The New York Herald Newspaper, January 19, 1870, Page 3

WASHINGTON The Republican Party Becoming Demoralized. Radical Arraignment of the Administration. Startling Increase of Public Expenditures. A Magnificent Job in tho Philadelphia Navy Yard. Proposed Sale of the Brooklyn Navy Ward. Preparations for the Reception of Prince Arthur. WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 1870. Startling Specch of a Musaachusetts Radical— Rutravagauce of Grunt’s Administration— Buermous Increase of Public Expenditures, ur. Henry L, Dawes, of Massachusetts, chairman ‘f the Committee on Appropriations, astonisned his fellow republicans not less than the democrats in the House to-day by his exposition of what ne terms “the tendency of the administration to profligate expenditures.” The immediate occasion of tne speech was the proposition now before the Houseto transfer the Philadeipuia Navy Yara from its Present site to League Island. Mr. Dawes opposed the bill on the ground, first, that % would take at least million out of the Treasury, and, second, because the bill gives the Becretary of the Navy power to dispose of the laud where the yard now stands, and also gives him the @ontrol of the money. He broadly hinted that he ‘would not trust the Secretary of the Navy with any such power. When he made this announcement members on bon sides of the House pricked up their ears, eager to hear what might follow. This, however, was only the preiude to a general on- aught upon all the members of the admiuistra- tion, with the exception of Attorney General Hoar, who, said Dawes, ‘is the only one who has not asked for enormous appropriations, ana it is Proposed at the other end of the capitol to turn him @ut of oMice.” This en passant compliment to the erudite Attorney General was received as a good joke, and created a ripple of laughter on both sides. As Mr, Dawes warmed up with his subject the mem- bers left their seats and began crowding around im where he stood. The democrats, wno seemed tocatoh the first notes of what he said abont ex- travagant expenditures in connection with tho administration, came over from their side of the halt to the republican side and hestened atten- tively, and no doubt approvingly, to the startling array of official facts and figures. Dawes did not speak from memory or vaguely. When he referred to figures he held in his hand the official estimates furnished the committee by the heads of depariments for appropriations for the fiscal year of Granvs administration, and he gave dollars and cents. In about half an hour he had exploded all the statements which have been circulated so inaus- triously in the newspapers and on the stump about the economy and retrenchment of the present ad- ministration. ‘The appropriations asked for the navy yards were greater than ever belore. The only hope of retrenchment in the Navy Depart. ment held out to the country was in the item of coal. Here, it was said, we would save $1,000,000, when the official records showed that the coal used, by the navy last year, under Old Father ‘Welles, only amounted to $150,000, At this point the democrats induiged in a laugn at the expense of the jolly Robeson. The Postmaster General, with Whom it is said Dawes is not on the best of verms, caffe in for his share of ridicule and blame. Cres- Weil’s calcuiation that it cost the government $6,000,000 a year to mamtain the {ranking privilege ‘Was dissected, and Dawes asserted that if the post- a@ze on all the matter eent members of Congress was paid it would not amount to $200,000, This would allow every member to mail 800 letters every day in he year. Dawes’ comparison of the estimates of appropriations asked for during the last year of Andrew Jobnson’s administration with those of the first year of the present administration was hignly creditabie to the former and decidedly damaging to the Jatier. Several prominent democrats ssid no ester defence of Andrew Jobnson’s administration ould have been made than was exhibited to-day in the comparison of the estimates for appropriations. Aceording to the showing of the ehairman of the Appropriation Committee, and he is regarded as a eareful man, the estimates of the present ad- munistration for the first year exceed those of the last year of Andrew Johnson’s ammistration $49,000,000. This did not inciude, he said, the mil- Mons asked for St. Domingo, for the New York Post Ofice—he said nothing about the Boston Post Office and for League Island. The conciusion of Dawes’ speech was, the administration and the republican party had not kept faith with the people on the promises of economy and retrenchment through which they were placed in power. The speech made a marked effect on the House, and is the general wubject of conversation in oMficial and political circies to-night. The democrats, as might be ex- Pected, are delighted w.th it. Judge Woodward gaya it is the best campaign document the demo- erate can distribue next fall, and the best theme for diacnssion on the stump. The Gold Panie Investigation. ‘The gold panic investigating committee had S@nother session to-day and examined Mr. Stout, of she Tenth National Bank, New York, and Mr. Elita, of the firm of Heath & Co. The tes. timony of these witnesses, like that of those already examined, was unimportant and contained nothing beyond what appeared in the newspapers at the time of the panic. There seems to be really Bo good reason for the secresy which the members @f the committee endeavor to throw around the pro- ceedings. Mr. S. 8. Cox, of New York, a member of the committee, is so well satisfed of this that he has made a proposition to have the investigation @onducted puolicly, or at least to admit representa- tives of the press. The important witnesses, such as Fisk, Gould and Corbin, are not expected to ar- rive here unul the latter part of the weex. The oommiltee are puzzied to know what to do with Corbin, who sends word that ne has no idea when his health will permit him to attend the committee’s summons. New York Post Office Investigation—Large Mistake in the Architect’s Estimates, Tne House Postal Committee examined Benjamin Oertly to-day concerning the plans and estimates for the New York Post Ofice building. Mr. Oertly was formerly in the office of the Supervising Archi- Sect of the Treasury here, and says that he made out the estimates at the direction of Mr. Mullett for the Kew York Post Ottice. According to the statements Bf members of the committee it appears that the Grst estimate of Mr. Mullett the cost was to be $2,600,000, and that the last estimate is $4,000,000, Mr. Mullett states that he trusted in the first instance to Mr. Oertly, who made @ mistake in his calculation, hence the difference of the estimates, Before the sommitiee to-day Mr. Oertly testified that his esti- mate was correct, according to tne pians given bim by Mr. Muliett, and that he had not made a mistake, Officers’ Rank in the Navy. At is understood that a bill will shortly be reported $rdvn the Senate Committee on Naval Affaira to define She status of staff officers of the navy, which wilt not, however, tmterfere with nor embar- Yass the legitimate exercise of indepen- Geut authority by the commanding officer pi any Vessel. Itis quite certain as long as the om- Der in conumayd of # vessel is responsible alone for ; NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1870.—TRIPLE SHEET. its safety, discipline and judicious and effective management he shold be clothed with supreme powers. This question 1s rery generally understood, and there t# no intention & Jegistate in any manner to disturb the proper disiipline of the naval arm of the service, Proposed Sale of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In the House to-day Gencral Slocum introduced a bill for the removal of the Navy Yard at Brooklyn. 1s authorizes the Secretery of the Navy to acli at public sale, in manner and on terms to be ap- proved by the President, ncn pieces and parcels of land now owned by the government, and included within the Navy Yard lomted in te city of Brook- lyn, as can be dispensed yith without detriment to the public service, and to continue such sales from thme to time. The Secretary, with the approval of the President, is guthotized to secure, by pur- chase or otherwise, a aie to which the present shops and works of all kiids now in the Brooklyn Navy Yard can be removel. Such site is to be of easy access fo the port of New York and must be of ®@ sumMcient area forge fmt class navy yard. The money for the removal of the yard, as well as for the purchase of the new site and the erection of buildings taereon, te to be realized from the sale of the present site. The bili wassent to the Committee on Naval Affairs, 4 Foreign Steamship Lobby—Attempt to Detent American Steamship Lines. Tt is said that the fordiga steamship companies which recently refusca t carry the maiis for the government at the reduced rates of postage have organized a lobby here to dissuade Congress from giving any encouragement to establishing American lines of ocean steamers, They think that by the time ‘the teraporary contract which the Postmaster General has made for carrying the mails expires the govern- ment will be tired of the new arrangement and will be glad to contract witn them upon the old terms, Their object is to prevent the organization of new Unes of steamers owned in the United states. An ex- Postmaster General, a prominent officer of the army, connected with the Quartermaster Deparment, and the agent or a largo steamship company in New York, are now nere, aid, w be engaged by the foreign steamatip companiés to look after thelr in- teresta and defeat all inciptent rival companies. The St. Domingo Treaty. The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Senate Met to-day and gave the Dominican treaty a prelimi- nary consideration, Thereis"some taik of discussing the treaty in’ open session, Such action would cer- tainly be satisfactory, and would give to the country the views of the leading minds of Congress on this very important question of American policy and territorial acquisition in the West Indies. The committee will deliberate care- fully and gravely upon this treaty before they come to their decision. It will be some days belore the treary will be reported to the Senate. The Belgium Mission. it has been stated that Mr. Sumner has succeeded in converting the Committee on Foreign Relations, of which he 1s chairman, to his way of thinking about Mr, J. Russell Jones; that the nomination of the latter as United States Minister to Brussels will be rejected. Mr. Sanford, who was removed by President Grant to make a@ place for Mr. Jones, of Galena, was a warm personal friend of Senator Sumner, The latter protested against the removal of*Mr, Sanford on the ground that he was an experi- enced diplomat, a scholar and an accomplished gen- tleman. Compiaints at the same time poured in upon the President that Sanford was lendid en- tertainer, but only to aristocratic classes; tnat his political sympathies were always with the party in power, and for that reason he was now @ republi- can, and all that sort of thing. The President decided to remove Mr. Sanford and appoint his friend Jones, Mr. Sumner to the contrary notwithstanding. Now comes Mr. Sumner’s turn. Mr, Jones coimes up for confirmation. The subject 1a referred to the Senate Committee on Forelgn Re- lations. Mr. Sumner is chairman of that commit- tee, His voice is potent with the republican mem- bers, Senator Casserly, of California, is the only democrat upon it, For the sake of securing the friendship and influence of the chairmaa on other matters of interest to themselves the republican members of the committee, Messrs. Cameron, Mar- lan, Morton, Patterson and Shurz, will quickly yield ® point to Mr. Sumner, especially if he makes it a personal matter, as he'no doubt will do in the case of his friend Sanford. If the committee report against a noinination it 1s almost equivalent to a rejection by vhe \fenate. A confirmation is sel- dom made by thé ookste agalust the recommenda- tion of avommid8e. “iveutbatites are often fought in committee rooms, and “field fignts’ are thereby prevented in tne Senate. There is many a man who becomes a hero in the committee room who 1s never heard of on the floor of the Senate or the House, except to respond to the roll call. ‘The President would not presume to let his friends make a fight in the Senate against @ committee's report. Mr. Sanford was suspended under the Tenure of OMce law. That being the case he would resume his official position at Brussels in the event of Mr. Jones’ rejection. This explains the secret of the opposi- ton to Mr. Jones by the Committee on Foreign Re- lations, ' One ef Andy Johuson’s Foreign Appointees to be Retained. ‘i It is authoritatively stated that General Hugh Ewing, Minister to the Hague, will not pe removed by the President from that mission. Besides hay- ing a powerful influence in the person of General Sherman, his brother-in-law, the story of his loose habits and immoral character is fatly contradicted by his friends here. The State Depastment 1s said to be in possession of facts and documentary evi- dence from parties living abroad which go to prove tiat the charges against Ewing are untrue. That he ‘a @ democrat is also stoutly denied. Though he will not be removed by the President his reslgna- tion, rt 1s understood, would be accepted. Reverdy Johnson Among His Old Confreres. Reverdy Johnson made his first appearance in the Senate to-day since bis return from his brief diplo- matic career in England. The vencrable ex-Senator was warmly greeted by Senators on both sides of the chamber. Even the rufled Sumner forgot the perplexities of the Virginia question and lus severe commentaries on Johnson to welcome the great constitutional lawyer. The two distin- guished gentiemen engaged in a lengthy conversa- tion, There was nothing to show that Reverdy was lecturing Sumner for his uniriendly observations while the former was striving to settle our Alabama claims in England, The English Minister—Preparations for the Reception of Prince Arthur. The formal reception by the English Minister to Prince Arthur will be given on Thursday, the 27th inst., at the new Masonic Temple, Mr. Thornton has engaged the entire second oor of the building, including the banqueting ball and parlors for the pur- pose. The decorations will be put up under the ai- rection of Mr. Thornton, and will be of the most ele- gant character, The banquet will be followed by dancing. The Office of Naval Officer to be Abolished. ‘The Senate Committee on Commerce have sent to the Secretary of the Treasury for statistics and other facts relating te the duties of naval officers. Sena- tor Spencer, of Alabama, some time since introduced @ bill to abolish this office. The feeling of a majority of the committee is in favor of the measure, but it is desired first to get all information relating to the subject. Progress of the Chinese Embassy in Europe, Througn a private letter fro Berlin, dated Decem- ber 27, 1869, your correspondent has obtained some interesting little facta reapecting the progress of the Chinese Embassy. The writer of the letter referred to 18 in @ position to know ail about the matter, and his statements are entitled\to the most implicit reli- ance. He writes that there ig not one word of truth in the late rumors that the Chinese gov- ernment had become dissatisfied with the action of the Burlingame mission. On the contrary, he adds, ‘the mission never enjoyed the confidence of the Chinese government more than at present,’ Farther on he asserts that the very latest despatch received by, Mr. Burlingame from the Chinese gov- ernment commences with these words:— What you have done shows that yon possess activity, ability, ieee! ‘and discretion. You have Ml of really deserved wel hina and crated by Prince Kung. nad eae pati ‘The writer also states:— Mr. J. McLeavy Brown 1s now on California with tthe ratified treaty, You" ‘will have ; learned most of tnese facts by telegraph, and of the unusual reception the mission hag met with, Pros re of tne inventions the enemy, mostly in China, Among those foreigners whose views have been repadiatea by their own countries. It was @ great for the oid force party ‘0 get Ross whe to turn upon his country; ut General Grant done for him and the country right, * * * Mr. Brown (not Ross) be in’ Washington when this reaches you, or General Banks. i The folowing paragraph has been going the rounds of the American press:— It is known, says the Paris Liberté, December 17, that about a year ago Russia ordered 200,000 rifles of anew pattern from American makers. General Banks has been c! from the United States to Geliver these arms to the Uzar. ‘The General has ac- complished bis mission, and returns to America ‘Wath a new order for 700,000 rifles, SinceGeneral Banks’ return to the United States he was shown the above statement and pronounced it wholly untrue so far as he was concerned. He observed thas the Paris Ziderté had probably mis- taken his name for that of Genera! Berdan, who has large negotiations with the Russian government for the manufacture of arms, but for none belonging ‘to our government and nothing approaching the extent in number to that named tm the paragraph quoted, The aasertion of the Livertéis absurd on the face Of it. It illustrates how defictent foreign journalists are in knowledge of ourinstituttons. If “American makers,” outside of the government, had a contract ‘to make 200,000 rifles of a new patternifor a foreign government not at war with us or any power friendly to us, 1+ woula not require the consent or interference of the United States to deliver them. On the contrary, when the United States sells arms to a foreign government the rule is to deliver them, after inspection, to an authorized agent of that government at one of the principal ports, The United States ts not im the habit of sending agents abroad charged with the delivery of such arms; if she was, an ordnance officer of the War Department would be directed to perform the duty, and not one of the people’s representatives who holds the high oftcial and independent position of chairman of the Comuuittee on Foreign Affairs of the United states House of Representatives. On the occasion of the recent purchase by Turkey of a large lot of old Enfield rifle muskets and Spring- field rifle muskets (260,000) from the United States they were delivered in New York to an ordnance officer of the Turkish army, sent by the Turkish War Minister to this country for the purpose. It is quite hikely that fhe fact of the sale of these arms to ‘Tur- Key and the operations’ of General Berdan in St. Petersburg with his rifle, misled and muddled the writer in the Paris Liberté in regard to the mis- sion of General Banks to Europe, and especially to Russia. It ts not Improper to state, in this connection, that the principal object of General Banks? recent trip to Europe was to visit his family in Germany, where Mrs. Banks has been residing for some time, and where the three chilaren are attending school. During his sojourn abroad the General, who is a close student of men and things, made it his business to observe the workings of the different governments where he went. Being a representative American and occu- pying the important oficial position named above, he was welcomed and politely treated by the states- men of Great Britain, France, Prussia, Russia, and other countries, While in Paris Gen¢ral Banks had two interviews with the Emperor of the French, at the latter's re- quest. Beyond a desire on the part of the Emperor to meet his guest and converse upon general topics the only matter of omicial public importance dis- cussed was that of the postal service between France and the United States, which has since resulted, by the order of the Emperor, in beneficial resuits to both countries. It was 80 understood before General Banks left Paris. While in Berlin the General was the guest of Mr. Bancroft and Mr. Burlingame, the American and Chinese Ministers, The King of Pruasia being absent Premier Bismarck was not wanting in courteous attentions, At St, Petersburg General Banks was presented by United States Minister Curtin to the Czar, who at once received him cordially and invited him to accept @ position on bis personal staff aud review forty thou- sand of the Itaperiai Guard, a spectacle of unequalled military splendor. The Imperiai Guard is composed of the clite of the Russian army, and is oficered by the most skillful and gallant heroes in the Empe- ror’s service. Few foreiguers are ever paid so high a compliment by the Czar as he extended to Genoral Banks. On his way to Europe General Banks passed directly through England, and upon his return he remained but three days, each of which he spent in London. While there he was visited by Lord Claren- don, who made the trip to London on purpose. Generai Banks expressed his regret that he was not able also to meet Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Bright and other British statesmen, but duty to his constituents in Congress compelled him to hasten home, Ou the whole the ‘Little Iron Man” of Massachu- setts, aa his friends calied him when he was Gover- ner, returns to the land of his nativity greatly im- proved in health, deeply impressed with what he saw and heard, but firm in the opinion that there ex- ista nowhere else on the earth a government go well based on liberal and just ideas, so strong and secure, and no people so great and free, as the government and people of the United States. More of our states- men ought to go abroad. It will do thom good. Les them follow the example of General Banks before they start, and learn tw speak, read and write the French language, and they will not regret it when they are travelling abroad. Bunt for the fact that General Bank speaks French with freedom he would not have been invited to two interviews by Napoleon, the last one of which was of two hours’ duration, Removal of Political Disabilities. ‘The Committee on Reconstruction to-day discussed the question of the general removal of political dis- abilities, and from what took place it is supposed a bill for that purpose wili be brought before the com- mittee at the next meeting. The New Governor of Utah. General Shaffer, the new Governor of Utah, having Tecovered from ls recent severe illness, has ar- rived in this city, arid expects to take nis departure for his remote station in a few days, his nomination naving been confirmed. . Watering Indiana Whiskey. A telegram was received by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue this morning from Collector Hill, at Columbus, [nd., stating that Hipp & Leonard's warehouse was about being submerged by the Unio river, and inquiring what should be done witn the spirits stored therein. The Commissioner has in- structed tne Collector to take any steps necessary to secure the safety of the property. ‘The Van Wyck Contested Election Caac. The Committee on Elections to-day agreed upon a report in the contested case of Van Wyck againat Greene, giving the former the seat. District Attorney for Missouri, ‘The President sent to the Senate to-day the nomt- nation of Chester H., Krum, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. ‘Taxes on Interest and Dividends, Commissioner Deiano decides that the tax im- posed upon dividends, undistributea sums, &., by section 120 of the Internal Revenue law, upon divi- ends, interest, coupons, amounts used for construc- tion, &c., by section 122, and upon salaries by sec- tion 123, did not expire on the Sist ult., but shouid hereafter be withheid and paid as heretofore, POSTAL AFFAIRS. The Festal Convention—Letter to the Post- master General in Regard to fmprovements in the Postal ServiceReduction of Fees for Registered Letters, and Postage on Printed Matter Recommended. WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 1870. The following letter has been received at the Post Omice Department:— w, z rt ASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 1870, Hon. J. A. J. CRRSWELL, Postmaster General: Sin—The undersign ‘ybostmasters and special having met at Washington by your invita- tion for consultation in regard to the general to the postal service, respectfully submit the follow- mg recommendati iggestions:— ons and sq; RRGISTRATION OF LETTERS. First—That the registration fee on letters be re- duced from fifteen to six cents, and in addition to said fee the regular rate of postage, as now fixed by Jaw, be continued. Second—That at your discretion there be catab- tahoe agencies in the large cities for registration of Third—That it would be expedient to establish & thorough registrations service Détween the large Post Offices, either by the means of @ combination lock Or sealed pouch, thus avoiding the giving of imume- oipourten We ond the adoption of a more fe recomm: secure envelope for trangmitting p reutered Jetiers. MONBY ORDERS, BTC. That the fees for money orders in amounts not ex- tem dollars be reduced to five cents. ‘That in view of the reduction in the fees for the Tegisi of valuable lettass and money and for transmitting money by money orders it 16 advisable for the department to urge the public to use these means of transmission, and ly that atvention ‘be called to te ease witn which lost or muissent let- ters or jes, when registet may be traced; also to certainty and sufety of the money order system, discouraging, as far as posull the trans- miasion of money and valuable papers by ordinary i vi Pi y DEAD LBITER OFFICE. That at your discretion there be located in the Poat Office of each large city an agent or deputy of the Dead Letter office, who, under the specific regu- lations of the department, may open and properly Gispose of such hela tor postage, matter that may COME ILO Bald Oflice, registered letters excepted. 7 PORTAGE. all unsealed circulars printed on note or ict- ter sheet size of paper, all newspapers, weeklies ex- cepted, and periodicals not exceeding tour ounces In weight, dro) into @ free delivery office for de- livery by the office or its carriers, be atoue cent, prepaid by stamps; periodicals weighing over four o| two cents for each four ounces or irac- tion thereof; that author's manuscript unsealed for periodicals, and al! pubitcations when paasil be- tween the publisher and the author, be unt- form with book manuscript. ‘That during the coming week we will separately submit in writing to the Postinaster General our views upon the feasibility of a reduction of the post- age upon newspaper matter when mailed by the publisner, provided the same he prepaid by weight In bulk at the office of mailing, publishers belug allowed to transmit specimen copies and to enclose their posters, pi stuses and supplementa. We recommend the postage on unsealed circulars, printed on letwr or note sheet size paper, be fixed by law at one cent each, prepaid by stamp, whether mtended for, iocal delivery or for transmission through the mail. the department be re- quested to furnish a one cent stamped envelope for lualling circulars. We respectfully recommend the department to use every possible means to inerease the use of staniped envelopes, with tue writer's name endorsed or printed thereon. LETTER CARRIERS, ‘That we are of opinion that the present system of uniform compensation to the carriers’ service is in- equitable, and we recommend @ division of letter carrier offices into three classes, to wit:—First class, to consjat of cities having a population of 100,000 or upward; secoud class, Clues having & population of 60,000 abd upward to 100,000; third class, cies hav- Ing & popoulation of 60,000 or less, ‘That carriers appointed to the cities of the first class should be compenrated at $800 wuen appointed, and at the expiration of six months’ service suould be compensated at $900, and at the expiration of the next succeeding #ix months’ service should be com- Pensated at $1,000, ‘Lhat carriers appointed to ue cities designated as “second Class”? showd be compensated at tie rate of #700 When appointed, and at the expiration of #ix months’ service shoul’ be compensated at the rate of $800, and at the expiration of the next suc- ceeding six months service should be compensated ut the rate df $900 per annum. That carriers appointed to cities designated as “third class’? should be compensated at tie rate of $6u0 when appointed, and at the expiration of six Months service should be compensated at the rate , aud at the expiration of the next succeed- u IX months’ service should be compensated at $800 per annum. Jt 1s further submitted that car- Tiers designated for appointment tn “second” and “third Claas cities” may be empioyed at stations in the suburbs of large ciues on toe recommendation of the postmaster of said large city. We submit that the result of our experience justi- fles the endorsement of the carrier system as beng preterabie to any existing service for gencral mall delivery im the large cittes. ‘That we recommend legislation providing that no letter carrier shall be removed from oflice except upon specitic charges of Imisbeuavior, incompetency und detection im the ‘Violation of the Postal laws. In our judgment it 18 advisabie to use horses in connection with the free delivery service in the suburban districts. THE NBW YORK AND BOSTON OFFICES. That we have carefully exaimmed the plans and designs for ue New York sad Boston Post ofices, 8 submitted Ly Supervising Architect A. B. Mullett, ‘and commend the same as being thoroughly adapted to the wanw of the departinent in the respective cities, and we ieel that ike eariy completion of said buildings demanded by the exigencies of the postal service, STREET LETTER BOXES. That we condemn the street ietier box now fur- nished the department under the contract known as the “Stroug Patent,” and we would respectiully recommend the adoption of a street ietter box about one and a hail feet m length, about six inches im depth and = twelve imches in width, with an opening at the top. sufficientiy large 10 receive newspapers and magazines, the openings or receptacies specially protected from tue weather with w curved top lo carry off the water, and # door in the side or front, with side flanges to take the matter from, and that the hours for collection be dixstiictiy shown upon the outside of the box. Upon tue request of the postmater av auy offics the aforesata descrived box shouid be furmened ##h an aperture tor the receival of letters only. YOSTAGR STAMPS AND GUM, We have carelully examined the sp the new eeries of postage stamps as sumbinitied by the Tuird Assistant Postmaster Generai, ana heartily @pprove Oi the steps taken by the department to provide tais series, Waich, i our opinion is more in gccordauce with our national character aud in beller tase than the stamp now used. We turther recommend the special attention of tne departinent to the securing of a safer aod better article of gum for the new stamps about Lo be adopted. MALL HAGE ‘That R. B, Lawrey’s iinproved matlvag fastening and lock, as submitied tur our exauiination by tie Second Assisvant Postmaster General, 18 re; 8 NO Improvement upon tue bag and lock now used in the mail service. FREY DELIVERY. ‘That we have caretully examined the exisung Teguiations of the department for the ree delivery service, and have indicated tn detail on the margin of the printed regulations relating to the same and submited herewith the various changes which we respectfully submit lor your consideration. HRANKING PRIVILEGES, ‘That we avail ourselves on tnis occasion to express our approval and earnest endorsement of the efforts now being made by the President and Postmaster General to secure the abolition of the franking privilegé, P. H. JONES, Postmaster, New York. F. A. EASTMAN, Postmaster, Chicago. H. H. BINGHAM, Postinaster, Phuadelpbia, WM. L. BURT, Postmaster, Boston. A. W. DENISON, Postmaster, Baltimore. W. R. HALLOWAY, Postinaster, Lndianapolis, JAMES GAYLOR, Special Agent, New York. JOSEPH W. BRIGGS, Special Agent iu charge of the carrier system. . Ss SAMUEL SMITH, of the New Yoru Post OMice. imens of Protest of the Letter Carriers’ Convention Against Classification—Mengre Salnrics of Letter Carriers. WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 1870, ‘The Convention of Letter Carriers reassembled to- day. The Committce on Kesolutions made a report, which was adopted, that as the letter carriers were poorly paid for their arduous duties the members of this Convention most respectfully request that there be no classification of carriers; that the carriers, knowing that the governinent does not destre to poorly remunerate its employes, therefore respect- fully ask that C may order the pay of letter carriers throughout the country w be increased vo $1,200 per annum. Tie Convention then adjonrned to call on the Postmaster General. FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. Second Session. SENATE. WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 1870, PETITIONS PRESENTED. Alarge number of petitions were presented for the abolition of the franking privilege¢—one by Mr. CARPENTER, Who said for every bf petition he re- ceived twenty applications for public documents to be mailed under frank. Mr. DRAKE, (rep.) of Mo., presented @ petition from the letter carriers of St. Louis, Mo., for an increased compensation. PUBLIO LANDS IN CALIVORNIA. Mr. CaSSERLY, (dem.) of Cal., presented resolu- tions from the Legislature of California for the with- drawal from private entry of public lands in Cali- fornia, OCKAN TELEGRAPHS. Mr. PoMBROY, (rep.) of Kan., presented a petjtion from’ W. Corneil Jewett praying that any conditions to be imposed by Congress for laying ocean cables shail apply equally to all the existing cables, and suggesting an amendment to the Telegraph bill re- ported yesterday, without which an unjust advan- Vage would be given to the present English cable, REGENTS OF THR SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. Mr. TRUMBULL, engl Il, offered @ resolution empowering the Chair to appoint a member of the Senate to Mill the vacancy ovcasioned by the death of Mr. Fessenden in the Board of Regeuts of the Smita- sonion institution. ‘The resolution was agreed to, and the Chair ap- pointed Mr, Hamlin. EXVENSES O¥ THE COMMITTEE ON BANKING AND CURRENCY. The House bill making an appropriation to defray the expenses of the House Committee on Banking and Currency was, on motion of Mr. MORRILL, (rep.) Of die., taken @p and passed. THR PUBLIC LANDS. From the Commitee on Public Lands Mr. Cas- ARRLY reported, with amendments, the bil rel w agricultural @ellege iauds in California Mears. POmBROY and TipTON reported bills to create land districts in Kansas and Colorado. APPA! or imvours, Mr, Drake introduced. a vin to regulate the appralsement and of imports in certain cases, and other purpt providing for the trans- o Portauion of imports in beng. to various interior Re, ao entry. Referred the Comunities on REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. Mr. ABBorr, {rep of N. C., introduced a bilt to in- ucy of the army, Referred to the Committee on Military Affaira. It provides that the twenty-five regiments of in- fantry shall have the same o1 tion ag the cay- airy and artillery; inat no promouons or appoint- ments ghall be wade in the tmfantry until ali the un- attached officers of infantry med to regt- ments; that officers on watting orders shall receive No pay Unt! assigned to sume regiment or placed on some appropriate duty as now alloyed by law: that the President may place on the retured list any oMm- cer who, from long and faithful service, wounds Or sickneas, has become incapacitated for active service; that the commutation price of ‘officers’ (ons shall be fity cents, and that the Secretary of War shall be authorized to houorably discharge any omicer on his own application, and ullow him extra pay for from one to two years, according to the ume Of his service. i, PASS A LOUTRE CANAL. Mr. KELLOGG, (rep,) of La., iwiroduced a biil authorizing the construction of @ caual at or near Pass @ Outre, at the entrance of the Mississippi river, without expense to the government, and ior other purposes. Keferred to tne Committee on Commerce. RAILROADS IN KANSAS. Mr. PomERoyY introduced a bill granting lands to the State of sas tO wid in the construction of a Tauiroad in State. Referrea to tue Committee on Lanas. WHISKEY SEIZURES IN CALIFORNIA. The resojution was called up relating to the seizure Of distilled spirits im Oalifornia, directing the Commissioners of Internal Keycnue to hold said spirits subject to judicial determination. Mr. BHERMAN, (tep.) of Ohio, said in an ordinary case of seizure like this the Seuretary of the irca- sury Was empowered by law to decide upon the rights of claimants to the property, aad the intro- oe of the matter in tne Senate was incer- erence. THE VIRGINIA BILL, Farther debate was cut oif by the expiration of the morning hour, when the Virginia bill was taken up and Mr. TuaYveRr, (rep.) of Neb., resumed ine floor in opposition to the unconditional admission of Virginia. He quoted from te Reconstruction acts to prove that Congress had not in @ single line of those acts committed itself vo the admission of Vir- ginia in any conungency. The allegation that faith had been plighted was only true so lar ag the power of the government had been piedged to insure the protection and security of suffering loyal people of that State. He claimed that the reconstruction legislation had been approved by the people of tne country, especially that provision wich deciared that ali the people should receive equal pro- tection of the laws, In the se of Virginia the imposition of the iron-cl; oath was an unavoidable necessity, as the or means of deter- mining the legality wf ber Legisiature under the fourteenth amendment, ‘The Senate should bear in mind, i treating with former reveis, that rebellion had not been crushed, but had merely been trana- ferred from we field to the forum, and for one ne did not intend that the encmics of the government should be more successful in the iuture than tu the past. The triumph of the leaders of the reveilton would be as effectively attained by legisiation like that now proposed as it could have been by the destruction of the armies of the United States in tne late war. He proposed to fight tue vate which commenced in 1861 unto the end, He wouid vote against the admuasion of Virginia, because gaaran- tees for present and future security had not been iven. In thus following tue dictatws of his juty he Was not actuated by any feeling of vindic- tiveness toward the people of the Sout, and he re- ferred to his vote in favor of the confirmation of General Longstreet as one evidence of nis willing- mess to meet the rebels in a spirit of forgiveness aud hberality; bat until the Soutn appreciated tne lip- eral and generous spirit of the government and ihe beneficent intentions of Congress he could not con- sent by his vote to jeopardize che interests and wey of the nation by any Len sya d policy or one whic! experiences of the past did not justify. Mr. Ny#, (rep,) of Nev., repeated his belief that tne pe faith of Congress required the uncoudi- tional admission of Virginia. Mr. DRAKE asserted his distrust of the Virginia Legisiature, and insisted upon the imposition of fan. damental conditions as a means of enabling Con- gress more readily to deal with Virginia if she suould prove treacherous wo the confidence which might be reposed in her admission. Mr, STEWART, (rep.) Of Nev., read a telegram s@nnouncing the ratification of tue fifieenth amend- meut by the Rhode Isiana Legisiature, aud said Vir- ginla, If admitted, would complete the list of states whose votes were necessary vo make the amendment part of the constitution of the United states. He replied in detat! to the memorial recently presented by Mr, Sumner and vindicated the character of Governor Walker of Virginia, Mr. SumNeR, (rep.) of Mass., said—In this con- troversy the character and sentiment of Governor Walker were of the greatest importance, as repre- senting the class of people into whose hands it was Proposed to commit the destinies of Virginia. He read from @ speech, purporting to have been de- livered ip Virginta by that gentieman, and criticised many of its expressions as indicative of the oppo- sition of the author to the county system and puolic #ChOOi povisions of the new constituvon. Portions Of the speeches delivered py Governor Walker at various times and places were also quoted and com- Mented upon as evidence of the disloyalty of his supporters. . NORTON, (rep) of Minn., delivered a lengthy speech in review of the reconstruction legisiation, during which he incidentally stated that a miliary commission was now sitting in Atlanta, Ga., to de- termine upon the qualification of the members of the Georgia Legisiature, and were exercising an authority equal to that of the Queen of Great Britan, Mr. EDMUNDs, (rep.) of Vt., sald if the statement was true the wnthority of the commission must have been received from the Queen of Great Britain, for tt could not have been received froi the Prest- dent of the United States or from the law. Mr. NORTON replied that the fact was as he had stated ane Said this was but oge instance of the unlimited and unwarranted uses of power in the South, under tne acts of Congress, wilici were prac- tically defective. At half-past four Mr. Norton yieided the floor to a motion to adjourn, and the Senate, apparently wearied with the unmteresting character of the debate, adopted the motion by # vote o! 34 yeas Lo 2] nays. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, Jan, 18, 1870, THE PMILADELPHLA NAVY YARD, ‘The House resuined the consideration of the bill for the transfer of the Philadelphia Navy Yard to League Island. SYRECH OF MR. DAWES ON NAVAL APPROPRIATIONS AND GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES. Mr. Dawes, (rep.) Of Mass., made an argument against the passage of the bill. He showed that under it, if it could have been forced through under the previous question, the Secretary of the Navy could seli three millions of property at private sale at the Philadelphia Navy Yard to whom he pleased, when he pleased and on what terms he pleased ; the only obligation on him being that he should obtain the approval of the President, who, from the nature of his duties, could pay no personal regard or at- tention $0 the ean Tne Secre- tary of the Navy could sell the property to avy personal ar political friend on any terms he chose, aud could apply the proceeds to such pur- poses as he pleaged on League island. tle did not nee why, in regard to League Island. the represen- tatives of the people should be relieved of the duty of appropriating that money from ume totime. He knew fail well that the wavy yard had to be re- moved Irom Philadelphia, and he assumed that uiti- mately it would go to League Island. That was a fixed lact; but other things were fixed facts, alao, aud one of them was that the passage of this bul invoived an immediate expenditure, independent of the three millions, of more than @ mu- tion dollars, The engineer’s report to the Secretary of the Navy three years ago showed that in order t make League Island high enough above high water mark to be beyond the encroachments of the tide, the whole ares of four huudred acres would have to be raised petween nine aud ten feet. This would require four and a halt millions cubic yards of earth, aud no one would pre- tend that that would cost less than Ofty cents a yord, making au ate of two and a quarter Miliong. Not a shop could be transferred to League Isiand until the surface was raised, unless they wanted to have the navy yard curried to sea. tHe knew that an estimate of cight hundred thousand dollars had been prepared at the Navy Depari- ment for League Island to follow this Dill gy He asked the House to consider whether there was an absolute necessity for undertaking this work at this time. Was tie Treasury in such Abundant funds as to undertake ity Jt became ihe representatives of the people to answer that ques- von. This was a time of peace, There was 10 pressing necessity for the enlargement of the navy yards. The British navy depended on private siip- yards. Ninoty per cent of alt the work done for the British navy Was done in private navy yards. Ad- miral Porter nad recently stated vefore one of the House committees—the Committee on Naviga- tion Interests—that the government had spent $455,000,000 for @ Navy during the war, and that there was noth! to show now for that expendt- ture; that we really had no navy, and had suggested the building of a merchant marine of irou screw steamers as @ substitute, Mr. Dawss Went on to call the attention of the House to the estimates furnished for the navy yards Tor the Teaser zeae Oey Ferg ees Forenouin, 557,000, agall O year; to Bostoi $747,341, agalust. $100,000; to New York, $633,511, agaliist $100,000; tO. Piiadelphia, $111,035, against $25,000; to Washington, $551,776, against Bho 0, to Norfolk, $258, ape, ainst $30,000; 10 Mare island, $02,823, against $20, In short, the Secretary of the Navy proposed, Besides the $800,000 fo: ry the Secretary Promised to effect a saving of $2,000,000 in the arti- cle of coal alone, which had only cost $160,000 for the last two years. That was an achievement in mathematics which found 4 paraliet only im the achievement of the Postmaster Gen- eral, Who proposed to save $5,000,000 a year by the abyition of the framkmg privilege, while the franked matter would not produce two hundred thousand dollars. Be tought uf tne two mathema- Ucians wio bad prompted these iwo Secretaries could be broughs to ugit and set lo Wore [Ayr slow that the public deat nag be paid the expiration of the administration. 1@ HOOK of extt- mates for tbe next fiscal year contained appropria- ons for public works of $24,629,473, against appro- briations for the same objects last year of $5,493,000, ‘Toe administration of Andrew Johason bad been ac- cused Of prot y in expenditures. ihe had tried it on that charge and had Lound it guilty, and had taken trom it the sceptre of power and put iin the hands of the repubitcan party on ius pro- fessions of economy in Lue admiaistration of the pub- ile service. The peopie tutended to hold them to their promises; but what was the first evidence they put forth to tne country of their determination 8 ary out thelr pledaess While ne knew the us on he Occupied, he proposed to spet Hainly but truly to his party friends in the House, le knew there was not much comiors wo be derived from the Wounds of a friend. Andiew Joungon, in the last year of lis aduuuistrauiou, had estimated that he could carry on the vernmeéent Lor $03,000,000, aud that amount had been cut down over $20,000,000, What did thelr own admuistra- tion estimate that it would carry on the administra- tion of the morecnaes for a year for? $51,097,174, an increase of over $28,000,000 beyond the amount in- required , by Andrew Johnson, and an crease of $49,025,537 over the amount ap Proptiaet for the present year. But this included = an error over seven millions of doliars in the footing up of the Pust Office bepars- ment, whieh would reduce the increase to $42,000,000, But he bapireeeg thas ne en wie cal was the litte sugar plum or League Island; and back of it aso were the Bay,of Samana and the Island of St. rhomas at $7,500,000 5 ee. aud back of it too were the millions that would be added by the Senate to the appropriation bile as oar passed the Louse. In this House aloue the pledgea of the repubucan party were to be re- deemed, They couid nave no ald eitner at tae other end of the avenue or at the other end of the Capitol, and he put it vo the representatives of the people whether they would inaugurate here pubilc worke on a broad estimate of $24,000,000. He had right to complain of the ower end of the avenue that with all its professions of economy and with all the heralding by teiegraph aud otherwise of reduction there was but one of those deparuinents that dia not estimute an increase OL expenditures over the appropriations Of last year. ‘The exception was the poor, unpopular At- torney General, ana he hoped it was not because of that remarkable trait i ois Character wat it was contemplated at the other end of We Capitol to re- lieve niin from further public service aua drive him inwo private life. Tucre was the uew Post Unive build- ing at New York, Wuich the architect said would cost $4,000,000, and the granite for which Was exti- mated to cost one and @ half miilions. Were they going on with such expenditures? Were they going to put $4,000,000 from the old Philadeipua Navy Yard and $300,000 from the Treasury into Leaguo isiand whea they might as well wait five years? Two things seemed Ly be desired—a reduction oi Lhe public debs by the administration and # relief jrom we burdens of taxation by this louse. Neier of those things could be accomplished without the other ising, waich both overlooked—a reduction of the expendi- ture. HOw was it proposed at we other end a: the avenue to pay tue public debt unless the expendi. vures were redticed? How did the tlouse propose to relieve the people and the enterprise and the capital of the country from the burdcas of taxation under which the¥ were groaning uuless the expendi- tures were reduced? He would tll his amrabie triend from Maine( Mr. Peters), Woo had emancipated himself from care about pennies, and who pad gone or in @ vain search for a dolar in which he proposed to econdwlze upon, it was the pennies taken ia taxsuou off the spikes, cordage and rigging of the ships of Maine that nade the commerce Of the counury decline. ile called upon the House to stand vy tue Committee of Appropriations in the pledge which it now gave to the country that it Would cat down those esti- mates beiow the figure’ at which the country took the power from Andrew Johason’s administration. In order to do that they must forego any private interests and private and lmagiuary politics — im locaiities By the expenditure of money, They must rise above those cousideracions and 160k to the general results, and then the fingers of industry would again ply their work; euterprise would gain courage; the country woud go on in prosperity and in development, and (be mation would, m the years that were to come, build navy yards at League Isiand and at New London, and amplify taose at Joston and Ports- + mouth; aud all over the country, if tbat suould de the poucy, there suouid be a reduction of ex;enditures, So that imereby the people migat be redeved from the burdens of taxation at one end of the avenue and the public debt might be paid atthe ocuer. lt was with this view, and because he belucved it to be & test question, that he would move to jay the bill on the tabie, and Would on that motion call ine yeas and nays, 80 that the people might Know who would stand by the Committee ou Appropriauons in Its at tempt to curtail the expeuditures of the goyern- ment. A very marked degree of attention was paid on both sides of the House to the speech of whe chair. man of the Commiti¢e on Appropriaiions, oir, KELLEY, (rep.), of Pa, foiuwed, in reply Mr. Dawes and ia support of the bill, but be had veen speuking Oniy & iew sainules Wea tue morn- ing Gour expired, aud We bill Went over under the rules, THE APPORTIONMENT BILL. The House then tok up Mr, Judd’s Apportionment. bill, and speeches were made py Mr. 1 port of itaud by Messrs. Hoar ung sition, Finally Mr. Scorie.n, (rep.) of Pa., moved to refer the bill fo the Comuntice of the W dole on the Btate of the Union, and that motion was agreeu lo—yeas 104, nays 64. The vole Was principally 4a sectional oue, Western Members mostly Voliug in the negative, PETITIONS PRESENTED. Mr. MOORE, (rep.) of N. J., presented @ petition for the permanent matntenance of we ugutooat over the wreck of the steamship Scotiand on raise Hook, New York bay. also for a ughiship on Winter quarter shoal. Petitions for the abolition of the franking privi- lege were presented by Messrs, KNarr and KEEVES. THE JAPANESE INDEMNITY UND. Mr. SCOFIELD oilered a resoluuon caliing on the Secretary of State for information &s to the dispost- on made of the $60,000 alowed for aggressions on American commerce by Japan. Adopted. VENTILATION OF THE CAPITOL. Mr. Getz, (dem.) of Pa., from tac Committee on Public Bulidings and Grounds, reported a resolution Jor whe creation Of @ joint select committee on the condition of tae senate Chamber und aall of tue House as to ther lighting, heaung, Veudlaldon and acousue qualues. Mr. SCHENCK, (rep.) Of Ohio, reinarked that the suiject had been beiere the Ventilation Commitee for several years and nothing lad been done. He hoped this Comuntiee Would report some time be- tween unis and eternity. Mr. GkTz said that tue Ventilation Committee of Jast Congress did report at length, but that no action was taken, Mr. GARFIZLD, (rep.) of Ohio, proposed to abandon the hall and to hold the sessions of tue House in the old hall. He charaeterized this hail as the most sKil- fully contrived slaughter house ne was ever ac- quainted with. Mr. LOGAN, (rep.) of lll, endorsed everything Mr. Garneld said. Mr. Woop, (dewm.) of N. Y., satd that the old hall, with all its defects, was very far superior Lo the pre- sent Duiiding, and he thought Liat Cougress should immediately and seriously yo to work vv accomplish this reform. Messrs. BROOKS and MAYNAKD expressed the opimiog that the old ball was, in regard to acoustic purposes, worse than the present oue. ‘The resolution was (uen adopted. THE BROOKLYN Post OFFIC Mr. Suocum, (dem.) of N. Y., introduced bills for the erection of # poat office and other goverament dings in Brookiyn, and for the removal of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Reierred. ‘The House then, at four o'clock, adjourned. THE ALBANY AND SUSQUEHANNA RATLECAD SUIT. Rocusstsr, Jan, 18, 1870, The Circuit Court appoimted to be held for the county of Orleans comuinenced its session at Albion’ yesterday morning, Judge Talcott presiding. A mo- on Was noticed for argument, at this circuit on the part of Messrs. Fisk, Gould & Co., in the sult of The Peopic vs. the Albany aud Susquehanna Railroad Company and others, lately tried in this city before Judge E. Darwin Smith, to set aide the judgment entered by Judge Smita in favor of the Rumeey di- rectors, Messrs, David Dudiey Field and Thomas G. Shear- man, of New York; General Martindale, of Roches- ter, aud Jolin Ganson, of builaio, appeared as coun- sel for Mesars. Fisk, Gould & Co., and Messra, Henry Smith and Mathtew Hate, of the city of Albany; Joba H. McFarland, ot Washibgton county, and ‘Geor, e H. Danforth, af Rochester, appeared as counsel for whe ee directors and 10 Opposition Ww the motion. ‘The Judge declined to hear the motion upon the ground thac it Was improperly noticed for a circuit held in Orleans county, tue pidce of trial not being in that county, but 10 ube county of Monroe, and the motion Was ordered to be beard at & special term in Rochester on th AN EFFECTIVE CURE FOR RHEUMATISM. CINCINNATI, Jan. 18, 1870. George Seel, a German, undertouk, by taking forty-one Pigts of medicated warm ‘water in less than twenty-four hours, to cure rheumatism, He began at seven o'clock last evening, aud at twelve o'clock had taken twenty-aine pinisiand was suier- ing excruciating pam. ‘his morniag he died. A man named Archervorn, wuo prescribed fer Seel, has been arrested, He says it is @ recipe procured irom @ butcher in the old country, A NOVEL CASE, Tho Power of Associate Bodjes to Expel Members. BUFFALO, Jan. 18; 1670. Judge Verpianck, of the Superior Court, has just decided a novel suit, George A. Deakin, for twenty years past a member of the St, Alphonso society, & religious benevolent association of this ¢isy, brought suit to obtain @ mandamus to be reinstated to mem- berahip‘of that society, from which he claimed haa been maliciously exyolled for réfusing to p fine of twenty-tive cents, unjustly imposed. 1 Judge ordered a peremptory niandamus to issue Instaving the plautal to full weavers