The New York Herald Newspaper, February 28, 1869, Page 3

. WASHINGTON GRANT AND SHERMAN IN COUNCIL General Butler Visiting the President Elect. Discussion in the Senate on the Dill to Strengthen the Public Credit. The Louisiana Contested Election ase in the House. SPEECH OF THE COLORED MEMBER. ALL THE CONTESTANTS OUSTED. Lively Debate on Indian Matters. Another Alaska Report Condemn- ing Robert J. Walker. ‘WASHINGTON, Feb, 27, 1869, Iacreasing Interest in the Incoming Adminis- tration—Generals Grant, Sherman and Ben Butler in Consultation—Visits from Politi- elane—Grant Denies that He Told McClure He Was Not a Party President. As the day of inauguration approaches the in- terest in everything relating to the new administra- tion increases to fever heat, and the politicians are beside themselves with anxiety to know who Grant ‘tntends to choose for his advisers and for all things else within his gift. From nine till noon of each day the President elect has been the best visited and the worst bored man in the country. To-day he reached the climax of thisexperience. Hardly had he finished the reading of his correspond- ence when the politicians popped in, each one, Hike the hero of “Humpty Dumpty,” ready to exclaim “Here we are!” But there was little show, at least to-aay, for the anx- ious tribe that came afoot and in carriages to con- sult and instruct the oracle, because a lion in the shape of General Sherman lay in the path, and ‘the two military heroes formed a mutual support to each other against the assaults from the inquisitorial talkers that poured in. General Sherman came early and was accommo- dated with a desk in the same room with General Grant. Both entered into a long conversation on the condition of Indian affairs, and while they were thus engaged who should stride in but General Ben- jamin F. Butler, who, above all other men, has the knack of hitting the right moment for everything he dees. Smoking a cigar, just as Grant was doing, and ‘with the brim of his broad felt hat turned skywards, Butler, with one nand in his great coat pocket, as usual, shuffied over to where the great masters of military science were sitting and made himself at . home in an instant. He had called on just the business which was already under discussion, and for the brief time he spent tne conversation ran along smoothly and instructively. Butler and Grant were aunit on the question of keeping down the Indian expenditures. Grant was perhaps more earnest and emphatic, and declared himself en- tirely opposed to the present system of wholesale pauper provision for the Indian tribes. But. Jer nodded assent, thought there was widespread extravagance in the policy now pursued and that Indian affairs needed as thorough an overhauling as the internal revenue. So thought Grant, so thought Sherman. Butler put a question or two to Sherman, ‘toox a fresh cigar from Grant, clapped his broad brimmed hat on his head and made his way down stairs, while a crowd of visitors were making their way up. Senators Nye, Warner, Howard, Stewart, Wilson and Morrill of Vermont were ushered in almost at the same time along with General Walbridge, General Logan, General Ekin, General Terry, Ben Eggleston, Grinnell of lowa, 1. Dickey of Pennsylvania, and others. Senator Stewart said he came to know how General Grant stood on the constitutional ameudment giving uni- versal suffrage, North and South. General Grant replied that he endorsed the amendment and hoped ‘the States would ratify it; he believed that the re- publican party were bound to see this conclusion Yealized. This statement he desired ail the gentle- men present to understand was not for their private information alone, but for the whole country to hear. Senator Wilson on learning this announce- ment put his hat on and went off in great good humer, saying that he at least was satisfled with General Grant. The General informed Mr. Dickey that George H. Stuart was not the man whom he had fixed upon for his Cabinet from Pennsylvania. He was not” surprised that’ the name of Mr, Stuart had suggested itself to the popular mind; it was more than probable that had Mr. Stuart's health been such as to warrant his acceptance of a Cabinet position he would have been offered it, He knew, however, that Mr. Stuart ‘Was not in good health and would be unable to ‘andergo the fatigues of official life. Grant’ also stated to Mr. Dickey that the story made public by Alexander K. McOlure of his having said during his ‘nterview with that gentleman that he had been elected by a party, but that he did not intend tobe @ party President, was not true. He never used such language, and he was astonished that McClure should say that he did. With regard to the course he would pursue in the distribution of the public patronage. Grant said he had already put forth his sentipenrs in his reply to the address of the committee of Congress informing him of his election. He supposed some men would be disap- en but he hoped, in general, to give satisfac- W. E. Robinson, of Brooklyn, was another of the many callers on the General. He simply went to intro- duce a lady, but as an opportunity to say afew words Offered itself he told General Grant he had called with no object of soliciting an office for himself or anybody else, but if in any future diMeculty with Perfidious Albion old Ireland should gain her free- dom, all he asked was to be sent as minister to the court of St. Patrick, General Grant in the House of Representa- tivee—Interview with Messrs. Boutwell and Griswold. About half-past one o’clock General Grant sud- denly made his appearance on the foor of the House of Representatives. He came unexpectedly and got into one of the cloak rooms before any one knew of his presence, but he did not long remain tncog., for she Chesterfleldian darky who has charge of the Gepartment soon spied him out, drawn up modestly im & corner smoking @ cigar, and ran up to learn what he could do to oblige the coming President. “Charles,” said Grant, “do you know where Gover- nor Boutwell site?’ “Yes, General,” said Charies, bowing and smiling intensely. ‘Oblige me by presenting my compliments and telling him I would like to see him for half a quarter of a minute,” said Grant. “Yes, sah,1 shall do dat. I shail tell him Ginral Grant wants ter seo him right heah im- midguity !’ spoke Charles smilingly and winking ‘with a cuteness intended to convey to the General the idea that he (Charies) knew to whom he was @peaking, and it would be of no use te try to come the “possum game’ over him. Having intelli- @ently conveyed this to Grant, Charles started of to discharge his mission, and on the, way met his colleague, Joe, to whom he exoitediy ‘whispered, “Joe, whose in dar?” pointing to the cloak room. “Dun know, Iso shuah—how should iY” answered Joe. ‘“Ginral Grant—‘Ginrat Grant! Don’t say nothin’ about it,” mysteriously NEW YORK HERALD, SUND AY, FEBRUARY 28, 1869.—TRIPLE SHEET. uttered Charles. “Won't do, Charles; try again; won't do for Joe. ‘Not for Joe; no, no, no; not for Josey,’”’ sang Joseph, incredulously. Charles met several others on the way to Boutwell’s seat and told each and every one the same news with the same air of profound mystery. The consequence was that there was a sensation before Boutwell got Lis mes- sage. Members were seen jumping from their seats and walking towards the cloak room. Some con- teuted themselves with a mere look inside in passing; others went into the cloak room, walking ir one door and out the other without stopping; still others went right up to the General and paid their respects, few of them, however, venturing beyond a mere “Good day, General,” and a shake of the hand. When Boutwell arrived Grant was surrounded by half a dozen persons, but immediately drew his chair farther into the corner and sat down alone with Boutwell. The memters who had been talking with him withdrew some distance, but did not leave the cloak room. “What could Grant want with Bout- well?’ of course was the-general query at first, and when after a long time the interview had not terml- nated the curiosity became heightened and the query changed to, “When will Grant be done witn Boutwell?” there was an evident desire felt by everybody, except perhaps Boutwell and Grant, that the private confab should end. But it continued longer and longer, Grant whispering, smoking and listen- ing, apparently in a very earnest manner. Members came to look as people do to view a great curiosity and went away wondering. Nine out of every ten construed the thing in but one way, namely--that Boutwell was certainly to be one of Grant’s Cabinet. Why else should he talk so privately to Boutwell * However, [am pretty well informed that during the entire interview not one word was said about Cabinet matters. This is stated without prejudice to Bout- well’s chances. What Grant really spoke about was Georgia, giving it as his opinion to Boutwell that the proposition to unseat the members from that ‘State ought not to be adopted. That Grant intended to take this step I advised you of by telegraph last night. After Boutwell’s interview ended Jonn A. Gris- wold, of New York, was sent for and was taken into Grant's private corner, where he remained talking with the General fully as long as Boutwell. This ex- cited all the New York members. They peeped in and out constantly and kept asking each other what itall meant. Logan, Dickey and three or four other members sat on a sofa near by chatting and talking and occasionally glancing inquisitively in the direc- tion of the mysterious corner; but not a word could be heard that dropped from Grant and Griswold. Ergo, one conclusion was drawn—Griswold, like Boutwell, was destined for the Cabinet. When Gris- | wold got up at the close of his confab he was beset by several brother members in the presence of Grant and asked to tell what he knew. “Now, Griswold,” said one, “get back into that cor- ner and tell us about the Capinet.” “Yes,” said another, “let us force it out of him. Shall we put him to the torture, General?” “It would be of little use,” replied Griswold, smiling, “I know nothing about the matter.” “Oh, oh, oh!’ was heard from @ number of voices at this statement of Griswold. “How are you, Secretary of the Navy?” sald one. “It won't do to play reticent, Griswold,” said another. “You cannot come that over us, you know,” said a third. Griswold went off smiling, apd Grant stood up to’ move away also, but was sur- rounded by a little knot of members. Eliot, of Massachusetts; Robinson, of New York; Logan, of Illinois; Dickey, of Pennsylvania; Bingham, of Ohio; Pruyn, of New York, and several others shook hands warmly with the General, cach making some lively remark, x Those who say Grant can’t talk ought to have seen and heard nim to-day. He chatted away easily and freely with everybody, and made a very pleasant impression upon all who approached him. Just as he was about to go away Colfax came in and had a few moments’ conversation with the General in that corner. Wilson, of Iowa, also had a talk with the General, who finally, about half-past two o’clock, quietly went off the floor, and wended his way slowly towards the Senate, keeping bebind a little group of people going inthe same direction go as to avold recognition. In this manner he reached in safety—that is, without interruption—the Senate side, and went down to the basement floor and out into the open air just in time to hail one of the F street carsand jumpin. And so ended the day’s visit to the Capitol. Next in interest to Grant's visit among the occur- rences at the Capitol to-day was the debate relative to the contest over the seat claimed by the colored Representative, J. Willie Menard, of! Louisiana. For the first time in the history of Congress a man of African blood was allowed to speak in the House of Representatives during the legislative proceed- ings. Mr. Menard sat in Allison’s seat during the debate ori his case, and when allowed an opportu- nity to speak delivered what he had to say with a cool readiness and clearness that sur- prised everybody. There was not the slightest trepidation or nervousness perceptible. He spoke very distinctly and commanded more at- -tention than nine-tenths of the members generally. From the fact that it was not generally known that the case would come up to-day the attendanc’e in the galleries was rather slim, but included a good number of colored people, who evidehtly viewed their champion on the floor with pride and affection. But it wasnouse. Say what he might, let his case be ever so clear, he would not be admitted, for the committee had resolved to jshut out [the darky any- how, right or wrong, and so Menard was voted down. Interview Between Grant and the Commis- sioner of Custome—The New York Custom House to be Looked After. A day or two ago the Commissioner of Customs called at Grant’s beadquarters, but arrived at a time when the General was closely engaged and expected to be for a long time, The General sent @ message to Mr, Sargent, in- forming him that he unable to see him then, put would be glad to have a little conversa- tion with him on the next day. In accordance with this arrangement the Commissioner made his ap- pearance yesterday, and was admitted. After dis- posing of the business on which he had called tne Commissioner asked the General whether he could give him any information in regard to his branch of the revenue, adding some particulars about the condi- tion of affairs in his office, in the course of which he remarked that there were two positions in the gov- ernment service that needed zealous and hard work- ing men to fill them; that the revenue should reach, if faithfully collected, $150,000,000 a year. The General asked whether he referred to the internal revenue, and the Commissioner replied that he was speaking of the customs, and said tnat through inefficient service of the government, caused by injudicious appointments, the collection of the customs revenue fell short by sthuggling from twenty to thirty millions of dollars per annum."’ “Then one of the positions you mention as requiring faithful and energetic officer,” said Grant, “is the New York Custom House?’ “Yes,” answered the Commissioner, ‘‘and the other is the Secretary of the Treasury. Let these officers be carefully selected and the revenue from customs will be collected Within a fraction of what is due." General Grant manifested an unusual degree of interest in his in- quiries about the revenue service of the Customs Department, as well as that of the Internal Revenue Department, and concluded the interview with Judge Sargent by saying that he would call the at- tention of the next Secretary of the Treasury tq these matters especially, ¥ Ramers and Sarmises. Though Gfant has said he intends not to appoint any purely military or naval man to his Cabinet, it does not follow that Porter may not be Secretary of the Navy pro tem., as Schofield is to be Secretary of War pro tem, There are certain changes Grant do- sires to make in the navy, and certain plans for its reduction and administration he intends to intro- duce which will make it convenient to have @ man like Porter at its head fora few months. Therefore he may be nominated pro tem. Hamilton Fish ts having @ house fitted up ‘The gossips say that shows he ts to be in Grant’s Cabinet. Rumor says also that BE. W. Rice, of lowa, will be appointed Commissioner of Indian Affairs, vice Taylor. Preparations for the Inauguration of President Grant. Mr. Brown, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, with Senatora Yates, Cragin and McCreery, have been engaged all day making preparations for the in- augural ceremonies, but haye not completed the Programme. Mr. Brown has also been in consulta- tion with General Badeau, of Grant’s staf; General Webb, of the Committee of Arrangements, and Major Richards, Chief of Police. The Senate wing of the Capitol will be closed on Thuraday, the 4th, to all except members of the House of Representatives and Senators and those having ticketa. Six tickets will be issued to each Senator and two to each Re- Presentative, Fall arrangements will be made for the Diplomatic Corps and the Judictary, and the en- tire programme will be published early next week. Visitors to President Johnson. Every day seems to bring an increase in the num- ver of persons desirous of seeing President Johnson. To-day the President was almost overwhelmed with visitors. He endeavored to grant an audience to each, and three or four times during the day ad- mitted those who were in walting en masse, A lgrge proportion of those who are pressing upon his time now are persons who have heretotore applied for pardons or the revocation of orders tasued in the army and navy who were unsuccessful, and who hope gthat their desires will be granted now that the President is about retiring from oMce. Tne President, to tell the truth, is disposed to be exceed- ingly merciful, and directions have been given by him that will gratify many of thése now besieging him with the strongest-importunities. Speaker Colfax on His Dignity. ‘There was a sharp encounter to-day in the suse be- tween Speaker Colfax and Representative Chanler of New York. Chanler is sometimes very offensive, not only in words, but in manner. As a genera) thing very little attention is paid to him; but occasionally he succeeds in attracting notice, but not always of a complimentary character. The other day, for in- stance, after he had bothered Butler for some time the member from the Essex (Massachusetts) districts replied:—“I don’t yield to that gentleman (Chanler). The last time I yielded to him he insulted me.” To- day Chanler had a quarrel with Colfax. He went so far as to impeach the veracity of the Speaker, and the latter concluded with saying that what Chanler said was not true. Just before the House took @ recess Chanler arose to a personal explanation, which turned out to be nothing else than a fresh attack upon the Speaker. He read his remarks from manu- script, showing that he had prepared them with care, The burden of all he said was that Colfax ruled one way for the republican side of the House and another way for the democratic side, This natu- rally nettled Colfax, who is very sensitive, and he replied sharply—more sharply than he has ever re- plied toany member, so the old members of the House say, since he has occupied the Speaker’s chair. He closed by telling Mr. Chanler that he could but repeat the remark he made earlier in the day, namely, that what Chanler had said about his Tulings was not true. At the close of his remarks Speaker Colfax was warmly congratulated by the republican members. The Purchase of General Grant’s House for General Sherman. The committee which was charged with the nego- “tiations for the purchase of General Grant's house for General W. T. Sherman have concladed the pur- chase of the house and furniture. The building will be thoroughly repaired and put in excellent order. The committee communicated with General Sher- man and informed him that the purchase had been made, inquiring when it would ve his pleasure to take possession. The General replied that it would not be convenient for his family to break up housekeeping in St. Louis until the beginning of June next, as it would interfere with his children’s education. Gecheral Sherman arrived here to-day, and the deed for the property, which was all ready for signing, was doubtless con- veyed to General Sherman to-day. Restoration of Property Belonging to General Lee. 3 hee ‘was received a few bien: by the Secretary of the Intertor from General Robert E. Lee asking that a number of articles now on exhibition in the model room of the Patent OMice, which were once the property of General Washington, be returned to him as the rightfal possessor. They were left 1m the possession of the Lee family, where they re- mained until 1862, when the Arlington House was occupied by the Union forces and the property remo’ The Secretary laid the matter before the President at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday last, and the opinion seemed to prevail that there was no reason why the property should not be restored. Secretary Browning has decided to direct the Commissioner of Patents to turn over to Robert E. Lee, the articles claimed, upon the condition that they be identified. The articles referred to were de- posited in the Department of the Interior by Caleb Lyon, of New York, in 1862, and are as follows:—One pair of candela- bras, one punch bowl, forty-two plates, six- teen dishes, three finger bowls, two vases, one table, one mirror, a lot of gilded ornaments, six sauce bowls, one money chest, one knife case, one case for silver, one chest of drawers, one washstand, one dressing bureau, one set of window curtains, four tents, poles and pins, one blanket, one set of bed curtains and one bed spread, Acquittal of a Physician ona Charge of Man- slaughter. For several days past a trial has been progressing in the Criminal Court, of Z. Hone Ripley, indicted for manslaughter in having caused the death of Mra. Minerva A. Martin. This morning Judge Fisher charged the jury, inthe course of which he sald, a mere error of judgment should not be punished for allare liable toerror. If the defendant had given medicine for the purpose of relieving the patient, and by mistake prescribed an excessive dose, he is not guilty of manslaughter. If there was wilful rash- ness, if he cared not whether the medicine killed or cured, it would be different from a case where medi- cine 18 administered with honest intentions. It had been testified that this was one of the prescriptions which it was designed should not be administered after relief was had, and that deceased was retieved by the first dose. The physician was not responsible for the administration of the second dose, and they should acquit him. The jury after a short absence returned with verdict of not guilty. Burning of Paper at the Treasury Department. Some excitement was produced this morning in the waste paper room of the Treasury Department by the accidental burning o1 a quantity of waste paper. The fire was put out before any damage was done. An Executive Pardon. President Johnson pardoned to-day ® man sen- tenced a few days ago to pay a fine of $500 and ten days’ imprisonment im jail for assault and battery. Arrival of Jesse Grant and His Daughter. Jesse Grant, the father of General Grant, and Miss Jennie Grant, sister of the General, arrived in Wash- ington by the noon train to-day from Covington, Ky. Internal Revenue Receipts. ‘The receipts to-day from imternal revenue were $003,926 12, and for the month ending this date $10,276,828 31. The aggregate for the fiscal year to date is $01,986,058 18, Resolution of the Reconstruction Committee in Regard to Georgia. ‘The Committee on Recohstruction to-day passed a Tesolution to make no report in relation to the repre- sentation from Georgia, determining to leave that Question as it is. This is said to be in accordance ‘with the views of General Grant, who held an inter- view with Mr. Young, member for Georgia. General Grant informed that gentleman he could not see how Congress could avoid recognizing Georgia as a State in the Union, and he was in favor of non-tnter ference, Detention of Maile on the Union Pacific Ratlrond. A. H. Barney, president of Wells, Fargo & Co., telegraphs to the Post Omce Department, under date of New York, February 26, that the agents of the company report th#t the Union Pacific Railroad track Will not be opened for a week, and that there have been no through trains either way since the 12th inst. The Department haa no present means of facilitating the accumulated mai! matter, and will, therefore, have to await the disappearance of the snow obstructions, The Paraguayan Correspondence. The Secretary of the Navy has sent to Congress additional correspondence relative to Paraguay. Among the letters is one from Masterman, addressed to Admiral Davis, dated January 23, in which he says:—“I avail myself of this opportunity to thank You. Most gratefully for the important service you rendered me by delivering me trom a cruel captivity and provable violent death in Paraguay.” Mr. Blise, ip a letter to Admiral Davis, said be would comply with the latter’s request as to taking passage home, and that he would, in duty bound, promptly report im person to the Departineni of State, as requesied by the Admiral. Naval Court of Inquiry. A naval court of inquiry has been im session at the Navy Department since the 22d inst., engaged in investigating the facts counected with the grounding of the United States steamer Canandaigua in the Adriatic on the 10th of May last. The court is com- posed of Rear Admirai Charles H. Bell as president and Commodores L, M. Powell and Joseph F. Green members, Thomas G, Welles, @ son of Secretary Welles, is Judge Advocate of the court. Order from Mr. Spinner Relating te Transfer Checks. ‘The following order was posted up in the office of the United States Treasurer to-day:— OFFICE OF TREASURER OF UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 1869. It is hereby ordered that hereafter no transfer checks be drawn in this ofMfee on other than public business, F. E, SPINNER, Treasurer, Persons were in the habit of depositing money at the Treasury and receiving therefor transfer checks, to be sent to other parts of the country; but the First Comptroller of the Treasury has decided that the government cannot indemnify such persons if the transfer checks should be lost. Hence the Treasurer has decided to forbid their issue. SENATE. ‘ WAsHINGTON, Feo. 21, 1869, BILL TO STRENGTHEN THE PUBLIC CREDIT. On motion of Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) of Ohio, the House bill to strengthen the public credit was taken up. The amendments of the Committee on Finance were agreed to, striking from the House bill the words “‘in' bearing” and also the proviso that “before any of said interest-bearing obligations not already due shall mature or be paid before maturity the United States notes shall be convertible into coin at the option of the holder,’’ Mr. Davis moved to recommit the bill to the Com- mittee on Finance, with instructions to report a substitute, providing that the government obliga. tious snall be paid in coin at their values in gold and sliver at the time were issued; that the interest upon them shall be reduced to four and a lmif per cent, and that the excess of interest above that rate already paid, which shall have been aid by the 1st of July, 1869, shall be applied in satis- ion of a portion of the Vegan . Mr. Davis made an argument in favor of the substitute, Mr. BAYARD, (dem.) of Del., had no objection the first ion of the bil:, but he believed that the Sue section, omgen | oie, contracts eee, was wi unnecessary ant el multiply litiga- tions; ana therefore he moved to strike it out. Mr. MorToN, (rep.) of Ind., said the section was necessary as @ limitation upon the power to make Fo eae under the decision of the Supreme oul Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, (rep.) of N. J., moved to strike out the clause of the second section providing that on the of asuit brought for the enforce- ment of @ coin contract -proof of the real considera- tion may be given. to. Mr. HENDERSON, (rep.) of Mo., moved to amend the second section 80 as to leave only the words “any contract pereafter made specifically payable in coin shall be légal and valid, and may be enforced according to its terms.” Mr. HENDRICKS, (dem.) of Ind., was willing to vote for thia provision, but was opposed to the first section of the bill, because it was not designed to have any practical effect, but merely to put upon the past financial | ation of Congress a construction to which he could not agree. It proposed to increase the bonded debt of the country six hundred million dollars without increasing im any degree tne ability of the country to pay the debt. The bonds of the country had been bought by the moneyed men of the country with a view to profit. Mr. EDMUNDS, (rep.) of V¢., asked what the Senator from Indiana meant i Lene J the bonds had been soc by the moneyed men of the country, when tae candidate of his own party for the Presidency had stated in his speeches that the bulk of them were held by widows, orphans and other. people. Mr. HENpRIcKs replied by moneyed men he meant who had money—who had the wherewith to buy bonds; and although some of them were doubt- jess comparatively poor, yet he believed they were persons of large means, who sought a profit- able investment. Mr. Epmunps inquired whether he wished to Bae ae ee eee order to punish the cl Mr. HENDRICKS said he did not want to sacrifice anybody. He was simply in favor of body according to the contract, and in body would be sacrificed. The penaing bil, if passed, would, in his judgment, contract the currency; be- cause that would interfere with our national enter- prise and commerce, which should be rather pro- Moted in every legitimate way so as to turn the balance of trade with Europe in ouf favor. When that result should have been attained the nation Sra Euan ap Fl ag atten va . CORBETT, n, e value of our bon be in a ar bonds wi our credit abroad by the first section of the bil, and that therefore it ought to, be passed. Mr. Henderson's amendment was then rejected— Yeas 10, nays 35. Mr. Bayard’s motion to strike out the second sec- tion was then lost—yeas 7, nays 37. The Senate, at hall-past four o’clock, took @ recess until seven o’clock. Evening Session. ‘The Senate reassembled at seven o'clock. REDISTRIBUTION OF NATIONAL BANKING CAPITAL. Mr. WILSON, (rep.) of Mass., introduced a bill for the more equal distribution of the national banking capital. It provides that there shall be $40,000,000 of bank notes and that $100,000,000 of greenbacks shall be withdrawn, 60 that the amount of circula- tion shall not be increased. The object of the bill is wo give ag enpplied vanking ues not now adequately supplied. Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) Of Ohio, offered a resolution to authorize the RECOGNITION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF CUBA, and authorizing the President, whenever, in bis opinion, Cuba shall have established an independent government de facto according to the laws of na- tions, to recognize her ind: dence. Re! the Committee on Foreign At JOINT RESOLUTION, Mr. CoE, (rep.) of Cal., offered the following joint resolution, and asked to Nave it laid on the table :— ‘That the President of the United States comfauntcate to the on. Powers of Europe the grave concern with which the (/nited States would regard of those Powers, favoring the The Senate then resumod the consideration of THK BILL TO STRENGTHEN THE PUBLIC CREDIT. Mr. Doo.itrLe, (dem.) of Wis., spoke in opposl- sition to the bill. In considering the question of finance the Congress of the United States did not tet Speetanag’ Ses Teeth Sad tract. the tax receiver, it stood rather in the-position of 2 Jadgs, bese’ to do impartial justice between both, tor controversy between upon the principie of equity. tne Wrst ote towards ttle ic debt and resuming specie ayia reduction of the interest; it the pend. ing. bill designed expressly to pre- went on to argue that the bonds were not, according to the contract, payable in coin. Mr. fel rep.) of Cal., followed in ition to the mierest of specutatorn, who by procuring the ant si Procurt endorsement of that the five-twen ties should be paid in com would be able to raise their vaiue in Europe, create a foreign demand, and thus realize @ large profit on the bonds which they how hold. If the bonds were not legaliy payavle cotn, to declare them so would be unjust to the ie who had to pay them; and the fact that this Weciaration by. C ag is necessary ts an ad- mission that the law under which the bonds were issued did not require that they should be paid in in. rhe bill was defended by Messrs. Sherman, Fes. senden and Stewart, and opposed by Messrs, Mor- peg ny ap and Doolittle, when an amendment to the first section was offered by Mr. Hendricks, and rejected. The was then passed by the following Mesrra. Abbott, Cattell, nese, Corbett cragins Dixon, Tidmunda, Ferry, Fe con Fret . Grimes, Harlan, Hi Hi rare 1) Morrill of Me., Morrill of Vi. Nye, ‘of 'N. H., Rober 4 Sherman, Slewart, Sumner, Thayer, Tipton, Wiley, Willains jesara. Cole, Davis, Doolittle, Fowler, Henderson, Hendi ‘MeCreery, MeDo' jorton, Patter: ton of Fenh., Pomeroy, Rose, spetcer, Wade, Walch 216 Mesara, Cameron and Anthony, who would have voted “yea,” were paired with Kellogg and Norton, who would lave voted “nay." ‘On motion of Mr. SHERMAN the title of the bill was changed. The following is the bill as passed: — An act relating to the public debt :— Be amare Pant are rene any dou she public creditors and to Soutiblog qcenions ‘tad iaer- settle ten of the laws by virtue of ‘which such ob: have been sontrasted vided after mace, anqettenity pagabie in cotn.and the eanaidavetion ‘coin, OF a sale of pro sadering of labor, oF service ‘of any kind, the price of whica carried into tract have been adjusted on basis a eres value thareot, ot ths time of euch sale or ibe rene dering of such service or laber, sball and valid, aud may be enforced according to At twelve o’clock the Senate apjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WasuIngton, Feb. 27, 1860. LOUISIANA CONTESTED ELECTION CASE. ‘The House resumed the consideration of the Louist- on which Mr, Upson, (rep.) of Mich., was entitied to ana contested election case of Jones versus Mann, the floor. He argued against giving Mr. Jones the seat, on the ground of his not having received a suf- ficient number of votes. He said at this late day of the session he did not propose to take up the time of the House with discussing this question. He would yield, however, to such gentlemen as wished to be heard on the subject. He yielded first to Mr. BLACKBURN, (rep.) of La., elo eons ving the seat to Mr. Jones on the gen of derogatory of the c! Colonel Mann was his friend, and he ae honorable gentleman. He had been elected, ever, ee the men whose hands were red with the blood and he (Mano) after fighting ¢' the country afterwards them. Tne Committee on Elections had said that Mr. Jones failed to make out @ case. If the members of that committee understood the Condition of affairs at the South they would appre~ eee ne Scien ot making out @ case in favor of nyalty, Mr. MAYNARD, (rep.) of Tenn., to be able, in the fen minutes’ allowed. iim, to show that all the rinctples of jusuice were on the side of giving Mr. jones the seat he claimed. The question was whether Mr. Jones was or was not in Ay 1867. 1 mr. Jones was op) bere by Messrs. Hunt and Menard, two gentlemen who also opposed It was to their interest that Mr. Jones should not bave the seat. Mr. Maynard read from the tes- timony of one of the election judges to show that the whole number of votes cast in the Second Con- nal district of Louisiana at the election in prii, 1867, was 12,318, of which Mr. Jones received aclear majority. Mr. Cook, (rep.) of Tll., a member of the Committee on Election, eaid that the e of elections, to whom Mr. Maynard referred, had no means of know- ing what the result was at the different polling laces at the time; he Mr. Dawes, (rep.) of mittee on Elections, protested &@ precedent, which would allow the testimony of one witness to set aside a man’s election. After further discussion the substitute offered by Eis Blackburn, reciting Ce gti Sones J gener to e seat, Was Fejected, ant resolution mittee on Elections setting forth that Mr. Jones is not entitled to a seat in the House from the Second District of Louisiana were adopted. Mr. Upson, (rep.) of Mich., called up the contested election case of Menard versus Hunt, from the Second district of Louisiana. Mr. MAYNARD asked unanimous consent that J. Willis Menard, who is a negro holding the certificate of election, be sworn in as the sitting member pend- the consideration of the case. - Woop, (dem.) of N. Y., and Mr. Kerr, (dem.,) of Ind., objected. ‘Mr. UPSON moved to suspend the rules for the pur- pose of allowing each of the contestants fifteen min- ‘utes to address the House in their own behalf. The rules were suspended, and Mr. MENARD made his po agri apout the centre of the republican place in the House. Mr. MENARD then addressed the House, referring to the fact that Mr. Huot had not taken the testi- mony within the time provided by the act. He said that if Mr. Hunt did not know the law of Congress he was a very poor subject to be sent to Congress. The point was deemed a good one and caused some amusement among members. He went on to argue the details of the question in an easy, quiet, good- humored style, which’ attracted the attention and apparent sympathy of the members. After speak- lng for about @ quarter of an hour he asked and ob- tamed leave to print the remainder of his remarks in the Globe. he resumed his seat many members approached and congratulated him in a friendly manner. Mr. MAYNARD that as the action of the House in the case of Mann vs. Jones snowed that there was a vacancy in the district, and as the gen- tleman who had just addressed the House (Mr. Menard) we the certificate, and had therefore a "ima Jaci® right to the he be sworn in and al- lowed to hold the seat pen ng the litigation. He asked unanimous consent to offer a motion to that effect. Mr. Upson declined to yield the floor for that pur- Mr. CHANLER, (dem.) of N. Y., appealed to Mr. Up- son to let Mr. Maynard make that motion. Mr. Upson declined to do go, adding that if he did the —o from New York would be found voting inst It, . CHANLER persisting in his efforts to have the motion the Speaker remarked that the gentle- man from ht ‘was entitled to the floor and must be pi in his rights, Mr. CHANLER intimated that gentlemen on the re- al rotected by the Speaker, side were not. just, for he had had his own righis protected by the Speaker on every occasion. Mr. CHANLER replied that he had appealed to the Speaker when questions of yeracity were passed be- tween members, and that the republican members had been protected and the democratic members had been puntshed. The SPEAKER—The remarks of the gentleman from New York are not respectful to the chair, nor are they true, Mr. CHANLER—Very well, sir. I will leave that question to be decided by the record. Mr. Upson then went on to argue in support of the actioa of the Committee on Elections, aud to show that neither of the claimants for the seat—J. W. Menard and Caleb 8. Hunt—was entitied to the He was queationed by Mesers. SCHENCK, GaR- FIELD and PAINE, to show that Mr. Menard had the same prima Jacie right to seat, holding the certificate of the Governor, every other Repre- argued that they had got past prima facie ease, and there were no merits in it. Mr. GARFIELD, (rep.) of Ohio, inquired whether the gentleman meant tw say tiat this was an election case in which there was no prima facie right. cr Upson ited that perhaps the gentleman did not understand what prima facie meant, and he ve him the interpretation it by a Vermont [Rige, as veing case that was good on its face and in its rear. (Laughter.) Mr. PAINE, (rep.) Of Wis., asked Mr. Upson to yield for a resolution declaring J. W. Menard’s right to the seat pending the consideration of the case. Mr. Upson declined to yield for that Purpose, and continued to state the reasons sustaining the report of the comm#tee. Mr. Kerr, of the minority of the Committee on Elections, argued that Mr. Hunt had an unquestton- able right to the seat, having received an over- whelming majority of the votes cass at the election. Mr. POLAND, (rep.) of Vt., offered as a substitute for the report resolution of the Committee on Elections a resolution recommitting the case to the Committee on Elections, with instructions to take testimony as to the validity of the election, &c. He admitved that that could not be done, as the Congress wouid expire next Th ; but he offered the reso- lution for the purpose of disposing of the case and saving the House from falling into the dilemma of making an unfair and Ragen rene Mr. Pain moved to amend the resoluti a provision admitting Mr. Menard to his seat ing the consideration of the question. ‘The previous question having been seconded and the main question ordered, and Mr. Upson —_ an hour close the debate, he yielded ten mi- nutes 19. MY. SHELLABARGER, (rep.) of Ohio, who alluded being the first where asked to i election there was a m cruel, ly, tn famous w ince or validity en to make @ prima title, He ask wi in the face of conclusive evidence that this man Was not elected he stil be sworn in to take part in i If such a precedent were various tions. The vote was the ul CR yy! of the Comm Elections «i huamr ‘and t ted, Yeas i Te vote wa next taken on Mr. Pair ‘ment, admitting Mr. Menard to Sgeet and the amendment was reject ‘fea 130, He, Danas moved thet the Wi jt subject be laid onvzreed to without © division Mr. Dawas then offered ® seqration for the pay- ment of the two claimant> 56 Gimon Jones and J. W. Menard, $2,500 each for’ oe pent and expenses in- cugres ir. KERR Moved t’ samend the resolution by add- ing to It the name *¢"Caied % Hunt, the other claim- thdtere sai YRRPO WAL EXPLANATION. the f yog Cbvina Ge vote taken Mr. Dawns yielded { 400 to Mr. Cit’ nie for a explanation feference to a 0 imerence SP opemion opinion between the wend himse af, He proceeded to read extracts af trom the Giove to" grove that be had ‘been Correct his assertion this morning that the S| on ques- tons of veracity between members decided in one way in respect to republican members, and in an ite im respect to Gemocrat'c members, Mr. Di (rep.) Of ,.Pa., rose to the question of onder thas the jE, from New York had no Highs to go inte the whole history of the Speaker of louse. ‘The SPEAKBR requested that the een from iow York aught net be interrupied in his personal ar. Dicksy withdrew his question at the request the Speaker. fe Lowan, of Mine d Mr. Holbrook, of Idaho— of re ‘was contradictory unto in i remarked that instead of being @ Personal explanation the remarks of the a? m New York were an attack upon the Chair. ing which the used this morn- fection fallen x's ear a8 @ direct re-. im to say that on questions of vs from the decision of the Cai, and ho hed fojlied zi 2 upon the Speake: upon his veracity. He had understood hi to the th It was the only rea; which a gentleman could make tosuch a Toate Tee Speaker then referred now arraigned widest ible nite between the two cases the purpose tho second tinge on the. sume. Gay, of on 1e ol Poors the oflicer of the House of whlcn wasa taken on the resolution and Mr. Warp, (rep.) of N. Y., asked leave to offer & resolution instruct! the Committee on Public Bui'dings and Gi to inquire into the statement that the relics of George Washington, taken irom the Arlington Mansion, were about to be restored to General Lee. Mr, BROOKS, (dem) of N. Y., objected. The House then,’ at half-past four, took a recess ‘until half-past seven o’clock this evening. i Evening Session. The Honse resumed its session at half-past seven, the Speaker in the chair. REPORT ON THE ALASKA FRAUDS. og, from som: which was ordered to be printed. The foliowing 1s appended to it:— ‘The undersigned members of the committee concur with their fellow members in the foregoing. report as far as it gore, but they caunot t forbear expreasing tt eir decided digapprovs -opriety. bt; but the report bas ‘no word of condemnation for those who were #0 em and who are, Ththe imputation of endeavoring to Wivers public attention from their own anomalous position by directing one whom they charge with only seek! . P. H. BROMWELL, J. COBURN. 3 STEPHEN TABER. The House then went intoCommittee of the Whole, Mr. Pomeroy in the chair, on the SENATE AMENDMENTS TO THE INDIAN APPROPRIATION BILL, ) of Mass. on behalf of the Com- itvse-om Appropriations, proceeded. to explain the mi on amendments, He said tnat the bill as it passed the House ay $2,312,240 on estimates which Se cee iat sane oe it oentanesen aon’ to 963, the Senate $540, and Committee on Indian Affairs had added amend- ments amounting to $3,800,939, so that now the bill = to appropriate $6,654,158, bill w: nerefore, & very, insportans one, but it was more important in view of the amounts that would be called for hereafter if the policy Cur by it was sanctioned by the the treaties made by-the Indian Commission were ad nave. 10. appro gress wo! ve to appro} next year for the Indians, eee ee That commission had gone to ‘he Plains and treated with tie wild roaming In- dians, which treaties called for these addi amounts. These treaties would be understood by a statement of that made with the Crow Indians, un- der wiich each nead of a family was to recetve a farm, agricultural implements, cattle, &c., and each member of the family suits of cloches every i An animated,ciscussion ensued between Mr. Bat- and Messrs, Windom, Munger, Allison and Clarke, when Mr. LOGAN, (rep.) of Ill, desired to know whether the Committee on Appropriations desired the House to vote for the Senate amendments? Mr. BUTLER replied that the committee recom- non-concurrence, 80 a8 to leave the question entireiy with the House. Goncurrence with the Senate amendments was advocated by Messrs. Burleigh. (rep.) of Dakota, php ew and opposed by Messrs. Gar- jel Without taking a vote on any of the amendments, the commit rose. Mr. Payne intioduced a jcint resolution directing the Secretary of War to furnish the Mayor of Wash- ington for the use of volunteer military organiza- tions wishing to take part in the ina) eere- monies 4,000 muskets, six brass field pieces, cais- sons, cavalry and infantry equipments, flags, 4c. Passed. ‘The House then, at half-past ten, adjourned till eleven o'clock on Monday. TELEGRAPHIC NEWS ITEMS Nearly half the town of Chippewa Falis, Wis., was burned on the 24th inst, M. H. Reddy’s clothing store at Portland, Me , was burned out Friday night. The stock is a total loss. A saloon and two adjoining buildings in Ottawa, Canada, were destroyed by fire Friday night. The loss 18 $20,000. Flora Weeks, daughter of Howe Weeks, of Auburn, Me., was found lying on the floor . She is supposed to have died in a fe. ee ‘The building containing steam machinery of the Massachusetts Brick Ly ag OR Somerville, Mass., was destroyed by fire ou night. The logs 18 $20,000, Governor Geary and Jaages Agnew and Williams, of Pennsylvania, deny having signed any letter re- any person for # position in the new head of water and e'broughe to. Tull nead in time to start boats "on Tuesday, March 2. i number of _—— are reported to Wi resent inauguration Scvoralcreste have made. Yesterd and three were a the west half of Empire block ‘dings on West avenue, in Kankak = royed by fire, The losa is heavy a at an immense audi- day. B. H. Ludiow & Co.—Lease of buildings and and assessments, lot 21.6x63, for $1,025. Lease of to A. G, Ar- vam Paton, was 0. This is monr, of Wail street, this cl 7 the largest sale which PY aly Rile; trial in the as Stewart and Eliza Riley are on saperior Court, Chi for all murder. indvetment charges the det e fatal assaul M| Hervere witit & pistol, whereby the tala Herbert died, re named city. aefarne fi the .