The New York Herald Newspaper, March 10, 1869, Page 3

RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY STEWART. The Transfer of His Business Decided Insufficient. TEXT OF THE DOCUMENT. Withdrawal of the President’s Message on the Subject. FIRST MEETING OF THE CABINET. Reception at the White House. Important Change of System at the War Department. The General-in-Chief Assumes the Whole Administration of Army Affairs. Passage Again of the Bill to Repeal the Tenure of Office Act in the House. Anotlier Avoidance of It in the Senate. ‘WASHINGTON, March 9, 1869, mot Accepting ‘The following is Mr. Stewart’s letter}declining the Office of Secretary of the Treasury:— WasHINaToN, March 9, 1869. pet ating’ the high honor conferred by R—, our and the unanimous confirmation the Senate of babe neil batecn tnd Secretary of Treasury, 1 regret circumstances beyond our control me to decline, Could the dim- culties presented by the provisions of the act of 1789, which, the Department of the Trea Drohibit the from being directly or indivectiy concerned or interested in carrying on the Porn sacrifice semonal Byes I — would nn) transfer to the public have full and profits that the business of my my oficial term, to be applied to such ne by sneule Citas, and have and soug! the execution o! ap pyrene, negh mater But serious differences of opinion have been ex- hether that H The President accepted the declination, ani thus the office of Secretary of the Treasury became vacant. It may be stated that from the very beginning the President and Mr. Stewart were in dally intercourse, consulting as to the means by which the latter could free himself from the disability of the law. It 1s said that no legal gentiemen who had been spoken t upon the subject expressed an opinion that there would be @ violation of the terms of the act in Mr. Stewart's accepting the office after having made the transfer, but that many others thought it might be considered disadvantageous to have the spirit of the law in the slightest degree invaded. This view eventually controlled Mr. Stewart, and in order to remove all objections he declined the appointment, Ever since there have been doubts about Mr. Stewart's taking pos- session of the Treasury Department, telegrams from leading merchants have been received urging him fm the strongest terms to make any sacrifice, even to the extent of abandoning at once all interests in his busmess, to retain the office and advising him un- der no circumstances to decline It. Some of the lead- ing members of the two houses of Congress expressed to him similar views. At the lowest estimate, by the means Mr. Stewart proposed, at least $6,000,000 would have been given to the charites in New York within the four years’ official term. Mr. Stewart will return to New York to-morrow, before which he will have an interview with President Grant. The Influences Which Induced Mr. Stewart’s Declination, ‘The story of A. T. Stewart's declination of the position as Secretary of the Treasury is not gene- rally known in Washington to-night. Those who have got over the lying ramors of yesterday, that Grant had selected Boutwell to fill the place which Stewart was unable to accept, have settied down into the belief that Stewart is now bona Ade Secre- tary of the Treasury, has taken the oath of office, and entered upon the discharge of his duties, There are few, in fact, who know that Mr. Stewart has formally declined, and fewer still who have any idea of who will finally direct the operations of the national counting house. The narrative, however, is easily told of how Mr, Stewart, first deciding in @ traly princely manner to transfer the proiits of his vast concern to charitable purposes, was afterwards forced, in obedience to the clamor of certain political lawyers, to surrender the honor conferred by General Grant and retire alto- gether from the prominent point of attention he ocenpied before the nation. The highest, best and most legal minds of the Senate and House of Representatives expressed them- selves in favor of the proposition made by Mr. Stewart, and declared it perfectly within the purview of the statute, The other minds of both Huuses that have never displayed much either of liberality or sincere patriotiam, thought the con- trary way, and Were ready to attribute all manner of extravagant thotives to Mr, Stewart in his desire to obtain the position of Secretary of the Treasurry. ‘They were also ready to contest the question of re- pealing the act aifecting bis eligibility to the office. ‘This class comprised many Senators and Represen- tatives, and their opinions and intentions were well and widely circulated. ‘This morning the influence which this class of men exercised made itself felt. Judge Hilton had the evening previous received the opinions of half a evore distinguished lawyers that Mr. Stewart's ac- tion permitted him to take the ofice and the oath pertaining thereto without mental reservation, On We “trength of these declarations aid the expressed wish of President Grant, who set his heart upon hav- ing Mr. Stewart, that the obstruction to his qualifica- tion should by some means be overcome, Mr. Stewart decided, as aiready stated, in transferring his business to other hands, In the afternoon of to-day the car- nage of the great New York millionaire, which had been for @ considerable time waiting at a side en- trance of the Ebbitt House, finally drove up to the Executive Mansion and there deposited Mr. Stewart and Judge Hilton. An Interview With the President. Both gentlemen went straight up stairs and sat down to a long conversation with President Grant. ‘The latter spoke more fully than is his wont, thank- ing Mr. Stewart for the sacrifice he concluded to make to serve him, and expressing his thanks in the warmest terms, and hoping that the people of the United States would be prepared the acknow!l- edge the high and = patriotic character of Mr. Stewart’s proposal, ‘President Grant was more than ordinarily warm in his expressions of esteem, and Mr. Stewart was a good deal affected by his sincere and hearty endorsement of his action. Judge Hilton explained how matters stood, how lawyers on both sides of the question felt, and the way in which members of Congress bad expressed themselves on the subject, Mr. Stewart said he had done his part as faithfully as was sn bis power and he regretted to find there was still a feeling abroad that he could not accept the position un- less he did what he could not witn justice to other men who were connected with him do, to relinguish his business -entirely. In deference, therefore, to this sentiment, he thought that, after all, his only course was to de- cline. General Grant said, in teply, that “such was true, and he regretted it extremely, for the services of no man could be of such immense value to the country as those of Mr. Stewart.” To save further embarrassment Mr. Stewart at once repaired to his hotel and resolved upon writing @ letter of declina- tion, Continued Interest in the Question. In the House to-daythe anxiety about the result of the Stewart imbroglio was almost as great as it was on Friday last to ascertain who was going into the Cabinet. Every arrival from the Senate or from the other end of the avenue gave rise to fresh specu- Jations and an incredible number of canards. At one time it was reported that Mr. Stewart had re- signed; another time he was sworn in; then again he had submitted a mew proposi- tion, which Grant had agreed to accept. The most absurd and unlikely stories found eager listeners and in some instances believers. Members gathered in different parts of the hall to discuss the matter, and the business before the House, unimportant as it was, was almost wholly neglected. The withdrawal by the President of his Message relative to Stewart was variously con- strued. Some supposed that il indicated a solution of the difficulty to be brought about by the resigna- tion of Mr. Stewart; others were of opinion that the President had come to the conclusion that the assignment of the business of Mr. Stewart to trus- tees enabled him to comply with the law of 1789, and that he would be installed in the Treasury Depart- ment without further delay. Whatever result might follow from it the withdrawal of the message was regarded as a step in the right direction, and it manifestly created a feeling of relief at least among the republicans, Opinions of the Radical Politicians. ‘There is no disguising the fact that from the mo- ment that message entered the Senate there was considerable alarm among the members of the dominant party lest it should lead toa rupture be- tween the President and Congress. Among them- selves the republican members of the House have been quite free in their critics of what they term the President’s blunders. The politicians, as might be expected, attribute them to but one cause—to wit: President Grant's refusal to consult them. ‘(If he had asked and taken the ad- vice of a few Senators and members who know something about these things, he would not have run himself and the party into this awkward predi- cament,” said a prominent republican member of the House. ‘‘It will teach him a lesson for the future,’ said another. “I don’t think he will try to run the machine himself any further,” chimed im a third. “No,” volunteered still another, “It’s too big a ma- chine for any one man to run, I don’t care if he had the wisdom of half a dozen J2» These were ‘the expressions of opinion among republicans con- cerning the first acts of Grant's administration, The politicians think they have achieved a victory, and they secretly chuckle over the circumstances which arise, as they think, to show President Grant that he cannot get along without them. Copy of Mr. Stewart’s Deed Transferring the Profts of His Business to Trustees to be Given to Public Charities. ‘This morning, according to the previously ex- pressed purpose of Mr. Stewart, he prepared and exe- cuted a transfer in the following form of his entire interest in the profits of the business of A. T. Stewart & Company during his official term, to be applied to charitable purposes. This course met the general approval of some leading Senators and members of the House, but did not seem to satisfy others, who insisted that Mr. Stewart could not qualify himself short of av absolute sale and disposition of all the property he owns connected with his business:— ‘This agreement, made and entered into this 9th day of March, A. D. 1369, between Alexander T. Stewart, of the city and State of New York, mer- chant, of the first part, and Willham B. Astor, James Brown, William E. Dodge, James T. Roosevelt and Henry Hilvon, also of said city, parties of the second Whereas, the said Stewart was on the Sth day of March, 1869, duly nominated by the President of the Unitea States to the office of Secretary of the Treas- ury, which nomination wason the same day con- firmed by the Senate of the United States; and whereas the said Stewart 18 about to accept’ and enter upon the duties of said office; and whereas he has been and now isa member of the firm of Alexander T, Stewart & Company, is concerned and interested in carrying on the business of trade and —— both in the United States and foreign countries, Therefore it is deemed to be, requisite under the provisions of the laws of the Uniied States that he, the said Stewart, before accepting the said appoint: ment and entering upon the dattss of said oftice, shouid cease to be directly or indirectly concern or interested in the carrying on the business of trade or commerce, and to which provision and require- ment of Jaw be is desirous in ail respects to consorm, Now, theréfore, this agreement witnesseth that the said party of the first part, for and in constdera- tion of the premises and of the sum of one dollar to him paid by the parties of the second part, the re- cempt whereof is hereby acknc vledged, does hereby sell, assign, transfer and set over unto the parties of the second and to the survivors and survivor them, all gains and rofits which said Van tae first part shail or entitled to asa member of the firm of Alexander 'T, Stewart and Company, and arising from the said firm carrying on its trade or business, for and dur- ing the period of time said party of ‘the first part shall occupy said office of Secretary of the Treasury, vesting in said parties of the Cer and the survivors or survivor of them full and lute right and title to said gains and profits and the dispost- tion thereof, juesting aud desti however, that they will faithfully apply and devote the same to such public or private charities or charitable objects and purposes as to them may seem best; butic being distinctly understood that this request shall in no wise affect the force and effect of the transfer hereby made. Finally—The said party of the first part doca here- by covenant and to execute and deliver such further assurances and writings as may be ad- or devised by the parties of mate the objects effectuate the ol to more fully or the parties hereto have here- ALEXANDER T. STEWART, Sealed and delivered in the presence of NOAH DAVIS. ‘We, the undersigned, of the second part to the fore; instrument, hereby accept the transfer therein made, and do declare Ud ail moneys which We may derive or receive the! we will devote fit Ra iam Speculations as to the Secretaryship ef the Treasury. Now that Stewart 1s ut of the feild, specalations have commenced with @ vengeance as to whose name will be next sent in by President Grant for the oMce of Secretary of the Treasury. About twenty names are mentioned, including Mr. Bout- Well’s, in whose favor the strongest possible effort ia being made. Mr. Boutwell stands high tn President Grant's esteem, beyond question, and may therefore turn ont to be the man for the post, after all. The Interminable Office Seekers. Applications for oMfice under the new administra- tron increase and are made by letter, through friends im Washington and fn person. Many secking Positions of @ subordinate character are disap- pointed in ther direct applications at the White House to the wentieman acting as Secretary to the Previjent, ae thoy are invariably refer red to the de- NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1869.—TRIPLE SHEET. partment officials in whose charge are the offices sought for, Commissioner Rollins with the President— Mr. Delane to Qualify To-Day—Memorial te the Retiring Commissioner. Commissioner Rollins was at the Executive Man- sion in consultation with the President to-day, and it 18 understood that the subject of the conversation was the condition of internal revenue affairs in various districts throughout the country. Mr. Delano will qualify and enter formally upon his duties to-morrow. The impression is that many changes in important offices connected with the internal re- venue will be made very soon. The clerks of the Taternal Revenue Department have prepared a memorial which will be presented to Mr. Rollins on his retirement. ‘The Repeal of the Tenure of Office Bill. Whatever may be the feeling in the Senate con- cerning the President, the House to-day showed by ita vote repealing the Tenure of Office act, that it has not lost confidence in him. Butler on this occa- sion, a8 on the previous one, led the way by introducing the bill He did so without ‘any consultation, it is ascertained, with the other members of the House. It was thought that in view of recent events, the House would be Jess disposed to repeaf the law which ties the hands of the President; but Butler was certain of the suc- cess whenever it came to a vote, and hence allowed no debate after calling the previous question. The democrats, with a view of getting such republicans as chose to vote against it on the record, called the yeas and nays. The report shows that the forty- seven members opposed to repealing the law when it was up before in the House, have dwindled down to sixteen, all republicans. The only man of note among them, is Schenck, of Ohio, The members of the House propose to use their influence with the Senate go as to have the law entirely repealed before the close of the session. Public Reception at the White House. The White House to-day was lively enough to com- pensate for the quietness which has reigned there during the past few days. In accordance ‘with the arrangements already made public thé general public ‘was admitted, not only to the various rooms of the mansion, but to the presence of the President. Until half-past eleven o’clock, visitors poured into the doors of the White House in a continuous stream. Most of them, however, wished merely to look about, and Fox, the newly installed usher, was kept busy throughout the whole day. General Dent, too, had his room filled with applicants for an audience with the President or his secretaries. He managed, however, to con- duct his portion of the preliminaries with ease and despatch, and nearly all of those who requested ad- mission succeeded in getting to the President. About half-past eleven the President came from his office, entered the anteroom and told General Dent not to send in any more cards, First Formal Meeting of the Cabinet. ‘The first formal meeting of the Cabinet occurred at noon to-day. As Secretaries Borie, Cox and Stewart and Attorney General Hoar were not ex- pected to be present, the President sent invitations to the assistants in those departments to attend the Cabinet meeting, and bring with them such business as required to be transacted. Mr. Borie came to the White House a little before eleven o'clock and remained with the President about half an hour, when he left, in order to perform the act of qualification. Secretary Washburne was the first Cabinet officer to arrive. He entered a few minutes before twelve o’clock and passed into the library adjoining the President’s office. Very soon after arrived’ Mr. James F. Hartley, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury; Mr. J. Hubley Ashton, Assistant Attorney General; Postmaster General Cresswell, General Schofield, Secretary of War; Judge Otto, Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and Mr. Wm. Faxon, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, which made the Cabinet representation complete. ‘The session was quite short. The President said he did not know that the Cabinet could dis- pose of much business to-day, but as ths was one of the days set apart for its Tegular meeting he deemed it best that a meeting should be held. The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury had two or three papers to submit, which having been disposed of, severat of the assistants took their leave, and Messrs. Washburne, Cresswell and Schofield remained tor some time in conversa- tion. Change of Affairs at the War Department. The effairs of the War Department and the army have undergone a material change by the effect of General Orders Nos. 11 and 12, issued this morn- ing. General Grant has been endeavoring for the last three years to induce Mr. Jonnson to put the whole administration of army affairs under the Generalin-Chief, The old method of transacting business in the War Department fre- quently placed the General of the Army in embarrass- ing positions and brought about confiicts in author- ity. Foralong time it has been a matter of per- plexity to decide upon whose authority certain or- ders should be issued, and to avoid all these comphications General Grant’s plan was to plaee ail the stafs and bureaus under the immediate command of the General-in-Chief. This has at length been accomplished, and this morning Gene- Tal Sherman announces all the staff generals of the War Department as members of his staff, and the President orders that hereafter the Secretary of War shall be confined to the duties.prescrived for him by the constitution and the laws. Return of General Rawlins to the Capitol. Major Generai John A. Rawlins has returned from his visit to New York city, and,was with the Presi- dent this morning at the White House. Mrs. Grant at the White Honse. Mrs. Grant spent two hours at the White House this morning, making arrangements for the ap- Droajing occ pation of the mansion. Secretary Lorie Takes the Oath of Office— Visit to the Navy Department. Secretary Borie was qualified in the Executive Chamber this morning by taking the usual oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Cartter, but will not enter upon his duties until to-morrow morning. He, however, paid a visit to the Navy Department shortly after two o’clock this afternoon, accompa- nied by Vice Admiral Porter, and received the chief oMicers of the various bureaus and several naval omMcers in his office, and subsequently had a thorough inspection of the different offices in the department. ‘ Secretary Washburne at the State Depart. ment. Secretary Wasnburne reached the State Depart- ment this morning at haif-past nine o'clock, and was for an hour engaged in the examination of his cor- Tespondence and in conference with Mr. Hunter, As- Sistant Secretary. Visitors were then admitted, when the following members of Congress and others were granted imterviews:—Mr. Edward Thornton, British Minister; Mr, Hitz, Consul General of Swit- zerland; Senators Drake, Cragin and Patterson, ex- Governor Fenton, of New York, and Messrs, Wash- burn, of Indiana; McCreery, Chandler, Butler and Moore, and Mr. Menard, the colored contestant for a seat in Congross from Louisiana. The members of the House of Representatives called to offer their congratulations, and were received in a body in the reception room, where the Secre- tary remained standing and shook hands with them severally as they passea ‘n front of him. At haif-past eleven o'clock Mr. Washburne left the State Department for the White House, which fact being announced by the messen- ger to the visitors in attendance in the ante-room, in @ very few minutes the butlding was cleared of a large number who were present, New Solicitor of Internal Revenue Appointed. Walter H. Smith, of Mount Vernon, has been ap- pointed Solicitor of Intefnal Revenue vice J. M, Binckley removed, and has entered on the dutics of hits office. Translation of tho President’s Inaugaral Ad- dress in Russia, Mr. P. Buyniteky, of the Treasury Departmont (the translator ig Russian of “Buckle's History of Civ- ilization”), has made @ translation of President Grant's inaugural address and transmitted {It to Mr. Buynitzky, publisher, of St. Petersburg, with ‘® request that he will communicate it to all the lead- ing papers in St. Petersburg and Moscow Resiqaation of an Office Holder David G. Gooding, of Indiana, United States Mar- shal for the District of Columbia, resigned that Office yesterday. This is the frst resignation under the preeent administration, Return to the Capital of the Chief of the Mr. George B. McCartee, chief of the printing 4i- vision of the Treasury Department, who has been absent from Washington on account of bad nealth for some weeks, has returned to this city, and hav- ing reported to the Treasury Department, wag directed to resume charge of that division. New Pert Charges at the Canary Islands. ‘The Secretary of State has forwarded, to the ‘Treasury Department s copy of s despatch from the United States Consul at Teneriffe, relative to new port charges at the Canary Islands, which went into effect January 1. Among the implied changes which are of interest to our countrymen it is percetved that a Spanish register can be ob- tained for vessels of any size now, this privilege having been denied to vessels under 400 tons heretofore. Another article provides that & Spanish shipowner can now sell his vessel to go under a foreign flag, which until now he could not do. All port charges are reduced to one, which 1s only exacted when a vessel discharges merchandise to be introduced into the country. This charge is fifty cents per ton on all such merchandise, and all other charges are abolished. This charge, though more faverable to a vessel landing @ small amount { of cargo, is very onerous to one landing a large cargo. A case in point is that of the American ship Louis Walsh, which at the date of the Consul’s despatch was landing a cargo of guano from the Chincha Islands. This vessel must: pay $1,100 charges, whereas under the old regime her charges would not have exceeded $150, It is perceived, also, that there ts no distinction in favor of the Spanish flag, and tnat the unjust action of double charges on vessels coming from North or South America gver those from European ports is done away with, 7 ‘The Question of Abolishing Light Dues on Ships. The Secretary of State recently forwarded to the Treasury Department a copy of a letter from our Minister at London relative to a meeting held by the Chamber of Commerce at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, having for its effect the abolition of light dues im- posed bythe government of Great Britain upon American and other vesselg. Strong efforts are be- Img made in certain prominent quarters in England for having these duties abolished and having the cost transferred to the coneolidated fund. The com- mittee from the Chamber of Commerce, in its re- Port, expressed the hope that the American Minister would do what he could in behaif of the object; but Mr. Johnson did not feel at Uberty to act in the mat- ter untal he heard from the State Department. The Secretary of State referred the letter to the Treasury Department for any suggestion that might be made in the matter. International Exhibition of Manufactures in Utrecht. The Vepartment of State has received information that the Society for the Encouragement of Manufac- tures and Mechanical Industry in the Netherlands propose to arrange an international exhibition of arti- cles for daily household use at Utrecht in the months of August and September, 1869, The principal ob- ject of this exhibition is to bring to the knowledge of the workmen such articles of industry of different countries at a low price as may combine usefulness with durability, so that he may be enabied, by judicious economy, to improve his condition, Supreme Court Cases Argued. The following cases were argued in the Supreme Court to-day:— ee 102—Gibson vs. Choutaw. Argument con- iy ded. No, 108—Scarlett, administrator, &c., vs. Faller. Action of trover to recover sixteen bales of cotzon; submitted on the side of plaintiff in error and ar- gued for defendant in error. George F. Hoar, of Massachusetts, brother of Hon. E. R. Hoar, Attorney General, was admitted to the bar of this court to-day. THE FORTY-FIRSI CONGRESS. First Session. SENATE. WASHINGTON, March 9, 1869, PETITIONS AND RESOLUTIONS. Mr. SUMNER, (rep.) Of Mass., presented revera! pe- titions for the removal of political disabtlities, which were referred to the com: on that subject. Mr. SUMNER algo pi ited resolutiong of the Legisiature of Massachasetts urging the passage of the bill introduced by Mr. Wilson to establish an American line of steamships to Europe. Reierred wo the Committee on Commerce. Mr. HAMLIN, (rep.) of Me., presented a memorial of numerous merchants and shipowners for the re- mission of certain tonnage duties, Referred to the Committee on Commerce. BILLS ANN JOINT RESULUTIONS. Mr. WILLIAMS, (rep.) of Oregon, from the Commit- tee on Finance, reported the b:li to strengthen the pee credit in the shape in which it passed the last Mate, and gave notice that he would cail it up to- ANDI Mr. (rep.) of ery gtr from the Committee on Commerce the passed by the Senate at the last sesston to authorize the New York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company to Jay their submarine cabie on the shores of the United States and asked its immediate consideration, but Mr. Guiags, (rep.) of lowa, objected. Mr. CHANDLER introduced a bill for the protection of fur bearing antmnais. Mr. SHERMAN, irep.) of Ohio, introduced a bill sup- plementary to the National Banking act, and gave notice that he would call it up to-morrow. Mr. OSBORN, SB, of Fia., introduced a bill grant- ing lands to aid in the construction of a steamboat canal in Florida. Referred. Mr. RaMsry, (rep.) of Minn., introduced a biil to authorize the construction of bridges over the Mis- sisippi above the mouth of the Missouri. Keferred. Mr, haga vpn @ bill to secure i copy. it for paintings, drawings, statuary and models. Euterred to the Committee on Patent Mr. MorToN, (rep.) of Ind., offered'a joint resoln- tion to grant the right of way to the Memphis, Fl Paso and Pacific Raiiroad, from El Paso to the Pa- Co sara Referred to the Committee on Public Lan Mr. PATTERSON, (rep.) of N. H., introduced a bill to incorporate the National Junction Katlway Com- any. . Mr, SPRAGUE, (rep.) of R. I., introduced a bill to incorporate the Island City Harbor Company. Re- ferred to the Committee on Commeree. Mr. STEWART, free.) of Nev., mtroduced a bill to legalize certain land locations. Referred to the Committee on Public Lands. Mr. WiL80N, (rep.) of Mass., introduced a joint re- solution authorizing the Secretary of War to sell the Bergen Heights hospital. Referred to the Military Committee. . HOWR, (rep.) of Mich., introdnced a bill grant- ands to Wisconsin to aid in the constru a breakwater harbor and ship canal, to connect the waters of Green Bay with Laxe Michigan. Referred to the Committee on Pubiic Lands. Mr. Hows offered a joint resolution extending the time for the construction of a ratiroad from St. Croix river or lake to the west end of Lake Superior, Mr. VomEROY, (rep.) of Kan., introduced a joint resolution atithorizing the sale of a portion of Fort Leavenworth Mulitary Reservation the Kansas Agricultural Association, Mr. VICKERS, (rep.) of Md., introduced several bills in reiation to the District of’ Columbia. Referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia. Mr. RaMSRY Introduced a bill to facilitate tele- hic communication with Europe. Referred. | Mr. Moxon introduced a bill to propibit the sale of gold by the Treasury. Reterred to the Committee on Finance. ‘Mr. Hows introduced a bill granting lands to aid in the construction of the Green Bay and Lake Pepin Railroad. ferred. Mr. SHERMAN introduced @ bill to facilitate the settlement of the accounts of the disbursing officers in the Quartermaster’s ae Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. ‘Mr. TRUMBULL, (rep.) of Ill, introduced a bill rela- tive to the right tag A of married women in the District of Columbia. ferred to the Judictary Committee. Also a bill concerning divorces in the District of Columbia, Same reference. Mr. Consett, (rep.) of Oregon, introduced a bill for the preservation of the harbors and rivers of the United States against encroachment, to the Committee on Commerce. Mr. WILSON introduced a bill to relingnish the interest of the United States in certain in the San Francisco, Cal. Referred to Mr. SUMNER—I cb| to its ' Let it lie over ot 9 da, ee Lan cise my. always be made ir. THAYER, (rep, the bill T moved tl the present, and # next , and I did not wish to have tt referred, but without a reference. The Vice moves to the eummittee from the con- sideration of the Mr. SumNgR—That motion is im the nature of resolution and under the rules of the Senate. I ob- {0¢t,t0 ite consideration on the same day on which it of wane Vim PREnTEE? Senay the objection was MESSAGE PROM THE PRESIDENT. At this the following message was received from the of the United States:— To THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES :— Thave the to withdraw eke Cae eee Wasuimonowe Maree 9 Rada . may the another message messenge m President was. soon ‘anamiteng, 19 a OF MARGARET RIDDLE. On motion of Mr. Srkaccw the bill for the re- Nef of 1 Riddle, widow of the late Senator Riddle, of Delaware, was taken up and after a brief discussion recommitted, On motion of Mr. EDMUNDS, (rep.) of Vt., then at half-past one o'clock the Senate adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, March 9, 1869. RESIGNATION OF B. B. WASHBURNE, The SPEAKER laid before the House the resignation of Mr. E. B. Washburne, now Secretary of State, as representative from the Third district of illinois. ELECTION OF CHAPLAIN. ‘The House proceeded to the election of a chaplain, Mr. Jupp, (rep.) of Il, nominated Rev. J. G, But- ler, of Washington. Mr. INGERSOLL, Richard Harvey, of .) of Til., nominated Rey. linols, but subsequeatly with- drew it. fi Mr. RANDALL, (oom) of Pa., nominated Rev. John ©. Chambers, of Philadelphia, Mr. Woopwakp dem.) of Pa., nominated Rev. Gilman Jackson, of Wash! Mr. VooRHEEs, (dem.) Ind., nominated Rey. James McKinny, of Indiana. ‘The vote was taken and resulted as follows:—For Mr. Butler, 112; for Mr. Chambers, 16; for Mr. Jack- son, 16; for Mr. McKinney, 14, Mr. Butler was, therefore, declared duly elected Chaplain. VALIDITY OF THE LATE ELECTIONS IN LOUISIANA Mr. Maynard, (rep.) of Tenn., offered a bl and resolution in reference to the last Cr onal election in Loui ja, and instructing the Commit- tee on Elections to inquire into the validity of such election in the several Col nal ricts, to ascertain in which of them, if any, valid elections were held, and whether the claiming to have been elected in such districts are qualified to take their seats, with power to send for persons and papers, and to report at any time, The resolution was adopted. . ie preamole was also agreed to, Yeas, 103; nays, THE INTERNAL REVENUE LAWS. Mr. Coens Cent of Ohio, introduced a bill to re- duce into one act and to amend the laws reiating to internal revenue, and explained that it embodied all the modifications and the changes made by the Committee of the Whole and by the House at the last session, thus making the bill as perfect as possible; and he moved that it be referred to the Committee of che Whoie on the State of the Union and printed. <1 rent ge Suggested that It be put on its pass ‘age at once. sit SCHENCK sald that that would suit him very well. Mr. Woop, (dem.) of N. Y., however, intimated that it would not suit him, and the pill was referred to the Commitiee of the Whole and ordered to be printed. NICKEL COINAGE, Mr. KELLRY, (rep., of Pa., introduced a bill for the coinage of nickel copper pieces of five cents and under. Referred to the Committee on Coinage. INDIAN TREATIES. Mr. BUTLER, (rep.) of Mass., asked leave to offer a resolution for a joint special commtttee of three '] members of the Senate and six of the House to con- sider ail matters relating to Indian treaties, tc. Afier some discussiow Mr. RANDALL objected and the resolution was not entertamed. PAYMENT OF B. A. SHEPHERD. Mr. BRAMAN, (rep.) of Mich., by unanimons con- sent, introduced @ joint resolution to supply an omission in the Miscellaneous Appropriation vill ws mserting an item of $1,200 to B, A. Shepherd, being the amount of a check in favor drawn on the Assistant Treasurer for Indian suppHes in Jane, 1859, but which Was lost. Passed. JOINT RESOLUTIONS. Mr. SCHENCK offered jomt resolutions as follows, Which were several: jopted:—¥or a select commit- tee of nine to provide for taking the next census; tor a i committee on retrenchment, to be com- nae four members of the House and four of the ; that the Committee on the Pacific Ratlroad shail horeafter cousist of fourteen members, and the Committee on Patents of nine members. .. SSLECT COMMITTER ON RECONSTRUCTION, Mr. BouTWELL, (rep.) of Masa,, offered a resolution for the appointment of a select committee on recon- stcuction. to consist of thirteen members, under the Saiue rules and regulations as governed the proceed- ings of the Reconstruction Cominittee of the last Con- gress, and that all documents and resolutions beiore the last committee be referred to it, Adopted—ivy to 42. REPEAL OF THE TENURE OF OFFICE ACT. Mr. BUTLER, {rep.) of Mass., introduced a bill to repeai the Tenure of Office act of the 2d of March, 1507. He moved the previous question on its pas- wage. uf. MAYNARD moved to adjourn. Negatived ; only fifteen affirmative votes. ‘The previous question was seconded and the bill ‘Was passed. Yeas 143, nays 16. The negative votes were given by Messrs. Arnell, Boies, Farnsworth, Ferriss, Hotchkiss. Jenckes, Law- rence of Ohio, Maynard, Schenck, Smith, Stokes, Taffe, Tliman, Ward, Whittemore and Wilard—i6. The House’ then, ‘at twenty minutes before three o'clock, aajourned until Friday next. UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. Frandalent Certificates of Natrralization— Construction and Application of the Act of 1813—Power of Congress Over the Sub- ject. in Ald ef State Legislation—Federal Jurisdiction to Punish—Case of Rosenberg. The United States vs, Benjamin B. Rosenderg.— ‘The defendant in this case is charged with having forged or counterfeited or caused to be forged or counterfeited five certificates of evidences of citizenship, contrary to and in violation of section thirteen of the act of March, 1813, respecting seamen on board public and private vessels of the United States, which reads as follows:—“That if any person shall falsely make, forge, or counterfeit, or cause or procure to be falsely made, forged, or counterfeited any certificate of evidence of citizenship referred to in this act; or shall pass, utter, or use as true any false, forged, or counterfeited certificate of citizen- ship; or shail make sale or dispose of any certificate of citizenship to any person, other adult person for whom it was originally issued, and to whom it of right beiong; every such person shall be deem: guilty of felony,” &c. Indictment was found in the Circuit Court for the Southern District of New York, and on a subsequent motion to quash the following questions arose, on which the were dwided in opinion, and they were certified to this Court:— First Whether tt fe ni the thirteenth section étment abould aver that the under of the act of I that the i1 Sciscate ot chtannsnip ct tee evntenee tioned was produced to the commander of a public vease! the United ot to a collector of the ? ‘Second —Whether the ‘of citizenship or the evi- dence of citizenship mentioned iu the section referred to em- braces any other certificate or evidence than the certilled copy @f the act of naturalization mentioned in the id Of the act, and the vroofs of citizenship fioned in the fourth and sixth ‘of the act? Thir indictment is invalid, f reason citizenahip as te mentioned fn the thirteenth section ? On behalf of the defendant it ts argued that It is not a crime within the act to forge, alter or dispose of certificates of naturalization, except in the cases 4 that statute. The ot x kM as ‘as 6 6creal ‘sol to the common law and wi po BO by the act. The a prever the ¢ on board the ale ot rivate vessels of Le} United led such aliens were subjects of govern- fuente’ hice prohibited the employment of our citi- ens It waa, however, the policy of car laws 10 1 it the employment as seamen, &c., of nat as freely as if they were ‘ive born; and as such em een eee be en- of five moral A cert. fled copy of the record a of naturaliza- tion, it was declared a w such copy, or by a sale thereof, or to ‘the genu- ine certificate & use the mischief intended by the statute to be yore Seal, SE Ta cotpee eh a Rhens on board the pubilo ‘vessels of tue government, who by or by other Hey I i ge ceee pisesstee Ae eee Ae HH Ear oe bail ‘The words of the second section of the act do not re fer to an exemplification of the entire recora, but to @ certificate of the judgment of the court by which @ person is made a citizen, which is conclusive that ail the prerequisites have been complied with. This construction sustains this view of the government, and it is the one which has uniformly been placed on the statute of the courts. The title of an act, it ig contended, furnishes lictie aid in the construction of its provisions, and it was originally, in England, held to be no'part of the act. A statute is good for apy number of different subjects, and may contain provisions of @ public and private nature; and 16 may be two laws under one enacting clause. E. W. Stoughton and A. R. Lawrence, for defendant; At- torney General Evarts and Assistant Attorney Gea- eral Ashton for the government. NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE. About 300 members of thia association were present yesterday at the meeting held ai 54 Broad street, and the fact of so large an audience being in attendance may be attributed to a rumor having gone the round of the brokers that Mr. James Fisk, jr., would be present and would make some important statement. In this, as will be seen, no one was dis- appointed. On the meeting being called to order by the Vice President, Mr. C. C. Parks, the Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting, which were approved and reports from standing committees called for. A decision in the course of a debate on the Executive Committee’s report was arrived at, viz.:—That the first board will be opened on Thursday next at ten o'clock, and the call at twelve o'clock noon. On the report of the committee on the list of stocks and order of calling being read, the chairman said he had one point on which some difference of opinion had arisen among the members of the committee, and on which he wished to take the sense of the Board, Viz.:—As to the propriety of placing Erie on the list. He added which was increased for a moment by ance of “Prince Erie” on the floor, but sul absolute atlence as soon as he began to speak. Mr. Fisk, Jr., said that the fact of no application having been made to the committee to have Erie on, the list was that no intimation of the will of the Board to do so had been conveyed to the officers. of the Erie ratlroad. such intimation Cre yt Yad tna od i. ey tage =, made by the company be wens on say, it could, he believed, 9 eranever. tb enone Set com) on i i a #2 "4 fF i; Fete placed on the list ceed those of all Mr. Fisk, in boa have a kindly home, and such his interest, his wealth, his wealth and sympathies of theirs, and theirs loudly ap) it being le, “shall Erie ct gl on the list?’ it carried gh te It that Mr. Fisk refu: the presidency but intends taking an active part poe stock list was then approved musiness transacted, In mentariavism, the only ceable fixing of the entrance fee at $100 till 600 members enrol ‘at $260 tiil after 700 are on led; on tbat’ number being comp! $750 will be imposed on Another was | a i 3 ; g 3 & 2 i z Eg not to exceed balay to oftee t ol to pay:—Mr. E. resident, $5,000 num; the secretary, Mr. C. M. Delmar, $3,000 per annum, and the assistant: ', $1,500 per annum, payable monthly. Other animportant amendments were carried amid the noise and confusion (characterizi and the meeting adjourned al It 1s stated that 420; that 00 applications for membership are now under consideration, ard the board ts confident that before long the number of members will be very it. 5 ole five ovlock. Ls change with the exception that greater stress is laid upon the obligation of members not to make fict- tous sales of stock or bonds, upon which point the language 18 a8 follows:— No fictitions sales shall be made by any member of the Board, and any member contravening this article, shall, apon conviction, be suspendes for a term not less than one week or more than sixty days, at the discretion of the presiding oilieer. SINGULAR ACCIDENT ON THE ERIE RAILWAY. A Loose Bar of Iron Enters a Pessenger Car— Five Perseus Injured. An accident occurred about four o'clock on Mon- day afternoon at Augusta Springs, near Sivatawurg, on the Erie Railway, which 1s the most singular ever known on any railroad in the country. The Cincin- pati express train, due in Jersey City at five o'clock, was turning around @ curve, while another train, Jaden with fron, was passing in the opposite direction. Two or three of the iron rails in tne pile were displaced through the oscilla- tion, and as the express train swept by one of these loose rails entered the smoking car with such force that it passed through to the opposite side in a diagonal direction. The side of the car was torn than half ite | the seats being all ~ ‘mashed on that nde ir, Whliam A. Braith, of had his t hip frac: tured. Mr. t . ‘alter Buckley, of Cen! X. ¥., had fs right hip broken. ‘and MF. Duncan Walker, the son of Ro! J. Walker, ex-secretary of haa his teeth knocked out entered The shock felt like that produced by the of @ cannon ball through the car. Five in all were injured. That no one killed and that so many eacaped without injury is marvellous. It was one | bt i i 2 z i i af : Fu g iH i 3 Ht 3. a agit Ht : : z z 3 i