The New York Herald Newspaper, January 8, 1869, Page 3

WASHINGTON Bill for the Establishment of a Pa- eific Telegraph Cable Intro- duced in the Senate. The Overland Mail Service Ventilated in f the House. @Micia} Report of Generals Porter and Babcock on the Ala- bama Troubles. Martial Law Required to Pro- tect the State Government. Wasninaron, Jan 7, 1860, The Republican Senatorial Caucus. ‘The republican Senators met in caucus this morn- wg previous to the session of the Senate for the purpose of considering what action, if any, shall be ‘had on the financial question. The debate took a very wide range and continued until the hour for the meeting of the Senate. The views set forth by Senator Morton 1n his recent speech on the finances ecerved particular attention from the Senators resent and met with considerable favor. When the @eucus adjourned it was with the understanding that ‘@he subject should be resumed again at the next Meeting, A resolution was proposed, but not adopted for want of time, setting forth that the hhonor of the government required that the five- y.bouds shall be redeemed in gold. it was the tone of the discussion and the iy of opinion on the subject that it will difficult for Congress to agree upon any general @nancial policy. Referm Measures of the House. ‘The House was engaged yesterday in the interest of retrenchment and reform. The greater portion of to-day was devoted to uncovering and exposing alleged frauds Mr. Ela made an assault m= the stationrey contracts of the In- Department, and managed to get a resolution through suspending the payment for these contracts until the House Committee on Printing shall investigate them. Mr. Washburne, of Diinois, brought up the oid subject of the mail con- tract with Wells, Fargo & Co., but failed to get the tesolution instructing the Postmaster. General to withhold their pay passed. The resolution gave rise to a spicy debate, in which the facts I have already + you relative to the manner in which Wells, & Co. carry the overland mail were clearly brought out. From the tone of the debate it was manifest that had the resolution come to a vote it would have paased by a large majority. Nominations by the President. ‘The President nominated to the Senate to-day An- ftrew Van Dyck, Collector of Customs for the dis- briot of Oswegd, N. ¥.; John D. McGill, Collector of Dustoms for Georgetown, D. C.; George H. Penfield, 6 of Internal Revenue, Thirteenth district of York; Phitip H. Morgan, United States Attor- senbegleng es Louisians, in piace of Torry, 3 Rene J. , Asseesor of L ue, Foorth Tell, Wendeyteansa, Witlm , Engraver United States Mint, at Philadel- phia, in place of Longore, deceased; Hallett Kil- bourn, Second Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, to fil a vacancy of July 2, 1868; Isaac W. Webster, Postmaster at Ki Wis.; Hampton B. Denham, Burveyor General of New Mexico; George W. Wilkin- fon, agent for the Winnebago Indians; James A. Postmaster at Galveston, Texas; James Register of the land office at Mobile; | B. Church, Receiver of public moneys at Cen- tral Cty, Colorado, ‘The nomination for the vacant brigadier general- ‘ship in the army in place of General Hooker, retired, ex considerable interest in military Streles, The sentiment is strongly in favor of General Heiutzelman, who is regarded as entitied to a8 well from his seniority as the old- et comm colgne! who was in the fleld during (he rebeiiton as from his brilliant record in the war. 3t ts belleyod the President will send in General The Execative Session of the Senate. ‘The Senate held a short executive session to-day, but uo business of importance was transacted be- ani the reference to the appropriate committees of evetstaations sent in by the President this after- goon, and the con-Tmation of Philip H. Moraes; < | be United states for the district of Low fuans. Rank ef General Not to Be Abolished. 1 learn from @ source worthy of the highest con- ‘sideration that there are decided movements on foot fooking to the satisfactory adjustment of the ques- Won a4 to who shall bear the four silver stars after they nave dropped from the shoulders of General Grant. It issaid that Grant hase plan to put into operation concerning the rank of general, and that i more than probable the matter will be settled fm accordsate with his views. General Grant, & i «ated, wishes the grade of general be continued, and is advising against the passage of the resolution offered in the early part of fhe present session declaring that the grade of general in the army shall cease when vacated by the Prevent possessor. The General, it seems, is of Opinion that this honor should of right fall upon Cicutenant General Sherman, and the rank of lieu- tenant general, he believes, would be judiciously oestowed on gallant Phil Sheridan. With this plan of rewarding merit in view be has been holding on ¢o the command of the army with the intention of keoping the place warm for Sherman, as by resign- dng immediately before his inauguration he secures, as President, the opportunity of making nomina dons to the vacancies created to suit himself. Army Officers Applying for Promotion. Ao unusually large budget of applications have been placed on fie by officers of the army asking Promotion to the vacancy among the brigadier gen- erals and for promotion to the vacaneies that are expected to result from the recently declared inten- oa to'retire a number of oficers now occupying émporiant stad positions, From present indications noue of these nominations will be made by President Johnson, although the pressure to induce him to dis- pose of them ts very strong. Mr. Moorhead’s Tariff Bill. ‘The Ways and Means Committee met to-day and an Mr. Moorhead’s Tartit hill, They decided allow the bill to be takeg up in Comm: fac of the Whole ¥ it ayy bays fone ct fi ef pat BS Yeicat. When tt mes up iy Comfilitee the members of the Ways and Means Committee will propose several amendments, covering other interests besides those now mentioned in the bill. An effort will be made by the tari men to mature a bill in Commitcee of the Whole and then endeavor to push it through the House. The Navy Medical Department Bill. ‘The bill to promote the eMfctency of the medical department of the navy, which contemplated extra- erdinary innovations in the service, met with a very sudden and anexpected death in the House to day. ‘The provisions of the bill were weil calculated to Creaic confusion in the discipline and social inter- Course of naval oMcers, and therefore only met with ‘@ just fate, Among other things it provided was the establishment of a large number of new medical Officers, with the rank, pay and emoluments of com- moilores, captains, &c., the result of which would be to create unplensantnesses and confusion among the laere bone-setters on the one hand and the fighting officers on the other hand, There was quite an array of naval officers on hand to-day to fight against the bi, ona their strong arguments against its pro- ‘Visions contribated very materially to its defeat. Condition of Affairs in Misstesinpt. The Reconstruction Committee examined a num- ber of witnesses today concerning the condition of affairs in Misuissippl. According to their stories a pericet reign of terror exists in many portions of the State, rendering Iie and property ineecpry, Much of their testimony wax made up of .the oft- repeated stories about the Ku Klux. Of course the The following official report relating to affairs tn Arkansas has been recetved at Genera! Grant's head- quarters from Genefal Horace Porter, of his stam:— ago. 80 many contradictory been circulated in ‘ard to Governor Clayton’: militia that it be well for you to know the facts rom taking any violent measures until after the fearing that the o ition might make out of it, ia och es wae the troops in the State, They adi e of terror by the rebels, but want the United States to e the Governor Clay- ton’s ments in favor of his policy are as fol- lows:—The Ui not know the and the country. The lawless behave while The rebels are ge! ly to have them, as it creates an éxX) ture of money in their midst, from they reap a benefit. The militia punishes rl 107 bel sree wa. As the people have threatened to the State vernment a8 soon as the United States Temoved, this ies them the State ts able to protect iteelf. The militia ble: good contro), and the plundering in the fe i ir nga rape on a white woman, but was immediately 7 Catterson conv} has, however, More good than the most sanguine and General Smith acknowl- e ged that he thought the Governor's judgment was better than his own, and that the result would ey Justify the action of the former. The Governor is now disposed to relieve each county {rot tial law as soon as it can be done safely. The ernor ig certainly a man meee and nerve, and has labored under difficulties that would have deterred a less able oMcer. Four thousand arms were seized by the Ku Klux and thrown off the boat below Mem- PI He could seldom secure good men for officers, ae ogee poenses Be had to depend en- upon the negroes for soldiers. Very respect- fully, HORACE PORTERCA. Die ‘Transportation of the Pacific Mails in 1864. The House Committee on Post Ofices and Post Roads held a meeting to-day, at which Horatio King, of New York, appeared and urged the claim of D. 8. Allen & Co., of New York, for carrying the Pacific mail in their steamships during 1864, when the overland route was interrupted by Indian troubles, The amounts to $23,000. The com- mittee did not take any action thereon. The New York and European Mails. J. C. Jewett, of the New York and Liverpool Steam Navigation Company, was also before the committee, and made some statements relative to the projected line of steamers between New York, Liverpool and other European porte. Mr. Jewett produced state- ments from various steamship builders of Boston, New York and Baltimore, showing that the com- pany could have built as many steamships as are withip ten months, provided they can TAKS a Contradt with the government to carry the mails. In reply to the objection of the Postmaster General that two mails a week, the number stipu- Jated In the bijl chartering the company, would be inadequate to the service, Mr. Jewett informed the committee thet Rts company would agree to carry Tour malis 8 week. So much has been said in the newspapers and elsewhere concerning the motives of the company im soliciting the carrying of the mails and their ability to carry out a contract, even ifone was made, that the committee have deter- mined to give the matter a careful investigation be- fore taking any further action. ‘The Samana Bay Project Revived. Colonel Fabens, of Greytown, American West Indian Company and San Domingo Company notoriety is here, in connection with the project to purchase the Bay of Saman4. A great effort is to be made to revive the subject. ie a The Sinska P Jcanse Frauds Investigation. ‘The House Committee on Public Expenditures re- sumed their investigation of the alleged frauds con- nected with the Alaska purchase to-day. The only witness examined was U. H. Painter, of the Philadel- Phia Znquirer and the New York Sun. He testified that he had not received any money from the alleged Alaska corruption fund, and did not of his own knowledge know of any person who had received money. He had heard numerous statements and ramors about money having been received by differ- ent parties, He believed the purchase of Alaska to be @ job from beginning to end, and stated that he had been informed that money to the extent of several hundred thousand dollars had been paid out to perties in this city. The committee has summoned Mr. Martin, the person who has @ list of parties alleged to have received money from M. Bodisco for their services in advo- cating the appropriation of the money to pay for Alaska. Martin was expected to appear before the committee to-day, but he did not come, and it is thought he cannot substantiate any of his allega- tions. aC. War Claims of Loyal Citizens. The Senate to-day, on the recommendation of the Committee on the Judiciary, indefinitely postponed the joint resolution imtroduced by Mr. Chandler last June, providing that the act of February, 1867, re- stricting the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims, shall not apply to nor be construed to debar the pay- ment of the claims of loyal citizens of the loyal States for the loss of steamboats, vessels or other property taken or impressed in the States that seceded or attempted to secede from the Union. ‘The Charges Against Judge Busteed. The Sub-Judiciary Committee of the House con- tinued their investigation to-day of the charges aguinst Judge Busteed. Two more witnesses were examined for the prosecution, to wit, John A. El- more and Abraham Martin, of Montgomery, Ala. ‘The character of their testimony, as of that of all the other witnesses, is kept secret, Petition for the Pardon of Dr. Madd, an ene % posveraay, another petition has beet’ Prien Bineatipg the President to pardon Dr. Mudd, one of the assassination conspirators now confined at the Dry Tortugas, The petition is signed by abont forty-three of the democratic Senators and Representatives. The first petition for the par- don of Dr. Mudd still occupies @ retired position in a shady pigeon hole, and it was supported by the names of a long list of democratic members and a formidable array of signatures from the State of Maryland, This petition, it is said, was laid on the sheif by \the development of a story told by a radt- cal member of Congresa, to the eifect that Mudd con- fessed to the officer who took the prisoners to the Tortugas that he had had an interview with Booth in Washington just previous to the murder, and other statements were made by him, it ts alleged, which implicated him deeper in the plot than appeared on trial. The second petition has not yet been laid be- fore the President. Recommended Dismissals from the Patent Omce. ‘The Commissioner of Patents has submitted for the consideration of the Secretary of the Intertor a list of names of assistant examiners in his bureau for dismissal and a list of other employés for pro- motion, The denovement of the Commissioner's little scheme for improving, according to his idea, the official material of the bureau, fa creating considerable of a tempest about his cars. The Secretary is in ® great quandary to determine on What course to take in the matter, as members of Congress and many other influcntia) pereons are aw ¢ Ag Mentionea~ mm tn after him to learn what is the meaning of the recom- | pronibit the payment of the salaries of two offices to menda‘ions for dismissal. It is currently believed | by ‘that the suggestions of the Commissioner wil! not be approved by Mr. Browning, ‘Treasury Warrants Issued During December. ‘The warrants issued by the Treasury Department duying December to meet the requirements of the government amounted in round numbers to the following sums, viz.:—Misceilaneous and foreign intercourse, $4,148,000; interest on the public debt, $905,000; War, $9,440,000; Navy, $1,857,000; Interior, Pensions and Indians, $1,313,000. Total, $17,667,000, ‘This does not include the warrants issued for the principal of the public debt. Senator Stewart, of Nevada. Senator Stewart received a telegram to-day inform- ing him that he was unanimously nominated in the Union cgucus for re-election to the Senate of the United States from Nevada, The Legislature con- sists of fifty-nine members, nine only of whom are democrats. The Pennsylvania Senatorship. It is stated here that the consideration for which Galusha A. Grow retired so gracefully from the Senatorial contest in Pennsylvania was @ compro- mise upon the part of the leading politicians of that State to urge his claims for a place in Grant's Cabinet, ‘The Cretan Insurrection. * ‘The President sent a message to the House to-day, enclosing & copy of a letter from the Secretaryffof State to Minister Morris at Constantinople, dated July 22, 1867, in which he instructs the latter to read to the Ottoman Minister for Foreign Affairs the reso- lution of the Congress of the United States declaring sympathy with the suffering people of Crete. Mr. Morris replied in August that, the Minister of Foreign Affairs being absent on a special mission to the Em- peror of Russia in the Crimea, he had read the reso- lution to his Highness Ali Pacha, Grand Vizier, and at his request left with him a trans- lated copy in French, His Highness, while apparently surprised at the character of the resolu- tion and the order of Congress for its communica- tion to the Turkish government, made no comments whatever on its subject matter. It appears from the documents the Chamber of Deputies in November last passed a decree expressing to the Senate and House of Representatives and the people of the United States the most profound sentiments of acknowledgement for their generous solicitade for the Greek nation. Our Minister in reply said the expressions of interest on the part of the people of the United States for the struggling Christians of Crete are but the utterances of those who would be faithless to the principles which made and preserve them a nation did they refuse to extend the it hand of fellowship to others, wherever on the earth’s surface who contend for.the inestimable right to choose their own ruleys, The people of the United States will consider it a happy circumstance for all the people of Eastern Europe when the policy adopted towards them shall be in conformity with that senti- ment which English statesmen have themselves ad- mitted to be a political axiom, namely:—That treaties can never unite populations which are dissevered by sympathies. Until this principle is recognized, peace may be maintained by expedients, but can never be secured. Senator Nye’s House Robbed. Senator Nye’s honse was entered by thieves last night and $2,000 in money and a quantity of valuables were stolen. Sapreme Court Proceedings. In the Supreme Court to-day the following cases were argued:— Girard et ai., heirs of Stephen Girard, vs. the city of Philadelphia—The argument of this case was continued by Mr. Meredith and concluded by Mr. Ingersoll. No. 30—Warren vs, Van Buskirk, and No. 31~ Green vs. the same—Chattel mortgage, Argument commenced. Personal. ‘Mrs. Scott-Siddons is playing a very successful en- gagement here, and is attracting large and fashion- able audiences, THE FORTIETH CONGRESS. Senare. WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 186%. THE INDIAN WAR. The Presipenr laid before the Senate a communi- cation from the Secretary of the Interior transmit: | ting a letter from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in regard to the late Indian battle. ASSAY OFFICE IN IDAHO. Mr. Wiuuiams, (rep.) of Oregon, presented the memoria! of the Legislative Assembiy of Idaho for the establishment of an assay office there, Referred to the Committee on Finance. TRANSPORTATION OF PETROLEUM ON PASSENGER STREAMERS. aoriai or & IArgS Sumber of plsoopal citgymen moMa: vu: Hann, AMEN OF a In forbinding, under Neavy penalties, the Cone ere pubilc pas- senger conveyances. le THR NAVY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, of a rear admiral and other of the bill to reor- Department of the Navy. Re- ferrea to the Committee on Naval Affairs. ir. * 5 for the extension the Pacttie Railroad to ot Sound. Referred to the Committee on the Pacific DUTY ON IMPORTED COPPER. Mr. CONKLING, (rep.) of N. Y., presented the pro- test of a of New York inst eae actors fixing the duty on copper, proposing a substi- tute. Referred to the Committee on Finance. AMERICAN AND ASIATIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY. Mr, Nyg, ) of Nev., introduced a bill to facili- tate velegeapie communication between the East- ern and Western Continents, which was referred to the Committee on Commerce. Mr. ae a Be) that the American and laws of the te catal N t the a and from any any'part of the United Sit British Columbia, with branch ment in the Pacific States or ies, and shall be oa ar ba and lg ag ee urposes, and forty acres of land per eac! n Tiles for depot sites. In further ald of the enter- prise the bill proposes to advance to the compan. thirty year six per cent currency bonds of the Unit States, to the extent of one thousand five hund: dollars per mile 5 oe provided the aggregate amount ofsuch aid shall not exceed eight million dollars, which shall be secured by a first mot on the pi 'y and franchise of the company. bonds, to the amount of one thousand dollars per mile, are to be delivered to the company upon a cer- tines hat it has purchased and paid for five hundred miles of cable; the balance to be issued when shall be laid and worked in one hundred mites or more. Should the enterprise prove profitable the government is to have the privilege of convert- the entire amount of its mortgage into the stock at as The government is to have Ng ad or ag as ty same are within territory, right to Fa ar them by telegraph with fuititary ita, The Séore' of th orized to detail one ves- v nt dings pre- 5 to, alter, the foregoing provision® ~ STAMPS FOR MANUPACTURED TOBACCO. Mr. CONKLING presented the petition of tobacco and snuff dealers of Utica, N. Y., asking that the game discount be allowed on stamps purchased for use In that business as is allowed on those used in other branches of busi Referred to the Com- mittee on Finance. BILLS INDEFINITELY POSTPONED, Mr. TRUMNULL, (fep.) of IIL, from the Committee on the Judiciary, _ a and eg the in- definite postponemen' ie — A bill in part execution of section four of article four of the constitution. A bill to facilitate the decision of ‘tions in con- flict between the United States and the States by the Su Court of the United States, int resolution for the ad the claims of voy tines of the United States. House bili to extend the jurisdiction of pro- ‘bate justices of the peace in Idaho and Montana, Winch were accordlt indefinitely postponed, ME. EDMUNDS ate took uj vent the hold time, It Feported the Judiciary Com- mi tee, It provides that no person shall hold, nor shall he recelve salary or compensation for ing duties: of more than one office or place of trust or profit, under the constitution or laws of the United States, atthe ame time, whether such office or place be civil, military or naval, and that any person violat~ ing ‘this provision shall be deemed to have vacated the office which he holds at the time of the accept- ance of the other. Mr. Grimes, (rep.) of Towa, desired some explana- tion of the bill and the ay 4 for its Snackwent. He understood the existing Inw to prohibit the hoid- ing of two offices at the same time, Mr. KOMUNDy repHed that the existing law aid no |. Wag ‘ NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1869.-TRIPLE SHEET. $3, thought it broper and pertakt that such op ed suould be forbidden, The Te said, was intendea to affect ad interim Spt og yr py thought the bill ougit to be amei |, 80 aS that of a state officer in 0) cinnatl, who has held the of United Sypereieor of Internal Revenue, . EpMunps had no objection to such an amend- ment, although it was unnecessary 60 far as Vermont Tenant ie Sota y Mi Cal., remarked that nearly same person, RELIEF OF MRS, MURPHY, OF ALABAMA, the Senate re- for the relief of The morning hour ha’ expit sumed the consideration o! fag bit’ Sue Mi Decatur, Ala. W! vernment had therefé that the loyal a public enemy of the United States by the disloyal action of hig neighbors, he characterized as foul and atrocloas UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY. ‘When he had finished the President laid before the Senate a communication from the Secretary of the Interior transmitting the last annual report of the Union Pacific Railway Company and the reports of = companies engaged in constructing branches of INDIANS ON THE UPPER MISSOURI, A communication from the Secretary of War, transmitting the report of Major General Harney in regard to the Sioux Indians on the Upper Missouri. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT. A communication from the President, transmitting the report of the Secretary of State, with accompa- nying papers, in relation to the resolution of Con- gress passed last July declaring sympathy with the people of Crete, And a communication from the President, with the of the Secretary of State, in regard to a mixed commission for the adjustment of claims of citizens of the United States against Venezuela, Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. PROTECTION OF CITIZENS IN TIME OF WAR. Mr. Howarp, (rep.) of Mich., said the earnestness and pertinacity with which the bill for the relief of Sue urphy Was advocated required that it should be opposed with equal earnestness. ‘fhe whole mat- ter, he said, depended upon a right answer to the juestion, what is the extent of the protection that is due from the government to the citizen in time of war? He discussed the question at considerable length, contending that compensacion in such a case as this did not come within the scope of a govern- ment obligation, EXRCUTIVE SESSION. Without acting on the bili the Senate, at twenty minutes to four o'clock, on motion of Mr, TRUMBULL, went into executive session, and a few moments afterward they adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 1869, STATIONERY CONTRACT OF THE INTERIOR DEPART- MENT, Mr. Ex, (rep.) of N. H., on leave, offered a resolu- tion directing the Committtee on Printing to investi- gate the stationery contract of the Interior Depart- ment—what articles have been furnished as station- ery, the manner in which supplies have been forpished, whether any articles have been procured suspend for further action by the House. After some remarks by Mr. Ela, showing the ex- travagant prices paid for stationery by the Interior Department, the resolution was adopted. The House took up the bill reported yesterday jouse up reported yest from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to reorganize and increase the eficiency of the Medical part ment of the Navy. After a brief discussion lessrs. STEVENS, ARCHER, KELLEY and SPALDING the bill was, on motion of Mr. SraLpiNa, laid on the table—yeas 94, nay? 68, REDUCTION OF CLERICAL FORCE IN THE DEPART- MENTS. The SPEAKER presented a communication from the Secretary of vhe Interior and the Attorney General, in reply to a resolution of the House, stating that no diminution can be made in the force of their respec- pai Dele or in the compensation of the em- a — RELIEF OF THE WIDOW OF JAMES WILSON. Mr. BANKS, (rép.) of Mass., from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, reported a bill to the wiacow of James Wilson, late Minister to Venezuela, one quarier’s salary of her husband, pone explanation by Mr. Banks the bill was passed. THE LATE UNITED STATES MINISTER TO RCUADOR. Mr. core ee) of Ill, from the Committee on Fore! Teported a bill for the removal of the remains of Mr. Coggeshall, late Minister of the United States at Ecuador, to the United States, and pod a of his eee rd seR Tees an Ronee. r the purpose. The rey OW ir. - on the 2d of August, 1867; that his was ear disini and is now in a iblie Warehouse; and that his Loge died at a on ber home on the 10th of January, 1868, of yellow fever. Mr, SHELLABA! (rep.) of Ohio, made a statement of the circumstances of the case, and moved an addi- tional n of $1,000 for the relief of the Wir" Spaubiveritep.) OF Ohio, sustained the , SPALDING, (rep.) jo, sustain Propo- sift oF is col ie, M. Woop, (dem.) of N. Y., expressed his willing- ness to sul out of his own fands for such a charitable purpose, but denied the right of Cougress to make such an appropriation. Mr. ane ofa of Tenn., combated the ar- Aftel ble diacnssion by Messrs. Garfield, Schenck, Washburne of {1!, Banks, Cullom and Bing- ham, the amendment was agreed to (yeas 71, nays 66) and the bill as amended was passed. SYMPATHY WITH THE CRETAN REVOLUTIONISTS. The SPEAKER presented a message from the Presi- dent, with the report of the Secretary of State, in reply to the House resolution of July 20, 1867, declar- ing sympathy with the suffering Baorle of Crete. Re- ferred to the Committee on Foret Mairs. TARY ACADEMY APPROPRIATION. . s RNE, (rep.) of LL, from the Committee on Appropriations, re ed the Military Academy Apytoreeee bill, which was ordered to be printed and postponed till to-moyroW. THE OVERLAND MALL. TRANSPORTATION 0} Mr. WASHBURNE of Ill. asked leave to offer the following preambie and rexgiation tn refereiice to Wells, Fargo & Co, iy - from a cotmunication from Special . George W. McLellan, Second Assistant Postmaster General, stating that Wells, Fargo & Co., the contractors for the transportation of said mail, have not vided adequate facilities, and thal, express matter has n carried to the exclusion of the inails, whieb were left on the route day aiter dav and week after ‘and never pro- tected, and that on the 1th of November 6,00) pounds of mai! tte TOE tee Mlestat nacht tat the empluyes of Wells 1s Fe special agent e Fargo & Co. have hha a hand in rifling the letter mail; there: fore be it “ Reaolved, That the Postmaster General be directed to make no payment to Wells, Fargo & Co. until @ full examination be muni inte the contract with Wells) Fargo & Co. and into the truth of the charges of the special agent of the Post Ufice Department respecting the delinquencies of said Grim in car- rying the male, He atated that the Committee on Appropriations had directed the resolution to be drawn up and offered for adoption by Se Samy y A 7 time of it shoul oa master eral, W nicl had been done, and that the ral, notwithstanding its under the contract; hence he de- resolution should be adopted and sent to the Postmaster and then it would be seen whether that oficial would ( any ae kee Mr. FARNSWworTH, (rep.) ihe — ry - made ‘according to iaw had force of law, Postmaster G could tract and that the eneral on & mere resolution of the House, it, He had the to fine the contractor for an tm of the contract and t withhold such 1ons of the compensation as he thought proper; bathe ben non eran, = 5 Be of ong larly when the resolution was only on news- paper. hs and statements of outaiders. a Inid on his table r Wastmncne read letter Jan oy etal Heise wade’ oat te Sanat ot aaeeenee men poe the conduct of the Postmaster General as unworthy 7 id subject him to impeachment. F. ‘i repeated tha: he did not believe in the of the House of Representatives to in- terfere the performance result Lo ‘ ot my im the cessation of the run- : i E ; i Ba 4 Ht Faye i ay $460,000, Mr. TaPrs, ) of Neb., spoke of the Indians Diinging in to the eaiitary posts bags — which they had found over Mr. JOHNSON, (dem.) of Cal., defended Wells, & Co, from the nes negiect in ae ee Aaauat in August Own observations it Pe W Or reso! lec! ‘that the aster General should not make pay- Pym ener Soe cetraing ie mall according to tRavermas of Mr. LoGan, (rep.) of Ill, asked him if it was not the duty of the ter General, as the agent of the government, to payment when the con- tract is not Brigeny formed ? Mr. JOHNSON rep! that the Postmaster General guia Qne the contractor or withhold a portion of ME Loaax put the case of the contractor's not carrying an ounce of mail, and asked whether, in that case, the Postmaster General wanted to be authorized to pay them ? Mr. JOHNSON replied in the negative. Mr. LoGan said the principle was the same. Mr. JOHNSON had no objection to an investigation of the conduct of the Postmaster General. but he did Rat apy ine People of the Pacific slope deprived of Mr. Eva, in the course of some further remarks, mentioned a statement by one of the Post OmMice agents, that as Wells, Fargo & Co. charged twelve cents per letter for express matter they were in- terested in keeping back mai! matter. Mr. CAVANAGH, grey Montana, remarked that he knew mat had not been carried but had been piled up along the route; yet he believed Wells, Fargo & Co. Koes apalied: thelr ible oq tions as well as it was i ee , the discussion Deing. closed, ie 81 5 PEAKER ingut etl there was any objection to the eartition aay Srrered. dies Mr. Jonson objected. RESUMPTION OF SPECI PAYMENTS. The House then; at three o'clock, went into Com- mittee of the Whole on the State of the Union, Mr. pre im the chair, on the President’s Message ol . Mr. Cosury, (rep.) of Ind., addressed the commit- tee on the question of the finances and currency. He argued against the proposition to return to specie payments or to provide for an immediate pay- ment of the national debt. He favored, rather, the adoption of such @ policy as would diminish the de- for the precious metals and at the same time increase their supply. By that means the way to speci¢ payments would be open. He would not au- thorize any contracts payable in gold, either at their face or at @ premium, for either would vastly aug- ment the demand. He would cut down, by the passage of a funding bil the rate of interest, and thus aiminish'the aeeacte aud he would also cut ie Ww it of, a8 far as pone all imports of Inxuries. On the other hand, would develop the country, open every avenue of a unlock the ng tiered fie ba encourage the manufacturing re: turn tides of commerce in favor of the United States. He to meet the reasonab! people. increase individual wealth and ability to This was the gradual and easy method of resump- tion which he favored; which, without destroying the values of labor and property, would elevate poper money to a gold standard. He believea the country ae even — currency, joy ae the passage of a resumption law wot ject ag the attempt to hoard gold would increase ipateed of diminish tts price. ACKNOWLEDGING THE INDEPENDENCE OF CRETE. Mr. SHANKS, ) of Ind., addressed the commit- tee in support of the resolution offered by him on the ‘ith of Decemper, 1868, deci: it to be the duty of the government of the United States to acknowledge the lence of the provisional government of Crete as an independent political State and to treat with it as such. FACILITATING COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE. The committee rose, Mr. ASHLEY, (rep) of Ohio, introduced @ bill to facilitate commercial inter- course between the several States and ferritories and with foreign countries, which was referred to the Committee on Territories, pe as then, at a quarter-past four o'clock, ad urned. Stables and Tenement Houses Burned—Loss About $6,000. About four o’clock yesterday afternoon fire was discovered in the frame stable of John Lamb, situ- ated in the rear of No. 35 Chariton street. It spread with remarkable rapidity, communteating to the adjoining stables—five in number—and before a sufficiency of water could be thrown upon the burn- ing pile these buildings, with their contents, were almost totally destroyed. In these stables were usually stalled fifteen horses; but at the time they contained but six, all of which were fortunately saved. This property was owned by W. H. Pemberton, of Mount Vernon, whose loss will probably reach $750, which ia faily insured in the Greenwich and Westchester Mutual Insurance com- panies, The fre also communicated to the three story frame dwelling in the rear of No. 39, which, before being ey gag ped by fire and water about occupants were Mrs, Dolan, first floor; Mra. Owen, McGuire, second floor, and Moran, @ po! the Twenty-eighth precinct, apd family, third noor; lost the major portion of their household goods, [i Ba there is but little, if any insurance. fi! Farreii owned the building and is fully in- aut ‘The fire from the stables also ignited the roofs of the three story brick buildings im the rear of Nos. 108 and 110 Leroy street. The former was used as a carpenter and cabinet maker's shop, occupied by James Grani, carpenter, first floor, whose loss will be about $100; no insurance; the second floor by Wil- liam Jobrison, cabinet maker; loss, $500; no in- surance; third floor by Peon, Breiser, carpenter; loss, $250; insared for $300 in the Ger- mania Insurance Company. These occupants, with their families, also ‘lived in the bulid- ing. which is owned by George P. Boice; it was damaged by fire and water about $1,000; the amount of insurance upon the buildings could not be ascertained. ‘The latter, or that in the rear of No, 110, was occupted by three families—Mrs. O'Toole, first floor; Henry Robinson, second, and Richard Heffner, third. , These occupants lost most of their furniture and wearing apparel, and what was not burned was almost ruii by water. The latter individual was the only one of the inmates in- sured. he having & $200 risk on his household ae about This butiding is owned by Edward Gillon, thy poe Hpk oi tlt: he uke ‘tnvinsurance of 6,000, in meen aud United States Insur- ance compani The tre wae of such a nature, and, being locatea in the rear of the streets and only re ear by narrow alleyways, it is surprising that it was not more disastrous, The several families who were so suddenty turned from their dwelit places, losing, in the majority of cases, all their effects, were cared for by the neighbors. At one time fears were enter- tained that the building Nos. 112 and 114 Leroy street, known as the St. Joseph's school, would take fire, but the height of its roof above the a buildings soon dispelled that alarm. The origin the fire is unknown, but the stable wherein it origi- nated had not been entered since early morning, and its occupant is at a loss to know how it occurred, ~WAVAL INTELLIGENCE, A despatch received at the Navy Department yes- terday morning from Rear Admiral Hoi, command- ing the North Atlantic squadron, dated flagship Contoocook, Havana, January 1, says that the vessel is in excellent condition. It is his desire to visit other points of the command tn the flagship, but the Consul General reports that the excitement con- tinues on shore. Gett: em| in convoying the cane omnes Key. est and Havana. burg wae ‘The Pepobscot was cruising On the coast of Colom- hips Pantie was stationed at Aspinwall during the early part of December. She conveyed Hon. Caleb ‘s cruising tn Haytien waters, Rey ee district, Commodore i, vice and H. M. Welles [ee teas nederea > toe fival Heapital in New York. Paymaster J. H. Looker has been ordered to duty a8 Inspector of Provisions Wy Foose ae to ‘accounts, to duty cITY POLITICS. The Republican Split—Meeting of thg Rival Committces—Separate Organization of Each—Fenton the Chosen of Twenty-Necond Street—Peace and Nes-Committal on Twen ty-Third Street. ‘The first week in January has, from time imme- morial, been adopted as the period at which the several party divisions of our city perfeeted their Dolitical organization and machinery. Heretofore the many-colored ‘‘flerce democracie” engaged pub- llc attention about this time by parading their petty feuds and rivairies, and the contest between Tam- many, Mozart, Cooper Union, hardshells, hiinkérs, barnburners, contests in which blackened eyes, blooay noses and broken bones constitued the principal effect of the striking arguments em- ployed, are still in everybody’s mind. The dey mocracy, however, have overeome this pugilistia stage of their growth, and alll things considered, are demeaning themselves more gentlemanly than many had aright to expect. But it seems that it is the intention of the republican party, or at least the ruling radical portion of it, to step into the shoes of the “unterrified” and “unwashed” and to get up @ row at every primary and a mighty fuss af. every committee meeting. This ts no vain assump- tion; for the proceedings last night of the two bodies, each claiming to be the simon pure repre. sentative head of the republican party of this city, were such a8 to justify this belief. It ig well known that in the early beginning of the quarrel between “Andy” Johnson and Congress, while the President was still unhampered by Ten- ‘| ure of OMice laws and other restrictive measures of Congress, a certain number of “conservative” ti om of the emen, bolding fat President, and their aided with the ap- pointing power—the source of their lucrative em- ployment—and were nicknamed ‘conservative re- publicans.” These held control of the central or- eee cat haat ie oa pia od way. ol generally, those who were out ‘of omes Last fall, however, a tempaesey poe enim rons peswom, them, and jointly pitched into Seymour, and rebels, and worked ‘tke iho Siamese Twins for the election of Grant and Colfax. The election over, the “‘pipe of peace” was thrown away, the battleaxe ts swupgghigh in the air and banner of “war to the knife and ner war, the knife to the hilt,” is unfurled in the camp of each of the conten: hosts. On the 29th of cember last each of these organizations held pri- elections for delegates to their res; mittees, and these selennins met yesterday evening, each set at ita designated hall, for the purposes of ganization. 01 \. by Amol é knowing ones it was whispered, almost atnohe several con that tap would be sprung by a certain clique, said to be under the leadership of Waldo Hute! and the organization usurped in delegates had been pre! |, and if the temporar; organization was Sareet ice this clique they hoped by means of a committee of their own selection to introduce most of the contestants and thus secure to themselves the control of the com- mittee and whatever of influence it This was a SECOND STREET COMMITTEE. d_ Fenton Ke trol ‘an cont ¢ OF to resist the attempt, oni ney looked around for a crafty leader, able and oe rienced in chicanery, to cope with the clique. ey hiton “Charley” r, and it was arranged that ogy afternoon, at five o’ciock, a caucus should cide upon a plan of operations: ‘Five o'clock’ came ie upon a plan of oj ve o’c! _ ‘he "room at the Hoffman House hired for thrown out, so that Charley Spencer felt compelled to appeal to the meeting not to expose the dirty linen of the committee to be washed in public. FENTON POR SENATOR. Mr. Ira 0. Miller moved the following resoiution:— in no longer, and, though keeping his audience adroitly in the dark as to which side ne favored, he exhorted the committee to approach this “mowen- tous question” with dignity order, as the repre- sentatives of the repul per of the city as conscientious exponents of will of their constitu- ts, not with “Southern confusion, disturbance excused from position in which he was and also that the committee was yet in an ‘inc! stace,’ and that the question already Legisiacure.” Fol- lowing this statement with a which be taken in favor of both Fenton and Morgan, ‘the wily r withdrew his request to be excused yeas and nays were asked for, but the vote was taken by acclamation and decided by the chair to carry the resolution in the affirmative, whereu; John Ellery called for three cheers for given, and then, in reply, William P. called for ‘three cheers for and bag but Fenton,” which were also loudly responded to. In of wus jon the meeting was declared ad- journed by thé chair. THE TWENTY-THIRD STREET COMMITTER. Here the proceedings were harmonious and went the even tenor of the way of peace, tho’ occa- sionally the slumbering em! of wrath broke forth just “the Twenty-second street fellows.” Johv ‘eyser Was appointed temporary chairman, with Messrs. he the James R. Davis and A. J. Plumb as sec! credentials of delegates being in order, all were handed in without oppo- sition, except those from the Fourth di whence 9 ing delegates were lance. When this as 1 ow wore made, as “We le Known, Paes Rend’ edition of Twenty-second atreet, “Carrying water on both shoulders,’ ‘Border ruf- fans.” “Carrying airty water,” and the like; but the question was at last referred to a committee, which subsequently reported in iavor of the original set, and the report was adopted. ‘The following per- on - fon cd a Henry J. mond; Vice and &. Deiatield Kmith; m funds—no funds, aid one of the delegates—was ee ae meet ned for two weeks, quite a relieving meeting feature m was that whem in the ab- sence of Mr, Raymond, Mr. Booth took the chair. ‘The meet rose and mane. 2 song,» remaining one falton’i unaing hymn, The, estonia foul, ion of the Twenty-second street committee was once or twice referred to at this mec amid gene- ral | ter and ridicule. Thus the two hosts are marsl (for fat pickings and Jet them uow ‘at each other in warwhoup style and “make the fur fy.” THE WEW Unsuccessful Attempt to Arrest Horse Thieves Three Policemen Shot. Gananoque, Ont., Jan. 7, 1869. Last night @ party of four policemen proceeded to the house of a noted character named Chapman to cause his arrest, @nd also that of -“Carry’’ Chase, for