The New York Herald Newspaper, February 4, 1869, Page 3

_ WASHINGTO Fashionable Gayeties in the Capital. THE PRESIDENT’S SECOND RECEPTION. BRILLIANT WEDDING IN HIGH LIFE. Mysterious Frauds on the Treasury Department. Passage or the Consular Appropriation Bill in the Senate. Discussion on the Internal Revenue Bill in the House. Abolition of Duration Limit to the Income T2x. WASHINGTON, Eeb. 3, 1869. Second Heception of the Senson at the White House. Last night, although very stormy and inclement, ‘was couspicuously brilliant among the votaries of fashion. Besides balls and parties at many private mansions the President and his daughters received at the White House and the Knights Templars gave @ merry carnival at Willard’s. Up to midnight car- Yiages fitted hither ana thither through the driving rain and snow, and the belated pedestrian as he trudge’ through slush heard at intervals the merry hum of voices, blended with the soft strains of in- stramental music. The joyousness within doors made ample amends for the tempestuous character of the night without. At the Executive Mansion the President and his daughters held thelr second levee of the season. At eight o’clock,the doors of the White House were opened, Owing to the unfavorable weatner very few persons ventured out ox foot, and, therefore, no crowd wai‘ed under the portico, to rush in as the doors swung open. Soon after eight o’clock car- riages began to arrive, and the parlors gradually filed with the most distinguished and fashionable | Texidents of the capital. As the rooms were not so densely crowded, as is generally the case at the Presidential receptions, the visitors enjoyed a greater degree of comfort. The East Room and the Jong halls afforded ample space for promenading—a kind of entertainment much in vogue on these occasions, ‘The President received his guests at the door of the Blue Room, and the ladies, who stood on his Tight, repeated the welcome. Here, as the callers file slowly through the door of the Blue Room, it is interesting to observe the greetings that pass be- tween them and the Chief Magistrate of the nation. Every ition of life is seen in the throng that presses towards the President, Each person, distin- guished or humble, whether richly and fashl onably attired or dressed in the plainest garb of poverty, receives the same hearty and sincere greeting. The humblest citizen is as graciously welcomed as the Most distinguished dignitary, The display of elegant dresses last evening was remarkably imposing, and the number of ladies ‘present was greater than usual. The President was assisted in receiving by Mra, Stover and Miss Cur- tin, daughter of ex-Governor Curtin, of Pennsyl- vania. Among the visitors were Secretary and Mrs, McCulloch, Secretary Seward, Attorney General and Mrs. Evarts, Secretary Browning and daughter, gnd Miss O'Bannon; Secretary Welles, Senator and Dixon and daughters, Senator and Mrs. Norton, Senator Nye, Senator Ross, M. Cerruti, the Italian Minister; Sefior Vallés, of the Spanish Legation; Mr. Baltazzi, Secretary of the Turkish Legation; Baron Gerolt, the Prussian Minister; Count Turenne and Vicomte d’Aulan, of the French Legation, and a large representation of army and navy oilicers, with ‘their ladies. The Ball and Reception of the Templar. ‘The ball-and reception of the Grand Knights Tem- plars, Washington Commandery, No. 1, was held last might at Willard’s Hotel, The attendance was very large, the ladies being unusually numerous, and arrayed in dresses of style and fashion perfectly be- wildering. The halls, reception rooms and dancing floor were jammed with the moving mass of humanity, and it was almost impossible 10 make room for quadrilles or waltzes for the benefit of those fond of the “light fantastic.” ‘The dancing hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion, Heald’s brass and string band occupy- ing an elevated position in the centre and furmish- ing the necessary music. At haif-past nine the pro- gramme of the evening was opened by the grand entrée, “Knights Templars March,” played by the band; the dancing being subsequently introducea and continuing until twelve o'clock, when supper was announced, and in the hall adjoining forthwith ali repaired and discussed the good things with which the tables were laden. J. B. Will, Eminent Commander of the Washington Commandery, occu- Pied the head of the table, with the veteran B. B. French on his right, and Emanuel Corbett, of Baltl- more Commandery, No, 2, upon his left. Full and ample justice was done to the splendid banquet, at the conclusion of which dancing was resumed and kept up to the amall hours, Sensation in Fashionable Circles—Marringe of ¥ General Comstock. ‘The event which the world of fashion, as repre- sented at the national capital, has long louked for- ‘ward to with expectations of great gratifjcation, the marriage of General Cyrus B. Comstock, Engineer Officer on General Grant's staf, to Miss Elizabeth Blair, daughter of Montgomery Blair, took place this evening. The fashionable season in Washington compared favorably, as regards spirit, eciat and briliiancy, with that of any of the largest and wealthi- eat cities of the country, The sound of enjoy- ment 18 almost without intermission. Balls, parties, sotrces (musical and dansante), receptions, dinner parties, private theatricals and tabieaux follow each other in quick succession; but the occasion on which the beauty and fashion of this exceedingly fashionable city appears to be in the acme of their enjoyment is when a wedding occurs, as in the present instance, among the very créme de tt créme of theie select circles, General Cyrus B, Comstock, a8 before stated, is an oMicer of the Engi- neer corps United States Army, and has been a member of General Grant's stat’ from an early weriod of the war, @ position which he has filea with distinguished merit. He has hitherto resided with General Grant, and enjoys the General's fullest confidence, Miss Elizabeth Blair, the bride, ts a charming young lady, and has been for some time past one of the brightest ornaments of Washington society. Miss Blair is the daughter of Montgomery Blair by his first wife, -Caroline Buckner Blair. After the death of her mother she was taken into the famuy of her grandfather, Frank P. Blair, Sr, Where she has since resided. The following are the bridesmaids selected for the bride:—First, Miss Minna Blair, the bride's sister; second, Miss M. Beck, of Kentucky, the bride's cousin; third, Miss Violet Blair, bride's cousin; fourth, Miss Rosa Sands; fifth, ‘Miss Christine D. Blair, bride’s cousin and daughtor of General F. P. Plair. The names of the grooms- men who officiated on the occasion are as follows:— First, General J. W. Turner, of the Subsistence De- partment, United States Army; second, General Alfred H. Terry, United States Army; third, General Adam Badeau, of General Grant’s stat; fourth, Colonel Charies N. Graves, Thirty-fourth infantry; Ath, Mr. William Ail Lee, Lands Granted to the Burlington and Miss sourt River Railrond. The Commissioner of the General Laud Office has Kaights submitted to the Secretary of the Interior for ap- Proval Lists Nog, 48 to 46, inclusive, Containing 1 the aggregate 91,958.acres of lands selected by the State of lowa under acta of Congress approved May 15, 1856, and June 2, 1864, “to aid in.the con- struction of the Burlington and Missouri River Rail. road,” The Pacific Railroad Jobs. ‘The Senate Committee on Pacific Railroads held a meeting this morning to finish the details of the business which cccupied thetr attention last evening. Senator Howard took the charge of drafting the bill and to have it ready for the meeting on Friday, when ite provisions will be again discussed, and at ® special session on Monday next finally deter- mined on, The length of each of the five roads em- braced in the bill is, in round numbers, as follows:— Humboldt branch, 600; Shreveport, 300); Union Pacific, Eastern division, 300; Northern Pacific, 1,700; Atlantic and Pacific, 2,000—total, 4,800 miles of rail- way. The rate of interest on the bonds of ‘These roads was fixed at six per cent, payable in currency, and running for thirty years. The govern- ment secures itaelf for the payment of the interest In the manner already stated in the HERALD of to-day. The members of the Senate from the Southern Statea are ail in favorofthe Atlantic and Pacific road on the thirty-fifth paraliel and supporters générally of every legitimate railroad enterprise before Congress. They say the great necessity of the South is a railroad system. The Union Pacific line is of no earthly benetit to them, and they compiain that aJl the powerful in- fluence of that Wealthy corporation is at the bottom of this opposition to any government aid being granted to the projected lines on and below the thirty-ffth parallel. This opposition Gevelopgd itself in the committee, whgre the contest over the question of guaranteeing the interest was of the bitterest character, and the question was only decided in the end by a vote of five to four, two membérs being absent. Senator Howard spoke strongly against the principle of the proposition, but, itis safd, would have voted in its favor if the vote bad been a tic, as the Northern Pacific Railroad forms one in the combimation of lines and deeply concerns the interests of the State of Michigan, from whence the Senator nails; but the Northern Pacific would be left out in th ld if the olhers had been defeated in the object of receiving government aid, as all were included in the one com- dination. The bill will hardly pass this session. There is too little time left to permit its running the regular course of debate through both Houses. The Alaska Frauds Investigation. The alleged Alaska frauds investigation was con tinued to-day before the House Committee on Public Expenditures. Mr. Frederick P, Stanton was ex- amined at lengtn relative to Robert J. Walker's statement as to a certain newspaper correspondent’s effort to obtain a slice of the plunder. Mr. Stanton confirmed all that was previously related by Mr. Walker on the subject, inciuding the threatened kicking should the correspondent dare to make a corrupt offer to the ex-Governor and ex-Secretary of the Treasury. Mr. Stanton’s testimony is sald to be quite spicy, showing how certain newspaper men make a business of hunting up jobs i which there is money, 80 as to come in for a share of it under threats of exposure if not silenced by golden con- siderations. A Chapter from the Secret Tistory of Stan- tows Administration. There is considerable talk here still about the Stanton order to General Banks to relieve General Grant of his command before the capture of Vicks- burg. It is understood that Bémks hesita‘es to pub- lsh all he knows about the subject through delicacy. He does not relish the idea of being the instrument of showing a scandalous chapter in the secret his- tory of Stanton’s administration of the War Depart- ment. Some of his friends say that if he should give the papers in his possession to the public he might also bring upon himself the hostility of Wendell Phillips, who hates Grant, and would pitch into Banks for not taking step which would have prevented Grant from be- coming General-in-Chief and Presideat. Another radical wing, too, would pitch into him for injuring the Stanton interest, which of course would suffer by the development of any information that the “American Carnot” really aid plot to destroy Grant as he did a dozen other gencrais, This is the fix in which General Banks finds litmself, It is due to him to state that he bas had no hand in unearthing the curious development, all the information on the sub- ject having so fay emanated from Grant’s friends. It is not fair, therefore, to accuse General Banks of having let the secret out now, with a view to helping himself into Grant’s Cabinet. Removal of Political Disabilities. Thus far political disabilities have been removed by Congress from about one hundred persona. There are three or four hundred applications now pending before the Committee on Reconstruction asking for similar favor. One-third of them are from Virginia. Shrewd Attempt to Defraud the Government. Some time since a ietter was recetved at the office of the Treasurer of the United States from the Re- ceiver of the United States Land Office at Bayfeid, Wis, announcing that in accordance with instruc- tions he had mailed to Richard V. Clinton, banker, at Washington, D. 0." the eum of $1,075, the writer enclosing a certificate of the Register testifying to the same. As no letter had been sent from the de- partment conveying any such istructions the matter at once excited careful attention for the purpose of frustrating any frauds in- tended to be imposed upon the government; and also to seoure from dishonest parties whatever amounts might have been sent in accordance with these instructions, and which, without being seen at the Treasurer’s office, were at once regarded as forgeries, A package containing checks, amounting to over $6,000, which had not been called for and addressed, as stated in the Register’s letter, to the ‘Treasurer, was found at the Post Ofice in this city, and measures taken which secured the government from much loss in that case. A few days later an other letter was received here from the same official, enclosing the Register’s certificate of money mailed to Richard V, Clinton, amounting to over $1,300. The amounts nated in both retters were duly received at the Post Ofice here, and, although not immediately given, delivered to the ‘Treasury authorities, and means were taken to prevent any loss whatever to the government. Anagent of the department was made acquainted with ali the facts of the case and despatched to Deerfleld. After an interview with the Receiver he obtained the pretended instructions to which the Receiver alluded in his letter to the department, and which he had accepted as genuine, ‘These were enclosed in @ white envelope addressed to the Register and Receiver at Bayfleld, on the right hand of which was printed, “Comptrotier’s office, oficial business,’ and franked with a signa- ture purporting to be that of R. W. Taylor, the First Comptroller, The forged tnstructions were written in astraggling hand on a sheet of fooiscap, and say:— With a view to reducing the expense of depositing the public moneys it has been ordered by the Honorable Secretary of this department that re- celvers of public moneys remotely situated froin the depositories be instructed to forward the funds b, mail, Therefore it is directed that the register an recelver will from time to time count the funds in the latter's eye} and when the same shall amount to $1,000 and upwards they shall imme- diately be placed in a rf, hrbngg on and mailed to the address of Ric! . Clinton, banker, Washington. The receiver will pay the postage on each package, and in Ins account, as disbursing agent, cl the United States the same. The register will be present when the package is mailed, and give the regular certificates in triplicate as per form herewith enclosed on similar paper and in same handwriting. The above 14 in the present Cg! of placin, the moneys in the hands ti the United Beaten Trew. surer has been adopted for the reason that the gov- erment is now paying over three per cent on the average for every dollar depostied by receivers dis- tant from the depositories. To this ts appended the forged signature of the First Comptroller, while there is endorsed upon the back of the letter what purports to be in the hand- writing of General Spinner, and a bungling attempt at copying his autograph, a statement to the effect that he had examined the within and approved the same; and also suggesting that the register and re- ceiver be allowed compensation for their trouble, The whole matter bears evidence of having been prepared by some one who is familiar with the business of the department, though not sufictentiy so to enable him to enter more fully into details, The checks which were received from the OMce Department, although endorsed payable to order of Richard V. Clinton, were paid by she drawees at New York on the aasur- ‘nce of the Treasurer that he would hold them Wwariniegs on the transaction. When the amounts, Including United States checks, were recovered from the Post Omice here they were placed by the Trea- surer to the credit of the receiver who had been im- Posed upon, About the tme the above letters were received at Washington a party named Henry W. V. Clinton was arrested at Panama, on a charge of passing forged bills of exchange, and it 1s surmised that he may be the same party that sent the fraudu- lent instructions to the receiver. +The package of checks was tn the post office here some days, and it was owing to the absence of Clinton from the city that they were recovered by the government, ‘The sensat‘on in the House to-day was the produc- tion by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the two recusant witnesses—Florence Scannel and Henry Johnson— arrested on charge of contemptof the axthonty of the House in refusing to testify before the Election — Fraud Committee, These are the first parties ar- rested under a warrant from the Speaker since the famous Wooley was brougut to the bar for refusing to testify before Butier’s commiitee. Scapnel is @ thick set man, and auswered the Speaker's inter- rogatories with am air redolent of the Bowery boy as secn on the stage. Johnson was Jess bold, and, indeed, doubtiess somewhat frightened; but still he bore himseif with remarkable composure consider- ing the noise and contusion al! around him, Bot witnesses are in the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms and wiil remain there until they appear be‘ore the commilice to-inbtvow. For the present they are at the Capito!, ot Party at General Batler’s. Generai Butler has extended card: a fashion- able patty to be given at his residence on Tuesday evening next, Post Office Contracts Award. Posfmaster General Randall has made awards on prop@als submitted under advertisement to supply the @partwwent for the ensuing year at the foliow- ing rates:—Letter balances, $4 for the large ones and 70 cents fur the small from 1,200 to 1,500 may be required, Eighteen thousand reams of wrapping paper, 22 pounds to the ream, $2 15 per rejm;for the large sized paper, 55 pounds to the rou, $5 45 per ream, One hundred and tweaty twousand pounds of cotton twine, 83 cents per pound. ‘twenty-five thousands pounds coarse bemp twine, ® cents per pound, Railroad Land Bounties. The Secretary of the Interior, in reply to @ resolu- Hon of the Senate, says the. aggregated quantity of lands certified under existing Jaws tor railroads and wagon roads to States, Ternitortes and corporatioas up to January 30, 1867, is 21,561,000 acres, and for canals nearly 4,500,000 acres. The quantity certified tothe following named States since that date is as follows:— Minnesota, for railroads. California, for rauroads. 26,090 Wisconsin, for Wagon roads. 72,000 Oregon, for wagon roads. 19,000 Michigan, Jor canals.... + 280,000 Making a grand total of 27,000,000 acres, General Hancock and the Politicians. In reference to the statements which have ap- peared in the papers during the last few days to the efiect that General Hancock’s name has been mentioned by a portion of the press of Pennsyl- vania as candidate for Governor of that State at the next election, tt may be stated that it has been well known here for several months that General Hancock has persistently refused to become a can- didate for that ofiice or to interfere with the local Politics of his State so long as he may remuin in the army. Consolidation of Army Bureaus. An order has been issued from the War Depart- ment summoning a number of general officers of the army to come to this city for the purpose of pre- senting their views to the Committee on Military Affairs in regard to the proposed consolidation of army staff bureaus, The nature of the business on which their presence is required is intimated to them in the order, that they may come prepared for exam- ination. It is understood from very good authority that General Grant favors a material reduction in the number of officers in the different bureaus rather than the consolidation of those bureaus. Supreme Court Proceedings. In the Supreme Court of the United States to-day the following causes were argued:— Nos. 65 and 66, Cases of the steamer Siren.—Argu- ment concluded, No. 67. Pierce et al. vs. Brown.—Proceeding in equity to obtain a decree declaring void a deed to certain lands in Nebraska. Case subinitted, No. 68. The City of New Orleans vs. The New York Mail Steamship Company.—Case continued to next term. No, 70. Butler vs. Crowitz.—Case in equity con- cerning title to certain lands in Maryli Cause submitted. No. 71. Litchfield vs. Dubuque and Pacific Rail- road Company.—Action for the recovery of real property in Jowa. Submitted by plaintiff in error and argued on the part of deftendanis. It is said to be probable that the docket will be calied as high as No, 100 within the next two weeks. General Grant on Impartial Suffrage. (Washington (Feb. 2) correspondence of the Boston Advertiser.) General Grant in conversation this morning took square ground in favor of the principle of impartial suffrage. He seemed to have some doubt about the power of Congress to regulate sutfrage by law, but said that there could be no sound objection to submits @ constitutional amendment to the people. He spoke of the one passed by the House on Saturday as embodying the right idea, but expressed no opimon on the language therein chosen, He said explicitly that the prin- ciple of impartial suffrage ts right in itself, and added that as we have through the reconstruction acts Imposed negro suifrage on the Southern States it is only falr that the Northern States should give the ballot to their own colored citizens. He thought the question at issue bad better be disposed of as soon as possible, so as to take a disturbing element out of our affairs, and indicated a hope that the smendment would be passed by Congress before (ue end of (ue present sessiva. THE FORTIETH CONGRES3. ‘Third Session. SENATE. ° WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 1869, NEW YORK AND ANTWERP STRAMSHIP COMPANY. Mr. CoNKLING, (rep.) of N. Y., presented @ memo- rial of the New York and Antwerp Steamship Com- pany. WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE. Mr. Stoner, (rep.) of Mase., presented @ petition of citizens of Lexington, Ohio, in favor of woman suffrage, Referred to the Committee on the Judi- clary. BILLS INTRODUCED. Mr. Mornitt, (rep.) of Me., from the Committee on Appropriations, reported a bill providing for the payment of salaries of empioyés in the Patent Omice for January and February, and moved its immediate consideration, Mr. PesseNDey, (rep.) of Me., objected. Mr. Ross, (rep.) of Kansas, introduced a bill to en- courage the growth of forest trees. Referred w the Committee on Public Lands, Mr, CONKLING untroduced a bill to encou the poy by! steamships ta the United States, fer. red to the Committee on Finance, ‘The bill provides that all steamships heretofore ‘built and registered in the United States, or which may be built in the United States within five ye: shail be released from the payment of all dues an taxes to the United States so long as they are em- ployed in transporting the United States mai ta compensation not exceeding the amount of oceau ‘and inland post , and exempts all material used in their construction or equipment from payment of yi ag ot Geneon fe troduced a bill » WILLIAMS, ) int for the relief of {niabitante of cities and towns in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, Referred to the Committee on Public Lands, AMENDMENTS TO THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM. Mr. TROMBULL, (rep.) of [i., from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported back, with amendments, the bill recently introauced by him to amend the judictary system of the United States. As amended in the committee it reads a8 follows:— Bo it enacted, &c., That the Supreme Court of the Un! States shall herealter conaiat of the Uhiot Justice of the Uni Biates and eight associate justices, any six of whom shal) constitute a quérum ; and for this there shall be ap ted ial Justice of eatd court. ‘That for each of the nine existing judictal cin cuits there shall be appointed & circuit judge, wno shail re aide in his clroult und shall possess the name power and jurte. diction ‘Aa the justices of the Supreme Court allotted to the elreuit. the cireult courts in each cirewit shall be held by the Justice of the Supreme Court allotted to the oir by the cireuit ¢ Of the circuit, or by the district Judge of the district sitting alone, or by any two o a {ing together. | And such courte may be held at we in the diferent distriota of the « ‘one such court may be held at the ie, pits eireult judges abalt of $5) Seo. & That nothing in this act receive an annual sainry all affect the yore of Judy the juuation Supreme Court a igra of the ciromit court, @: ment of clerks of the elronit courts, Whied 10 GHeh eHouit shail be appointed by the el confined in one of the comfortable cumuitlee rooms | Fx cut judge of shal ctreal clerks of ‘had be ibs bres: respectively, Sppdnted bi hereof Sko. & tha Wt shail be tho auiy of each justice of the Supreme Cow ie attend oh least one term of the circuit court in esch district of bis circuit during every period of two years, BILLS REPORTED PROM THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, Mr. TRUMBULL, from the ‘radiclarMbomnmatitee, re- Ported favarably a bill to provide for the execution of Judgmens in capital cases (published January 12), and adverstiy on a number of bills relating to the Judiciai sysem aud practice; among them Mr. Wu- sou’s to re:ganize the Supreme Court by increas- ing the nunber of justices to fourteen and changing the judicia circuits, and Mr, Morton’s to conform the rules pract! d pleading in the United States Couts to the laws of the respective States, and the Hiuse bili to amend the act creating the Eastern Juticial District of New York. BIDGING THE DELAWARS RIVER, Mr. Cua*pLex, (rep.} of Mich., from the Commit. tee on Conmerce, reported, with an amendment, the bill wiWug the consent of the United States to the a ertr of @ bridge across the Detaware, be- tween Cauceu apd Phuigde.phia, , SALE OF GOVERNMENT ARSENALS, Mr, Wrisoy, (rep.) of Maza. from the Military Comm!ttee reported, with an amendment, the bill aloy of the act providing for the gale of the arsenal griunds at St. Louts and Liberty, Mo. AIENDMENT TO TH CONSTITUTION, Mr. HARSER, (rep,) of S ‘ntroduced a jotpt re- solution proposiug the following amendment w the Comsticutian:—' Antiche 5, The right of citizens of the United States to hold ollice alll not be denied or abridgad by the Uuited States OF any Stateon account o: Froperty, race, color oF pI col ‘every raale citizen of the United he GF O¥er, AUG Who i$ Of ound cuions ih the State in riod of one year y hereafter tea Staiee, on, fe.ony or other Congress shall have power to enforce thia arti- isiation, A INDIAN WAR CLAIMS. Mr. Gniaks, (rep.) of lowa, offered a resolotion directing {he Secretary of the Interior to furnish a lst of claims and claimants for compensation for | vepredwiteus commuttea by indiads in North. Western [Wa during 1557 and since. Adopted, y MESSENGURS AND CUI Y, (rep.) of Minn, offered a providing for the payment of me &G, employed by the Senate tor the re to Deceiver last. RELIEF OF MARGARET HALL, On motion of Mr. HENDMICKS, (dem.,) of Ind,, the Senate took up the bill for the relief of Margaret Hail, which Was discussed uutil the expiration of the worning hoar, she penaie then resumed the consideration of the CONSULAR AND DIPLOMATIC APPROTRIATION BILL. Mr, BUCKALEW, (dem.) of Pa., renewed hs motion to swike out the appropriation of $2,500 to carry into-eiect tae trealy for the suppression ot tie Afri¢un slave trade, and advocaved it briefly. He (hougit the senate had made these appropriations Jor noting lohg enough. Mr. Parrexson, (rep.) of N. H., also favorea the motion. He had ascertamed, since the depate of yesterday, that it was not al! true that the United States ever Kept a fleet on the coast of Africa for the enforcement of this treaty, but only occasionally sent a vessel or two down there from the European squadron. Mr, MorRiLt, of Me., restated his view of the ob- ligations o1 the treaty. MP VOOLITTLE, (dem.) of Wis., moved to add to be clause making the appropriation the follow- Provided, further, that no part of the mone: by appror prigled endil be artwu trom the ‘Treasury pay the Brest. dent of the United States shail, on application to the goreru- ment.of Great Britain, become satisied that such govera- meat objects to the aiscontinuauce of the mixed courts pro- viued for by the treaty before the time fixed for their termina- thon by such treaty. Mr. SUMNEX again eloquently urged the Senate to stand by the treaty, or, if the time had come for ats ter tion, to terminate it in the regular way. He would remind the Senator from New Hampshire (Mr. Patterson) that before the treaty New York was a mere den of siave traders, and in conclusion repeated tue expression of his profound regret that any Sena- ‘tar#fould be found ready and willing to strike down a made for 80 glorious an object. x ‘ PATTERSON, O1 N, H.—If the Senator from Mas- its had not treated us to another feast of empty eloquence, { certainly would not speak again on subject; but that Senator persists 1 stgina- tizing me as seeking to strike down a treaty which keeps the Africen siave trade of the sea. ‘That isan entire misrepresentation of my purpose, and he 1ust not expect me to sit here quietly and be abused and calumniated by hum or any other Senator in tuis hal. 1 care not what his position is, it does not justify him in such a course, and I will net eager d endure it, Calling names setiies nothing. Why, sir, 1 might select a Senutor here aad cail nim the most patient of aniimais with a parcel of books on his shoulder, deeming himself the national dire but that would not make him so. My object in ottering this amendment is to save to the govern- iment twelve thousand dollars a year. We have ready paid out over one hundred thousand dollars for the support of these courts, which have accom- plished absolutely nothing ior the mupprestion of the slave trade or any other object, as | know from a member of the court. The slave trade 1s dead, and 4 honor ali the instrumentalities by which that great consummation was secured. I honor the efforts of the gentleman from Massachusetts in that direction, but | capnot quietly alow him to stigmatize me as a ériend to slavery or the slave trade because f have a this motion in the interest of nattonal economy. jn our oficial position hereave are peers, and | do ‘pot think itis ia good taste for any man, I do not care Waat his position im the Senate or before the eountry ts, to atvempt to lord it over other Senators % 2, play the dictator, and 1, for one, will not ea- jure it. Mr. HENDRICKS said that the Senator from Mas- sachusetts suil insisted that this appropriation was for the suppression of the slave trade; that was his capital in (ue discussion, but the matter reaily had nothing to do with the suppression of the slave trade, The question before the Senate was simply whetuer certain gentlemen should be supported out of + peopie’s money without doing anything to jt earn Mr. N. WHYTE, (dem.) of Me., said that he had been opposed to the trealy wicn it was first suggested, because he was opposed to allowing foreign vessels to board American vessels under any circumstances; but the treaty being inade was binding, and should be carried out untii terminated or changed. He then moved An amendment requesting the rresident to ask Great Britain to put an end to that part of the treaty which requires each government to keep up mixed courts, aud providing that if taat goverument consent the saiaricg of tne oMicers of the United States connected with said courts shail cease. ‘this was adopted as an ameudment to the proposi- tion of Mr. Doolitue, wich, so amended, was agreed to. ‘The Senate then voted on the motion of Mr. Bucka- lew w strike out from the bill the paragraph as amended, Wich Was lost by @ vote of 15 yeas and 37 nays. . ir, PATTERSON, of N. H., offered an amendment providing that im collecting consular fees foreign moneys shall be taken at the rates provided in tue ‘Treasury schedule. Adopted. Mr. ScMNe, from the Committee on Foreign Re- ations, offered amendments—one increasing the salary of the Minister Kesident at the Argentine re- public because of his appointment aiso to the repub- jc of Uruguay, aad another appropriating $1,000 for ihe Seg of the Protesiant cemetery of Acapuico, Adopted. Mz, LAMSEY movedl an amendment to send a con- sul to Winnipeg, Seikirk settlement, Adopted, Mr. PoMBROY, (rep.) of Kan., movefl to add an ad- ditional section, provided that all consuis and con- sular agents Who are neither native nor naturalized citizens shali be diswissea watuin thirty days alter the passage of this act. It was lost. ‘fhe bill was then passed, PRIVILEGED STATBMENT. Mr. WILLIAMS rose to @ question of privilege and called altention to a statement made yesterday by a member of tue House to show the absurdity of the Tenure of Uitice act, to wi! That the postmaster at Portland, Oregon, was in prison for speculation, yet tre President could not remove him, because it did not suit the Senate to aliow his removal. This statement, Mr, Williams said, Was untrue in every particular, the postinaster in quesiton having been removed, tried and convicted, and his successor haviug been nominated and confirmed promptly. THE TENURE OF OFFICE ACT. Mr. GriMes thought this an opportune time to ask the Senator (Mr. Williams) when the committee would report the bill to repeal the Tenure of Office law which had been referred to it. The PResipeNt—That 18 no part of the business before the Senate. Mr. Gximes—then I give notice that if that com- mittee does no: bri it up before tue Senate | shail call it up at an early day, Mr. WILLIAMS said he was not the chairman of the committee, but he believed ere would call up the bill as son as he could have an opportu. nity. CONSIDERATION OF THE commerrorionan AMEND- MENT. Mr. STRWART, (rop.) of Nev., moved to take up the pending constitutional amendment. Mr. SUBRMAN, (Tep.) Of Olio, moved to take up the Currency bill. ‘Mr. MORTON, (rep.) of Ind., was in favor of taki up the amendment because if it were to be acve: upon by the State Legisiatures this winter the action b god upon it could not be | deiyed. Mr. ORIEL (FeD.) of Vt., pi to take up the Finance bil. The need for action in that direction was pressing, and the time in which it could be had at this session was vey brief, aidancat quolion of very’ utile mmportance con nancial questio et e 1 ce com: with the constituwonal amendment establish ag the rights of man. Besides the amendment re- quired & two-thirds vote, and there inight not be such a vote in favor of it in the next Mouse of Repre- sentatives, ‘The Senate then voted to take up the constitu. tional amendment—yeas 35, nays 20. Mr. SHERMAN moved to postpone it temporarily, and take up the Currency bill. © 5 Mr. SHBRMAN then moved to postpone the Currency bili until to-morrow, Carried. ‘On motion of Mr. Srgwarr the Senate resumed the consideration of the constitutional amendment as passed by the House, Mr, Sr8WARw moved to amend by striking out the first section and substituting that reported by the senate Judiciary Commitee :— The right of citizens of the United States to rote and holt office shail not be denied or Mbridged by the Unived States or by any Stale Ob account of race, color, of previous condition of gerwitude Mr, WiLLLAMS Moved to insert before “citizens”? \ the words “natural born.” Mr, DOoLIT#L.8 Suggested that “native horn” would NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1869.-TRIPLE SHEET. “east le ie oon : be better, but Mr. Williams did not accept the amendment. ‘Mr. BUCKALEW offered the following, to be added at the end:— ‘he fevegoing pumandmes shall be submitted for ratifica- tion to the: of the several States, the most nume- branches ‘shall be chosen next after the tage of this resolation ud Mr. HOWARD, (rep.) of Mich., offcred the following 45 a substitute tor joint resolution reported b; ludictary Committee:— f . c Inited States, of African descent, shall hive ihe haeaatight te vole tard odd Gales ee eater sitioens Mr. CORBETT, (rep.) of Oregon, moved to add:— But Chinamen not in the United States and Indians ol taxed shall not be deemed as made citizens. ‘These and other amendments offered were ordered to be printed, ‘BRRY, (rep.) of Conn., being entitled to the floor on the amendment, moved to adjourn, and 80 a: haif-past four the Senate adjourned, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE: WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 1869, ELECTION IN MISSISSIPPI. Mr. Beck, (dem.) of Ky., introduced a bill provid- ing for the holding of an electionin Mississipp!. Re- terred to the Committee on Reconstruction. 74S INTERIOR DEPARTMENT STATIONERY CONTRACT. Mr. ELA, (rep.) of N. H., from the Committee on Printing, reported a jomt resolution in relation to the stationery contract of the Interior Department with Dempsey & O'Toole, It directs the Secretary of the Interior not to receive or make payment for 800,000 sheets of bond paper, claimed to have been ordered at $24,000; to withhold the payment of $2,380 for printing 17,000 patent heads, the work not hav- ing been performed. Also, to withhold the value of 4,000 sueets of bond paper, at eight cents per sheet, how laghe custody of the contractors. Also, toae- duet from their unpaid bill the amount charged for goous not included 10 the contract, avove tne ordi- Laty market price. Mr. ELA made a brief explanation of the objects of ns for the jolt resolution. rep.) of N. Y., commended the Indus- aud regard for the public interests juanitested by Mr. Ela in the prosecution of the in- vestigation. The language of the report indicated a fair, Liberal spirit towards all the parties tavoived in the Maticr, ‘The result of the myestigation showed on tie part Of the ollicers of the Interior Department either gross scupidity, gross carlessness, or gross crimmality. Mir, MinLen, (rep.) of Pa, inquired whether these features 10 toe :ulerior Deparumeat took place unger the present incumbent? Mr. LAFLIN replied that there was nothing in the testimony taken before the comuitiee (iat redectea on the tategrity or capacity of the secretary of the interior, Hie had beea misled by the advice of bis subordinates in whom he had contidence, He went on to show the defective and cheating principle on which the contract had been awarded, instancing tue case of bond paper, Which was contracted for at eight cents a sheer, whereas a fair prot would have accrued at two ceats a sheet. Mr. MAYNARD, (rep.) of Tenn., asked Mr. Laflin whether the contract system ‘was not defective ana if 1t could not be chanyed. Mr. LAFLIN replied tnat, in the opinion of the Committee on Printing, tire whole contract system, as connected with stationery in all the departinents, was wrong in principle and wrong in execution. The committee had prepared and would soon report @ bill changmg the whole system ot placing the supply of stationery under the same ea! and regula- tions as the supply of public printing. In the course of his remarks he made goie reflections upon the Acting Commussioner of Patents (Mr. Svout), intimat- ing that from certam facts which he stated there must have been some understanding between Mr. Stout and the contractors. Mr. CAKE, (rep.) of Pa. (another member of the committee), remarked that he was not so tender about the Secretary 01 the Interior as the chairman of the committee scemed tobe. He did not think the Sceretary’s skirts were so Clear, nor did he coincide in throwing the blame on Mr. Stout, wo was only two months in the position of A Commissioner of Patents. He believed that if the investigation had been carried through other departments frauds would have been disco try, assiduity mailer ered. Mr. STEVENS, (rep.) Of N. H., asked if the Secretary of the Interior Was not the cuntracting party y Mr. ELA said he was. Mr, STeveNs—Then how can he dives thimself of the responsibility for these trauds? Mr. Eua—He is sometimes wisled by cunning subordinates, Mr. Covobg, (rep.) of Pa., remarked that it was evident @ high crime had been perpetrated. He wanted to know who was the crimioal, for F aaa rf that should only cost $6,000 the government had paid to Se! Each member of pohper pace bry 2 e defending some one agai charge, and tl House was not informed who the gn craiaet was, After further discussion the jout resolution waa passed without a division. Mr. Ea, from the same committee, reported a bill to provide stationery for Congress and the several departments. The bill provides that the heads ol each of the Executive und Judictal departments at Ww a and the Secretary of the Senate and the Cierk of the House shall have ante made quar- terly, and at each succeeding session bf Congress, of the fener plied a year, aa at the same sup} Congressional ’rinter under contract. wll waa passed. sergeant Aiur ere sete. appeared be rms at two o'clock appea: fore the bar of the House, having in custody Fiorence Scanneil, of New York, under a warrant issued by the Speaker for contempt of the House in answer queations put to him by the Select Commit- tee on the New York Electioa Frauds, Mr. LAWRENCE, (rep.) of Obio, Chairman of the Select Committee, offered the usual resolution, di- recting the Speaker to ask the witness as to what ex- cuse he had to oifer for refusing to answer the ques- tions of tue committee, aud as to whether he was now ready to appear before the committee and answer. After some discussion between Messrs. La’ Woop and Rosixson the resolution was ado} and the Speaker, addressing Mr. Florence Scaonel, pie aerate quesuions em! in the reso- cr Mr who was quite selt- out the scene, replied that he ed bo sented Sor ae tusing to answer, except that he had given to the ntleman whose name the committee required im to divulge a promise that he would uot mention it. He had, however, conferred with him aince then, and the gentleman was willing hia name should be given. Consequently, he (Mr. Scanuel) was ready to appear befure the committee and an- swer the Vrs in. Mr. Scanhel was then remitted to custody until he should be examined by the committee. The Sergeant-at-Arins again appeared at the bar with another recusant witness from New York, Henry Johason, in regard to whom similar proceed- ings were had, he SPEAKER stated that he had received a letter addressed to him as Speaker from this witness, stating, first, that he had presented himself at the place ted by the officer who had served the sammons and that the officer Was not present; sec- ond, that his ‘pecuniary means haa preveated him from coming to Washington to obey the sub, of the committee, This letter, the Speaker had preseated to the chairman of the committee. The witness, Henry Johnson, in reply to the two questions put to him by the Speaker, as directed by tae resolution, said:—“i have never refused or neg- lected to obey the summons of the comuittee, and 1 ain ready to answer any questions that may now be put to me.” ie. Lawnence, of Ohio, moved that the witness remain in custody until he should ve examined by the committee. A lively discussion arose between Messra. Law- RENCE, Woop, Rosinson and Cee] contending that the witness had purged himself of contempt and should be dischat from custody. In the course of discussion Mr. ROBINSON, (dem.) of N. Y., said Pg > the exhibition which we have presented is the best example of the tyran- nical course which men will pursue when dressed in a litrie brief authority. The SP#AKER, inl , said he doubted whether those remarks were jiamentary. Mr. Rostnson—I have ie no reference to any member of the House. Mr. INGERSOLL, (rep.) of Ill, required the words to be taken down. ‘The words having been written out by the reporter and read by the clerk, the SPEAKER ruled that the words were not parliamentary, the House itself hav- ing ordered the investigation and hav also or- dered the arrest for nt contempt of ais author- ity. In reference to remark of the gentleman from New York that he had not applied the words saan etn dye ua art of appl cl Hon before the House, which was the resolution on the New York election frauds. «Mr. Roni IN rose to explain, but Mr. Hresy, pa.) Of Cal, and others objected, and he was re- quired to resume his seat, After considerable discussion the motion of Mr. LAWRENCR Was agreed to, and Heury Johuson was remitted to the custody ‘of the Sergeant-at-arms un- tl = uy have appeared before the committee and testi! CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Mr. Moors, Past N. J., presented the petition of John F. Bod! acknowledged as the ‘Christ as the ruler of ie te THR CONNRCTIOUT RIVER. ‘The House then took up. of the morn- —the reported yesterday from the Com- int 00 on Roads and Candis, the consent of Congress for the erection of a over the Stiddietow by the Connecticut river, near fiomnectieatmandic and Middietown Railroad pany tm accordance with the resolution of the ral ‘Assembly of Connecticut in its May session of XK ‘Mr. Henman, (dem.) of Conn., moved to substitute for whe third sect the followiag:— bridge shall be and rent tate tees So materia ce substantial eostrustion te the (ree namgation of the river. He spoke in support of his amendment. Mr, STARKWEATHER, (rep.) of Conn., addressed the House in ition to It. nets *, * The amendment Was rejected—yeas 60, ni On motion of Mr, Kern, (dem.) of Ima tue sec: ond section Was amended 80 as to require the bridge to be built im accordance with the uirementa of the second section of the resolution of the General Assembly, and the bill thus amended was passed. Mr. WILSON, (Tep.) Of Ohio, from te sane com- mitiee, reported @ Bill giving tae couseut of Con General Assembly at ite session of 1868. paned wine ae to Saree wes r ton of merchan y railroad through that State. He alluded to the fact, also, that within a few months past persons peerer along the existing route had been violently assailed for their tical views, and beaten out fe then went to argue the constitutionality of the measure, He did not see how any distinction could be made between the power to widen and deepen a river for the benefit of commerce and the powers to construct a railroad for the same purpose. ‘The end sought in either case Was the same; the exercise of power was the same. If Congress might deepen xe St. Clair it uught constract a railroad around it if the interests of commerce could be thereby better served. [t was tuo late now to question the power of Congress to create avenues 0! commerce tat did not exist be- fore. In this connections Mr. Cook presented a tabular statement of the appropriations made by Congress ior Works of internal unprovement for the last orty years. There was no power given in the constitution to erect lighthouses, “&¢., ex- cept the power to reguiate CORES ee prac- Ucal quesion was wuetuer Congress reguiaie tue vast and increasing coulmerce among the states carried on by means of rallways, or whether that commerce can be reguiated vy monopolies with powers only limited by the amount of capital at their command. The details of the bill had been framed with care to prevent the creation of fietitious capital stock, to prevent heavy charges and to prevent un- necessary delays, and it was confidently believed that the road could and would be busitif the bill be- came a law, and that a Speedier, cheaper and better communication would be established vetween Wasb- ington and New York. ‘The morning hour expired at a quarter past three, and the bill went over till to-morrow. WESTERN MILITARY CLAIMS. Mr. SPALDING, (rep.) of Ohio, from the Conference Committee on the joint resolution providing for the disposition of certain papers reiating to military ciuims accruing in the Departinent of the West, re- ported that the committee had been unable to ree, then moved that the Senate amendment to the joint resolution be agreed to, with an amendment, which was agreed to. UNIFORM SYSTEM OF NATURALIZATION. Mr. POLAND, (rep.) Of Vt., introduced a bill providin; fora uniform system of naturalization, whica was rel- erred to the Committee on Hevision of Laws. The bill prog toadmit aliens to citizenshi) a@con- jnuous residence tn the United States for four years and six mo} Proceedings for naturalization are to be restricted to the circuit couris and district courts of the United States, and the courts of high- est jurisdiction in each State and Territory which hold stated sessions in each county for the trial of. civil causes. It requires a notice of intention to be filed and sworn to one year and six months before naturalization; also a nutice thirty days before ap- Plication, stating age, residence and occupation, &c. STEAMSHIPS OWNED IN LOYAL STATES. Mr. PILE, (rep.) of Mo., introduced a joirt resoln- tion relating to steamships and other boats owned in the loyal States, which was referred tu the Judiciary Comunittee. THE INDIAN APPROPRIATION BILL. The House, at half-past three o’cl went into Committee of the Whole, Mr. Wilson, of fowa, mm the chair, on the Indian Appropriation bill and on a mn appropriating $10,0yv for the Yankton Sioux ibe. After disposing of them the committee rose and reported them to the House, Before acting upon thei the House, at Loom four o'clock, took a re- cess tll half-past seven evening, the m to be coniined exclusively to the internal Reveaue bill. Evening Session. THE INTERNAL REVENUE BILL. ‘The House resumed its session at half-past in Committee of the Whole, Mr. Scofield in the aud proveaded with the consideration aE the Internal Revenue up at section 252, taxing at the rate of ten cenie, r 1,000 cubic feat. BS amendment was made to the section. ‘The next five per cent income tax, was amended, on motion of Mr. SCHENCK, by exempting military aad naval pensions. wis paca a al nen ttn ek x cent United States Mr. SCHENCK made the point of order that the iran tax oD @ par cular species perty. ‘The CHAIRMAN Sustained the point of order, and the amendment ruled out. and on Mr. Perers, (rep.) of Me., moved to amend the section by red the taxes on incomes on the first thi dollars above a thousand dollars. He said that it was one of the hardest taxes on the calendar. Mr. ScuENcK—To collect? Hardest to pay. I know that the in- col severely collected, which is in itself an evidence oF its arguing the amendment, for coilecting the income tax and it would not be wise to He was amused were horrified at whis- tend that they — es cheated vernmen: lying returns income. There hed been as much fraud proportion- ately on incomes as on tobacco and spirits. Mr. Perexs—Are not those frauds committed par- ticularly in the returns of large incomes? Mr. ENCK—In all amounts of income. He thought it better to let the law run as it is until it ag by its own limitation at the end of the year rt Mr. Parers—It will be renewed. Mr. ScHENCK—It may be or it may notbe. His own impression was that fi of the gloomy view presented last night by Mr. Niblack it will be found that the receipts trom customs and interval taxes the next fiscal year will ran over foor hundred millions of dollars, leaving & handsome , after the payment of all ordinary expenses and inte- rest on the public debt, towards the nal extin- guishment of the public debt. There is probably no tax which .causes less distress or 18 feit less as a burden on thé community at large than the income tax. ‘The amendment offered by Mr. Peters was re- : Mr. Getz, (dem.) of Pa., moved to strike ont the whole section. Dy me yas vo a, a on Mond hi expressed. chairman of the Committee of Ways aud Tl had been promised wholesale retrenchment and reform under the next aduinistration, and if those promises were carried out the income tax might certainly be dispensed with. If it should be found that the goverument could not get along without the income tax it might be rene: , ALLISON, (rep.) of Iowa, moved to amend the section ‘by striking out that part of it wlich limits the duration of the income tax to the year i870, He hoped that the tax might be ba with, but he did not wish to have any implied promise on the subject, desiring to leave the whole subject of taxa- tion open. His own judgment was that before en- di ing with the income tax they ought to or three per Mente He did not belleve in striking le bound a tax of thi t forty millions, ir. Woop, (dem.) of N. Y., expressed his of $1,000 was not incre: to the industrious classes of ple, Whose income Was barely sufficient to should be bypenyl from le was against auy income to the spirit of uh cha le them to live. « Th sucd an unjust burden. whate' It was contrary iterference. offered by Mr. Allison was agreed "ae, Grrz then withdrew his amendment. Mr. Woop moved to reduce the tax to three per a He sata cece tereen faith, believing 16 produce a wan amendment was reject ted. ‘. NX moved to insert a new section, taxing u a totareat on United States bonds ten per cent. the House that at the last sesaio ya House motes mouon pledged itself to that ie, wISKcK fevted tte House of Repre- ity uncertain er and that ven on the eve of a general ection. , HOLMAN expressed his surprise that the chair. nee Gots Oomtmittee of Ways and Means would find @ partisan explanation for the action of the Hi SCHENCK argued against the unfairness and ‘bad faith impired in the p Spero and attributed to the democratic odium of baving got up the attempt to violate the nacional faith. Mr. BRoomatt, (rep.) of Pa., also argued against jon. bg rEVENS, of N. H., repudiated the tion given by Mr. Schenck of the vote ees. sion in favor of taxing United States Tt im. plied that the vote was given for a ‘purpose and under the pressure of influence, For himeeit he bad given his vote on that occasion ia favor of that propeses ‘under instruction of the republican party of New Hampshire, Mr. SCHENCK—Then you it against your own sa HENSASUN, (Fep.) of Mo., sald that, the had discussed and paed upon the ing tuat justice should be done to fae pees fecha CONTINUED ON TENTH PAGR