The New York Herald Newspaper, January 16, 1872, Page 3

WASHINGTON. Somner on Sambo in the Senate. The Fate of the Amnesty Bill, with Its Civil Rights Deadweight. Shipbuilding Materials and Customs Duty. CATACAZY AND CLAY COMPARED. Excitement Caused by the Herald's Despatch from St. Petersburg. Big Jobs in Congress---The New Tactics of the Lobby. WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 1872, Sump on Supplemental Civil Rights—The Galleries Crowded with Colored Persons— Chances of the Amnesty. ‘The Senate galleries presented a remarkable sight tan early hour this morning, being crowded - be- fore eleven o’ci0ck by well-iressed persons of color to such an extent as to almost keep seats from those who usualy while away the hours in observ- ing the proceedings of our “grave and reverend" Senators, in fact the atmosphere was decidedly dark and overcame us Itke a cloud. The occasion for the gathering was the expected speecn of Mr. Sumner in support of his supplementary civil rights proposiuon. When tne Senator entered the chamber atten minutes to twelve he was greeted by the great audience of those whose cause he was to ebhampion with tumultuous applause, Tho Senator, gratified, however, as he must have been, gave no ‘heed to the welcome, but gravely as usual proceeded fo his desk and commenced arranging nis papers. ‘Where deing no Vice President present, at least off- elally, nO reproving gavel sounded, and the excited people barely settled into decorous repose before the Chaplain begun his praver. The morming bour was occupied with the presen- tation of petitions against the duty on salt, fora re- @uction of the tariff, against female suffrage, and from a body of California Chinese asking the re- mission Of duty on rice. Against this petition’s re- ception it was urged that it had never veen our practice to accep: such memorials from foreigners. It was argued in its favor tuat the memorialists were resileuts, und at last the petition was re- Geived. : At one o’clook Mr. Sumner rose, and first king and having read lis amend- ent, proceeded to read his — speech. At that ume not only were the galleries crowded to excess, but the corridors overflowed with eager and interested colored persons of both sexes, Mr. Su mner’s manner was, as usual, grave and dignyfied. Mis voice, which at the beginning ‘Was quite nusky, and throughout was marked with the trevie of advancing years, grew clearer as he proceeded, ana occasionally rose to the old time Swell and sunorous tones which have been one of the Senator's characteristics. Senators’ seats were ail full when Mr. Sumner begun, and he held nus Bulience almost unbroken fortwo hours, during Which he pleaded for the equality of all Bitivens to the common right of travel and enter- ment. Tue most notavie illustrations of the argu- ment were made in the beginning, when the Sena- tor cited the treatment the late Lientenant Gover- vor Oscar J. Daun, of Loutstana, and of Frederick Douglass, returning from St. Domingo, who, while travelling on public conveyances, were both in- _ Sulted and prevented from enjoying the privileges smccorded § to other citizens, Mr. Sumner argued that the spirit of slavery still lived ip these manifestations of caste feeling, and ‘that this measure was a necessary sequence of the great preceding acts by which slavery had been de gtroyed ana the rights of its victims established, Mr. Sumner closed his speech at half-past two, and ‘was foliowed tu opposition by Mr. Vickers, of Mary- land. Tue sound of his voice was tne signal for a clearing of the galleries, which in a few minutes be- Came a8 empty as on ordinary occasions. The Sen- Ble adjourned with Vickers in possession of the Boor. The probabilities arc that: Mr. Sumuer’s amendment will be adopted by a majority vote, and that then the amended bill wil) fail in securing whe two-thirds vole necessary to secure the removal of Gisabilities. The House in an Amngsty Mood—Shipbuild- ing Material The bill offered by Mr. Hale, of Maine, in the Bouse last Monday, in relation to the repeal of du- ties on shipbuilding materials, and for the consid- eration of which he attempted to get the rules sus- pended and failed, came up in regular order to-day. Mr. Hale opened the debate upon it by saying the reason he objected to 11s reference to a committee ‘Was that it was not a new subject either tothe country or to Congress; that prompt action upon it ‘Was desirabie, in order to raise an Important branch Of industry from the depression under which it is g@affering. While it was under considerauon the worning hour expired. A little futter was occasioned by Mr. Dawes ask- ing for a committee to investigate the New Orieans @isorders, which was aot relished by the demo. cratic side of the House, some of tnem judging it ‘ advance as & whitewashing Gesign on the part of ‘the administration, and objection was made vy Mr. Kerr, Whereupon Mr. Dawes asked the House to Suspend the rules, and it was passed by 144 yeas 10 58 nays, Mr. Acker, of Pennsylvania, in the exercise of a fraternal spirit of forgiveness, offered ao resolution for general amnesty, the preamble of which Provided for # good thing im the way of generosity, but which was = rejected, ‘whereupon Mr. Dawes received congratulations from the democratic side. Upon a resolution offered by Limself, providing for the removal of political Gisadilities under the third section of the fourteenth @mendment, Mr. Butler, of Massachusetts, sought to amend it by adding the word “legal.” This was also lost, the vote standing 129 nays to 69 yeas. Mr. Bale, of Maine, then introduced bis bill, which passed the House last March, which empodies the visions Of the Jast bill rejected, with the excep- made of members of Congress and omers of the army and navy who left the service of the Duited states to go into the rebellion. Amnesty was wt last secured by the passage of this vill, ‘thirty- @me members only voting against it. after this gencrous legislation, with a general good fecling and ® desire for ‘peace on earth and gvod will toward man,” the House, after @ little routine business, pajourned, Tho Diplomatic DiMcalty with R —Catas eazy and Clay as Disgraces Compared— Kremer ta Hot Water. ‘ ‘There 1s much excitement in town in reference to the despatch from Prince Gortschakon about Minis- ter Catacazy, published exclusively in the Heraup. The genuineness of the text of the despatch has been questioned by some of the State Department people, but this ts not the theory of the department. The only news that nas been received here has been what was contained in the HERALD, and the Secre- tary is anxiously expecting tne full text which may come in the next mall, It is thought that Minister Curtin would have sent an indication of the despatch by cable if it were Of the paramount importance attached to it by Many of the critics over the country. There 1s high ‘oMcial authority for saying that much interest and some anxiety ts felt as to the effect of the Catacazy matter upon our relations with Russia, It has been saig that we should have been patient with Mr. Oatacazy, in return for the patience stown by the Ruesian government when Govischakof com- plained about Mr, Cassius M, Clay. The circumstances in regard to Mr, Ulay aro = nots generaily = known, and may be stated, Some time aiter be took charge 4 NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1872.—TRIPLE SHEET. of our Legation in St. Peterspurg 4 despatch was sent to the Russian Minister nere of @ confidential character, To make sure that this confidence would be respected it was written in Russian and mot in the language of diplomacy. This despateh directed the Russian Minster to call Mr. Seward’s »tvention to irregularities of the Lega- uon which had become scandalous, Thus, for instance, @ member of the Legation sitting in ap Open carriage, accompanied by a woman not his wife, and of unenviable fame, drove into the private grounds of the Empress when she was taking the air, Entrance to these grounds is a diplomatic privilege, and the Emperor felt that privilege had been abused when a woman was taken into the presence of his wife who would not nave been tolerated in bis Court. Another charge was that women of evil fame had heen photographed at whe Legation in a state of nudity, This might have been defended upon the ground that such @ pro- ceeling might have had anatomical or scientific in- verest, but, when these photographs were dis- tributed, the Chancellor felt that it was a scandal, and so brought it to Mr. Seward’s attention. Mr. Seward admitted the justice of the com- Plaint, and the Emperor’s cause for anger, but said to the Minister that there were peculiar reasons why the Emperor’s forbearance with our Mimister would be accectable to President Lincoln. We were in a state of war with the rebels; they counted largely upon foreign aid. Russia was our great saieguard among foreign Powers, and had been ostentatious in her friondship. To recall a Minister at vhat time or make any change in the legation, especially under circuristances that haa not—and for many reasons could not—ve made a® matter of diplomatic recoura, Would excite great attention, and would be misconstrued by the rebels and their foreign sympathizers as being an evidence of [il-feeling between the two countries and a prelude to the disruption of relations, and that the moral aid thus given to the rebellion would be detrimental to the Union cause. When the request of Mr. Lincoln, together with this statement of reasons, was communicated to the Emperor he consented to withdraw his request for the recall of the Minister. ‘This recora 1s pointed to here by the friends of Mr. Catacazy as a striking contrast to what they regard as the impa- tence and the rudeness of the American govern- ernment, They contend that the errors of Mr. Catacazy should have been overlooked, at least until after the visit of the Grand Duke Alexis. The administration people admit the force of this, but say that our Minister was merely chargeé with acts of personal indecorum, which at best were an offence to good taste and calculated to injure the Person committing them and not the government of Russia, while Mr. Vatacazy is charged not merely with acts of personal indecorum, but with interference with the affairs of our government—even to attempting to, destroy its relations with a great and friendly Power, They furthermore point to the fact that many months have passed since the request for the recall of Mr. Catacazy was first communicated to the Kussian government; that if it had been granted then the matter could have passed into the confidential records of the department, and Cata- cazy could have gone home with nis bag and bag- gage and no one the wiser, But when this request was made it was allowed to lie dormant. Prince Gortschakoff was in Germany, and the matter was postponed until he returned.. So months passed away, although little doubt is felt here that Prince Gortschakoff was aware of the request and Gailied with it and postponed it In the nope tbat Mr. Catacazy would make his peace with the Presi- dent, Asa reason for this itis sald that Catacazy was a favorite with Gortschakod, and that when selected for tne Washington mission it was against the wishes of the whole Cabinet and even against the wishes of the Emperor, with whom Mr. Catacazy was unpopular, especially on ac- count of certain transactions at the Court of Hanover, when be was Minister there, If any impatience was shown therefore with the Russian government, the fault must rest with Gortschakof, as our government held that tne honor of the country compelled it to be peremptory with a man like Catacazy, especially after all reasonable patience ana psy had. been shown, One vning 15 -eettsin, {hat come what will of our relations with Russia the President will sustain his Secretary and accept the fullest consequences, even to the point of instantly recalling Governor Curtin and suspending all retations with Russia, should Gortschakof attempt to put any indignity upon Mr. Fish. There is no doubt that Russia feels some soreness, Our people at the State Department admit this and regret it, and a statement ts sent forth to-day that the warmth of the despatcn addressed to Mr. Cur- Un, about which complaint is made, 1s the fault, if It be a fault, of Bancroft Davis, the Assistant Secre- tary, and that it was by some oversight not toned by the cooler and calmer rhetoric of the experienced and courtly Secretary of State. All of this will be explained vo the fullest satisfaction of the Russian government, and will not be permitted 10 stand as a cause of offence. The charge that the Emperor is annoyed because the President dia not return the call of the Grand Duke when here is laughed at by the State Department. The reply is made that the President neither makes nor returns calls. When Prince Arthur was here the question arose, and the English Minister was informed that the President could not break the custom of the government to make any call whatever. Personally, of course, any honor or any courtesy to that Prince or any Prince wquid be patd; but, as the Chief Magis- trate and representative of the people, he could not with dignity do so, It 18 also felt that some of the uneasiness or vexation felt by Russia must be attributed to Minister Curtin. That Minister bas shown a timidity and want of nerve unworthy of an American representative and quite anuoying to the administration, 11 he had carried out his instructions at the outset with any skill or nerve there would have been no trouble, and the criticism 1s freely made that he was evidently more anxious to keep his place than to express the will of the Presiden! |, 48 to the story published in the Heratp that Mr. Kremer, our Danish Minister, wounded the feelings of the Russian Minister at Copenhagen by reading a despatch trom Mr. Fish tn censure of Mr. Catacazy, much surpr.se is manilested and some indignation. No despatch ‘was sent to Mr, Kremer of this kind, but, on the other hand, @ confidential letter addressed to him, as to all our Ministers, simply detatling the posiuon of the government for private information, so that if the question were ever to arise in diplomatic cir- cies the Minister might informally and intelligently explain the action of bis government. This is con- stantly done, and if Mr. Kremer read such a letter, or dwelt upon its contents at an unseemly time or ina way to produce offence, he violated the confi- deuce of his chief, and subjects himseif to recall, or, at the least, to a severe reprimand, Ap Immense Railroad Jov—A_ Cruiser= Dodgery—The Lobby and [te Tac- One of the biggest corporate schemes ever pre- sented in Congress was offered to-day by Mr. Boardman Smith, of New York, in the shape of a Dill incorporating the National air Line Railroad Company from New York to Chicago. It provides for a capital of $100,000,000, and for the construc- tion of three double tracks—two for freight and one for passenger tramMic, The bill ts elaborately drawn, and proceeds upon the pringiple that the ¢ éral government has the right to author. ze the construction of postal and miil- tary roads, irrespective of State lines and authority. Jt 18 provided that passenger fare hall never exceed three cents per mile, and that for sleeping cara not over one-haif cent additional. Freights are not to exceea two cents per ton per mile for products of the forest, soil and mines, aad Dot more than three cents for other freignts, The lobby has so far kept very quiet, and neither its runners in the shape of stock schemers nor Well known agents are to be seen about the Capitol as has been usual in past winters, This quiet is but & bitnd, and there are avundant proofs that achange of tactics has been adopted. The social policy jg the one to be used, and the first entertainment Of this kind comes off to-morrow eventing, at the residence of the attorney for the Alaska Com: mercial vompany, the great fur-seal monopty, Whose business has already netted it avont $1,000,000. Angiber sbrewa scheme was recentiv presented } in a bil) offered by Mr. Townsend, of Pennsyivania, It provides that the Navy Department shall sell all the unserviceable vessels now laid up. The Secre- tary of the Navy is then to contract for the build- img at private yards of twenty iron steamships, sultable for use as cruisers im time of war and of mail service in time of peace. To the latter end they may ve leased responsibie American citizens, The object of the bill 1s to provide work for the international Steam- slup Works and yards at Chester, Pa. The McElgee Cotton Claim. In the Court of Claims to-day the argoments in the case known as the Elgee cotton case, involving @ claim for $430,000, were begun, the plaintiff¥— Woodruff & Buehard, Haller Nutt and John K. Elgee—each claiming the amount for cotton seized by the government in Mississippi in 1864. The argu- ment for Woodruff & Buchard had proceeded but & short time, when the counsel referred to @ copy of a contract which is the basis of the claim, The objection of Assistant District Attorney General McMichael, that it was not proved that this contract was what it purportea to be, was sustained by the Court and could not be read in evidence. Aneffort was then made to have the cases continued, in order to have the proof sup- pited. To this the Assistant Attorney General objected, on the ground that the plaintiffs had had eight years to prepare the case and had come 16 trial at a time of their own selection, and that if cases were to be continued in this way there would be no end to the nursing of the cause until sucn time as tne counsel were satisfied they could win the case, This ‘Was wholly unexpected by the Court as well as by the counsel, who have been accustomed to grant such motions, and it was decided to hear arguments to-morrow. Itis contended by the United States that a mass of the claims on file have been kept in existence by procrastination, with no other view than aepriving the government of the benefit of witnesses on its part who are thoroughly acquainted with the transactions involved in the case, and the Assistant Attorney General has been instructed to insist on their being speedily tried or dismissed from the list, Syndicate Traosfers The delegation of clerks connected with the Treasury Department, who were sent abroad as custodians of vonds for the Syndicate, are on their Way home. But a litile over two million dollars of the $200,000,000 remain to be transferred to the Syndi- cate, and it 130ptional with Jay Cooke & Co, whether they are sent to London or delivered in New York. Unusual Transfer of Bonds. The Register of the Treasury reports that the transfer of registered bouds has been for the two weeks past unprecented in the histery “of the oficé, What occasions it ne is. at a loss to explain. The Charges Against Jndge Field. The petition referred to the House Judiciary Com- mittee asking the preparation of the articles of im- peachment against Judge Fieid, of the United States Supreme Court, and Judge floifman, of the Califor- nia District’ Court, is simply a revival of the one brought forward two years ago by a disbarred law- yer of San Francisco, which expired with the last Congress, no action whatever having been taken on it by the Judiciary Committee, as the general charges were entirely unsupported by the proofs and speci- neations. The Florida Outrage—Spain Apologize. The Spanish Minister will, it is sald, be furnished with a copy of the aMdavit of the Captain of the Florida, in order that he may make the response on his side asa preliminary to furtner action. Cont- dence is expressed in oficial quarters that Spain will promplly make the required amende. Naval Repairs. The repairs on the monitor Mahopac, whicn has been lying at the Washington Navy Yard for about seven years, are nearly completed. She will be commanded by Cap‘ain Gills. The smaller vessels, the Frolic, Tallapoosa, May Flower, Triana aud Con- stellation—the last named the United Staves Prac- tice Ship—are aiso undergoing repairs, . Presidentin! Nominations. ‘The President sent the following nominations to the Senate to-day:— James W. Locke, District Judge of the Southern district of Florida; J. H, Wing, Receiver of Public Moneys, Bay- field, Wis. Re —Thorias B. MoFa Seare, Springfield, I Roberts, H t, N, Baldwin, Counci! . Sivley, Huntsville, Aja, Postmasier-—Kilen H. Wagar, Lancaster, Pa.; P, Wilson, Abllere, Cal,; Duncan Jordan, Cumnbert, Ga.; E. L. Severn, inbagnay, Assan of Internal Revenw—D. ©, Lamb, Third Wisconsin district; William J. Daves, First Mississipp) district. Culleciur of Internal Kevenue—Clark Center, Ninth Ohto dis- trict. Naral—Lientenant Commander Edward Terry to be com- ander; Captain William B. Whiting to. be commodore on {he retired Iiet; also a large number of masters to be lieu- enants, Early Acjournment of Congress. The Committee on Appropriations expect to re- port the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary Appropriation bill to the House on Wednesday next, Others will soon follow. There seems t be a general disposition among the republicans to transact all the public business so that Congress may adjourn before the meeting of the National Republican Convenuon, Brooks Back Again. Hon. James Brooks took his seat in the House for the frst time this cession. He Was warmly con- gratulated by his friends of both parties on his re- tarn, Expected ta Gaaymas Reopened. ‘The State Department has received a copy of a recent decree of the President of Mexico, reopening the port of Guaymas tothe commerce of the hign seas and the coasting trade, Clerks and Disbursing Officers. The Secretary of the Treasury has addressed a circular jetter to all disbursing oMcers, requiring them to inform the Department at their eariiest con- venience of the balance of disbursing funds which they claim to have had to their credit with tne Trea- surer of the United States at Wasnington at the close of business on the 9th of December, 1871. This plan has been adopted for the purpose of detecting irreg- ularities, and 18 simitar to the plan followed by the Comptroller of the Currency in calling for the con- dition of the banks. ¥ Distillery and s az Decisions—The Cotton Seed Wines. ‘The Commissioner of internal Revenue has de- cided that a wholesale and retat! liquor dealer carrying on business on the same premises cannot wholesale and retai)‘out of the same package. The Surveyor General of the Internal Revenue Bureau, wio was sent to Nasn- vile to decide upon the capacity of the stil for the manufacture of biguwines from cot- ton seed meal, reports that the exneriment on so large a scale has been veferred untii a chemi. cal analysis is made of tas artucie to ascertain its fermenting quality. The rectifiers throughout the country are uniting in ® petition to Congress for a chauge in the Inter- nal Revenue jaw governing disuiatiun, so as to prohibit the distillers using charcuai for purification on the distillery premises, The Marine Hospital Service. ‘The Supervising Surgeon of Marine Huspftais re- turned to-day from a tour of inspecuon. having Visited Louisville, Meinptuis, Vicksourg, New Or- leans, Mobile, Pensaooia, Savannah and Charieston. With the exception of Vicksburg au: New Orleans, the hospita: service at all the ports is reported in good condition, The iron nosp:ta: structure at New Orleans, erected on swamp ground, the property of Slidell, and at @ cost of $500,000, is worthiess for the purpose of @ marine hosp:tal, and he nas recom. mended its immediate sale, A Mittary Telegraph for Arizona. Mayor Genera! Schofield in @ recent jeter to the Secretary of War calis special attention to the necessity of & telegraphic commai in with the headquarters and other important poiuw w the Department of Arizona, He says:— “When it is considered that the miiitary e: are nut lees than $3,000,000 a year and that tots lary ni arried on with very imperiect mail facti the telegraph, ft ia not difficult to see that tke ly snsignibcant cost of the line wou.d be more th Increased efficiency and econom: ” Me recommends that Co to rot necessary appropriation of ebase of material aod the bire of skyied labor and 1 tation, and that autbority be given for the empl troops and army transportation in Kine from San i Wells. to Preston enses in Arizona bdrm % Soe Sal ila tctoad io ihe Grited Sa jj aaa ‘The Secretary of War has endorsea the recom. Mendation, and the subject ts bow under considera tion by te House Coumiivee on Miltary Afairs, | lights managed WE STAT CAPITAL. Important Measures Introduced in the Legislature. Qualifications of Jurors Criminal Cases. Previous Formation of Opinion or Impres- sion of a Prisoner’s Guilt or Innocence Not to Disqualify a Juror. Proposed Repeal of the Classification Act and a New Plan of Electing Railroad Directors— The General Sessions Grand Jury Bill Fa- vorably Reported—Trouble in Store for Register Sigel and County Clerk Loew—The Bowling Green and Guardian Savings Banks. aa ALBANY, Jap. 15, 1872. At the opening of the Legislature this evening there was a general appearanee of nothing to do. Many of the members were meditating as to the Propriety of stealing quietly away from the Chamber and seeking some more lively scenes if any could be found. As results show, however, the session in the House was quite long, and matters were introduced which, under innocent looking titles; may prove of great- est moment to the people of the city if not of the entire State of New York. Among the most im- portant bills introduced was one by Mr. Strahan, of Orange, which, under @ general ttle, will create @ stir among the fancy stocknolders and railroad Madagers in the State. It provides: first, for the REPEAL OF THB CLASSIFCATION ACT the point already covered by Senator O’Brien’s bill; secondly, that the Board of Directors shall be chosen from parties selected by the Boards of Supervisors of the counties along. the limes of the roads, one to be named in each county, who shall be a resident of the county and a bona side owner of at least ten thousand shares of the stock, not stock hypothecated for the purpose of his selection. From the persons thus named the Board of Directors 1s to be selected. Thirdly, tt makes it obligatory on corporations to make actual transfers of stock bought when It 1s demanded, and a refusal to do so is made punish- able by a fine of $5,000, or imprisonment for one Year, Or both, of the officers violating this provision. This 18 meant to overcome any similar action a8 that in the Heath and Raphael Erie matter. The sensation of the night was the debate on THE GENERAL SESSIONS GRAND JURY BILL, When the bill was read in Committee of the Whole there was a general straightening up by the members and others, as if uney expected a lively time and a sharp fight. They were not entirely dis- appointed, Alvord had his say, as usual. Then Hawkins, who fathers the bill in the House, ex- plained it as he knew 1t. Niles, of Westchester, fol- lowed him in @ similar strain, when finally Fields stood up. ll eyes were turned on him and the members, or rather the knowing ones smiied as if to say what is he going to do about it? Thomas spoke very deliberately at firsi, but he became more emphatic and impressive as he proceeded. The smiles one by one disappeared, and in their places came looks of doubt, the crowds iu the galleries strained forward to get a better view of the speaker and at several points a faint attempt to appland couid be heard. There was A DECIDED SENSATION when he stated that Charles O’Conor must have been in error when before the Supreme Court he said the bill was contrary to his advice and against hig will, or else the gentleman, Mr. Hawkins, Was mistaxen in fathering the bill on Mr. O'Conor. Hawxint “Soked. puzzled, but Alvord, who had evi- dentiy struck hands with him in this matter, came to hig rescue, and said that Mr. O'Conor had no doubt that the Court had power to order the exten- eion, and the bill would only reiterate the authority. The biil was favorably reported, and will no doubt pass the House to-morrow, although there may be @ fight on it when tt comes up for the third reading. The favorable report on this bill was not the only way in which the General Sessions was noticed, for Mr, Judd, of Richmond, introduced a bill to- pi ght which provides that the more facc that per- sons who had formed an opinion from reading newspaper reports shall not incapacitate them Jrom serving as JURORS IN CRIMINAL CASES. ‘The bill is oMcially sanctioned by Judge Bedford and Recorder Hackett. Their opinion and recom- mendation will have much weight, and there can be little doubt that the bill will become a law. Examinations and investigations being the order of the day, it behooves all public officers to see that their lamps are well trimmed. I have just learned that resolutions will be introduced to-day directing the Judiciary Committee to examine into the mode of transacting business in tne Register’s and County Clerk's offices in New York, to ascertain if any fees are charged in excess of the amount au- thorized by law and to make a general investiga- tion, This will create @ stir, and It 1s said to be founded on the fact that many reul estate owners compiain that the fees charged are exorbitant, and that the reform which was to come with the late change in the Register’s office has not made tts ap- pearance, but that Sigel Is charging as high as his pre- decessor did, and more than the law allows. But the examining Is not to stop here. Jacobs introdued a resolution to-night which may cause Walter Roche, late Treasurer of the Blossom Clu and general reli- gious financier, and Mr. Reeves Setmes, sate sine- cure Clerk to tne Board of Supervisors, high private in the Americus Club, class leader in chureh and m- cumbent of otler ptous positions, to quake in their boots if they lave not already sought tne fountain of youth and health in Canada. The Bank Superin- tendent is to examine into We statements made in regard to the DIRECTORS IN CERTAIN SAVINGS BANKS, meaning, Of course, the Guardian and Bowling Green, as to the misappropriation of the funds of tne je that Judge Hogan may be in- pject by the Bank Superintend- ent, and he cana unfold of what he has learned aw to the manper in which the noble Tammany the banks, and ascertain tne rounds of Mr. Selmes’ fears that Walrer Roche ad been lenuing the money to the politicians, What with investigations, examinations, decapita- tions, charter elections and the like in the city of New York, we may expect tu bavea One sensa- Uonal spring. ‘There was ful: attendance of senators when the Senate was called to order, but no business of im- portance was transactea ‘luring the evening. petition presented by Senator Benedict from John tis, of New York, Was ratuer @ queer fish of a peution, and would have doubtless created a little amusement nad it been readtothe Senate. The petivioner claims that in view of what, he alleges to be a fact, that for twenty years and over he had run stages in Une metropolis in streets now oc- copied by railroads, he ought now to be conceded | tue privilege which he asks to turn stages Into cars and run them on the tracks of the various compa- nies, provided he pays a certain rent for the favor, It Ig quite possible thatthe ‘various companies” would have a great deal to say about this matier were it seriousiy entertained by the Legisiature. The Select Committee appointed to investigate THE CHARGES AGAINST SENATOR JAMES WOOD ‘Will hold their frst sitting to-morrow. It is doubt ful whether the committee will transact any actual business, however, before Wednesday next, as iney ve yet to confer togetner as to their plans for future operation. Sena- tors Ames and Allen, the (wo republican mein. vers wit whom I bad a conversaiion about the matter this evening, state that they mean to probe the charges to the boom, and that no effort will spared to make the investigation thorough and complete. Mr. Greeley—who, It was rumored, would be suppeenaed at the same time as Mr. Tweed—it turns ont now Will not de calied upon to testiiy, inasmuch as he told Senator Ames on Saturday, when the latter was in New York, ‘that he was not acquainted with the factsin the case; in other words, that he knew nothii tne charges other than what he nad nh about them in & general way from third. parties. The Committee will not go to New York after they get to work, bot will endeavor to secure the attendance here of everynody who they have reason to believe or suspect ki thefominittee: wilt welcome ail; pereoa : 16 com! rsons who ing the p: noxious what they eave fee ee ee THE CHARG! AINGT MR. TERWT Tt is rumored that Mr. James Terwiliger, the Cierk of the Senate, will to-morrow ask the appoint- ment ofa committee to investigate the charges coc against lilm by Gracie, the clerk of Weed, arsous & CO., Whose affidavit was publisned ene, 1a one of the New York papers. Mr; erwilliger denies the charges in toto, He will be abie, it is alleged, to show by the aMdavite of Messrs, Weed, Parsons & Co., that Gracie’a state- mnenis are untrue, NEW YORK LEGISLATURE. SENATE. ALBANY, Jan, 15, 1872. ‘The Senate met at balf-past seven o'clock P. M. Mr. ROBERTSON offered a concurrent resolution agreeing to the amendment to the constitution adopted at the Jast election extend: ng the term of the Commissioners of Ap- when a ain bumber of cases are on the calendar. Alter the di sal of some routine Ousiness of no general interest the Senate adjourned. % a ASSEMBLY. ALBANY, Jan. 15, 1872. The Assembly convened at half-past seven o'clock P. M. Mr. WHITBECK presente? a petition for the privilege of placing in the main sewers in New York telegraph cabies and wires, A large number of remonstrances from the interior of the State were presented against placing the Erie Railway uader the control of the British monopoly. m BILLS INTRODUCED, By Mr. STGAHAN—Amendatory of the act reiative to ‘THE NEW YORK CENTRAL Hudeon River and Harlem Railroad. It requires that thirt days before an election of directors the Supervisors of enc county yh which such railroad passes shall meet and appoint one person 0 represent them in such board as their — director. Out of the num- ber 80 nominated those having the largest Bumber of votes at the annual meeting of the stockholders of each of said companies for the election of directors, shall constitute the Board of Directors of said company for the enguing year thereafter. A director shall reside and in the” county he nominated for, be ‘of the United States; and no county more than one representative. No person shall bea director who does not own cleariy at least $10,000 par value of the 4 officers of a company are required, under the penalty of $500 or imprisonment for one year, to transfer stook fo bona Ade owners, Mr. JUDD introduced the following bill relative to the quall- fications of jurors in criminal cases and peremptorily chal- lenges in capit & citizen have Al cases lation to the quahfication of jurors in criminal cases and to peremptory challenges in capital cases. The people of the State of New York, représented io Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows :— SECTION 1.—That the previous formation or pression of (an opinion or tmpression in rever fo the circumstances upon which any criminal ac- ton at law is based or in reference to the guilt or innocence of the party gr parties, principal or accessory, to the act or acts set forth in the indictment, shall not operate to disqualify any person who is otherwise legally qualified to nerve as a juror for the trial of the fesues of such act ex o or acts forth in the indictment from #0 serving; provided the — person proposed ua juror ‘who may have formed or. expressed such r ‘opinion or impresssion as aforesaid shall declare under oath his ability to render an impartial verdict according to the evidence submitted to the jury in the trial on aid. Indict- ment, such impression or opinion to the contrary notwith- sanding. Li .—That the people and the accursed in cages shall each be entitled to thirty peremptory SO. 8.— All existing acts conflicting with the pr the foregoina sections are hereby repealed. SRO. 4.—Phie act shall take effect immediately. RECORDER HACKETT AND CITY JUDGE BEDFORD AP- PROVE IT. The following endorsement from Recorder Hackett and Judge Bedford, of New York, accom- panied tne bill:— We hay fully read the act entitled “An act in relation to the qual: tio! jurors in criminal cases and to pe- remptory challenj in capital cases,” and believe that such Taw should be passed. It is just, ‘not only to the people, to the prisoner, for, as the law now exuis, it 16 almost impossible to procure & jury in any case of pubhe notoriety, as the enterprise of the press is such that i procures and publishes every fact, even to the most minute detail; and there are but few people in any community who do not read the papers and discuss cases 60 pees This question bas been raised and settled in Eng- nd, and any lawyer who ha: id! test attention tothe subject must hold that such # law as that proposed should be ps “In deference to universal public sentiment, reasons herein given, we hope the proposed |: speedily passed. “GUNNING 8, BEDFORD, City Judge, “JOHN K. HAOKET?, Recorder of the city of New York.” The following section has been added to the bill, so that it may not be made to apply to the Stoker case :— SROTION 8,—This act anall take effect six months after its passage. A number of letters have been sent to the Judiciary Com- mittee, to whom the bill was referred. By Mr, Rosk—Regulating the rates of interest on money and providing penalties for recelving more than the legal in- terest on the same. Mr. JACOB moved that the Superintendent of the Bank- ing Department be directed to tranamit to the Houne the evi- dence taken by the examiners pointed to investigate the affairs of the Third Avenue Savings Bank, and to trans. mit their report; also caliing on the same officer to inform and for the law may be offlcers tutions GENERAL ORDERS. The House went into Committee of the Whole on the bill to confirm the orders of the Court of General Seastons of the Peace in and cor the city and county of New York, continu- ing the last November term thereof, and to define’ the law on the same subject. Mr. ALVORD moved to amend #0 as to make all Indict- ments found by the Grand Jury after the passage of this act legal. tir. STRAHAN thought this amendment would defeat just what was desirea by the bill. Mr. ALVoRD said what he wanted to accomplish, or, rather, prevent, was giving vitality to dead indictments. Mr. Freine said that this bill was, in short, to make that legal which some people at least thought was illegal. It should be borne in mind that the innocent are sometimes made to walk the #ame path trod by the criminal. He in- sisted that ‘THE FIRST EXTENSION OF THIS GRAND JURY wes void. Can you ay) vitahty to that which is dead? The juestion waa, Sad e Court the rignt to extend that Grand Jury? He suid it had no such right. He looked upon this ‘Dill a6 an attempt to put on the statute book an ex post furto jaw, and the Legisiature bad no right to i ‘auch a law. He declared that the bigher Courts will decide that every erson convicted since the Bist of November, 1871. in New For have heen illecally convicted. He rogaried the provi: sions of this bill as the most serious ever brought before a Legislative body. Nothing of the kind, he said, so far as he could learn, and he had spent some time in investigation of the subject, was ever attempted before. Mr. ALVORD withdrew bis amendment and moved another, that nothing in this act shall be construed to legalize ‘any mdictment found after the first extension up to the paseage of this act, Adopted. The biil was then reported to the House, and ordered toa third reading. Tie bill to authorize the Poughkeepsie and Eastern Rail- road to eancel @ portion, of their bonds and insue others of larger denomination was also ordered to a third reading. ‘The annual report of the Commissioners of Pilots was re- d, “*qdjeurned, A TALK MIT SIGEL. His Explai itvn. of, “the Tattle Arrangement With O'Donovan Rossa=The Geueral Ha: Fulfiiled All His Promises—He Has Ap- pointed a Deputy Register Who Knows His Business. It may be remembered that some time since an agreement was entered into netween General Sigel and O'Donovan Rossa, in which the latver claims that on condition of the support extended to-General Sigel during the election he was to be appointed Deputy Register. This Sigel has failed to do, and Rossa ciaims that he nas been unfairly treated, con- trary to the expectations he had formed. Yester- day @ HERALD reporter called on General Sigel at his oMce to ascertain if he had made any such promises, The General was looking cheerful as usual, and, although immersed in pressing business, willingly gave his attention to his visitor. “General, 1 have called upon you about the Deputy Registership.”” “Oh, well, it is filled up. I have appointed some one, and I cannot give it to you.’? “Oh, I don’t wish tt for myself; but did you not promise it to O'Donovan Rossa?’ “1 do not understand what you mean.” “You promised after the election to appoint Rossa to the office of Deputy Kegister.” “No, 1did not. 1t is not correct.” “pid you hold out any promises to him’? “Well, J said that the claims of Ms nationality would be fairly and impartiaily considered by me, which I have done, and have appointed all the persons recommended to me by Mr. Rossa to various positions in my ofice.’? “Was there any promise made to Rossa abouta position for himself ?”” “No, said to him that he could not hold the po- sition of Deputy Register, as he did not possess such experience in the work to be aune as ts ncces- sary. I was to appoint his son to @ position in the office, and had written tw him wo meet me here on @ specttied day, which he failed to do. My letter was unanswered. He did not come, and as the place could not remain vacant T gave it to another person ; and now to-day ©’ Don- ovan Rossa sends me another man as a substitute for his son.’” “Then you made specific promise to him, as he claims you aid?’ ‘No; distinctly not. Anything that I said [ would do [ have done; at least everything that is consi tent with the responsibility of my position.’ “A statement has aiso been made that you have put the work formerly performed by the Deputy Register and his assistant on the shoulders of che former, thereby saving to yourself $3,000 a year."” “Tt18 all wrong. On the contrary, I thought tno Work was too much for those officials, and [ have employed another assistant, Neither of the stories 1s true. I did not promise to appoint 0’ Donovan Rossa and | have not tried to make for mysell $3,000 @ year by the abolition of any ofice.”’ “Bas O'Donovan Rossa asked you for the post- tion?” “He has not. We tad @ conversation about the Matter; but he has hever asked me to appoint him. 1 believe that I have acted fairly by him in appoint Ing those whom he recommended, But no one can be Deputy Register without possessing the neces- Sary qualifications.” At this point some visitors called and the reporter wit hdrew, AVAL ORDERS, WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2872, Lieutenant Wiiliam B. Newman has been ordered tothe Wasp and Assistant Surgeon Paul Fitzim- mons to the Naval Hospital at Phiiadelphia, Com- mander A. F, Crossman has been detached from the command of toe Marion and placed on_ waiting orders. Lieutenants H. N. Marcy and &. Long- mecker have been detached from the Marion and placed on waiting orders, and Passed As- sistant Paymaster H. K. 8 Kelding has been de- tached from the Marion and ordered to settle accouute, 3 JAPAN AND CHINA Anrival of the Japanese Embassy Extra- ordinary at San Francisco. Names and Rank of the Imperial Commis- Sioners and Object aud Intent of the Mission—Prineesses on Board, The Mikado on the Social Revolution and the Impulse of National Progress—A Squadron from Japan for Europe—Fires and Ap- palling Loss of Life—Foreign Trade and Education in America—Fire and Flood in China—Tea Market. Telegraphic Communication Opened Between China and Europe. TELEGRAMS TO THE WEW YORK HERALO. San FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 1872. The steamship America, from China and Japan, has arrived three davs ahead of time. She brings the Imperial Japanese Embassy, con- sisting of Iwakura, Prime Minister of Japan, com- ing as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plen1po- tentlary to the treaty Powers; Kedo, member of Als Impertal Majesty’s Privy Council and As- sistant Ambassador; Akabo, Chief Munister of Finance and Assistant Ambassador; Ito, Assistant Minister of Public Works and Am- bassador of the second rank, and Hama Guent, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambas- sador of the second rank. The steamer is now coming up the harbor, mag- nificently decorated with bunting, and the Japanese imperial banner 1s fying at the fore, The batteries of Fort Alcatraz are firing a grand salute. A committee of oMciais and citizens have gone down to receive the Japanese on the wharf. ‘The America has (later telegram) arrived up. She brings the following passengers:—For New York—David King, Jr., George Hurlout, Lieutenant Commander Abbott, United States Navy; also tne Japanese Embassy, together with twenty-six at tachés, sixteen secretaries and interpreters, six- teen servants and twenty-three Japanese students. Passengers for Boston—Captain ©. P, Hawes, G. Farley, Jr. For Chicago—G. Holmes, For Balti- More—G. Gill, Mr. Legawa, Mr. Mureta, Yor Omaha—G. Muller. For Europe—Captain a. D. Currie, L. R. Goldsmith and six Japanese students. FUTURE MOVEMENTS OF THE PRINCES, PRINCESSES AND AMBASSADORS, Five of the Japanese princesses go to Vassar Col- lege. The Japanese Embassy, numbering 105 persons, leave here in eight or ten days for New York, ac. companied by the Hon. Charles E. De Long, Ameri- can Minister to Japan, and Hon. Charlies W. Brooks, Japanese Consul resident here, by the Central and Union Pacific Railroad to Omaha; thence by spectal Pullman hotel train, via Burlington and Missourt and Pennsylvania Central Railroads, through to New York without change. JAPAN. Objects and Intent of the Foreign Missie YOKOHAMA, Dec, 23, 1871. The Japanese Embassy, composed of personages of the highest rank yet sent abroad, leave to-day to confer with the governments of the treaty Powers in relation to the revision of the treaties demanded to be made before July of the present year. ‘These representatives are progressive and profess great friendsiip for foreigners. If sincerely de- sirous of our fmendship the Embassy has now the opportunity of conveying to you the boon of tree intercourse with the natives, ‘whereby their commerce and mines would be de- veloped for foreign capital anil experience, and their depleted treasury be enriched, Mr. De Long, the Ameriean Minister, bas won the good opinion of his countrymen here, and will reach Washington with the Embassy. A SQUADRON FOR EUROPE. ‘Three Japanese men-of-war will start for Europe shortly to meet the Embassy there. PATAL FIRE. A fire at the Yashiwara tea houses destroyed 400 houses, and eighty women were burned or drowned in the surrounding ditch, Fires at Jeddo are reported, all caused by the care less use of kerosene. NATIVE NAVAL TACTICS, A naval review took place at Jeddo, the Mikado being present, and apparently much interested. The United States frigate Colorado went up to be shown to the Mikado, but as the native naval review was soon to occur the Japanese begged tne Minister to send her away, a8 she was Catirely too meat looking, and the Mixado might decide to have no flect at all, if not as well xept as the American, so the Colorado departed for China, avoiding the Corean coast. THE MIKADO ON NATIONAL PROGRESS, A late edict of the Mikado says:— My country is now undergoing a complete change from old to new ideas, which I sincerely desis therefore I call upon all the wise and strong mind to appear and become good ,o to the govern- ment. During youth-time tt is positively necessary to view foreign countries, so as to become en- lightened as to the ideas of the world; and boys as well as girls, who will themselves become men and women, shoakd be ailowed to go abroad, and my country will be benefited by their knowledge so acquired, Females heretofore have had no position socially, because it was considered they were with- out understanding, but if educated and intelligent, they should have due respect. Six young Japanese wornen of rank go to America in care of Mrs, De Long, to be sent some seminary of learning at the expense of the government, RELATIONS WITH AWAIT. The Consul Generalship of the Hawaiian Islands has again been accepted by Mr. E. M. Vanseed, anu bis erequatur bas therefore been tssued by the Ja- panese government, MARKETS, Imports dull. The price of silk fully maintained. The average amount of teas 13 settled without change. Exchange, 4a 6. CHINA. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD, Telegraphic Communication with Europe Orened—Viceregal Visit to Shanghae—Fire and Flood—Freights—Tea and Silk Markets. SHANGHAE, Dec. 11, 1871, ‘Via San FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 1872, Telegraphic communication with Eurbpe has been opened. ‘The Viceroy has patd @ visit to Shanghae. He to- spected the arsenal, and was particularly ‘nteresved in witnessing some operations tn telegraphing. The Shanghae Steam Navigation Company has launched a steamer. The Union. Steam Company has declared a hatf-yearly dividend of six per cent, A fire has occurred at Foochow. Floods have oc- cnrred near Swatow. Freights are in demand at high rates. Black teas have been quiet; green active, with advancing rates, Suks firm, NILSSON IN CINCI NNATI Sale of tickets commenced to-day for the Ntisson opera season, recommencing on Monday, the ern of January, The rush for tickets was great, Bare oe a few hours $4,000 were received, a sigual ot the BR a made here by thy Strakosch Opera Company Wien here last week. platinaritemntseare SNe Cost of the Breoklya Fire Department. The Fire Department Commissioners Rave just footed up the cost of “running the machine” for ths year 1871, The expenditures amounted to $293,965, Of this amount $257,430 was raised in the city taxes, and the balance was derived from the sale of surplus property of the “old” ent. General salaries amounted to $190,172; repairs cost $11,431; building department, $5,908. The re- mainder went for special buildt ind, feed, gas, coai, pew apparatus, harness, shoeing, contingen yles, horses, &c.