The New York Herald Newspaper, April 4, 1869, Page 5

WASHINGTON ' Prosident Grant’s Views on the Early Reconstruction of Virginia. ANOTHER LONG LIST OF NOMINATIONS. Fashionable Gatherings at the White House. Mrs, Grant to Hold an Afternoon Reception on Tuesday. ‘AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CUBA. Admiral Hoff Enjoined to be Vigilant for Their Protection. Confirmation of General Long- street by the Senate. Anothcr Speech from Senator Sprague. The Miiscellancous Deficiency Bill Passed in the House. Final Adjournment Next Saturday Agreed Upon. WASHINGTON, April 3, 1869. American Citizens in Havana to be Pro- tected. Major W. W. Leland, now in this city, to-day re- ceived the following telegraphic despatch :— Sr, JULIEN HoreL, New York, April 3, 1869. My father has been arrested by the Spaniards. He isan American citizen. Try to save him from death. EMILLA C. De VILLAURDE, Major Leland, knowing Mr. Casanova, the lady’s father, well, and that he is an American citizen, im- mediately called upon the President, who by tele- graph ordered Admiral Hoff, in command of our naval forces at Havana, to protect all American citizens, A Stormy Executive Session—General Long- street’s Nomination Confirmed. The executive session of the Senate to-day was again oocupied with the discussion of General Long- street's nomination to the Collectorship of New Or- Jeans. Mr. Scott resumed his argument against the appointment, insisting that it was premature and that a suMciently large Union element existed in Louisiana to demand recognition from a republican administration, Mr. Carpenter held that the con- firmation of Longstreet would be an unwise prece- dent to set and would prove so in its effect upon the elections in his State of Wisconsin. It might sult the interests of some Southern Senators to have this nomination approved, but the loyal people of the Northern States would feel little Jess than shocked at finding a rebel of Longstreet’s antecedents putin a place of trust and emolument at this brief state since the rebellion ended, Mr. Stewart said he hoped the nomination would pass. He had listened to a great deal of argument about General Longstreet being a notorious rebel and unfit, even though reclaimed, to occupy any place under the government. This he held to be bad logic, for those who were the most notorious rebels were, after all, the most desirabie ones to see converted; and he had no fears that any regret would be expressed in any quarter for conferring this position on General Longstreet. Mr. Howard talked bitterly against the confirmation. He would nothing like favors being showered on men who did their utmost to destroy this government. They had abused the confidence and trust of the government before, and were not unlikely to doso again. Mr. Morrill spoke in Longstreet’s favor, and Mr. Nye sald a few words in his behalf. Mr. Corbett was in opposition. Mr. Thurman, democrat, said he should vote for the confirmation on the ground that, being in favor of removing the disabilities of every South- ern man, he saw no objection to the present appointment when no charges of incompetency or dishonesty were found to exist. Mr. Kel- logg made an eloquent nh 8 hair an hour in Longeitect's favor, pointing out the service ie had rendered the republican cause im New Orleans and elsewhere, and quoted from several of his letters to show how thoroughly and ‘well h@ sympathized with the party and the sacrifice of old associations he was compelled to make in doing 80. “Should you reject him,” satd Mr. Kel- dogg. “the rebel element of New Orleans will ex- claim, there is a man who humiliated himself to curry favor with the radicals, and now they spurn bim from them when he seeks some recognition at their bands.” Mr. Sumner argued strongly against the confirmation, after which the vote was taken, resulting in the passage of the nomination by a vote Of 25 to 10, The Tenure of Office Bill. ‘The amended Tenure of Office bill had not been signed by the President up to noon to-day, The ap- prehension exists that some mistake has been made in the enrolling of the bill, as prominent members Of boih houses differ as to its construction. If so, the bill may be returned to Congress for correction, New York Apointments. It appears from the official record that J. F. Cleve- and was yesterday nominated to be Assessor for the Thirty-second and L. L. Doty Assessor for the Bixch district of New York. Nominations by the President. ‘The following nominations have been sent in:— Consuls—O, M. Long, Consul at Panama; Horace Houghton, Consul at Lahaina; William Stedman, Consul at St. Jago de Cuba. Secretaries 0f Territories—J. M. Wilkins, Dacotah; Edw. L. Perkins, New Mexico; James Scott, Wash jon; W. S. Scribner, Montana; Coles Bashford, Arizona; Frank Hall, Colorado; Edw. M. Lee, Wyo- ming; 8. A. Mann, Utah. Governors of Territories—A. P. K. Safford, Ari- zona; John A. Campbell, Wyoming; Charles ©. Crowe, New Mexico; John A. Burbank, Dacotab; Alban Flanders, Washington. Collectors ‘or Internat ‘Reevenue—Samuel FP. Miller, ineteenth district, New York; Horace Jenkins, Jr. iorida; Robert Willams, ‘Third. district, Obie Charles M. Merrick, Twenty-fourtn district, nsy venta; Thomas ‘issell, Fifth district, Ohio; W. . es, First district, Pennsylvania; Henry 1. Basing, Sivente Gam district, New York; Pinckney ee ee cere ped yoo lssessors—George LL. Clart ixteenth distric New York; RK. [lolland Duell, ‘Twenty-third auerict New York; Warren F’. Meyers, Nevada; J. M. Bowan, Seventh district, North Carolina; Franklin Blades, Seventh district, (linols; Napoieon Underwood, Se- cond district, Louisiana. Marshais—Joun Fly, Bastern District, Pennsylva- nia; Alexander Murdoc Western Pennsylvania; Kit W. Murray, Kentucky; Laban H. Litenfleld, Da: po pga H. Mouiton, Idaho; Church Howe, oming. osepn M. Carey, United States Attorney for Ww. = ohn fi. Howe, ontet Justice Sapreme Court, Wyoming ohn W. Kingman and Willlam J, Jones, Associate Justices, Wyoming, George me ee on Woo Sw 3—N. GO, » Holly Sprin 188. 5 Wm. Wilkinson, Romeo, Mich. ; Pietro Gunes, Upper 001 Sandusky, Onto: Kerwin Heath, Owkosn, Win: G Ramey, Crawfordsville, Ind.; John L. Mt A. Orleans, La, 9% aecene of gayety and aplendor, The announcement A. Hobbs, Genessee, Lil; John M. Moore, Plymouth, er, tte, Lag Stlas H, Conness, Helena, Montan: Weekly Receptions at the Executive Mansion. was made to-day that Mrs, Grant will reosive ber Ind.; Isaac K. Julian, Richmond, Tn 3. Alvan i Lafa- Smith, St. Louis, Mo.; Charles W. Lowell, ‘The White House ts about to become once more NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 1869.—QUADRUPLE SHEET. friends on Tuesday of each week, from two until four o'clock P, M. The first reception will be held on Tuesday next, and they will be continued through- out this month. Although the announcement that Mrs. Grant will receive her friends is understood to mean that those people only who have visited the Pre- sident’s family are expected to call, there will of course be @ vast throng present, as not only the stran- gers now in the city but the greater portion of the permanent residents, are anxious to behold Mrs, Grant since she has been installed as mistress of the White House. It was along time after Mrs. Patter- son had established those select afternoon recep- tions before they assumed anything like the charac- ter they were intended to have. The general public insisted on regarding them as free to all, and it was not until near the close of the season that they were attended only by individuals personally known to the ladies of the Executive Mansion. As Washing- ton is filled with strangers now a crowd is expected at the White House on next Tuesday afternoon, and it i8 understood that preparations will be made to secure comiort, A Virginia Delegation at the White House—The Old Dominion Anxions to be Reconstructed. A delegation of six or seven citizens of Richmond, Va., conducted by Lewis McKenzie, of Alexandria, had an interview with the President about half-past two o'clock this afternoon, Among them were Messrs, Sternes, Guigon, Branch and Sutton. Several of the delegates were ex-rebdel officers. The object of the visit was to urge that an elec- tion be held in Virginia on the new constitution and for State officers. They besonght the President to recommend to Congress the expulsion from the constitution of the test oath, the State disfranchisement clause and the county election provision, which were the principal objections entertained by the people of the State against the new constitution. ‘The President replied that the subject of the restora- tion of the State to the Union was one of deep in- terest to him; that he thought the best mode of set- tling these diM culties was for Congress to order an election on the constitution and permit the people to vote upon it by separate sections. By 80 doing such features as were most objectionable could be defeated. He said he would consult with the members of his Cabinet on the subject, and if they concurred in his views he would at an early day advise Congress accordingly. Meeting of the Reconstruction Committee— Argument on the Texas Case Closed. Texans, in large numbers, were before the Recon- struction Committee to-day. General Davis spoke in favor of a division of the State, but admitted it 1s im- possible at the present session of Congress. He op- posed voting upon the new constitution tn July because of the lawlessness and crime in Texas. He denied there had been any diminution of crime or favorable change in political sentiment since Pres- ident Grant’s election. He approved of what there is in the Texas constitution, but opposed it for the reason that large numbers were not disfranchised. The committee put many questions to General Davis, and General Butler announced the argument on the Texas case closed. Sensation at the Capitol Cartoons. Much ampsement was caused to-day at the Capi- tol and in the departments by the cartoon in yester- day’s New York Evening Telegram. Senators and members had copies of the Zelegram, which were handed abovt pretty extensively and laughed at quite as much. The political caricature, which was generally termed a good thing, was in considerable demand, as those who had geen it mentioned it to others, who were anxious to see it also. The Eight Hour Law. ‘The statement made a day or two since that At- torney General Hoar had given an opinion contrary to that rendered by Mr. Evarts on the Eight Hour law is denied at the Attorney General’s oMce. No such opinion has been prepared, nor has the question been referred to Judge Hoar fer a decision. Orders were issued at the Washington Arsenal to-day by direction of the Secretary of War, giving the employes the alternative of working ten hours per day, or working eight hours at a reduction of twenty per cent upon the price now paid. The employés have, in consequence of the dulness of the times, accepted the ten hour alternative, but expect Congress wall soon pass an explanatory act to the effect that it was not intended that @ reduction of the working hours should be followed by a reduction of pay. Tonnage Dues on Spanish Vessels. The question of tonnage dues, which has been greatly complicated by a multitude of laws ana orders, 1s now the subject of consideration with the government authorities with a view of simplify- ing the regulations so as to avoid all possibility of misconstruction on the part of collectors. Hitherto tonnage duties have been exacted from all foreign vessels except those sailing from certain Spanish ports. As Spain maintains a very complex system of duties, which are assessed according to the nature and value of the cargo, a discrimination was made against certain Spanish ports. By late orders these discriminating dues were abolished for af ports except those of Cuba and Porto Rico. In order to establish a general system of tonnage dues the question has been referred to the Department of State, and negotiations are about to be opened with this object in view. ~~ Fraudulent Income Returns. Circular seventy-one, issued to-day by Commis- sioner Delano, relative to notice to parties chargea with failure, neglect or refusal to make true returns of gains, profits and income, prescribes that be- fore assessing penalty in person for neglect or refusal to make such return, or rendering of @ fraudulent one, the Assistant Assessor charged with the duty of assessing taxes on gains, profits and income of the person charged, shall cause notice to be served on such person fifteen days prior to the day of hearing, notifying him to appear and show cause why the penalties prescribed by law snould not be assessed on him by reason of such neglect or refusal. Where the return ig to be made by a guardian, trustee, executor or administrator, attorney, agent or partner of a non- resident, alien or by a person acting in any other fijudiciary capacity, notice ehall be served on him instead of his ward, changing the phraseology of the notice to suit the circumstances of the case, The New Register of the Treasury. John Allison, the new Register of the Treas- ury, was sworn in to-day and assumed the duties of his office. Weekly Currency Statement. The receipts of fractional currency for the week ening to-day amount to $495,500, Shipments to the Assistant Treasurer at Boston... Tonatfonal banks The following amounts are held in trust for national banks:— Over Political $100,000 As security for circulating 342, 740, 300 For public deposits. $2,428,350 National bank curret week 136, Total to oe 912,507,766 Mutilated bills ceturne: 12,127,625 Notes of insolvent banks redeem +, 1,068, Auctual circutation at this date 209,811,933 Fractional currency redeemed a stroyed sue 74,7 Customs Receipts. ‘The following are the custom receipts from March 22 to March 31 inclusive Boston. . New York. Philadelphia Baltimore, San Francisco, jars 70, March 210,861 THE FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS, First Sension, SENATE, WASH INGTON, April 3, 1869. PORT OF SAN DIRGO. Mr. Cour, (rep.) of Cal. introduced a joint resolu- Hon making San Diego, Cal., a port of delivery, and asked its immediate consideration, but Mr. Morrill objected, and it was referred to the Committee on Commerce, THE LAST LAW OF THE SLAVE ConR. Mr. SUMNER, (rep.) of Mass., Introduced a bill to repeal the act to prevent the importation of certain Persons into States where, by the laws thereof, their importation is prohibited. This bill, he said, was designed to repeal the only law relating to slavery remaining on the statute books of the United States, and oa it had beep favorably reported by the Ju- | acter and not mistake it, dictary Committee and by the Senate at the last session he hoped there wouid be no opposition Wo its immediate consideration. Mr. Davis, (dem.) of Ky., objected, and the bill was laid on the table. THE EIGHT HOUR LAW. Mr. WILSON, (rep.) Of Mass., introduced a joint res- olution instructing the dadiotany Committee to re- ort a bill more clearly defining the meaning of the law making t hours a day’s work for mechanics and laborers the service of the United States. Adopted. THE ST, CROIX AND LAKE SUPERIOR RAILROAD.. On motion of Mr. Hows, (rep.) of Wis., the bill to extend the time for the construction of a railroad from the St. Croix Lake to Bayfield, on Lake Supe- rior, was taken up. The pending motion was that of Mr. Morrill to recommit the bill to the Committee on Public Lands. Messrs. CONKLING and Scorr supported the motion on the ground that there were objections ‘to the bill which could not be fully or fairly considered at this in. Messrs. HOWE and CARPENTER Opposed it. ‘The motion was lost. The morning hour having expired the unfinished business was postponed for three-quarters of an hour, during which some amendments to the bill were made and it was passed—yeas 25, nays 14. AMENDMENT OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY TAX LAW. Mr, SHERMAN, (rep.) of Ohio, from the Committee on Finance, reported the House bill to amend the Supplementary Tax law of July, 1868, with amend- ments, The sections relating to tobacco are stricken out, and the bill otherwise materially changed, 80 a8 to read as follows:— A BIL1 to amend an act entitled “An act imposing taxes on distilled spirits and tobacco and for other purposes,” ap- roved July 20, 1 Be enacted, '&c,. ‘That an act entitled “Av act tmposin taxes on distilled spirits and tobacco undgfor other purposes, approved July 20, 1868, be amended as follows, to wit:—That section eight be’ amended so that in case of a distillery or distilling apparatus erected prior to the 20th of July, 1868, on a tract of land held under lease or other evidence of title less than fee simple, which was not required by the laws of the State to be ‘recorded in order to be valid at the time of ite execution, or in any case. where title {s in litigation or where the owner ts possessed of the fee, but encumbered with a mortyage executed and duly recorded prior to the said 0th of July, 1868, and not due, or where tne fee i& held by a jemne covert, ‘minor, person of Un sound mind or other person incapable of 4) required by said act, a bond may b in said section for a distillery erected on other evidence of title to which was duly recorded prior to the of this act. “hat section twenty be s0 amenced that 1p case of distil aving & producing capacity of less than one bundred in twenty-four hours, and in which grain or meal is mashed by hand and without the use of steam, sixty gallons of mash or beer proved or ermented from grain shail repre- sent notless than one buslel of grain. That section fifty-six be amended 60 as to extend the time for withdrawing distilled spirits from bonded warehouses until June 0, 1889, but subject to an additional tax on ench proof gallon deposited and bonded in warehonse at the rate Of one per cent for each month alter the 20th of April, 186% irits remaining in bondéd , 1489, shall be for- feited to the United States and disposed of as provided in said section. ‘That section fifty-nine be amended, so that on and after M every person who rectifies, purifies, or refines dis- tilled spirits or wines by any process’ other than by original and continuous dis from mash wort or wash, through continuons closed d_pipes antl the manufacture thereof is complete, ery wholesale or retail liquor dealer who has ssion any still or leach tub, or who shall keep any other apparatus for the Purpote of refining in any manner disuiled spirit and Any person who, wishout rectifying, puriiying or retning, distilled spirits shail, by mixing such spirits, wine or other liquor with apy materials, manufacture any spurious imita~ tion or compound liquors for sale under the name ot whiakey, brandy, gin, rum, wine, spirits, cordials or wine bitters, or any oiler name, spall be regarded asa rectifier and as being engaged in the Dusiness of rectifying, and so much of the act to which this 1s an amendment as relates to componnders of liquors and as is inconsistent with provisions of the section hereby amended be and the same is hereby repeated. And said section fifty-nine is further amended as follows:~ Strike Out the fourth paragraph thereof, relating to retail dealers, and the fifth paragraph to and including the words “shall required to pay the special of a wholesale dealer,” and insert in lieu thereof the following :— “Retail dealers 'in liquors shall pay twenty-live dollars, Every person who sells or offers for sale foreign or domestic distilled xpirits, wines or malt liquors, tn quantities less than five gallons at'the samo time shall be regarded as a retail dealer in liquors. Wholesale dealera shall pay #100. Every person who sella or offers for sale foreign or domestic dis- Ulled spirits, wines or mait Iquors, in quantities of not leas than five gallons at the same time shall be regarded as a wholesale liquor dealer. Dealers in liquors whose sales, including sales of all other merchandise, eball exceed $20,000, shall each pay an additional tax at the’ rate’ of one dollar for every hun- of Mquors in excess of such’ $25,000, ‘8 of sales of other merchandise wholesale dealers, and such ex- ju ai has paid his special tax as such, and who sells only dis- tilled spirits or malt liquors of his own production at the place of manufacture in the original casks or packages to which the two stamps are ailixed, shail be rejuired to pay the special tax of © wholesale’ dealer on account of m be amended #0 as to require ‘that hereafter all I revenue stampa for the payment of tax on tobacco and snutf 11 packages of one pound or more in weight shall be numbered in continued se- ries for each collection district and shall have a blank space for the date and written signature of the collector to whom they may befurnisned, who shall date and sicu the ames and a registry shall be kept of the amounts and the numoers of the stamps furnished to any collector, aud manufacturers or other persons authorized by said section to vurchase stamps shall purchase only of collectors within their respect- ive districts, ‘That section §8 be amended go that either the proprietor’s name or the name of the mannfacturer shall be printed on the label for citizens provided for in SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, act to provide an internal revent and for other purposes, approved June 9, 144, as amended by the &h section of the nde att of July 18, 1886, be’ further ainended by adding thereto the following:—And the fact that any adhesive stamps 80 bought, sold, offered for sale, used or had in possession as ‘for has beer ied or restored by retuoving or al- ering the cancelling, or defacing marks shall be prima facie proof that such stampa have been once'used and removed by the possessor thereot from some vellum, ment, paper, instrument or writing charged with posed by law, in violation of this section. ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS, On motion of Mr. Epmunps, (rep.) of Vt., the House resolution fixing the day for the adjournment of Congress was then taken up. The amendment striking out the 6th of April and ee the 15th was voted down almost unani- mously. ‘rhe question was then on the pending motion of on oe to strike out the 6th and insert Saturday, eo Mr. SHERMAN sald he would not vote to fix any jay for adjournment until Congress should at least have disposed of the pending amendments to the ‘Tax law and the Indian Appropriation bill. Mr. THAYER, (rep.) of Neb., again urged the neces- sity of fixing the status of Georgia before adjourn- ng. 4 fir. FRSSENDEN, (rep.) of Me., moved to amend by striking out the 10th and mserting Tuesday, the 13th. Lost—yeas 23, nays 29, The amendment of Mr. Hamlin, (rep.) of Me., fixing the 10th as the day for adjournment, was then agreed to, and the resolution, as amended, was adopted—yeas 35, nays 19. PERSONAL EXPLANATION BY MR, SPRAGUE. Mr. SPRAGUE, (rep.) of R. L., then rose and said:— Mr. President, 1 rise to a personal explanation. The people of the United States will py er their judg- ment on ail newspaper articles bearing on me to my disadvantage. The ‘telegraphic summary of my recent speech was, as well as the report in the Glove, incorrect in that it has some material errors. They may be assured that my words and courage do not rest op wine, or whiskey, or any other stimulant, but upon knowledge of the shrinkage of a eu and the loss of virtue going on around me. | ged anxiety is to effect a cure now. The remedy is now accessible; a year hence it may be beyond our reach. My leading idea is to correct @ condition of things of which the following is perhaps an Ret case, but it is a substantial illustration of the condition throughout the coun- try:—A man in Washington has $20,000 loaned out in sums of fifty dollars to the poor, at ten per cent per month, and secured by chattel mortgage. When he victin is exhaust demand for payment is made, and in default of payment pro- perty is sold for, one-fourth to one fits value. The plan to correct this is to place within the reach of every mao of energy and in- dustry capital at a low rate of interest upon which he can labor and make profit. This ts the one! have in view, and is substantially the one in use in Engiand, Beigium, Holland and France, the most prosperous States of modern times, and to exclude tne plan we have adopted, which is best exhibited by States like Spain, Mexico and the South American States. | call your attention to a state in the Ameri- can Union (Kentucky) which has adopted a system similar to that I have advocated. Kentucky, it may be remembered, is the most prosperous farming State in the country. The general purpose is to restore to the market for the use of the people all the capital in the country in contradistinction to the method now in use of keeping the same out of the reach of the peopie and in localized and central- ized attuations. is to be effected by the Trea- sury of the United States, which is to be fret mace strong in means and then use tnat strength on the market to unlock and distribute hoarded capital. ‘The present danger, in my judgment, is greater than when the rebels fired on Sumter and moved on Washington. 1 utter no words that are not deeply considered. In the miuitiplicity of the thoughts which crowd upon me my time is too completely absorbed to place them satia- factorily even to myself, A speech that is whole in itself and requires to be read in full before the point in it can be understood, in my jndgment does not meet the case. J desired to make each paragraph understood and mean something, hence my words and meaning may not have been fully understood by the reporter, | made no attacks on individual Sen- ators prior to attacks on me. I wage war on the legislative and executive power as exercised by this body, and on the disastrous results of tls action. If there is any one here or elsewhere who attacks me I shall move on the enemy's works to the best of my ability. Following out this idea, I ghail undoubtediy antagonize inyself to those who have been favorites with the people, as ‘was the case in my last remarks before the Senate, and on which some part of the press has commented adversely, Rut let it be s I wil not longer stt and hear incorrect statements concerning our con- dition—our drifting condition—come from whence they nay, To cure an evii we must know Its char- Let those who think 1 am crazed study asl have done for three years past ; Jet them examine, without prejudice, patiently, as 1 have done, into our exact condition. Ask those around me if there be any sabstantial difference be- tween the opinions I now avew and those t heretofore indicated? My present work is te the plan that will remedy our evils, Thi take time and investigation, it 18 clear as the noonday sun to my own mind; but to prove logically and with satisfactory reasons Is the work to be accomplishedenow. The demand for my several speeches will be speedily met. Ihave had no one, nor have I had time myself to write @ word in answer to the multitude of letters T have received; but 1 shall send my speeches into every city and town, and on them I stand. The po- sition I have taken would have availed nothing if taken heretofore, The necessities of the Piers compel them to throw yif the influences whieh have heretofore controlied them. That their action may not have been to long delayed to effect a whole- some cure is the wish of the speaker, Who 18 under no obligation to a living person for what he ts. He is for nothing now except as heretofore indicated, but the opportunity to serve his day and generation, THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD. The unfinished business of yesterday, the House joint resolution to protect the interests of the United States in the Union Pacific Railroad, was taken up. BXECUTIVE SESSION, Some amendments were offered and ordered to be printed, when, without action upon the resolution, the Senate, at a quarter to three o’clock, went lato executive session, and after a short time adjourned until Monday, HOUSE OF RUPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, April 3, 1869. PRINTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. ‘The resolution reported yesterday by Mr. CAKE {rep.), Of Pa., from the Committee on Printing, re- sending the orders for printing the Treasury ac- counts and the evidence in the Busteed impeach- ment, the Alaska case and the overland contract mail case came up as the first business in order, the question being on the motion to lay on the table. ‘The resolution was not laid on the table. Mr. Cake then modified it so that the rescinding order Shall apply only to the accounts of the Trea- surer of the United States. After considerable discussign the resolution, as modified, was adopted, WITNESSES IN UNITED STATES COURTS, Mr. BUTLER, (rep.) of Mass., from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported a bill to allow partics charged in criminal cases in United States courts to be witnesses at their own request and not other- wise, Also allowing wives and husbands to be witnesses for or against each other,, except as to private conversations between themselves, being the bill introduced by Mr. Poland, which was recom- mitted, THE MISCELLANBOUS DEFICIENCY BILL. ‘The House then went into Committee of the Whole, Mr CuLLom in the chair, on the Miscellaneous Deti- ciency bill, The total sum appropriated in it is $2,663,951, including the following Items:—For the Treasury Department, salaries, incidental expenses, &c., $55,000; salaries aud expenses of collectors and assessors of internal revenue, $2,000,000; Post Office Department, temporary clerks for the defalcation of E. B. Olmstead & Co,, $47,500; House of Representatives, miscellancous, $84,500; | War Department for premiums to architects, $6,000. ‘The foregoing items are for dficiencies in the present fiscal year. The following items are for deficiencies for the next fiscal year:—/'reasury Department, tem- porary clerks, $120,000; office of First Comptroller, clerks, $45,000; office of Second Comptroller, clerks, $35,000; office of First Auditor, clerks, $6,000; oMce of Second Auditor, clerks, $120,000; House of Rep- resentatives, clerks, $2,604; ‘Territorial expenses, Mr. Dawes, (rep.) of Mass., Chairman of the Com- mittee on Appropriations, explained the bill and the reasons for it, and appealed to members not to load it down with amendments. Mr. Brooxs, (dem.) of N. Y., called attention to the remark made by Mr. Dawes, that the bill called for only $2,500,000, asum which a few years ago would have, in such a bill, attracted the attention of the House and country: Mr. Beck, (dem.) of Ky., amember of the Com- mittee on Appropriations, explained the item of $2,000,000 for the expenses of the Internal Revenue Department by stating that the Committee on Ap- propriations of the last House had been led into a mistake in reporting $6,000,000 for that service, when it should have reported $8,000,000. Mr. KELSEY, (rep.) of Pa,, another member of the Committee on Appropriations, aisolentered Into a brief explanation of the bill and a vindication of the committee of the last House, Mr. Dawes, in reply to a question asked by Mr. Maynard, said the system of hydrostatic press print- tng, which had been carried on in the Treasury and which had cost the government millions of dollars, was to be abandoned and the work was hereafter to be done on roller presses under control of the ‘Treasury Department, but not in the Treasury build- ing, which was to be exclusively devoted to its legitimate use. ir. LAWRENCE, (rep.) of Ohio, called attention to the fact that the number of employes authorized in the various departments in Washington was 1,785, whereas the number actually employed was 2,780. He thought there should be a reorganization of the ‘Treasury Department and the number or employes distinctly defined. Mr. DAwks explained the neceasity of giving tne Secretary of the Treasury discretionary power to employ such temporary clerks for special duty and on extra occasions as the necessities of the service COBURN, (rep.) of Ind., moved to strike out the item of $2,000,000 for the internal revenue ser- vice. He thought the clause was too uncertain and too indefinite, Mr. Dawes explained that the collection of inter- nal revenue had been founc to cost $8,000,000 a year. ‘The first appropriation three years ago had been for $10,000,000. That had left a surplus of $2,000,000. The next year an appropriation of $6,000,000 had been made, leaving, with the surplus, $8,000,000 available. Last year the committee had followed the language of the preceding appropriation for $6,000,000 instead of $5,000,000, It was necessary, therefore, to supply what was simply an oversight. j mae amendment offered by Mr. Coburn was*re- jected. Mr. WHEELER, (rep.) of N. Y,, moved an appropri- pon of $37,500 for the completion ot the Custom F yi at Ogdensburg, N. Y., and argued in support o Mr. Dawks explained that the Committee on Ap-* propriations had passed adversely upon the proposi- lion to enter into the subject of public works at the present time, and therefore opposed the amendment. INTERNATIONAL YACHT RACING. Letter from J. B. Van Deusen, Naval Archi- tect-The Law of Measurement—Relative Tonnage of English and American Yachts Time Allowances—The Absurd Thames Rule. To THE EDITOR OF THE RERALD:— The importance attached to the proposed inter- national yacht match, both in this country and in England, has assumed such a magnitude that the public greedily devour anything and everything written concerning it. Discussions arising from the unpleasant position in which Mr. Ash- bury, the owner of the British schooner yacht Cambria, haa been placed, since his gal- lant challenge to American yachtmen, growing out of the different modes of measuring yaclits, for tonnage, have developed much of interest to yacht owaers and yacht builders, They have shown that the old Thames measurement, by which the tonnage of a boat is computed, ts singularly absurd when compared with all other systems in vogue having the same object in view, and these discus- * sions have also demonstrated to every candid person that the original proposition that American yachts should visit Eugiand and sail matched races under that measurement was particularly unfair. In all these controversies, however, it has been pleasant to note the spirit of prevailing courtesy with which the matter has been treated, giving as they do, and justly, praise to the gallant yachtman who put forth such a liberal challenge some three months ago. It was not unexpected in the premises that when the owner of the Dauntless, after his picking up the gauntlet thus boldly thrown down, and the subsequent refusal of Mr. Ashbury to race with him, various propositions would be made for a revision of the whole subject of the measure- ment of yachts, 80 that boats of about the same size, although of different models, might not appear on paper to be of fifty or a hundred per cent dif- ference. Some there have been as full of errors as the old system itself, and in London strenuous objections are made by English yachtmen against any change whatever. Under these circumstances, it is extremeiy pleasant to observe the position that the owner of the Cambria has recently taken, avowing that he is satisfied to submit the Thames rule of measurement “to the Commodore of any English yacht club, as to the application of that rule to American yachts, and if it is decided that the rule is unjust to them, he wili withdraw that requirement from his proposition to race,” &c. You rightly allude to this spirit, evinced in @ handsome manner, as it deserves such recognition. Some few nautical Solomons, prone to prophecy, Who air their notions with fitful and wisdom-hinting motions of the head, are certain that after all the Cambria and Dauntless will not come together in a friendly trial of speed. Prophecy, in this age, in its exact value is 80 critically apportioned by the rea- soning faculty so diffuse in our day, the article is ad- mired for its novelty, which is only equalled by its obsolete _uselessness. Now that a certain understanding of a practical nature has been arrived at, the interest in this interna- tional contest will increase day by day and the daring perseverance of all the gentlemen connected with it will be extolled in many club houses throughout the world. Yet few yachtmen in America, and but few mterested in the construction of yachts, have been enabled to obtain the exact dimension details of the saucy Cambria or those of her fair rival sisters that glide along the Thames, and to give such as they and the readers of the HERALD generally an idea of the relative size of half a dozen American yachts with two English yachts— the Cambria and the Aline—I have prepared a table of tonnages and time allowance, in accordance with both the English and American rules respectively. ‘The results attained, I premise, are of a most inter- esting nature, and worthy of the publicity which the yachting journal of America will give them. by the rules of the New York Yacht Club, found to be equitable and work satisfactorily, the allow- ance of time given to yachts in a race 18 based upon @ distance of forty statute miles and is variable as to time or speed. I have assumed a speed of eight knots per hour—a good sailing breeze. ‘This distance and speed taken as a basis, the clab has constructed a table of allowances of time for yachts over 2,000 square feet area reduced to that area. The speed of eigit knots 18 assumed, as a race of torty miles is seldom accomplished in less time. Were the speed, however, to be increased, say to twelve knots, the allowauce of time would be almost doubled; or, again, i a race of this character were made in eight hours, or ata five knot breeze, the allowances would be but fitty per cent of those given in the annexed table. In a word, the yachts of the New York Yacht Club in their contests are allowed time pro rata tor differences of area. of hull, based upon distance, time and speed. On the contrary, the Koyal Thames Yacht Club in their adopted rules of time allowances consider the tonuage of ayacht only. The length of a race, the time or character of speed is not referred to at all, A yacht receives from or gives to an opponent the same amount of allowances of time for differ- ences in tonnage, whether the distance in a con- tested race be thirty or a hundred miles, or whether the contending boata slip through the water with a five knot wind or bowi merrily along under @ piping twelve knot breeze. This acts unjustly io many instances, unquestionably, or so it appears to the minds of American yachtinen. Ex-Commo- dore G. H. Ackers, of London, has prepared a gradu- ated time table, based on the rules of the Thames measurement, which he says ts “formed from obser- vations made upon many former matches, with the Mr. WELKER, (rep.) of Ill, stated that at the last session a fair distribution of appropriations was given to the Ogdensburg Custom House. The amendment was rejected. Various amendments in reference to the compen- sation and appointment of clerks, &c., were offered and sazyed to. Mr. WHEELER Offered an amendment appropriat- ing $250,000 for printing the debates of Congress at the Government Printing Office. Mr. GARFIELD, (rep.) of Ohio, made the point of order that the amendment was not in order, there being no law for printing the debates at the public printing office. Mr. MAYNARD, (rep.) of Tenn.—There is no law against it. Mr. GARFIELD—There is no law for it, The CHArKMAN sustained the point of order and the amendment was not entertained, ‘The committee then, at half-past four, rose and re- ported the bill and amendments to the House. The several amendwents were agreed to and the bill was passed, INDIGNITIES TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CUBA. Mr. BANKS, (rep.) Of Mass., presented a memorial of José M. Casenovia, a citizen of the United Stat setting forth the indignities received by himself anc brother from the Spanish government of Cuba, and asking the interposition of the government in their behalf. Referred to the Committee on Foreign ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS On motion of Mr. Dawks, the concurrent resolu- tion for final adjournment was taken irom the | Speaker's table and the Senate, amendment fixing Saturday, the 10th, the time for adjournment, was concurred in. THR NINTH CENSUS. Mr. GARFIELD, from the Census Committee, re- ported @ bili to provide for the taking of the nimih and subsequent census, Without taking action on it the House, at five o'clock, adjourned, EXERCISES AT THE HOBOKEN RIDING ACADEMY. ‘The Hoboken German Riding Club gave an exhibi- tion last evening at the Riding Academy, corner of Fourth and Willow streets. The exercises consisted of aquadrille, with more sets and variations than brunette ever bowed to in the ball room. Those who have not seen this highly interesting and amusing spectacle can have no idea of the enjoyment afforded both to the riders and spectators. The least that might be said of it is that 1 is cavalry training on the most approved system. The quadrille fs per- formed with the measured gailop we see tn a circus, and when several enter the a4 at the same time a gh paw with regularity till the succession of short gallops ts completed the interest in the exhibi- tion becomes proportionately greater. The club num- bers twelve gentlemen riders, ail of whom entered the ring and were directed through the diferenttmancu- vres by Mr, Otto Stein, manager. The gentlemen on horseback were Messrs. Sclireiber, Siater, Meyer, Kamena, Garrique, Sudhaus, Tag, Gran, Reiche, Singslock, Duden and Badenhauser. In the course of the exercises Mr. Stein introduced the trained pony, Which executed several movements that must have been the fruit of long and laborious training. The riders then formed into line and ad- vanced steadily, reminding one of the foremost tine of a cavalry company, and presently, at a signal from the manager, they filed off, and after making a round in this order formed a double file, then three hope of placing all yachts, handicapped, on as equal terms as possible, taking the diiference of tonnage as a guide ior the scale.’ He assumes that “cutters or sloop’ can give forty-five seconds per ton, hold- ing that to be a good proportion tor yachts of the smaller classes, but in larger classes, above sixty or eighty tons, the yachts cannot give nearly so much allowance per ton; therefore the scale alluded to de- creases in proportion as the tonnage increases.” In looking over the table it is observed that a cutter of forty tons is given the same allowance of time as a schooner of eighty tons, or one of seventy tons the same allowance a8 a schooner of 230 tous, In the table annexed, caiculated by me with great accuracy, the tonnages of the several yaciits enumerated are given both by the Thames rule and the New York Yacht Club manner of computa- tion; the areas of each by the latier, and the time allowance by both methods, assuming av tmagina- tive race, mcluding this fleet, to be of forty statute . The Cambria being the smallest in tonnage, calculated by the Thames rules, | have piaced at zero, a8 she would receive tUme from the balance, excepting in the stance of the Phantom, by American measurement. 3 & 3 - Fy = 3 § Yachts. = 5 Tous Engiish— Cambria.......| 188 Aline... +] 215 American— Phantom.......! 210 Fleetwing. 21s Henrietta. 2s Paimer . 246! 104 6. Dauntless. 283/262] 2.662) 9.30 Sappho.. «| 364] = 274] 3.146; 17.36 ~Nore.—The dimensions of the English yachts are from au: thorized publications, : Cambria, length, 103 feet; #10 inch th, 12 feet; Al Jength, Pre Srendth, 32 feet depth, 1t feet 8 inches. The areas of toe Awerican yachts are taken from the official register of the New York Yacht Club. allowances in the case o sirictly speaking, from the Cambria, 3 minut ‘The greatest variation in the table by the applica- tion of the two rules for tonnage appears in the case of the Palmer and Phantom, centre board yachts, which obtain their great stability and speed by their breadth of beam, and, on the other hand, the least difference observable is in the cases of the Henrietta and the Fleetwing. Their variation is but a few tons by either measurement, this belug at- tributable to their peculiar models, they being @ mean of proportions between the deep Englis' yacht and the American centre board vessel. It may appear to some that the difference of time by the two rules above is comparatively small, yet when we realize the fact that most races are won or lost by a few or @ single second, the great im- portance of just rules for tonnage and time allow- ances will be apparent. The English rule for measurement as referred to, obsolete and absurd, reaily becomes a premium, or 1s the controlling powse in imparting to their ichts the pecaliar model they possess, the so-called “fine lines” of the reme varrow beam and ex- | treme depth. it ms to be the cause of a The difference between the two abreast and so on through a number of complicated movements. The brass band kept the animals in | pretty lively action, while the ring master would shout the changes at the top of his voice, adding in no small degrée to the excitement. The spec were literally ed in the gallery, but not a proceeded from that quarter. All gazed in breati: less attention ou the performance. The riaers were very tascfully attired and the horses seemed to have been selected on account of their beauty in color | and symmetry in development, Horse racing is an exciting sport, but exercising in the ring under a sklifal trainer 1 a delightful pastime. If clubs would | be formed elsewhere on the plan of the German Kid ing Clab of Hoboken it would redound to the credit of the nation at large. Young men should be trained to the saddle, not only for the sake of the exercise tt affords, but that the country in the hour of need | may have sous who will do “yoeman’s service” in this regard, We have any number of pedestrian and Manuol exercises, and it is time to turn atten. tion to this hitherto neglected field, where so much can be done both for social and national welfare. STRANGER PHRNOMRNON— During the rain of Friday afternoon of last week, the Laconia (N. EH.) Dernocrat says several persons noticed a great number of fish in the road on Water street and on the snow beside the road. When first noticed they were alive and lively. They were about one and one- fourth inches long, and of very uniform size, and | there were hundreds of them. What species of fish they were is not known, Some said that they resem- bled the salt water ameit; others, that they are found in the Waters thereabouts, How they came where they Were found is the queetion. | | 1 | | deeply rooted belief that the American model of blind obedience © the ignorant dicta of hereditary prejudice, Engiish gentiewmen—true yachtmen— men of considerable attainments and scientific | skill, Wul not overcome this error. They pretend to feel that the fears as produced by them, ia admira- bly adapted for their service, and, so near perfect as to appear endowed with life, it is not capable of being Improved by the ingenuity of man. [f their yachts ts all wrong could be overcome and for a Instant result in the construction yacht in thelr waters of & shape and char- acter similar to our pleasure boats, the owuer of that vessel, under the existing rule of measure. ment by the Thames Club, would be compelied on the occasion of every contest in whic he entered his boat to give time allowance to every competitor in the feet. That would notdo. It would be unin- teresting, annoving and unpleasant to the owner and unfortunate for the puiider. On the other hand, the butider and owner of every new yacht there, re- doves the width, makiug each successive boat still narrower in beam, “deeper and sharper,” as with | that result time allowance can be obtained from op- ponents and not given. it ia materially different. The great object im the pastime of yachting and yacht building, and upon which all yachting clubs in the world of any prominence hold charters from their respective governments, is to Improve and ad- vance in the actence of naval architecture and sea- mansbip. To do this architects driven to seek the aid ef science and refiection, they naturally jong to compare th \deas with intelligent and kin- dred spirits, while, paying every respect to teachings single of a | | | | measurement and time allowances should be of that nature that the naval arefitect may have full scope to proportion dis vessel as his judgment, skill and experience may dictate; but to be confined and subservient to a fixed rule, where one dimension of a yacht is taxed more than an- other, as is so glaringly the case with the Thames rules, whereby every inch of beam 1s twice taxed, the length but partially 80, and the depth free from all taxation for tonnage—what is the result? With such rules, can a gentleman build a yacht oran architect carve a model with the faintest hopes of success, without following in the old beaten path and save his hoaor or reputation by “stretching” the length, “squeezing” the breadth, and allowing the rs to extend ad infinitum ? gain, in this matter of tonnage, I have read many letters published both here and in England, with @ view to explain the various rules adopted for calcu- lating tonnage and the allowance of time due to the respective vessels of the Thames and the New York Yacht clubs. None of these productions seemed to have made @ comparison of the results in time allowance of the two rules of calculation, upon which they have vased their criticiams and sug- gested improvements. lt would appear that much of the stereotyped grumbling in their communica- tions has been proinpted by some defeat experienced in their cutters of five to ten tons (Thames measure- ment), on that great yachting highway, or, on the Solent, and they hope Thee by the International Congress suggested, some rule of measurement or allowance of time may be agreed upon, that their ‘feather weight’? boats be increased in tonnage or in time improved in model. In such a feet of “little frieads” the owner of the Dauntiess in acontest might sail his “gig” against them; yet under their rules he would be compelled tc allow ume and stand the chance of being ruled out for being over size. It is assumed that ‘small boa’s have ever been and always will be, by the laws of natural development, the parent of more majestic vessels;” but to criticise the relative proportions of yachts, their respective speed and seagoing qualities, from this standard of “small fry” sailboats, as hag been done, is sunply unprofessional and ridiculous, An instance in point:—An American built sailboat, Say of ten tons burden, would be about two and a half “beams” to the length, which rule of construc- tion, if carried out in a yacht of the size of the Cam- bria, would give her forty feet breadth o1 beam in- stead of ereny feet ten tuches, as noted above, The International Congress proposed by you for the establishment of some basis for the equitable measurement of not only yachts, but of all vessels, itis to be hoped will eventually prevail. It isa movement, whatever the trouble and annoyance shail be before its consummation, which must succeed. I¢ can never do any harm; on the contrary, it will mutually aid the naval architects of both countries. Each have the recollections of the past and the anti- cipations of the future to dilate upon; each have defeats to account for, plans to suggest, theories to maintain, errors to confess and triumphs to boast of, Let the prapoaee. congress meet, and then the chal- Jenge 0! r. Ashbury and its acceptance by the owner of the Dauntless shail have produced at least one glorious result. Finally, the yachtwen of America, it is my opinion, look forward to the time when the fresh and jolly azure banner with the crimson crown on tiie silver cross, Of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, floating from the Cambria shall be seen in our waters, wishing itevery manner of success that its merits warrant, J. B. VAN DEUSEN, Naval Architect. New Yor, April 3, 1869. YACHTING NOTES. The approaching yachting season promises to be one of unprecedented liveliness and rivalry. Great activity at presett prevails in yachting circles, and alterations and improvements are the order of the day. Our yachtmen are preparing in earnest for the summer campaign, and the general impression 1s that they ane and all mean business. What with the proposed ocean races, pleasure trips, squadron cruises and regattas, it certainly does look as though we might expect exceedingly lively :times. Some few of the yachts are almost ready for the sport, while others are undergoing repairs, and some few of them are being altered, with a view to improv- ing their accommodations and sailing qualities, The Phantom has hauled out from her winter mooring at New London, preparatory to being placed on the ways at that place. Her hull, rigging and cabins are to have a thorough overhauling an she is to be made as “good as new,” with a new coat of paint. The Rambler is laying at New London, and nearly ready for s She has been much improved in ap- pearance by being “hipped,” and wil! evidently be improved in speed. by tha alteration she gains about two extra feet of beam. Her cabin has been altered somewhat and her masts, which before were rather rakish, have been stepped perpendicular. She has already made two trial trips from New Lon- don to Montauk and gave entire satisfaction to her owner, Mr. Banker. She is now very stiff and works well. The Calypso is also at New London, preparing to come to New York, where she is to be unmediately overhauled and put in readiness for the summer season. She has been recently ae ap by Mr. Hatch, of the firm of Fisk, Hatch & Co. The Fieetwing, too, is at New London, where she has been fitted with a new bowsprit and otherwise put inorder. She is to have a new suit of sails, aud will be ready for sea ina few weeks. ‘The Idier is at Port Jefferson, where she 1s at present undergoing an overhauling. It is expected tat during the coming season she will even beat her brilliant achievements of last summer. The Palmer 1s at Greenport, where she is being al- tered and improved. She is to have a new coat of paint inside and outside, together with a new sult of Sails, and extensive alterations and improvements are to be made in her cabin, which will be more commodious and better adapted for comfort, She will be ready for sea in about two weeks, ‘The Fleur de Lys is laying at Oyster Bay, where she is being overhauled and put in repair. The Josephene ts still at Newport, but will proba- bly soon be brouglit out and placed in readiness for participation in the promised aquatic festivities, ‘The Sappho will be placed upon the balance dock this week. She is to be “hipped” and fitted with new masts, sails aud mgging. Her new masts are w be eight feet longer than the old ones. The Restless is still laying at the shipyard of the Messrs. Poillon, foot of Bridge street, Brookiyn. ‘The new schooner sar waich is building at the same shipyard for Mr. George Lorillard will be ready for launching ina day or two. No expense has been spared in the construction of this veasel, and when completed it isexpected that she will be one of the strongest and fastest yachts afloat. She is built of white oak, locust and hackmatack, and her fittings-up are to be of a decidedly laxurious character. Sne will rate about 330 tons and will cost about $60,000. The fleet little Alice is at the Penny Bridge in Gow- anus bay, preparing for the coming sport. The Widgeon ts moored at the same place, ‘The little Gracie has had her bow lengthened about five feet and has been otherwise improved. She is expected to do some quick Work during the summer, The Eva, since her return from Havana, has been laying at anchor of Greenpoint. The new sloop yacht Madeline, belonging to Mr, of actual experien deep-rooted errors may be exuutmed amd cast aside, Therefore the rules for George Voorhies, which was recently launched at Rye, is being got ready with all despatch for the ap- proaching festivities. Foreign Yachting Notes. At the annual meeting of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, held in London on the 20th of February, after the unanimons re-election of Lords Aifred Paget and De Kos as the flag officers, the following sailing pro- gramme was determined upon for 1899:— SATURDAY, May 22.—Opening cruise; yachts to rendezvous at Gravesend at two P.M. Dinner at Gravesend at six. CcTrer Matcnes, Monday, May 24.—First class, above 35 tons, first prize value £100, If four start. £30 second prize. Second class, 15 and up to 35 tons, first prize £5 and if four start £20 second prize, Course.—Erith, round the Nore light, and back to Gravesend. Half a minute time allowance in each class. No time above 100 tons, No restric- tion as to canvas. Entries close at ten P. M., May 18. Scnooner Maton, Saturday, June 5.—First class, above f00 tons, first prize, value £100, Uf four start, £30 second prize. Second class, up to 100 tons, Orst prize £50; if four start, £20 second prize. Time al- lowance, ten seconds per ton. No restriction as to canvas. Course, Gravesend, round the Mouse, and back. Entries to close June 1. CHANNEL MATCH, Monday, June 21.—Open to any Royal Club.—First prize, value £100, to the first ve. sel withia time of her rig; if four start, prize of £; to first vessel of other rig. A quarter of a munuate time allowance. Yawis to sail as cutters allowing to yawis a fourth of their tonnage striction as to canvas, Course, from the Dover, To sail with the usual fittings in 0 cruising trim. A pilot, but no extra hands allowed. Not more than six friends on board. Further m- strnetions to be obtained of the secretary at the time of entry, ten P. M., June 16, at the Club Honse, Alvermarie street, Piccadilly. Yachts to be measured at Gravesend at eleven o'clock A. M. for the first match, May 20; second, June 4, and third match June 19 Yachts posseas- ing Royal Thames Yacht Club certificates of measure- ment since unaltered need not attend, The Congressional Movement in Regard ta Yacht Clubs. [Prom the Washington Intelligencer, April 27). Hills have been introduced into both branches of Congress designed to promote yachting, and thereby improve the naval architecture of the country. The yacit clubs, which are rapidly increasing every year, sire legisiation to release them from certain Custom House impediments, and also ask exemption from tonnage dues. The latter is recommended by the consideration that these vessels are Hot commercial, but merely for sporting purposes, and that they contribute to valna- ble improvements ta the structure of our mercantile marine, The exemption from the réquirements of & clearance May also, with proper securities, be grant- ed, if, as alleged, Great Britain and France have wade similar concessions without detriment to thelr customs revenue, ‘The proposed legisiation is fa- vored, we lear, by Admirai Porter. There are no sports which are better calgulated toimpart a maniy and generous tone to the national character than those of boating or yachting, or which are more cal- culated to give incidental benefit to an important branch of our industry, Aj gy for legislation in aid of these clubs should be considered by Con- gress in the most liberal spirit. The season is now approaching ia which (hese svorte Will be resumed,