. Dickey, a large audi- ence being in the galleries, REMARKS OF MR. DICKEY. Mr. DICKEY said—Mr, Speaker, the painful duty has devolved upon me of announcing to this House the death of my predecessor, Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, of Pennsylvania. This distinguished statesman was not merely my predecessor in this body, but in my childhood my father taught me to admire and love him who was the mstructor and guide of my youth and the friend of my maturer years. If an intimacy with wise and noble men be one of the greatest biess- ings that can crown @ man, then in no partof my career have I been so fortunate as in my association with Thaddeus-Stevens, It was in his office and m connection with him that I commenced my profes- sional life, and from that moment, through the tur- moil of and political contests clown to the moment when, in his last will, he selected me to per- form the last service one man can ask from his fellow, our friendship suffered neither diminution nor inter- Tuption. Informed that my duty requires of me a sketch of the history of my friend, | hope to be par- doned by the House for any prolixity of statement, promising to leave to others abler and fitter, his as- sociates here, who are to follow me, the analysis of his character as a statesman and the story of his struggles and triumphs in this arena, where he was ed a8 & great leader and bore the name of rh Com yd ir, Orth then proceeded to re @ detailed sketch of the life of Mr. Stevens, which already familiar to the readers of the HERALD.) He then continued :—His course upon this floor has into and forms no unimportant part of the history of a mighty in crisis of their existence. But I promised to leave to others to-day what may be roper in filustration of his great achievements in his latter days, To those here who judged of the rsonal appearance of the deceased only as bm | jooked on him the burden of years an stricken With disease, though he still stood with eye undimmed and will undaunted, I — say that in his prime he was a@ man physically well proportioned, muscular to strong, of clear and ruddy complexion, with face feature of great mobility and under perfect command and contr). In his youth and early manhood, notwithstanling his lamen¢ he entered Be. reat ite, stmes = of the ath <4 games of the time. He was an expe: swimmer ‘and an excellent horseman. When resid. ing at Gettysburg he followed up the chase and kept his hunters ‘and hounds. On a recent visit to his iron works I found the old moantain men with stories of the risks and rs of rider, a8 with horse and hound he followed the deer along the Me oy and through the gaps of the South Mountain. In private life among his friends Mr. Stevens was ever ial, kind and considerate, To them he was linked with hooks of steel. For them he would labor and sacrifice without stint, com- plaint or In his hours of relaxa- tion there could be no more genial compauion. His rare conversational powers, id of anecdotes, brilliant sallies of wit and wite sayings upon the topic of the hour made his company much sought, and many of these are the current coin of the circle in which he moved. Mr. Stevens was an honest, trathful man in public and private life. His word was sacred in letter and spirit, and was never paltered ina doubie sense. In money matters he was liberal to a fault, and out of his immense sige imeon e he left pu a meagre estate. In hil peiree charity he was lavisa. tie was incapable oF saying no in the presence of want or mngery. | His charity, Itke hus political convietions, regaid-d neither creed, race nor color, Ite was a good classical scholar and was well resd in ancient | aud modern liverature, especially oa subjects of pil garrulous the bold losophy and law. In his old age he read but few books. Shakspeare, Dante, Homer, Milton and the Bible could, however, generally be ‘found upon tie table in his sleeping room, where he was accustomed to read in bed. - He was simple and temperate in his habits. He disliked the use of tobacco and for fort; years never used or admitted to his house intoxi- cating drinks, and only then by direction of his phy- sician. Mr. Stevens was deeply loved and fatty trusted He his constituents. He was often in ad- vance of their views, sometimes he ran counter to their prejudices or passions; yet such was his popu- larity with them, 80 steong Cos, faith in his wisdom, in the integrity of his act and the purity of his purpose that they never failed to sustain him, opular with men of all parties, with his own sup- porters his name was a household word. To them und among themselves “Old Thad” was a phrase of endearment, while even his foes spoke of him with pride as the “Great Commoner.” No man ever died more deeply mourned by a constituency than Thad- deus Stevens. Having briefly selected some of the incidents that marked the history of my friend, 1 will in conclusion afew words of him on a sub- in connection with which he is probably more widely Kuown than Recs as 4 Mr. Stevens was always an anti-slavery man, From the time he left his native mountains to the moment of his death he was not only anti-slavery in the common acceptation of the term, but a bod, fearless, deter- and sacompromising foe to gppreeion in any and every form. He was an abolitionist before there was such @ party namé, Eis op sition to American slavery, no matter what his party con- nection, :was never upon mere questions of gxnedienan or political economy. He always viewed it as a great wrong, at war with the funda- mental principles of this and all good government, as @ sin in the sight of God and a crime against man. For many years, long before it became popu- lar to do so, he denounced this institution as the od crime of the nation—on the stump, at the forum, in party conventions and deliberative as- semoblies, On this question he was always in ad- vance of his party, his state and his constituents, Always resident in a border county he defended the fugitive on all occasions, asserted the right of free speech and stood between the abolitionists and the mob, often with peril to himself. This was one great cause of his having been so long in a minority, of his entrance late in lile into the councils of the na- tion, But for this he was fully compensated by living to see the destruction of an institution which he loathed and by receiving for his reward und as the crowning glory of his life the blessings of mil- lions be had so largely aided to make free, The remains of Mr, Stevens lie in Lane: rina private cemetery established by an old fr i, ina lot selected by himself, for reasons stated in the touching and beautitul epitaph prepared by him- self for Inscription upon his toub:—“1 repose in this quiet and secluded spot not from any natural preterence for solitude, but finding other cemeteries: limited by charter rules as to race. I have chosen it that L might be enabiea to illustrate in my death the principles which { have advocated through a long life—equality of man before his Creator.” Let us trust and belieye that if the earnest and sincere prayers of millions of the poor down-trodden and oppressed may smooth the pathway of the traveller on his journey from this world to the bourne of ail, his has been a happy exit. REMARKS OF MR. ORTH. Mr. ORTH, (rep.) of Ind., sait . Speaker, the grave has closed over the earthly ains of one of Treedom’s most ardent and eloquent advocates, The volce once 80 familiar in these halls is hushed in death; its sound no longer greets our ears, but its bold and fervid enunciations will never be for- gotten, That heroic devotion to truth and justice, to equality and fraternity we so often admired, and which is exemplified by countless acts and incidents extending through years aud years of an active ex- istence, is a most worthy example for all good men. ‘The principles which he professed and the work whicu he performed, professions and practice being in perfect harmony, will in all future times, and in all nations, render the name of Stevens a synonym for human liberty. Living in an age when oppor- tunities for the accomplishment of great deeds 3 Wesley before him he regarded the institation of American slavery as the ‘sum of all villanies,”’ and suffered no occasion to pass unimproved when in his ag to expose its monstrosity or destroy its vital- ity. He was ever ready ‘to proclaim hberty through- out the Jand and to all the inhabitants thereof,” and when the institution began to crumble and fall amid the crackling flames of that rebellion which it had instigated he felt like exclaiming with one of old, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant de} in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” While practising his profession at Gettys- burg the cases of fugitive slaves were quite numer- ous, and when arrests were made which came to his knowledge he invariably volunteered his services to defend the alleged fugitive, and it is among the reminiscences of the neighborhood that he seldom if ever failed to secure the freedom of his chents, On one occasion, while journeying to Baltimore for the Pnrpose of replenishing his library, he stopped for the night at a hotel in Maryland kept by a man with Whom he was well acquainted, Soon after his ar- rival he discovered quite a commotion among the servants at the hotel, and a woman in tears ap- Proached him and implored his assistance to prevent the contemplated sale of her husband, who was & slave. On inquiry who and where her husband was she replied, Why, Massa Stevens, he's the boy who took Your horse to the stavle.” ' Stevens knew the “boy,” and at once went to his owner and expostu- lated with him in reference to his sale, and at length offered to pay him one hundred and fifty dollars, half the price, if he would restore him to liberty. landlord Was inexorable, and Stevens, knowing the relations between the slave and his master, re- ir. are you not ashamed to sell your h and blooa This stinging appeal ony brought forth the response, “I must have money; John is cheap at three hundred dollars.” Promp by his generous nature, Stevens purchased and manumitted “John,” and retraced his steps to Get- tysburg without completing his journey to Baltimore. At that time three hundred dollars was a large sum of money for one who had been but a few years at the bar, and he postponed the replenishing of his law library to @ more convenient season, The word charity in its broadest sense fails to express the boundless benevolence of his heart. He was never so happy as on those occasions when he could assist the suffering, relieve the distressed and com- fort the needy, Nove ever applied to him for as- sistance and was refused, While struggling with poverty himself he gaye the widow’s mite, and when afterwards success attended him his bounties onding ratios. He was not but im these matters he was not willing that the right hand should know what the left hand had done. He preferred that his charities should descend quietly as the dews of hea- ven, and, like the summer | e, be felt but not seen. Like Cornelius, he e much alms to the people;” in fact, he was moner of Gettysburg during his long residence there, with this wide dif- ference, that he made distribution only of his means and never = fir cl his benefactions to the tenth of his income, When lurking treason, which had b ed for years in our country by men high in fi ith the people and high in official station, culminated in civil war, Ste- vens was a most prominent and influential member of this House. His whole lite had witnessed his de- votton to the country, to those fundamental prin- ciples proclaimed in the Declaration of Mdepend- ence and his faith in their ultiyate incorporation into the national constitution. The first hostile gum of the rebellion convinced him that the accursed institution of slavery would be oy hrown, that the Union would survive the shock of battles and that the cont would evolve a pure republicanism aud an advanced sphere of umanity, His efforts in and out of Congress were devoted to a vigorous pros » to devise ways and means for si rosecution and to keep the public mind firmly fis upon the true na- ture of the assault upon the Union and its defence, and thus to have it prepared to accept those truths which he foresaw would inevitably result from a victory for the Umon. The patient self-sacrifices, our people and the valor of our soldiers at length abounded, he seized upon and improved these opportunities. His mind grasped the true philosophy of events, and his practical com- mon sense moulded it into forms of endur- ing usefulness. Living not unto himself, his life has not been in vain, and the impress of his genius upon the age in which he lived will be as permanent as his fame. The early history of ‘Thaddeus Stevens is similar to that of many of our ablest and most promment public men. His parents were in indigent circumstances, and hence in his youth he was thrown upon his own resources, and taught those lessons of self-reliance which proved so valuable to him and to his country. He was born in the State of Vermont in 1792, and spent the days of his youth and early manhood among her people, whose thrift, energy and frugality, long since pro- yerbial, made a lasting impression upon his nature. He entered the academy at Peacham, and by teach- ing during the vacations of school he procured the means by which he was enabled to prepare hunself to enter upon a collegiate course of studies at Dart- mouth College, where in due time he graduated with distinction. He often referred with evident gratifica- tion to his academical days at Peacham, and evinced his attachment for the old academy by frequent do- nations of books to its library, as also by a valuable bequest in his last will and testament. Leaving his New England home, he selected Pennsylvania as his future place of residence, locating tem- porarily in the town of York, where he engaged in teaching school while rrtenioge legal studies. He was admitted to the bar in 1817, and immediately located in Gett burg, where he continued to prac- Use his profession with assiduity and marked suc- cess for the ensuing twenty-fve years. His studious habits, his classic education, his attention to busi- ness and his eloquence and ability soon placed him and kept him at the head of his profession—at a time, too, when he was ores into frequent contact with some of the best legal talent of the State. His bearing in the aheoten of the court and bar was always dignified and courteous; m8 casea were thor- ly di ee understood, and while he fed fa) eir weak aly he readily per- ceived and took advan of those of his adversary. In the examination of witnesses he was most suc- ceaful, his pleasing and maine address ref the coniidence of the witness and eliciting a truthful recital of the facts, while his intimate knowledge of human nature enabled him at a glance to detect prevarication or dissimilation, and when detected he made the witness writhe under his unmerciful ex- amination. He was invincible in the presentation of his facts, the application of the law and the testi- mony, and in the influence of his eloquence over the hearts and minds of the jurors. Milton, one of his favorite authors. says, “ ie eloquence i find to be none but serious and hearty love of truth.’ This love of truth was one of the strot elements in the character of Mr. Stevens, and enabled him 80 successfully to carry conviction to his hearers. He never practised the art of dissimulation, not merely because he was ignorant of its use, but for the rea- son that his very nature, whose impulses he followed, Jed him to deal with perfect frankness and Oe: on every occasion. He was equally candid wi if friend and foe, and nothing could induce him to betray the one or clandestinely injure the other, ‘This virtue he practised in the privacy of social life, at the bar, in his struggles on the political rostrum and in the dischat of his severer and more exalted duties in the halls of legis- lation, and this more than anything elise formed and increased the attachment of hus friends and challenged the respect of his enemies, Did I his enemies? Justice to his memory po that ‘should rather use the words “political adversaries; for it is conceded by all who knew him that no man ever passed through such fierce and embittered con- tests, esgen 3 through an active period of half a century, with so few personal enemies during his stay on earth, and no animosities, extending beyond the grave, to detract from his well earned reputa- tion. His love of truth made him an earnest man, acting upon the principle that whatever was worth doing at all was worth doing well. He never es- poused a cause until he was satisfied of its merits and justice, and then brought to its advocacy all the strength and vigor of a richly cultivated intellect. The cause of education always received his heart; support. To elevate mankind, to improve their moral, intellectual and physical condition, in a word, leave the world better than he found it, was with him a duty which he never neglected. Amid diMcuities which might have appalled more timid men he entered w the advo- @acy of the principle that all children are the wards of the Commonwealth, and that it is alike the interest and the duty of the Commonwealth to pro- vide for their education. The habits and opinions of @ century do not readily yield to the demands of ad- vancing ideas, and for years this question of univer- sal education was the subject of animated and fre- quently of acrimonious discussion. It entered into the political contests of the day, and to such an extent was the opposition manifested that the motto “No free schools” was emblazoned on many banners and became the shibboieth of partisan warfare. The contest was of lo duration, but in all contests with error truth wil eventuaily triumph, and his adopted State now justly exults in having, through his instrumentality, one of the best systems of Fm et education in the Union. Many of his best friends at the time feared the effect of his bold advocacy of 80 unpopular a measure on his future political prospects; but this ‘was @ consideration which never entered his mind, and his course on this question, like all the acts of his life, exhibited the unselfishness of his nature. In sddressing his regttating the pevpie ne nu hile this question was ing ie shall feel myself abundantly rewarded for all my efforts in behalf of universal education ifa single child educated by the Commonwealth shall irop a tear of gratitude on fA eid During his residence at Gettysburg an academy or nasium was organized by a few of the prominent citizens, and bag npg Rw of boy | Soom modest foundation an institution of more en! retensions and of much wider usefulness. ‘Thi his influence as a member of the Legislature a char- ter was obtained changin the gymnasium to “The Pennsylvania cee and what is most remarka- ble he also received & donation from the State of an amount of money sufficient to erect for the college ite principal and most costly edifice. The considera- tion for this munificent it was the education by the college of a specified number of indigent ipeve men who might from time to time avail hemselves of this privilege, and the further condi- tion that the German near’ uld constantly be bg ire in the gty which conditions have at all thmes been most fatthfully performed. He was prominently and actively conn with the mate- rial and educational interests of the college as a member of the board of visitors from its organiza- tion to the time of his death. The trustees have re- cently erected an additional edifice, to be used in connection with the college, whieh, in honor of his friendship for the institution and the interest he manifested in its success, has most appro- priately been named “stevens Hall.’ He was the firm friend of the oppressed and the im- placable enomy of the oppressor, Like the great com was incapable’ ot crushed the rebellion and re-established, 80 far as military power could re-establish, the authority of the national government. With the cessation of hostilities came questions of civil polity, as im- portant as they were novel, requiring resolution and permanent adjustment. The public mind was unsettled; contlicting opinions most naturally forced themseives to the surface, while political theories: formed on the narrow bases of old passions and prejudices claimed public attention. Here was a fleld , for the statesman, and Mr. Stevens entered it with that self-reliance with which a consctousness of his own power and the strength of his political convic- tions invested him. Others doubted and hesitated, but to him the future was as unclouded and as cer- tain as the past. Penetrating through the gloom of battles and uncertainties which troubled most minds, he perceived the end from the beginning, and when the end came he was prepared to meet its demands and its responsibilities, The apparently popular heresy that the States in rebellion had not by that act changed their “proper practical relations” to the Union and hence were at once restored to their for- mer position was soon dissipated 7. the sturdy blows it received under his leadership. With the advancement of this theory the true policy to be pursued towards the States and people lately in re- ‘lion was easily ascertained, and the emphatic en- dorsement of that policy by the voice of the uatien, together with the ent of ita purposes, demonstrated alike its wisdom and its justice. He is gone. He has finished his course on earth; but the great work to which he devoted #0 many hours of patient thought and honest toil is not yet finished. The high aim of his iife—that to which he brou; all the energies of his nature, which enlist all the earnest sympathies of his nobie soul and engaged all the powers of his gigan- tic intellect was to have hia country free and all her people equal; ‘to have g land” ‘Where manhood Folens alone And every citizen Is king. Freedom has been obtained, but freedom has not yet been secui and will not be secured until all our people shall have the full enjoyment by the iaw and before the law. Freedom without secured equality of rights is a delusion and a snare, and although his countrymen have in his memory and in his deeds a rich legacy, which they will always cherish with pride and with honor, yet with this legacy is coupled @ responsibility, and that is to pro- ceed in the work in which he was so zealously en- gaged. Complete the structure in the spirit of its master workman. So complete it that from founda- tion stone to turret, m all its parts and de- there shall be no fault and no blemish. So complete it that the eye of the critic can discover no defects, the heart of the patriot desire no change, So complete it that when finished it will meet with the approbation of ali true men and the approval of a just God. He is gone! That frail tenement of Ree nH moving among us is mingling with its kindred dust; but the name and fame of Thad- deus Stevens will never die. In all the coming years of time, so long as Pep has a votary and freedom an advocate, his nanie will be lisped and his fame will be cherished by the countless millions of the future, and while his countrymen linger around his consecrated we these aspirations will ascend to heaven that a kind Providence, who rules alike the destinies of men and of nations, may grant to our beloved country many more such meu. REMARKS BY Mi. BROOMALL. Mr. Broomau., (rep.) of Pa., thought that few statesmen of any country had matutatned through. out @ long public life the steadfast adherence to prin- ciples ald down in early manhood which character- ized Thaddeus Stevens. Universal education, equality of human rights, the elevation of the poor and the gr were not more ardent aims and objects to him when he first espoused them than when three- quarters of a century had rendered ‘his infirm body ao il match for his still young and vigorous mind. ‘The generous impulses of his youth had not given place to that fossil petrefaction of humanity calied conservatism. One of the last acts of his life was the preparation of a Ns for universal education in the District of Columbia, and among the first of his early manhood was the patronage, almost the parent- of the common schvol system of Pennsylvania. Mr.’ Broomall referred to Mr. Stevens’ consisient and uncompromising course in opposing the idea of re- constructing the South without providing for uni- versal suffrage, and contrasted it with his position thirty years ago, when he stood up almost alone in the Constitutional Convention of his adopted state the advocate of self-government against those who found it prudent silently to outvote the man they dared not answer. His conduct in that Conveation should be a lesson to the young statesmen of his country. The memory of Thaddens Stevens, satd Mr. Broomall, needs no monument. ‘Ch of his mind 18 upon the history of his country and te more ineffaceabie there than Would be the image of his body upon marble. REMARKS OF MR. KELLEY. Mr. Kewiey, (rep.) of Pa., said:—Mr. Speaker, Thaddeus Stevens was one of the most pract\ igh his whole life was colored a infin- Timid men, and those wno were without faith, called him dogmatic and mmpracti- cable, and others te sg of him as @ theorist, who, to gratify &@ malignant or vindictive spirit, urged ex- ireme measures regardiess of the rights, interests or sentiments of those they were to affect. They knew but little of the man they judged. low tho- rough! ractical he was is attested by the fact et he earned mentary by teaching the radi- branches the means to procure his coll ite training; that, having settled in a com- munil Foy ae herealary wealth was Mage prerequi @ respectable position at the bar, he made no concealment of his poverty and taught school while yo the practice of the legal jon and rgb na leadership of the it of @ hi section of his adopted State; that he comman’ the confidence of every judge before whom he appeared in his extended range oe tice, and secured the affectionate his young brethren by the jnency with which the people among whom he settled, whether of the York, the Adams or the Lancaster district, re- ba! him, at brent Honda) Hestames on part or pecumary interest , to represent them in the Legislatures of the State and nation, ‘and conventions summoned for the consideration every de- was . Po gk Ry hye ny apt im ‘hat direction he may, it is always to the exteome,’” im ness and inconsistency, aud, in 80 him, He never labored in adverse tions which were in my Ct. 7 tn his propos acco vie’ but to which he could not unqualified eat, He did this, as he once Said’ “teense Con- of men and not ofangels.” He of acting inconsistently, mn mea sures involving general ancipien Anaite this re. roach he was almost divinety panoplled. tie iad in his boyhood dreamed of a republic broader, CONTINUED ON TENTH PAGS