The New York Herald Newspaper, February 13, 1869, Page 3

WASHINGTON Argument in the Supreme Court on the Writ of Prohibition Against Judge Underwood, The Habeas Corpus Case of the Lincoln Conspirators Under Advisement. Discussion on the Currency Bill in the Senate. Mr. Butler’s Protest Against Vice President Wace’s Proceedings Tabled in the House. Hero of Dutch Gap. ° Passage of the Air Line Railroad Bill in the Hoyse. WASHINGTON, Feb, 12, 1869, Defeat of Butler’s Resolation. The galleries of the House were again crowded to-day in anticipation of a renewal of the debate on Butler’s resolution of censure upon Ben Wade. The subject did not come up until two o'clock, and the delay evidently wearted the patience of the audience. General Logan was entitied to the floor, but he “farmed oul’ ail his time, with the exception of twenty minutes, to gentlemen who were desirous of Rpeaking. Logan’s speech consisted chiefly in a eulogistic defence of Ren Wade, but his manner was 80 earnest that he produced a visible effect upon the House. When he concluded with his motion to lay Butler’s resolution on the table there were audible remarks of “ood, good !? That's it,’ “That's the way to serve it,” &c., in different parts of the hall. Kelsey, of New York, whether on his own account, ‘or being prompted by others, was desirous to ‘let’ us have peace,’ and otfered a substitute, whieh Butier gladly accepted in lien of his resolutions, The House, however, seemed disposed to hold Butler to a strict account, and to give him a square defeat. There was a maui- fest desire to Keep him from getting out of the diai- culty by going behind a substitute altogether ditt ent from the origina! resolution, Towards the last he “scemed very willing to accept anything that would help get him out of the position he had as- sumed without a crushing defeat. The Wade men, however, had made up their minds that his resolu- tion should be laid on the table, and there was con- siderable rivalry for the honor of making the mo- tion, Logan carried off the prize, It is generally conceded now that Butler made a mistake in oiver- ing tue resolutions. The democrats voting with But- ler were Archer, of Maryland; Eldridge, of Wiscon- sin; Gollady, Jones and Grover, of Kentucky; Mun- gen, of Ohio, and Marshall and Ros3, of Iilinois, eightaltogether. Itis noticeable that several of the republicans who voted against the repeal of the ‘Tenure of Office act voted to-day with Butler. What It Costs to Soap Congress. ‘The latest illustration of the retrenchment policy of the House of Representatives is the purchase by the Olerk of that body of combs, brushes and soap to the amount of $1,400. The Clerk is authorized by law to make such purchases as he deems necessary and his bills must be approved by the Committee on Accounts, of which the independent statesman Broomall is chairman. The bill for combs and brushes and soap is now before the committee, and three of its members refuse to approve it. It might be supposed that $1,400 worth of brushes, combs and 1 Parliamentary Defeat for the soap would be sufficient to comb, brush and wash two or three ngresses; but it does not appear that y have been equaliy distributed; for many members com- plain that they have not received eitheracomb, a 4 brush or a piece of soap during the whole session. ‘The question is, where did the articles go? And this is what the three members of the Committee on Accounts who refuse to approve the Clerk’s little bill are trying to find out, The Currency Bill. ‘The Currency bill, which was under discussion to- day in the Senate, comes up again to-morrow, when Sherman anticipates a vote will be taken and the vill passed, Inthis expectation it is very generally believed the Senator from Ohio labors under a delu- sion, a8 there is an utter indifference among Sena- tors to give the measure any proper degree of con- sideration. Senator Morton appeared to be the only one to-day who cared to give it any attention, and that was to denounce it as a nostrum incapable of effecting any good. Ne Interference With Mormondom This Session. ‘The Senate Committee on Territories held a meet- dug to-day and instructed Mr. Rice to report in favor of appropriating $50,000 to complete and furnish the Court House in the Territory of New Mexico and offer it as an amendment to the Appro- priation bill when it is presented in the Senate. No action has yet been taken on the claim of Montana to compensation for troops furnished in fighting the Indians, Mr. Cragin has relinquished his purpose of reporting the bill this session regulating the peculiar institution of Mormonism and providing for a generai change in the Territorial government of Utah. Railrond Land Jobbers Dirappointed. The Senate Committee on Public Lands had a meeting to-day, and disposed adversely of three bills granting innds to railroads m the States of Wisconsin and Minnesota, " Another Amendment Wanted. Memorials continue to pour in asking Congress to recognize a Supreme Being in the preambie to the constitution, . Eieven of this character were pre- sented to-day. . General Custer’s Late Battle With the Ine dians. ‘The Sevate Committee on Indian Affairs yesterday examined Colonel J. H. Leavenworth, agent of the Kiowa, Apache and Comanche Indians, in regard to the attack on the Indian campon the Wasnita by General Custer. Colonel Leavenworth was within eighty miles of Fort Cobb when the fight occurred, He stated that instead of fifty-turee lodges that were ottacked, us reported by General Custer, there were only thirty, and that instead of 300 warriors having been killed, as reporter ily about fifieen were men, while the remainder were women and children, He said that the Indians all agreed in the statement tht Mra. Blinn, the white captive, reported by Cus- ter as having been killed by the Indians, was shot hy our own soldiers; that she had started to ran to- wards the troops when the firing drat bogun and re- cewed a builec in the right eye. Director Delmar Badly Snubbed. A few days ago Mr. Delmar, of statistical notoriety, wrote tothe Secretary of the Treasury, tuforming him that previous to his retirement from the Bureau af Statistics be had almost completed his monthly report No. twenty-one, and requested him to direct its publication, The Secretary referred the letter to Special Commissioner Wella, who, in turn, referred it to General Walker, the present head of the Statia- tical Burean, for a report. General Waiker has transmitted his reply to the Secretary, and in it he gives, as one of the reagone why the report referred to has not been issued, that his predecessor hagt indulged largely in his own pecaiiar theories in reference to trade and commerce, and haa set forth his views and opinions concerning the advancement and contraction of these pursuits, which views and opinions seemed especially designed for the advocacy of free trade. In the report Mr. Delmar asserts that tbe importation of a commodity cannot be perma- nentiy checked by an increase of duties. As the re- port vas not completed when, Mr. Delmar » it Dublisved now it couid only ve Meued as the Teport of the present director, which General Walker ts not willing todo, He thinks the Bureau of Statistics should confine itself to the publication of statistics, and leave speculations on affairs of the country to the proper officials, Scannell Petitions to be Released from Arrest. Scannell, James Brooks’ “poor and humble con- stituent,” bas prepared a petition to the House, which will be presented in a few days, praying to be released from “durance vile.” Scannell’s petition Is said to be satirical, It starts out very humbly, but winds up somewhat deflantly. Reception of the President Elect. It ts sald that General and Mrs. Grant gre about is- suing cards of invitation to a large reception to tke place within a few days of inanguration. This, it is understood, will be the only occasion on which the General and Mrs, Grant wi!) receive previous to the installation of the General as President of the United States, Payment of Peusious. The Seeretary of the Treasury 18 making prepara- tions to have the necessary funds ready sor the pen- sion agents, so that the instalments of pensions due on the 4th of Maren next may be promptly paid. ‘The Secretary desires to avoid the delay and «imi- cuities that attended the payment of pensions in November last, especially as the amount to be dis- bursed this time is unusually large, emounting to about $15,000,000, New Disposition of Indian Finds, ‘The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs have bad under consideration an application asking for an appropriation, of $10,000 from the funds of the Kiowa Indiaas, held by the government, for the education and support of two little white girls receutly reseued frora that wibe, whose parents were killed vy the Kiowas. The committee have agreed to report im favor of the application. A Washington Railroad War. g * There is a lively contest over the bill prepared by the Senate Commitsee on the District of Columbia proposing to grant a charter to constract a juncion railroad over the line of the Washington and Alex: andria Railroad. Jt mvolves the question of de- priving the present company of its franchise. The Southern Pacific Railroad. General Fremont, Genera! Heintzelman and others were before the House Committee on the Pacitle Railroad to-day as to the merits of the thirty-second parallel for railroad purposes, Securities Heid trom Government Depositories. It appears from an official statement that the amount of secarities held by the Treasurer for United States fands deposited in national banks at points where there are either Assistant Treasurers or designated depositories other than national banks is $12,022,000, while the balance to the credit of the ‘Treasurer in the banks is about $2,700,000. In these banks, while the security held by Treasurer Spinner 18 $12,000,000, the deposits have already been drawn down to the above small amount, making the security therefore in the ratio of five to one. Importation of Hay into Great Britain. The Minister of the United States at London has informed the Secretary of State that he has recéived an oficial notification that the rest ons imposed by orderg ta council of the 16th of September, 1868, and the 19th of October, 1568, upon the importation - of hay into the United Kingdom were removed by an order in council of the 15th ult., revoking those to which referepee is above made, General Grant, General Dix and the Cabinet. (Washington cnrpp Rene of the Philadelphia : Press, General Grant does not conceal the fact that he wrote a jetter to General Dix, American Minister at Paris, after the November election, stating that he could remain at that important post during his teria u he so desired; nor is there any doubt wat General Dix replied to this courteous offer by stating that his business would prevent him from doing se, and that he preferred returning home as soon after the Decree of the new administration as pos- sible. it is now believed that General Grant neither ex- pects nor favors any legislation by which he can be restored to his position as General-in-Unief of the army at the expiration of his Presidential term: that Sherman will be appointed his successor, and that Sheridan will be selected Lieutenant General in the place of Sherman, The certainty that a thoroughly republican Cabinet will be called around General Grant is everywhere conceded, a fact which entirely destroys the theory that Seward will be invited to remalii in the State Department. ‘The Speakership. [From the Philadelphia Press.) A republican paper in New pshire asserts that “Massachusetts alone, of all the New England States, has ever beep honored with the Speakershtp of the House of Kepresentatives, and that State has at four different times enjoyed the diguity in the persons of Theodore Sedgwick, Joseph &. Varnum, Robert C. Wiathrop and N. P. Banks,” This is substantially but not precisely correct, for Connecticut furnished the Speaker of the Second Congress (1791-3) in the person of Jonathan Trumbull, No other New England State ever had the Speaker. Virginia, Massaciiusetts and Kentucky have furnished tie Speakers of the House more than half the time since the foundation of the government—Virginia having had the office fourteen years, Massachusetts ten years and Kentucky eigh- teen years, making an aggregate of forty-two years out of the eighty that the federal government has been organized, Next to these States come Indiana, with eight years of the Speakership, and Pennsylva- nia, North Carolina and Tennessee, each with six years. UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 1869. The Assassination Conspirators. P. Phillips, in the Supreme Court to-lay, moved for writs of habeas corpus in the cases of Spangler aud Arnold, m1 pursuance of the petitions filed several days ago. Penne 4 General Evarts stated that he had heen served with a@ notice of the motions, but should regard them as ec parte unless the court di- rected novice to be served upon him. Here the mat- ter rested. ° The Writ of Prohibition Against Judge Une derwood, A motion was also made by James Lyons for a writ of prohibition to Judge Underwood, United States District Judge for the State of Virginia. Mr. Lyons, for the commonwealth of Virginia, spoke an hour and a half in support of the motion. He al- luded to the cases of three convicts sentenced for crimes, including James J. Phillips, who was con- demned to death for the most atrocious crime known to the law, and said they were released by Judge Underwood and permitted to go at large, un- seathed entirely and unwhipt of justice, If Judge Underwood couid set aside the judgments of the State courts in these cases he might do so in all cases, thus, in effect, overthrowing the jndiciary while he represented the commonweaith of Virginia, He thought it Be why tnd that this was @ matter in which not Virginia alone, but all the Southern States, were concerned. The criminals to whom ne alluded were tried according to the laws of Virginia, and ac- cording to the laws ne so by the — gov- ernment, by the action of Congress and by the miti- tary authorities, There had veen no impeachment ‘ot the triat and of the correctness of the sentences, But Judge Underwood had set them aside on thi ground that the State judges were not compe- tent to try the cases, being incapacitated from doing 80 by the fourteenth amendment to the con- stitution of the United States, and under writ of habeas corpus he undertook, not to inquire into the gullt or innocence of the accused, or any question of illegality connected with the trial, but under what tenure the Virginia courts exercised their power. Judge Underwood had, in effect, decided that grand and petit juries, as wellas the functions ofthe judges, were illegal. The action of Judge Underwood did not only extend to criminal but to the ctvil coarts of the commonwealth, Virginia had therefore asked for a writ Of — prohibition to prevent these enormous ills, and to protect the peopie in the liberties and rights which the con- etitution Was intended to secure. Mr. Lyons quoted humerous authorities to show the Supreme Court could grant the writ, and that it was, under the common law, an inherent right to be exercised by the superior to the inferior court, and that according vo Blackstoue It could be empioyed whenever it ap- pe red that a court was trapecending its jurisdic. jon, and whether in criminal, civil or ecclesiastical cases, fie then said Virginia was a State, and had been recognized as such by all branches of the gov- ernment. The Chief Justice had held court in Rich. mond. He certainly did not do ao by permission of the military authorities. The source of authori was the people. On them depended the erectioi of their own State government. Sf, hi it should not ve republican in form gress could remit it tor amendment under the constitution, for the United States are required by that instrument to guarantee every State a repub- lican form of government. So fat from conferring on Congress power to degrade a@ State that instra- ment requires the preservation of the State. But the question was whether the constitution justified the wrongs which it was the intention by writ of prohibition to prevent. Associate Justice Miller inquired of the gentleman whether the ment was addressed to the origiual Jurisdiction of Supreme Court. Mr. Lyons replied in the affirmative. He had re- cited Jegal autivorith I e court had not origi- Dal it had appellate jurisdiction in the case, He thought it best to cont admitted of no question. If the Inferior courts could not be restrained as the District Court of Virginia could be scattered all over the land, ie , ine himself to such views aa | thought there was no doubt of the power of the court to issue auch writ. ‘Yae court took the motion under advisement, B. Guizon appeared for J. J. Phu but took ho part in the argument. Judge Uni ‘ood was hot in court. THE FORTIETH CONGRE33 Third Session. SENATE. WASHINGTON, Feb, 12, 1869, Mr. CAMERON, (rep.) of Pa., presented a petition for amendment of the constitution so as to recog- uize Almighty God as the source of all civil au- thority. Mr. ConKLING, (rep.) of N. Y., presented a like pe- tition, BILLS INTRODUCED. Mr. Ramsey, (rep.) of Minn., intreduced a bill to encourage telegraphic communication with Europe, Referred to the Committee on Post Oitices and Post Roads. ‘The bill authorizes the American Atiantic Cable Telegraph Company of York to take any practi. cable route for laying tends the time named inthe act of March 29, 1567, for the establishment of telegraphic communication to three years from the enactinent of this bill, Mr. ABBOTT, (fep.) of N. C., introduced @ bill to aid in the construction of the Texas and Pacitic Railroad. Reierred to the Committee on Pacitic Rallroads. ‘The bill authorizes the consolidation of the Atiantic and Pacitic Company and the Southern Pacific Ratiroad Company ot Texas, under the style of the Texas and Pacific Railroad Company; to con- struct a railroad and ‘telegraph from Marshall, ‘Texas, to connect with the Atlantic and Pacific line, CLAIM OF W. W. COKCORAN. On motion of Mr. HaR.an, (rep.) of Towa, the Committee on the District of Columbia was author- ized to send for persons and papers in connection with the investigation of the claim of W. W. Cor- coran for compensation for use of his property by the government during the war. ‘THE DISTRICY OF COLUMBIA. Mr. HaRLan moved to set spart to-morrow, alter the morning hour, for the consideration of business pertaining to the District of Columbia. Yr, SUMNER, (rep.) of Mass., supperted the motion, Said 11 the business of the District could not be better attended to by Congress it would be neces- sary to amend the consutution so as to take 1t out of tae exciusive jurisdiction of Congress. jir, Ferry, (rep.) of Conn., also supported the motion, and said that owing to the neglect of its affairs by Congress the condition of the District and of the city of \Washtugton was a disgrace to our civilization, Mr. MORRILL, (rep.) of Vt, moved to set apart ‘Tuesday stead of Saturday for that parpose. Air. COLE, (rep.) of Cal, moved to set apart Mon- day evening, at seven o'clock. Carried. COURTS IN THE TERRITORIES. Mr. CRa@ry, (rep.) of N, Hi., from the Committee on ‘Yerritories, reported, with amend a commended the passage of a bill to pr better adnunistration of justice in Tervivorie United Stati 10) ND MINNESOTA RAILR Mr. Powsro®, from tie Commitee Lands, repbrted adversely tothe bill to ext hintts of certain railway land grants Aiso adversely the bill or the oF the, er of Iowa end Minnesota to aid in the railroads, BILLS REPORTED. Mr, ons, (detu.) Of Md., trom the Committee on the District of Cotumbia, reported @ bill to mal generat provision for the incorporation of chure anc religious societies in the Districs of Columbia. Mr. Rice, (rep.) of Ark., from the same commitiee, reported favorably tie bill to incorporate the Ma- sonic Mutual Reltef Association, Mr. HARLAN, (rep.) of lowa, from the same com- mittee, reported favorably the bill to amend and consolidate the several acts relating to the wetro- poiitan police force of Washington, HowAnrp, (rep.) of Mich,, introduced a joint resolution authorizing the Northern Pacific Ratlroad Company to sssue tirst mortgage bonds to the extent of $32,000 per mile on its maim road and the branch to Portland, Oregon. NEW YORK AND EUROPE STEAMSHIP LINE, Mr. RAMSEY moved to take up the joint resolution declaratory of the act to establish an American line of mau steamships between this country aud Ku- rope. It gives the company another year to build their ships. Mr. HENDRIOKS, (dem.) of Mo., opposed taking up the bill. Mr, WHYTE, (dem.) of Ind., also o} it, and sald ne would cppose the Dal este, Phare were ae ready two lines of American steamships from Balti- more. Mr. Nye, (rep.) of Nev., asked him what flag those Mr. WHYTE admitted that they sailed under a for- ships satied under. ela flag. iT. THAYER, (rep.) of Nev., was in favor of taking up the bill. He liked, at least, the object of the bill, pon our mall carrying business from foreign ves- sel Ss. Mr. SUMNER said that his course with regard to the proposed line of American steamships would be determined by the degree in which ft would cueapen ocean postage. ‘The motion was still under discussion at the expi- ration of the mornmyg hour. THE PUBLIC DEBT AND CURRENCY. Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) of Ghio, Moved to resume the consideration of the Currency bill, w On mouon of Mr. TRUMBULL, (rep.) of ill., Wednes- day next, after the morning hour, was set apart for the consideration of the bil! to reorganize the judicial system of the United States. Mr. Morron, (rep.) of Ind., then addressed the Senate on the bili in relation tothe public debt and the currency, He thought the bil! reported by the committee less remarkable for what it did than what 1t failed to do. Tt was not a bil! for the resumption of specie pay- ments.uor for the funding of the national debt rep- resented by the greenback currency, and it made no provisions Whatever for the resumption of specie payments by the existing national banks. The com- mittee seemed to have been at a loss for an appro- priate title for the Mill. He thought they might have better called ita bill to improve the value of the bonds of the country, for -ceriainly it was not de- signed to improve the currency. It made no pro- visions for the payment of th: ‘tion of the public debt already due and dishonored, but provid thet the surplus = in the Treasury should be devoted to e purchase, through the me- dium of id notes, of bonds that would not be due for fourteen or fifteen years. ‘The speech of the chairman of the committee (Mr. Sherman) upon the bili seemed to hum (Mr. Morton) inconsistent with itself, because in it, after decluring that goid and silver were the standard values of the world and setting forth tie importance of an early return to specie payments, that Senator made an elaborate argument to show the’disasters that would result to the business of the cowniry from appreci- ating the currency to par, and had drawn such @ dark picture of the condition of a. to be brought about by such appreciation, that 1 hus \iews were correct, it would seem to be the duty af Congress to avoid resumption as long as possible: but he (ar. Morton) believed that the danger and hard- ships of resumption had been greatly exaggerated by the senator from Ohio, and by others in and out of Congress, and that resumption brought about grad- ually by proper means would not resuit in eviis of the hundredth part the maguttade anticipated by those gentiemen. It should be remembered that there were great interests tn the country opposed to tue resumption of specie payment, for the premium on gold was demoralizing the nation. These parties were trying to alarm the people in regard to the eflects Of resumption and indirectly attempting to contro! the legisiation of Congress, and it was idle to expect that those whose incomes were paya- bie in goid, which they covid sel! at a premium of at least tiurty-five per cent, -would reiease their advantage until compelied to do so. The pre- dictions about the hardships and injury that wonld resuit from the appreciation of the currency had ample refutation in the recent financial history of the country. During the first four and a half months of 1865 gold fell ninety-nine per ceat, and atihought tt caused a great and sudden declin prices and eome bankruptcy, yet the evils and ha ships resulting from that fall were not one dredth part as great as the Senetor had pred now from a fail of thirty-five per cent. But the § ator Was mistaken. It was but rewsonable to sup- pose that @ deciinein gold of thirty-tive per cent Would cause greater injury to the country and to business than the same decline m 1865 would have caused; but there was no good reason to believe that @ decline of thirty-five per cent now would roduce even #0 much hardship as resulted rom a decitne of ninety-nine per cent in 1865 ‘The Senator from Ohio had reterred to the disastrous results of the resumption of specte payment in kng- land after ithe revoiution of 1685, but the fact was that those evil results had been brought about not by the appreciation of the coin to the vaiue but by a sudden and violent contraction of the currency. The coin of England had been clipped, and hammered, and worn so as to be depreciated on an average of about twenty-five per cent below the mint value, causing much trouble ana distress. Parliament faa te that some measure of relief was necessary, and determined to restore the coin to its mint value by calling it back into the Treasury and recoiping it. Among the provisions tor calling the coin back into the Treasury was one that after a certain time the depreciated coin should not be received for taxes by cte count but on! jt, and that i snould not be a legal tender in Non heey A of duties by count, but ly by weight. When that day came around the new coin had made its appeat white the old coin had aimost entirely disappeared from circulation. ea had occurred an extraordinary contrac- ference made to the resumption of specie payments in kng- Jand in 1821, after the Napoleonic wars, to show the dangers of resumption; but the facts in that case also failed to justify the conclusion drawn trom them. | Great commercial distress had undoubtedly exisied in England from 1816 to 1420, "It had pot Tesnited, however, from the resumption of specie payments, but, as in the previous case, from a sud- den and violent contraction of both te paper and gold currency of the country. Mr. Morton then fenotiee im detail the bill reported by the Finance ltteer. Mr. WILLIAMS, (rep.) of Oregon, followed in advo- cacy Of the amendment providing that not more than 22,000,000 of currency shall be converted sto ir cable to Europe, and ex- | A. | the original bill an’ ius defects and bonds in any one month, The Senator from Indiana (Mr. Morton) had attacked with equal vchemence amendments those defects. That Ronatoe to oppose every proposition coming from any member of the Finance Committee without the — ferits or demerits, it was well known that he (Mr. Morton) had @ pet theory upon the subject of finance, and he d to think tf im- possible for any one but himself to sugwest anything Valuable in relation to it, uniess the suggestion har- monized with his theory. The Seaator from Jndiaba had argued and attempted to show from the history of England that most disastrous results must follow from any considerable contraction of the currenoy; out it was easy to demonstrate that deaigned to remed, seemed deterinined. | his own plan tor the redemptioa Of specie payments, M adopted, would produce @ more violent contrac- | thon of curreucy than would be brought about by any other plan yet proposed, Tie proposition of the Senator was tad | the government should hoard up in the treasury a:ljthe gold it shall receive, ex- cept what ts used for the interest on the public debt, foy two.and a half years, and then resume specie payment, ‘The goid betug thus with- drawn and hoarded, of course it would be most vio- lently contracted, ‘The greenback currency would be contracted and noarded in auother way, A man having ten thousand doliars in greenbacks, worth~ to-day only seven thousand doliars iQ gold, would, upon the adoption of the pian of the"Senator trom indiana, withdraw it from circulation and hoard it 1m his safe, naving the guarantee of the law that at the end of two aud a haif years iis seven Unousand dotlars would be worth ten thousand doliars, This would be the mevitable result, because no man would take the risks of ordinary business when he could so profitably hoard his money, Mr. Wiliams Went on to deiend the scheme of ie Finance Com- mutlee, which, with his amendment, wouid be the best and safest way yet suggested of bringing about What all parties professed to desire—resumption of specie payments, Mr. SHERMAN opposed Mr. Wililams’ amendment, because he tought there would arise @ difficulty in determining what parties should be entitled w pre- Terence 1a the conversiva of greenbacks into bonds, when the amount to be converted was lunited to $2,000,000 a month, “4y. WILLIAMS Said the rule should be “first come, first served,” Mr. SHzuMAN replied that according to that rule @ man in or near the syeasury Departiuent could get served first every montis, Mr. WILLIAMS thought the difMficuity suggested a very siight one compared with the great diificuity se injury that would arise from too rapid contrac- ion. Mr. Morron said that the amendment of the Sena- tor irom Oregon (Mr, Williams) was no better than the provision in the original bill, because it proposed to limit the amount of contraction to $2,000,000 a month, But he was opposed to ali contraction, as uncalled for, unnecessury and utterly useless. Mr. DEN, (rep,) of Me., thought 1% would be wiser to aubiorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds in exchange for greenbacks, und leave the ume and amount of the issue 10 his discretion, than to compel hita to make the issue in an amount and at atime fixed by Congress, ‘Phe Senate then voted on the first clause of tue amendment offered by Mr. Wiliams, limiting the amount of conversion to $2,000,000 & inoata, which was reject ihe Senators present vorng in the negulive opt Messrs, Backalew, Cattell, Davis, Dixon, Hendricks, Howe, toss, Patterson of Tennes- see and Wiliams, 2 ‘Then, at tour o'clock, the Senate took a recess unui iali-past seven this evening. Evening Sessions VE AND HARBOR BILL, abled at seven o’clock and re- derauon of the Raver and iarbor bill, appropriations for removing obstructions in the Hast river at Heil Gate and other places were re- duced to $215,000. Mr. Davis, (dem) of Ky., suggested that the term “Hell Gate” should be changed to jiurl Gate, which he wnuderstood was the proper name of the place. ANDLER, (rep.) Of Mich.—it 1s “Hell”? ughter.) fy. Davis said he knew it was in the vicinity of that place, but he hoped not quite at the gate. Onegor th mendinents reported by the commit- tee was to strike out the aj propriation of $450,000 toward completing tae Louisville and Portland Canal, the appropriation to be made upon the con- Gition that Keutucky relinquish her claim upon the canal 10 the generai government. ‘fhe amendment wus discussed at lencth by Messrs. DAVIS, BUCKALEW, YATES, NYE, MOKION and HEN- pRICKS in favor of the appropriation and Messrs. SVEWART and FRELINGHUY: againsé it. At twenty-five minutes past ten o’clock, while the amendment was still pending, the Senate adjourned. e HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 1868, PAY OF CLERKS OF COMMITTEES. ‘The first business in order being the consideration of a resolution offered last night to put the cierk of the Committee on Invalid Pensions on an equality wita the clerks of the committees on Claims jand Public Lands considerable time was occupied in its discussion. Finally, on motion of Mr. Maynard, the resolution was referred to the Committee on Ac- counts, with instructions to report generally on the subject on the pay of committee clerks. Mr. BROOKS, dem.) of N. Y., prescuted a memorial from the New York brewers for the removal of the duty on Canadian barley, as the United States pro- Gucdon of barley 1s insuficient to supply their de- mand and as Canadian barley is of better quality. MEMORIALS AND RESOLUTIONS. Mr. O'Nuri1, (rep.) of Pa., presented a memorial asking an amendment to the constitution acknowl edging Almighty God as the source of all civil power and the Lord Jesus Christ as the raler among na- Uons; aiso & memorial of the professors and students of the Jeferson Mea.cal College at Philadelphia, for the passage of the bill reorganizing the medical corps of the navy; also a petition of drafted men who served ull the close of the rebellion, for additional bounty. Mr. LAPLIN. (rep.) of N. Y., presented the remon- strance of Tidt brothers and others, of Litue Falis, against Ue imposition of additional duties on Mr. KELSEY, (rep.) of N. Y., presented the pream- adoptea by the Union Wool Growers’ Association of Ontario and Livingston counties, N. Y., at its annual meeting on the 2d inst., against the remnewal of ,the so-called Keciprocity, treaty with Canada. Tne House then, at one o'clock, proceeded to the consideration o! private reports irom committees, PAYMENT OF CHARLES W. WItITNEY. Mr. ArcueR, (dem.) of Mad., from the Committee on Naval Affairs, reported a bill to pay $50,000 to Chartes W. Whitney, for the enlargemeat of the iron- clad Keokuk. Objection being made that the bill made an appropriation it was reierred to the Com- mitee of the Whole on the private eulendar, PRIZE MONEY FOR THE CREW OF KEARSAR, Mr. Pike, (rep.) Of Me., from the Naval Commitice, reportgg a bill to pay Commodore John A, Winsiow and (W® officers and crew of the Untied States sleamer Kearsarge $190,000, to be distributed as prize mogey, being the estimated vaiue of the revel piratical Vessel Alabama, destroyed by the Kear- sarge on the 19th of June, 1864. After some discus- sion aud the insertion of a proviso that no money should bé paid to the assiguee oi any mariner entitiet to ashare, but only to the mariner himeell, his wife or lits cufldren, the bill was passed, by 85 yeas to 25 hays. PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT PORK MISSISSIPPI. Mr. BOCTWELL, (rep.) of Mass., from the Conmnit- tee on Keconstraction. on May the following bill to provide for the organization of a provisional guvern- ment for the State Of Mississippi. Ordered to be printed and recowmitted, A bill to prov! ernment for th seourity of persons aod prope: tuional Convention of waid Stale, heretofore elected under and in puFsnanee of an act of Congress, passed March % 1867, entitied “An act for the more mt government of the rebel States,” and the several ‘of Congress Supplementary thereio and amendatory tuereof, is hereby authorized to assemble forthwith upon cai of the President thereof, and incase of his (ail thirty days to summon said convention, the manding Georral of the Fourth Military dist: hereby authorized and required, by pro@amation, to ut ‘aid couvention to wawemble at the capital of sald State, 1 convention #lal have and is hereby authorized to g powers in addition to the powers now authorized by law, to wit: point @ provistdnal gov- ernor; to make removal ppointwents of all State, county, townehip and other officers of (he provisional govern: ment of the sald state; to authorize the provisional goveruor of enld State to femOve and appoint registers wad judges of elections wader said acts of Cougrers ; to suomit to the people Nd State the constitution heretofore framed by said tion, either with or without amendments; to de ordinance for holding all elect ‘authorized ‘acts of Congress, and for ascertataing and ‘claring the result of sald elections, and espacially of any sion Wicd may be held for the tatiticauon of rejection by constitution which eaid convention may #ubmitto the of sald State; to exempt from attachinent or sale ou n for debt household property and agricultural and nical implementa and tools, nob exc in value the £2000 in Any OMe case; ANd to page ordinances, stent with ihe constitution anddaws a the United 8 may deem necessary to protect all persons | ther lives, liberty and property; provided that ond conr: a. tion shall hot continue In session for more than thirty daya Ror alo the members thereot more than five dollars each or day as compensation nor more than ten cond per inile for travelling to and from the place of meeting. D The several ordiaances which inay be stitutional Contention of sald State as herein pro id State until disapproved by Congress of until Mississippt have a ‘® comstitie tion of State governinent, and the same shail bave been ap- proved by provided that nothing in thie act con wed aball by person of trial by jury in the courts ot offences against the laws of anid State, Btates for 3. The military commanders in the cities of ld to tbe Geers of ‘Ube provisioual goverunsent of Sl Sal rapt tad eee eens al forcible Teatwiance to execution, of the laws. Ags in Bro. 4 The said governor may, after the ad ion shes nd ma nts ige, at ows Mlirectiong oc qe, President of ihe tof the United States may at governor and appomt a 8, nntemndation, fraud oF force, atterny from voting who may be go ofa fected « courte Pore: : ofth _ NEW, YORK. HERALD, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1969.—TRIPLY, SH iy be fn conflict with the provisions of this act are hereby re- pealed. from ‘tho Goimmittee” on Naval Adatrs . on Nav. goamuat bl to pay Richard M, Green for the use his patent bythe government, feferred to the Committee of the Whole, private calendar. Also a bili to pay Foster & Tower, of New York, $2,251 for a difference in the cost of cructbles fur- ished to the New York Navy Yard. Passed. Mr. BLAIKE, (rep.) of Mich., from the Committee on Foreign Aiairs, reported a bill directing United States agents to examine the claim of Knott & Co., American ts, trading and doing business in q ee and robbery Pet ares corn caused by the capture the ‘chy 1857, and if found tobe just to cause its payment wine morniig hour having expirea white the report ¢ mor’ our was bemg read the bill went over till the morning hour to-morrow. ‘MR. BUTLER'S RESOLUTION OF PROTEST. resumed the con- The House at two o'clock, sideration of Mr, Butler’s privileged question pro- testing agamst the manner of pr‘ lure and the orders of the President of the Senate pro tem. in counting the vote of Georgia in obedience to the order of the Senate , and in dissolving the joint convention of the two houses at his own Will, a8 an invasion of the rights and privileges of the House. Mr. Dawes, of Mass., occupied the chair as Speaker pro tem, Mr. BeNTON, (rep.) of N. H., having three minutes allowed him, proceeded to conclude the remarks Which he had commenced at the close of yesterday's morning session in advocacy of the resolution. Mr. Woopskinag, (rep.) of Vt., having eight minutes allowed him, argued tbat in counting the electoral votes the House of resentatives Was not a@ mere cipher; but had rights to sustain and duties to perform; and aiso that the decision of the presiding ofiicer was correct in ordering the tellers Wo proceed with the count. Mr, LoGan, (rep.) of Il, said he should not at- tempt to go over the questions discussed by the various genilemen who preceded litm in the de- bate. He was 10 favor of having the rule governing the count of the electoral votes made clear anddistinct. He was oupased to the adoption of the resolution, because he held that there was no intentional viola- thon of the ruie on the part of the presiding oificer. He agreed with Mr. Woodbridge, that the error com- mitted by the presiding officer was tn receiving the objections of the geatieman from Massachusetts in the first place. He would not vote for any resolu- tion that would contain the stightest sting or reflec- tion on the brave and pepe Senator from Ohio, and he purposed submitting a resolution to lay it on the table. So faras the conduct which had been characterized as disgraceful was concerned, he had naught to say. He was sorry to witness the scene; it Was an exciting moment. Tere might be some excuse or palliation for some of the conduct that was witnessed. He did not participate in it, nor did he sympathize with either side then nor did he now. Who was it that the House was asked to censure? A tan sixty-nine years of age, the presiding officer of the Senate, the presid- ing oilicer of the joint convention, 2 man who has been thirty years in harness, a man who stood in the vanguard, the old captain of the Legion of Lib- erty, on whose head Heaven has showered the bouquets of its sunshine, who stands to-day as tie es living monument of this great age. The jouse was asked to inflict a sting upon that man be- cause he had accidentally done wrong. Were mem- bers reauy to do that?. Were they ready to assign to ignominy a man who had been born a patriot, had lived a patriot and would die a patriot? Noth- ing would give him greater satisfaction than to have that resolution withdrawn. He did not be- lieve there was a man in the House who could put his hand on his heart and say that he was ready to censure Ben Wade in the idea that he had acted from any improper motive. . Mr. BUTLER, (rep.) of Mass.—I never did say that. I never shall. Mr. LoGAN—Hence I say that I should prefer to see tae resolution withdrawn, Mr. BurLuR—I never have believed, and I do not now beiteve, that Ben Wade ever meant to do or ever had done an intentional wrong; but I do believe that the pri 8 of the House have been invaded. ‘That que"tion has been discussed. It is necessary to have legisiation, so that this will never happen again. Waiving all pride of opmion and with a dis- tnct enunciation that I never have censured Ben Wade or meant to censure him for any intentional act of his, but that his act, acting under the Senate, acting under whatever mfuence he was, was an in- vasion of the privileges of the House, lam to withdraw the resolution and accept a substitute — by the gentleman from New York, Mr. Kelsey. Mr, Kelsey’s amendment was read, as follows:— Resolved, That the subject of the amendment of the joint rules governing the convention of the two houses for counting the electoral votus for President and Vice President be re- ferred to a select comuittee of five, with power to report by bill or otherwise. Messrs. PauYN, (dem.) of N. Y., and MeLLins, (rep.) of Tenn, had other substitutes which they desired to offer; but Mr. Logan declined to yield for that pur- pose, A Mr. FARNSWORTH, (rep.) of Til., raised the question of order that the substitute did not present a privi- Jeged question, and tirat it was not germane to the original resoiution. The SPEAKER pro tem. (Mr.gDawes) overruled the point.of order, Mr. FARNSWORTH appealed from the decision of the Chair. Mr. KELLEY, (rep.) of Pa., moved to lay the appeal on the table. ‘The motion Was agreed to—yeas 131, nays 30, Mr. Logan, resuming his remarks, said that | discussion of the subject would keep up @ distu: element in the House. He had conciuded that the discussion and the excitement should cease. He be- Meved thar the broper way to arrive at that result was to have the resolutions and amendment laid on the table, A resolution might then be ofered and referred to a committee, disconnected entirely with the idea of censure, but looking merely to an amend- ment of the rule governing the coustinz of electoral votes. He thereiore moved to lay the whole subject on the table. The motion was agreed to—yeas 1%, nays 65, as follows:— YEAS—Messrs. Allison, Ames, Ashley of Ohio, Baker, Barnes, Baraum, Beaman, Beatiy, Beck, Benjamlo, Bi ham, Blaine, Bowen, Boyden, Boyer, Broomall, Mutklan’ Buckley, Burr, Butler of Tenn., Cake, Callis, Cary. Chanier, Churehill, Clarke of Obio, Cobb, Coburn, Corn wee, Deweese, Dixon, Dockery, ») Eckley, Egcleston, Eliott of Ark., Farnsworth, Fei erriss, Gariivid, Getz, Gloss- brenner, Griswold, Halsey, Hauchey, Hawkins, Heaton, Hol- r man, Hooper, Hopkins, iss, Hubbard of Iowa, Hul- burd, Hunter, Jenckes, Johnson, Jones of N.C. Judd, “Kelley, Rabore, Kerr, | Ketcham, Kitchen, Knott, Koontz, Lattin, Lawrence of Pas Lawrence of Ohio, Lincoln, Lo; ‘Loughridge, Mallory, Marvin, MeCarthy, MeCormick, Miller. Moore, Moorhead, Morrei, Newcomb, Newsham, Niblack, Nicholson, N Yerham, Peters, Pettis, Phelps. ¥, Pomerop, Price, Pruym, Ran- wrer, Scofield, Shelabarger, Suiith, Stokes, Stone, ‘Taylor, ., Van Nunn, O'Neil, Orth, Paine, Pile, Plants, Poland, Po! dall, Raum, Rovertson, Spalding,, ‘Starkweather, Stewart jomas, Twichel!, Upson, Van Aernam, ‘Van Ai Horn of N, ¥., Van Tramp, Washburne of Wis., Washburn of Mass. Wiison of Towa,’ Wilson of Ohio, Wood, Wood bridge, Woodward and the Speaker—130. Nats—Mesarg. Archer, Ashley, ofNev., Axtell, Baldwin, Banke, Benton, Houtwell, Bromwell, Butler, of Mase., Clark, of Kan., Cii@, Corley, Cullom, Dickey, Donuetly, Driggs, EB Eldridge, Tliot: of Buss. Fields, Golladay,, Gorky Gove, Gro- ver, Huight, Hamilton, Higby, Ingersoll, J lian, Kelsey, Lynch, M a) Mungen, Pleree, Pike, Prince, Roots, ns, Stover. Sypher,Taile, Trimble, of fenn., Trowbridge, Horn, of Mo. Van Wyck, Ward, Wasndurne, of Iad., Whittemore—65. A motion to reconsider was made and laid on the tabie, which closed the matter. THE ALR LINE RAILROAD. The next business taken up was the vil! to anthor- ize the building of a military and portal railrood from Washington to New York, tre que‘tion being on its paseage. The bil was passed—yeas luv, nays 54—as follows:— YEAS—Messrs, Ashley of Nev., Ashley of Ohio, Banks, arnes, Beatty, Beaman, Benton, Bingham, Blaine, Biaire, Boutwel!, Bromweil, Buckland, Buckley, Cake, Calles, Clark of Kas., Cliff, Cobb, Coburn, Corley, Corbell, Cdvode, Callom, Deweese, Dockery,’ Donaeliy, Edwards, Ela, Driggs, Kekiey, Riliott of Ai ‘arneworth, Ferris, Ferry, jarfield, Goss, Hamilton, Hatghey, Heaton, i, Hotchkiss, Ingersoll, Jenekes, Jones wid, Jalian,' Kelsey, Lash, Lay ip titwrence’ ot Obey Logan, Lucy McCarthy, MeKee, Miller, Moorhead, Morrill, Newcomb, Norris, Nann, Orth, Paine, Plants, Pertam, Pet tis, Pierce, Pike, Pile,’ Pol Raum, Sawyer, Scofeld, Shellabarger, Starkweather, Stokes, Stover, Sypher, of Tenn.< Upson, Yan Aeraam, Van Hori of Mo. |, Ward, Washburn of » Washbura of Ind, Welker, Williams of Pa., Willian of Ind., Wilson of Ohio, Wilaon of Pa. and Windom 09. Navs—Messrs. Archer, Axtell, Bakor, Daléwin, Barnum, Beck, Benjamin, Boyer, Broomall, Burr, Butler of Mass, Gary, Chanter, Dawes, Eldri ett, Golladay, Grover, Haight, Halsey, Hawking, Holman, Hibbard of 'W. Va. Hunter, Jones of Ky., Kelley, Kitchen, Knott, Latin, M shalt, Marsin, Maynard, McCotmick, Moore, Niblack, Nichol: sou, O'Netil, Phetps, Poland, Price, Prova, Randall,’ Rovert- son, Ross, Stone, Taylor, Thomas, Twichell, Van Auken, Van Trump, Washburn of Mase, Wood, Woodbridge and Woodward-64, 5 Messrs, Cook, Pomeroy, Dickey ana Pettis, who were in favor of the bill, were paired of with Messrs. Kerr, Sitgreaves, Myers and Hii, who were opposed to it. Mr. Woop, (dem.) of Y., moved to amend the bill to deprive the title by making it rea States of their constivutional jurtsdiction over State territory and to take control of the railroad interests of the country. Rejected. Mr. Prey asked leave to offer the following:— Resolved, That in view ot the question which arose on the tate counting of the voles (or President and Vico President of she United States it be referred to the Com- mittee on the Revision of the Laws to inquire into the eterens lo adopiz a erder to regulate tucure. procesdlags ouch ‘cases, and also to ‘ide that the Attorney General prepare and forward to the Governors of the ‘States form: by the Electors of Presi- Brat and’ vice President io the ciecharye of the duties woteh devolve upon them by law. Objected to by Mr. BENJAMIN, (rep.) of Mo. ‘The House then, at hait-past four, took a recess nn. ttl haif-past seven, ela ee to be exclu. sively for the consideration of the tax bill, Evening Session. te! te THe INTERNAL REVENOR wae jouse met) a seven in Com of tthe Whole, Mr, se im the chair, ie sumed the Cp A amendments re- orted from the Com leans the interna ea ae tiie bearing 7 ns subordinates to the Commissioner of pd enue, instead of to the Secretary of the Treasu were agree to, with the understanding that if the House refused to erect the internal revenue bureau mtoa — the amendments would Verion formal amendments mn Were proposed by Mr. Various Schenck.and by making the where 0 #400 on distil Secti ction ffty-nine was amended 3 not have to pay tax as rectifiers, and that all com- pounders of liquors shail be treated as re tiflers. ‘These concluded the amendments of the Commit. tee of Ways and Means to the whiskey sections. Mr. Mav wD, (rep.) of Tenn., moved to make the special tax on distiliers, referred to 1m the preceding paragrapli, $100 a year on distillers producing tweunty-live Marvels or less. Mr, ScuzNvx Opposed the amendment. After about an hour's discussion as to the policy orimpoticy of crushing out smail distilleries and particaloriy such as distill from apples, peaches aad oe. the ameudment offered by Mr, Maynard was a j . Section fifty-six, referring to distilled spirits in bonded warehouses, was, on motion of Mr. Schenck, amended by requir! the withdrawal on or the 20th of April, 1% Mr. Ke..Ley moved to amend by extending the time to the 20th of April, 1870, and Spoke in explana. tion and advocacy of nis amendment. Messrs, Beck and Covopg also spoke in support of ‘Messrs. ScueNcik and AL.isox opposed it. On @ vote being taken there was no quorum vot- ing, ana the amendment was temporarily with- rawn. * The committee then rose ana the House at ten o'clock adjourned, BRAZIL. Admiral Davis at Buenos Ayres—Btiss and Masterman Under Arrest—New Positions of Lopez—The Fire in the Custom House. R10 JANEIRO, Dec, 29, 1868, The steamship City of Brusseis leaves this morn- ing for Europe, and [ take the opportunity to give a féw items of news gathered since the departure of the New York packet of the 26th. Some further details and development have been had from the River Plate, Admiral Davis, with the gunboats, had arrived at Buenps Ayres with, | am assured, Porter C. Bliss and Masterman on board, under arrest. Admiral Davis is reported to be satis- fied with the explanations made by Lopez and to be convinced that the Paraguayan President has been sinned against. The story is that Lopez produced irrefragabie evidence that Bliss and Masterman had tried to promote a revolution against him; that ex- Minister Washburn was actively interestéd in get- ting it up; that he received money from Caxias, and that Lopez hoids lettera proving ex-Minister Wash- burn’s implication and reception of money from General McMahon remained tp Paraguay and had gone to Luque where Lopez's seat of government been since the forcing of Humaita. Luque is situated abeut a dozen miles from Asuncion on the Asuncion and Villa Rica railroad, and is said to be @ very strong place and one which will give the al- lies great trouble to capture. 1c is to Luque and not to Cerro Leon, that Lopez has gone with whatever troops are not garrisoning Angostura, and Luque Will be his bulwark tn advance of Cerro Leon, which is further tn the iuterior. Angosvure still resisted at the last accounts, and in fact Caxias had aot brought = Pa topts siege as it was necessary to reorganize his crvops after the desperate fighting on the 11th. It was not probable anything serious wili be attempted against Angos- tura for ten days, tnasmneh as the army had not only to reorganize but to obtain ammunition and other supplies belore it could assume the offensive again, and Angostura is sald to be garrisoned by 6,000 Par- aguayans, well munitioned and tound, yho are pre- pared to make another Humanita defence of it. The losses of the Brazilian ay in the fight of December 11 were so great that little more than one- half of the troops brought from the Chaco by Caxias remained it for immediate service. Osorio, the sec- ond in command, was shot through the jaw, break- ing the lower one, but was getting on weil. The Bra- aillian forces were at one ume 86 thoroughly beaten that Caxtas, in despair, advanced with his stai® into the fire, and was probably saved only by the devo- tion of the officers, who gathered around him and kept the balls from him. . The day was retrieved by a of troops uader the Baron de Trium| who forced the pea, of the streama, at a d) ce from the main forces, and by making a flank IK enabied the attacking column in front vo establish itself on the other side and develop. The letters from Buenos Ayres attach much weight to the fact ®f Varella having started up the Parana within a few hours after Admiral Davis’ return to Buenos Ayres; and it is said that in consequence of re avis? Cee rere - yoy oy of the genuine government ne to see the Argen- tine Lecce Gelly y Obes, at Fata. i Another supposed mission created rt was suddenly ordered on trom tion. A transpo! Rio for Rio Grande do Sul, with despatches, it is confidentially said, to the Visconde de Porto Alegre. req second juesting him to assume either the chief or japaign. Osorio being fe , at least, disabled, Marshal Argolo another general wounded, and various officers of eminence killed, there is te losingian pote mye ing the confidence of the army as com! lers of divisions and army corps; hence there 1s color for the beltef that Porto Alegre is called on to re-enter rE day ning about sick o'clock @ fire broke out in the Custom House. Notice was given to the fire engine station of city, buc {t was two hours before the engines from it arrived, in consequence of the need to send @ course Of despatches from each officer to his supe- rior to ask orders. Even when some iire engines had arrived, and a large number of persons were assembied to aid tn putting out the dire all were kept 1die for a considerable tne because none of the omiciais would take the responsibility of bursting ae the doors, inasmuch as tue “senor guardian the keys as not there to open the doors, and the tom House regule tion forbade any one io enter unless the Senor guardian of the keys Was present to open the doors and permit tus entrance.” so the crowd and the engines waited outside until the Leech nea of the keys could be hunted up, wherever he mgt happen to be, and meantime the fire waited for novody; and as even the waichmen, Who siould have been on duty inside, were anywhere but where they ought to have been the con: jon grew from a small matter to one threatening a terrible catastrophe should it reach the spirit stores. Finally the curses and a} i of the parties own- goods in the Custom House preval.ed over the oficial tear of responsibility. A door was burst by order of a foreign merchant and tie Caplain of tie Port smashed it another. Engines from tne foreign men-ol-war were on hand and work began in earn- est. As for the fire engines belot ig to the Custom House, they were out of order and useless, A stenu fire engine came down at ten o'clock, but it also was out of order und cow'd not be got to duty before noon. The luspector of the Custom House was at Petropoiis for the day. He was telegraphed tor; no use, the telegraph was also out of order. The tire commenced im the store containing the fancy and vaiuabic goods, lanacd a week vefore frum the Freneh poakee which were totally destroyed, along with the g in two other burned up sheds. However, by the aid given from ail sides the fire was kept confined to the three stores, M. the danger of its spreading Was virtually over. ‘The lows is supposed to amount to about $25: at Snehsh an — of which Was insured in various ragiiian insurance offices. The total amount of goods at pregen! re House {8 estimated at $4,000,000 (6 The Emperor came down about eleven o'clock, Some persons set to work to cheer hii, out ne fared ‘Up and told them that it was no holiday festival they Were ac, but a day of national misfortune, aud there was lpg: J eise to be done than to be vivaing like aiotor cluldren, He was also on hand ail the next day, rather in the way of the work most of the time, it must be admitted. bus the intention was good, and that is much. ‘The fire has tewporarily stopped business and no exchange lias been opened by the banas Gold has Tailited to 150 and sovereigns are 1s(J00, CONNECTICUT. New Haven. Fivep.—Yesterday, two men named James Butier and Edward Langford were brought up before the City Court charged with pedling without having ob- tained acity License. One was engaged in seili patent medicine or preparation, and tue other in selling clothes racks, The-Court fined them each the costs of the prosecution. PaRocn tat GirTs.—Tuesday evening last the mem- bers of the partsh of the Church of the Ascension, numbering about 200 persona, paid a surprise visit to the rector, Rev. Mr. Andrews, at his residence, No, 96 York street, and presented him with a beauti- ful surplice and a handsome writing desk. A lady of the church made the presentatiun specc A Roman Catholic lady loaf of cake elaborately T disaster & danvury, caused by the breaking away of,a dam, the citizens of|Westville have thought it vest to have an examination made of the dams of the Fairhaven Water, jocated est Rock range back Or the! vilages last toting one of the dams RR. way *. part, bu been employed to make @ thorough exam the dams andjreport as to their POLITICAL RvMoRs.—In the democratic party there is going on just now quite a lively struggle for the nominations yet to be made, since securing a nomination is pretiy certain to be followed by an lection. For Co! jonors there is a Gaya. prediction tread 10 rode Form? it was thought that James fF. Collector of the Port, would be tho aspirant, but of late po! L Eeoarick, of Wateroury, has been at wor' a district, and rumor now ‘The voice that comes fromthe power Mr. Chas, now seeks to go to the State Senate, which place also Mayor L. W. 8 is desirous Us He will probably ol For rer ) Dr. Robertson ia ay of, While Aiderman © man and Colonel are by ter triends, ‘The old City Clerk, Willem threavened with disniacemeut by Lieutenant 1 Hayes,