The New York Herald Newspaper, January 23, 1874, Page 5

+ is | CONGRESS. Senator Boutwell Explains His Financial Theories, REGULATION OF RAILROADS House Debate on Compensation of Congressional Reporters. THE VOLUME OF THE CURRENCY. SENATE, WAsHINGTON, Jan, 22, 1874, Mr. Sargent, (rep.) of Cal., presented a lengthy Petition of Susan B, Anthony, reiating the circom- stances of her registering and voting in Rochester, N.Y., and subsequent indictment and trial for Mlegal voting, beiore Judge Hunt, of the United States Supreme Court, stating that her trial was not a fair one and her conviction was in violation ofthe statute, and asking that the fine imposed upon her be remitted. Referred to the Committee en Privileges and Elections, Mr, Scorr, (rep.) Of Pa, presented @ petition ef Philade)phia merenants asking the enactment of a law to provide for the Issue of 3.65 per cent bonds, into which legal tenders can be converted. Re- ferred to the Finance Committee. Also the petition of the citizens of Pittspurg, asking to be reimbursed for expenditures incurred im fortifying the city in 1863, in accordance with ‘the order of the Secretary of War. Referred to the Committee on Claims, Mr, Conover, (rep.) of Fla., presented resolu- tons of the Legislature of that State in regard to the recognition of the Cuban insurgents, Read and laid on the table, CARE AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE CAPITOL. GROUNDS, Mr. MORRILL, (rep.) of Vt., from the Committee om Public Buildings and Grounds, reported favora- Diy on the bill to purchase five extinguishers for tne Capito) building, Passed, Also the bill appropriating $5,000 to secure the services Of a suitable person to make a topographi- eal survey of the Capito! grounds and prepare a plan for their improvement. Mr. SuMNER, (rep.) of Mass., asked if the commit- tee had come to any conclusion in regard to trees around the Capitol. Mr. MORRILL replied that the matter would be lefé im the hands of whoever should be employed make the survey. Mr. SUMNER hoped the committee would act courageously in regard to those trees and have them removed. It was now settled by experience and the rules of taste that trees were not advisable sround public structures. Where immense sums of money had been expended for architectural Deanty it should not be obscured by trees, In the streets they are 10 place, but ont of piace in the melgnbothood ofa great public monument like the Capitol. ‘These trees around the Capitol should be removed entirely or so thinned out as not to inter- fere with the view. The bill was passed. NO FICTITIOUS SPEECHES T0 BE PRINTED, Mr. ANTHONY, (rep.) of R. I.. from the Committee on Printing, reported favorably on the resoiution making it unlawful for the Congressional Printer to print in the Congressional Record any speech or part Of a speech not actually delivered in the Sen- ate or House of Representatives. Passed. NU PORT OF DELIVERY AT JEFFERSON, TEXAS. Mr. SpeNcrR, (rep.) of Ala., from the Committee on Commerce, reported unfavorably on the bill to create a port of delivery at Jefferson, Texas, in- definitely postponed. IMPROVING THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI, He also reported back the bill to facilitate the execution of and the protection of certain works the improvement of the mouth of the Missis- ppi River, and asked for the present considera- tion of the bill. Mr. CLAYTON, (rep,) of Ark., objected, and the Dill went over. PUBLIC BUILDING APPROPRIATIONS. Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) Of Ohio, introduced a resolu- tion instructing the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds to inquire into the expediency of sus- nding expenditure of appropriations for all ublic buildings upon which work has not yet been commenced and to cover such unexpended appro- priations into the Treasury. Acreed to, BILLS INTRODUCED, Mr. CLAYTON introduced a bill donating the bate ed reservation at Forth Smith to the city of rt Smith, Reierred to the Cémmittee on Military Mr. Davis. (dem.) of W. Va., introduced a bill for Bs, saprovempns ct the great Kanawha River, ferred to tire Committee on Commerce. AN ARKANSAS SENATOR CORRECTS A FALSE STATE- MENT, Mr. CLAYTON rose to a personal explanation and gent to the Clerk's desk, to have read, a paragraph in the Boston Daily Advertiser of Monday in regard to the dispute between the Postmaster General and himself. He said that at first he thought not 4o notice the article, but in view of the fact that It been charged that he, in his official capa- elty, had undertaken to influence a high officer of the government, he felt it due to his constituents, Sue to the Senate and dne to himself and due to the press that he should denounce the insinuation being faise and the instigator of it afalsifer. In mber Jast he, with his colleague, Mr. Dorsey, addressed a letter to the Postmaster General ask- dng that the free delivery system be ordered in De Rock, Ark. The Postmaster General said would send & speci agent to look into matter. On Saturday last he called at the department to see ‘The Postmaster General said e nad recalled the officer sent to make the inves- sigation, and would take no further steps in regara so the matter until after the passage of the Ap- fropriston bill, The only point of controversy tween himself and the Postmaster General waa whether the inquiry made in order to establish the system should be made now or alter the passage the Appropriation pill. He (mr. Clayton) did ot state, as Nppesten in the Baltimore Sun, that would see the Postmaster General in a.very warm piace before he would vote for any Appro- pet bill unless the iree detivery system be tablished at Little Rock. But he did say that ynder certain circumstances he could not favor poy further ee eb for thé free delivery System, and he did not think that was out of feeping witn some remarks he made a few gays ago on the subject. As to any bad ling between the itmaster General and elf it had ail been settled, and he Was glad to say it had been settled satisiactorily t both parties. He believed im a free press, as one of the most powerful auxiliaries of a.free gov- arnment,and they should go hand in hand. He also believed in free schools, being indebted to tne free schools of Pennsylvania for what httie educa- Sion he had. He remembered the rod of the teacher and believed it to be good. He claimed that the roa the uewspaper men held was a good $bing, and when they laid it upon persons deserv- fog it he said “Lay on Macduit; but when the; went slashing around every which way, he woul ask those gentiemen to be alittle more careful. if they did lay on him he would take this means in the Senate to set himself right before the country. CREATION OF POST ROUTES. mr. MORTON, (rep.) of Ind., offered an additional role to those of the Senate, declaring that no pmendment to any bill for the creation of a post route shal) be in order unti) after the reference of such amendment to the Committee on Post Ofices ‘and Post Roads. RalLROAD REGULATION. Mr. MorTON submitted the loliowing resolution, which was laid on the table and ordered to ve printed :~ Resolved, That the Committee on Transportation Routes the Seaboard be instructed to consider and report a creating a commission of five eminent and tiled persons to be appointed by the Pres. nt by and with the advice and consent of te, who shall examine and report to what legislation is necessary and practicable regard to unter-state railroads to promote the follow. ol Dassengers, by providing ¢ in: feats Jerome one cnwejuence of extortion ori m C1 fi aoavan the trausportation of freight and B tha discrimi Oger, in general, what regulations are neces- ry to promote the efficiency of railroads, the interests commerce and the convenience and safety of the welling public, Mr. MORTON said on Tuesday next he would take ) Mort time to express his views on the subject, ‘THE FINANCIAL PROBLEM. The morning hour having expired the considera- ol the finance resolution was rattle and ' BOUrwaLt, (rep.) of Mass., addressed the He said the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Schurz) Jad been pleased to arraign him for opinions, in- etene expressed on the financial question in Chamber, and, perhaps, more at large, stated jee where, Nons and was pleased to characterize “d0-nothing" policy. Those opinions, ing ti rock it five years, were embodied in the nocial policy of both the legislative and execu ve branches of the government. The financial ity through which the country had recently a bad taugnt a lesson. As a teacher it should respected; but as a dictator, demandil it @ policy tried should be abandoned, and 01 it wried be entered upon, it was not worth atten- yo, The number of iaflures of legitimate business ‘nen during the late troubles were few in the State represented, He did not know of one of Lapor ce. The business men of the couniry are ina Beats condition and prepared to on with r posiness. The laboring classes alone have red, and they alone are the persons entitled ‘consideration, and to their intereats ne though! soparess should Dow address itsel, He hoped |. denied that any NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1874.-TRIPLE SHEET. De able to show that an inflation of paper cur- reacy would inflict ynting end jasting evils upon tne iaboring men. He contended that there was frequently ap inflation of currency in New York, and ite evils were disastrous. There ts a navural process by which currency, whether paper or com, used for the purpose of business, will accumulate in @ particular place. When every wer of legislation shoald have been exhaustea Yor the purpose of cistribating eurrency over the the country, the result would be failure, Currency will fow where it belongs, and therelore naturally accumulates in the city of New York, The banks of the city gf New York, acting upon a practice almost ui pay inverest on deposits, and the result is 1 oney, instead of remain: in Cht- cago, Bt. and other etnies, flows into Yo:k—filty, sixty or seventy millions of dollars often being held there subject to call. The ac- cumulation oi currency in Sew York by artiticial means led to an toflation of the currency in that city, and to speculations, followed by disaster and ruin, An inflation of the currency of New the country would in produce the same results. He wae, therefore, opposed any increase im the volume of the japer money of the country, and, on the other hand, was opposed to any contraction of the cur- rency, He did not think a depreciated currency, to itself, a great evil. By that he meant to say that if the currency be depreciated, and the pri id preducts of labor become accommodated to that tate of things, there are no substantial evils affect- ing the general prosperity of the country. The authority of the treasury Department to use the forty-four million legal tender reserve ought never to have been questioned, but he trusted that this debate would settle the legat Tight of the Treasury to use that reserve. The department had acted upon the idea that tt had the right to use 11 when- ever an emergency occurred, g in mind al- Ways that it was not to be added to the volume of the currency when issued, but to be restored to the Treasury as 8000 a8 practicable, Mr. ScnuRz, (rep.) of Mo,—I understand that the gentieman ‘tains that the Treasury had the egal Bg to issue the $44,000,000, Does he also Maintain that the department has the legal nght to withdraw it again? Mr. BouTWKLL—Keeping in view the legislation of Congress, it was the duty of the Secretary of the ‘Treasury to do 80. Deducing from the policy of Congress his conclusion would be that $356,000,000 was the amount of currency 10 be kept in circula- tion and when the exigency passed it was the duty of the Secretary to reduce the volume of currency to 000. He argued that the issue of the $44,000,000, in his judgment. was consistent with the public interest in the highest degree, and the Secretary of the Treasury could not sit silent and inactive while ruin and disaster to the coun- try were apparent, But to permanently increase the currency he was opposed. In @ time of peace like this, when the country ts prosperous, its re- sources great, 1ts fature ‘bright, what excuse could Senators ofer themselves or offer the coun- try for adding to the volume of the currency and changing the relation of debtor and creditor? He leages of the government had been violated. © act of March, de- clared that the holders of United States notes might, between March and the following sae convert their notes into United States bonds, and they had that time to make such conversion. He favored a return to specie payments with such limitations as set forth in the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury of 1872. The statement had been made here that during the pass four years no progress had been made toward a return to spagie payment. This he denied. In 1869 the average price of gold was 323¢ per cent, im 1870 it was less than 15, in 1871 less than 12, in 1872 it was 124-10, and in 1873 it was 13 84-100. Did not these Jacts, by themselves considered, demonstrate that in those four years we had made progress toward specie payment? Mr. MORTON inauirea if the gentleman did not attribute the decrease in the price of gold in 1869 to the act of Congress passed then to strengthen the public credit ? Mr. BoUTWBLL rephied that he attributed much of the cause of the decrease to that act. When the act was passed the creait of the United States m Europe was substantially that of Italy, Spain, Turkey and the dishonored countries of Europe. From the passage of that act in 1869 the credit of the government steadily and rapidly advanced, until in all the marketa of Europe it was equal to that of other nation, without exception;' but the depreciation in the price of gold waa not due exclusively to the pameas. of that act. It was due aiso to the increase in the business of the country. He looked for 4n ultimate and not far distant equalization of our paper currency and coin; and, until that time arrived, any policy jooking to a resumption of Specie payment would be fraaght with the greatest anger. Mr. GORDON, (dem.) of Georgia, inquired if the LSeaere believed that the general prosperity of he country, and particularly that of the produc- ing classes, increased as the currency approached @ gold value? ir. BOUTWELL replied that the government haa never enjoyed such prosperity: as during the past lour years. If there been a lack of prosperity anywhere it was caused by circumstances inde- pendent of the policy of the government. He called the gentleman irom Georgia to witness that the cities of the South were more prosperous now than before the war and had increaged in wealth and business, Mr. GORDON—That is true; but my question was, “Have the producing classes grown wealthier 7” Mr. BouTWwELL—When you have aemonstrated that a city is prosperous you have demonstrated the fact that suchi city is situated in a prosperous, ljabor-producing community. There are in the South a large portion of people, both white and black, who have entered upon lands they have either leased or bought, and are producing larger crops than before the war. The aggregate products of the South show the amount to be much greater than before the war. Mr. GORDON said the increased production of cot- ton was Dot due to a! t facilities which have been furnished for it, but was due to the fact that new fields, pew acres were opened for cultivation, and higher latitudes, heretofore given to grass and grain, were now devoted to cotton. Mr. BoUTWELL sald the general fact remained, and indicated that the South was as prosperous a section of country now as it had been in any pre- vious conaition of its history. ‘The Senator from Georgia demanded cheap money. If he meant by that demand to secure additional circulation of paper money for the purpose of cheapening it, he (Mr. Boutwell) would advise the Senator (Mr. Gordon) to recall his own experience 1m the South during the war, when they had cheap money, and went to market with a basket full of money to purchase a basket of provisions. Mr. GorDON said that he did not mean cheap money, a8 the gentleman understood him, put he meant cheap interest. Mr. BourweELu said that, with inflation, the in- terest on money would continually advance. Money grew cheap in New York tn July, when busi- ness Inen were away in Europe or at the pare Places, taki get recreation, but, as the tall came on, the demand increased and interest ad- vanced. After the crops hada been moved it became plentiful again, and interest became lower. These changes were bound to occur every year. He argued that it was possible to have a preciated currency, and yet the paper in circula- tion could be nominally redeemable in coin. He Opposed the free banking system. Under it the currency of the country would be vastly increased, and when the time came to resume specie pay- ments these banks would be unable to respond. He was also opposed to the proposition of nis col- feague, Mr. Sumner, for convertible bonds, and ex- reseed the opinion that it would result in con- raction and hoarding of money, to the detriment of the business interests of the country. If the cur- rency was to be contracted asa means to resume specie ment, let it be done openly, so that every business man could see what was going to be, and shape his business accordingly. ‘as it to be presumed for a moment that we could go into the markets of the world and purchase coin with which to redeem the legaj tender notes? The whole Bank of Engiand and the money markets of Europe combined would be arrayed against us. Great fortunes, accumulated during the war by individuals in this country, put itin the power of a jew men to organize themselves to pre; ‘apan the government. It was possible for men in New York to mass for the purpose of speculation and control $25,008,900 $20,000,000 or even $20,000,000, and if the plan pro by his colleague (Mr. Sumner) should be adopted, those Men would work ruin to the Treasury by putting their money into those convertible bonds when money was plentijul, bold their bonds until a scarcity of money occurred, when they would have them redeemed, and precipitate an additional volume of currency on the country, inflaming prices and doing great damage. The plan of re- turning to specie payments year trom now also was very objectionable, a8 he had shown the gov- ernment could not get gold to do it; and, if the time jor a _ return’ shopla_ be fixed at a@ year from now, the government could not stand the shock. After redeeming fifty or a handred millions the Treasury would have to close its doors. Enough coin could not be ac- cumulated in the Treasury in a year to pay our Notes, and it was impossible to get it trom Europe, The only escape is to allow the Secretary of the Treasury to go into the markets of the country and buy our six per cent bonds at the market price with the proceeds derived from the sale of the five per cent bonds, The Senator from Mis- souri (Mr. Schurz) is in tavor of resumption. Let him show how it can be done. He (Mr. Boutweil) had observed a disposition to put more confidence in the days future, of which we know not, than in the days present, of which we do know. Mr. SCHURZ, \rep.) of MO., said that the discus- sion noW was merely upon the resolution directing the Finance Committee to report a bill, not upon the specific means for specie ‘resumption. en the committee have reported such a bill he would discuss specific measures. There had been an in- flation of the currency now amounting to $27,000,000. _1f this process went on, even to the extent of the $44,000,000 reserve, he was not sure but that it would be followed by events corresponding with those in New York in September last. He, therefore, thought it the duty of Congress to legislate immediately to prevent such disaster. It was not, in his judg. ment, tie true plan to borrow ne. toreturn specie payment; neither was it right to issue ponds to raise the meney, asked how, after a struggle of five hog in which he had performed some humble part, if it was right to attempt to strengthen the credit of this country now in the time of peace and in Comparative prosperity by ing into, our own markets and the markets of fie woria begging for money: to the current expenses of the country? There is but one rem- eay and one Means to ward of the and that ation, He would not say op but tax: tion must be, or else the disgrace 01 borrowi TBOHSY WO pay she expenses she governmen: and, as between barden and disgrace, he would but burdens on the people of the country beiore submitting to Mr, GoRDON, of Gi said that the Senator from Massachusetts spoke of the increased pros- ~_e of the Southern States. He begged to refer the fact that the cash value of farms in Georgia 157,000,000, and tn 1870 only $94,600,000. The value of all the real estate in Georgia, inciud- ing cities and farms, was $53,000,000 less in 1870 than it was in 1860, In 1860 Georgta raised 31,000,000 bushels of corn, and in 1870 only about half that quantity, In 1860 she raised 2,000,000 head of hogs, and in 1870 only 988,000, ‘rhe Senate, at five minutes past four P. M., ad- Journed till to-morrow. Wasnrnaron, Jan. 22, 1874, REGULATION OF MARITIME COMMERCY. Mr, Hovanroy, (rep.) of Cal., introduced a bill to establiah @ uniform registry of seagoing ves- sels, to afford additional protection to life on sbhip- board and to govern rebates in duties on mer- chandise Jamaged on the voyage of !mportation. Referred to the Vommittee on Commerce. PAY OF CONGRESSIONAL REPORTERS, The conference réport on the bill to pay the oficial reporters was presented and gave rise to considerable discussion. Finally the conference Teport was agreed to. IMPROVEMENT OF MATTAPONY RIVER, Mr. SENER, (rep.) of Va., presented a petition from the Corn and Tobacco Exchange of Richmond, Va., and of members of the Virginia Legislature, praying for an appropriation for the improvement of the Mattapony River, Virginia. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. TAXATION OF CHECKS AND MATCHES, Mr. Daw8s, (rep.) of Mass., from the Committee on Ways and Means, reported back adversely bills to repeal all taxation on bank checks and friction matches, and stated that there was a strong desire in the community to remove these taxes. He, therefore, instead of having the adverse reports laid on the table sud silentio, moved their reference to the Committee of the Whole for discussion and to mone them the special order ior Wednesday nex' Mr. MONROE, (rep.) of Ohio, stated that he had introduced bills to repeal the stamp tax on matches, and he therefore submitted some reasons why the adverse report should pe rejected and the bill passed, Mr. Dawes’ motion was agreed to. LEGAL TENDER CIRCULATION TO BE $400,000,000, Mr. Dawss also reported a bill, prepared by Mr. Beck, of Kentucky, to fix the amount of legal tender notes as toliows :— Whereas the existing uncertainty as to whether the amount ot logal tender notes now authorized by law to be kept in general circulation is $356,000,00 or $40,000,000 is calculated to derange the busimess of the country and unsettle values, be it, therefore, enacted, &c., that the Provisions of law existing prior to the passage of the act Approved April 12, 1866, entitied “An act to amend an act to provide ways and means to support the government,” Spproved Mared 3, 1803, be and the same are hereby de- clared to be in force, so as to authorize legal tender notes of the United States to the amount. o $400,00,000 to be Kent in general clreuiation and ithe fotal amount of mited states no} r to Never ex- Ualy o 8 OF OX. Mr. MoRTON moved to make the bill a special order in Committee of the Whole for Thursday next, and, in reply to a question, said the bill was @ wNauimous report of the Committee on Ways and Means. Mr. MAYNARD, (rep.) of Tenn., chairman of the Committee on Banking and Currency, while dis- avowWing any feeling of jealousy connected with the conflicting jurisdiction of the two committees, suggested that the consideration of this pill might ve arr to go on in connection with such measore or policy as the Committee on Banking and Currency might present. Mr, Cox, (dem.) of N. Y., said he would like to see @ little more definitiveness in this matter. This bill settled nothing as to a future policy. The mere setting down the discussion for Wednesday or Thursday fixed nothing. This bill, properly inter- Erstad ‘was a legalizing of the issue of the reserve. it was @ step away from rescmption, In spite of what might be said here the people would s0 re- gard it. Its tendency was towards inflation, and the prone should be advised about it. It was a relapse into barbarism. Mr. Dawes’ motion was agreed to, and the bill was made the special order in Committee of the Whole on Thursday next. SAVINGS BANKS DEPOSITS. Mr. Kasson, (rep.) of lowa, also irom the Com- mittee of Ways and Means, reported a bill con- cerning deposits in savings banks, construing the existing laws. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. BONDED STORES FOR RICE. Mr. SHELDON, (rep.) Of La., also from the same committee, reported @ bill to establish bonded warehouses for the storing and Cleansing of rice intended ior exportation. ‘This bill was originally introduced by Mr. Potter, (dem.) of N. ¥. Alter discussion the bill was passed. CONVERTIBLE CURRENCY. Mr. O'NEILL, of Pennsylvania, presented a peti- tion of citizens of Pennsylvania, praying for the enactment of laws directing the redemption or conversion of legal tender notes outstanding since 1862 by issuing therefor, at the option of the holder, bonds of $1,000 and its multiples, said bonds to be payable on demand in said legal ten- der notes, the bonds to bear interest at some fixed rate, say 3 65-100 per anaum, and also that the national banks may count said bond in the reserve, ARMY SURGEONS. Also resolutions of the Philadelphia County Med- ical Society, asking for the repeal of the act of March 3, 1869, which prevents promotions or ap- pointments in the medical department of the army, and asking for rank and emolument for pro- tracted services. DUTY ON FRUIT. Mr. MyERs, (rep.) of Pa., presented the memo- Tiatof the truit importers of Philadelphia asking that green or perishable fruit shall be placed on the free list. ‘The House then resumed the consideration of the WEST VIRGINIA CONTESTED ELECTION CASE. After a long discussion, and without coming to @ Vote, the House, at hall-past four o'clock, took a Tecess till half-past seven. The evening session isto be for the considera- tion of the bill revising and consolidating the Statutes, Evening Session. The evening session of the House was a ve! du!l performance. Various amendments to the bi! were offered and discussed of a technical nature, or correcting the figures of the salaries of clerks or laborers in the departments, Tbere were not more than thirteen members present. There was not much progress made and the House adjourned at ten o'clock. . THE GERMAN REFORMERS, pe aah ad A ead Reorganization ot the Central Commit- tee for 1874. The delegates of the German Reform organiza- ‘eons of the different Assembly districts, organized during the reform campaign three years ago, held &@ meeting at the Beethoven Maenner Hall, in Fifth street, last night, for the purpose reorganizing the Central Organization for 1874. Primary elections were held during the past week in the dif. ferent Assembly districts. The Eighth Assembly district Was represented by two delegations, one headed by Conrad Geib and the other by John ©. Boeckel. The meeting was organized under the bape of David M. Koehler, and when the roll jad been called @ resolution was passed to admit both delegations from the Eighth Assembly dis- trict. It was found that 123 delegates were present and fourteen districts were fully represented, while the rest, 1t was announced, bad not been fully reorganized, A permanent reorgapization ‘was effected by the election of Uswaid Otten- dorter as President for the ensuing year, who, in a brief address, recapitulated the object and aims of the German Keform organization, stating that its action henceforth 1s not to be confined to matters of manicipai reform ; but that, accoraing to the new luence shall be brought to bear on pee ite inf tate and national pees. in accordance with the principles originally adopted with reference to municipal reform. argued that the organiza- tion probably will have occasion to exert its influ- ence before long, in view of the present session of the Legislature. The reorganization was completed by the election of 8, D. Sewards, Dr. Charles Nette and Hermann Stemmermann Vice Presidents; Record- ing Secretary. George Kuester; Corresponding Secretary, A. Disbecker, and Wiliam Radde Treas- urer. THE EXPRESSMEN’S CONVENTION, INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 22, 1874, The Expressmen’s Association reassembled this morning mM the hall of the House of Representa- tives. A considerable amount of business was | transacted. Chicago was designated as the place for the next meeting, in 1875. The following Executive Committee was chosen for the ensuing ear:—W. Y. Eatsh of Cleveland, Ohio; J. J. ‘alentine, of San Francisco; J. Morrill, Jr.. of Philadelphia; Ely Westcott, of New Haven; C. P. Thayer, of New York. Resolutions of thanks to the various raliroads of the State, the newspapers and the express companies, tor courtesies ex- tended to the association, were passed, and the Convention adjourned, THE COMMISTEE OF SAFETY, A eecret mecting of the Committee of Safety was held Jast evening at Masonic Hall, all of the members being present. They decided to give a relief ball at the New York Assembly Rooms on Monday evening ior the benefit of the families of those persons who were arrested during the raid _ upon the working men at Tomp- Kins square. It was also decided that the com- mittee meet regularly every Friday evening. The TBE members were ady to gr any further infor- mation ing ‘pusihens transacted. THE TOMPKINS SQUARE RIOT. aakaiebiendiaes Joseph Hocfflicher, One of the Alleged Rioters, Tried in the Court of Special Sessions—He Is Sentenced to Three Months in the Penitentiary. Never was the Court of specia) Sessions more crowded with spectators than on yesterday morn- ing—Judges Morgan, Kilbreth and Flammer pre- siding—when the case of Captain Edward Walsh and Officer Patrick Walton against Joseph Hoef- Micher was called for alleged motous conduct and assault and battery,on the 13th of January, 1D Tompkins square. The benches, aisies and pas- sage way of the court were packed with large numbers of respectable German people, who took the most lively personal in- terest in the case, although to the ma- jority Of them Hoeffycher bimself was compar- atively @ complete stranger, Captain Walsh was the first witness called to the stand. The prisoner was charged with inciting a riot. The Captain stated that there were some 2,000 or 3,000 persons hallooing and shotiiing, and Hoefficher in their midst, The Captain was asked if he saw the prigoner commit any overt act, He answered,“No,”? Officer Patrick Walton was then called. He testi- fled that, when ordered by Captain Walsh to dis- perse the crowd, he was in the rear rank and Hoefilicher was in the northeast corner of the square. He ordered him to leave, when Hoeflicher raised his cane and struck him on the arm twice, iSoppaetier Price—Did you not hit him with your lui OMcer—No, sir, Counsellor Price—Did you not knock him down? OMcer—Yes; when ve struck me with the cane I took and “gave him the hand and footw” and tripped him up. ‘rhe Court questioned him as to the attendant circumstances, and he said there was a great deal ch eparement and Hoeflicher was a prominent actor. Sergeant Berchold next appeared. He saw Hoet- flicher knocked down and also saw lim strike Walton. By the Court—What did HoeMicher do? What part did he take in inciting a riot? Sergeant—When we came forward HoemMicher said in German, “Arbveiter, bleibt zusammen” (Workingmen, stand together). Judge Fiammer—You uaderstana German and heard him say this? Sergeant—Yes, and I heard him say, “Don’t leave the square.” fe was cross-examined at some fength by Counsellor Price, but no proof of a@ny overt act Was shown except the lifting of the cane. Hoefflicher was then put on the stand in his own defence, His appearance was the very oppo- site of that of a rioter. He is over fifty years of age, somewhat rheumatic, with a thin, attenuated countevance, mdicating intelligence, ana gave bis testimony clearly and with apparent honesty. He said he was so far irom being a leader, as charged, that he was not even a member of the society that day. He wad come from Bridgepor: some two months ago to 100k for work, being a wood turner by trade. He heard that mayor Havemeyer was to address the people in the square that day, and went to hear him unattended. When the police made the rush on the crowd he raised his cane to avert a blow from a club, and the expressions attributed to him he denied in toto, He was questioned by Judge Flammer as to his connection with labor or; ations, and stated that he had never struck @ man in his life unless attacked, and was educated on the principle “to live and let live.” Judge Filammer—Did you go taere with any in- tention ol fighting or exciting others to do so? hopMicher—No, sir; no. sir. I went to bear Mayor Havemeyer’s speech to the workingmen. I am a peaceabie man, and 1 have been a peaceable man all my Iife, and I always respect the law, Alter Mr. Hoetticher left the stand three men, named George Hauser, No, 309 Broome street ; Fred- erick Buchstorf, President of the “Groetl Bund,” and Philip Muller, came forward ag witnesses to prove character. They knew Hoefllicher to bea strictly honest and industrious workingman. The association with which Hoefflicher is connected 18 not professedly a workingmen’s association, but @ social and benevolent organization, formed among the natives of Switzerland, All the testimony being in, the Judges held a long consultation, and Judge Kilbreth aadressed Coun- sellor Price a8 follows :—‘Counsellor, the prisoner bas been tried on the charge of inciting a riot. Are tb willing that the same evidence shall stand on be charge of assault and battery?” Counsellor con- sented. Judge Kilbreth then delivered the opin- ton of the Court amid profound silence :—Hoel- fiicher, on this first charge the Court are of opinion that you went to Tompkins square on the day of the Flot with a peaceable purpose in view, and had = no intention of inciting or taking part in any not; but the Court feel that, while they are obliged to acquit you on the charge of rioting, you were very wrong in not pursuing a different course when the officers re- quested the crowd to disperse, It was your duty to obey the officers and Lo assist them, not to place obstacles in their way, and not toargue with them, We therefore find you not guilty on the charge of riot. On the charge of assault the Court find you ey and sentence you to three months in the enitentiary.”” The excitement among the audience was intense on the rendition of the jnag- ment, and some confusion eusued, which’ was promptly suppressed, as usual, by the officers, A COMMUNISTIO PAILUBE, It was reported tothe police that men were to proceed to the City Hall ?ark in small bodies, and when a large number had arrived there they were suddenly to assume the attitude of an organized meeting and present a bold and threatening frontto the authorities unless their demands were granted, At one o! the recent Communist meetings proposi- tions to toss the Mayor and Police Commissioners into the river and treat the Aldermen to somer- saults through their chamber windows were talked over, but THE POLICE ARB READY for all such little side effusions as this, and the Communists ought to remember, unless their heads are too thick, the police have most convincing methods of clinchimg an argument. Superin- tendent Matsell says he is thoroughly prepared for any demonstration these fellows may make, and as to their getting to the City Hall he has two or three movements in reserve to biock that little me most effectually. Every movement of the internationals (even the most secret) is known to the police, and there 1s no danger of their taking the authorities by surprise. The demonstration that was to have been je yesterday will, no doubt, be attempted another day, but the police will be ready and on the ee orkmen should be careiul to avoid these thin; for nothing but trouble will come of them. President Smith, of the Board of Police, is of opinion THESE MEN MEAN MISCHIEF, and he is desirous to meet and decide the question as soon as possible. This constant excitement of the minds of the laboring classes is disturbing them from their labors and doing serious tnjury. Captain Walsh, of the Seventeenth precinct, making daily tours of his precinct, warning men of the danger of mixing themselves up with this thing. He has been met on every side with asgur- ances of a desire for quiet by the workmen, A corps of twenty private detectives, including eleven women, have been added to the detective squad, and all the force ig at work watching and working up the doings of the Communists, The police are quite confident they are prepared for any emergency, and say the public may rest as- sured they are competent to deal with and stran- gle this monster of discord, WORKINGMEN’S CENTEAL COUNCIL A meeting of the Workingmen’s Central Council took place last evening at Masonic Hall. There wase full attendance. The Committee on Bills reported 4 petition to the Legislature to appoint a commission to purchase land for the people and furnish means to erect buildings, to be paid for in rent; also @ bill to prevent the police authorities from preventing the people from meeting wherever they please; also apprentice and jife and limb bills, and a law to license and regulate qualified engineers and to prevent un- qualified engineers from working; also a bill regulating the rights of the people to supply them- selves with gas independent of monopoly; also to appoint a labor bureau. ‘he delegates from the several trades reported work as being remarkably duil. Much ridiculous criticism took place at the ex- pense of the press, and whether the Chairman or any of the other members had @ ht =6to )§6call =meetings §=which worked in secret. Some members abused the Prestdent and the President abused the members. The Chairman was obliged to apologise Jor the action of a special meeting, and a member subse- juently gave the Chairman the lie direct. Indeed, it was a very strange scene, and the elements of discord were 80 numerous that at any moment there threatened to be a free fight. Some resolutions were proposed denouncing the capitalists and the inability of the statesmen to advance the interests of the workingmen, from their utter disregard of the prosperity of the indug- trial classes, &c. The resolutions were referred. It was also proposed that the workingmen forma co-operative building society. A member proposed a resolution condemning the lice for their action in Tompkins square. nother wrangle took place on this, The Chairman said he would not countenance this resolution. Thereupon some excited apeeches were made, The Chairman said the Council, was 8 boay to benefit the workingmen and not to discuss Communistic resolutions, An ppeal from the decision of the Chair was put to vote, and the appeal was lost, Thereupon two members withdrew, The row went on for some time, several mem- bess speaking On this question, no conclusion being reached when the meeting adjourned. Colonel Brackett’s Reserves, No. 125 CLaRx Stree, Cmicago, I., Jan. 20, tah} To THe Epiron oF Tuy HERALD:— 1am somewhat surprised at the storm of indig- Dation which has Jallen about my ears on account of my criticisms of the British cavalry, whicb are contained in my “History of the United States Cavairy,” pubiished by Harper & Brothers, of New York city, As the writers of several letters which appeared In your paper of the 16th and of the i7tn inst., under the heading of ‘‘Engiish va. American Cavalry,” clearly know nothing of the subject they are writing about, I will proceed to show them why I believe the British cavalry are so often whipped when they go into battle, In a book called “The Words of Wellington, col lected from his letters, despatches and speeches," compiled by Edith Walford, and published in New York by Scribner, Walford & Co, in 1869, I find on the flity-Nrst page these words, in a letter written by the Duke to Lieutenant General Sir RK. Hill :—“1 have never been more annoyed than by —— ——’s affair, and Lentirely concur with you in the neces- sity of inquiring into tt. It is occastoned entirely by the trick our (British) oMcers have acquired of galloping at everything, and their galloping back as fast as they gallop on the enemy.” The italics are my Own, but I consider this pretty good evi- dence, coming a# it docs trom Wellington him- self. On the 351s8t page of Roemer’s “Cavalry; Its His- tory, &c.,” published by Van Nostrand in 1863, I find Genera) Sir Charles Napter’s opinion of a Brit- ish regiment of cavalry to be as follows, He says:— “A British regiment of cavalry on parade is a beautiful sight; give it s1X months’ hard work in the fleld, and while the horses {ail the men lose confidence, The variety of dress supersedes ef- ficiency.”” “How comes it,” says Captain Nolan in his book, “ifour (cavalry) system is good, that such men of Jess physical and moral courage, mounted on tn- terior animals, should have been able to cope with our English dragoons, and not selaom successfully ¥ for at the battle of Chilifanwalla they tell of a Sikh horseman challenging the English w single com- bat, and unhorsing three dragoons before he was cut down.” “And what,” he asks, “does a charge resolve itse!! into but a mélée or series of single combats??? 1 am sorry I have stepped inadvertently upon the corns of Our English cousins, but before they Write more upon this matter 1 would advise them to become better acquainted with the subject. I am yours, very respectiully, ALBERT G. BRACKETT, i Lieutenant Colonel Second United States cavalry. THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT AND THE BISHOPS, oi. Ss The following circular letter has been addressed by the Minister of Public Ingtruction to the French Episcopate :— Paris, Dec. 26, 1873. MONSEIGNRUR—Some of your venerable col- leagues, examining the present situation of Europe and judging late events in their relations with the Catholic Churen and in their action on contemporary society, have recently published bastoral letters -contaiming expressions of views which could not fail in certain points to attract the attention of Hae big Occasionally, in- deed, they seemed calculated to excite suscepti- bilities abroad which it 1s always regrettable to awaken. The eminent prelates who addressed to the faithful of their dioceses the letters of which & Speak would be, 1t 1s true, the first to regret con- sequences absolutely contrary to the intentions which animate them. As a guarantee of this I need only !ook to the tried patriotism of which the French Kpiscopate have constantly offered such striking and giorious evidence. Nevertheless the goveruinent has beep obliged to take notice (a du s'émouvoir) of these facts, Monseignenr, and it earnestly desires that they may not be repeated, Your Greatness 1s aware how much symputhy it entertains for the Church and the Holy See in ‘the midst of their trials, It understands as well the anxieties of Catholic consciences, aud the sorrows ol which the Catholic bishops make themselves at this moment the interpreters. But these eentiments, Monseigneur, can be expressed with all the liberty and force which are suitable to them, without its beg necessary to resort to at- tacks which might furnish ground for alarm to neighboring governments. There are between States mutual courtesies which cannot be for- gotten. We are obliged everywhere to profess re- spect for established Powers, as we wish to claim it in our turn ior the government instituted in our country by the sovereign will of the National As- sembly, is there any peed to add, Monseigneur, that in the midst of the grave conficts whicn to-day agitate the world itis especially by their moderation | that the bishope add to the legitimate influence ot their opinion, and contribute most effectually to that work of conciliation and general pacification which should be the object of our common efforis? It would be unbecoming in me to further empha- size Considerations which recommend themselves to the attention of Your Greatness. 1 am, besides, assured that you will not mistake the motive which inspires this letter, of which 1 confide the purport to your prudence. Receive. &., DE FOURTOU. POLISH REVOLUTIONARY OELEBRATION. A large meeting of Polish residents in this city was held last might at the Casino, in Houston street, tocommemorate the loss of their father- land and also in honor of the inception of the last Pohsh revolution in 1863. Over the platform were entwined the flags of the United States and Poland. The latter, which bore the emblem of the Polish eagle, was draped with mourning, A large num- ber of the women present were dressed in black, and the occasion was evidently @ painful one to all Natl The meeti was opened by Mr. Du urens being appoin' President, who intro- duced to the meeting Mr. J. BE. D'Alfonce, who spoke in Polish, and toid av lengtn the history of Poland’s almost superhuman etruggie for linerty and her eventual dismemberment. He said Ger- many had helped in this Matter more than Russia, Mr. M. F, Dowiley then said in substauce :— Countrymen of Kosciusko, your cause, hike his memory, is dear to every American heart. Your meeting here to-night shows that the Polish patriots, even in exile, love their fatherland. Remember that agitation is the surest method to redress grievances, and that Better to bleed for an age before Liberty's shrine Than sleep but one moment in chains. Poland, which has been erased from the list of nations, Contained 15,000,000 of inhabitants. Its boundaries extended irom the Bosphorus to the Danube and from the Euxine to the Baltic. Prus- sia, Mora’ = Bohemia, Hungary, Karland and Livonia are ali remnants of Poland’a several king- doms, I need not call to the recollection of this audience the bitter and ourning wrongs imposed upon Poland by its ruthless oppressors. You know too well its history and character. (Cheers. He was followed by Mr. Emile Raveaud, who spoke in French, and proposed that the French and the Poles, situated at the eatrame points of Europe, should shake hands across Geimany. He fidiculed the crumbling fabric of European powers, and advocated the solidarity of oppressed nations. Mr. M. Markowitz then made a powerful address in German, in the absence of General atet who had promised to attend. He recapitulated the struggles for liberty made by the Poles in 1831, 1846 and 1803, and hoped that in the future unhappy Poland might once more gain her liberty. With reference to the ’68 revolution he mentioned its commencement at Cracow and spoke in pathetic terms of the 60,000 Poles who were siaughtered by the Russian hordes. Before the meeting adjourned subscriptions were taken up by the Secretary for the statue of Kos- ciusko which is to be erected next year in Central Park. There are about 6,000 Polish residents in New York. FATAL ACOIDENT aT GING SING While number of boys were amusing them- selves by “coasting” at Sing Sing on Wednesday night, two of them—one white and the other col- ored—in attempting to glide across the Hudson River Railroad were struck by the locomotive of a passing train, The colored boy was killea in- stantly, while his compenecn received iujuries which it ts believed must prove fatal. The names of the unfortunate lads did not transpire. SCHOOL INSPECTORS, The newly appointed Inspectors of Schools for the Eigath district were yesterday sworn in by the Mayor, and drew lots for the respective terms, Thomas H, Faile serves until January, 1875; Dr. Norman K. Freeman until January, 1870, and Samuel 8. Randall until January, 1877. NEW HAMPSHIRE, Movements for » State License Law. ConcoRD, Jan. 22, 1874, A meeting of the State License Alliance is in Bea- sion here, in Phenix Hall, 8, B, Page, of Concord, Was chosen President, and George Everett, of La- conta, Secre' . A Constitution and bylaws were adopted, providing for the organization Of alliances Ym ail the Jarge towns. ‘The object of the conven- tion is to take measares to secure the passage of a State License law, The deliberations are in secret, The druggiste of the State are also holdin convention here to-day, with the same object in view. Their convention is aleo held in secrete UBA. Press Comments on President Grant’s Message Relative to the Virginius, The Spanish Idea of a Claim for Damages— “Struggling with Three Insurrections— Court Martial Conviction of a Colonial Editor for Remarks on the Case— Financial Position of the Island— Plan of Debt Relief—The Insur- gent Victory at Gibara. i Havana, Jan. 17, 1874, The Message of the President of the United States to Congress and the decuments accom- panying it on the question of the Virginius have been reviewed by the Diario de la Mavina in long and heavy article, which goes over the same ground of Spanish argument respecting the legal- ity of the capture and the pretensions of the United States, and again adducing the right of Spain to present claims against the United States for damages. The Diario, aviera tong commentary upon the question, concludes its exhaustive edito- rial as follow! We have written so much respecting the Vire ginius and its capture, its return bas wounded and mortified us so mucn in our deepest leelings 5 we bave commented and estimatea so any times everything reierring to the negotiations condneted between the governments of Washington and of Madrid, that we do not think it necessary to enter into @ detailed examination of the documents presented to Congress. All we have to say has already been said. From the first telegram of General Sickles, of November 6, to the protocol at Washington of 29th November all has been in perfect consonance, everything carries the stamp of exaction and pressure by one government, and weakness and condescendence by the other. A nation free of momentary em- barrassments has weighed down all 1¢ could upon another, which was struggling with three insurrec- tions at once, The one accidentally the strongest did not desire to be generous, and the one acci- dentally the weakest could not be heroic, becanse it valor was nol consulted, We, the Spaniards of this province, have the consolation that we have done all we could to save our national honor. AN EDITOR CONVICTED BY COURT MARTIAL. Asa tag to the history of the Virginius I Jearn from Santiago de Cuba that the editor of the Redactor, Martinez by name, who, it will be recol- lected, was imprisoned on account of baving re- ported that among the victims of the Virginius massacre were “several of tender age,’? has been tried by court martiai and condemned to ten years? imprisonment. ‘This, if true, is @ second penalty for the same offence, for he had been already con- demned to a fine of $200 and imprisonment of six months, CUBA FINANCIALLY, In the meeting held last Thursday by the Junta of the Treasury Debt, to find ways and means to ameliorate and remedy the condition of the finances of this island, several schemes were dis- cussed and the following report in substance sub- Inttted to the superior authority for his considera- tion :— The necessity of making collections tn gold of all the duties due to the Treasury is duly recogn: but meets at once the difictlty of realizing it a the present time on account of the impossibility of raising @ loan abroad large enough to cover the entire amount of the debt. It is, therefore, deemed, necessary to repeat to the supreme government the convenience of deciaring a8 a National debt that contracted by the Treasury of Cuba on account of the military “expeditions of Mexico and -S8t. Domingo, and » 01 the war sustained in defence of the national inte g- rity in Cuba. Giveu the impossibility of establish- ing immediately the collection of all the Treasury dues in gold, the convenience is recognized of establishing it in proportion to the amount of notes which is extinguished by conversion or jund- ing, consequently entering into the public aebt of the island ail the notes of the Spanish Bank of Ha- vana and Treasury bouds, the necessity that that part of this detf repre- sented in bank notes issued ou account of the Treasury, for the purpose of the war, should reacn. the sum of $60,000,000 is also recognized, admitting: as heretofore the notes at their nominal value. For the purpose of taking up exactly $30,000,000 of the $60,000,000 mentioned, it is considered neces- sary to issue a forced loan Of $80,000,000 in Treasury bonds, authorized by the decree of 9th August, 1872, nm denominations of $500, and even less amounts, and payable 10 three instalments during one year; butifthe country cannot support this burden in one year, tnen the time for final pay- ments to be extended, y that, as the From this the report goes on to is covered, bonds of the loan of $30,000,000 continue to be issued in Treasury will the same form previously established for extinction $5,000,000 annualy until the total of the $60,000,000 prescribed by the decree of August 9, 1872; and in order that the Treasury shall be relieved and meet ail its demands the ex- traordinary war subsidies decreed to the present date, amounting to $13,800,000, shall be applied to the expenses of the wi and from the 1st of January, 1875, there shall be decreed an ex- traordinary levy which shall be saficient annually to pay the funding and interests of the loan of 60,000,000, it being understood that in case of ‘avorable circumstances or any modification there result any surpius in the estimates the levy snall be diminished in @ proportionate sum, The distri- bution of the loan, as also the intervention in the collection and application of the means to affect the junding, shali be made by vhe corpora- tions (juntas) of the debt and of ways and means collectively, adding two members in representa- tion from ail other guilds, and aided by committees composed of five persons, two planters, one industrial or manufacturer and two merchants, duly elected by their respective guilds. Finally, the convenience 0! paying the debt con- contracted with the bank in as short a time as sible, and it is to be understood that the 16,500,000 of issue of the old bonds of the Treasury are to be paid in specie. INSURRECTIONIST VICTORY, By @ recent steamer arrived in this port from Gibara the defeat of Coionel Esponda’s coimm, near the last-named port, as eady reported in ay last to the HERALD, been fully confirmed, General Portilla, the new commander of the Cen- tral Department, asserts his inability to carry ous successiully operations against the insurgents in that district unless the government turnisnes him with sufficient reimiorcements. THE LABORANTES report that the General lately started on an expt- dition with three columns in pursuit of the ine surgents, but was 80 severely harressed by the in- surgent cavalry of Sanguily that he returned to Puerto Principe. SUFFOOATED BY GASOLINE. Horrible Death of a Watchman at the Newport Torpedo Statio NEwrort, R. L, Jan. 22, 1874. The first fatal accident since the inauguration of the Newport torpedo station occurred on the island at an early hour this morning. Patrick Crimmins, day watchman, and an attendant at the officers’ quarters, was found suffocated im the gasdline vault, used for supplying gas to the officers’ houses. It was noticed as the boat left the island with the workmen that he was not on board, but little was thought of this, However, as the evening passed away and he did not make his appearance at home, his wife became alarmed and communicated her fears to others. MUDNIGHT SEARCH FOR A DEAD COMRADE. A party immediately procured a boat at mid- night, and proceeded ‘to the station and made a search with lanterns, His dinner kettle was found in its usual place, which Gon rineinay proved to the party that he had not left the isiand. The gesomnever was the next place of search. The cover this was found open, and an oll can near by. ‘There was a suffocating odor about the place, and 80 it was deemed unsafe to go near with a light, but by Using @ ten foot pole it was tound with @ degree ol certainty that his body was there. the gas had become sufficiently dissipated tne light ‘Was brought oear enough to see the man’s feet, Ls by means of a slipping noose attached to oy THE STIFFENED CORPSE OF was brought to the surface. It was a gcene, the officers actually weeving, as the de- ceased man was an exemplary person been employed by the government since the island was purchased for the torpedo station. He was twochlidgen, “The corousr’s jury returnes et two ol \. ed @ ver- dict in accordance With the above facts, THE CODE OF HONOR Trial of a Virginia Daellist for Murder, RICHMOND, Jan. 22, 1874, The triat or W. Page McCarty, charged with the murder of John B. Mordecai, which commenced yesterday, was resumed this morning, After summoning 1385. beregns the panel of sixteen waa completed, from which @ jury of twelve was selected and sworn in. The case was opened by the prosecution and is now Ing. This ia the us duelling case wh! occurred last May, in which one of the princt was killed and the other seriously wounde: survivor, McCarty, still suifering. irom the wound and moves abot is ut on crutches. Much interest prevails, both the principals being bighiy connected, Tne court room ia crowded,