The New York Herald Newspaper, February 22, 1870, Page 3

WASHINGTON Diplomatic Correspondence in Re- gard to Cuba. House Scheme for Inflating the Currency. THE SALE OF CADETSHIPS. Resolution to Expel Representat.ve Whitte- more, of South Carolina. Fitz John Porter's Case Before the Senate. Discussion on Genera! Butler's Bill for Removing Disabilities. Wastinaton, Feb.§21, 1870, The Correspondence Between Secretary Fish and Minister Sicklee-The Famous Sickles Note Controversy—Secretary Fish om Ameri. ean Sympathies for the Cubane—A Fling at the Cnban Junta. ‘Ths President to-day submitred to the House of Representatives a large mass of documents in reply {0 a resolution of that boay on the subject of Cuban affairs, It gives the letters and telegrams which passed between Minister Sickles and Secretary Fish in relation to an armistice and purchase of Cuba, &c,, the particulars of which have heretofore been Ppublisned from documents sent to the Senate. Mmister Sickles, on the 16th of October, trans- mitted to Secretary Fish a copy of his oficial note withdrawing the offer of the good oMices of the United States, and also a copy of Silvela’s reply to it, Siivela, it appears, regarded the withdrawal of the offer of the good offices as the withdrawal of the note itself, but Minrter Sickles refused to receive such a note and the reply wasso mouified as to state the offer of good offices was withdrawn. On tne With of November General Sickles dined with the President of the Cortes. He met there the secretaries of State of the Colonies, Mr. Silvela, and otvers. Mr. Martos, Mr. Becerra ana Mr. Rivas each said their remarks to General Sickles were to ‘be considered official as well as personal. He there- fore reporta them. It was said that Spain desired intimate relations with the United States, snd would extead free institutions to Cuba; that the Cubans ‘were prepared for free institutions; that the govorn- ment had been asked to order immediate elections for the Cortes in Cuba, but had refused because the native population cong not participate; that Cuban questions could not be considered in the Cortes while Cuba wasin rebel- lion, but that the government were prepared to re- commend the largest liberty. General Sickles urged the immediate promulgation of this plan as the best way to terminave the difficuities. In reply they said they would soon be ended. The propriety of an armistice was discussed. It was regarded es im- practicable. They stated that the Cuvan question would be settled when the war was ended on the basis of self-government and commercial re- elprocity and that slavery will be gradually abolished. The native Cubans were a majority of we inhabitants, and their wishes ought to be re- mpected in the determination which the government whould make. They desired the President should Know Spain is no longer governed by the reaction- ary and antiquated ideas of the Bourbons, Minister Sickles transmits to Secretary Fish, De- cember 24,a further statement as to the army of Cuba, and alludes to the anxiety manifested in Spain as to the course of the United States. The winter campaign in Cuba is regarded as a failure; Gespondency 1s apparent in all, except oMicial cir- ces. Tue British Minister was instracted to second Minister Sickles’ efforts to secure the abolition of slavery. He replied that wnat he said was unom- cial, and was so understood by the Cabinet. The changes in Porto Rico were to include the abolition of slavery. This may decrease in Cubs the resistance to independence. Secretary Fish, December 380, expresses to Minis- ter Sickles his satisfaction st the news of reform in the Spanish colonial policy, Minister Sickles to Secretary Fish, January 9, sees no objection to the publication of all his corres- pondence. He prefers it should be communicated to the public. Secretary Fish addressed Minister Sickles, Janu- ary 26, that the public imterest felt in the United States in Cuban affairs has decreased since the fa- gravt violations of law by the agents of the insur- gents had become known, and had alienated the pub- lic sympathy, Had the Junta expended their money and energy in sending to the ineurgents arms and munitions of war, as they might have done consistenly with our own statutes and with the law of nations, instead of devoting them to a delinerate violation ef the laws of the United States, and bad they, in lieu of the illegal employment of persons within the domain of the United States to go armed 1m bands to Cuba, pro- ceeded thither themselves to take a personal part in the struggle for tndependence,fit is possible the result would have been different in Cuba, and it .is certain that there would have been a more ardent feeling in the United States in favor of their cause and more respect for their own sincerity and personal courage. It becomes more apparent every day that the contest cannot termin- ate without the abolition of slavery. This govern- ment considera the government at Madrid as com- mitted vo this result. You have several times re. @cived positive assurances to tnis effect from more than one member of the Cabinet. You wili therefore frankly state that this government, relying upon the assurances 80 often given, will ex- pect steps to be taken for the emancipation of the slaves in the Spanish colonies as weil as for the early initiation of the promished reforms, The Secretary farther instructs Minister Sickies to repeat at Ma- rid that this government has maintained its free- dom of action against great pressure; that its action ‘will be governea by facts as they occur. The Presi- dent reserves complete liberty of action in case Spain falls to restore peace. Among the documents is a letter of Consul Gene- ral Hall to Assistant Secretary of State Davis, Feb- ruary 9, in which be alludes to the trouple in Cuba, saying the inability to protect the lives of peaceful inhabitanta, or Spanish atrocities that are being daily committed, is found in the absence of United States vessels of war in Cuban ports. They may be meeded for the purpose of offering refuge to the citizens of the United States in the event of a popu- lar outbreak, The Sale of Cadetships—Cases Proved Against Memberse—Resolution to Expel Whittemore, ef South Carolina. ‘The Mouse Military Committee devoted most of its seasion to-day to reviewing the evidence against B, F. Whittemore, of South Carolina, with a view of taxing action in his case and making a report to the House. ‘The result of the committee’s deliberations ‘was a resolution expelling Mr. Whittemore from his place as # member of the House, ‘his resolution was reported by General Logan, chairman of the comiulttee, soon after three o'clock, together with all the evidence In Whittemore’s case. A& might be expected, the reading of the resolution created a hig sensation in the House, because it was not generally expected, at least Just at this time. Tye reading of the testimony, which followed, was listened to with the deepest interest, and by none more intently than the person most immediately concerned. The gal- leriea were crowded at the time, and strangers were as eager to have Whittemore pointed out as they usually are to know where Jobn Morris. sey sits, The floor, too, Was well patronized by Senators and others who have access to it, and everything assumed for the time the solemn air Which was wont to gather over the hail in the early aye of impeachment tunes. While the reading of NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1870.—TRIPLE SHER. the testimony was 1B progress it was noticed that Ben Butler was busy at his desk preparing some- thing, but nobody couid guess what it was, He neld @ short conference with General Logan, and at the close, when the latter arose to demand a vote on the resolution of expulsion, Butler asked to be heard. He offered a resolution allowing Whittemore until next Thursday to prepare a defence, if he had any. Judge Poland, ot Vermont, ‘and General Goburn, of Indiana, bath exhibited a soft side toward Whittemore, and it was evident thas his party Irieuds were not disposed to desert him, whether he Was guilty or innocent. Logan stood bravely up to his work. He was not disposed, however, to cut ‘Whittemore off: without giving him a chance, though the committee were unanimous in their opinion that the evidence against him was too strong to be upset. At last it was agreed that Whittemore should have until Wednesday to get ready a defence. There is, uomisiakably, @ good deal of trepiaation among members on account of the investigation now in progress. The trouble is nobody can tell whose turn wil come next. The practicai results of the inveatt- gation, as suown to-day, has given it new terrors to evil doers, of whom 1¢ ts said there are many not yet fuliy brought to light, There appears tobe consider- able sympathy tor Whittemore in the House, and it 1a Baid he will not be expelled, but that a simple resolution of censure will, in the end, be passed. This, however, is a matter of speculation, Mr. Brooks, who was one of the witnesses against Whittemore, will prt s card to-morrow in which ‘De willsay that in the Fortleth, asin every Congress, there were a number of members who were for sale, lke sheep, at so much @ head. After having ex- Dausted that number he was compelled to seek an- other class, which required delicate manipulation, and among them was Mr. Whittemore. He found ‘shat Mr. Whittemore knew very little about his ap- Pointments; that be bad no.money for electioneer- ing purposes; tnat both the Congressional and na- tonal eXecutive committees of the republican party had failed to give bis district any money; that Shere were no boys in is disirict who were capable of passing an ¢xamination at the Point, and that he has reason to Lelleve that Whittemore used the money which he gave him solely for political and educational purposes. J. Hele Sypher, s member of the last Congress, went before the Military Com- mittee and asked permission to examine the teati- mony of Mr. Brooks against him, which was granted. He dented some of Brooks’ statements, but fa said to have confessed tothe main facts. He proposes to have Brooks summoned again, when he will cross- examine him. A rich time is anticipated. The Louisiana Sypher bears a wonderful resem- blance to Genera! Slocum in personal appearance, ‘The story goes that somebody who heard Sypher offering to sell a cadetahip reported that Siocum nad made the olfer. The latter, upon learning the fact, became quite indignant and decided that the surest way to vindicate himself, and at the same time to expose viliainy in high places, was to introduce the resolution of inquiry, He has disturbed a nest of Congressional traders who are as much worse than the lobby outside of Congress as vice is worse than virtue, Debate Over Butler’s Disability Bill—Reli- gio Enthusiaem of Membere—Clerical Eloquence et “shoo, Fly,”? Cox. While Butler’s Disability bill was up in the House to-day there was @ good deal of sentiment exhibited tn favor of @ general amnesty, and the spirit of for- giveness was abroad, especially on the democratic side of the House. Butler nimself was infa meliow mood and was extremely liberal in allowing every- body who wanted to speak an opportunity. Among those who took advantage of Butier’s kindness was Judge Woodward, of Pennsylvania. He was too sick, he said, to speak himself, so he got 8. 8. Cox to speak for him, Cox appeared in a new réle. He held before him a copy of the Psalms, and he read from the 126th, about the return of the children of Israel from Babylonian bondage and how the people Tejoiced thereat. But the reading of the Psalm, which, by the way, Was executed tn a style of pulpit elocution which would be no discredit to the most fashionable ¢lergymen im New York, aid not fally satisfy Mr. Cox. He followed it with read- ing from the famous commentary of Bishop Clark on the Psalms, alter the manner of the old fashioned Presbyterian preacher. The application of the ser- mon was that the radical party should show a gen- erous spirit towards the late rebels and grant them general amnesty. Ogx takes weil to the clerical Profession, and a very dinght twist in his character would have jaunched him into the pulpit instead of into Congress. Mackenzie, of Virginia, followed Cox in the same vein. He advised the Congres- sional congregation to read tye twelfth chapter of St. Paal’s Epistie to the Romans. Several members called out t© know what that chapter was about, but Mackenzie was in such a fervor of religious enthusiasm and eloquence that he did not seem to hear. It was very evident that the House was fast approaching & frame of mind most favorable for @ revival. Members be- gan to brush op their recollections of Scripture, especially those portions wat relate to forgiveness and revenge. Honest John Covode, getting his hand in. tried to offset Cox’s quotations from the Psalms and Mackenzie’s reference to the New ‘lestament with the story of King Benhadad, of Syria, and King Ahab, of Israel. Covode told the story back end foremost, to the amusement of the whole house. At one time he had Benbadad slaughtering Ahab and at another Ahab was getting the beat of Benhadad. The whole sermon Was very much mixed, whether from the excitement ot the acene or from the condition of Covode’s brain was not ascertained, Sempronius H, Boyd, a sickly looking fellow from Missouri, tol- lowed Covode, with the evident intention of throwing oul upon the troubled waters which Covode stirred up. Nobody could ascertain his text, but the sermon was read from manuscript in the true clerical atyle and lasted just one minute. Mr. Boyd afterwartis received the congratulauions of bis friends. Mr. Porter, of Virginia, who is better known as Ben Butler’s “Ball and Chain Member.” made his mat- den speech to-day against the Disability bill. He in- veighed at great length against rebels generally ana Virginia 1ebeia in particular, forgetting that Ben Butier had once condemned him to wear aball and chatn on account of his disloyalty. The result of the entire debate, Scriptural dissertations, sermons on charity and all, was that Butler's bill went through. Cox made decidedly eloquent appeal for general charity and received the warm congratulations ot maby men on both sides of the House. Reviving American Commerce—Magnificent Subsidies Asked For. There seems to be a new method of reviving American commerce, suggested here about six times @ week by some party or parties who toink that they have nit upon positively the best resusci- tating remedy. ‘The last nostrum comes trom New York, and the physicians are ©. A, Busnnell, John Roche and James Wadsworth, of your city. Their pill 18 made of gold, and it is Powdered up with auriferioua material. Briefy, they Want government to administer a dose of $7,000,000, greenbacks, or itaequivalent in hard metal, to relieve the drooping spirits of American commerce. The three commercial doctors went before Mr. Lynch’s Congressional Committee to-day and explained their views of the diagnosis and the proper remedies. Doctor Wadsworth declared that ali the medical skill at the command of private individuals or corporations could not help the patient. In other words, he asserted that the de- cadence of commerce had reached that point that only govermental interposition could arrest it and turn it back ito s channel of prosperity. Private capital was whuily inadequate. Congress Must grant subsidies to back up private enterprise or the American commerce must sink to nothing. Doctor Roche followed in the wake of Doctor Wads- worth. The latter prescribed generalities, put the former dealt in the attractive particulars, He pro- posed that fourteen milifons be raised jointly by pri- vate parties and the gcvernment, balf by Uncle Sam and half by private parties. If Uncle Sam, whose apothecary shop was overstocked, would only supply seven inilitons of the desired medicine, Roche thought that fourteen healthy steamers could be brougat up in a flourishing condition. His plan was, that the steamers could be security for a loan from the government of seven millions at five per cent, which he thought @ perfectly safe investment for Uncle Sam. Doctor Lynch, the government surgeon onthe occasion, disagreed with these prescriptions, and gave your three commercial doctors from New York to understand that no such remedies would be Saxon—the committee toid the New York delegation that It would be vain, at the present time, to ask the government for any subsidies, and that the commit: Ve could not recommend any such plan to Congress. Report of the Ketronchment Comittee. The Joint Committee on Retrenchment made a report to-day. They mention that they visited dur- ing the summer vacation the cities of New York, Chicago and San Francisco, and carefully inquired Into the administration of the public service, and Wook a lange amount of testimony relating wo abuses therein, tne most valuable parts of which they sub- mit for the consideration of Congress, The system of carding and sealing of goods between New York and San Francisco via Isthmus of Panama was a heavy tax on the merchants, and its superintend- ence necessitated the employment of a considerable force at large expense to the government, while the system itself was wholly moffectual, and, so far from protecting the revenue, afforded increased fa- ciities for the perpetration of the very frauds ‘which it was designed to prevent. 1¢ was not within the power of the Treasury Department to correct the evil, The result of the investigation was the aboll- tion of the system. The committee recommend the erection upon the Custom House block, San Fran- cisco, of a building to accommodate many of the government offices in the city. Considerable teatt- mony was taken in relation to the management of the San Francisco Post Office, internal revenue in California and frauds in connection with whiskey and tobacco, but as the evils and abuses disclosed can be corrected without additional legisiation, and are within the control of the Treasury and Post Of- fice Departments, the committec do not think it necessary that the testimony stould be printed, and recommend that it be kept on file for future use. The committee also gathered testimony rela- tive to branches of the customs revenue and suggested the means to lessen expenses, prevent smuggling and increase the eMciency of the service, &c. The Committee intimate they will hereafter re- commend measares for enactment by Congress in relation to the object of their iuvesiigation, and will submit the testimony in order to afford a full under- standing of the abuses which they are intended to correct and the advautages which they are designed to produce. John Barleycorn Triumphant—Bonding Fino Whiskeys. ‘The Ways and Means Committee have agreed that fine whiskey in bond shali be safe, An appeal was made to Schenck & Co. some days ago to allow such whiskey toremain in bond for three years longer, for the reason that if takeu out now it would spoil. The whiskey men went before the Ways aud Means Committee and explained the situation, and the consequence is that the committee have agreed that John Barleycormmay remain in healthy bondage for three years longer, provided that an additional tax of one per centon each gallon be paid. If, there- fore, any member offers a special bill to carry out this appeal of the whiskey men there will be no op- position from the Ways and Means, If no separate bill 1s brought forward then the desired relief will be granted in the regalar Internal Revenue bill now under advisement. Whlskeys in Bond. Aresolation will be offered in the House to-day, if @n opportunity is presented, extending to three years tne timo for holding in bond fine whiskey which improves with age. This legislation is desired by the manufacturers. The disposition of the Com- mittee of Ways and Means seems to be to accept tne resolution with an amendment charging & small in- tereat on the different taxes. ‘The Spanish Frigates in New York Harbor. The presence of the Spanish frigates the Lealtad and Vittoria in the harbor of New York has been the matter of much comment, showing exaggera- tion. Th@e 18 reason to believe that the two fri- gates will not remain in New York harbor more than a few days, and it is believed that they are on their way to another port, where they will undergo thorough repairs, It is stated positively they nave not selected New York for this purpose. Bill fer the Abolition of Harbor Dues—Altera- tion ef Pilotage Regulations, P On Saturday last Congressman Moore, of New Jersey, presented to the House petitions from D. 5. Stetson, A. Simpson & Brother and 284 citizens of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, snipbuilders, cap- tains and owners of ships and vesseis, praying Qon- gress by enactment to protect all engaged in naviga- tion from tliegal exactions by State and municipal corporations, such as license, pilot, port warden, barbor master and port collector fees, and to encourage and foster American shipbuilding. ‘These petitions were referred to the Committee on the Decline of American Commerce. The members of that committee are said to have agreed to report ® proviso to their bill, which was suggested by a committee of the Vessel Owners and Csptains’ Association of New York and Philadelphia, pro- viding that pilotage shall not be abolishea, but that the pilots shall collect compensation only when actual service 1s desired and rendered. This is stoutly resisted by tuo pilots of New York and the whole country. Proposed Sale of OMcers’ <gaarters on Gover- nor’s Island, Secretary Belknap appeared before the Senate Military Committee to-day on ® subject of some in- terest to New Yorkers. He explained to the com- mittee the necessity of changing the preseng plan of keeping officers partly on Governor's Island and partly in New York city and elsewhere. It was at- tended, he said, by very unnecessary inconvenience in many respects. A boat at present was employed in doing little less than running between Governor's Island and New York city, conveying messages, c., from the military authorites. Secretary Belknap proposed that the ofilces, &c., now used on Governor’s Isiana be sold, 1f necessary, and that a suitable building be obtained 10 New York city, from the pro- ceeds thereof, to accommodate all the business of the mi.tary authorities in that-vicioity. Whether the Secretary also recommended the saic of the island itself Ihave not ascertained. It ts understood that Senator Wilson will introduce a resolution or bill in ashort time to carry out the suggestions of Secre- tary Belknap. The Mediterranean and Oriental Steamship Company. The friends of the Mediterranean and Oriental Steamship Company claim that arecent paragraph relative to the character of the incorporators does them injustice. Tuey were alluded to as persons more famous a8 politiclans than as mercuants or capitaiets, and that ipferentially the enter- prise wi more of a@ legisiative speculation than an honest scheme to promote legiti- mate commerce. A petition tm support of the bill, signed by a number of New York political worthies and presented by Mr. Conkilng in the Sen- ate, was mistakenly supposed to be a list ef the names of the corporators, but as the latter are said 1 bea number of gentlemen prominently connected with oor merchant marine and of known capital it 1s proper that the distinction should be made. It is claimed that the bill of the committee does not in- volve the payment of a government subsidy and that the project is in aid of national commerce ana emigration, particalarly to the Southern, States, and that itts in the hands of parties capable of piacing it upon @ basis of success. Board of Visitors to the West Point Academy. The Secretary of War bas appointed the following gentlemen as a board of visitors to the Military Aca- demy at West Point for 1870:—Rev. J. P. Newman, of District of Columbia; Hon. Joseph Settle, of North Carolina; Hon. Ralph P. Lowe, ex-Governor of Iowa; Rev. Barras Sears, of Virginia; Hon. Ithamar C. Sloan, of Wisconsin; Professor Henry Bannister, Anois; Colonel John Mason Brown, of Kentucky. Indian Afairs—The Apaches in New Mexico. The Indian Bureau has received a copy of the resolutions adopted at a meeting held by delegations from various Indian tribes at Alamosa, New Mexico, January 23, deaying the reports which have been in Circulation that ine Apaches i camp near that piace have been lately engaged in any depredations, and expressing the opinion that their proffers of friendship are earnest and that the interests of that part of the country imperativeiy demand that every effort should be made to effect a lasting peace with them. The Bureau nas algo received copies of reso- tutions adopted at a meeting at Las Cruces, New Mexico, January 9, relative to Indian affairs, affirming that the Apaches of the Southern Agency are flercely hostile to the citizens of Donna Ana and Grant counties; that they have robbed the country poor, besides approved of, Tne short of 1s te tale in plain Anglo pacridcliog many valuable lives, The resolutions Ppose the policy of placing savage Indians upon eservations and allowing them to roam at will over setuied portions of the territory to steal from and Kill the whites, and protec them from merited punishment on the special plea that they are at peace because of their supposed confinement within conventional lines, Nemtnations. The President sent the following nominations to the Senate to-day:—George H, Hand, of Dacotah, to be Secretary of Dacotan, D. H. Batchelder, of New Hampshire, to be United States Consul at London- Gerry. Bills Siqned by the President. ‘The President has signed the act making am ap- Propriation for the Miillary Academy for the Mscal year and the joint resolution authorizing the Secre- tary of War to place at tne disposal of the Bridge's Battery Association, at Chicago, certain captured ordnance, Personal. Major General Rosecrans has been in Washington for several days canvassing the Senate and House witb reference to his railroading and mining schemes in mexico and California, He watches the present revolutionary movement in Mexico with the greatest interest, Senator Carpenter, of Wisconsin, was so 111 during several days of last week that be was confined to his house; but he was able to go out on Saturday, under instructions from his physician not to attend the Senate, Carloa Pearce, of Boston, the owner of the “big ox” and donor of the big organ to Bishop Simpson's church, im this city, ts here lobbying a big rall- road job through Congress. The bill asks for money and land, and if it passes the money will be suMictent to construct the road and the land will ‘be clear gaim. A liberal bill, Ex-United States Minister Sanford, to Brussels, Belgium, isn Washington opposing the confrma- tion of his successor, J. Russell Jones. Catherweod, the son-in-law of Corbin, was per. mitted to depart from Washington on the noon train Saturday, the Committee on Currency having squeezed nim to the peel on the gold panic queation, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel George K. Leet, Assist- ‘ant Adjutant General of the War Department, who was 60 summarily orderea by General Sherman to “report in person without delay” to the head- quarters of the Army of the Cumberland, was in New York city atthe time the order was issued and instead of obeying it tendered his resignation, which has not yet been accepted by the President. Colonel Leet was General Grant’s confidential adju- tant in Washington after the latter assumed com- mand of the army of the United States. Forney’s recent party in Washington was given on the principle of bis old kitchen Capinet assemblies under “Poor Pierce."’ It was a real estate lobby job for the District of Columbia, and smacked @ good deal of Cameron's ‘‘Air Line Railroad.” Surprise ta expressed in oficial circles that President Grant should counenance such gatnerings. Captain Commereli, of the Monarch, is expected to be In Washington to-morrow. FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. Second Seunic SENATE. WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 1870. THE FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT. Mr. WittiaMe, (rep.) of Oregon, introauced a joint resolution declaring the ratification of the at- teenth amendment to the constitution of the Unitea States by the requisite number of States. Referred to the Judiciary Comunittee. AMERICAN AND SCANDINAVIAN STRAMSHIP LINE. Mr. FENTON, (rep.) of N. Y., introdaced g bill for an American line of mail and passenger steamships between New York and the Scandinavian ports, Referred. Mr. Fenton’s bill directs the Postmaster General to contract with the owners of Ruger’s American hne to Europe for the conveyance of United States mails between New York and Copenhagen sna other Scandinavian or German ports, touching at Southampton or Queenstown or Havre, to secure the construction or purchase of first class American Byearnanips for this service. ‘The United States gov- ernment is to advance said parties $1,600,000, vo be Tepaid out of compensation for the service. BILLS INTRODUCED, Mr. CHANDLER, (rep.)‘of Mich., introduced a bill ex- tending the me for the completion of the Pliat and Pere Marq Railroad, Michigan. ID, (Fep.) Of Mtich., introduced a bill to establish @ terrivorial government for Alaska. RESOLUTIONS REPORTED. Mr. WILSON, (tep.) of Mass., fram the Committee on Military Aifairs, reported without amendment tne House joint resolution relating to the construction ofthe Kock Island bridge. Also the;House joint reso- lution dowating captured cannon for the construc- tion of @ monument at Weat Point, ABOLISHMENT OF THE PREEMEN'S BUREAU. Mr. PATTERSON, (rep.) of N. H., frum the Comsaitree on Keirenchment, reported with amendmeaw the bill to avolish the Freemen’s Bureau, and provide for the Bureau of Education. ‘The vill provides that the present duties of the Freedwnen’s bureau, relating to the collection and payment of bouuties, &c., suall be discharged by the officers of the War Department, to be selected by the President. The War Department ts aiso vo take charge of ali property now under the control of said Burean, except such property and funds as have been ig geod for the pathoere of education, wach shall be transferred to the Bureau of Education, clerical force now employed thereto. au of Education 1s authorized 10 co-operate with any and ali other educational organ- izations throughout the United States for the estab- Ushment and matatenance of schools for tne educa- ton Of all Classes, and may take possession of ail funds and property heretofore conveyed by the Freedmen’s Bureau, or such property which may be attempted to be diverted from tue origina) pur- pose and intention, ‘THK CASE OF FITZ JOHN PORTER, Mr. CHANDLER offered @ resolution requesting the” President to communicate to the Senate, if not incon- sistent with the pubiic interests, any recent cor- respondence in bis possession in relation to the cusa of Fitz Joun Porter. He held in bis band an appeal to the President of the United States for the re-exam- Maun of the proceedings of the court martial in tue case of Major General Fitz John Porter, aad in an- swer to tie statements of that paper he proposed to vindicate the truth of history while tue witnesses were yet living, who would tesitly in the case. Ag @ member of the Committee on the Conduct of tho War it was his duty in ap official capacity to inveati- gate the facts counected with the déjails of General rope’s Virglula Campaign, And the removal by death of President Liucoin and Ar, Stanton rendered more imperative and important the lmmediate ful- iment of @ pledge which he had voluntarily given General Pope seven years ago that justice shouid be cone to that gemeral and his campaign 1 Virginia, even tough he (Ciadnier) should be compelied to urge it from his seat im’ the Senate, He referred to the perilous condition of the country and the general appreension of disaster pervad- ing the public mind upon the retirement of General McCieilan’s command to the James river in August, 1862, und the appointment of General Pope to the command, witn directions to cover Washington from attack and to so operate on the enemy’s hues as to torce him Ww wake heavy detachments irom his force at Kichmond. Ata conversation in the War OMice about the ume relerred to several propositions were suggested by General Wadsworth, then com- manding the defences of Washington, one of waich was adopted, to créate as great @ division of the enemy as was ible, a8 @ means of getting McClellan out of @ present dimiculty. Instructio: were given to Pope accordingly, and the sole object of that General's campaigs, was to help save the army of the Potomac. His entire force did not exceed iorty-two thousand men, only tirty thousand of which could be concentrated atany one point b: reason of its being scasvered along from Aquia Cree! to Harper's Ferry; yet, while iiable to be ov whelmed by @ superior force of the ene: General Pope succeeded im deceiving not oniy enniny, but the whole country, and even the hews- paper correspondents at Washington, as to the ex- vent of his forces, and by means of scouts adroitiy circulated stories that his army amouted to ono hundred and twenty thousand men. ‘This the revels believed, ana thereupon Pope drew upon himself the whole force of the rebel army, which he fought night and day for eleven days, adopting every ex- pedient as @ means of gaining time so that the Army of the Potomac might unite with him. It Was at this time the alleged defection of Porter occurred, and the criminal refusal or neglect of that omMicer to obey the commands of his superior aud move up his command to the attack was, Mr. Chand- Jer auserted, fully proven by the telegrams and other evidence in the case. Porter's duty was to march when ordered, aud the diiMculties or dangers of the march were none of his business. One of General Porter's reasons upon the trial for not mov- ing bis force forward was that tne enemy were in force in bis front, as waa shown by eiouds of dust in the direction of Gainesville. Gene- ral Porter nor’ ciaimed to have fresh evidence. by Jef Stewart's cavairy, with a lot of horses having brushes tied to their talls, galloping Gown froin Gainesville. Mr. Ohendier referred to the tial whicn tried and unanimously convicted 4! accused, after forty-five days of careful investiga- He said some of the members of the court were in favor of the death penaliy, and the rumor ae that the only reason why that penaity was hot inficted, was the fear that Mr. Lincoln, whose kindness of heart was well Known, would not en- force it. He charged, upon the statement of his in- formant, who was @ reliable gentieman, that while tue trial was actually in progress, Fite John Porter Used this langoage:—‘I was not there iano usein denying it.” faithlessness to Pope meant treachery govern- Ment, and that all the dreadful struggles which followed tnat period of the war, with ail their dire- ful resuits, were in some measure attributable to this hery, Mr. WILSON, (rep.) of Mass.—Mr. President, [knew Fite John Porter well ‘at the commencement of the war, and regarded him as an gccompuatio’ and able olticer. I knew many of the men who served under him, and I koew that he had what was deemed the best corps in the best army of the country. He cer- tainly rendered great services to the country at Hanover Court House, at Gains’ Mills, and capec! @t Maivern Hills, All military .men admit this. Was surprised and grieved at the charges made Against him for his action in the Pope cam! ind ft was not ey hg that the court mart on the evidence they had before them, should bring hima {a “guilty,” aud on that evidence to-day I do not see how they could have done anything else. I do not think the court martial are liable to any blame from Ourselves or otuers; but their verdict was Coes to General Porter, ’ He felt tt and felt deeply. He claimed, aud bis friends claimed, that he bad been ardly dealt with. Many faltuful oiicers, erally in my section of the country, who had served under him Were anxious, after the close of tue war and on the statement that new evidence had been dis- Covered that would explain his action and perhaps justify it, that he should have » new or ‘that he should have in some way a new examination. I joined with others, upon tots statement of new evidence, in asking the President of tue United Staves to Rave General Porter brought before a military commission or court martial and to lave a reopen- ing and re-examination of the matter, tnciuaing all the evidence before the previous court martial. With this new evidence | thought if he had been wi deait with be had terribly suffered, and ‘his feeling, sir, that on @ Latiefield in the Rebellion and perilied his life for the country cual, a this time and in all coming time, to be righted if ne has been renga, That is my feeling towards Generai Porter and every other man who served nis country. If | am sure a man has been wronged ana I can aid tn righting him I always mean to doit, whether he be an oilticer or private. Therefore, when these statements were ners that new ae ite had been Ce naede tered ould change result or 10 legree justify General Porter L felt tuat bis conduct previous to ‘this all Offence entitied him to justice at the Dands of his country. Consequentiy i jomed with some Senators and others in asking the opening of this cage, I have understood that General Porter had no desire to go back into the army; tuat what he desired was 0 be vindicated, and vindicated, too, by facts; that neither he nor his friends desire = =whitewashing—and that I do not desire, 1 shought Was submitted to military men, gentiemen whose names would be an assurance of just and patriotic dealing, that the previous decision of the court Martial Might be vusained or overturned uy all the facts; that General Vorter would be condemned if guilty, and if not tuat he would recetve that jus- tice which every man who fought for his country in the Rebeilion should always receive at the hands of his country. I should be giad to see the case thus tried upon its merita, or upon tne facts, not for the Durpose of conviction or acquittal, or of whitewash- ing, but lor the penpees ol doing even and exact justice co one who held the commission of a major [der in the army of tue United States. Ido not, jowever, presa that matter here now. I suppose nothing can be done about it here. The Seuator from Michigan (Mr, Chandle1) bas sated a case very strongly against General Porter, but facts mignt be orougnt to light which Would operate very materi. ally in bis favor upon the judgment of nis counuy. The subject Was then disposed of by the with- drawal of the resolution by Mr. Chandler. ABSENCH OF THE VICE PRESIDENT. The Vice PRESIDENT anuoUnced that he would be compelled to be absent for one week from to-day, when, OD mowon of Mr. Kamin, the Sevator from Ruode Igland, Mr. Anthony, Was deputed to preside temporarily. RESOLUTIONS AND BILLS RBPORTED AND PASSED. The Senate then proceeded to consider the bills reportea from the Committee on Commerce, when the following, on motion of Mr, Cuandier, were taken up and passed:— ‘the House joint resolution for refunding the hos- pitat money coliected of the whaling bark Hamilton. ‘Tue House joint resoiution to geil or exchange the site for ® custom house in Nashville, Tenn., in order to obtain @ more suitable location. Tue jomnt resolu tion to authorize the secretary of the treasury to issue an American wer Lo the bark Live Uak, ‘The bill to change the boundaries of the collection diatrict of Brazos de Bantiago, fexas. ‘The bill giving the consent of the United States to the erection of @ bridge across the Delaware river, between Philadelphia and Camden, N. J. ‘The bill to provide for the better security of the lives of , pgs ye on board of vessels propelled by steam. JU requires that every sicam vessel of over 100 tons, carrying passengera or freight, shal) be supplied witn douole acuon sieam hp 8 on means of Rep PRATT? which. snail be operated independent of the machinery of the vessel. Aweénded to allow the partial use im lieu of life boats of life rafts aud cork life-mattresses, with bread and water compartments, A bill to authorize the accounting oMcers of the ‘Treasury to ust the accounts of kzra Carter, dr,, late Coilector of Customs at Portland, Me. ‘Yhe bill aunendavory to an act Nxing certain rules: and regutations for preventing collisions oa water, Q@pproved April 29, 1864, deciaring that articies ld and 13 do not apply to two ships which must, if both keep on thetr respective courses, Clear of each other, or where a sip sees another ahead crossing her own course, put to cases in which by day each sip sees the masts of the other in a lime witi her owa, and when at night euch seas both the side lights of the other, ‘Lhe bill to reorganize the marine hospital service and to provide for the reilef of sick and disabled seamen was also considered. {t authorizes the creation of a fund for the purpose named. Collectors of customs arc directea to collect from the vessel owners or masters two cenis per day for every seaman on United States vessels arriving from foreign ports or ou registered vessels im che coasting trade who shali have een employed on sald vessel sinve she was last entered any port of the United States, which satd sum the master or owner is permitted to retain from the Wages of the said employes. ‘Tne bill authorizes the appotutinent by the Secretary oF the Treasury of Ss supervising surgeon of tie Marine hospitai service ata salary of $2,000, Who shail mnake monthly re- ports w the Secretary. ‘Ine tund is to be employed under the direction of the Secretary of the Trea- sury ior the relief of the sick and disabied seamen. r. HAMLIN, (rep.) Of Me., moved to reduce the assessment from sixty to forty cents fur the montp, and remarked that these hospitals were necessary in view of the iimprovident character Of sailors as a Ciass; that they were faithful deignders of the Dag and justiy regarded as Im some senee tho Warda of a generous government. Alter discussion the amendment was adopted and she bill passed. ‘To pay to K. P. Parrott $12,198 35 for building an iron lighthouse at Cune Canaveral, Florida. ‘To admit free of duty certaim prinvea chromos of Indian paintings. To amend an act entitled an “Act to authorize the Secreiary of the Treasury to license yacnts,”? PRESENTED TO THM SENATE. Mr. SuMNEK, (rep.) Of Mass., announced that he had received for presentation to the Senute a beau- tiful volume containing tue Lora’s Prayer in one hundred diferent languages. He moved tuatit o¢ received and deposited 1a the Congressional Library. Agreed wo, APVYKOPRIATION FOR THR NAVAL SERVICE. Mr. MorKiL1, (rep.) Of Me., from the committee of conference or the two houses on the pili supplying deficiencies io tne appropriations for the naval ser- vice, made a report ixiug the whole ameunt of ap- propriations at $2,000,000, which was concurred in, SVRKECHES PRINTED IN THE GLOBE. Mr. WILSON introduced @ joint resolution direct. Ing that no speech not actually delivered in Congress shall be printed in the Glove, which was imme- Giately passed, Mr. Anthony remarking that the pracuce of printing speeches mot delivered had never prevatied in the Senate, ENCROACHMENTS UPON NEW YORK HARBOR, ‘The biil for the preservation of the harbors of the United states againgt encroachments was taken up. Mr. STOCKTON, (aem.) Of N. Y., op 1d the pill aa unconstitutional, and asked that it be laid aside for the present. Mr. CAMERON, (rep.) of Pa., opposed the bill upom various grounds, principally because its effect was to benefit New York harbor at the expense of the government. ‘The bili was advocated by Mr. Conkling, but was finaliy laid aside. EXECUTIVE SESSION, On motion of Mr. CHANDLER the bill to promote Commerce between the States and to cheapen trans- urtation of the malis, &c.—bejag the New York and fasuingion Air Lil rosa bill—was taken up. Pending its conside the Senate, at four o'ciock, ‘Went into execotive session, and shortly atter ed- journcd. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wasuinaton, Feb. 21, 18’ BILLS INTRODUCED AND REFERRED, By Mr. Binouam, (rep.) of Ohio—To enforce the Fignt of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of the Union who Lave hitherto been @enied that right on account of race, color or pre- vious condition of servitude; aiso to x the point ot Junction of the Union and the Centre! Pacific rail- Toad companies. By Mr. Prossen, (rep.) of Tenn.—To provide for the burial of deceased ex-officers and soldiers of the United States Army tn the national cemeteries. By Mr. BuTLER, (rep.) of Teun.—To pay loyal eiti- zens of Tenvessee for property taken for the use of the Quarterimaster’s Department. By Mc. COBURN, (rep.) of Ind.—To provide for the accounts of whe Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House. By Mr. CULLOM, (rep.) Of Tll.—To provide for the settlement ana payment of expenses Incurred by the ‘Yerrivoriai authorities of Montana for troops in 1867, By Mr, MOCRaRyY, (rep.) Of lowa—To create the omMce of government architect. By Mr. ELDRIDGE, (dew.) of Wit.—For an appro- priation for harbor at Port Washington, Wis. By Mr. JOANSON, (dem.) of Oal.—For the erection of public buildings in San Francisco; granting aid for the construction of a railroad from Vallejo to Hum. boldt bay; to legalize decrees of discharge In insolv- ency under eedings Of State courts since the Passage of the Bankrupt act; to settle the title to a ann or Goat laland, in the bay of San Fran- 60, Cal. By Mr. MONgUBLY, (dem.) of I!l.—To abolish the Bureaus of Education and }‘reedman’s affairs. eae and vhat By Mr. BuncwaRn, (rep.) of I.—To remove volie-_ cal disabilities tm States ratifying the @fteenth amendment. By Mr. Dyru, (rep.) of Mo.—Granting the unsold pubite |, io Missouri on the lat of January, 1871, Yo kuat State for educational purposes. By Mr. WELLs, (dm) of Mo,—To incorporate thé ‘Missiasippl Valley Land and River Improvement Company. . FERRY, (rep.) of Mioh.—-To regulate the foreign wade on the northern, aortheastert ‘and coasting and northwestern boundaries. By Mr. Surra, (dem.) of Oregou.—Granting ald to Oregon for the construction of @ steamboat canal Ground the faiis of the Willamette river, Adopted. By Mr. CLARKs, (rep.) of Kaa.—Authorizing the gale Of @ portion of Fort Leavenw military reservation to the Kansas Agricultural Mechan- ial Association of Leavenworth county, Kansas, for a fair ground. Resolutions of the Kansas 18 lature for the removal of ali the indian tribes to the Indian Territory; the opening of their lands to actual setuers at $1 25 per acre, and the grant of lands to certain railroad Compasica and for the erection of a post office building, &c., at Leavenworth, By Mr. GARFIELD, (rep.) of W. ‘.—To abolish the reservation at fort Angios, Wasniogton Territory, By Mr. POLAND, (vep.) of Vt.—Keluling to witnesses in extradition cases, By Mr. WILLABD, (rep.) Of Vt-—Making 11 a miade- Meanor to Mt out or equip ships-of-war. or to seth or furnish arms or muuitions of war with intent that they shail be employed in the service of foreign prince or to commit hostilities agal the ple of ag province, district or colony who are in @ state of armed insurrection against such foreign prince or State, and providing for the for- feiture of such ship or vessel. By Mr. BUTLER, (rep.) Of Mass.—To abolish the office of Pension Agent and to provide for tne pay- ment of pet u cy Also to mnsions through postmaaters. ‘ovide means of reviewlug the judgments of the inited States Circuit and District in crimiual Cases. By Mr. KELLooG, (rep.) of Conn.—Red: the Income tax to three per cent and exempting $2,000 Oy Wr SLOCUM dem.) of N. Y. Bectetary of Stale fo cause. the remains N. Sauinier, late United States Consul at Vera Cras, to or Mn Cow! id ee Or, Y.—Increasing the tax ly Mr. COWLES, (rep.) 1. Y.—T on distilled ‘apirits to dollar per D. By Mr. TOWNSEND, (rep.) of Pa.—To equalize the distribution of the national bank currency. By Mr. PLarr, (rep.) of Va—For the improve- ment of the Appomatiox river. Also to the loyal oan oaths 3 Fah ores — the actof July , allowluy claims for quartermasters’ stores, bu 4 be uted in cours of a Bon ir, H&aTON, (rep.) of N. C.—Incor; Southern ‘Transcontinental Raliway Gobpanye and granting lands in aid wereof, By Mr. Dockgny, (rep.) of N. C.—In relation to collection districts i North Carolina. By Mr. WHITTEMORE, (rep.) Of 5. C.—For the im- provement of Red river, Caddo lakes and Big Cypras sere between Shreveport, La., aud Jelersos, lows:— ‘exas. Resolved, That in the opinion of the House the business ‘Yoverests ol the country require an increase in the volume Of circulating currency, and the Committee on Banking and Currency are instructed to report to the House at aa early = day as practicabl ii tnereasing the currency to the amount of at least fifty million doliars. Mr. GARFIBLD, (rep.) of Ohio, inquired whether if the previous question were not seconded it would not be in order to move to refer the resolution to the Cominittee on Banking aud Currency. Mr. INGERSOLL, (rep.) of Ill, remarked that the eos from Ohio knew very well that it would Mr. GARFIELD hoped the previous question would not ve seconted, Mr. INGERSOLL hoped that it would be, and that the house would vote directly on the question— whether the country was to have more money or not. ‘ihe previous question Was seconaed by vote of 108 wo 73. The resolution was then adopted—yees 110, aaya 78, a8 foliows:— Vous—110. INCREASE OF CURRENCY, ‘The resolution offered last Monday by Mr. Tidge, t(rep.) of lows, came up ior action, Bird. Gilblian. Towaeend. Dine, Haight. Twichet, Brooks. Haldewan Upson, ka. ard. Builintoo. Wasvbdura, Burebard. Wasudure. Calkin, Wheeler, Cossum, Jeackes. Willard. Churchil, —-Beliey. Wivase oe Kelogg. Woodware ee bs TAX ON PORK PACKERS. Mr. MoOmary introduced a joint resolution to re- Neve frow the manufacturers tax pork packers, tard Tenderers and persons engaged ia smoking hams and curing a &ec. Pending action the morning bour expired and the Joms resojution went over till next ai REMOVAL OF DISABLLITIRS. Mr. BUTLER, (rep.) Of Mass., from the Reconstrac- tion Committee, reportea back the Senate bill re- moving i Gisanilities from between four and five hundred persons in various States. Some eight of the persons embraced had been elected to office in Muxsiasippt, @nd if this bill were not paswed they would be disqualified. Mr. WHITTEMORE offered as an amendment the House bill, embracing about two thousand names. Mr. Cox dem.) of N. Y., inquired of Mr. Whitte- more whether there Was any principle staved in the bill on which these names were reported. Mr. WHITTSMORE replied that there was not. Mr. Cox—Is it proposed to attach to the original bill or to the amendment any system of amuesty, through the courts or otherwise? qe WHITTBMORE—Not at all. That isin @ sepa- rate bill. Mr. Cox—I will never vote fora measure picking out men by name. | want a general amacsty, Mr. BUTLER, sad that DO mau in the House Was snore anxious than timself to get apta general bill to remove disabilities, Such a Lill had been re- Ported, and he would press it at the earliess possivie Moment; put thet would take Up considerable tine in the House and Senate, aud he was anxious thas in the meantime this bili should be passed. After this he would not report avy further personal dis- abilities bili until tne House had passed upon a general amnesty bill. He was only sorry tw feet humseif obliged from the position of the business vo report tnis bill first, but he did feet so obligeu. Mr. BROOKS, (dem.) of N. Y., declared himself op- osed to the whole system of pedditng out pardons ju detail, It was wrong from beginning to end, unworthy the characver of tue government, undtg- and if there were no other member to vote against it he would vote against it alone, ‘There was much to be sald against the people of the South, but there was also much tobe sald in their favor, of their og! of their rr gm mative American piuck, Of the wonderful resources they hadexhibited. He desired to have them wel- comed back, #0 that in case of @ foreign war th would fight alongside the people of the North in the common defence of the country. He had feit proud of their herolam and be had seit proud of the generous terms accorded to them at Appomattox Court House by the General of the army, and be only Wished that distinguished officer was a8 generous now as he was then—thas he were less of @ politician and more of ageneral. He wished that such gen- erosit: ould ve exnibited wo the le of the South as that the government could sal war that on we aid of their lpi nome m ft might be engaged in egaion or ry ain, ‘There Was no self-government in the South. fore had been imposed on that peopie than had ever been Imposed by gay civilized people upon any sub- jugated bation, They had been rob! Of seif-gov- ernment, the military had been placed over the their States had been reorgant by force, they hi been made siaves of slaves. Was not that punish- ment enough? Was not that revenge enough? Had not the ampleat desire of punishment been gratified f He appealed to the House vo rise to the itude of the occasion and throw wide open the re of ardo i Mr. BECK, (dem.) of Ky., while agreeing with his friend from New York as to the propriety of passing & general amnesty bill, expressed his surprise at hearing Dim say he would vote against this bul. For his part, he would vote for every bili removing the disapility of any person. Mr. Voonuess, (dem.) of Ind., concurred with nis friend from Kentucky, and hoped the aay of the Romane. of @ general amuesty Dill was not far stant, Mr. FARNSWORTH, (rep.) of IL, expressed @ like Sentiment. Mr. Wooo, (dem.) of N. Y., was opposed to dealit out the clemency of Congress in these doses, an ‘Was sorry to believe that they were prescribed by partisan Committees Outaide and inside of Co; Mr. HorcuKiss, (rep.) of N. Y., was in favor of re- jecting this bili, so to secure the more speedy passage of a geueral amnesty bill. Mr. MAYNaxp, (rep.) of Tenn., moved to strike out the names gt Messrs. Brown, McKenoon, Wngnt, Thomas and Dunuington, of Tennessee, Messrs. GOLLADAY and RANDALL opposed Mr. neets amendment and favored we passage of he vill, Mr. Maynard’s amendment was rejected and Mr. Whittemore’s amendment was adopted. Mr. Fone (rep.) of Va., moved to strike out the names of A. H. Stuart, R. 1. Daniels, F, Manzy, Wi- lis @ Dance, R. 5S. Graves, James H. Cox, Asa Rogera and John H. Meredita, of Virginia. ie- Jeo hin ‘BUTLER, (rep.) of Mass., said that there was 20 CONTINTEN ON TENTH PAGE.