The New York Herald Newspaper, April 9, 1874, Page 3

Oe WASHINGTON. Irregularities in the Treasury Be- coming More Apparent. SOUTH CAROLINA'S SORROWS Little Hope for the People of Louisiana. IDLING LEGISLATORS. Conjectures About the Finale of the Financial Farce, WASHINGTON, April 8, 1874. The Louisiana Matter to Come Up in the Senate Again on Monday—Little Hope for the People of the State—Judge Durell Not Anxious to Resign. Th the Senate to-day the regular order was con- tinued, and several private bills were passed. Sen- ator Carpentertgave notice that on Monday nexthe ‘would call up nis bill “to restore the rights of the State of Louisiana,” This grave and important question wasiest discussed in the splendid and Made by him in the Senate on March to the alleged urgency ic ent, the debate has gone ovgr for the time being, and the Senate nas been oat Wteadily engrossed with the requirements of the matioral currency. Now that it is over, since no more serious and responsible demanas can possibly be made upon the consideration of the Senate, it isa matter of profound anxiety to many statesmen, as well as those who are distin- guished for patriotism, that this terrible stumbling biock shall be removed from the pathway of the na- tion’s progress, Conscientious republicans feel that this administration isin some degree responsible for the tyrannical state of affairs forced upon the people of Louisiana in the usurpation of Kellogg, though the President is not held directly answer- able, nor as having nad any intention to persecute them, They do not want this accountability to be charged to their party, and want it corrected be- fore they are pd to go before the people again for their suffrages. In the present temper of the Senate there is no hope for Louisiana unless some al comes over the spirit now actuating them in tion, Or there are addittonal reasons pre- sented why & view different from that heretofore entertatmed should now be taken by them. The government of Kellogg has been at work absorb- ing everything all the time, and hence now pre- sents in ite acts for the time being something to commend it to the people. Serious doubts are en- tertaimed whether the notorious and indecorous Judge Durell can ever be displaccd, ana, as to his tésigning, there are good grounds for saying that he Will under no consideration help himself out of office by resigning. Removal of Commissioner of Customs Haines and Confirmation of His Suc- cessor—Too Much Zeal in the Honest Service of the Government the Cause. The confirmation to-day of H. 0. Johnson as Commissioner of Customs, successor to Mr, M. T, Gaines, whitch was foreshadowed im these de- Fpatches some weeks ago as about tobe done in the interest of the re-election of Senator Scott, has creeted considerable excitement here among oMiclals and politicians, the former of whom feel unsafe in their positions and the latter confused on account of this strange interpretation of the civil service regulations, But another far more serious complexion is given to it now since it has been developed that there is another cause under- lying the change and one with which the interests of the general government are largely and in- separably connected. It appears that the law which. allowed tropical fraits to be entered duty free, and which it will be Temembered created an excitement in the Senate debate of February 20, was bungled or intenttonally garbled in its punctuation. Thus fruits came in duty tree, aud consequently there are a large number of cases wherein a claim for refundment is made against the Treasury Depart- ment. They emenate from Boston and New York principally, and involve a payment from the Treas- ury of about $500,000 now, and a prospective loss to the government of about $2,000,000. The Com- moissioner of Customs, Mr. Haines, protestes against-these as a fraud against the government, and the unseemly haste with which the claims were being rushed through the department, He declined to approve them and he was sent for im- mediately by Mr. Richardson, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the screws were put on him at once. He was given instructions promptly to audit the aloresaiq ¢laims. He positively declined to ao it, unless the Secretary of the Treasury would .give him a _ written order to that effect. This was finally done, by a letter, which was recalled after some $40,000 ‘were paid out under it, and the instructing clause ‘was struck out, it having been discovered by the astute Secretary that it wasa serious mistake to do it and a grave responsibility to interfere with the daties of an officer who is by law invested with the authority of a comptroller, but the record of it remaing in the Final Accounting vepartment. There ig ring interested in this fru{t business, which, it is said, some high officials have con- nection with, and the object is to defraud the government out of thousands of dollars. Mr. Haines has been removed because he was in the way and tried to save the government about $2,000,000, To effect this, as he was appointed trom Pennsylvania, Senators Cameron and Scott were appealed to by the Secretary of the Treasury, stating that the resignation of Haines on Apriil would be acceptable and that they could nominate Ins successor, He decided to decline resigning, and the first namea Senator withdrew from the advocacy ef his successor, but Senator Scott, through the influence of Assistant Secretary Sawyer, persisted in making room for a pliable incambent. Opposition of Citizens and Representa- tives of South Carolina to Interfer- ence with Her State Affairs. The sub-committee of the House Committee on the Judiciary, consisting of Messrs. Tremain, White and Eldridge, to-day heard a committee, appointed by the Republican State Central Committee of Sonth Carolina, in opposition to a delegation from the Taxpayers’ Convention of that State, who wero heard last Monday, L. C. Carpenter, editor of a Columbia journal, first addressed the sub-com- mittee, saying that the State censtitution guar- antees equal justice to all, both white and black, and protesting against any interference bythe general government. He urged that the system of taxation and representation which prevails in South Carolina was precisely the same which pre- vatled in every other State in the Union, It was not true, as alleged, that those who pay the taxes have no hand in levying them ; but it could be shown from the records that many of those who talk loudest about oppressive taxation pay no taxes at all, not even the poll tax, and that their names do not even appeat on the tax lists. Speeches of the same tenor were made by ex-Congressman B, H. Whittemore and Messrs. Johnson, Neagle and others. The Congressmen from South Carolina and the delegates from the Taxpayers’ Convention were also present. Con- gressman Ellivtt made an argument against the prayer of the memorialists on constitutional grounds and protested against Congressional in- terference, He heid that the evils complained of can readily be abated by conciliatory tactics on the part of the memoriaiizing party, and said the thoughtful repubiicans of the State are ready and anxtous to co-operate. The Supreme Court of the United States, in the case ‘state of Texas vs. White,” held doctrines opposed to the spirit of the prayer of the memortalists, and in “MoCullough vs. State of Maryland” maintained the doctrine that the féderal government cannot interfere to prevent abuse of the taxing power in ® State, Mr. Whittemore followed Mr, Ellictt in- NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1874—TRIPLE SHEET. veighing against the Memorialists for their refusal to participate in the conventions for forming the new State government, aNd denying the charges of extravagant use ofthe public funds, aiso hoid- ing that taxation in South Carolina is not exces- sive. There will be another hearing for both sides next Wednesday. A Bill Forbidding Government Officials to Reesive Perquisites or Fees. ‘Mr. Woodford, of New York, in the House to- day, from the Committee on Civil Service Heform, reported a bill providing that no officer of the United States shall directly or indirectly receive | or be paid for bis own use or benefit any money or property of the United States except his salary or compensation, and that no public property shall be used by officials or by any person for private Purposes; the act not to be so construed as to pre: vent the payment of all actualand necessary travelling expenses when travelling on the legiti- mate and necessary duties pertaining to their offices. Mr. Maynard, of Tennessee, inquired how the bill would affect the collectors of ports, whose compensation was made up largely of fees, Would it restrict them to their salariesand 10 more? Mr. Woodford replied that it would. Mr. Dawes, of Massachusetts, offerea an amendment by inserting the words ‘‘or make any Private profit or use of the labor or service of any Person employed by the United States, which labor or service is pad for by the United States,” Congressmen Who Olamor for Despatch of Business Wasting the Precious Mo- ments of an E Session at the Opera—The Course of the Finance De- bate. Music bas charms superter to the clamor of in- flationists, and, despite thé rain, the Nilsson opera Was crowded to-night. Tke.conspicuous members of the audience were Semators and Representa- tives, The latter clamore@-at the close of the ses- sion this afternoon for an evening session, to help finish the debate, with fifteen minute speeches. A dozen members, anxious to get on the record, at- tended, To-morrow, till balrpast three, ten min- ute speeches will be. indulged in. Then comes the previous question, which may not be seconded; then the host of amendments, and in all proba- bility the bill will be before the House till the end of the week, Haytian National Meurning Over the Death of Senator Sumner. The despatches to the Haytian Legation from Port au Prince announce that when the official announcement of the death of the late Senator Sumner was made, on the Zist ult., the flags on ithe President's palace, the forts anda the public buildings were’ at once placed at half-must in token of respect for the loss of that eminent statesman. The badge of mourning was worn until the 26th, when an impressive and solemn faneral service took place in the Cathedral. The ceremony was attended by the President, the mem- bers of his Cabinet, the diplomatic body, and all the oMicials of the government, During mass the cannons of the fortifications round the city fired minute guns and the military forces were under arms. This sad and deeply regretted event is considered by the Haytiam people as a public calamity, and they were amxious to testify their appreciation of the noble labors, humane feelings and integrity of the iate Senator by making that day & national day of mourning. The Black Bob Shawnee Indians of Kansas Protest Agsinst the Sale of Their Lands. The Secretary of the Interior transmitted to the Senate to-day an oficial letser from Superintend- ent Enoch Hoag, protesting, to behalf of the Black Bob Shawnee Indiana, of Kansas, against the pas- sage of the bill introducea im the House of Repre- sentatives by Mr. Cobb, of Kansas, providing for the sale of their lands, comprimng some 33,000 acres, in Kansas, which been already exten- sively occupied by trespassing settlers. Mr. Hoag says these lands are worth $15 per acre, whereas the bill provides for their sal@ to the settlers at $5 per acre, Ocean Cable Communiéation Unobstruct- ed by ly. Mr. Sargent, of Califo! introduced, by re- quest, in the Senate, bill t®eecure anti-monopoly ocean cable comm between Europe, America and Asia, It give’ to W. Cornell Jewett and his associates all the ts, powers and privi- leges to land, use and operattocean cables in the interests of the American’ ‘and peopie between Europe and New York, or any other de- sirable points on the Atlantic coasts; also between San Francisco or any other desirable points on the Pacific coast and China and Japan or desirable points of Asia, under the same provisions, restric- tions and limitatious as granted by the Telegraph act of ‘March 29, 1867, It was referred to the Com- mittee on Foreign Relations, The Transit of Venus. Professor Peters and Dr. Henry Draper, of New York, are both actively engaged at the Observa- tory in making preparations for observation of the transit of Venus, THE ASSASSINS OF CREDIT. pe ive Vain Efforts of the Inflation Advocates to Convert Sophistry Into Logic—Con- science-Stricken Demagogues Endeavor- ing to Reconcile Folly and Righteous- ness—Mr. Beck’s Bill to Abolish Na- tional Banks. WASHINGTON, April 8, 1874. The House, at @ quarter to two, resumed the consideration of the Currency bill. Mr. Coburn, (rep.) of Ind., made a speech in favor of the bill, He denied the assertion that what the South and West lacked was not currency, but capital. He maintained the contrary, that it was not capital they wanted, but currency. The census tables showed that they had wealth and capital in abundance; quite enough to com- mand respect and to silence those who insolently made such a statement, He could see no safety in contraction and none in standing still. The pill passed by the Senate was now on the Speaker's table. So far as it went it was a measure of relief, and his advice would be to adopt that measure without amendment, as the best that could be done at present, He argued that the banking system of the country was estab- lished and could not be safely changed. The with- drawal of the bonds and the calling in of the bank loans would ruin business, It would be better to add $60,000,000 to their circulation than overdraw them. THE GREAT LESSON OF THE PANIC was that there should be a reserve of currency in the Treasury, within the reach of the people. The value of currency depended not on its redemption in coin, but in the ability and willingness of the people to pay taxes and to supply revenue to pay the debt and interest. The way to resume specte payment was to keep up the prosperity of the people, and this could be done by a moderate expansion. Specie payment was a myth everywhere. The banks always suspeoded on a run. Time and credit would work the government out of debt and bring up the currency to the gold point. At thi close of the war the paper circulation was twi its present volume, and the people did not suffer, but prospered. The pains of contraction had been Jelt when che present limit was reached. Business had incre: and more currency was needed, If contraction was necessary why did not the great Eastern bankers, who urged it, set the example by withdrawing their cireulation? Legal tenders Were the lifeblood of the nation in war and peace. With them wages has risen fifty per cent. It was the poor man’s currency, it was the farmer’s cur- rency, for it gave him good prices and a home mare et. and to late the value thereof, The would be receant to its duty if it fatied lly Ae reeaiees on the car- rency and restrain it irom overfow: ite bounds and running into inflation. To show the necessary bited 8 diagram, reporters’ desk, and on which he traced the and fait of the circulation at various periods, ‘show. ing that wherever circulation attained its greatest, altitude it was followed by a crash, 4 @ fnanctal panic. He warned the aut of the bill (Mr. May- nard, of Tennessee) shat this bill was Tuts condition of ings bad been preuiciea is condition n predicted 2,000 ears ago, when Vi wrote, ity descensus ‘ert eed revoonre Nic est labor, eat,” iD, Ten into the vernacular, meant thas the gentieman from Tennessee might provide mass of shi bas work and labor to redeem (Laughter.) He bbe that this bill would cle payments indefinite and would prob- postpone them iorever, There was but one ks and Sgive to the people, instead of fo Maen nye vhe credit of nt system a few on obtained the crodis of thé goye, most nothing, a1 € pel vo extend it irom the ‘ow how prhers a ike ¢lags who happened to have the bonds, a substitute for the pending measure. make the tender notes receivable as payment of all duties due to the government. All the depreciation of the currency had been brought about by the government in tne interest of the bondholders by repuchating its own debts and by refusing <0 take legal tenders in payment of cus- tome duties, while it forced ite citizens to take the legal tenders in payment of private debts, It was the duty of the government to manage itsown currency and see that it is Keps @oads unliorm and of e value everywhere, warned the East not to oppree vhe West, for im ten years two- thiras of the members of the House would come from west of the Alleghanies, and it ht be that other great avenues to the ocean would be found besides the present ones—that the Mississippi and the 8t. Lawrence it be made the ‘water highways for the Bro juce- of the South and West, The people of the East had wealth, income, bon 0 e day when the wi " wert fnd not its poverty, would bear the burden of taxation. eves: THE PREVIOUS QUESTION a At the close of Mr, Beck’s speech 4 general col- loquy arose as to the I{mitation of the debate. ir. MAYNARD, {rep:) of Tenn., wanted to have the debate confined to ten or fiteen minute 8 hes. ‘Mr. SHANKS, (rep.) of Ind., objected to fifteen minute speeches on the ground that a man who could not say all he kpew on the subject in five minutes did not know anything about it. In reference to Mr. Shanks’ remark Mr. MAYNARD made an allusion to the fable of the man with the ass. Mr. BUTLER, (Fe of Tenn., suggested in the midst of the Somtupion tnat Goveraer Dix's Mes. Te: ‘ihe arrangement finally was that there should be an evening session to-night for debate, and that the previons question would be seconded at hatt- past three o’clock to-morrow. ‘The House then, at five o’clock, took a recess. Evening Session. The attendance at the evening session was con- fined to those members who had speeches to. de- liver. The speeches were confined to fitteen minutes each, ao that a many were got oif. oo ol Wisconsin, occupied the Speaker's | chair. THE WASHINGTON RING. The Investigation of the Acts of the District of Columbia Board of Public ‘Works—Contracts Imperfectly Fulfilled and the Treasury Cheated in the Lay- ing of Pavements, WASHINGTON. April 8, 1974. In the District investigation to-day. Mr. 0. H. Quimby, of hicago, was examined with reference tothe durability of the De Golyer and McLellan wood pavement No. 2, which was lald under his superintendence on Pennsylvania avenue and on | other streets in this city. He testified that the Pavement wasa fraud and a humbug, but that it ‘Was not discovered by him to be such until his at- tention was subsequently called to Lake street, in Chicago, which was in all stages of decay. When witness made the discovery he came on to Wash- ington, bringing with him one or two of the de- a blocks, He went to see Mr. Shepherd, and called his attention to the fact that the blocks were worthless and that it was time that the people should know tt, Mr, shepherd said it did not take a great deal of a nt tO convince the Board of that fact. Sul juently he understood that an order was issued by the Board of Public Works stopp! ‘the use of the blocks altogether, but that he had reason. to believe the order was rescinded, because he saw the work going on with the same blocks aiter- wards, He testified that the pavement cost $1 50 per square yard, and was very profitable to the contractors at the prices allowed by the Board. He was shown the items rendered by De Golyer & THE SANBORN SOANDAL. Testimony Touching the Veracity of the Secre- tary and Assistant Secretary of the Treas- ury—Solicitar Banfield’s Convicting Evi- dence—Cheaper Offers of Farming the Revenue Rejected—General Butler in the Role of Outraged Virtue. WAsHINGTON, April 8, 1874, To the unpleasant evidence of corruption in the management of jhe Treasury Department afforded by the remova! of Commissioner Haines, and which 1s to be fully imyestigated by the Committee on Ways and Means, was added to-day the circum- stantial evidence of E. 0. Banfield, Solicitor of the Treasury Department, who most explicitly contra- dicted Secretary Richardson and Assistant Secre- tary Sawyer in regard to the giving out of the Sanborn contracts, A question of veracity has Deen raised between the Solicitor and the Secre- tary and his assistant, with all the evidence thus far taken, in the opinion of the committee, in favor of the Soli In substance Mr. Richardson Swore that he Skew nothing about the contracts, that he si the papers as mere routine bust- ness, and th Tesponsibllity rested upon the Solicitor, er’s ignorance was regarded by the com: as that of method and not of infirmity, as Mr. Banfielo had been made whe Bcai he was anxious to show in this Christiag era that the old method of bearing adiother’s sina could not be imposed on him. He @ave the most definite account of the manage- ment and authority vested in the Solicitor’s office, and drew distinctly the line dividing him as an advisory law officer of the Treasury Department. Having estdblisned all this, he then proceeded to show that throughout the pending of the Sanborn contracts in the Treasury Department, the whole matter was entirely in the hands of the Secretary, and that he never did and never could have drawn up single paper or prepared a single document without first receiving the sanction of the Secre. tary; that in this particular matter both Secretary Richardson and Assistant Secretary sawyer fre- quently consulted; that there was the fullest di- rection given in the matter, and that when the papers were examiued by the Assistant Secretary mination of previous instructions, It wus true he gave Messrs, Presbury and Green their commissions, as he had a perfect right to do, with- out consulting the Secretary. The law gave him the right, but in the other matter now engaging the attention o! the committee, he wanted it un- mistakably understood: that either verbal or writ- ten orders guided him tn all he did for the office of the Secretary. All this was exceedingly interest- ing to members of the committee, who had begun to think poor memories or inability were requisite for a@ Treasury official. To make the evidence more interesting and that Mr. Sawyer might have NO reason to complain of inability, in the Solicit- or’s arraignment of the Secretary, Mr. Banfield informed the committee not only was the Assist- ant Becrey not ignorant of the Sanborn con- tracts and the legislation which was brought about to accommodate those thirsting for the money of delinquent taxpayers, put that prior to the of the law under which the contracts were given two gentiemen called at his oMce to convince him that an act passed in 1870 gave the Solicitor of the Treasury an opportunity Of so construing the law as to include the very corporations and parties provided for by subse- quent legisiation. He was told he could give wider scope to the act and facilitate business wonder- fully, Mr. Banfleld took the matter under con- sideration, and, finally, positively refused to favor his persistent visitors, who were ex- seman Kelsey, of New York, and the present Asaistant Seci 'y of the Treasury, the then Senator Saw- yer, of South Carolina. Mr. Sawyer, in his evidence, swore he did not have anything to do with the business, and tha‘ it was all news to him. Said a Gistinguisned republican Senator, upon hearing of the sera of the Ways and Means Committee ex- n McLellan for grading. When asked if he thought | amination to-day, “In a department where ability, the grading arparaed for had been done i | integrity and honesty ate supposed to exist in a them, he said that mo such amount ‘of ter ye than any other of the Executive grading had been done; the | ments, it would seem almost certain that wood ve | ment was @ worthless one be of process by which the wood was treat A was shown to him in his cross-examination Ww. he identified as hav written | to rnor Shepherd, complaining of tne pavement. im itan allusion was par to Hon. 0, B. Farwell, of Chicago, member of Congress. Subsequently that gentleman appeared before the committee and made a sworn statement to the rg ret Ne cman jast he gon enllen no at 18 place 0} ness r. McLellan, Mr. Jenkins Bootttt , 88 Bt- . Je and ex-Senator torneys. They informed him tnat DeGolyer and McLellan had been stop; in their work at Washington and t they had ® great many Di of ated = wood in the city which they wished t@juse up. They said if they could get the material used up they would not ask for any more contracts, but would leave the city. Witness said he came, without fee or consideration, trom Chic at his own ex- atone and had a conlerence with Governor Shep- rd, He agked the Governor to allow the firm to use up what wood they had on hand in Washing- ton and he assented. The witness had never heard the McGolyer pavement criticised in Cnicago, where @ great deal of it had been laid. Whi eaking to Governor Shepherd he ( jovernor) sald that some one had written to him condemning the process; replied that he did not want the. blocks to be taken, unless the Governor received testi- monials that satisfied him that they were good ones. He did not know whether such testimonials were furnished or not. He had not versed with anybody since on the subject, and ‘he had no reason to believe that his request had not been complied with. He came here at great incon- venience to simply obhge one or two of bis stituents who were interested. Mr. Henry A. Willard, Vice President and execu- tive officer of the Board of Public Wo: wae next laced on the stand. He stated tht Samuel Me settle: ment of the differences between them since the investigation began, und that Governor Shepherd and Colonel Magruder had signed it, but that the other three members of the Board had refused, and that the paper was then torn up. Governor Shepherd explained by stating that Mr. Harrington had handed the paper to him, tell- ing nim that 1 was @ proposition made by Mr. Strong to settle the difference existing between him and the Board, and that there was nothing objectionable in it, He signed without examining it, and sent it to the Board for their action; that When it Was read and considered in full Board it was unanimously rejected. Mr. Willard lurtner testified that he thought the January interest on the $4,000,000 loan was raised in New York city by hypothecating sewer bonds. Henry Stowers, who was yesterday requested to examine Bridge street, Georgetown, and asdertain if John 0, Evans treated the wood laid by him in accordance with the contract, returned with a specimen block, and testified vhat the wood was ironized, but very imperiectly, The evidence of the other witnesses examined was unimportant, ABREST OF OLOUGH. William Clough was arrested last night by Cap- tain Byrnes, of the Fifteenth precinct police, and locked up at the station house. He is charged with shooting and wounding “Tony,” alias “Doony”’ Harris the night before lastin the drinking saloon of Isaac Reed, on the corner of Amity street and South Fifth avenue. The police started in pursuit of Clough at two o’clock yesterday morn- ing and at first traced him to West Fifty- eighth street. Krom there he was followed to East Fortieth street, where they received exact intelligence of him, yea after leavin, Fortieth street took refuge in the Tenth ward, an Captain Byrnes located him there yesterday ‘after- noon; but when tne police got wl where he was supposed to be, Clough had Gexbpeares, ‘The chase was continued through the Eighth ward up to eleven o'clock last night, when Captain found the fugitive and took him into cus- He was secreted in a back room at the of Charles Dimond, at the corner Houston id: Sullivan strects. He had toy. house of Pt he time to execute them. jough admitted the shooting, saying it was done in seli-delence. He was lately bartender for a saloon keeper known as Bill Clarke. The warrant ior his arrest was issued by Coroner Woltman. Clough 1s the sev- enth man arrested for murder in the Fifteentn precinct within the past eighteen months, He will be arraigne@ before the Coroner to-day, Word was s6nt to ice last night from Bellevae peg ‘was very low. ‘The ball had Dot y ote EY eee a “QHARITY COAL" Mr. Atwood Asserts His Innoce: New York, April 8, 1874. To Tas EvITOR OF THE HeRaLp:— ‘The charges made in. Judge Bixby’s Court and reported in the HERALD this morning against me are false and malicious, and made by Phillipps to save himself, if possible. He threatened In ad- vance to give me trouble if 1 prosecuted him for larceny, hoping to Jeter me therefrom, | suall ap- ar to-morrow beiore the Commissioners of | activity im the ‘one of these requisite virtues can be found.’ ‘The pent testimony is gtven more fully below. The Committee of Ways and Means in their Mr, C. D. Waddell, of New York. Their testimony related merely to their connection with Sanvorn, they having ally procured the information in Te to unpaid legacy and succession taxes, which information was afterwards worked up by Ooug.in end collection made through the District Attorney’s office. Mr, Waddel) was to receive twenty-five per cent of the sums collected, but that rate was reduced to ten per cent, and, nally, the contract between him and Sanborn was annulled. Both Waddell and his son denied all knowledge of any connec- tion with the matter of any member of Congre: or any Treasury Official. The older Waddell nad applied to the Treasury Department for a contract under the law, but had received no answer to his application, He had not mentioned in it any rate of compensation, bat he informed the committee that he would willingly have contracted with the government at the rate of ten per cent. Both wit- nesses thought the law under whieh the contracts were made & one if properly administered, on the gr 3 that Sesracr Td apices were necesse! order to, stim crease Zouecsion of taxes. Mr. -Butler, of Massachusetts, came before the committee and complained that witnesses had been examined in reserence to his private aifairs, and thi ie had not been notified to be present to hear the testimony if he deemed it proper, to cross-examine the witnesses. He had had much uniform practice whenever 8 witness made a statement involving a member of either House, to suspend the examination and to send for the member. He ser. asked jor that measure of courtesy to himsel: The 0, Mr. Dawes, replied that the allusions to Mr. Butler’s name in the testimony been cate incke and that when wit- nesses were asked several questions the commit- tee could not know in advance that thelr answers would refer to a member of Congress, He as- sured Mr. Butler that the intention of the vom- mittee was to let him see any tof the testi- mony which he might re as in any way refecting upon him and to give him the fullest o) portunity of explaining 1t or of examining the wit- nesses. Alter a long colloquy on the subject Mr. Beck notified Mr. Butler that the examination of Mr. Sanborn would be continued to-morrow and that it was very probable that some inquiries might be directed into the business and operations of Mr. Sanborn during the war, wheu he held some commission under General Butler, then in com- mand at Fortresa Monroe. Mr. Butler said thas he could not be present to- morrow, and the only government position held by Mr. Sanborn ‘was that of provost messenger, to keep order on @ boat running between Baltimore and Fortress Monroe, Solicitor Banfleld also made an additional state- ment to the committee, defending his offictal acts in the matter ot the Sanborn contracts against re- flections upon him, which he supposed were made by Secretary Richardson and Assistant Secretary Sawyer. The point of Mr. Banfleld’s statement was that his duties in regard to the Sanborn contracts were not original, but merely advisory. That he was not responsible tor mit ating the system; but that he was prepared to share with the other officials of the Department the respousibility of having con- curred in it, The system had been initiated, atter consultation with him, by Secretary Boutwell, and the then Assistant Secretary, Mr. Richardson, He stated that with the ex- ception of issuing the secret service credentials to Messrs. Green and Presbery, Mr. Sanborn’s agents, which ‘was ® matter whol; solicitor, he had written nor signed no paper and done no act connected with the Sanborn contract from beginning to end, except by the direction of the Secret or the Assistant Secretary. He stated also 6 some time before the Vecme 9 of the act of 1872 in oy to veaae ae ol Sie ae acter, @ special al was made Ir Kelsey, of New York, and Mr. Sawyer, then f- tor, now Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, to e thought it w T, for the purpose of m: it embrace taxes withheld by railroad ‘companies, and thet Mr. Sawyer was very earnest about the matter. NEW YOR CONFERENCE. The eighty-fourth seasion of the New York Con- ference of ‘xe Methodist Episcopal Church was opened yesterday morning at St. John's church, in Fifty-third street, near Eighth avenue. About 100 munteters attended. Bishop J. T. Peck presided. Mr. Alexander McLean acted as Secretary and Rev. EB, T. Osborne and A. Ostrander as Assistant Secretaries. Portions ot tne Scriptures were read and prayer offered, and then the roll of members was called. About twenty diferent committees were appointed, the Committee on Missions consisting of Rev. 8 D. Brown, M. D. 0. Orawford, 8. J. Fur- gugon, A. K. Sanford, W. Goss and J. Y. Bates, faa’ the commitees Ob ‘Temperance of the follow- ing named geutiemen:—Rev. G. H. Gregory, H. H. Bitcing, rs ih, J. W. Macomber, A. 8. thews: and W, ©. Smith, Dr. Nelson, of the Methodist Book Con 1, ad- the meeting Mm regard to that institution Charities and Correction, with evidence in full | giving an interesting array of facts and tigures, refutation, JOHN W, ATWOOD, Some prominent clergymen of the Metnodist oMcer of the Department of Justice trom that of | and signed by the Secretary it was the cul- | experience In committees, and it had been bis | made arrangements for the printing of the minutes ly in his discretion as | | } | © these 4,000,000 people an: Church were introduced 10 the meeting, and other minor business was transacted. real business of the Confererce will probably begin to-day, yesterday's Worg being preparatory. The staaions wil extend oyof's weak, One of the most important duties of Cor nce ia the “passing” of characters, which is in this _— a name of << mgr her con ae — any one knows any’ jerogal 8 character or conduct he hag right to impeach nim in open Vonference. If no such answer ap- Pears, the “character” is given, and the Bishop paages on to the next name On the list. The last act of the Conference will be the announcement of jntments and transfers of ministers by the 0) At three ofclock in the afternoon & meeting was held in the church in the interest of the Freed. men’s Ald Society. Rev. Dr, Osborne and Dr. R. 8. Rast delivered ‘addresses in support of the efforts to lite Up the colored Face. They dwelt on the ducy which the Methodist Episcopal Church owed . on the vast impor. tance of the educational and suyang the. peednen of the South, et eins lowing is the programme of the remain- ing days of the Conference :— TuoRspay, April 9—9 A. M.. Conterence ion; 7:30 PLM. missi fev se ferry, orence season | 830 P. M., unday § Unlon ; ad- Gremes by the Rev. J. b Swift, the ev CS HL e Rov. P.M Hawxhurstand the kev J 1 7:80 P.M, aninive slonary Society; addresses vy the Rev. J. W. Ackerly, . Siidmors, the Kev. J. # Mevielland and the D:D, Sarurpay. April 11-9 A. M., Conference Session; 7:30 ry work P.M., Anniversary of the Ladies and b Chri Ualod, tn the Porty-chira ‘st ey Hetiodiat Hplecgpal i. 8 e Wiltentneyer. se meesek FR es BuNpay, April 12-9 A. M., Confei ve, Feast; 19:30'A-M., ‘Sermon py the bresiding Giaho he ‘Rey, IGP9F- Fock, B. D.. followed. by ordination gt deacons; . M. sary o jew York Educ: c inthe Pree Tabernacle, Thissy-fourmn aprect Rear Eighth v. J. D. Foss, D. D. Monpay, April 13, 9 A. M. Conference Session ; 2» P.M., Anniversary’ of the Church Extension society; addresses by the’ Rev. R. M. Stratton, D,D., the Rev. William Lloyd and the itev. G. C. MoCabe, THE METHODISTS. New York East Conference-First Day— Organization—Appointment of Stand- ing Committees—Pastoral Reports—Mis- cellanecous. The twenty-sixth session of the New York East Conference was opened yesterday by Bishop Wiley, who haa recently been bereaved by the death ofason. The Bishop looked pale and ner- vous yesterday, anu, after the devotional exercises, made a suitaple reference to his loss, He came, he sald, with some misgiving and trembling. He had just laid away in the grave a nobie boy whom, no had hoped, was going to be a mtuister and a mis: sionary. He was ripe for heaven, and the Lord took him. The Bishop asked his brethren’s for- bearance and their prayers for him that in any matter bis inexperience in conducting the busi- ness may not cause pain or trouble to any brother. He trusted that while they were together the pres- ence and power of God might reat upon them. The roll was then called by Rev. D. A. Goodsell: who was alterward re-elected secretary of the Conference. He selected as his assistants Revs. J. Simmons, D. 0. Ferris and OC. Bachman. SYMPATHY WITH BISHOP WILEY. Dr. John A. Roche then gave expression to the deep sympathy of his own heart and that of bis brethren with the Bishop’s aMiction, and moved a Tesolution to this effect, which was adopted by @ rising vote, The Bishop thanked the Conference for this tender expression of their sympathy with him and asked their prayers. His spirit, he re- marked, was very calmly trusting in Jesus, but his nervous system is shattered, and he nas not so much control over his body as he would like. THE STANDING COMMITTEES, At the last session of the Conference the presid- ing elders were appointed a committee to nomi- nate the standing committees for this year. Dr, Scudder therefore reported the following :— On Statistics—Reys. W. Ross, N. G. Cheney, J. V, Saun- ders, 0. 8. Wing, ©. P. Corner, J. it. Crofut, RW. Jones, G. B. Dasenberre and ©. W. Gallagher. Temporal Economy—Revs, 8. W. Abbott, W. McAlister, 3. Simmens CH. Back and J. ABookes Estes, G. L. Ta nd Joseph Smith. “ Domestic | Missions—Presiding Kiders Merwin, Sing, Scudder, Fietcher and Pilisbury, to which, on motion of Dr. Curry, five other names were added. Sunday Sci ‘Revs. William Platts, E. Warriner, B. 8. Abbott G..P, Maines and W, C. Steel. Education—J. W. Horne, A. 8. Graves, G. F. Kettell, R. Meredith and W. 8. Studley. Periodicale—F. Brown, J. W. Beach, J. Dickinson, E. J. Haynes and Buckl ley. lvacte—A. H. Mead, T. R. Slicer, W. H. Bassell, G. Hollis and T. C, Beach. pati Church Extension—| J. 8. ile, ©. Kelsey, T. H Reyn Burch, J. L, Peck and se) Littlew ‘Presdmen'e vs. @. 4. Hubbel, R, ©. Putney, Joguon Vinton, 0, Bachinan wag George Tevtor ry: Ladies’ and Pastors’ Christian Unton- ve. OC. B. Fi Cc. 8. Willaims ©. W. Lyoo, J. W. Barnhart and a, etn: romen’s . T. N, Laine, a. a Goria sat hace, ne by “Bible H, smith, G, L, Thompson, J. ls Gilder, F..O, Hill toot begs ee W. H. Bool, J. B, ance—J. 8, Brekenridge, W. H. h J.B Searies, 3. M. Hammond and 8. ih Plat en's ‘Revs. J. Parker (second), E. 0. Bates, ©. T. Mallory, W. H. Thomas and J. W. Simpson. Pot Addrese—A. McAlister, T. M. Terry, H. Q. J B. A. Gilman and J. 8, iw Worship—C. B. Sing and W. R. Davis. Publication of atinuter—G. A. Hubbell. ee Biahope—3, » D. Osborne, J. Smith, v. Powell and W. Gothard. Receiving and Pastoral Reporu—W. W. Bow. dian, W. T Pray, 8. H. Bray, A. Y. Abbott and J. 0, anson. Books and Envelopee—A. H. Moad. PUBLICATION OF MINUTES. The elders bad reported a committee of three on the pubiication of minutes, which report was amended by placing this matter wholly in the hands of Rev. George A. Hubbell, pastor of Greene avenue Methodist Episcopal charch, who, last year, did nearly all this work. And as he had already this year, {t was plain that he was the man to have itin‘charge. Tne cost of printing 2,500 copies of the minutes last year was $600, beside which each member of the committee gave from five to twenty days' time to the work and were out of pocket about $30, The Conference raised $250 for this purpose, and the committee had to make up the ifference by advertisements. He suggested thas the matters relating to the Education, the Church Extension and other societies of the church, which are published every year gratuitonsly, should be paid tor in whole or part by those societies. A committee was, theretore, appointed to ascertain whether this can or cannot be done. Conference fixed the hours of its session from nine A. M. to twelve M., with @ devotional nour from eight to mine A. M. preceding, The chairmen of the several examining committees were in- structed to report in writing the results of the ex- amination of each candidate for admission to the Conterence. SPIRITCAL CONDITION OF THE DISTRICTS. The reports of presiding elders of the condition of their districts and the examination of character were then taken up, and the south jong Island, the Bridgeport and the New Haven districts were heard trom. The number of churches in the South Long Island district last year, as reported by Pre- siding Elder Fletcher, was forty-nine; this year it is fiity-two, New churches were built at Belleport, Bayport and Youngport, L. I. The latter, nowever, was burned down nearly ax soon as it was finished, | but the society has determined to build agatn. There are twenty-fve parsonages in the district. The value of the churches is $986,600; of the parsonages, 122, There i on both an aggregate debt of 198.196, The average value of the churches is 19,030; of the parsonages, $4,004. Kevivals have been very general in the district, and while ali the churches have not been heard from those that have | reported show a gain of 1,366 by conversion and 1,062 are on probation. Dr. M, L. Scudder reported a year of great Re port district. Hardly a perity also in the Bri church can be said to have passed through the Year without a revival; 800 have been received on robation. One new church and three parsonages ave been built and several of both have been re- paired or improved. Rev. B. Pillsbury reported for the New Haven district that they had been greatly affected by the pris, and that there ts consequently a falling off in the aggregate benevolent collections, though a very perceptible increage in some of the charges. The amount of legacies bequeathed to churches and institutions in the district during the year reach nearly $28,000. INTRUDUCTIONS, MEMOIRS, ADJOURNMENT. Dr. Crook, late of Belfast, Ireland; Dr, Warren, the new pastor of St. John’s Methodist Episcopal church, Brooklyn: Dr. Ed. Eggleston, of tne Minnesota Conference, and Rev. Mr. Bass, of the Irish Wesléyan Conierence, were severally intro- duced to the Conference. F inted to prepare a nd tev. Rev. T. Stephenson was ap) memorial on Rev. C. G. Bowditch, ai 1 & Hoyt to perform a similar service toward the mem- ory of Kev. Oldrin, members of the Confer- ence who have died during the year. The Conference then journed, and the several committees met in the afternoon to prepare work for the following sessions of the Conierenve, Dr. W. S. Studley preached the Conference ser- mon in the evening. Pica S I ERE FUNERAL OF JUDGE EDMONDS. Hupson, N. ¥., April 8, 1874, The remains of the late Judge John W, Edmonds arrived in this city this morning, and were con- veyed to the Worth House, where thicy lay in state until one o’clock, When they were taken to their final resting piace in the family vault at the ceme- tery, followed by © most imposing cortége. A large gathering of our leading citizens and a nam- ber of persons from abroad viewed the remains and followed them to the tomb. The great esteem watch our citizens had for the deceased was mani- fested by tokens of mourning on all sides, 3 THE STATE CAPITAL. The Canal Funding Bill—Poor Prospects fos Bapid Transit—The Metropolitan Police Scheme—Consolidation of the City and County of New York—Bergh’s Bill, ALBANY, April 8, 1874 Several great lights of the Chamber of Commerce arrived to-day, namely, John Taylor Johnston, $ B. Chittenden, A. A, Low and George Opdyke, for the purpose, principally, of defeating the Canal Funding bill, which aims at depriving the canals of State aid and leaving them self-supporting, and also to give their views on the bill, making @ court of arbitration in the Chamber of Commerce and putting the chief arbitrator under a salary from the State. This bill has already passed the Assem~ bly, with the State salary for arbitrator stricken out, but it may be possible to have it restored in the Senate. Mr. Chittenden, as be ison the spot, will give his attention to other matters of legisia- tion, such a8 compulsory education, which is, struggling, in a feeble way, for popularity, and also the consolidation of New York and Brooklyn, and other matters of general interest, with which Mr. Chittenden occupies his surpius energies, COMING BACK TO FIRST PRINCIPLES. It fg intended to introduce a bill to provide thas whenever any street paving is to be done in any of the cities of the State the residents of the street and none others shall elect commissioners to carry out the work, and they sball determine the kind of pavement to be used. THE REORGANIZATION OF THE POLICE BOARD. The Metropolitan Police bill cannot pass until it Tecelves an exvensive overhauling. The conduct of the Street Cleaning Bureau, the lax discipline of the police, the numerous charges against of- cers and captains for breaches of duty and out rages On citizens, are all to be eloquently arged in favor of a complete reorganization of the Board. THE PURPOSE OF THE RAILBOAD MONOPOLIES. The Third Avenue Railroad Company has no in- | tention of building a rapid transit road; and since that is a fact, of which the New York and Harleny Railroad cannot be unaware, it is safe to conclude that the monopoly alliance has only one purpose, and thst 1s to prevent any outside interference with the routes they command by getting a cbar- ter each irom the Legislature, MARSHAL’S DUTIES. A bill by Mr. Stephens proposes an amendment to section 8 of chapter 400 of the Lawa of 1865, providing that upon the filing of a transcript from the Marine or District Courts of the city of New York, in the office of the County Clerk, similar proceedings may be had in the Court of Common jeas upon the issuance or return of an execution to hea aed ep of the ba of tobi ann ta reac! 6 person! Property of juagmen' tors, =o provided in chapter 201 the Code of Prox cedure, FOR THE BENEFIT OF SHERIFFS. The Senate Judiciary Committee reported favor« ably a bill providing that all process, of what- ever name, nature or description, except summons in civil action or when the sheriffis a party, issu- ing out of any court of record of this State, whether by statute or otherwise, shall be issued tu the sheriff only. ARGUMENTS ON THB CANAL BILL. Before the Joint Committees on Canals in the Assembly Chamber arguments were made thig aiternoon on the important bill tor cutting off the canais from State support and meking them shift: for themselves. Wi M. Evarts, Ge Op- ose and Frank Moulton spoke against the section of the bill which deprives the canals of seeking means from the Legislature for effecting repairs. Roswell D, Hatch, the author of the bill, upheld its iu ie. TRIPLING WITH THE PEOPLE'S TigEnzero. Conover’ Chambers Street Ratiri bill passed the Senate to-day. sole wants this road og Conover, and itis mere trifiing with the interests of the people of New York that a wretched scheme like this to pat money in one man’s pocket should ass and measures Of vital concern, such the jtman Rapid Transit bill should be left to sleep in committee. The following amendments were made by the committee :— in case the dividends shall reach ten per cent on the cost then the Mayor shall appoint a com- mission, and the report of the commission shall in- dicate how much the fare shall be reduced, the report to be binding on the raiirond company; also requiring & guarantee of $20,000 that the road shall be built. A list of the names, occupations and residences of the various corporations, sworn to by Mr. Cono- ver, Was presented. The bill passed by the lollow- ing vote :— Yras--Messrs. Booth, Bradley, Coe, Dickinson, Fox, Jacobs, Jonnson, Kellogg. ‘Lord Madden, Parmenter, Ray, selkreg, Thompson, Tobey, Wood, Woodin—17. Nays—Messra Cole, Connolly, Dow, Ganson, Gross, , Ledwith, McGowan, Middleton, Robertsou—10. THE MED |ABNING. ion bill was sent by the Senate to the Assembly for concurrence, Mr. Batcheller moved to concur in all the amendments of the Senate except tne appropriation of $125,000 to the academies of the State, which was eed to. Then followed a long debate on these academies, and the end is not yet; bat it looks as Af these perfumed and el it nurseries of learn- ing will have to forego their State pocket money this year. WOKK FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS. A bill introduced by Mr. O'Callaghan authorizes the Department of Public Parks work of laying out Kingsoridge road, in New York city, from the southerly line of 155th street to the Harlem River. TO CONSOLIDATE THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK. Mr. Eastman reported tavorably the bill to con- solidate the government ol the city and county of New York. It contains no amendments, and is the same as Charies U’Conor drew up. It will meet with some opposition, and there ts talk of its being ‘unconatitutional; but it will effect a saving of sev- eral millions to the taxpayers. TO RELIEVE NEWSPAPER BORES, Tom Alvord’a extraordinary bill making it a pen- alty for any newspaper or periodical to neglect to | puohsn to the extent of one column the reply of any individual it may have criticised is one of those escapades which the peculiar humor of Vid | Sait loves to indulge. No doubt he has sent many | @ reply to the papers that have noticed him in an uncomplimentary manner, and it has only found | its way to the waste basket. This is to prohibit | that reckless form of discretion which editors from ; tme immemorial have exercised. BERGH'S BILL. Bergh’s bill “for the protection of life” is on the members’ files. It is impossible to get & copy in | the document room, so great has been the demand, The only hope of securing one as a memento ts by stealing it off a member’s Mile, which, I regret to say is @ common practice. in Committee of the Whole of the Assembly this evening the bill to incorporate THE UNION AMERICAN MECHANICS, the so-called Know Nothing Association, gave rise | tosome debate, which might have been very mious if it had been longer continued. Mr. Spencer | said the Unton American Mechanics had as a ' right to a charter as the St. Patrtck’s Mu! Alti- ance, and Mr. Melvin contended that. the pr of the organization were sinister presi L | to one class of citizens a8 distinct from another, | ‘The bill was ordered to a third reading, The Senate Committee on Cities heard Mr. H. H. | Anderson against Comptroller Green’s bill to reas- sess Vacated assessments in the city of New York. ‘The Committee on Commerce | will report to-morrow, tor the consideration of the | House, the bill allowing the Presidents of the Irish | and German Emigrant Societies to have full power | in the Board of Emigration Commission. | AMENDING THE GENERAL BANKING LAW, | , The Governor has signed the bill amending the ; General Banking li SO asTo permit the estab- lisiment ot banks with $60,000 capital in places of | 6,000 innabitantes or less, CONFIRMATION. The Senate, in executive session to-day, con. firmed the tolliowing erent i—For Auditor of the Canal Department, Francis S. Thayer. ERIES OF LE. THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE. New York Directors Deeline to Con< tribute More Than One-Third of the Amount Required. A special meeting of the Board of Directors of the East River Bridge Company was held yesterday afternoon at the office of the Park Commissioners, corner of State and Court streets, Brookiyo., There were present Mayor Havemeyer, of New. York, and Mayor Hunter, Comptruilers Green andj Schroeder and Messrs, William Marshall, Henry W., Slocum, James 8. T. Stranahan and others. The obe Ject of tne meeting, which was private, was the cons Bideration of the proposition made by the directors that the two cities should bear shares of the total amount required for the < 7 apd eS mea is ‘Scoken sum, mated, will suffice bridge, ‘which will’ unite Manhattan and jalan Mayor Havemeyer and Comptroller Green, after’ listening to the arguments in favor of the ot the Foposition—that each | city bear amount named—re' concur. were desirous, however, of nd are of work, ai the New York will ve doing her duty thira of the future cost of the Ar a general discussion, in which no " action was reached, the New York weather" im now sudilentiy” open to sat of weather is no’ ie) 0} js immediate resumption of labor, and hundreds tale workingmen are @ ‘tant improve their time by Waiting the aesisting in const tion of the bridge. The expenditures of Bridge Company last Month amounted to $4372 Oy