The New York Herald Newspaper, December 16, 1869, Page 3

EE _ WASHINGTON ‘Nomination of Attorney. General Hoar to the Supreme Bench. His Probable Successor in the Cabinet. Address of a New York Delegation to the Committee Investigating the Shipping Interests, Internal Revenue Appointments in New York. Disenssion in the Senate on the Release of the Spanish Gunboats, HONORS 10 GEORGE PEABODY. WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 1869, Nominations by the President. The President made the following nominations to the Senate to-day:— E. R. Hoar, of Massachusetts, to be Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, L. D, Latimer, to be United States Attorney for the district of California. James W. Purviance, to be Attorney for tne Western district of Tennessee, David W. Houston, to be Marshal for Kansas, Edgar W. Hillyer, to be Judge of the United States District Court of Nevada, Jason M. Johnson, to be Collector of Internal Revenue for the Ninth district of New York, James A. Allabeo, to be Assessor for the Second district of New York. Richard Beardsley, of Indiana, Consul at Jerusa- lem. peers C. Rogers, to be Pension Agent at St. Paul, inn. Richard F, Way, to be Receiver of Public Moneys for the Helena district, Montana, Mr. Hoar’s Promotion—His Cabinet, The nomination of Mr. Hoar to the Supreme Court Of the United States to-day by the President created little surprise. The matter for some time has been rumored and stated on various authorities. This promotion of Mr. Hoar creates a vacancy in the Cabiget. It is understood that the appointment will be en to Pennsylvania. Two names are men- tioned in this connection, Benjamin Harris Brewster and William Strong. It is understood hat the Presi- dent sent for Judge Strong several days since, and the gentleman came here in obeaience to the summons, ‘There are various rumors as to the object o1 Judge Strong’s visit. The prevailing impression is that it had something to do with tne succession to the seat of Judge Grier on the Supreme bench. I can state, though this was a subject or consideration, the name of Mr. Strong stands more prominently than any ‘other for the Attorney Generalship, I understand upon equally good authority that Mr. Strong’s name will be sent in as Attorney General as soon as the nomination of Mr. Hoar is con- firmed. Mr. Strong is a native of Connecti- cut, was educated at Plainfield Academy and Yale College, after teaching school for a few years he was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia in 1832, About a year after he began the practice of his profession at Reading, Berks county, Pa. He was clected to the Thirtieth and Thirty-first Congress from the Berks district. Upon retiring from Con- gress he resumed his profession in Reading until 1857,. when he was elecied Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for fifteen years and removea to Philadelphia. In the beginuing of the war Judge Strong became an ardent republican, and ever since has been @ prominent member of the Union League of Philadelphia, The Judge is sixty years of age, tall and sienaer. He bears the appearance of a touch younger man, Mr. McKenaw’s Judgesh There are no grounds for the statements, as far as Pennsylvania 1s concerned, that the confirmation of Judge McKenan for the Third circuit is in doubt. Neither Senator Cameron nor Scott will raise any objection, Decline of American CommerceAddress of New York Shipbuilders to the Congres- sional Committees—No Bounties Needed for Encouragement of American Mechanics. A aelegation of New York gentlemen, interested in the various branches of shipoutiding, arrived here this morning for the purpose of presenting their views on the causes @f the decling of Amer!- commerce and the remédy therefor to the Congres- sional committee which was appointed to investt- gate that subject during the last session, The New York delegation consisted of the following gentie- men:—Messrs. D. D. Westervelt, L. H. Boole, Wil- liam Foulkes, T. F. Rowiand, Joshua Youngs, Jonn FE. Hoffmire, William Rowland, Robert A. Russell, Thomas Stack and David A, Tam On their arrival here they were received by Congressman Harvey C. Calkin, of New York city, who introduced them to the prominent members of the House and contrived @ special meeting of the committee on the causes of the decline in American commerce, 80 as to enable the delegation to present their views without unnecessary delay. The meet- ing took place shortly after one o'clock, Congress- man Lynch, of Maine, pr¢siding. Mr. T. F. Rowland opened the proceedings by a few remarks, ex- plaining the object of the delegation, ana then intro. duced Mr. D, D, Westervelt, who read the following paper; New York, Dec. 14, 1869. Hon. Joun Lyncn, Chatrmati of the Special Con- gressional Committee on Navigation Interests:— Sin—The undersigned, @ committee appointed by the New York Association for the Restoration of American Shipping Interests, respectfully beg leave to call your attenuon to the following facts, with the view of setting forth the past and present condiiion of American commerce and for the purpose of im- pressing upon Congress, through the action of your Successor in the commitiee, the absolute necessity of some action being Immediately taxen to prevent the total de- struction of American international commerce, and also to set forth the priacipie that the true policy of our government is to foster and encourage Ameri- can shipbuiding, as we believe that a nation’s prosperity is reflected in the pros- rity of its commercial marine, As evidence of Fhe condition of our commerce during the last thirty- two years we respectfully call your atvention to the accompanying exQibit (A), which is a true copy of the record at the New ork Custom Hougg, At Wul be observed that during the year 1836 there entered the port of New York 407,096 tons of shippiag, the handiwork of American craftsmen, and only about one-third of that aiioufit of tonnage of foreign build, The American builders sustained their prés- tige for twenty years thereafter, and specimens of their workmanship were seen and respected in every port and carried our embiem on every sea. In 1348 the English commenced the substitution of iron for wood in the art of shipbuilding, and since, by @ chain of circumstances, fortunate tw them, but disastrous to us, the record shows for 1868 that nearly two tons of foreign tonnage to one of American was recorded at the port of New York, Many of these vessels, notwithstanding they appear under foreign flag, are productions of our American ship yards, having changed their record for protec tion during our late internal struggie. Previous to 1868 tne port of New York sustained not less than twenty prominent ship yards, employing, with tne collateral trades, such as joiners, sparimakers, sail- moakers, &c. Not less than 20,000 skilied mechanics aud 1,000 young men as appreniices learning the various trades. Today these yards have cither ceased to exist or are laying dormant, not 1,000 skilied mechanics finding employment or 100 apprentices have encouragement to learn tne art. Itis in the interest of the country at large, which in time of war must have ships to sustain its Gignity and mechanics to build them, that we appeal to your honorable committee to recommend on- gress some porent measures for the relief of our profession, We would respectfully and most earnestly recommend that some action be immedi- ately taken by our government to foster and encour- age the art of shipbuilding, and in consideration of the fact that ali governments gain power and re- spect’ by the proficiency of their seamen and mechanics, we believe i would be eminentiy At and proper that Congress should leg Jato to allow to the American shipbuilder an, Cauivaient = on all American material used by him in the construction of the finished ship, equal to the amount of duty w ent ‘would receive should Tach Fay retort or corelgn roduction. garding the proposition to abrogate th United States registry and built ships to register on bo ye footiny 4 oer can productions we most Tespectiully desire wo rotest. Nearly ev native A) lieve the gréat majority of our adoprea Gases are Of ® Certain Amount Of pride, and re- NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1869.-TRIPLE SHEET. Joice tn the growth snd success of our naval and mercantile marine, and though at the present to" be “Hnaudercat ant itkewarmYopon she re. im , cot and lukewarm en, Be is our that coi a fall exprecaion be obtained tt would be found to be their unanimous desire that the principle inaugu- rated by the founders of our tostitutions io regard ‘to our registry laws should be undisturbed. and that all vessels partaking of its benefits should be con- structed on American territory. After the reading of this paper several members Of the House committee asked & va. cy of questions as to the proper remedy for the evils existing. Mr. Rbwiand stated that iaking the duty off foreign tron, although it would eventually help the shipbuild- ing interest, would not fully meet the emergency. He thought it would take years forthe Pennsylvania ironmonger to produce%he material at the price for which Engitsh ivon woutl sell in the United States; consequently the American mills would be discour- aged and close up. He declared that we must bave American piate to build American ships, The neces- sity of having every plau and bar rolled to specified order and the time required for importation forbid the use of foreign material, As to the inquiry, made by a member of the Congressional committee, Whether the New York felegation did not ask for what practically would amount to @ bounty on American shipbuilding, Mr. Rowland said he shouid have to object to the use of such a word. Neither he nar his colleagues would ssk for any bounty. They preferred to give full consideration for what they asked. They would, in exchange for the relief ac- corded by government, give @ fail equivalent in exchanging the prosperity of the country by edu- cating mechanics and otvers to become efficient shipbuilders and sailors, while at the same time de- veloping tne manulacture ef American iron. They only asked the general government to do for the shipbuilders what States did for educational pur- poses. States expended money in teaching their youth, so the generat government should be liberal in providing for, the education of mechanics, such as were required for shippuilding, which formed one of the strongest elements of the prosperity of a great nation, AVithout senoois and schoolmasters no edu- cation could be had for the people. Without edu- cated mechanics there could be no prosperous con- dition of our shipping interests. Mr. D. D. Wesiervelt observed that the skill and mechanical ability of Ameficans have by no means deteriorated, as certain people were in the habit of saying; im fact, little progress had been made im the speed and efliciency of ocean steamers since the failure of the Collins line, ‘It should be remembered,” he said “that years ago the Collins steamship Baltic had made @ run across the Atiantic in eight days and twenty-two hours, which was within a few nours of the best time since imade by tne fastest foreign-built steamships, If American mecnan- ics. were now given the same opportunity enjoyed by foreign mechanics to show their skill, no doubt ina short time a new class of American steamers wouid appear which would accomplish the run to Europe in seven days, Messrs. Wm. Foulker and L, H. Boole followed with appropriate remarks and made a very marked im- pression upon the committee, Messra. Westervelt, Foulkes, T. F, Rowland nd Thomas Stack left here Jor New York to-night. The balance of the delega- tion remain here till to-morrow. Mr. Boutwell Consulting Cocgressional Finan- ciers. Mr. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury, was on the floor of the Senate and House to-day, and had lengthy conversations with Senator Sherman, chatir- man of the Senate Finance Committee, and Mr. Schenck, of the Ways and Means Committee. The Fraoking Privilege. The House Post Office Committee at their meeting to-day appointed Messrs. iiill, Fitch and Adams a sub-committee to take into consideration the various bills, papers and petitions which have been laid before the House on the subject of abolishing the franking privilege. This sub-committee is to make areportto the general committee, after which it will decide upon bringing in a bill, The indications are that the committee will not report a bill abolish- ing the frankigg privilege entirely, but only sus- pending 1t during the recess of Congress. The chair- man of the committee, General Farnsworth, is In favor of abolishing the franking privilege entirely, but the majority’ of the committee are against 1t, The committee determined tewisit New York and Boston during the holiday recess and examine the work on the new Post Office bulidings in those cities, The Postal Convention With Great Britain. Postmaster General Creswell received a cable telegram on the ith tustant, from the Postmaster General at Londou, unnouacing tle execution by the British Post Oftice, on that day, of the new Postal Convention, to come into operation on the Ist of January next. ‘rhe articles of thé Convention were drafte1 and executed at Washington on the 3d mst., and forwarded in the mail despatch from New York on Saturday, the 4th inst., by the Inman steamship City of Brussels, which made the quickest trans- atlantic passage on record. Only ten days inter- vened between the execution of the ccnvention at Washington and London. The Tax on Malt Liquors. Frederick Lauer, of Reading, Pa., President of the United States Brewer's Congress, visited this city to-day in company with James J. Lewis, ex-commis- stoner of internal revenue, and had satisfactory in- terviews with Commissioner Delano and Special commissioner Welis, relative to certain proposed modificatioas im the details of the existing laws regulating the taxes upon manufacturers and dealers in malt liquors, The changes desired are embodied in a memorial from the Executive Com- mittee of the Brewer's Congress, held at Newark, N. J., on the 9th of June last, which will be laid be- fore Congress after the holiday recess. The Use of Stand Casks. The committee of internal revenue officials, to whom was referred the subject of a change 10 the recent order of Commissiofer Delano concer ning the use of stand casks, have, upon consultation, de- cided that no reasons exist why any alteration or modification of the Commissioner's order should be made, and therefore decline to make such a recom- mendation. The committee consisted of First Deputy Commissioner Douglas, Third Deputy Given and so- leitor Smith. Report of the Congressional Librarian. The feport of A. R.«Spofford, Librarian of Con- gress, was submitted to the Senate this morning, showing the condition of the library for the year ending December 1, 1869, At that date there were 185,227 volumes on band, exclusive of pamphiets and periodicals unbound; 26,936 volumes belong to the law department; 11,262 volumes were addea during the year, as follows:—From purchases, 6,180 volumes; from copyright, 1,831; from deposit by the Smithsonian Institute, 1,879; from presentation, 724; from exchanges, 648. Mr. Spofford calls the attention gf the ggmmittes to the expediency of opeiifng the Itbrary to the public during the evening hours as well as in the daytime, Movements of the Land Jobbers. The case of Black Bob’a band of tne Shawnee In- dians ts again being agitated. For some years these Inatans have lived iipon thetr reservation, holding their lands in common, though it was their option whether they would 80 continue or bold in seys ralty. Their reservation, lying in the vicinity of andes City, became very vainable, and @ pack of vultures in the shape of speculators stood by carefully eying the tempting bait. It appears without any preliminary notification these Indians were one day much surprised to find ® number of patents for certain tracts of lands, in severalty, sent to them without any request on their part. The Indians ex- pressed their aisapprobation, and a number of set. tiera, with the permission of the Indian, who had established themselves on the lands and were natu- rally somewhat aisturbed, were alarmed and dis- satisfied. The speculators, it appears, are aiming at the acquisition of the lands, which will not only dispossess the Indians, bat as well the settlers, who have already made some valuable improvements. ‘The case was brought a short time since to the attention of the Secretary of the interior, Mr. Cox, who, it appears, did not’ bother himself to investigate, but turned the matter over to the Commissioner of Indian Affaira, who, in turn, it is understood, banded the case over to a young lawyer. The whole affair has an exceedingly twisted appearance. The papers in the case have been called for by Senator Ross, of Kanses, and all proceedings will be suspended until Congress can act in the matter. Senator Rose is in favor of the settlers, but it would be aiMoult to locate Pomeroy anywhere, as it 1s stated by those who profess to Know that he has been on both sides, If the President would turn his attention to these ‘twansactions in Indian lands, which In nine cases out of ten are nothing short of downright swindies, he would do much to correct the abuses and dificul- ues in the management of the Indians, Report of the Board of Managers of the Na- tonal Soldiers’ Asylum. The Board of Managers of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers met at the office of the Surgeon General in this city to-day. There were present:—Major General B. F. Butler, Major General William Belknap, Secretary of War; Jay Coox, Major,General J. D. Martindale, Judge Hugh L. Bond, Brigadier General John 8. Cavender, Lewis B. Gunekel, Dr. E. B. Walcott and Governor Frederick Smith. The annual reports were read and showed thdt nearly four thousand disabled sol- diers and sailora were supported and aided by the Mmavagers during the past year, as follows:—At the Central Asylum, near Dayton, Ohio, 1,637; at the Eastern Branch, near Augusta, Me., 635; at the Northwestern Branch, near Milwaukee, Wis., 425; at the Pennsylvania Branch, near Philadelphia, 419; attne New York Branch, near Rochester, 170; at the New Jersey Soldiers’ Home, 323; at other local asylums, 102; by outdoor relief given to those too sick to be taken to the asylums and having families, 159. Many interesting details were reported. Of the whole number so cared for 112 died during the year—nearly one-half of consumption—and 651 Raving been restored to health or prepared in the asylum achoo!s and workshops to support themselves were honorably discharged. One hundred and eighty-two belonged to the regular army, 44 to the navy and all the rest to the volunteer service. Their disability:—Loss of both arms, 9; loss of both legs, 8; loss of one arm, 321; loss of one leg, 420; blind, 177; insane, 62; disabled by other wounds, 1,054; treated in hospital, 1,348, It ts gratifying to note that of 67 forms of disease treated in the hospitals thers was not a single case of epidemic or malarious disease, showing the healthfulness of the locations selected for these asylums. Of the whole 1,304 receive pensions; 1,193 are native born, and 774 are matried with wives or minor children living, The largest number from any State (626) came from New York; Pennsylvania has 377, Massachu- setts 146, and about the proporuionate numbers trom all the other Northern states. The regular asylums are now completed, and ali men atthe temporary homes will be at once transferred, The Board adopted unanimously a resolution of thanks to the trustees of the Philadelphia Soldiers’ Home for valuabie aid given in caring for over 1,000 men temporarily while the buildings of the National Asylum were being constructed. Much other bust- ness was done. The Board will probably be in ses- sion for several days. FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS, - Second Session. SENATE. WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 1869, PETITIONS. Petitions were presented and appropriately re- ferred for the granting of pensions and relief from disabilities, PUBLIZ LANDS FOR COLORED SETTLERS. Mr. SUMNER, (rep.) of Mass., presented the memo- rial of the laboring men of the United States in con- vention assembled, asking the intervention of Con- gress in behalf of the colored laborers in the South- ern States, After setting forth the immediate neces- sity of tuese people the paper asks a division and distribution among them of the public lands of the United States and the appointment of a commuis- siouer to purchase lands in those Soutnern States where there ure now no public lands. Relerred to the Committee on Public Lands aud ordered to be printed, THE WASUINGTON INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION, Mr. HAMLIN, (rep.) of Me., from the Committee 9) the Districts of Columbia, reported, with aménd- ments, a bill to encourage and promote the Interna- onal Lndustrial Exnibition to be held in Washing- ton io the year Is7l. Mr. Hamlin explained that, amended, the bill simply authorized @ corporation for the purpose proposed. It was simply an act of iucorporation, the parties interested being desirous of organizing at an early day, Lic asked that the bull be taken up inmmeaiataly, The vili was then read, providing in detail the Meaus of holding the proposed exhivition. Mr. HAMLIN moved Lo strike Out the ciause autho- Tizing an appropriation by the cities of Washingion and Geosgetown, in accordance with a recommeuda- lon of tae comuitiee. Mr. SUMNER sald that in 1871 it was proposed to hold a similar exhibruon in London under the aus- ices of the British government. Our country was Invited to contrivute to that exhibition and be pres- eut through commissioners. if deemed advisable to proceed with the bill ic migut be better to change the date or to postpone the measure unui! further in(ormation had been received, Mr. HAMLIN said he was not aware of the proposed exnivition in London. ‘This bill, however, provided for an exhibition eiter i 1871 or as soon Ltherealter as desirable, iff Bill Was then laid over for the present. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS. Mr. ANTHONY, (rep.) of R.., submitted @ joint resolution ior the aistribution to members of Cou- gress and ocher oflicials who had not received a copy, of the copes in the Department of State of tie Fypuies of the nations to tke Memory Of Abraham incoln. Mr. ANTHONY explained that shese tributes were collections, in one volume, from representatives of foreign goveruments and foreign sources of te let- ters of sympatoy relating to the deavh of President Lincoln, ‘Tue resolution was passed. Mr. BOREMAN, (rep.) of W. Va., presented a bill to provide sor a building suitable tor a post vilice and Other United States Ofices in Parkersburg, W. Va. Reierred. Mr. KELLOGG, (rep.) of La., offered a resolution, which was*agreed to, directing the Committee on Commerce to 1uquire into the expediency of repei ing the laws relaung Lo the disiribution of fines, for- feitures aud penalties incurred under the customs laws, and aiso for increasing the salaries of col- jec.ors, surveyors and navai oilicers at the principal ports of the United States, THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE, On motion of Mr. SUMNER 60 much of the Presi- dent's message as re.ates to foreign relations was referred to the Committee on Foreign Kelauions, RECESS OF CONGRESS. On motion of Mr, SHERMAN, (rep.) of Ohio, the Senate took up the House resolution providing for a recess from Wednesday, the 22d inst., lo Wednesday, the 6th prox. Mr. FENTON, (rep.) of N. Y., proposed to amend, providing lor an adjournment from the 20th 1431. to the date proposed. Not agreed to, and the resolution was then con- curred in, JOINT RESOLUTIONS AND BILLS. Mr. Howanp, (rep.) of Mich., irom the Committee on the Pacific Railroad, reported joint resolutions 10, reiation to lands withdrawn for the benefit of tue southern Pacific Kailroad Company of California, with an amendment providing that the passage of the resolution (suspending the order which resvores the janas to market) shall not be construed as a recognition of the rigits of either of tue auverse parties, Mr. CASSERLY, (dem.) of Cal., offered a resolutton, Which Was agreed to, directing the Secretary of ue Interior to transmit to the senate copies ef ail orders and aecisions of his department voiching tne above mentioned lands, with siatements of his reasons for the orders and information concerning the area and setclement o1 the and. Mr. TrpTon, (rep.) of Neb., introduced a@ bill ex- tending the jatisdiction of the Commissioner of tne General Land Ofice in cases Of applicauon for te cancellation of homestead entries. Kelerred to the Committee on Pablic Lands, Mr. HAMILTON, (tep.) of Md., ttroduced a joint resolution for the establishment of a ligatnouse station on the Choptank river, in Maryland, ke- ferred to the Committee on Commerce. Mr. OSBORN, (rep) i od introduced a jo) resotution to authorizé the oni hy f Kevenue to offer and pay TéWards for the detection and appretiension of any person charged with mur- Gaering oF gt! mp tig ig murder any oificer of we Internal ROVEndg Btreai. Referred to the Commit- teg on the Judiciary. ir. KICK, (rep.) Of ATK., introduced a bill to pro- vide for the erecaon of a@ building for government offices at Littie Rock. Referred to the Committee on Appropriations. PERSONAL EXPLANATION BY SENATOR -BROWNLOW. Mr. BROWNLOW (rep.), of Tenn, having been Awarded thirty minutes within which to make a personal explanation, forwarded to the Clerk a communicaiop, wiich Was read, expiana- tory of recent events im Tennessee and his connection therewith. In consequence of the fierce conflict between the Senator and the Stokes faction the republican party in Ten- nessee had become temporarily divided, Mr. Brown- low, among otver republicans, supporting Governor Senter, He denied the imputation which his ene- mies had made, that under any circumstances he was ever favorabie to the election of Andrew Joln- son to the United States Senate, and cited various m- stances in which his constant opposition to Jonnson and fidelity to party had been shown by his acts. Mr. Cooper, an old line whig, who had been elected to the Senate, would yield 4 hearty support to Presi- dent Grant and his administration. Doring the reading of th paper the Chair remarked that pariamentary usage and law required him to rule out of order remarks which were aimed spe- cially and personally at members of the other House, and # objection was made by any member of the Senate toa further reading of the paper he would be obliged to enforce the rules. On motion of Mr, SHERMAN the communication Dp mn to it being made. ‘The paper fur author's d ce Of those who had mpted to arraign him for an al- Joged. be ‘al of his party, and expressed the be- liel ‘hat those who Nad. already cast lots a i it death, W Bo worely disappointed” ihe Drincinies swiued” had him in his administration of the affaire of ooeuee ‘would be faithfully adbered to during the Senatorial term for which he had been elected. THB SPANISH GUNBOATS AT NEW YORK. Mr. CARPENTER, (rep.) of Wis, moved to take up the resolution previously offered by him declaring Uthat in the opinion of the Senate the thirty gunboats contracted for in the United States by or in behaif of the government of Spain, to be employed inst the revolted district of Cuba, suould not be allowed to depart from tue United States during the continue ance of that rebeliion. Mr. SUMNER thought the discussion of the resolu- tion would be premature, inasmuch ag the Senate had no mformation concerning the gunboaw, except that from newspapers. ile understood that in few days oficial Information concerning Cuba would pereonae upon which the Senate could act more The wotion was agreed to, * KEMAKKS BY MK CARPENTER, Mr. CARPENTER addressed the Senate in support Of the resolution. [He said he had waited in vain for some other Senators, better qualitied than himself, to move in the matter. He aid not propose that the United States should either violate the law of nations nor shirk & manifest duty for fear of consequences, Spain insisted, and the Presi- dent of the United states reiterated, that we condition of affairs in Cuba did not amount to a state of war, The information cailed tor on this point had not yet veen received, but the emergency Was of @ character, to preelude another postpone- ment of action on the subject. To determine whether the condition of affairs in Cuba involved & state of War, two processes were necessary; first, an ascertainment of the facts of the case; and, second, an application of the law of nations to the facts ascertained. Spain had her diplomatic represenia- tives at Washington, but Cuba had no faciuties for ting the lacts as they existed. In declaring hat war did not exist there, our President may have allowed his recollections on our recent great con- flict, in which @ million of men were assembled by one single order, too great an influence in determin- Ing the legal status of affairs in Cuba. In a legal sense, where the laws cannot be enforced by clvtl officers and only by military authority within a State, war does exisi. The exactions imposed upon Cuna by the mother country were most oppressive. For forty years scarcely one native Cuban had held an office in that government Jor the protection of hie and hiverty. The Cuban had no resource but to the long sufferance and forbearing charity of a Spaniard. since 1622 the isiand had been virtually under mar- Mallaw. To remedy this oppression the people of Suba had resorted to revolution. Tuey had an army, @ flag, had fougut battles, and re carrying on & regular wariare. ‘The new cofsutntion of Cuba liberates all slaves, and this was anouher reason why our own free repuolic should sympathize eitect- ively with a people struggling to found @ ke tree government. The speaker claimed that under the constitution Congress was empowered with the supervision of all executive power except the pardoning power. The President was the organ for communicaung to foreign nations the will of this nation; but as to what was the will of the nation Congress was the only authoratative exponent. To Congress exciu- sively belonged the rigut to regulate this power im the United States. ‘The true policy of neutrality was to pursue duch a course as would prevent any ad- vantage being taken by one of the belligerents over the other. Ifour government should declare that Cuba and Spain both might buy gunboals in the Uniied States, and knew that Cuba could not be benefited by such permission and vhat Spain would be, then such permission would be dishonest and would add insult to injury. Congress had already expressly deter- mined the policy of the country to be neutrality, with the recognition of belligerent rights from the inception Of any actual revoiution; and the history of our legisiation iturnished abundant evidence of this. The acts of Congress of 1794 and 1818 on the subject expressly declared this policy, and under them it was a violation of statute law to permit we Titting Out of vessels by Spain or any foreign Power against her subjects. Our government should now itvel these gunboats, on the ground that they had been fitted out by aloreign Power for service against the revolutionary subjects of that Power, By thas course af Opportunity would be afforded the [nends and representatives of the republic of Cuba to produce the necessary information and prove their assertions of the condition of affairs on that island. Spam denied these representations. Cuba offered to prove them; and shouid we deny to Cuba the opportunity of making this prool? Cuba could to-morrow take terms with France or England which would insure her mde- pendence, but Ler position so near the United States prevented this step so long as our goverument might seem willing to help her. ‘The speaker re- ferred to the presence of the Spanish war vegsel Pizarro m the harbor of New York, which has brought oilicers and inen to man the Spanish gan- boats and to escart tuem to Cuba; aud also, men- floned the case of the Hornet, which was seized at sea by the United States suthorities, taken into aa American port and livelled. If Cuba violated our neutrality laws by fitting out in tus country Vessels for service against Spain, so, then, was Spain equally gulity m fitung out here vessels for service against Cuba, The speaker concluded as 1oliows:—We are solemn- ly bound by the laws of nations, properly com- sidered, expressly pledged by our own declarations upon this subject, lo stand euturely neutral between pain and Cuba; but as the law had been admin- istered it bad been a suield to Spain and a sword to Cuba. Liberty in Cuba is in the helplessness o; in- fancy; its ie is feeble. itk pulse low. 1 do mot invoke your aid on behalf of Cuba. Lonly ask that to be done, the ee of which would justiy bring war upon us if Cuba had the strength to enforce her rights Cuba is without remedy; but there is a bar, the var of impartial history, before which all gov- ernuments must stqud. Tuere is a God, and there is a Great Book, la which the deeds of nations are writ- ; and there is a retripution for every nation which, knowing its duty, does it not. The Speaker added that he had been informed that eighteen of the gunboats reterred to were ex- pected to leave the United States on Friday, and urged the necessity of prompt action, My. SUMNER, rejerrng to fhe reniark that eighteen of the gunboats would soon leave, read a telegram which he had received from @ responsible party con - nected with the government. The telegram, dated at New York, stated that the vessels had been delivered to the representatives of the Spanish navy, had their oiicers and crews on board, with the fag of Spain from their mastheads, and were compieteiy the property of the Spanish govergment; aad that unless something unforeseen occurred they would be at sea, if not already gone, by w-morrow (Wednes- day) morning. The aker said there were nt other boats still uniinished on the stocks, and to these the resolution of the Senator of Wisconsin would apply. He was not disposed now to consider the grave quesuion presented by that Senator, but he mentioned the suggestion that either that Senator or the adininistration and nimself had mis- apprehended the statute upon which the Senator from Wisconsin seemed to rely, The Senator's posi- ton Was, that under tue statute on the subject, Spain could not purchase ships in the Unti States to cruise agamst ber revolted subjects. But the language of the statute, he thought, was entirely m- applicable to the case. The statute had en amended for a specifc purpose, and it was oniy through that amendment which further extended the law that it was now Claimed that the building of these vessels was prohibited by statute. The statute in question prohibited under certain penalties any feted from fitting out or arming any ship or vessel with the intent that such ship or Vessel shall be employed in the service of any toreign prince of State or of any colony, dis- trict or people to cruise or commit hostiiGes against the subjects or property of any foreign prince of any cowny, district or people with whom the United States are at peace, &c. The words of any colony, prince or people were introduced into the act subse- quently, and were intenaed sviely to meet the case of the revolted Spanish coionies, in regard to which there was no question whatever as to their belliger- ence. The practical question here was whether those words, introduced for a specific purpose, conld be extended 80 as to apply to insurgents wo had not yet achieved a corporate existence, who had no cities, ports or prize courts. We should seek the truth from the facts as they are found to exist. Mr. CARPENTER inquired whether the most favora- bie opportunity of ascertaining the truth was not through the medium of li ing the gunboats, Mr. SUMNER repiled—The better way, in his opinion, of ascertaining the facta, was to send to ba, to Our authorized agents and direct them to report on the facts. He understood that reporis from these sources had been received by the Department of State, and would be communicated to the Senate, wud that taey were explicit on the point that the in- surrection had not yet reached that condition of Nationality whjch m point vi fact mate it belligere eut in character, ot ey aoe et My. Howano, (re; Mich., expressed a desire to M p.) of Mich, da desire t heai ator from Massachuset's apy in- formation in his possession concerning the amount of military Tore potuaily in tie Held in Cuba or the Sinount availabies 9: ) ) a Mr, ScMNER sgid thé friquiry Was ia dine degree a confession that the Senate was in the dark in this matter and needed the information waica should pe produced before taking definite action in the preimi- sea. He understood tnat on the side of the msur- gents the force had been greatly diminished, and he had been told they were little more than guerrilas and thatthe war was but litue more thana guer rilla contest. e Mr, Howarp—Have they any government ? Mr, SuMNER—I understand they have the govern- ment that igina camp. The Senator knows what thatis. But this suggests, again, tae necessity of rehable informauon. Mr. Howanv-—1 desire to knowgwhiether they ave actually exercising an legislative functions? Mr. SUMNER—i wunk they have no jegisiative authorities, and | musé confess | await with much anxiety their action on the subject of slavery itself. ‘There have been reports that there has been a de- cree abolishing slavery, which was issued for foreign consumption. 1 state that as a report. I do not retend to vouch for it. Mr. Sumner added, that fore taking any decisive step by way of recog- nition the United States government should be informed of the exact leeling ot the Cubans concern- ing slavery. He also looked tor an assurance trom ‘Spai Why aid not Spain abolish slavery in Cuba? She ought to do it, Mr. MonToN, (rep) of ind., inquired whether Spain had not recently affirmed the existence of slavery in her possessions, especially in Porto Rico? Mr. SUMNER replied that he was not prepated to inform the Senator on that point; but if his voice could reach her ae would plead with Spain to move quickly in the abolition of slavery where it could be done away with. Referring to the case of the Hor- net, which vessel was captured by the United States, he said that it was very dissimfar from that of the Spanish gunboats, A traitor might levy war against the king; but the king, in proceeaing against the traitor, did not levy war, but simply proceeded in the exercise of Le proper functions to establish his autuority, In the spirit of that ijlustration ne Was disposed to believe that the U1 States were nnsbsainnee-salteaaiatalt orig ned justifiable under the statute in arresting Hor but would not be justified in arresting the Spanish gunboats. Mr. CARPENTER toquired whether the condition of Neutrality did not necessarily depend upon the fact that war was pi ig between two parties If it be a violation of our neutrality act to interfere in behalf of one of these parties and fit out vessels for them In the United States, was it not equally a viola- Yon to help the other, or was our pretence of ueu- trality a slam? Mr. SUMNex replied that he did not regard it a3 & question of neutrality, Until the belligerence of uese people was recognized they were not of them- selves a power nor a people, Therefore there could be no neutrality ou the part of our government be- tween Spain and ber revolted subjects until the in- surgents came up to the level of au independent people, THE EIGHT HOUR LAW. The floor having been awarded to Mr. MORRILL, rep.) of Vt., Le moved to take up the bill relative he hours of labor for the government workmen. ple Carpenter's resolution was then laid over, On motion of Mr. MoRRILL the Senate took up the jofnt resolution to regulate the hours of labor tor government laborers, workmen and mechanics. The bill provides that the joint resolution reduc- ing the hours of labor of government laborers, ap- paved June 25, 1868, shall not create a reduction of ag Mr. MORRILL moved an amendment repealing the feck act which deciared eignt hours to be a day’s Mr. MonRIL1 considered the provisions and effects of the Eight Hour law in aiong speech, contending that the law passed at the last session of Congress merely prescribed the number of hours which suou'd constitute @ day’s work without repealing the exist- ing jaws on the subject of compensation. The Attorney General has given his opinion as to the construction of this law, but the other departments overrule tbat vpinion and execute the jaw as they like, it is clear that ihe Eight Hour law 1s offensive to all workingmen not m the employment of the government, ana that it ts without profit to the men employed and will lead to the abandonment of the industrial establishments hitherto matntamed at the national cost, Mr. WILSON, (rep.) of Mass,, sald that the con- struction put upon the act of 1868, fixing the houra of labor, by the departments of the government put Congress in a false position, ‘he President, how- ever, had relieved Congpess by the construction he had given the law, He desired that the law might have a iair chance to be tested practically. APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT. Mr. TRUMBULL, (rep.) of Il, moved to postpone the pending order, in order to take up the bill rela- tive to the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in certain cases. Mr. THURMAN, dein.) of Ohio, opposed the motion and moved to adjourn, but flually modified is mo- uon to provide jor an executive session. ‘The motion was disagreed to; yeas 24, nay A motion to adjourn Was also disagreed to. Mr. TRUMBULL having previously moved to take up the bill relative to the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court tn certain cases, the mouon was agreed W and the bill taken up. On motion of Mr. WILSON the Senate then went Into executive session and subsequentiy adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. e WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 1869. Mr. FERRIss, (rep.) of N. Y., offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of the Treasury for a copy of the report of the Special Agent of the Treasury in Alaska tn reference to establishing collection posts there, which was adopted. NATIONAL TESTIMONIAL OF RESPECT TO THE MEMORY OF GEORGE PEABODY. * Mr. Jones, dem.) of Ky., by unanimous consent, offered a preamble and resolution declaring that im the death of George Peabody this country and the world have sustained an irreparable loss, reeiting the fact that the Queen of Great Britain, the authori- ties of London and the Emperor of the French have made extraordinary provision for the transfer of Mr. Peabody's remaims to his native land, and authorizing the President to order us many ships of the line as may be considered adequate for the occasion to meet at sea the European convoy and conduct them to these shores, and make such other preparations for the reception of his body as are commensurate with the merits of the deceased and the dignity of the country, Mr. JONES, speaking to the resolution, expressed some surprise that such a proposition had not been ofered by some other gentleman. He presumed that members might desire to discuss tt and there- fore gave notice Wat he would call it up tor action next Monday. RESOLUTIONS AND BILLS. Mr. Duvat, (rep.) of W. Vi, offere: resolution instructing the Committee on Foreign Attatrs to Inquire whether any injustice had been done in setuling the accounts of Alfred Caldwell, deceased, late Consul of Honolulu. Adopted, Mr. STRICKLAND, (rep.) Of Mich., offered a resolu- tion calling on the Commissioner of the General Land Office for information as to the disposition of lands granted to Michigan in 1856 lor railroad from Grand Haven to Flint. Mr. SrouGHYTON, (rep.) of Mich., offered a resolu- tion calling for imformation as to the payment of the bounty for the capture of Jeiferson Davis, Adopted. Mr. SCOFIELD, D.)JOT Pa,, Offered a resolution calling on the Sec ry of the Treasury for miorma- tion as to the disposition made or the $600,000 received by the United Staiea as indemuity for aggressions on American commerce, pursuant to 2 A rae With Japan of the 22d of October, 1364, opted. Me PROSSER, (rep.) Of Tenn., introduced a Dill to provide for specie payments. Referred. Mr. Dox, of Ala., introduced a bill to revive the act of June 1%, 1866, continuing the benefits of a grant of public lands for the use of the Tennessee and Coosa River Railroad, Alabama, and a bill to re- move all political disabilities imposed by the four, teenth amendment, Referred. Mr. OLARKE, (rep.) of Kansas, offered a resolution declaring it as the judgment of the House that whenever public lands are disencumbered of Indian tities they shail be immediately open to settlement under existing laws or under such rules and regula- tions as Congress may prescribe; and that the sale of Indian lands © corporations and speculators by treaty stipulation is contrary to a sound republican policy aud in derogation of the rights of the people; and that the House will refuse hereatter to make any appropriation to carry out the provisions of lodian treaties in which the terms of tis resolution are not adhered to, Referred to she Committee on Indian fairs. : Mr. MUNGEN, (dem.) of Ohio, asked leave to offer @ resolution caliitnug ior information as to govern- ment bonds loaned to railroad companies and the amount received Jrom national banks, &c. Obiected Mr. ConGer, (rep.) of Mich., offered a resolution instructing the Committee on Commerce to inquire into the expediency of constructing a harbor of refuge on the shore of Lake Huron between Point au Burques aud the St. Clair river, Adopted. Mr. DYER, (rep.) of Mo., introduced a Dill to increase the tax on circulation, deposits and aver- age amount of capital stock of national banks beyond the amount invested in United States bonds. Referred to the Committee on Banking and Cur- rency. ME ARNELL, (rep.) of Tenn., offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of the Interior for informa- tion as to public lands remaining unappropriated in the several Southern and Southwestern States, Adopted. THE AVONDALE MINE DISASTER. Mr. HAY, (rep.) of UL, offered a resolution re- questing the Committee op Mines and Mining to tn- vestigate into the causes that occasioned the late horrivie accident in the Avondale mine, Pennsyl- vania, whereby 110 human lives were 1ost, and if there be power under the constitution to report a bull embodying such provisions as will, so far as practicable, prevent the recurrence of such acct deuts in coal mines; also to report on the propriety of the creation by the House of a committee to be called the “Committee of Public Safety,” whose duty it shall be to investigate the causes of all acci- dents whereby human life is endangered or lost, and to recommend legislation to provide against the happentng of the same, and to punish those persons by whose negligence or carelessness they may be ovcasioned, Adopted. PETITIONS PRESENTED, Mr. BROOKS, (dem.) of N. presented a petition of the unporters and consumers of wrought iron tubes and wrought iron flues, who state that the Jwportation Of tubes for gas, water and steam is now prohibited, and that the importation of flues will be w the iar raised as proposed, from 2), to 3), cant fro! ae wd a. My, O'NEILL, (rep.) of Pa., presented a petition of the citizéng of ‘Phiiadelphia for pensions to the sur- viving soldiers and sailors and widows of soldiers and sailors of the war of 1812. CONSIDERATION OF THE ORNSUS BILL. The House then went into Committee of the Whole, Mr. Dawes in the chair, on the Census Bill. The amendments pending yesterday for the collec- tion of statistics of United States bonds beid by cor- porations and individuals were rejected, Various propositions were made as to raitroad and other statistics, bat the amendment offered yester- day by M arfield, from the Census Committee, was adopted, with out slight alteration. Variou: propositions were also made and discussed in re! ion to the details in the schedules of inquiries, Mr, JENCKES, (rep,) Of Re L, moved tw sthice out the agricuitural schedule from the bill and leave the Superintendent of the Consus to frame the schedule, which would naturally vary according to locations. He argued that that was the practical way of domg it, Congress simply mdicating what suoject it required information upon, Mesers. GARFIELD, (rep.) of Ohio, and Paine, (rep-) of Wis., argued against the motion, and 1) Was re- Jected, Mr. BINGHAM, (rep.) Of Ohio, moved to amend by inserting @ new section directing the Superintendent of the Census to report to Congress, on or before ist day of September next, the actual caumeratt of the people of the several States. He supported the améndment by an argument in favor of the right of eee to be vepresented in the next Congress according to the ulation of 1870, which was re- Jected by a vote of 69 to 76, The Committee then reported the pill to the House. The House then ed to vote on the amend- ment that wae to in Committee of the Whole. Moat of them were merely verbal alterations, and they were to. ‘The amendment offered by Mr. Jenckes, and agreed to im Committee as section eight, for the appoint ment of special deputies to collect and arrange mauutacturing and social statistics, was agreed to— Tevithous disposing of all the amendments the House at four o’clovk adiourned, BOARD OF EDUCATION. The Custodians of the Metropolitan Juvenile Intelligence in Council. The Venerable Economists Granting Holidays—Records of the Past for Waste Paper. The Board of Commissioners of Common Schools met in stated session last evening in the ball corner of Granda and Elm streets, with the gentlemanly president, Mr. R. L. Larrimore, fa his full dress suit, in the chair and ail the members in their places, ex- cept the rubicund, chronic absentee and one other commissioner who was absent on account of sick- ness. ‘fhe Board, as at present composed, is almost as venerable iu appearance as the Chamber of Commerce and nearly as ‘long winded,” so that those who attend as spectators have frequent opportunities of being enter- tained, amused or bored halt to death with lengthy reports or captious speeches, which fully i!lustrate the ‘difference ‘twixt tweedledum and tweedie- dee.” In order to save time the minutes of the Board, in accordance with a resolution adopted some time since, are printéd and forwarded to the members of the Board. The labor of paving the minutes read 18 thus dispensed with, and the vener- abie members of this economical council, after the opening of the meeting, spend a few moments in silent (and, {tis to be hoped, pious) meditation, for the purpose of calling to mind their sins of omission and commission and making firm resolutions to do betterin the future, In the lobby was the usual gather. ing of effeminate and handsome looking young men who spend their days in “teaching the young idea how to sboot,”’ and, among them, mirabtle dictu, were several representatives of tue feminine gender of the human species, The proceedings of the Board last night were not particularly interesting, except in one or two instances. A number of communications of the usual style were presented and referred to the appro priate committees. One communication, however, Was somewhat different from the common run, and was transmitted to the Board by an individual signing himself ©. H. Farnham, in whieh It Was stated that the communicator hala method of lnparting wusical instruction which he claimed was much superior to that now in use, This idea will, no doubt, be very interesting to Bristow and the others who are satisfied with the “good old way.” ‘There is scarcely any hoe for Mr. Farnbam, as we matter was relerrea to the Committee on Course of Studies, at the head of which is a remarkable and exceedingly erudite child of feutonta who, no doubt, has an eminent regard Jor Beeinovon and gentlemen of that itk, and who will, in all probabulity, look upon any iunovation on thew style with as much horror as ne does the idea oi not having the children Of tue city taught the lngo of his “vateriand.” Kesolutions Were adopted authorizing the closing of the evening schools on Curistmas Eve and the closing of a1 the schools on Monday, January 3, 1870, ‘This will give teachers and pupils time to pre- pare clean stockings to be hung up on Christmas Eve, and give the misses aud masters an opportunity to honor duly the mstitution of ‘iady’s day,’”? whict must necessarily be postponed from Sunday, Jana- ary 2, The Board did not say to each individual at- tending the schools when the resoluulons were adopted, bui the members, no doubt, meant to say to each ana every one who could profit by the extra holidays, ‘Sis felix.” A gross report was made by the Commitvee on Teachers in regard to the action of the local Board of ‘Trusiees of the First ward in removing Hugh Duify, principal of Grammar Schooi No, 29, for neglect of duty. It appeared that during the past year Mr, Duily had performed but thirty-seven days’ service, and that, although notified by the Board that he iuust be more attentive, there was no evidence of improvement. ‘fhe commitiee, therefore, reported in favor of sustaining the action of tue local Board, aud the report was adopted by an unaniwious vote, The Committee on Furniture, &c., reported on the request of the local board of the First ward in regard vo lurnishing the addition lately bullt to Grammar school No. 29; in favor of directing the Superinten- deat of Buildings to furnish the sciool as far as pos- siple with such old furniture as he might have and to obtain oniy such new furniture as was absolutely necessary. This report was unanimously adopted. Commissioner BELL, from the Finance Commitiee, reported that there were balances on hand trom several appropriations, and recommended their transier to other accounts. ‘The total amount of the several unexpended balances was $1,525; and the repor' Ke the comumitice in relauon therevo was adopted. The frustees of the Nineteenth ward were author- ized to estabiush a wew primary school in the ward, somewhere between Forueth and Filueth streets and First and Third avenues. ‘This was done in con- sequence of the fact that the schools of the ward were so densely crowded that there was no more room. This action, of course, necessitates the ieas- ing of premises, a8 the Board has decided to erect no more new school buildings. Owners o1 premises suitable ler @ primary school witnin the limits pre- scribed will, no doubt, increase the rent on such premises, 80 that should the board engage any of them they will not cost much more in the end than a new building would. Commissioner Woop announced that the number of manuals and directories issued by the Board for 1869 was, he thought, a great deal too large; that for furnishing the members of the Board and the local boards and principals of the schools with copies, about 350 copies would suffice, and he, therefore, offered a resolutdn to the etfect that for 1870 but 500 copies of the “Manual’’ be issued, and of the direc- tories @ similar number. The matter was referred to the Committee on Supplies, who may probably report favorably on Mr. Wood's resolution. Should they do so, it will be found necessary, no doubt, ere the close ol the year, to deny the request of many of those who may ask for copies of the “Manual’’ as a matter of rigiit or courtesy. Commissioner Wood had been rummaging through the rooms in the building used by the board, having appointed himself, apparently, a “smelling” com- mittee of one, and came across a large number of old copies of records, manuals, reports and other printed documents of the Board of Education for years past. He moved, therefore, that tive copies of the documents of each year be collected, and that the remainder be sold by the Commitvee on Supplies, either at public auction or by private sale, for wasve aper. bs Couimisstoner SmyTH thought five copies were not quite enongh to be saved. Commissioner Woop thought the Committee on Supplies could regulate that matter, The resolution was adopted. Here 18 a glorious opportunity for the Historical Sootety, Astor Library, Cooper Inst- tute and other simiiar institutions to get a fine sup- iy of books to make a show on the shelves and ‘urnish entertaining and instructive reading matter which they should not neglect. ‘the Committee on Bylaws presented a voluminons report of amendments to the bylaws, mainly in ac- coraance with resolutions adopted from time to time during some months past. The report was so very long that the energetic clerk (Mr. Hitchman) while reauing it Was obliged to ‘take water’’ several times. He managed to get through it safély, how- ever, and resumed his seat quite exhau . The Teport was adopted, and the byiaws as afended in m accordance with the report were adopted as @ whole. ‘The Board, after disposing of some usual routine Matters, adjourned to meet accordlug to resolution of Wedaesday ‘h inst. “THE OLD GUARD.” inavguration of a New Club Room—The New Uniform—A Veterans’ Jubilee. The Old Guard, composed of the veteran members of the now defunct Light Guard and City Guard, last night inaugurated its new club room at No. 907 Broadway. ‘The room, which is quite large, is very handsomely fitted up, and the furniture, which includes a fine grand piano, is of @ very elegant and = substantial character, About sixty members assembied to celebrate the occasion, and a business meeting was organ- ized about eight o’clock, with Major George W. McLean presiding and Mr. J. B. Wheelock acting as secretary. The Committee on Uniforms presented a report, Whicu stated that a uniform had neen agreed upon. A specimen suit was exhioited, and It 1s not saying too much to state that the unt- form will be one of the most handsome ever worn by any military organization in this city. A short description thereof will suilice, Dress coat of white cloth, turned up with red, bid nd gold; large but- tons, With Vid Guard monogram; red and gold scae epaulets, blue.coilar, With oak leat wreath im gold, fished with grenades on a red ground; pantaloons of mazarine blue, with a broad red and golf stripe, bearskin cap, black body belt, and regulation yayonet scubbard and cartridge vox, with grenade in gilt, The report of the committee was accepted and the uniform adopted, After the transaction of some routine business the mecting adjourned, and immediately after the adjournment a very excellent collation Was spread. After the repast had been fully discussed General Hatfield was called to the chair and an taiormail meeting organized to cele- brate by speech and song the omg bo the club room. Mr. D. Henriques was the first gentie- man called upon speak, and he con- gratulated his brother members on the step which the Guard taken, announced that the room would be kept open @' night, in order that the “guards” might have @ headquarvers wucre they could meet and enjoy socml intercourse, Major MoMurray tollowed in ® very humorous and a abie speech, in the course of Which be recited se’ ral interesting anecdoves as to the doings of the two corps under Captains McArdie and Vincent. Omer speecues were made by Messrs. A, Heririques, Alien, Molton and others, Which were received with re- peated applause. Messrs, Grimes and H. Molton added to the pleasures of the evening by. glymg some excellent Vocal and ugtsumental ym