The New York Herald Newspaper, March 9, 1869, Page 3

WASHINGTON Oe Or Solution of the Problem of Mr. Stewart’s Ineligibility. HE WITHDRAWS FROM BUSINESS, Donation of His Income to Na- tional and New York City Charities. 4 Coach and Six Driven Through the Law of 1789. REMOVAL OF SOLICITOR BINCKLEY A Short Session Agreed Upon in a Caucus of Senators. THE STANDING COMMITTEES, * WASHINGTON, March 8, 1869. Mr. Stewart’s Case—A Plot of Politicians to” Control the Treasury—False Rumors of His Resignation and Mr. Boutwell’s Appoint- ment- General Excitement in Town. ‘It will be a godsend: to all classes here and to the country at large when Mr. Stewart's case is decided. At present it is provocative of more botheration, soreness; contradiction and hard lying than any one matter that has developed itself here for at least a twelvemonth; and 4ll this unpleasant result has. been brought about not so much by the resurrected statute of 1789 as by the scheming of an unscru- pulous political cabal; naving for its aim the controt of the Treasury Department. It seems Pretty well established now that the rumor, puted “Yast night and ngoetro circulated this thorn. ing, about Mr. Stewart's intended withdrawal and Governor Boutwell’s elevation te the Treasury was only a part of the work of this cabal. The object in view might not readily strike every one. It was simply this:—Mr. Stewart had authorized the state- ment that unless Congress should promptly repeal the disabling section he would certainly retire, not deeming it of sufficient importance to raise a contest over a matter which to him person- ally was of no great moment. The cabal then resolved to do something that would have a tendency to make Mr. Stewart believe Presi- dent Grant desired him to resign and at the same time cause @ delay in the action of the Senate to-day. Both these object, they believed, would be accom- plished by the circulation of a ramor that Mr, Stew- art had resigned and Governor Boutwell was to be nominated in his place. The thing was agreed upon in secret conclave, aad then the rumor was set afloat so that it might not only reach the ears of leading correspondents, but also be brought before Mr. Stew- art himself. ‘The plotsucceeded with many of the newspaper cor- respondents, but failed with Mr. Stewart. The latter had been in company with the President too much of the day and knew his feelings too well to be deceived in that way. But itis surprising how generally the story gained credence ,here to-day. Early in the forenoon it was all over town, in everybody’s mouth, and talked of asa thing that was beyond ques- tion. Inthe departments, especially the Treasury, it was regarded as something about as fixed as that Grant was President. The clerks of the Treasury ‘were #0 full of tt that asarule they could dono ‘Dusinese—they wanted to talk about Stewart's re- mgnation and about his successor, Somoof them had seen the man who saw the other man who saw the letter of resignation. How could any one doubt after that? One clerk knew so much about it that he quoted a whole sentence in the letter and parts of other sentences. The clerks discussed not only Boutwelt’s fitness but the qualifications of a score of other persons deemed hkely for the position in case Boutwell should not turn out to be the lucky man after ail. Rumors Thickening. During the afternoon the thing got magnified to still larger proportions. Reports were circulated that Boutwell’s name had not only been sent to the Senate but was actually confirmed. These reports set tho Treasury clerks in a furor, and 3m an instant made them all profound admirers of Governor Boutwell. They discovered that they had all known from the start that Boutwell would be the man; that he was the most fit and proper person; that he was an eminent financter, and a man whose Uke the world had never seen before. Anybody who ventured to suggest that they had been misinformed ‘was drowned in a torrent of contradictions, and any one who advised them to keep cool until they might be certain was told indeed that they knew their business and were not to be scared from honestly expressing their opinions as free American citizens. Many of these same outspoken clerks had been laud- ing to the sky others than Boutwell only a brief period before. Most of them, no doubt, to.morrew will be striving to cover their retreat from their boldness to-day by ingenious explanations if not downright denials. The Senate Dubious. But the Senate was the place where the greatest interest centred. The rumors nad gathered an un- usual throng there, and the galleries and lobbies ‘were crowded. It was expected that a message ‘would come from President Grant informing Senators of Mr. Stewart’s withdrawal, and asking them to confirm Boutwell‘or some one else for the Treasury Department. The plan of the cabal was working famously, in one part of it at least. The public was humbugged, and even the tllustrious Senate was ina fog about the matter. Many Senators believed the story about Stewart's resignation and wero looking momentarily for General Porter's appearance with a message from the White House. But an hour went around, and no message. Something must be wrong, thought Senators. Half an hour more, and no message. There was a hitch certainly now; no message would come, and so Senator Grimes moved for an adjournment, which was carried. This threw the spectators into a fever. What could be up now, thought everybody. All attenipts to fathota the movement proved fruitiess, Senat ors appealed to by the spectators could throw no light upon it; all they knew was that they knew nothing whatever about it; they wanted information quite as much as anybody else. It was, therefore, no use to hang, about the Senate, waiting for anything to turn up. The crowd left the Senate and the Capitol and scattered about, Mr. Stewart has Not Resigned. * Just about this time a new discovery was made. It was found that Stewart had not resigned, but, én the contrary, that he had made @ proposal to over- come the difficuity in his way that struck everybody who heard of it with complete amazement. This proposition was nothing short of a transfer, during the term of 18 service as Secretary of the Treasury, of nis Cntire interest in the profits of his immense ‘business, the proceeds during such time to be de- ‘voted to charitabte purposes in the city of New York. Six millions @ Yes" donated to the charities of New York! Only fancy tw But before dwelling On. offer more fully at this point let me go back @ little nq explain what oc- curred cartier in the day. breakfast in the -~ enemy Mr. Stowart and oy, MOTHY ine Ww Hilton went wnt the Preah House and had a lon¢ interview oht, Mr, Stowart told the weesident that his resigiiation way at his disposal at anid that n wy Ae © must Not allOW himself to bo embarasson ‘the slightest degree by ty friendship for him, ‘wart, personally. The Presioant responded that he NEW YORK HERALD, ‘TUESDAY MARCH 9, 1869.—TRIPLE SHEET. earnestly desired Mr. Stewart's valuable assistance | drawing up the necessary legal documents, which as Secretary of the Treasury, and that it pained him- very much to discover that there was any dimeulty in the way. He felt-more troubled by the difficulty than by ‘anything that had ever before occurred to him during his whole life. He, however, declined to aliow Mr, Stewart to withdraw; for he believed the repeal could bé effected without much serious opposition in both houses. He, therefore, asked Mr, Stewart not to tbandon the matter yet, but to wait until some further light could be shed upon the probable action of the Senate to-day. Mr. Stewart replied that he did not desire to have the repeal pressed upon Congress, and would rather withdraw than occasion the slightest embarrass- ment to tbe President or Vongress, The President urged again upon Mr. Stewart to let the matter remain in statu quo forthe time being. Mr. Stewart aud Judge Hilton thereupon left the White House and returned to the Ebbitt Hotel. Judge Hilton here took leave of Mr, Stewart and went down tothe Capitol, accompanied by General Babcock, to learn the result of the caucus, From some of the Senators Judge Hilton learned) that at the caucus no action was taken upon the subject of repealing the statute of 1789, It was talked about generally in the cau- cus, but action was postponed under the suppo- sition that Mr. Svewart had resigned and that there- fore nothing need be done about it until the truth of that statement should be assured. Senator Fenton informed the Senators that in his opinion there was nota particle of truth in the story of Stewart’s resignation.: On being asked, however, whether he could state that fact positively he de- clined todo so, and so the caucus adjourned with- out settling the question one way or the other. This explains the action of the Senate subsequently, in adjourning without a word being said concerning either Patterson’s or Sherman's measures of re- peal. , President Grant’s Opinion of Mr. Stewart. Judge Hilton, upon receiving this formation, got into his carriage again, and was drivea once mote to the White House. He was admitted to the Presi- dent without delay, and then and there had a most dnterest talk. He told the President how the Senate had beed Induced, ander a faise impression, to postpone taking any action on the ali important question, President Grant again expressed his deep regret at the delay, and repeaied his ex- pressions uttered at the first interview as to how much he was pained and é¢mbar 6F the situation, and how earnestly he desired the services of Mr. Stewart in his Cabinet. It had been his pur- pose all along, he sald, to invite Mr. Stewart to assume control of the T Department, and if he should now be obliged by.a legal dificulty to Abandon his long cherished design he would feel that he himself and the country had sustamed @ great loss. The President then proceeded to unbosom himself completely on the subject of’ Mr. Stewart's appointment. During his many visits to New York, he said! he had visited the establishments of Mr. Stewart, had noticed the wonderful regularity of everything, the order, eystem and smopth working of every Wepart- ment, and had been so profoundly impressed with the capacity of Mr. Stewart for the highest administrative duties that he-had made up his mind Mr. Stewart was the very man needed for the Treasury Department. Mrs. Grant had also set her heart upon having Mrs. Stewart in Washington with her, and had frequently expressed @ desire that Mr. Stewart should be offered some suitable post that would induce him and his esti- mabie lady to remain in Washington. Should Mr. Stewart's appointment fail, therefore, it would bea double disappointment. He would not yet give it up, however. He felt confident the Senate and House would still repeal the disabling section, and stated that he had strong beacon from leading Senators and Representatives to support his belief. A Noble Propesition by Mr. Stewart. After a very long interview Judge Hilton took leave of the President and returned to hus hotel. He found Mr. Stewart alone in his room and in a very thoughtful mood. Judge,” said Mr. Stewart, “a new idea has occurred to me since we parted. I have been thinking it over, mind, and I think it is one that wild ” “Indeed,” said Judge Hilton, {= thie new idea, then?” “It is this, Judge. 1 have been thinking of making an absolute transfer of the bdusi- ness of my establishments during the term I might serve as Secretary of the Treasury; the business to be turned over to three trustecs—as, for instance, yourself, William B. Astor and J&mes Brown—the proceeds to be devoted to the charities of New York city, in any way agreed upon by the trustees. What do you think of it, Judge?’ Judge Hilton, who understands Mr. Stewart thoroughly, ‘was not in the least surprised at the proposal. Any other man perhaps would have been amazed, but Judge Hilton was not, in the least. Instead, ‘therefore, of uttering exclamations of wonder, the Juage, after mentally revolving the proposal, answered briefly, “By George, Mr. Stewart, I believe itcan be done! Yea, sir, I think it can be done !” How Grant Received the Proposition. he two thereupon set to work, rapidly maturing the plan, and after spending about half an hour thus their carriage was called for again. They put on their coats and hats, ran down stairs, jumpea into the carriage and off again to the Executive Mansion. Another visit‘ and so soon, called into President Grant’s fape an expression as nearly resembling astonish- ment as his calm features are susceptible of. When they entered he was sitting in his chair at the end of the long table, smoking acigar. He got up to re- ceive them, and after his visitors were seated re- sumed his own chair and cast towards them a curlously inquisitive look, a8 much as to say, “What in the world is to come now!” He was not long left in suspense. Mr. Stewart opened con- versation. ‘Mr. President,” said he, “I have come to make a proposal, whicl I hope will be acceptable and the same time relicve you of ail embarrass. ment.” The President sere listened with some expression of solicitude. He expected, no doubt, Mr. Stewart was about to say, “i tender you my unconditional resignation.” Mr, Stewart con- tinued, and as he spoke Crant lstened with deeper and deeper attention. Finally Mr. Stewart stated his proposal distinctly. President Grant took the cigar out of his mouth, ltt it drop on the floor, and looked strongly in Mr. Stewart’s face without utter- ing a word. Mr. Stewart troKe the silence by asking, “Is the proposal acceptabe to you f’’ PRESIDENT GRaNT—‘‘Atceptabie! Of course it is, It is the most magnanimais thing I ever heard of m my whole life, Acceptale, of course; but I was only thinking whether 1 ought to allow you, sir, to make such a sacrifice foriny sake.” Mr. Stewart—Never mpd that, General. I have enough to live on for therest of my life. It will be pleasure to me to do this. My affection for you and desire to serve my couttry, if I can, prompt me to do it; and if 1t 1s acceptalle to you I will do ao. President Grant—Of jourrse it is acceptable; but you are sacrificing a geat deal of money for me, qnd Lam thinking that i is a question whether I ought to permit it. Mr. StewantT—Don't mind that part of it, Gene- Tal, Providence has beetvery good to me. He has done more for me than I «serve, and I do this thing now very cheerfully, D¢ you think the pian will satisfy the tegal dificultts, and meet with the ap- proval of Congress? President Grant—I hav no doubt it will, Mr. StewART—Then { hall take the necessary steps to do it. Judge HictoN—I have \dvisea Mr. Stewart that the plan he proposes will femove all legal obstruc- tions, but I wish to conéal with distinguished legal gentlemen on the subjec, It is better, therefore, before doing anything furtler on the subject to con- sult with such distinguishd lawyers and judges as may be in the city. After some further convepation Mr. Stewart and Judge Hiiton took leave ofthe Premdent again. To complete the story, I have to add that the plan for the transfer was drawn, sulmitted to several distin. ghishea judges and iawyirs and approved. To @ number of gentlemen who called upon him this evening about the matter, Mr. Stewart said:—“Gentlemen, Ido tis on account of my es- teem for General Grant. Ke thinks I can serve him in the Cabinet. IJ will do thy best to dogo. 1 have no friends to reward, no eremies to punish, no chtl- dren to provide for. I desite to serve my country only In this business.’ To titght Judges Tilton and Davis are occupied tn wil be ready for execution to-morrow. Effect of the Proposition on the People. Tosay that Stewart’s magnificent proposal has astonished everybody here is but a feeble expresgion of the opinions expressed here, People say it throws into the shade completely Peabody and all other public benefactors. . Effect on the Senate ‘The appointmenvof the Cabinet 1s known to have been very distasteful to many of the republican leaders of Congress, who expected to have the form- ing of it by their own counsels, They have not been taken into Genera) Grant’s confidence, nor were they, as they say, consulted. They feel tnis slight keenly, but are not yet reaay for open retaliation, Unwilling to go at once into opposition to Grant they judged it best toconfirm the Cabinet immediately. To this class the discovery of the legai impedimeds to Mr. Stew- art’s aceptance was a God send as a cover for other. and rea! objections. When Mr, Sherman offered his bill to modify the law of 1789. There me hesitation as to which should be the first to object, but Sumner’s impctuosity in- duced him to take ‘the initiative. Since Saturday the whole body of republicans have been m a very disorganized condition on this subject,’ the more sensible and patriotic portion thinking 11 best to make the most of the Cabinet as it stood, the others ready to \break the slate even at risk of a quarrel with the Administration. The magnificent offer of Mr. Stewart to sur- render all the enormous profits of his business, a pecuniary sacrifice, such as no statesman ever before made in the service of his country, has given fresh strength to those who desire to have him in the Treasury. These Congress- men say that this proposition substantially relieves the matter from all difficulty. They affirm that it places his , motives beyond question, and shows that bis only aim ia accepting this trust is a lofty and honorable ambition to accomplish a great public reform, These urge that the Cabinet shall stand as already arranged by General Grant, and will probably insist that so, soon as Mr. Stewart shall execute pep osed assigement that he shall go on to qualify and administer the department. The Opposition to Mr. Stewart Unabated. The opponents of Mr. Stewart aré by no means satisfied with his proposition, though they are not yet dete! ed what course to pursue in the premi- ‘They’ will oppose any material modif- cation of the law of 1789 to reach the case of Mr. Stewart, and they argue that, though under this assignment he does not re- tain any interest in the profits ef his immense busi- ness, he will still be interested and responsible for any possible loss. They contend that he is thus technicaliy disqualified; and this last view is®nter- tained by at least one Senator whose character is above a mere tactious opposition. Mr. Sherman’s bill will hardly be presented in its present form, if at all, as its passage is very doubtful, and it is quite possible that no further attempt will be made to change the law. It has been sug- gested that the question is @ proper one for the consideration of the new Attorney General. If good legal authority shall decide that Mr. Stewart may, after this assignment, go on and fill the office, General Grant may not consider it necessaay to in- vite any expression from Congress on the subject. ‘The whole course of Mr. Stewart in this matter has elicited the warmest admiraation of all candid men, and leading democrats join heartily in this tribute and the destre that the country may secure his ser- vices, A portion of the republican Senators still decline to say how they view this paoposition of Mr, Stewart's, and it is quite likely they will watch and be governed by the opinion of the public, Mr. Washburne in Charge of the State De- partment. Secretary Washburne reached the State Depart- ment about eleven o'clock this morning, where he found a large number of visitors, wcluding many members of Congress in waitag. He was for a short time in conference with sr. Hunter, Assistant Secretary, and afterwards gave audience to as many of those who called to see him as could be re- ceived up to. three o'clock. Among those firat admitted were members of Congress, among” whom were Generals Butler, Logan and Farns- worth; Judge Spalding, and Messrs. Ward, Eggles- ton, Lawrence, Cullom and Churchill, and afver- wards came citizens and strangers, several of whom were ladies. . Ag yet nochanges have been announced inthe oficera of the department. Abont twelve o'clock the official notification of the acceptance by. Mr. Washburne as Secretary of State was forwarded to each member of the resident diplomatic corps, and invitations extended to them to call on him as early as conventent, . Arrival of Secretary Borie. Adolphe Borie, the new Secretary of the Navy, arrived here this evening in company with George H. Stuart, of Philadelphia. Both gentiemen pro- ceeded to the residence of President Grant, and re- mained in consultation with him for nearly four hours. Mr. Borie signified to the President his ac- ceptance of the position of Secretary of the Navy. He has not decided when he will enter on the duties of his office, but it will be 1h a day or two. Time for Cabinet Meetings. Cabinet meetings will be held at twelve o'clock on Tuesdays and Fridays. On these two days the President’s office will not be thrown open to general visitors between the hours of ten and twelve o'clock. Friends of John A. Griswold Trying to Get Him a Place in the Cabinet. The friends of Mr. John A. Griswold, of New York, are anticipating a change in the Cabinet cast, and are urgently pressing him for Secretary of the Navy. Hours for Official Calls at the White House. The President will receive oMicial calls at his office each day between the hours of ten and twelve o’clock, and after twelve no one will be admitted excepting Cabinet oMcers and those with whom special en- gagements have been made, Republican Senatorial Cancus—A Congres- sional Session of Thirty Days’ Duration— The Measures to be Considered. The republican members of the Senate held a caucus this morning for the purpose of arranging the standing committees of the Senate for the ses- sion of the Forty-first Congress. Very little change ‘was made in the chairmanships of the committees, as will be seen by the list agreed upon in open Senate. After this business had been disposed of the caucus took up the question of what business should be transacted at the present session, and also how long Congress should remain here. After a fuil discussion, the general tenor of which was that no legislation should be introduced except such as is absolutely necessary, a committee, composed of Senators Sherman, Trumbull, Edmunds, Stewart and Pool, was appointed to confer with a similar committee which it is expected will be appointed at @ caucus of the republican members of the House to be held to-morrow. The Senate caucus committee held a meeting this afternoon immediately after che | Senate adjourned, in the Finance Committee room. They could of course take no final action, but they agreed to urge upon the House committee the adop- tion of @ proposition that the session shall not last over thirty days; that only necessary legislation shall be taken up—such as the Indian Appropriation bill, Mr. Schenck’s bill to stengthen the public credit, the Supplementary Currency bill, the bill to prohibit the secret sales of gold by the Treasury Department, the bill to amend the judicial system of the United States, the bill to amend the naturalization laws, some measure to complete the reconstruction of Virginia, Mississippt, Texas and Georgia, and the needful legis- lation relative to taking the census. A strong effort will be made to confine the action of both houses to these subjects of legisiation, but it remains to be seen whether oF not the House will agree to it. It was intimated in the caucus that President Grant ‘Was in favor of ashort session, and this seems to have considerable influence upon Senators, The Senate expects to be called in extra session after Congress adjourns to act on nominations. The ses- sion will probably continue three or four weeks after the House adjourns, Caucus of Republican Members of the House. ‘The republican members of the House will hold a caucus t0-morrow evening for consultation as to the business of the session and to decide how long the Session ought to continue. It is expected that a committee will be appointed similar to that ap- pointed to-day by the Senate caucus, ao that both houses may be broaeht tor*sher in a representative conference with @ view to securing an interchange of views as to whether a longora short session is advisable, and also the character of legislation to be taken up. ‘The House Committees on Elections and Ap- ‘ propriations; Speaker Blaine will to-morrow announce the Com- mittee on Elections and the Committee on Appro- priations. The others will not be made public until Wednesday or Thuraday. The object of announcing these two committees 1s to allow them to go im- mediately to work, the one on the contested election cases before the House, and the other on the Indian Appropriation bill, which failed at the last Congress. It is understood that. Halbert E. Paine, of Wisconsin, will be the chairman of the Committee on Elections, and Henry L. Dawes, of Massachusetts, chairman of the Committee on Ap- propriations. Change of the Army Headquarters. General Sherman will give up the building used a6 present as the headquarters of the army, aud take possession of rooms in the War Department at the earliest practicable time. Preparations are now being made in the War Department building to. pro- vide room for himself and the officers of his staff. Invasion of the White House by Methodist Clergymen. ‘The members of the Baltimore annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, numbering 200, and headed by their presiding oMicer, Bishop Clarke, proceeded to the Executive Mansion this afternoon, about three o'clock, for the purpose of paying thi respects to President Grant. Alter entering mansion they proceeded to the East Room and ; é-, ranged themselves in’a semicircle, General orl, on being informed of their arrival, shortly made his appearance and advanced towards where Bishop Clarke was.standing, who, after shaking hands with the President, said:— President GRaNT—: - thinare.-Alethodise Conveutiou, Lam delegated 10 ex: to you their profound respect for the Chief trate of the nation, and to assure you of their earnest wishes for the future welfare of the choice of the American le, Who have bestowed upon you the res position in Att, fo thé#é femrks General Grant merely replied, “Thanx you.” ‘fhe visitors were then introduced to him by Bishop Clarke, who, having fimshed this ceremony, turned to the President and said, “Iv3 a good thing you haven't to hands with all the ministers of the Methodist church in the United States or you would become tired.” To this the President made no answer, but looked anxiously as though desirous of finding a break in the crowd of divines through which he could make off and attend to the more im- portant business awaiting his attention up stairs. Unfortunately there was no opening, and with seem- ing resignation he remained at the side of the Bishop. A gentleman remarked, ‘‘Perhaps, General, you may have to shake hands with all the Methodist ministers before your term of office runs out,” “Well,” replied General Grant, smilingly, ‘I nope I may have strength to endure it.” A general titter followed this remark, and the President, after bid- ding good-bye to the Bishop, passed through a door leading to his office, and the crowd immediately dispersed. About half a dozen ladies accompanied the members, and they were also introduced to the President, who received them with apparently more cordiality than he did their male companions, and with an air of politeness worthy of a distinguished soldier. Paymaster General Brice Restored to His Duties. ‘The President has revoked the order directing As- sistant Paymaster General Nathan brown to assume charge of the Pay Department, Paymaster General Brice having been restored, and he is ordered to re- sume his duties. to Office Seekers. The number of office seekers is on the increase. Hundreds of them were at the Capitol to-day. Cards were continually sent into the Senate Chamber by some of them to call republican members from their seats, and when that body adjourned the applicants for places rushed into the Chamber to press their business on the attention of Senators. Apart from such are being made by subor- bare of removais. departments to procure Positions im anticipation The ‘applications for positions under government received at the Executive Office are already over- whelming. In all cases, it may be stated, they must be made to the Cabinet officer in charge of the de- partment in which office is solicited. The President ‘will not consider any such applications until they have passed through the head of the department to ‘which they pertain, The Navy Department. Secretary Borie has not yet made his appearance ie Navy Department. ¥ Denver Pacific Railroad Land Grant Bil. ‘The report that the bill providing for the grant of lands to the Denver Pacific Railroad was not signed by the President is a mistake. It is now a law. Solicitor Binckley, of the Internal Revenue Bureau, Dismissed by the President. The following is a copy of correspondence which has recently taken place:— TREASURY DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF INTERNAL REVENUE, WASHINGTON, D. C.; March 6, 1869 Sin:—John M. Binckley was inted Solicitor in August, On the 2d day of the wing month I re- quested his removal upon the that he was a wilful perjurer or so weak and credulous as to make him the convenient tool of corrupt and malicious men. Not having changed my opinion of him since that time, I have assigned him to no duty whatever, and for the last five months I do not know that he has ever ostensiljy done a single hour's labor for the ernment. Meanwhile I have ee, un is remoyal, and he has repeat ly drawn tis monthy salaty at the rate r annum. 000 Mr. Binckley 18 notoriously, asitiied for his place. 1 do not know that he evel c ‘deine to be a lawyer. Certain it is he never undertook to practice, and his employment as Solicitor of Internal Kevenue is a farce. 1 do not believe he would be continued under the present administration. The a Secretary of the ary, unadvised by you, may tate, per- nae to —- the officers of the department, tn auticipation of the early appointment and quaiitica- tion of its permanent Secretary. I respectfully recommend, therefore, that you request him to dis- miss Mr. Binckley immediately. I am, very respect- faliy, E. A. ROLLINS, Commussioner. ‘To the PRESIDENT. (Endorsement. } EXRCUTIVE MANSION, March 8, 1809. Respectfully referred to the Honorabie, the Secre- tary of the Treasury:—The services of Mr. John M. Binckiey, Solicitor of Internal Revenue, will be no jonger required by the government. By order of THE PRESIDENT. Hioxack Porter, Brevet Brigadier General, Secre- tary. Upon this letter the following endorsement was made:— TREASURY DEPARTMENT, March 8, 1969. Joun M. BINCKLEY, Solicitor of Internal Revenue:— Sin—I am requested by the President to inform you that your services as Solicitor of Internal Reve- nue are no longer requred by the mment. You are therefore removed from the office. ware fully, J. HARTLEY, Acting Secretary of the Treasury. Cases Before the Supreme Court. ‘The Supreme Court delivered m0 opinions to-day, as had been expected, The following causes were taken up and argued:— No. 101.—Stanbery va." The United Statea,—Ap- peal from the Court of Claims, that Court having refused judgment in favor of the petittoners for ser- vices rendered as special comm for the gov- ero. 108,—Cibaon vs. Chauteau et al.—Controversy concerning certain lands ta St, Louis. Case still on argument. Bills Relative to the Carrency Become Laws. Many inquiries have been made of the Comptrotier of the Currency whether the bills relative to the certification of checks and abolishing the quarterly reports, and requiring the Comptroller of the Cur- rency tg call for five reports annually from the na- tional banks on the samo day, have become laws. On inquiry it 18 ascertained that they have. WASHINGTON ON INAUGURATION DAY. WASHINGTON, March 4, 1869, Your regular correspondents have doubtless ap- prised you of all that has been going on here to-day, but I thought I would drop you @ line, just to ex- press to you the intense interest manifested in the |. exciting scenes. The sight, as a more spectacie, is very different from what we have both witnessed in the O14 World ‘any of the pagéantry or show that abou there upon all such occasions, but, what was far better, it seemed as if tho heart of the nation was beating throngh these simple and more unpretending ceremomes. It is astonishing how freely everybody seemed to breathe, as if our troubles were at an end—only here Time at last makes all things even. It seems as but yesterday when, in Sie SiH roe of the repel! General Cam: who Booretary af Wan: left the im quence of his recommendation troops. He i 5 f i 1 iz lon wii expression; and aEE i i FI taxable terms that these people ansaid ait nave. tie ple shoul ave ballot, the change seemed: sianoet too marvellous for belief. It is the most gratifying scene of my life, and it is enough to have lived to witness it.” We are entering upon @ new career, with every as- be @ most’ successful and bril- THE FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. First Session. SENATE. WaAsHINGTON, March 8, 1865. On motion of Mr. Morton, rep.) of Ind., the read- ing of the jouFhal was dispensed with. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS. Mr, Hows, (rep.) of Wis., rose to a personal expla- nation and contradicted the statement which ap- peared in the New York World of Saturday that in the executive session for the consideration of the Cabinet nominations he (Mr. Howe) had asked “Who is Borie?” and on being told that he wasa Philadelphian had added, resignedly, ‘Well, Jet him pass; the League Island job will, of course, be all the safer.’ The fact was, that he had not said this or anything else on that occasion, and sore es peo ae a Seo ally invent he not be he coyld Ree cious of Guch mianseit, Mr. CAMERON, rep.) of Pa., also dented that ie made the remarks attributed used to by the newspapers that he was never at anything about hin except when they happened inad’ to praise him. APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES. * The following are the standing committees:— ‘Relations,.: chatr- Morton, Pat- ‘On Commerce.—Messrs. Chandler, chatrman; Cor- vett, Kellogg, Spencer, Conkling, Buckingham and on bo teatime Maen gps wi- ‘on Messrs.” chairman Robertson, Gilbert and MoCreery. On Feasen ot, ine a, Sr Seng Shye 2 On Miary Afatrs.—Messra, Wilson, chairman; Hows Cameron, Morton, ‘Thayer, Abbott, Schurz, Anthony, : Nye, Drake, Scott and Hi chairman; a Harlan, Cole, bert, Tht On Public Lands,—Mesers. a 3 Wilhams, Tipton, Warner, Sprague, Cas- » OX private Land Claums.—Messrs, Williams, chair- man; Ferry, Sawyer, Ki and Bayard. nes, Corbet, “Buckinghaw, Pool and Davis. Rn renntontet lessra, Edmunds, ; ton, Spencer, Pratt, Brownlow, ‘McCreery. On Revolutionary Claims.—Messrs, Yates, chair- —M Howe, chairman; Willey, Scott, rie af Com — f , Rice, Harris, Pratt and Vickers. . 3 Ferry, Carpenter, Morton. seem untic Buulaings and Grounds.—Messrs. Mor- rill, chairman; Trumbull, Ferry, Stockton. On —Messrs. Nye, chairman; Cragin, McDonald, Schurz, Ho' Pacific Raitroad.—Messrs. Howard, chair- man; Sherman, Ramsey, Stew: Wilson, Harlan, Drake, Abbott, Fenton and On Mines and Mining.—Messrs, Stewart, chair- man; , Anthony, Yates, Ross, Saulsbury and Fowier. on Revision ofthe Laws of the United States.— Messrs. pore chairman; Sumner, Carpenter, Davis. On Printing.—Messrs, Anthony, chairman; Harris and — On the Library.—Mesars. Cattell, chairman; Howe and Fessenden. On Enrolied Bills.—Messrs, Thayer, chairman; Patterson and Abbott. On Engrossed Bills.—Messrs. Ross, chairman; Buckingham and Norton. on —Messrs. Drake, chairman; Morrill, Pomroy, Sawyer and Corbett. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Rassey, (rep.) of Minn., introduced a bill to create an additional land district in Dacotah. Mr. TIPTON, of of Neb., introduced a bill to grant a right of way to the Midiand and Pacific Rail- ‘way Company, and for other purposes. rT. ABBort, (rep.) of N. C.. introduced @ bill for the relief of individuals in North Carolina. Mr. CoNKLING, (rep.) of N. prontbit secret sales or purchases of gold on account of the government. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Mr. Morton introduced a joint resolution ing parties asking to be relieved from political disa- bilities to make apptication to Congress over thetr 1 forth the grounds upon Laid on the table, introduced a bill sup- y Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) of plementary to the act of 1864, to provide a national ‘eferred currency, &c. Rt to the Committee on Fi- nance. ‘ Mr. Cons, (rep.) of Cal., introduced a bill to pro- vide for the better security of the lives of — on vessels propelled by steam. Referred to the Com- mittee on Commerce. Mr. SUMNER, (rep.) of Mass., moved to proceed to the consideration of the bill ting a pension of $6,000 annually to Mrs. Lincoln, widow of the late President, Mr. EDMUNDS, (rep.) of Vt., thought the matter should goto acommittes. If Mrs. Lincoln was in pn he had heard (yy tt a = man! ‘unjust to single her out & pe the exclusion of other equally deserving and more widows; but if, on the contrary, she was ip & Gestitate condition aid should have a’ peasion, that fact could be best ascertained by a committee. He therefore moved to refer it to the Commitiee on Pensions. , SUMNER the motion. He had no rea.) oat to oon nt the Pension Uommittee would sak ee ae ition by @ committee, He wanted to have the Pensions for investi- Mr. Ross, (rep.) of an., mtrodnced a bill_ author. izing the Secretary of War to pay certain certificates AOE ONE ROE PTET PONE RUMOR eR ON EMR Nae wc ORE RT MH SEEN eRe TD MPR Y 3 in Lawrence, Kan- on Military tdon of a Mr. SUMNER Dominated the Rey. William Wither- CAMBRON Nominated the Rev. Dr. Newman. Mr, MORRILL, (rep.) of V1., nominated the Rev. Dr. Gray. A TRUMBULL, (rep.) Of Ill., nominated the Rev. watt, eo REERY, (dem.) of Ky., nominated the Rev. Mr. V1 of Md., nominat A uw, ‘ICKERS, ) " ited the Rev. Heck nominee was eulogized by the Senator who Me Yares (op) of tl, an NS a yt le nom! of tir, Onesor he had great admiration for Ore Politics in the Senate mithou jhe won woler toall ouwens, If he could be o-roni bee had, the Rev. Dr. Eddy, of Chicago. On the second ballot the Rev. Dr. Newman was elected, having received 35 of the 61 bailots cast. EQUAL BIGHTS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Mr. Pomeroy, (rep.) K: introdaced a bill for the further security of equal rights in the District of jum! Several Senators suggested that the bill had been passed this morning. ‘Mr. Pomeroy explained - that although his bill had the same title as the bill it reterred to other rights, Mr. Sumuer’s being to sttike out the word “white” from the charters of Washington and Georgetown,.while his was to strike out the word “male.?? ter.) ‘The bill was referred to the Committee on tne Dis- trict of Columbia, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Mr. ROBERTSON, (rep.) of |S. C., introduced a jomt resolution proposing an amendment to the constitu- tion of the United States. " On motion of Mr. GRIwEs, .) of Towa, the ( Senate, at half-past one o’clock, adjourned, REPORTS REGARDING THE CABINET. e Boston, March 8, 1869, The Eventng Transcript publishes the following Washington despatch:—“Late last night Secretary Stewart determined to withdraw, and President Grant sent for Governor Boutwell and offered him the Treasury Department and he accepteg it. Judge Hoar will not therefore go in the Cabinet.” PHILADELPHIA, March 8, 1869. A despatch to the 7elegraph says that in conver sation with Mr. Blatne the President replied, that as Speaker of the House, and under the circum- stances, he had aright to know. He would there- fore be frank and say to him that Mr. Stewart had concluded to resign ; that the Massachusetts delega- tion would withdraw Mr. Hoar, at the lutter’s re- quest, and that he would appoiot ex-Governor Bout- well a3 Secretary of the Treasury. BOARD OF HEALTH. Cowpens and Slaughter Houses—A Spirited Fight Between Jews and Gentiles. ‘The regular weekly session of this Board was held yesterday, Dr. Stone in the chair. r Reports were received from Inspector Hudson on certain cow stables. He represents that at No, 426 ‘West Forty-second street, there is. cow stable, Kept by George Enters, with five animals in it, situated in a thickly populated neighborhood; but with the ex- ception that there is no manure vault connecting ic with the sewer, it is kept in good condition. Also that there is one at No, 138 West Fifty-second street, fied at the result of their mission, and it was agreed that some action be taken in regard to she matter. Mr, Browning called the meeting to order, and in doing 80 stated that both were endeavoring to evade the question, The door of the aldermanic chamber had been slammed in his face. ‘The following petition to the boar ds had been pre- [ONORABLE THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE GENTLEMEN—The underst, chairman of the commit- 60,000 work: LA Bs ‘at ake that the ieee awarded printing to Messrs. Ji & re be taken Ne EN an bes 10 such sale. We ‘sleet ‘hard je pett- on Meal U1 de called ap, 1 give the committer a hear- ing. J. M. BROWNING. This communication was prepared at the City Hall, got to the President of the Board that |, Said motion to adjourn quickly ie by Alderman Moore, of the Printing After the t all the membdrs of tho Board in the most lively manner with the A number of addresses were delivered by other members of the committee at the close of Mr. vn. remarks, and the following resolution was — Resolved, rman of this committee be in. stttetod ta’ communicate with the Commitee of the Work: jeeting and lay the notion of the ¢ before that body, and request ‘arouse the feeling of the ib- appointing Penal juence upon our it at and WY erm in this city, who his coun! that thers are wonderfully, ‘rede soldat have since risen to » it. Many of securities, wi at cents on the dollar, and have since wo jas, th produced a double profit, alike in what was saved and ta what was gained.— Washingion Chronicle, March 8.