The New York Herald Newspaper, May 20, 1874, Page 3

WASHINGTON. The Bill Abolishing Moicties Passed the House. Fernando Wood on the Corruptions of the Civil Service, MONSTROSITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATION. Tho Senate’ Restores. Sineoures and High Salaries. WASHINGTON, May 19, 1874 Appropriations of the People’s Money— Passage of the Annaue) Bill Providing for Legislature, Executive and Judi- 0: @iary—The Economy of the House An- nulled—Restoration of Sinecures and | High Salaries, The Senate to-day discussed the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropriation bi, a large namber of amendments were oifered and agreed to, some’ of which reverse the economig Purposes of the House, und others increase tne expenditures of departments and bureaus over those of former years. The penchant for creating soft, and luxurious places for the occupancy of political friends and retainers yet again protrudes itself smong the motives of the action of the grave snd sagacious body, and suggest morals upon the fickieness or hypocrisy of man’s repent- ance and resolves, ere economy again was lost sight of, There ig bood ‘founda. tion for the fear that the reformatory ardor of the nation’s eye-servents has already cooled sumi- ciently to admit of their serving themselves as well, 88 (if not instead of) the public, and without any acute stings of conscience, Among the amendments agreed to to-day was one restoring to the office of Congressional Printer its jormer status as appertaining only to the te, An appropriation of $3,000 for two clerks “of the Assistant Treasurer‘oMice in New York was algo restored. These clerks are to perform the additional work {thposed upon the force of the oMice by the passage o! the New Coinage act. The contingent expenses of the Hxecutive office were increased from $4,000 to $6,000, and $1,500 was voted as pay of a computor of bullion in the office of the Director of the Mint. It was sgreed, on motion of Senator Chandler, to fix the salary of the clerk of the Committee on Commerce -Gt $2,200 a year, Opposition was made to thie a|mendment and It was stated that too many of the clerss of committees received for compensation | Much more than their services are worth, Tne old spirit of extravagance, however, that had been heretofore but slumbering sturdily prevailea, ‘The appropriation for files, pertoaicals and néws- papers was increased from $1,500 to $2,500. Mr. Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, stated that the Secretary of State had presented to the Commit- tee on Foreign Reiations sundry amendments, which were unanimously approved by that com- Mittee, and on behalf of the committee he offered them. These changes are as follows:— To have a third Assistant Secretary of State; to increase the number of fourth class clerks irom ten to twelve; reduce the number of third class clerks trom uiue to six; - to dispense entirely with second class clerks; to"increase the number of ‘rst class clerks trom eight to eleven; to create thirteen cierks to act a8 copyists; to increase the charge for passports to $6, alter saly 1, 1874; to | authorize the Secretary of State to have charge of | ithe distribution of the clerical force of his depart- ment, irom time to time, as the interest o! the | service requires, and, lastly, authorizing the use of the unexpended balance of the $250,000, appro- priated for tne Geneva Commission, to ‘be used towards the payment of the expenses of the er Commission, which meets at Halifax in July nex The amendments increase the appropriation about $13,400, but the increase in the charge for passports: it is estimated will pat about $45,000 a year into the Treasury, The amendmenta were all | ‘Bgreed to, i On motion of Mr. Bontwell ten chiefs of divisions were authorized in the Treasury Department 1n- stead of eight, as reported by the committee, to be known ag chiefs of the divisions of appointments, warrants and appropriations, revenue, and life saving stations, customs, navigation, in- ternal revenue, Sub-Treasury, stationery, print- ing and blanks, files and ‘records, and of mails, The appropriation for the Office of Survey was in- creased from $7,500 to $9,700. An amendment prohipiting civil officers of the government trom receiving any perquisites or making private use of any public property was agreed to. The method of payment of district attorneys by the Depart- ment 0! Justice was excepted irom the effect of this proviso. The appropriation for the purchase of books for the library of Congress was increased trom $°,000 to $9,000. On motion of Mr. Windom, four clerks who had been dropped from the roll of the oMice of the Comptroller of the Currency by the House, were reinstated. Five clerks were rein- stated in the office of the First Comptroller of the | Treasury and two in the office of the First Auditor. | The clause of the bill appropriating $6,400 for an assay office at Charlotte, N..C., which was stricken out by the Committee on. Appropriations, ‘Was restored, with an amendment erasing the ‘tem of $1,000 for a clerk. The bill, as amended | bove, was then read a third time and passed. it needs little comment, as being an evidence of the real value of all the talk which has been indulged in by aemagogues in Congress about the necessity of retrenchment and economy. Hopes of a2 Financial Compromise. A number of the Senators who supported the amended Currency bill were at work to-day to put # good construction on the Senate bill, and gave out that there would probably be some common ground reached on. which botn the House and Sen- ate could stand, and where it was believed the President could meet them. As far as had been sscertained, the adoption of thirty-three in lieu of twenty-five per cent, as the limit of the proportion Of the retirement of the legal tenders, proportion- sily as national bank notes, were issued, might be sgreed upon. Regulation of the Customs Revenuc Service—Fixing the Salaries of Of. ficials and Abolishing Moileties. The sub-committee of the Senate Committee on Finance, appointed to consider and report upon the bill introduced by Senator Fenton at the be- ginning of the session, to regulate the service in the collection of customs at various ports of entry in the United States, and the disposition of fines, penalties ana forfeitures incurred under the laws’ relating to customs and for other purposes, held a meeting this morning. The main purpose of the Dill contemplates the payment of a fixed salary to collectors, naval officers, sur. veyors and. other .oMcers and employés , Connected with the Collectors Departmentat the Various ports of the United States in lieu of the salaries, moieties and perquisities of any character ‘Whatever, and commissions on disbursements now Paid. The sub-committee very carefully con- sidered each provision of the bill and were gen- erally favorable to its passage in a modified form. ‘The subject of moieties fed toa protracted discus- sion. Notwithstanding the recent exposure of the abuses which have grown up under the Moiety system the sub-committee could mot see how the payment of moicties could be advantageously dispensed’ with. As this matter bas been a sndject of investigation in the House nodefinite action was taken,’but it was decided to await ‘the action of the House. The sub-committee expect to be able wo report to the committee at their meeting on next Tuesday. If the billshould pass, the salary of the Collector of New York would be $15,000 per annum, the Sur- veyor and Naval Uflicer each $10,000, the Assistant Collector $6,000 aud the deputy collectors each $5,008, The subordinate employés are proportion- ately provided ior. The Railroad Régulation Bill of Senator Wright—A Concession to the Grangers. i The grangers gained another concession in the Senate to-day, which had shape in the railroad marine | . dollars of revenue, |The NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1874—TRIPLE SHEET DIM offered by Senator Wright for the purpose of establishing @ uniform rate of fare and freignts on. those railways which have received govern- ment ald in their construction. This much needed assertion of the prerogatives of Congress, 80 far as controlliug the question of uniformity of freight aud passenger rates is concerned, finds its present necessity In a contest between the Kansas, Pacific, and other subsidized railways. While this is in no wise intended as a concession to the grangers It shows the working of the moral influence, which, they claim, guides them tn seek- ing the solution of the problem of cheap trans- portation and the disciplining of railroad routes. Proposed Law to Prevent the Landing of Foreign Convicts and Paupers in America. The Secretary Of State sent ta the House to-day a communication in relation to the landingof con. vivts and paupers upon our ghorea from foreign countrics. A detailed history of the correspond. ence on the subject ts given, and coples of letters that bave passed between the State Department and foreign countries are appended, The resolu- tion calling for, this information directed the Seo- retary to suggest what legislation, was nécessary ‘to pronibit the landing of these peopie, The Sec- retary suggests the passage of a law empowering the President to return to the countries whence they came all paupers, vagabonds and convicts who may be landed on the shores of tha United States: This should be done -by compelling the vessels wlio bring them here to take them away. It 18 also suggested that a tivavy fine. be imposed upon vessels engaging in this business, The papers were referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, The Senate Votes to Adjourn on June 22. In the Senate this‘ morning the event of most personal importance to all the members was the agreement to the resolution of Mr. Edmunds, of Vermont, which provides that Congréss shall ad- journ sine,die on the 22d day of June, The propo- sition was introduced during last week ‘and lard over, and is now adopted without discussion or opposition, The Majority of the House Judiciary Committee Favor the Impeachment of Judge Durell. Tne House Judiciary Committee met this morn- Ing at ten o’clock, and remained in continuous Session until half-past two. All the members, ex- cept Hugh J. Jewett, were present, The sub-com- mittee, consisting of Mess:s. Wilson, Eldridge and Cessna, appointed to take testimony for the im- peachment of Judge Varell, made their final report im favor of his impeachment, Tue discussion which ensued was o! 4 strong partisan character several of the members urging that it was not fair to press a vote on the general proposition—“‘Shall articles of impeachment be preferred against Judge Durell?” The vote being taken, the Committee stood six for and four against the general propost- tion. Upon the question of how the articles should he drawn the Committee did not reach & conclusion, The point was then raised that the Committee was violating a rule of the House in continuing their business’ without leave while the House was in session. The point Was considered well taken, and the committee ad- journed to meet on Friday, when, it ts expected the articles will be drawn up. Tne Busteed case was also considered, -but no. conclusion reached. Should the report be sustained, the session of the Senate would be prolonged several months, Dorell’s friends, bowever, say he will resign, Tather than stand an impeachment trial. The Proposed Abolishment of the South- ern Claims Commission. ‘ _The sub-committee of the Senate Committee on Claims, consisting of Senators Scott, Wright and Davis, designated to consider the bull providing. for the abolition of the Southern Claims Commis- sion and referring tnese claims to the Court of Claims, held @ meeting at the residence of Sena- tor Scott this evening. The bill was subjected to considerable modification, and will probably be Teported to the committee for action to-morrow. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ‘Wasuinoton, May 19, 1874, IMPROVING THE CUSTOMS Laws. The House took up the bill reported by Mr. E. H. Roberts, from the Committee on Ways and Means, to amend the customs laws and to repeal the’ sys- tem of moieties to informers in customs revenue cases. ‘1 . DAWES, (rcp.) Of Muss., chairman of the Com- mittee on Ways and Means, moved an amendment to strike out the third section of the bill, and to add to the sixth section a provision that any in- former who shail pay to any officer of the United States apy portion of the money received by him shall have a perpetual right of action for its re- covery. Mr. BECK, (dom.) of Ky., a member of the Com- mittee on Ways and Means, also sabmitted an amendment, making it unlawful tor any, Senator, Representative or Delegate in Congress to act as agent, attorney, proctor, advocate, solicitor or counsel for any person against whom sujt or pro- ceedings are brought for violation of the revenue laws, Both of these amendments are pending. Mr, E. H. Roperts, (rep.) of N. Y., opened the dis- cussion on the bill, It proposed, he satd, to limit the time within which prosecutions for offences against the revenne laws may be commenced. It submitted as a separate proposition the question of intent to defraud. It restricted the penalty for tho omission in the entry of goods of cost of charges and’ packing to an amount double the sums omitted, . [tv restricted the forfeiture for. undervaluation to the particu- lar items to which the fraud attached, but it added a fine of not exceeding $6,009 in any one case. It swept away the arbitrary process for the seizure of ‘books and papers, It abolished moieties and substituted specific rewards, It, sougnt to do grave work for the adjustment of the customs revenue system to that standard of freedom and inteligence which prevailed in other statutes, ‘The bill was an outgrowth of an jinvestigation which began in February and closed on the 20tn of April, the result of which appeared in a printed report of nearly 300 pages. The appeal for this bill had come to the committee with all the authority of organized bodies and with all the, eloquence of some of the sbiest men in the country, and with that stronger eloquence of individual experience and of personal facts, The customs laws had rankled like fetters. Hate had grown up in the minds of men who had seen their neighbors crushed by these laws. Ruin had trod in the foot- steps of the Unived States officers. Offences had been committed a8 offences would be committed under any system, but crime might be cultivated, and crime was cultivated, by harsh punishment, The Orst duty of a L pes ‘was to remove all Just ground of complaint. The government could not collect its revenues and allow the best men of the community to be arrayed in sympathy for the offenders, The reliance of the government had to be.. upon fs citizens, ° ana their conscience and their character government:had to depend for the administratio: 0! all laws, The good will of its citizens was better for the government than rubies, better than armed men, better than all forces. Besides, the conviction that injustice followed the istration of the laws must be removed before an honest adminta- tration of the laws couid be secured. If this gov- ernment retained the violent and HARSH MBASURRS OF THE BARBARIC AGES it should not complain if it. met with resistance and with attempts & ud, which were sivas lustitated by extreme measures, It was only this country that such & rte, of barbarism as the seizure of mei tp? was maintained, Even supposing that some little, revenue was obtained through such means, he ask whether an American Ovongress would ‘not ten thousand times rather stand by the liber- ties of the people than to sell them out for a few Committee on Ways and Means was clearly of opinion that the power of seizing books and papers should not be intrusted to the officers o1 an; id that such @ y government etatute ought not to remain one longer on the books. In Gonolusion, he said the purposes of the bill are to protect the liberties of the people; to mit- igate the enormities of the statutes which have in- teriered with their due enforcement, and to pro- vide some method for collecting the customs reve- nues, Let Congress abolish ties; let it pro- tect the secrets of business dnd of friendship from arbitrary invasion; let it free commerce from cruel and unusual penalties; let tt punish inten- tional fraud more than carelessness or honest mis- construction; let it thus enlist the conscience as et cect MER" otros 2a "7e0 wl lection ete an in legislation. Brougham fore- suadowed the boast of an ideal administration which ‘found the law the two-edged sword of craigs and pete Te es the staff of honest; \ the shield nocence. | i shail make for. this il M irit enact this into @ statute. entucky, said that since he had been Beem, rer of the’ Committee ‘of Ways and Means no gueauion had been belore it which had engaged attention so earnestly as the one now before the House. He-was one of the sub-commit- tee which had reported the bill, apd while it did not meet his enti ipprobation, it was a step 1D the right direction, and a very long one. ‘There were clauses in it towhtch he was opposed, He regarded the third section of the bill, which authorizes the courts to require parties to produce their books and papers, as being wrong in principle and a8 one that would work badly in practice, Some of the leading members of the committee also Shouse that the oil jeft too much power in.the jecretary of the Treasury When it authorized him to pay any reward to anybody under any circum- Stances, Other members of the committee thought that the bill went too far in diminishin his power, He waa free to admit that the molet: system Was the most complicated system he hi ever exanilned. it was a disgrace to any civilize country. {t allowed an equal division to be made vetween the government and thieves. The pen- allies infitcted under the law were altogether out Of proportion to the offences. Those penalties and forfetturés had’ been inflicted without regard to question of whether guilty intent existed or not. In other words, the committee | had found a system of things prevailing wich ren- dered necessary the bili now belore the House, Hi proceeded to refer specially to the Pheip: case, and alladed to Senator Conkling aud Butler ag bein, counsel for the officials of the Cus. tom House. He said that General Butler had been aid @ large fee out of the portion received by jayne and by the thief who had stolen the paper from Phelps, Dodge & Co. ATTACKING SENATOR CONKLING, How much Senator Conkling had got he (Beck) did not know, because, although the committee had invited the Collector, the Naval Oficer and the Surveyor of the Port of New York to come before it, they had all deciined the invitation, Mr. Kasson, (rep.) of lowa, another member of the Committee of Ways and Means, remarked that there was not @ particle of evidence that Senator Conkling had received anything. Mr, Beck—There was evidence that he was the counsel and adviser of these men, and they whose counsel he was refused to come before the com- mittee under ita polite invitation and therefore the committee was notable to develop what the Jacts were. Mr. Kasson—The evidence simply was that the Senator was ip the room on one occasion, readin; from a United States statute; 1 think that wus all. Mr. Beck—I° will read from Mr. Doage’s Statement. It is this:—“L will add that Senator Conkling, was in. New York and in consultation with that gentleman at the time when, for two days, the question being whether this thing should be settled or not, and being simply on the Iact that Mr. Laflin said the crime was 80 enormous that so far ag he was concerned he never would consent to settle it short of the payment of $560,000 by Phelps, Dodge & Co. 1 think Senator Vonkling advised him to do potter. Tonjy wish he had stuck to it one day longer. ir, HALE, (rep.) of New York, intimated that Mr. Beck was doing injustice to Senator Conkling. Mr, BecK—I cannot yield to interruption, I have not done Senator Conkling bo injustice, I have made no charge against him. I say that the testi- | mony shows that he was the counsel for these men, Mr. HaLe—The gentleman is certainly in error in that regard. Mr. Beok—He was counselling and advising with them, But what I want to get at is that no Senator or member should be allowed to act as counsel in such cases, and that is the object of my amendment, What chance for justice had a mer- chant when the Collector, the Nava Officer, the Surveyor, the spectal agent, the informer and ail the officials to wnom he could look for information were interested and paid, or bribed, If you please, against him, and when the leading Senator of the administration and one of the abiest politi- cal members of the House were counsel for the | informer? Under circumstances like these was It not evident that the merchant had to pay what- ever was demanded? Would not you have done it? Would not any of, us have done it? These mat- ters are passed upon, not by the Secretary of the Treasury, Dut by his snbordinates. These very subordinates who pass upon these matters are very olten the creatures of the men who have con- tingent fees in the cases before them, It ts asking too much'of any subordinate, no matter how honest, to ask him to decide against the man who he knows conld turn him out of office. Spies and informers soon learn what Senator or member they can best use before these subordinates to ob- tain any decision they want. Does any man in this House believe that the present Secretary of the Treasury or any man in his office, or any man under this adminissration would dare to have re- lieved Phelps, Dodge & Co., when men like Senator Conkling and General Butler are standing by and demanding these penalties. Mr. RoBERTS—I the gentleman from Ken- tucky whether he has any reason to name any Senator here? He knows that Mr, Dodge ex- plained that the Senator happened to be in the room, pe that he supposed he was there not as connse Mur. BECK—Mr. Dodge did not say that. I have read what he said. Judge Davis said that Sena- tor Conkling was there, reading the law, expound- ing tt, ‘appearing as the friend and adviser of the Custom House officers, a thing which he had no business to do and which no Senator and no kep- resentative ought to be allowed to do, and if my amendment prevails they never Will Go it any more, Mr. RoBERTs—As a lawyer does the gen- tleman think it a just thing to say that a man is guilty because no evidence is suomitted that he did not receive pay? Mr. BeckK—No guilt attaches at all. He had the right to be there under the law; but I say that law should not exist. I deny that a man who ts a leading administration Senator should have a rignt to go and advise against citizens, and to have the ‘Weight of his influence and his name and his au- thority standing as @ menace over a°man who comes here to demand justice. Mr, ROBERTS—The gentleman says that the Sen- ator had @ right to be there ? Mr. Beok—He had. Mr. RoBERTS—Did not Mr. Dodge also expressly { disclaim any belief that he was there other than | asa oped and witnout interest of any sort inthe ; case ‘ a Beox—I will read what he did say (read- | ing) — | Mr. Foster—I think yon stated when you were here the other day. Mr. Dodue, that there were lawyers members of Congress) Who were acting as counsel for ets Stee T did say 80. t. Dopar—I say Mr. Fosten—Well, {ind that this committee and m self e been subject to criticism because we brought out Name of only one such member, -while there. ‘were others. i Mr. Dopae—I only. intended to speak of two. I have no, | hesitation in eeeng: who they were after all that has | been said before this commituwe. I bave purposely avoided naming them heretofore, but if the committee wish, I have Be ers ‘The Cnairwan—You may anewer the question, Mr. Dongr—I suppose there is no doubt in the commit tee’s mind on the subject now, as it was admitted last | night by the special agent that he did employ, in one case especially, General Butler as counsel. -{ will add that Senator Conkling was in New York, and in consul- tation with these gentlemen at the time when for two an the question hung whether this thing should be settled or not, and nung simply on the fact that Mr. Lat- lin said that the crime was 80 enormous that so far as he ‘was concerned he never would consent to settle it short ‘of the payment of 000 by Phelps, Dodge & Co. think Senator Conkling advised him to do better. Lonly wish be had stuck to it one day longer. is a leading man, and it uses the money thus stolen from merchants in order to carry on the party machinery, WHOLESALE ROBBERY. J insist that this third section should be struck | out of the bill as perpetuating a system which | ought not to exist for one moment. The custom | houses have bécome dens o! corruptien, and are kept up on acconnt of their political power to | control primary elections, pack conventions, stuif | ballot boxes and perpetuate frauds such us) ought to be Impossible in any free coun- | bd The Uollector of New York has a salary of $6,000, the Naval Officer has $5,000 aad the Surveyor has $4,500, and yet during this adminis- tration the Su! {i te has received jor his share of | pelt , the Naval Officer $162,000, the lector $174,000 and the informer $491,000, mak- ing & total SO era that has been paid to in- formers and officials, and hat A Was it because | there was ao much duties withheld fromthe gov- ernment? No. In the Phelps-Dodge case $271,000 was paid when there was only $1,600 ‘due to tte | government. The system 1s Kept up go that the joney stolen irom the mefchants can be used for the worst of Purposes by the worst men. At the close of Mr. Beck's speech Mr. Kasson quoted the testimony of Mr. Dodge, as follows :— Mr. Dopor—I never pad. the most distaat 1 was ther prouessionsyy. but I believe in Ni ‘ork at the time that this of settlement, and’ waa in council | me of the other gentlemen there, pee enaT ve rence to the position occupied by Mr. 1 have never mentioned his name before in the ater; my own impressions wary that he baa no. peou- Blaty Interest in it In any way ; ve always looked ‘upon it as 8 mere accidental visit on his partato the city; | i, the fact that he was there in confection with the | pot Hi iemen showed what an array, there was age 0 us, MR, WOOD'S. VIEWS. | of New York, another member of the + Mr. Wi ominivece ¢ on Ways and Means, made @ speech in | Support of the Dill. «Mr. Wood said :— | the details of for the reforin ee! pA St, Cecuwasenosan operat iss, jlemen bay! m the bl “now under. co nidera ion ion. Jong as the ia limited to tort po tndividaal . re ted, there {s\n fants of ‘ wer ‘ation eee nat orcs ane raperty, ieee doen ind oh the Agyriven every dividual of mabeimence If he 4 uy a ce! le te |? | and oppression the assistance of the United: States Dis- \ | American character, but retarded eH | committee, the hest sovereign the power of the State Lis 3 eipenaly ‘adopted d universally recognized, WURCES OF KEVER' ‘The relative importance to the government of these may be gathered from the following table STATEMENT SHOWING THE RECKIPTS FROM TRE UNDER TIONED SOURCES DURING THE Fiscal YeaRs 1869 TO INCLUSIVE. Bources of Revenue | $239,464, 407 | $239. 283, 200/ $231,022 857 | 158,356,460] 14,809,755] 143,098, 158 765,655) 229,102) "80,355 4,020,344) 3,800,481) 2,385,616 ton 915,384] 5,844,451] 6,003,584 Customs—Fines, pen-| bie — ‘i palties and te 5 T4415) 893,271) 982,597 629 | sofiscelianeail SSS TEs) EDR | esses 1 ATO, 60, 294 $4,038,684 |$80.8970,208 | ‘Sources of Revenue, | 1372, 1873, |] ‘Totale, Customs (currency wel i WAlUE),........ 40,171,018 $220 ,630,265|$1,160,600,747 Internal revenue. 30,642,177 |" 113,729;314) 730,725,860 | pirege ta 2,875,714 estate] agi ave | ange. tands.. “| 875714) 2,882,812] 19,217,407 deposits. &c., of na: tional banks 6,523,395} 6,880,057] 31,116,862 1,136,442] 1,169,515] 4,880,222 | 2294,005| 1,877,271] 9,901,797 eh 32,702,998 Totals... «1 $387,745.06 $84,284,207 | §1,987,042,367 Sales of Indian trust lands, tax on sealskins, proce of sa nies OF public property, ‘storage, rents reimburs it wilt be seen by this table, kindly fiealened to me by | the Bureau ot statistics, that of the $1,987,042,367 revenue | collected throughout the United States tor the last five years, $1.160,60).747 have been drawn trom duties on im- d goods. At the present a much larger roportion ie derived trom the saine source. the revenue from inter. aving been decreased by recent changes in the laws. * me THE PERSONS WHO PAY TROSE DUTIES into the Treasury as a general thing are men of the high- est character, distinguished in every walk of life as citi- zens of prominence, In thelr "several stand — foremost terprise and inteiligence and communities a8 @ ciass in, patriotism, benevolence, Mberality. if so other . influence than self-interest operates upon them to compel probity and obedience to the laws, this of itself would be sufficient They could not afford to be dishonest if they Their stake in the good order of ancie and the security of property is too great for them to follow the perilous course of the cheat or to hazard the conse- guences of attempting to defraud the government. The istory of our country presents in unmistakable lan- high patriotic character of the mercantile in- class, Every schoolboy knows the ‘American Revolution would have been a failure but for the moneyed contributions to the cause by the merchants of that day. Morris, ot Philadelphia, and Hancock, of Boston, were foremost not only in the con- tribution of talents, patriotism and services, but especially the former, in a lavish expenditure of his own private means to accomplish American liberty. The second war with England, in 1812, in which the mer- chants Pony, suffered, because it was a war upon the ocean, would have resulted disastrously but for the aid the merchants furnished. And it is within my own per- sonal Knowledge that the first ioan fequired by tne gov. ernment to sustain the Unton cause in 1861 was promptly met by the merchants of the city of New York, who, acting through a few of the banks, raised the $40,000,000 asked for by the Secretary of the Treasury ; and through- out that war, during its darkest period, when we had little public credit, the contest was sustained solely by the united pecuniary efforts of the merchants of that city. But for its wealth and liberality fl credit of our government would have been depreciated to a greater extent than was continental money in the days ofthe Revolution. It istrue that the zreat wealth of New York enabled it to do this, but itis also true that that wealth has been mainly derived trom {ts foreign commerce, and that that foreign commerce n conducted by the class whom the revenue Ja ind their, mode of execution have branded as knaves and swind- lers. But toe merchants of New York ask no advantage in consequence. Sutticiently strong in their own re- sources, they will willingly accept and Fesnect any laws equally appticable to all others. They will bear their } Proportion ot pubhe — burdens a mur. | Mur, and do not desire laws but ‘those which will alike protect the revenue and punish those who would evade or avoid its responsibilities, Whatever ob- lgations the government may impose Bpgn Us, Now and hereatter as heretofore. we wili cheerfully respond Bor do we ask that there shall be any retaxation in thi vigilance of the government in the collection of its just | dues. it is our interest to prevent traud by smuggling ‘or undervaluation as much as it 1s the interest of the ‘overnment, The prosperity of trade is much depen- emt upon the Integrity ot those who conduct it, and the supremacy New York has attained in her commercial character isas much owing to the honor and atelligence oes those who represent it as to any physical advantages she possesves. Can It be considered sound public policy to frame and execute laws based upon the iaeory that suoh a peodie are naturally dishonest? Is it wise in obtaining revenue to throw every possible obstruction inthe way of its collection ‘hose who want woney im the ordinar: transactions of life are not apt to resort to expedient which must ultimately defeat their object. Is it not rather our duty aga government to nourish, protect and encourage the source upon which we mainly depend for | revenue? Should we not so devise our legislation and | the mode of its execution ag to enlarge the area of our ped ep fiegee pes by promoting its prosperity and deal- ir i om in all the pursuits of trade and certainly cannot Bewrang wuemadied to the puseee were ‘OF WHAT DO THE MERCHANTS COMPLAIN ? With these general reflections 1 will now make some | Specific applications. The importers have endured tor several years vexations and annoyances which at times have amounted to oppressions and extortions of whic | tie general public Know little. These have arisen no | only from the character of the revenue and tarif laws, % influence, they en- without by those appointed to execate them. administration the execution of these laws (sui odious and offensive within themselves) has been di- rected not so much to the protection of the revente as to turther increase the individual perquisites of those ap- poisted to enforce it. While the latter purpose pears. wo have influenced the law makers at va- rious times nothing has been done to ameliorate | the condition of those who are subject to these laws, or | to lessen their liability to unnecessary interference and ; Unjust exactions. It is not my purpose toenumerate and | to discuss at length the histcry of these laws, and the ir effect.and operation. I will enumerate and classi some of the evils of which they have bees Firet—They authorize the seizure, removal and dete: tion, without notice, of ventas books and papers of a merchant, to be used as evidence against himselt, in cot travention of the common law and of the fourth amend- ment of the constitution of the United States, which ae- clares that “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and eifecia shall not be violated.’ Second—In making Custom House officials judges to de- termine to determine the validity of seizures and penal- ties, and giving these officials a large interest the vegeninry. results derived therefrom. Third—Ip creating a gperet detective force ot spies and intormers, clothed with the official authority of the government and with power to destroy the commercial reputation and private character of any importer, and with no compensation but that which is derived trom th e guilt of the party accused. ves all of the. above agencies of extortion iM productive trict Attorney, the sole prosecuting criminal power, who is himself encotraged by a commission of two per cent upon the amounts of money thus collected. Fith~It forteits to the Government and to the officials above enumerated, an entire invoice of merchan however large, though but one articie of comparat trifling relative importance may have been undervalued, thus violating a principle of law and. justice, which measures punishment according to the extentof the crime. Sizth—It makes no distinctions between the penaltics Imposed tor erroneous omissions of charges 1n the aggre- gate value of an invoice of foreign goods and an attempt to evade the law by criminal undervaluaton; pinishing th alike and Imposing a like penalty for each offence. ‘Seventh—It adheres to the system long since digcon- tinued In Europe, of allowing moletics to officers of the government, which, in contravention of a sound public Policy, offers inducements to those clothed with au- thoriy'to exercise that authority in the pursuit of pri avarice, whoever may suffer or however greatly the good name and welfare of the government may be im- erilled. li By the continuance and enlargement of this principle of wrong it has deranged commerce and ob- structed importation, lessened the revenue therefrom and alienated the affections ot a large clasg of liberal and patriotic citizens. Madison, in the first Congress, which discussed and passed the Tariff law of 178, in speaking on the subject, | said;—"A national revenue must be obtained; but the ystem must be such a one that while tt secures the. ob- ct of revenue it shall not be oppressive to our constitu. | & T deem this declaration, coming from such a source at such # time, as almost equal to @ constitutional pro- vision, It 18 directly applicable to the prevent execution | of the revenue laws, should be heeded and strictly. } observed both by ‘w making as well as the law | executing powers of the government. But we are not a without constitutional directions to the same effect, In my judgment this bill should be adobted, and if those appointed to carry it into effect shall taithtully perform their duties and be satistied with the larg salaris and receipts to which they may be entitled, an shall deal fairly and equitably with ‘the merchants, we ‘snail hear no more of outrageous exactions, extortion: and oppreéssions which have recently been perpetrare: upon thein, and which have not only disgraced the commerce and lost revenue to the Treasury. It is true that under no laws h can be fri Gan the people have relief from oppresson, unless the officers who are appoitted to exe- cute them are themselves honest and faithtul. We can dovise nosystem not liavle to abuse, We must have honest administration to secure good government, and until @ reform, thorough and complete, shall be effected in the per: of the custom house aud other official: no laws that Congréss can js required, ‘At presemt this cannot ie, can pow be accomplished is to take away the leg: fication which exists in tavor of ahd which gives them leg: The bill 80 that 1@. CO! ‘his ba T hope the Rouse wilt ittee will do ithout delay. ASSON, Of Iowa, another member of the Committee on Ways and Means, while conden ng en away the law under which such outrages had place, w' the House against sweepin all eee and: barriers against frauds, this position, he said, he was supported by. a majority of the merchants who nad appeared belure the Mr, BURCHARD, (rep.) of U.. another member of Oommitvee on Ways and Means, gave bis cor- and sent Support to the bill, but intimated that he snoaid have itked to have seen the whois system Of custom honse oaths abolished, a8 had been done in England, Mr. NIBLACK, (dem.) of Ind., another member of the Committee on Ways and Means, also advo- cated the bill, except as to tne third section, which be opposed as anomalous and unusual. Mr. BEOK, of eeEsucey Said that he had been in- formed y lr. Roberts hat his "wWeok's) amend: ment might endanger the passage of the bill, as he r the. vill as'voo important 16 ron @ay risk in the matter he w withdraw his amendment and offer it with the bill which would ‘be reported in ror to the Sanborn contracts, Jhairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, closed the debate in aapeech support- ing the measure. He commented u| n the willing. ness of the House to 4 We the My saith 5 a tit Ww cause Most the member mers a had been six months ic a com; ignorant of many of the com- cations aud difteufues. in which the witole sub- ject was involved, Yt. BUTLER, ) to state that nS (hie. Buti jad been the tirat to introduce @ bili at this session to prevent the cus- toms oMcers from receiving any part, of fines, penaities and forfeitures, of Mose, axed his colleagne wise, 1 doesit for halt t with its agenclest Such a course ts deemed | Thi | many grievances of which the merchants complain as to | take away from the officials their share of these and to leave it to the informe: The informe! to ciety. in every Place and in every calling, the intormer ciety, in ever; a ever, ‘ fen odious’ aad ‘Jespised being? “tvervbody ‘shrinks from bim. By the Sane sense of justice and decency and honor he is universally despised wherever he goes about making it his business to inform against ni mM t him do it for pay; let him be und d down the ea pised and with which he ought to be hunted around the earth is increased tenfold. Add to What that he is to haye one-half of all that he can make out of his calling. He is bad enough when he volunteers, ‘Without compensation, from # motive of malice or other: to iniorm against hig neighbor, but when he ult of hia curse? éMpiovment phe door of decent society ought to be and will be shu! against nim, The lesser may be tolerated among men; be may de regarded with pity and compassion; but the foul, ‘putrid, ‘putrescent informer, who goes about the earth assured of one-half of what'he can make by his imtormation, finds no harbor or countenance or society among men. Kut should the government of the United States take the wages of nis sin and of iniguity and divide them with hin? It is he who is the last refuge of this: aystem. One after another the others are let co or thrown overboard; but the man who is under no control, who is 1oot, loose, |s to be saved and Gparded by new lecislation, The oiticial service of the inited States is being sapped and mined, and no such thing as honest public service for fair and reasonable compensation in the revenue service can long be main- tained unless some radicai retorm like this is made, The House then proceeded to vote on Mr. Dawes’ amendment to scrike out the third section of the bill aad to add to the sixth section. The amend- ment was agreed to—97 to 03—and the bill, as thus amended, was passed. ‘The bill has been heretofore published. The third section {a struck out and the sixth section 18 modified as follows :— Section 6,—That except in cases of smuggling, as afore- said, it shall not be lawtui tor any oMcer of the United States, under any pretence whatever, directly or in- directly, to receive, accept or contract for any portion of the money which may, under any of the provisions of this ack aeerue wo any such perso furnishing intorma. tiou. And any such officer who shall so receive, accept or contract for any portion of the mouey that may ac- on conviction thereof be liable to a fine | not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for not more thair one year, at the discretion of the Court, and shall not be thereatter eligible to any office of honor, trust or gmolument, or any such person #o furnishing iniorma: tion as aforesaid, who shall pay any such ofcer of the United States or any person for his use, directly or in- directly, any portion of said money of any other valu. able thing on account of or because of such money, shal! have a perpetual right ot action against such officer or other person or his legal representative to recover ‘back the same or the value thereof. During the debate on the Molety bill a message was received (rom the Senate atinduncing the pas- sage of the resolution of adjournment. ‘the House then, at hali-paet five P. M., took a Fecess till hall-past seven, the evening session to be jor general debate, crTy EXPENSES. The following is the revised estimate of Commis. stoner Van Nort, of the Department of Public Works, for the current year, showing a reduction of fifty per cent, or $1,581,692 79, as compared with the expenditures of the year 1871, and a reduction of $41,000 on an estimate heretofore made:— Deraxturnt oF Pusirc Works, CommissiONeR’s Orrice, City Hatt, Ma 1874. Hon, Wiutiaw F. Havewsyer, Mayor and Chairman Board of Estimate and Apportionment :— 5ik—T have, in accordance with the law authorizing a revision of the ap; Fopriations for the current year, care- fully reconsidere @ appropriations set apart for this departinent. ‘fie estimate heretofore made was based upon close calculation. The present appropriations for lamps and gas are :— $750,000 tor the city exclusive of the annexed district, and $5,000 for the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth wards. The present prices for lighting the lamps in the old wards are: $33 per lamp south cd urty-fourth street, $33 and $35 per lamp between Thirty-fourth and poxqnty olntt streets, and $3) per lamp north of Seven- ty-ninth strees leaving room tor a reduction on the appropriation of $750,000. But the sum of set apart for the Twenty-third and Twen! is insaificteut, whether they are lighte pad {nthe old wards, or under in by. the former local eae - lamp. reapectively. and | $50 per maxing the aggregate cost Of lighting those wards $124,000 this year. It is claimed by the gas companies in ar. the annexed district that it is more expensive to turmish as in a sparsely than in a densely populated district, Gut the price now paid the Harlein Gas Light Company, $39 per lamp, isa fair compensation for lighting the lamps {ithe anuexed wards at which rato the aguregate ex: ense will be $99,400. I have preferred, however, to put in fre larger amount of $124, deeming it prudent to pro- vide for the contingency of the sly being bound by the contracts heretofore made for ligh: the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth wards. This will still leave a reduction ot $26,00u from the total amount heretofore apprepriated for lamps and gas. At ft earetul reconsideration of the other Appropria. tions, most of which are now so limited that it will re- quire the utmost vigilance to make them meet the re- quirements of the city, le: it doubtfal whether true economy would not réguire their increase rather than reduction, there remains but the approprigtion for salaries of officers, clerks, &c. Th been able to reduce by trom he amount heretofore sct apart for that purpose. The otal reductions suggested by me thus amount to $41.00, In accordance therewith the following is submitted as | the revised estimate of thisdepartment for the curren’ | year, showing a reduction ot fitty per cent, or $1,581,092, | as compared with the expenditures of 1871, the ? y entering yn the duties of this office “go gemma we Goutingendien Depart Continge nc! Flaguiny sidewalks front of city property... Free doatmag bathe: amps Ana gas, old wi - Lamps Bad gas, twenty-third snd fwendy-(ourdh Public buildings. construction and Public drinking hydrants and arin: Removing obstructions in, stree Repairing and keeping in order wooden and concrete pavements. a. 0, Roads ani renues and sprinkling... - Bi id renewal a es, stopcocks, &c.. 85,000 Salaries, Department of Public Wor! ‘Sewors. repairing and cleaning: . 78,000 Street improvements, for street si; ¥ 2,50 Streets, repaving and repairs to stone ments. oe 100,000 Supplies for and cleaning pubhe office: 80,000 Wells and pumps, repairing and cleaning: 1,500 Paving and planking at West Washington larket. 2,000 Total . 11, 893,500 Very EORGH M. VAN SORT, Commissioner of Public Works, OITY TREASURY, Comptroller Green reports the following dis- bursements and receipta of the Treasury yester- nse DISBURSEMENTS. Ctains paid mumber of warrants, 9, amount IDR 1Q...ceise a «uk Pay rolls (number of warrants, 8), amounting to Total number of warrants, 100, amounting to RECEIPTS, From taxes of 1873 and interest... From arrears of taxes, assessmen From collection of assessments and interest. From water rents.........0... 0+ de From market rents, &c. (Bureau of City Revenue) For fees and fines, District Courts For licenses, Mayor's office. Total. THE OONNECTIOUT SENATORSHIP, New HAVEN, May 19, 1874, A vote for United States Senator was taken in the Senate anu House of Representatives to-day. In the Senate the result was:— Whole number of votes cast, W. W, Eaton, of Hartford... W, A. Buckingham, of Norwich. + In the House the following result was ob- tained :— ase 227 od hole number Of votes cast.... ‘W. W, Eaton, of: Hartfora.... W. A. Buckingham, of Norwich Joseph R. Hawiey, of Hartiord....... See Charles R. Ingersoll, ot New Haven. 4 Henry B, Harrison, 01 New Haven. 3 1 David A. Wells, of Norwich.,....... to-Morrow and confirm this vote. THE BBOIPROOITY NEGOTIATIONS, CHicaco, Ill., May 19, 1874. The Chicago Board of Trade to-day passed are- { solution favoring the negotiations pending be- | tween the United States and Great Britain and Canada, in regard to tne enlargement of commer: ciairelations bevween those countri THE: STEAMSHIP MANOHU, Additional Particulars of Her Loss. M San FRANCISCO, May 18, 1874, Additional information in regard to the loss of the steamship Mancino, while bound from Nagasaki for Shanghai, shows that on tte 16th of March, the ‘day she sunk the Japanese ing boat, her ) Qoal bunkers gaye way and her ¢ flooded, stopping the engines, aud on the Feasel had become waterlogged. Srocker and Mr. Jones succeeded in getting into mall boat, but, afterwards leaped into the sea and were drowned—leaving as the only survivors of the fitty | persons on the Manchu the five stated in a-pre- vious despatch. THE CUNARD LINE, - Proposed Abandonment of the Liverpool and Hoston Route. Boston, May 19, 1874, The high cost of railroad freights on grain and other products from the West has compelled the Canard company to seriously contemplate with- drawing all their steamers from the Liverpool and Boston route and Srapaierring them to New York. ‘The proposition causes much feeling: in buainess circles ‘and efforts are being made to inauce the rauroad managers to lower their rates. | THE DEPAULTING DEPUTY TREASURER, Aupany, N. Y., May 19, 1874, 1 i urer, Charles H. Phelps, was. called to-day, dust in the absence of an important witness for the at Was postponed until Yo-morrow morning. 4 SibAGHEDERS, Was issued by Judge Westbrook against ang Ny “ easurer eS \@ reported quite tl! to- day, bis ines arising fr tal aasiety on ac: if bank of whict count of the failure of a Mr, Dawza—I believe that is true; but that bil was to crue as afyresaid shall be guilty of @ misdemeanor and | ry 25 | lvered the keys, 984 | turned out of oftice, The two brauches wil! meet in joint Convention j The trial of the detaulting Deputy State Treas. ;|, OM 5 | THE RETURN OF PEACE. Governor Baxter in Possession of the State House. DEPARTURE OF BROOKS. Rejoicings of the Victors Over the Result. Little Rock, Ark., May 19, 1874, Early this morning the remainder of Brooks troops leit the State House, The two cannon, belonging to Sherti Oliver, which were at tho State House, were turned over to the regulars for Keeping and were taken to the arsenal. At eighs o'clock the regulars took down. their barricades on Markham street, which this last, time havo been up for ten days. On arriving at the Stato House at eight o’clock I found all the forces gone. DEPARTURE OF BROOKS Mr. Brooks left at nine o'clock, accompanied b? hisson, He looked rather haggard, A regular was sitting in front of the Treasurer’s ofilce- There was @ subdued air about everything. J found the Secretary of State, Johnaton, in hiv oMice once more. He had just taken charge of tu°0 buliding, and the ground was turned over »y General Fagan. Colonel Geiberg, of Baxter’« militia, took charge of the arms and armory. About half-past eleven o’clock Colonel Rottake: at the head of 100 men, marched into the State House, Generals Churchill, Newton and Bouton came riding ap, and orders were given to clear tho yard and to put sentries at the gates and on tho Streets and allow no person to passin. General King White and staff followed, and ‘after a short time the generals rode back to the Anthony House. A PROCESSION was formed, and at twelve o’clock started for tho State House. First came a body of ¢avairy, then Governor Baxter in @ carriage with prominent citizens, several general officers riding at the sides; next @ carriage with more citizens and some reporters, and behind another body of cav- alry. In afew minutes two Parrott gans ana seven Soni paniss of infantry arrtved. The Governor was received with cheers. The guns were taken down to the river, and at a given signal the firing of 100 guns commenced, The a ie ee noun Ast, which: was pointed for- merly at the State House. was wheeled toward the river and fired several times, cheers being given during the firing. Miss Mollie Morton and Miss Trigg fired off the first gan. ‘he regulars, just before the procession formed, marched back to the arsenal. The troops are jubilant and thus the thirty days’ Arkansas War ended. THE SENATE AND HOUSE ‘Will meet at the State House as soon as the halls can be cleaned. In the Legislature to-day bills’ were introduced to change the names of counties named alter Clayton, Dorsey, Sarber, &c. THE CITY IN CHARGE OF THE MAYOR. At noon General Newton turned the city over to’ the Mayor, and the Jatter at once discharged all the policemen heretofore employed and swore in 100 citizens, who volunteered for the purpose a8 & special posto force to protect citizens and prop- erty. The stores are all open and business is pick- ay ip | alority of Baxter's troops marched back to quarters, and will be sent home as soon as possible. CONDITION OF THE STATE HOUSE. The building was found in a very dilapidated con- dition. Earthworks and plank barricades were Scattered throughout the grounds. The desks in the legislative hails had been improvised into bar- Ticades. Many of them were broken, and the ut- most confusion prevailed. The State arms were left lying loose around the building. Workmen Ent pace busy throughout the day putting things 0 1 A Gunner Severely Injured—Oficial Documents Taken from the State House—Resignation ot the Attorney General. Lirrie Rock, Ark., May 19—7 P. M. During the firing to-day squnner named John Mayers had his hand and arm severely lazerated and his face burned with powder. He bad just | taken the rammer out and his arm was in front of the gun, when the gunner, with his thumb on the touchhole, let the air in, and the hammer acci- dentally came down and the gun went off. Soon after Governor Baxter's entry into the State House General Newton gave orders to guard the Auditor’s office, the Treasurer’s office, the Sheriff’s ofce and all the offices in the State House, except that of the Secretary of State and one other. {asked why this was done and was told there was reason to think that documents had been taken away trom the offices since the troubles commenced, and that they did not intend to allow it any more. These offices will be kept guarded until the Investigating Committee appointed by the Legisiature to examine the books shall com- mence work. The Senate and House will meet at twelve o’clock to-morrow in the State House, Attorney General Yonley, who has neen a cone Spicuous man in Arkansas politics, resigned to- day and Governor Baxter appointed J. L. Wither- Spoon Attorney Genera), STATEMENT OF THE STATE TREASURER, In conversation with Colonel Page, State Treas- urer, he stated, in response to magus rej Pek the seizure of his office to-day, that he had acte all through the trouble as an ald to Colonel Rose, of the regulars; that he had issued no scrip on the Tequisition of Brooks; that, though the Supreme Court had granted a mandamus to compel him to pay $1,000 on the requisition of Brooks, the matter ad been delayed by him until the question as to who was legally Governor should be settied at Washington; that they could not seize his office } under the piea that he was a Brooks man, as hoe | acted with the regulars; and that, upon demand of Colonel Rottaker, accompanied wy @ guard under orders from General ton, he had de- and everybody had been , alter he had locked up the safe and books. A guard was then put in front of , the door. . THE OOOPERS' STRIKE, The strikers hold meetings daily in their district headquarters, No. 165 East Broadway. They seem vo be in goo! spirits and say they will Ognt the matter out, as their union can mever be aban- doned, They are about to receive $3,000 from 4 | Cleveland, and many socteties here, such as the painters and paper hangers, carpenters, iron monuiders, shoemakers, tailors and others, have | offered aid to the strikers. Some of these will re- ceive assistance from the union, but many are | suMciently well off to do without it, | The house of M. & E. Connolly, of No, 318 Henry | street, has already come to terms with their men, ; and these have gone to work on their own con- ditions. The strike still continues in Williamsburg and | Greenpoint. All the pple es Temain firm in | the resolution not to employ members of the union. A number of workmen, having large fami- | lies depending upon them, bave been put to work } in the refineries fers te pe Lane & Fleming, R. W. Burke and tts Oil Works, after renounc- ing their obligation to the union. On Monday evening and yesterday a number of olicemen were on duty ip the office of A. T. riggs, No, 64 Rutgers s}ip, in order to protect from any violence that might be attempted the men who have gone to work against the rules and orders of the union. KILLED BY A MAD BULL Shortly after stx o'clock Monday. as Captam Jesse Ladiam, of Bridgehampton, L. L, was re~ turning home from a neighbor's, and had arrived Within a sbort distance of bis residence, he per- cetved an animal tearing down the road at a furi- us pace. The approaching object proved to bea mad bull, [twas tmpossible to void the infuri- ed creature, and before he could conceive a pian to the furious antmal was upon him. horse in trying to 6 and, beeom! ent in. the mercy of ited beast, who rushed upon ane poted Bn a Hecrile gh Mr. Ludi coul Fora if, was next attacked by she bull, who first + he Upon him and then, h a single thrust porns, Plerced him to t, Causing inatant dea! wit ‘the hear A BURGLAR SHOT. At about five o'clock yesterday morning Mr, Thothas Fallon, & tea merchant, residing in Flush- ing avenue, near Skillman. street, Williamsburg, ‘Was awakened by @ noise as if je one was en- deavaring to break into the house. He immedi- ‘hau gums Out oF bed, a Joo! out, saw § ly i 0} ° wine Ce aft alob oh ted the police, and jeer Maloy, of the clnct, was soon on hand, Going to she Tear the officer saw the Wena euch em to stop, The officer the: rs truck one of them it p to fail and ht to other burglar was porsned managed to make his escay turned to secure the wi Le was manager, disappeared.