The New York Herald Newspaper, December 2, 1873, Page 5

5 CONGRESS. A SS EE Organization and Choice ot Officers. SENATOR SUMNER AND CIVIL RIGHTS Swearing in Members and Drawing for Seats in the House. BEN BUTLER AMONG THE DEMOCRATS. The Mormon Delegate from Utah Not Yet Admitted. REPEAL OF THE SALARY GRAB. SENATE, ‘ WasuINaTon, Dec. 1, 1873, ‘The Senate was called to order at noon by Vice President Wilson. ‘The Chaplain, in the opening prayer, returned ‘thanks to Divine Providence that this day we are free fromthe horrors of war, free from its pains and penalities, He invoked the Divine blessing on the President of the United States, his Cabinet, both houses of the national Congress and all our ‘sulers at home and abroad. THE NEW SENATOR FROM KANSAS. Mr. INGALLS, (rep.) of Kansas, presented the credentials of Robert Crozier, appointed by the Governor of Kansas to fill the vacancy in the Senate caused by the resignation of the Hon. Alexander Caldwell (rep.) ‘The credentials were read and the oath of office administered by Vice President Wilson. On the motion of Mr. ANTHONY, (rep.) of R. I., it ‘was ordered that the Senate meet dally at twelve ’clock M, until otherwise ordered. Algo that the Secretary of the Senate notify the House that a quorum of the Senate had assembled and the body was ready to proceed to the transac- ‘tion of business, Messrs. Anthony, of Rhode Island, and Thurman, ‘of Ohio, were appointed a committee to join a sim- ilar committee on the part of the House of Repre- sentatives, to wait on the President and notify him ‘that @ quorum of each House had assembied. Mr. SARGENT, (rep.) of Cal., had a telegram read from his colleague, Mr. Casserly, (dem.) announc- that he had resigned his seat in the Senate. ie following bills were introduced by unani- mous consent and ordered to lie on the table to be seierred to committees hereafter. CIVIL RIGHTS. By Mr. SUMNER, (rep.) of Mass.—A bill supple- mentary to the bill to protect all citizens of the United States in their civi! rignts, He said he hoped the Senate at an early day would be ready to pro- @eed to the consideration of that well known bill Without referring it to a committee. omar ee, to Meee hoped that and other Involving private rights would be sent to commitiecs. 3 ‘aieo, TOMO ScHOOLS IN WasnINaTON, y Mr. SUMNER, § bill to establisn equal righte'in ‘the public schools of Wasbiugton and Georgetown, é COMPOUND INTEREST NOTES. Also a bill to authorize the issue of compound interest notes as a substitute for legal tenders. Also a bill to protect persons against inveigling from abroad, or kidnapping, forcible restraint, or involuntary servitude. KIDNAPPING ITALIAN CHILDREN. Mr, SUMNER said he introduced this bill to cover 9 class of cases which had occurred since last ses- sion of Congress. He referred to the 5,000 Italian children now held in servitude in this country, having been kidnapped from abroad. Doped XRRNCH SPOLIATION CLAIMS, ¥ ir. SUMNER, a bill to provide for the adjustment of the Frenc! spoliation ciaims. DIRECT ELECTION OF PRESIDENT. Also a iyo resolution proposing an amend- ment to the constitution of the United States so as LU emir lor the election of the President of the ited States vy direct vote of the people, and abolishing the Office of Vice President. EXTENDING THE PRESIDENTIAL TERM. Also a joint resolution ag sori | an amendment to the constitution of the United States so as to extend the Preidential term to six years, and making occupant ineligible for re-election. CONGRESSIONAL PAY, By Mr. CONKLING, (rep,) of N. Y.—A bill relating to certain moneys appropriated tor members of THE GENEVA AWARDS, By Mr. EDMUNDS, (rep.) of Vt.—A bil) creating a commission to adjust the compensation tor depre- panel by rebel cruisers awarded by the Geneva 5 rep.) of lowa—. ill changin; the time for holding the Circuit and District courts in Iowa. OFFICERS’ SALARIES, Also a bill Kor the act of March 3, 1873, in- creasing the laries of certain persons therein REPEAL OF THE BANKRUPT LAW. Mr. LOGAN, (rep.) of Ill.—To repeal the act entitled “‘An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,” BRANCH MINT AT CHICAGO. Also a bill to establish a branch mint at Chicago. INVOLUNTARY BANKRUITCY REPEAL, By Mr. Morton, (rep ) of Ind.—A bill repealing the sections of the Bankrupt act of 1867 which pro- vided for involuntary bankruptcy. CUSTOMS REVISION, By Mr. Fenron, (rep.) 01 N. Y.—A bill to revise ‘the customs Jaws o! the United States. ELECTION OF SENATORS. By Mr. Winpom, (rep.) of Minn.—A joint resoin- mei weet oe amendment to the constitution of the United States, providing for the election of United States Senators by the people. By Mr. Mornin, (rep yor Vee A ath , rep.) of Vt.—A resolution in- structing the Finanee Committee to inquire into the erased patna | J bill providing tor tree sumption of specie payment, to take effect January 1, 1875. pciacay ° FINANCIAL REMEDIES, By Mr. Ferry, (rep.) of Michigan—A resolution instructing the Financial Committee to consider and report remedies for the present financial de- rangemen’ The ViCE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate the NEW or leony, aNd upon conviction be imprisoned for 4 term not exceeding 10 years and pay a fine not exceeding $5, Any person hol another in involuntary ment or service, or ‘angierring any such services to any one except lor the purpose of bet apg | ‘@ trade or occupation, shali be deemed guilty of felony and sufler a like ee . Any person who shall bring into the nited States or Territories thereof any person under false representation as to opportunities for labor and gain therein shail be deemed gulity of Jelony and suffer a like penalty. Any person who shall Sell or cause to be sold into any coudition of involuntary servitude any other person, and any one holding such person to involuntary servitude, shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and upon con- viction be imprisoned for a term not exceeding 20 years and pay a fine not exceeeding $10,000, An ‘accessory to any of the above acts shall be im- prisoned for a term not exceeding five years and pay a fine of $1,000. CONGRESSIONAL SALARY GRAB, Mr, CONKLING’s bill relating to certain moneys appropriated. fur members of ess provides that all orn SRoroneeies a8 compensation to mograbers of the Forty-second Congress in excess of'mileage and aliowances fixed by law at the com- mencement of said Congress, and whicn shall not have been drawn by the members of id Con- ars} respectively, or which, having been returned 2 any iorm to the United States, are hereby cov- ered into tne Treasury of the United States, anso- lutely the same as it they had never been appro- priated as aforesaid, INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION, Mr. SuMNER, (rep.) Of Mass., introduced a resolution that ib the determination of inter- national differences arbitration should become & substitute for war, in reality as in name, and, thereiore, co-extensive with war in jurisdiction, 80 that any question or seevpnee which might be the occasion of war or misunderstanding between nations should be considered by this tribunal; that the United States, baving at heart the cause of peace everywhere, and hoping to help its per- manent establishment between nations, recom- mend the adoption of arbitration as a just and practical method tor the determmation of interna troual differences, to be maintained seriously and in good faith, 80 that war may cease to be regarded as @ proper form Of trial between nations, SALARY OF CONGRESSMEN. Mr. Pratt, (rep.) of Ind., introduced a bill fixing the salary of senators, Representatives and Deie- rates in Congress at $5,000 per annum, which shall (4 in heu of all existing provisions of law lor their compensation, except actual individual travelling expenses from their homes to the seat of government and return, and $200 per annum Jor postage, Stationery and newspapers. It authorizes the disbursing officers of the Senate and House to retain one-third each month from the compensation of Sena:ors, members and dele- gates of the present Congress, such sum as will amount by the 4th of March, 1875, to the excess above the rate of $5,000, which has been hereto- fore paid under the act oi March 3, 1873, the sums so retamed to be returned to the treasury of the United States, DEPREDATIONS OF REBEL CRUISERS. The bill introduced by Mr. Edmunds to provide for the distribution ‘of the sum awarded to the United States by the Geneva Tribunal of Arbitra- tion is the same bill which was reported favorably by the Senace Judiciary Committee last January. It provides for the sppointment by the President of five commissioners to adjust and determine the amount of compensation due to the several claim- ants tor damages arising from the depreda- tions of rebel cruisers, to be oat out of the indemnity fund awarded by the Geneva Tripunal. The allowances of compensa- tion are to be made only for claims decidedly resulting from damage caused by the Alabama, Florida and their tenders, and by the Shenandoah after her departure from Melvourne, February 18, | 1865. No claim shali be admissible for any loss for which compensation has been received irom in- surance, but allowances may be made for the dif- ference from losses sustained and the insurance received thereior. No claim is admissible tor.un- earned or prospective freights, or for seamen’s wages for more than one year after the breaking up of a voyage. No claim snall be allowed in be- half of any insurance company and insurer, except Jor the excess of losses over premiums and gains artsing from war risks. No claims shall be allowed in favor of any insurance company not lawfully existing at the time of the loss under the laws of Some one of the United States, and no claim shall be allowed in favor o1 any person not entitled at the time of his loss to the protection of the United States, or who did not at all times during the late rebellion bear true allegiance to the United States. Allowances of interest on losses may be computed at the rate of four per cent per annum. in case the fund shall not hold out for the payment of all the awards, it is to be distributed pro rata in ac- cordance with them; and, in any event, the United States government is to retain five per cent of the amount of each award, in order to defray the ex- penses of adjudication, IMPROVING SAN FRANCISCO HARBOR. Mr. SARGENT, (rep.) of Cal,, introduced a resolu- tion instructing the Commerce Committee to in- quire into the expediency of the appointment, by the United States, of @ commission, to act with a similar commission to be appointed by the State of California, to examine and report upon the ex- podiensy of protecting the harbor of San Francisco, by the construction of & sea wall, the United States to assist in the work. On motion of Mr. EDMUNDS, the Senate, at a quarter before one o’clock, took a recess ior alf an hour, At the expiration of that time the Senate reassembled, when Mr. EDMUNDS said it was evi- dent that they could not get the President's Mes- sage to-day on account of the time to be consumed in swearing in members and organizing the House. He, therefore, moved that the Senate adjourn until twelve o’clock to-morrow, Which motion was adopted. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wasuinaron, Dec. 1, 1873, ‘The House was called to order at noon by Mr. McPherson, the Clerk, who proceeded to call the roll of members by States. ‘The galleries were crowded with spectators and most of the seats in the hall were occupied. When the State of Louisiana was reached the Clerk stated that there were but two unchallenged certi- ficates from that State—those of Messrs. Darrall and Norey, from the Third and Fifth districts, As to the other three districts and the member for tne State at large, there had been two conflicting sets of papers received, botn issuing from competent authority—one set signed by Governor Warmoth and the other by Acting Governor Pinchback. The Clerk had, therefore, declined to enroll any of them. As to the Ninth district of Indiana, the papers returned by the Governor could not be accepted by the Clerk, as they were not in accordance with law and therefore there was no person enrolled for that district, For the four seats from Arkansas there had been but two certificates presented, those of Messrs, Snyder and Hines. In regard to the State of West Virginia there was a peculiar complication, arising from the uncertainty as to the proper time for holding the election. There had been two elections .held on two different days and different yen elected from two of the districts. In the other district the same person had been Tesignation of Rev. Or. Newman, Chaplain, Mr. SUMNER (rep.) said he nad a ble di re rep.) said he hada cable despatch from Madrid which he found on his table ‘open ar- riving in Washington, It had been prepared by several members of the Spanish Cortes, and was addret to Senators Sumner and Cameron. He asked unanimous consent to have it read. Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) Of Ohio, objected. He thought it an unwise course to read despatches from foreign governments before we had received ani tion from our own on the same subject. SUMNER thought his friend Sherman would mot object il he knew the contents. Mr. CONKLING, (rep.) of N. Y.—Well, we can re- strain our curiosity till we get the President's Mes- e. if. SARGENT, (rep.) of Cal., introduced bills sup- oc tdebagt to the Mining law of May 10. 1872; re- ting to swamp lands in California; ior the relief of aged and infirm pre-emption settlers; for the sale of timber lands on the Pacific coast; relating tothe entry of homesteads and pre-emptions in California; for the sale of grazing lands in Califor- ‘nia, and other bills of local interest. BOUNTIES FOR VOLUNTEERS, Mr. BooKINGHAM (rep.), of Conn., introduced a ‘Dill in relation to bounties, providing that all vol- unteers under the President’s proclamation uf May 1961, actually mustered into the service of the ited fore August 6, 1861, and accepted by the War Department under said proclamation, Shall be paid the full bounty of $100 promised in sald proclamation. D INTEREST NOTES. cCoMPOUN! Mr. SumNER’s bill to authorize compoond interest Botes as & sudstitute for legal-tender notes, directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare tor circa- dation compound interest siotes cumilar to those issued under the act of March 3, 1863, and equal in amount to the fey OF natal ‘al-tender notes and fractional currency of the ited States. Twenty million dollars of these notes are to be dated on the first day of each month, commencing with the Ast of next daly, and these notes shail be paid out for ali currency disbursements of the Treasury, avd exchanged ior legal tender notes, so as to put the full sum of $20,000,000 into circulation each month. Legal tender notes to an equal amount are to be destroyed each month. The compound interest notes #0 issued are at the end of two yeara to ve convertible at the holder’s option, in sums of $100, or its multiple into ten-forty five per cent bonds’ which the Reorevary of the Treasury ts hereby au- thorized to issue whenever these notes or the bonds into which they may be converted can be wold at par in gold. The Secretary of the Treasury may soll them in such sums a8 may be called jor, apply the proceeds in gold to cancel legal tender notes ag they are paid into the Treasury, It is finally Basal ng that the compound interest, notes issued under this act shall constitute no part of the legal currency reserve required of the na tinal banks, PUNISHING KIDNAPPING. Mr. Sumner’s bill to prevent kidnapping provides that any person who shall bring into the United States or Territories thereof any person inveigied or torcibly kid mn intry, with intent to Hold suek person ‘in? confinement oF to auy involuntary service, shall be decwed guilty | elected on both occasions and, therefcre, the Clerk had enrotied that person, Hereford, but had not enrolled any of the others, ‘The roll having been called, it appeared that 273 members of the 202 that are entitied to seats an- swered to their names, The House then, on motion of Mr. MAyYNarp, of Tennessee, proceeded to the ELECTION OF A SPEAKER. Mr. MAYNARD, (rep.) Of Tenn., nominated James G. Blaine, of Maine. > Mr. NIBLACK, (dem.) of Ind., nominated Fer- nando Wood, of New York. Mr. HOLMAN, (dem.) of Ind., nominated Samuel 8. Cox, of New York. Mr. Cox said he appreciated the courtesy of his friend from Indiana, but did not wish to be put in the position of @ contestant tor the Speakership. He had beynseces his colleague, Mr. Creamer, to withdraw his name from the cancus the other night, but tirough inadvertence that had not been done. He repeated that he was not a candidate for the position. ‘Tellers having been spyoiited by the Clerk, a Vote was taken with the foliowing result: — For James G. Blat 190 For Fernando Woo 7 For &. 8. Cox...... 2 For Heister Clymer, of Pennsyivania.. For Alexander I. Stephens, of Georgia, . eee 1 Mr. Blaine was thereupon declared by the Clerk vo have been duly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives for the rere ened Congress. leasrs, Maynard and Wood conducted Mr. Blaine to the chair. MR. BLAIND’S SPRECH. The SPEAKER, on taking the chair, spoke as tol- iW: GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- TIVEs;—The vote this moment announced by the Clerk is such an expression of your confidence as calls for my sincerest thanks. be chosen Speaker of the American House of Repre- sentatives is always an honorabie distine- tion ; to be chosen a tturd time enhances the honor more than threefold; be chosen by tne largest body that ever assembled in the Capitol inipoae a burden of responsibility which only your indulgent kindness could embolden me to assume. ‘The first occupant of this chair presided over a House of 65 members, representing a population far below the present aggregate of the State of /New York. At that time in the whole United States there were not 60,000 civilized inhabitants to be found 100 miles distant trom the fow of the Aulantic tide. To-day, geutiemen, a | majority of you come from paced that limit and represent. districts then peopled only by the Indian and the adventurous irontiersman, The national soy- ernment ia not yet as old a8 many of its citizens; bat in this brief span of time, less than one lengthened life, it has, under God's good providence, extended its power untila continent ts the fleld of its empire and attests the te jesty of its law. With the growth ot new States the resulting changes in the centres of popu- On hew interests are developed, rival to the but by no means hostile, diverse but not an- ‘onistic. Nay, rather are all these interests in ony; and the true science of just government give to ouch its Jul and sar pla), oppressing | hi is Agel YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1873.—TRIPLE SHEET. none by undue exaction, favoring none by undue privilege. It 16 this great lesson which our daily experience is teaching us, Mading us together more closely, making our mutual dependence more manilest, and causing us to leel, whether we live in the North or in the South, in the East or in the West, that we have indeed but “one country, one constitution, one desting.’? Mr. Dawes, (rep.) of Maas., the senior member of the House, administered the oath of office to the Epeaker, who thereupon proceeded to swear in the members, commencing with those from the New England States, About 50 members from the Southern States, who could not take the oath of office which is known as “theiron-clad,” took the modified oath. Prominent among them was Mr. Alexander H, Stephens, (dem.) of Georgia. ELECTION OF OTHER OFFICERS, The next business in order being the election of Clerk, Mr. MAYNARD, (rep.) of Tenn., offered a reso- lution Peng all the elective offices of the House, aud naming the following:—For Clerk, Edward McPherson, of Pennsylvania; for Sergeant-at- Arms, N. G. Ordway, of New Hampshire; for Door- keeper, O. 8, Buxton, of New York; for Postmas- ter, H. J, Sherwood, of Michigan; for Chaplain, bi 4. G, Butler, of the District of Columbia. ACK, (dem,) of Ind., moved to amend by instead of the lori | the following eorge OU. Widdeverg, of Virginia; Peter EaUy of Wisconsin; Charles W. Comes, of Mis- souril; A. J. Starling, of Caluiornia, and Rev. 8. H. Mahon, of Kentucky. The amendment was rejected, ang the original Tesolution was adopted, and the officers were sworn in. On motion of Mr. Dawes, (rep.) of Mass., a mes- sage was sent to notify the Senate that the House was duly organized and ready to proceed to busi- ness. On motion of Mr. GARFIELD, (rep.) of Ohio, a committee was appointed, in connection with @ like committee in the Senate, to iniorm the Presi- dent that Congress was in session, and ready to poche any communication he might desire to make. THE MORMON QUESTION. The delegates from Territories were then called and sworn in, with the exception of George Q. Cannon, of Utah, in reference to whom Mr. Mer- riam, (rep.) of N. Y, offered a resolution reciting that Mr. Cannon had taken an oath inconsistent with citizenship and with his oplizations as a dele- gate, and bas been and continues to be guilty of practices in violation and deflance o! the laws, and referring to the Committee of Elections the ques- tion of Mr. Cannon’s right to a seat, Mr. Cox, (dem ) of N. Y., opposed the resolution as tending to establish a very dangerous prece- dent. Here was a prima Jacte case, with a reguiar certificate from the Governor of Utah, He moved that the delegate be sworn in. The resolution was further opposed on the same Ground by Messrs, Butler and G. F, Hoar, of Mass. ; otter, of N. Y., anG Maynard, of Tenp., and then, on motion of Mr. Niblack, of Ind., the resolution was laid on the table and the oath of office was administered to Mr. Cannon. DRAWING FOR SEATS, The House then, at @ quarter to three, | eroeagneey to the drawing for seats. Exceptions ing made in favor of Dawes (rep.), of Mass., and Stephens (dem.), of Ga., who were per- Mitted to select their seats in the first in- stance, Mr. Dawes chose the one occupied by him last Congress about the middie of the second aisle, on the left frunt of the Speaker; and for Mr. Stephens, who had retired irom the hall, the seat occupied by him to-day was chosen, being the front seat on the right of the main alsle facing the Speaker. BUTLER’S CHOICE. All the best seats on the republican side of the House were taken before the name of Mr. Butler, of Massachusetts, was arawn out of the box by the blindfolded page, and, when it was drawn, Mr. Butler walked across to the democratic side of the hail amid ond laughter and chose @ seat in the extreme right section, in what ia famtharly known as “Sleepy Holiow,” from its having been the favorite section for democrats not remarkable for active hares qualities, The drawing was con- cluded at twenty minutes past three o’clock P. M. On the motion of Mr, McURARY, (rep.) of Iowa, the certificate for the Ninth Indiana district, Messrs. Shanks and Neffbeing the opposing claimants, was referred to the Committee on Elections, with in- structions to report at an early day. The certificate is an alternative one, depending ona technicality as to 47 votes which were cast jor Mr. Shanks, but which were excluded for intormality. REPEAL OF THE SALARY GRAB. Mr. HALE (rep.), of Maine, gave notice that he ‘would to-morrow introduce and press to an early passage a bill to repeal the increase of salary law. TAKING CARE OF THE VETERANS. Mr. STARKWEATHER, of Conn., Rte gae a petl- tion for pensions to all the soldiers of the war of 1812, THE LOUISIANA MEMBERS, Mr. BUTLER (rep.), of Mags., offered a resolution to admit to their seats Messrs. Sypher, Shelaon and Pinchbeck, of Louisiana. Without action upon it the House at half-past four o’clock adjourned. THE CHIEF JUSTICESHIP. Sketch of the Hon. George H. Williams, Attorney General of the United States, Who Has Been Tendered the Office. At a meeting of the Cabinet in Washington yes- terday President Grant tendered the appointment to the Chief Justiceship of the United States to the Hon. George H. Williams, the present Attorney General. Mr. Williams thanked the President, and accepted the office. The appointment will be sent to the Senate for confirmation to-day. SKETCH OF ATTORNEY GENERAL GEORGE H. WIL- LIAMS. 2 George H. Williams, Attorney General of the United States, who has received the Presidential appointment to the office of Chief Justice, is a native of Columbia county, New York, and was born about the year 1820, his parents having re- moved to this State from Pittsfeld, Mass,, situated on the border line. In 1844 he went to lowa, where he commenced the practice of his chosen profes- sion, the law. In this he made rapid advance- ment and early attained an eminent position, being made a judge in 1847, ‘This respon- sible office he occupied five years, when, in 1853, he was appointed Chief justice §= of Oregon, and exercised the function of that posi- tion under the Presidency of Mr. Pierce and during a part of Buchanan’s administration. Re- signing, he was elected to the Senate of the United States by the Oregon Legislature, and took his seat in 1865. He acted a somewhat prominent partasamember of the High Joint Commission which convened for the consideration of the Ala- baima claims in the spring of 1871. His sprite ment to the Attorney Generalship, which was made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Acker- man, met with verv general acceptance, as he is a gentleman o/ superior native talent and fine culture, and in his career as a judge and a statesman has exhibited sound discretion and stanch integrity. In 1846, on lowa becoming a State of the Union, he Was, at the early age of 23, elected Judge of the First Jndicial district, He served out bis term of five years as Judge, until 1851, having within that time made a reputation jor judicial ability achieved by very few men at the age of 28. In 1850 he mar- ried the eldest daughter of General V. P. Van Aut- werp. in 1852 he was one of the candidates for Presidential elector on the democratic ticket, and thoroughly canvassed the State, adding largely to his reputation as one of her most ready and able debaters. By many indeed he was, at the close of that campaign, assigned the first rank among allo: her public speakers. In 1863 Judge Williams was appointed by the President Chie/ Justice of Oregon, and, accompanied by his wile, at once emigrated to that then comparatively new Territory. In July, 1863, he met with the misior- tane of the loss of his estimable and accom- plished wife. In Iowa he served as Judge of the Circuit Court for the circuit including & district of country which was once famous in lowa politics and courts, called the “Half-breed Tract.” He ran as a democrat, but the settlers on this tract having the balance of power gave him their vote and elected nim in the hope that he would decide their tities to the land good; but they were disappointed. PRRSONAL APPEARANCE AND MENTAL POWER. A correspondent, writing of Judge Williams in 1868, said:—‘Judge Williams is tail and angular, and for a man who is im no sense comely or hand- some, very fine looking. | do not think him remarkable jor his individuality or tmmo- bility, but he has plenty of what we call ‘orains’—intellectual power and force. He is clever in both the English and American sense of that much used and abused word, can adapt himself to circumstances, and please in the mahogany-furnished parlor or the puncheon-floored cabin; is generous and unsus- picious, and does not long cherish ill will towards any one, or love ‘to treasure up a wrong.’ Per- sonally he is popular with the people, and nis election is very Sgt satisfactory, or cheerfully acquiesced in, Mr, Williams enjoys a laugh, and is apt to langh with the world, let the world jaugh at what it may; and with him, anything that can be successiully ridiculed can hardly right. Thougu earnest he is not ‘destructive,’ and will help to build up rather than tear down. He is a good popular speaker, clear and distinct in his ideas, always iorcible, oiten eloquent, and sometimes rises into the region of imagina- tion, and adorns his speech with pure poctic gems. Some men have their motives of action noted in the past, while others live for the tar-off future; but Judge Williams is a man of to-day, and draws his inspiration irom the associations and events of the present, Mentally, and I may say physically, he is in the prime ot life, has great capacity for work and business, and with the wide and varied scope that the Senate will give him to gratify his ambition and earn distinction, will make his mark and reflect credit upon his State and country.’’ DECLARATION OF POLITICAL PRINCIPLE. A few days aiter Judge Wilhams’ appointment as Attorney General of the United States several gentlemen from the Pacific coast called upon him and tendered their congratuiations, In response the new Attorney General spoke in the following off-hand manner :— Gextiemen—Allow me to make my acknowledgments for the expression of kindness just made, and to say that Lieet ly complimented by your nee this even- Const, and Trewin: that. by” this meeting "y0W inven “sy de TSS, “Saaetabe geting | 9 el mt Grant’ wito uitldence, bi inet t saceept fine? pation et, to the vest of my ‘bilities 1 discharge its duties so as to promote the true interests of the country and reitect credit upon the present admin- isiration, “All the abilities and energies which T possess. I shall devote to the enforcement of the laws and the pr aul whom ie’ may eoncern hat when i tn ‘the ‘head of the Department of a laced ai Justice in, this government, so far as the, du diction of that department may go, its mandates di without fear or favor, and with equal vigor Feapect for all classes and conditions of men. I know not what may be in the clamor now made about official delinquencies in federal but so far as the exposure and prosecution of such delinquenciesidevolve upon the Department of Tustice, no p: considera- tion will have weight, and no’ pains be spared to wullty to speedy and condign pumishment I deeply regret that in some portions of the coun- try. a spirit of lawlesmess seems to prevail. I’ will favor every consideration of kindness to induce obedience to’ the laws; but if no other means will answer, then I am for using the wh power of the cou in most vigorous. and effective manner to igor © out every conspiracy against the peace of society nd the tafetyo! the unoffending citizenk, “Governments were primarily established to protect the weak against the strong, and ic this government fails to perform its functions in ihat respect it has a poor claim upon the support and loyalty of its citizens. Tam amazed that any con-iderable number of in the country at this tune should engage im acts of violence and dis- ortier, nothing to be cained and much a way. Life without satety to person and property, and Leg Bi Soi good order and peace are comparailvely of little value, but if the passions of hatred and revenge are allowed to over- come these considerations, then it becomes the plain duty of the government to interpos# with its stronz arm to subdue und repress those pussions. No one, in the ht of recent events in New York and elsewhere, can take office now and escape the vigilant eye of the peo- ple, and nothing but acuve and upright devotion to duty Will give general suti-facuon. 1 shail struggle to mect the | popular ‘as to meet the with how much of events will determine. 1 have be the first Cabinet officer taken from the Pacific coast. Caliiornia, Nevada, Oregon and the Ter- ritories of the Far West ‘may now consider themselves recognized and represented in every branch of the gov- ernment. Iieel a pride in their growth and develop- ment, and I shall not forget, in my new office, where my home ts or what { have, jew of their wants and interests by a residence of 27 years on the sunset side of the Mississippi River. I do sot affect indifference to party matzars because T have. been elected to, ofee. | 1 long to the republican party. 1 believe in its princi- ples and politics. I have a profound conviction that its as- cendancy, for some ume to come, fs necessary to the pre- servation of peace and the eniorcementof law, andsubor- dinate to my official obligations. | Everything’ that I can reasonably and honorably I ‘shall do to secure ite triumph at the next Presidential election. I thank you, gentlemen, tor this pleasant interview, WASHINGTON NOTES, for there to as well Wasuinaton, Dec. 1, 1873. Vice President Wilson Canvassing for Sumner, Vice President Wilson has been very busily en- gaged since his arrival in the city in suggesting to republican Senators the propriety of reinstaung Mr. Sumner as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, But, while there has been a universal display of good feeling towards Mr. Sum- ner and a desire to welcome him back into the re- publican fold, it has been thought that it would be unadvisable to place him in a position which re- ceives confidential and friendly relations between the incumbent and the Secretary of State. It is possible that the Chairmanship of the Library Com- mittee might be tendered to Mr. Sumner (should Mr. Howe be willing to relinquish it), Butit would hardly be accepted, Senator Scott. Senator Scott, who is tobe made Chairman of the Senate Committee on Claims, is well quatified for that position by his legal training. Governor-Elect Ames, of Mississippi. Senator Ames (Butler’s son-in-law) has returned from his Mississippi political campaign victorious, and will in a few days resign his Senatorship to go back and be inaugurated as Governor. Twelve years ago he came here from West Point an unas- signed second lieutenant and now he is to be Governor of Mississippi, with a certainty of re- election as United States Senator. Senator Hamlin Squelched. While Senator Hamlin was pufing a cigar in the the Clerk’s office of the Senate during the recess to-day he was reminded by airiend of the extraor- dinary fact that never before in the history of the country had there been two former Vice Presidents members of Congress at the same time. After cogitating jor a moment he remarked that he knew he had held that office, but who the other Vice President was he could not imagine. ‘Alex- ander H. Stephens, of Georgia, late Vice President of the Southern Confederacy,” was the answer of Mr. Hamlin’s friend. Northerm Boundary Line of Nevada. The Major Brothers, employed by the Engineer Bureau of the War Department to determine the northern boundary line of Nevada, have submitted their report to the Secretary of War. Work Prepared. General Negley, o1 Pittsburg, will revive the bill introduced by him in the last Congress for a modifi- cation of the Steamboat act, and has prepared bills for the improvement of the Ohio River, near Pittsburg, and to carry out the project of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Pipelayers in the Lobbies. Notable among the men who thronged the lob- bies of the House and Senate to-day were the veteran jobbers, who came down to Washington With the hope that the prospect of war would biot out the indignation of the people on the Crédit Mobilier question, &c., and enable them to lay their pipes for a successful season of jobbery. Hard times have contracted their resources, but certified checks and promises to pay were carefully dis- Played to those who have scruples about back pay. Repesl of the Back Pay Bill. Engene Hale, of Maine, will lead off in present- ing a bill for the repeal of the act increasing the pay of Members of Congress. Cuban Visitors. Among the spevtators in the reporters’ gallery of the House to-day were Messrs. Govin Cesnaros, Ziminez and De Pass. A delegation of Cuban pa- triots, residents of Kingston, Jamaica, who accom. panied the Virginius 25 miles out at sea, and who vouch for her sailing properly under American colors and clearance, are here to testify to such fact. The Attorney General’s Report on United States Suits. It appears by the report of Attorney General Williams that the civil suits on the Ist of July last, to which the United States were a party, were as follows:—Customs suits, 3,759; internal :evenue suits, 1,482; Post Office suits, 142; miscellaneous suits, 2,216, making in the aggregate 7,599 suits pending on that day. During the same year the aggregate amount of jadgments in favor of the United States in these suits was $3,208,402, and the amount actually realized on the judgments was $1,698,133. There were pending on the Ist of July last, in Circuit and District courts of the United States, 6,274 criminal prosecutions, the re- sult of which is given in the report: Exhibits are also given of the number ana results of civil suits in the federal courts. A total of 15,141 suits of all classes were commenced in tne year ending with June last. The total number terminated was 7,276, A summary of the business transacted by the Court of Claims for tne past year shows that the miscellaneous cases disposed of amounted to 1,493; cotton cases, 107; total, 1,600. The amount claimed was $7,015,223, Tne amount awarded was as follows:—In ‘the miscellaneous cases, $758,402; in the cotton cases, $3,130,398, making & total of $3,883,800. The number of cases disposed of during the year was 1,600, Those still pending amount to 4,802. The amount expended by the Department of Justice was $3,031,000, Information in relation to other branches salling under the department 1s given, concluding with an account of the suits brought by the United States against the Union Pacific Railroad Company and the Crédit Movilier, Judge Hunt having filed an opinion, in which he holds and decides not only that there is no right of action in the United States for the claims specified in the act of Congress to recover, but that Con- gress cannot give to the United States the right to recover, Upon said causes of action the decision, in effect, renders nugatory the law under which the suit was brought, therefore the Attorney General considers it to be his duty to appeal trom this decision to the Supreme Court of the United States. é The Holt-Johnson Quarrel About the Surratt Execution. Judge Advocate General Holt publishes a long rejoinder to ex-President Johnson. Ho says Mr. Johnson is guilty of gross perversion in his state- ment of what occurred at their interview just previous to the execution of Mrs, Surratt, It would be seen by reference to General Ekin and General Muzzy’s letters that the ements were expressed by Mr. Johnson himself that he now seeks to put into Mr, Holts mouth, Mr, Holt sa} While, of course, I assented ti as 1 do n to ihe general doctrine taal nox In ue exouse for ), read treason or other crime, the vehement presenta- tion of that view came ay Mr. Jobnson alter ing the recommendation for commutation— not irom myself, Mr. Holt says Mr. Johnson’s motive for the orig inal fabrication of his calumny was to appease the Catholics, among whom there was universal exas- beration at the execution of Mra, Surratt, a mem- ber of their Church. This smote clamorously upon his ears, knowing as he did the vast political power of this religious sect, and thereiore he grew sorely atraid, Mr. Holt concludes :— The conduct of ex-President Johnson, now so tuily exposed, is truly a humiliating event in our history. All that I have suffered from that quarter in the way of relentiess aspersions tor the last eight years has come solely from the iact that I so lar trusted to his honor as the Chief Magistrate of ‘the nation as to hold with him a confidential inter- view on @ matter of public business. Unhappy, most unhappy for me, that my official duty obliged me to do this. And now, asa solemn warning to those who are to come aiter me, 1 leave this rec- ord of the unparalleled treachery which tollowed, General Sheridan’s Views on the Man- agement of the Indian Tribes. Lieuteuant General Sheridan left for New York on Saturday, from where, after a skort stay, he will return to the headquarters of his command at Chicago. Before leaving here he had another long interview with the Secretary of War and General sherman, and just before wis departare he had a long interview with the Preal- dent. The presence of General Sheridan here was incidentally in connection with the investigation into the ability o1 the army to co- operate with the navy in a foreign war, but mainly respecting the condition of Indiin affairs within his extensive jurisdiction, which includes the vast region from [linois to the California line and from the British possessions to the Rio Grande. Indeed, included in this area of territory are nine- tenths of all the Indian tribes within the limits of the United States. With the extension of railroads, the opening of the mining regions and the general advance of population, the Indian question, the General says, has assumed a degree of intricacy and importance which requires the utmost exercise of vigilance and discretion on his part and that of the military commanders under him, The national antagonism of the two Taces makes it absolutely necessary to devise some more adequate system of pro- tection of the interests of both. He says that 80 rapid has been the settlement of the country heretofore given up to the Indians that an entire readjustment of reservations will be necessary; that the Indians, finding themselves crowded, have Of late very materially abated their pretensions to vast areas for hunting purposes. He proposes to set apart certain regions tor the absolute use and occupation of the Indians, and that the mili- tary force of the government shall be employed in preventing the incursions or entering o1 white Men upon the reservations, as well as in prevent- ing the depredations of Indians upon the settle- ments. The General gays there are now evidences of great uneasiness on the part of the Sioux, Coman- ches and other formidable tribeson the subject of encroachments on the lands claimed by them. As the Sioux can muster 10,000 warriors and are most obstinate and implacable. It will be necessary, in his opinion, to send such a powerful force against them as will give them a practical idea of the strength of the government belore they can be re- duced to subordination and acquiescence in the policy which now seems inevitable of permanently removing them all beyond the confines of civiliza- tion, A striking instance of the treachery of the Sioux was shown in a personal adventure men- tioned by the General himself. Last summer, while returning from an inspection of the military posts in the far Nortnwest, tne steamer in descending the Missouri grounded. after remaining in that situation for two days the General determined to Tide across to Fort Buford, employing six Indian scouts. He started; the country to be traversed ‘was roamed over by one of the flercest bands of Sioux. The party moved as expeditiously as possible, but the Sioux were soon on their trail, The party, however, succeeded in reaching the fort. Early next morning the pursuers came up and, in rage at the escape of their prey, made an attack on the fort, but of course accomplished nothing. Gcneral Sheridan confirms the statement already made that the release of Satanta and Big Tree has not been attended with any good results, the young warriors dis- claiming that the chiels had any authority to, as they say, sell out the tribe tor the purpose of gaining their liberty. They aver that the council of the tribe was not consulted. The General stated in regard to the Kickapoos and Potawatamies that he con- sidered this question as finally settled. The squaws of the tribes captured in Mackenzie’s raid into Mexico were carried by order of the Lieutenant General to Fort Gibson, 800 miles distant, there to remain. The Indians have started for that post under a cavalry escort to reclaim their squaws, and are now probably within a week's journey of the fort. On their arrival ne will make a suitable disposition as to their future residence. Department Estimates for 1874-5. ‘The following is a total recapitulation by Depart- ments of the estimates for 1875, as also the esti- mates for 1874:— Congress estimates :— For 1875. $8,271,570 For 1874. 5,528,983 Executive 81,300 52,300 8,672,524 1,498,574 178,384,905 170,784,771, 60,180,923 55,409,818 20,288,435 For 1874. (22,641,097 Interior Department estimates— ‘or 1875. at 41,758,053 For 1874. 40,499,937 Post Ofice Department estimates— For 1875. ow 7,345,835 For 1874. 7,887,104 Department of Justice estimates— ir 1875 Py 3,951,800 For 1874 re 3,866,030 Department of Agriculture estimates— ‘or 1875, 273,300 For 1874 . 204,640 Grand totals— Estimates for 1875. ++ $319,198, 736 Estimates for 1874. 324, 256 The appropriations for 1874 aggregate. $306,060,252 Revenue Defalcation—A Colicctor Re- sponsible for His Subordinate. It having been stated that Internal Revenue Col- lector Crane, of Burlington, Vt., has been found to be & defaulter in the sum of $170,000, and that Senator Edmunds, of that state, is one of his bondsmen, it may be said that the books of the Treasury Depart- ment show that the defatcation is but $17,000. It has been shown to the satisfaction of the author- ities that Mr. Crane is not the defaulter, but that the defalcation is on the part of one of his sub- ordinates, for which he is responsible. OBSEQUIES OF EX-SENATOR YATES, CHICAGO, M., Dec. 1, 1873, The tuneral of ex-Senator Yates took place in Jacksonville yesterday, and drew together the largest concourse 0! persons that ever attended a funeral in that city. BOOK TRADE SALE. An important book trade sale, embracing 200 pages of a catalogue, will commence to-day at the salesrooms of Messrs. George A, Leavitt & Co., in Clinton Hall, and continue about four days. The contributions to this sale are made by Messrs, James R. Osgood & Co., late Ticknor & Fields, Bos- tom, petra their most select and standard works. fh, W. Bliss & Co., Gebbie & Barrie, Phila- Leavitt and Allen Brothers, of New York, make @ specialty of their illustrated holida: ; Appleton & Co., New York; Scribner, Wei- ford & Armstrong, with a collection of rare Englisi. works; James biackwood & Co., London; Shepard & Gill, Boston, and various others, Altogether the invoices furnished by each house are attractive and popular books, and of @ nature to attract the ear- hest attention of purchasers for the holiday trade. A WHISKEY MURDER, SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Dec, 1, 1873. Mary Haly, 58 years of age, died in her room in @ tenement house in West Union street here, yester- oon, from injuries received in a dranken feats we wen. Heh son-in-law, named Rabben, and a man named McClellan, who are supposed to have infiicted the wounds, have disappeared. A coroner's jury will investigate the adair. CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, —-——_ Guatemala Rejoicing Over a Filibuster Failure—General Palacios’ Pay and Adicu to His Men—Presidential Tour— United States Diplomacy—Invasion from Costa Rican Territory—Peravian and Chilian Progress. PaNaMa, Nov. 22, 1873. The latest advices from Central and South America report that the Republic of Guatemala. continues in peace and is rejoicing over the com-_ plete tatlure of the invasion of Palacios and nis fili+ busters in the steamer General Sherman, That chief, before dismissing bis men with $2 apiece, made them aspeech regretting that the forces brought against him by Guatemala and Sal- vador made him abandon, with tears, any further attempt to restore Central America to the arms of the Church and the conservative party. He them bade them an affectionate farewell, tulad them “to avoid General Solares as they would the evil one, and to save themselves as best they could.”? , After this Selor Palacios made his enpenenece ir Panama and challenged the editor of the Star and Herald to show a reason why he calied him a fill- buster, PRESIDENTIAL TOUR, The President and members of the government of Guatemala are on a tour through the Republic to see what is most needed for the general wellare of the people, Nicaragua. Mr. Williamson, the United States Minister, was oMcially received in the capital of Nicaragua, with all the solemnity due to a Minister of the United States, and left for Guatemala on the 20th inst,’ INVASION FROM NEUTRAL TERRITORY. The Oficial Gazette and other papers give an ac count of a “new invasion” from te side of Costa, Rica, the details of which are as follows:— On the 2d inst. a large party of adventurers dis- embarked trom the farm of a Mr. Montealegre, in Honduras territory. The government of Nicaragua was informed that a schooner called the Tigre had arrived, witha Don Paulino Salamanca, who had her taken into an inlet and disembarked some 200 rifles, with the corresponding ammunition, It was known that this schooner, on the 25th of the pre- vious month, had set out from Punta Arenas, hav- ingon board several well known Costa cans, among them Raphael Obregon, Minister of Foreign Allairs of Costa Rica, and some 20 adventure! and that one oi them called Tinoco had receiv from the customs authorities $20,000, This party has been joined by bad characters from Leon and Chinandega. The government has taven the alarm and sent General Espinoza with & foree to the western departments bordering on the scene of the disembarcation alluded to. It 18 further stated that Colong: Tinoco is the chief of the suspicious party, an@ that he had come in an armed vessel from Costa Rica, The government of the latter country gets the credit for this attempt, Peru. Affairs in Peru up to the 14th inst, were still im an excited state, especially ina financial point of view. The monetary crisis has not yet passed away. A serions misunderstanding has arisen between the government and the house of Dreyfus Brow thers, who, by virtue of contracts made witn the former government, are the financial agents of the country. A demand has been made on this firm by the government, which has been resisted by the house on the ground that it was not legal. The government hence ordered the granting o! licenses for loading guano to be suspended, and directed preliminary satire Saag 4 to be taken to compel Dreyius Brothers & Co. to show cause why the de, creé should not be obeyed. chili. The boundary dispute between the Argentine Republic and Chili continues. The latter, in pro- osing to erect a lighthouse at the eastern extrem- tv of the Straits of Magellan, is met by g unotest from the Argentine Minister. 2 COLOMBIA. Peace Re-established on the Isthmus and in the State—General Correoso in Extle—The Presidential Term Ques« tion—A Coup and an Amnesty—Finance and Panic—Steamship Transfer—Anxi- ety Concerning the Isthmus Transit. PANAMA, Nov. 22, 1873, The revolutionary storm in Panama seems for the present to have blown over, and peace 18 established in the city and State, After the defeat of the rebels by the government forces in the interior of the State General Correoso: touk refuge on board the United States ship Beni- cia, at anchor in the harbor, and finally took his departure for Central America. So far President Netra seemed to have everything his own way; but the Constitutional Assembly, which he had called together, turned out to be not obedient to nis wishes. He, however, signed the new constitu- tion of the State, the chief reform in which consisted in having reduced the Presidential term from four years to two. But in other matters, such as continuing himself in office, they were begin- ning to show an opinion differing from his own. He determined on a coup d’¢tat to upset the whole affair and begin de novo. For this purpose he wens im the night to the barracks with a small guard and persuaded the militia to obey his orders, His first measure was to order sentries to be placed at the room doors of the officers to prevent them from coming out, General Neira then had the bat- talion drawn up and Uohg tek for any emergency. Colonel Espinosa, the commander of the troops, upon awaking from sleep and finding a sentry at his door by order of General Neira, at once com- pretended the situation, asked to see the officer on duty, whom, on repeating that he acted by order of General Netra, Colonel Espinosa FIRED AT and wounded. Some shots were fired by the soldiers, wounding the Colonel], but he, being backed by other officers, the men gave in and President Neira took to fight. On this the Assembly met on the 14th, and named Don Gregorio Miro as Presi- dent, eee as such took the oath of office on the 16th. AMNESTY, Ageneral amnesty has been declared for all po- litical offenders, and the city seems to be again set- tling down into something like peace and tran- uillity. om ‘A QUASI-FINANCIAL PANIC. Asort of financial panic has been created on the Isthmus by the jJact that the banking house of Messrs. Field, Penso & Co., of Aspinwall, is in an unsound condition, and that its drafts had dishonored in London and New York by the houses on which they were drawn. Such being the case, the Panama ana He suggested the neces- sity of the bank giving to the public an official ex- planation of the affair. Nothing of the kind, how- ever, wasdone. In the meantime the house has suspended and the upshot to be seen, TRANSFER FROM THE AMERICAN PLAG. The steamer Montijo, carrying the American fag. loing H and owned by Messrs. Schuber & Brother, which has been for the last six years past di the coasting trate and has taken @ prominent share in every State revolution, has been di of to the Costa Rica government for a re- muneration. The sale of this vessel, taken in con- nection with the latest warlike news from that bd fesvee eae i aaone ~ ty a4 ployed there as here, y TOPS, &C, aid'in the work about to be undertaken irom the side of Costa Rica to regenerate Central America, PARLIAMENTARY PROVISION POR PRESIDENTIAL VA- CANOY. On November 19 the Assembly appointed the five designados to take the place of the President, in case of absence, &c. THE ISTHMUS TRANSIT. No troops have yet been sent here by the gen- eral government to look alter the security of the transit, which, in the absence of the United States. steamer Wyoming, is in danger. DISTRIOT ATTORNEY BRITTON. An Investigation Commenced Before At~ torney General Barlow. Yesterday the investigation ordered by the Gov. ernor in the case of District Attorney Britton, of Kings county, against whom charges of malefeas~ ance in office have been preferred by Messrs. E. T, Backhouse and others, of the Committee of Fifty, was commenced. The investigation took place at the City Assembly Rooms, No. 325 Washington street, Brooklyn, There were present Attorney General C. , District Attorney Britton, Colonel A.. B.C. Barlow, Sire, Afullan’ Allon, “Glibert. Hi Spier (commissioner appointed by the Governor to take testimony in the case), T. Backhouse, R. H. Chittenden and others, General Barlow said ne would go out of office on January 1, and he trusted the evidence would be presented with as: much despatch as possible. A Mr. Britton assurea the Attorney General that he’ would do all in his power to expedite matters in this examination. He would readily admit ail that. may be proved and everything that he knew to be the fact. The first charge take: wherein the vistrict Attorney is charged with ine tentionally proveoring pocooss ity Of & of the Election laws. speci Hes. indicted. Mr. J. Campbell Hag fused to try im. Further, that one indicted, jt ough, as cha Several witi rd examin ined fraudulent Pe list im the Sixth ward dictments ind against inspectors sers of election in 1871. The was and the commission Todas m up was thas — rd