The New York Herald Newspaper, June 11, 1874, Page 5

CONGRESS. Butler’s Geneva Award Bill Passed the House. INSURANCE COMPANIES. DISAPPOINTED. Adoption of the Moieties Repeal FORFEITURES AND: FINES. SENATE. paar Wasuinaron, Jané 10, 1876. “Mr. Ineauts, (rep.) of Kansas, introduced a pill ‘Ww abolish the Hoard of Indian Commissioners. Re- ferred to the Committee on Indian Affaire. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AMBRICA AND ASIA. Mr. How®, (rep.) of Wis, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, reported unfavorably on the ‘Will to encourage and promote telegraphic commu. ‘Mieation petween America and Asia. ‘Ajso unfavorably on the bill granting to W. Cor- moll Jewett and others the right to construct a line @f telegraph between the two continents. The committee was discharged from the further ‘Consideration of these bills, Be also reported trom the same committee, as a substitute jor the two bills above mentioned, a bill | relating to telegraphic commonication between | the United States and foreign countries, Placed | ‘on the calendar. The ‘vill reported: by Mr. Howe, from the Senate Oomuittee on Foreign Relatiuns, as a substitute for two bills proposing to confer spetial cable telegraph privileges on Oxsar Moreno and W. Corneil Jewett and their respective associates, suthorizes the Secretary of State to grant per- mission to any citizen or association of the United States to connect thie country by cable telegraph with any foreign country; conceding to our citi- zens the same rights and privileges for landing and “working telegraphic wires as it has granted or ‘Way grant to its own citizens; provided, how- | ever, that the permission granted to foreign citi- zens shall be subject to any and all rights of prop- erty.and State jurisdiction in and over the cables to be landed on our shores. It is further pro- ee. that all telegraphic communication estab- jh hog tener plfeenen pend shall be subject to the following conditions:— d First—The government of the United Staten shall Rave equal privileges with regard to the control and use of any of the said lines that may be exer- ‘@lsed by ener in government whatever. Second— citizens of the United States shall ‘enjoy the same privileges as to rates, &c., ag are jed by the citizens of the most favored na- | ns, Tréra—Priority of transmission shall be giyen.to | State despatches, to despatches on telegraphic | Service and to private despatches in the order The bill algo provides a penalty of a fine not ex- | eeeding $5,000 and im ent not exceeding three years, for disclosing or intercepting mes- “sages or tol ptgi thd ihteriering with the working ef any ne ot Mr. HaMiuron, cm) of Md., calléd up @ resolu- yker, late contestant fora seat being img question ter to fix the amount at Gorteon: eri Fr amena by inse: 96,600 in lieu din cpired and *E, E the discussion the morfing hour’ ex- the resolution went ovor. Mr. ConKLING, (rep.) of N. Y., gave notice that ‘When it should be taken up again’ he would sub- mit an amendment the expenses of the conser incurred by itr, Spacer, the sitting mem- GE MOIETY BILL, Y by ‘The unfinished business being the bill’ to amend the Vustome Revenue jaws to repeal moieties, was called up by the ane the pending question being on the motion of Mr. eler fy amend the twenty-ninth section so that the bill should not | affect sults or actions commenced or forieitares in- | ann Pe et ged te se wie:, ‘dela ey ir, CARPENTER, (FEp.) 01 sa ‘woulda ‘vote for the amendment, as he did not think Con- gress had power to take away the vested legal ta Of informers in suits already coumenced, ir. SAULSBURY, (dem.) oi Del., denied that in- formers bad any vested rights, They had become edious to the ple of the country and all traces of them should be wiped out by this bill. a. Mr. WADLEIGH, (rep.) Of N. H., spoke the amendment, and referring to informers, said ‘these men had airea d the country, He said bis triend irom Wisconsin was not so ignorant ‘and £0 little versed in public affairs as not to have heard of Jayne and his coadjutors. INFORMERS A NECESSITY. ‘Mr. Hows said he had read in the report made by & committee of the otner house that this man Jayne had been instrumental in commencing fifty- mine suits against men charged with iraud upc the revenue of the country. Of this number forty- tbaa been prosecuted to judgment, ard every case the judgment was against the party charged with iraud. He had heard a at outcry agamst informers, but not a word agi it the ras- | cals detected by them, yesterday tha: ie would call up the coulerence te. y that he wor up the conference re- | rt on the Onrrency bill to-de! . He disiked to terfere with the pending bill and therefore asked that the Moiety bill be laid aside iniormally, to take up the conference report. Mr. EDMUNDS objected, and said the pending bill Might soon be di of. He demanded the ‘Was the Moiety bill. ir. SARGENT, (rep.) Of Cal., said it was absolutely mecessary for the jury 10 use detectives to find out frauds in the revenue, and this bill took away too many saleguards to insure a faithiul collection @f the revenue, Mr. CHANDLER, (rep.) Of Mich.. 8] employing. intormers. He read from a memorial | @1 the New York Coamber of Comme’ signed by A. A. Low, in which it was asked chat voice of the detective be husied, and said ii a burglar sbould rob the house of Mr. Low he would employ | ke in favor of | @ detective to arrest Dim. Yet that wo Be & gentleman as compared with mean, meaking smogeicr. | At three o’c Mr. MORTON said he was satis- fed there would be an extended discussion on this Bill, and he therefore moved 1t be laid aside aud | the Senate proceed to the consideration of the con- ference report on the Currency bill. After some discussion it was agreed that the vote. on Mr. Conkling’s amendment be taken im- Miediately, and Mr. MonTon withdrew his motion. | ‘The amendment of Mr. Conkling was agreed to— yeas 31, nays 26. PENALTY OF FRAUD. TEE Mr. Srzwant, (rep.) of Nev., moved to strike out the twelth section of the bili, which fixes the penalty of $6,000 for any attempt.to deiraud the Fevenue by means of a false or fraudulent in- voice, and provides tor the forfeiture of the par- ticular item of merchanuise to which such :traad @F alleged iraud relates, instead of the whole in- Voice, 8 under the present law, Pending the discussion, Mr. CAMERON, (rep.) of Pa., moved that the Senate proceed to the consid. eration of executive business. Rejected—yeas.20, BU. by Hows, from the Committee on Foreign ‘Re- lations, reported favorably on the bill to enavie the Secretary of State to pay salaries to certain of the commissioners to the Vienna Exposition ‘ap- , cena under the authority of a joint resolution of | bruary 14, 1874, Placed on the calendar. Mr. INGALLS, from the Committee on Indian Af- fairs, reported favorably on the bill to authorize the Seneca nation of New York Indians to lease Jands within the Cattaratgus aud Allegheny reser- vations and to confirm existing leaser. Placed on ‘wne cale! Mr. CONKLING ndar. presented a remonstrance of Messrs, Hatch & Foote, Harriot & Noyes, Shepherd Knapp, Jr., and 268 firms of bankers, brokers and * dealers In con securities, in New York, against the imposition of | @ tax on the sale of coin and securities. Referred | to the Committee on Finance. At the requeat of Mr. Morrill, (rep.) of Vt., the Ma- Fine bill to authorize the promotion of Captain Previe of the navy, tothe grade of Commouore, was recommitted to the Committee on Naval Al- The Senate then resamed the consideration of the Motety Dill. FORFRITURR AND FINE. Mr. CONKLIN said he woula vote for the motion strike oun se twelith section. He thought the ill One Of the most extraord! ever framed by _ Intelligent men as ope or ‘eeation, Many of the features of the had. ing whatever to Go with the abuse of the moiety system or the that on back Pty tor ite faventors. He had no doubt it the reven of the lace disorder. He did hot wish | case of Phei le, Would Bot Reuttate to | the invoice snatched vy the ved to be correct 2 m which it was taken, fnvolos presen neat Oustom House, upon which the duties wore Mr. MORTON gave notice that he would ask the Peers ay tas mae eet rrency and would endeavor to have the Senate ‘dispose of him how uafollizeas J i. OONRLING, wee | tamly did not mean to insult his understandin; | $0 a8 to bills of exchange, stocks and other | Log mieds eoald frame cach a section's the twelfth Srnobe ; or tfeva nd Sak Feruiary ss ie, mates of tive, "He nent 10" faitwoe Go Pindnes as folows 2” MR. STBWARYs Vinws, New Yous, May 26, 1874. Gin ous fama ot the 230 Soat. i received, jatormation Sto. the’ paral Et thé all moieties allowed the reven: oe eas Rae that it secks to re al ers in caves of alleved fraud} pn neae hae enc Recensat sp sage you that. wi fear’ governuwnt fe under the he a 1 al) im- sons to. evade the oievenne laws, ”y " i mast result Hon. Jonx My to nt trend no tan cb trauds 3 Nhs PRoune recovered Se ie: Seer eee po Realy tp oe pong od og RA Sy peat al recove! it seems to ne this ought, to be same! int to stimulate effort, and at the there as to induce unfounded complaints. 1 am not, erefore, jm favor of, repealing ali: mosettes Or abolisn- ay che system generally as now in practice. ‘he power of of party cpm pia ined by and papers of a I do not object to, provided itis etarde tions upon its exe! ‘The complaint should in no case re davic. ry entertained me! @ny person gay ee make an The trand charged should be dedinitely pointed out and. petore being brought to the attention of the Judge for bis _actio should have the certificate of the Distric Coll jot mney, and the of the to efiect | that duatrict examined Into the circumstances alleged and Heve, pot only that they are tr been aetnalty and intentionally committed. 4 eres, | believe no injustice upon a pro could be trated, dr, at Al pet SL ry 5 tothe of pe 0 80 Wipn traud i ‘established, T would favor coutaca article: naervaiued, with ‘ot sw th @ fine of at least three times thelr acinal cost or valuc, and I would nov vest in any official discretionary power to les- | sen this punishment in the. slightest degree or compro- mise an; feng uiver fie detection, herence to this rule will, in my opinion, go further to prevent under- Yaluation and attempted évasions of the customs laws than any other measure that can be adopted. For these reasons, and _ believil that the Droposed in its _ present mect the ncy, of its ‘passage without rm does not in fav uperaunents, bi can dicated it 1s to be hoped that your committee wil hesitate to do 80, secure its Dassage during | ent session. Certain it is that the honest im stands much in need ‘of fovernmental protection, and t i trust he will get it at th f tl it Very reepectiully yours. ALEXANDRE T STEWAEI Mr. SHERMAN said the bill now before the Senate Scoordedt with Mr. Stewart's letter in every re- 8) | Mitr. Cowmni9 sald his friend (Mr. Sherman) cer- Be and he would inquire how it was that the One of $5,000 named in the bill agreed with Mr. Stewart’s Fecommendation for a fine m # sum of three times the valine of the Mr. SHERMAN said in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred the articie undervalued was worth leas than $1,000, and $5, Maximum smount of fine, » CONKLING denied that the bill was framed in accordance with Mr. Stewart’s recommendation, Amount. pald--s2ti,euo—was the valk of tole amoun' ,000-—was the value of items Undervalued. A fine For ag times that amount id the books of tne firm of & Co, showed that false invoices m presented at the Castom House and juoted from a statement made irom those books show that the private\books showed the true invoice was of much greater value than the one resented at the Custom House. Yet tis virtuous Dad sworn! to the false invoice. He denied that the firm had been persecuted by the officers of the Custom House, Mr. SHERMAN said the case of Phelps, Dodge & Co, nad not influenced the committee at all in pre- paring bill. As soon a8 he saw tue importance Of the bill, woen it came from the House, he went to the Senator from New York (Mr. Conkling) and inquired of him the names of the promment mer- chants in New York who could give the committee the other side of the case. He (Mr. mau) Wrote letters to these gentlemen and. their replies had Much weight with the committee in framing the bill, The purpose ox the twelfth section was to provjde just what Mr. Stewart recorumended, and that wad to the forieiture.of the whole 1a- voice to the particular item to which fraud re- lated. The false invoices of Phelps, Dodge & Co. covered & period of five years. Mr. CONKLING said bis friend was in error. In that statement the invoices from which the fraudulent items were taken covered a perioa of fifteen months, He (Mr. Conkling) had neard that statement about five years belore and now de- Died it. Mr. Howe again opposed the bill and said if it passed the natioi freasary would soon expe- Tience a diminution of receipts. Mr. CARPENTER agreed with his coll (Mr. Howe) and said the moiety system was older than this century. It was part of a well considered pian to protect the interests and revenues of the country, and the proposition to repeal it was made because Con; was becoming cowardly. If the merchants were guiltless of frand why did they permit one man to hold.them in terror. Mr, STRVENSON, (dem.) of Ky., called attention to the fact that both Secretary McCulloch and pe gents Boutwell had recommended the repeal of moieties. Mr. BayagD, (dem.) of Del., related a case of oppression that occurred two years. ago, when these special agents took possession of the count- ing bouse of Naylor & Co. and kept possession of it Jor six weeks, HONESTY NOT COWARDLY. Mr, CARPENTER said Any Merchant with wealth and influence behind him who would permit one man to take possession of his books li he was guiltilesa was a craven. No man would pay. thou- sands of dollars on the demand of a detective un- less he felt ne was lable under the law. Every honest would cheertully show his books to any officer of the government who was (ant law to examine them ‘The auestiun being, on the motion of Mr. Stew art, to strike out the twelfth section it was re jected zon 3, nays 31, Messrs, Boreman, handler, eae linz, Flanagan, iy Se bi we, Ingalls, Jones, Ramsey, nt and Stewart voting in the affirmative. = Mr. SARGENT gy to bocged ‘aemeecie tion by striking out ‘ y ir each oj- tence,” and inserting in itet, thereof “for euch ot- fence be fined in any sum not exceeding $6,000, nor less than $50, or to be imprisoned for any time not exceeding two years, or both.” ed tO. Mr. HAMLIN Moved to amend the twelith section rovide that only o pec or Cage con- taining items undervalued should be iorfeited. to. + WRIGHT, (rep.) of Iowa, moved to insert the sh section, stricken out in the Committee of the ; Whole, wntoh provided for the examination .of | books and Fad upon the order of tue court. Mr. BAYARD moved to amend the section 80 1t would read, ‘and the said attorney shall be per- mitted to make an ¢xXamination of the entrfes Te- ferred to in the said notice, at which examination the defendant or Salman or hig agent may be present. He also moved to amend the section so as to provide that the owner of the books or papers custody of tuem, except. pending’ thelr examiua: oust of them, rT ir examina- tion in Court as aforesatd, the gu estion then being on agreeing to thi ne qu eing to the sec- tion @s amended, it was agreed to. x! THE BILL PASSED, ‘The bill was then read the thira time and passed—yeas 38, nays 3—as follows :— | Yxas--Mersra, Alcorn, Allison, Bi I Conkling, Lonover, Cooper, Davia, Perry of Michiou re Unghuysen, Go! thwaite, Gordon, Hagar, Hamilton of Maryla amlin, Harvey, ite! Jol Kelly, eCreery. Merrimon. Mitchell, Norwood, Ogweaby, Ranisey, ‘Ransom, | Hargent, , Sherman, | levenson, 8 ton, Thurman, Tipton, Wadleigh, Wash- Nays—Messra, Flanagan, Howe, Peaso—3, The Senare then at 9 o'clock adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, June 10, 1874, Mr. &. H. ROBERTS, (rep.) of N. Y., from tne Ways and Means Committee, reported back the bill to admit free of duty merchandise sunk for two years and alterwards recovered. | Passed, Mr. Beox, (dem.) of Ky., fom the same committee reported a bill for the relief of owners and purchasers of lands sold for direct taxes in insurrectionary States. Referred to the Committee | of the Whole. Mr. Fosrer, (rep,) of Ohio, from the “same commattee, reported a bill to admit free of duty photographic and lithographic prints and philo- sophical apparatus, books and instruments o/ act- entific research imported for educational and schentific purposes, Referred to the Committee of tne Whole. Mr. Dawrs, (rep.) of Mass., from the same com- mittee, reported a dill to remit the duties upon certain goods destroyed by fire at the Boston con- flagration. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. ‘Mr. WREBLEB, (rep.) 9} MJ. mrasenigg fhe cam I am Proper ai 7 be so amedded as to reach the diticultios 1 have in: | pol 000 named in the bili was the | ference report on the Army Apprupriation bill. Agreed to, THE GENEVA AWARD. ‘The Bouse then took up the Geneva Award bill and was addressed by Mr. Bass, (rep.) o1 N. ¥., 0 opposition tothe wabstitute reported by Mr. But | fe ler, of Massachusetw. Mr. WiLs0m, (rep,) of Ind, a member of the Ju- dictary Committee, argued in support of the sub- stitute. He controvened the ‘position taken by | Mr; Poland that the Unived States government | docupied at Geneva the position of atvorney for the claimants, On the contrary, it was there in its sovereign capacity to vindicate its honor and join { im establishing rules of international law, and at the same time to procure sach money indemnity as it might be able. The money so acquired was, to all intents and purposes, the money of tue United St to be dis; 1 as Congress m: i a eur posed of 4 igne rmin: to those high conceptions of we agatings. GO} Daiions that lave Veen crystallized into the that “The Ring cap. do Do wrong.” Mr. ELDR (dem,) of Wie. another member of the dua bee @ srutement iclary Com e, made the considerations wiicn ‘ied nim to aiffer with bts colleagues, &ud to recommend that the money pala under the Geneva awaid should be covered ito the asury. Mr. KELLOGG, (rep,) of ees differed entire! from the position taken by Mr. Elaredge an that if the money was diverted irom tne purpose for which it was coliected 1 would be the Same spectes Of injustice that was committed in the French claims, spolta tio! that had been a biot upon the nation jor the las: ‘would be seid it seventy years, It | of the United States, You went into the international arpitration and presented cer- tain claims, which were allowed, and when you Rr whom you collected tr, vur sou padi to atner ut you othe: parties. He declared that there wes No justice, 10 sanity. mo right and no conscience in any such a sition of the mad, . STARKWEATHER, (rep.) of Conn.—My col- Mague seems disposed to keep poor men out of PE kitoce—Ko, sir. ‘That will do for clap- tray Mr. STARKWEATHER—It will do tor argument, Mr. FRYS, (rep.) of Me., another member of the Judiciary Committee, spoke in support of Mr. But- ler’s substitute, He declared thut this was a fight | between insurance companies (mainly of New | York) and the people of the countr.. Mr. TREMAIN, (rep.) of N, Y.—Are you not aware that about $700,000 07 it roca to the insurence com- panies in #oston, which to be handed over to the losers by the Boston firet | REFLECTIONS URON THE AMERICAN COUNSEL. Mr. Frye—What arrant humbug that ix 1 bave | heard the gentleman (Mr. Trem@in) talking in that Way, privately and otherwise, in. the interest Of the insurance companies. The overshadowing power Of those Insurance compames is felt in the House to-day and in the botels at Washington and all around. It was suificiently strong Lo make Itself felt even at Geneva, where these insurance com- panies sent some of the best lawyers of the country, who were at the same time conusel for the United States, and to send them back here on | the floor of the House as lobbyists. It was an | almost almighty power that could do that. Mr, REM AIN—What authority have you for say- | Ing that when Mr. Evarts was counsel at Geneva he was also counsel for any one of those claimants | ho now present a demand? i Mr. BuTLER, (rep.) of Mass.—Because he sald go | before tho Judiciary Committee of the last House. Mr. TREMaIN—OUn the contrary, there 18 a letter | in this House, written vy him yesterday, denying | it in toto. Mr. BurLeR—And he was on the floor, and I put | it to him to his face and he didnot dare to deny it, | and he cannot come on vhis fluor and deny it, PATRIOTIC GRATIFICATION, Mr. KBLLogG—He coulda not deny it here. You had the advantage of him, ana you retused him the opportunity to deny it. Mr. BUTLER—Pardon me, sir; I do not do that. I do not come from Connecticut. (Laughter.) Mr. Wooprorp, (rep.) of N. Y. (indignantly) — And, as grandson of Connecticut, { am grati- Mr. BUTLER (scurntully)—So am I, ( ter.) Mr. FRYE proceeded with his afgument in con- travention of the ides that the United States gov- ernment appeared at Geneva in the character of a claims agent——— = “Without @ contin ent fee,’ interrupted Mr. Bor.gr. * THE MUTUAL INSURANOR COMPANIES. He read irom Mr, Fish’s letter to Mr. Adams im- pressing opon him tat he should be careful not to commit thc government as to- what should bedone with the sum to be recovered. Coming to the | question of muttal insurance companies he re- ferred to the remark of Mr. Tremain yesterday that the motion to strike them out of the bill was # fraud on the committee, and to his own reply that they were got in by a trand. Mr. TRKMAIN—Will the gentleman allow me a question ? Mr. Fryz—no, sir; I will now. Mr, fREMAIN—The gentleman makes a charge of fraud and then will allow no answer. That is courage. Mr. Paye—The charge was made when the gen- tleman had an hour to nimself and had ample tune to answer it. I trust that the mutaal insurance companies will be struck Outof the bill, and that will leave them on the same footing as tne stock | inaurance companies, to be paid iu case they lost and only in case they lust. That is where they ought to be if they are to be in the bill at all. Now that we have the money im our hands I hope we will do with it that which is right, that which is | just and that which ts equitable, Mr. WARD, (rep.) of Ill,, another member of the Judiciary Committee, spoke in favor of tne substi- tute. reported by Mr. Butler, and argued that the efictt of the position assumed on the othe: side would be to increase farther the weaith o: tnose | who had speculated on the chances o: war and , | made money as the national flag waned or won. He denied that there was any ground for the as sumption that the United States appeared at e- | neva in the character oi a viaims agent. Relerring | to Mr. Poland’s condemnation yesterday of those | who supported the Butler suostitute, ne said he | should not shake his hoary locks or poane his bony finger athim (Mr. Wara). If the blush of shame | should mantle any cheek in connection witn the | Matter it should not be his cheek, but that ot his ‘venerable iriend irom Vermout. | Mr. HALE, (rep.) of Me., supported the Butier substitute, and commented on the influence exer- ctsed by those Who repreaent large sums of money. | He did not mean to say that bis expericuce led him to beveve that such money was used in any corrupt way ; he velleved tue contrary; but it was &lact which constantly pressed itseli upon the minds of members, that a large interest, concen- trated in a iow men, or in & few corporations, would never down. If it was beaten to-day, 1t Would iit its head to-morrow. Public opinion | mught stamp the mark of reprobation upon it, and yet itdid@ not shrink. It toox advantage of every | Vacation, of every recess o1 Conyress, of every suspension oi public opinion on the merits of its claim, and put out its ieeiers in every direction. The case presented by the insurance companies to-day iiusirated that view. ‘These lew pomponien had at stake $6,000,000 ur $6,000,000. They been before one Congress and had been | ignomintonsly kicked out: ‘They had been beaten in the House of Representatives by more than two to one, and yet they would not stay ue/eated. BXORBITANT INSURANCE CLAIMS. At three o’clock, Mr. Butier, of Massachusetts, | Tose to close the debate. Mr. POLAND complained that the time had not been fairly apportioned to the minority of the com- | mittee, and asked Mr, Butler to yield fiiteen min- | ‘utes to Mr. Beck, of Kentucky. Mr. BUTLER declined to do so and expressed his | opinion that the minority of the committee had had more than their fair proportion of time. ‘Mr. POLAND (suavelyy—Allow me @ word. Mr. BUTLER (firmly)—No, sir, 1 wil not, ba POLAND (doubtingly)—Are you sure you will not | . Mr. BUTLER (positively) —I am sure | will not. Mr. POLAND (persistently) —fwo of the jour gen- tlemen wao signed the minority report are not ere. | ‘The SPEAKER (after a good deal of hammering) — The gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Poland) is not im order. ‘Tne rules give the gentieman from | Massachusetts (Mr. Butler) the floor absointely. Mr. POLAND (periectly uuruMed)—J am = en- eee to appeal to the gentleman's sense of | justice. | 4 C8 BUTLER (biuntly)—I do not want any ap-.| al. var, POLAND (yielding)—Well, if the gentleman is | 8 vam re Mr. BUTLER (determinediy)—Well, 1, am dis- | posed, (Langhter.) Mr. POLAND (resuming his seat)—I bave known | the geutieman to repenc of some evil tuoughts, “Mr. BUTLER (triamplantiv)—Mmr. ker, | what mast ve the sataeney of that cause, what | must be che infinence of the money contracted m | @ few jhanas in the city of New York, and in the cities of Boston, Philadelphia and Baitiniore that | ite and courteous gentie- man irom Vermont that he violates every rule of the House, and every courtesy of debate, and in- | can 80 influence the jave ‘ailed, and that it is | the NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, JUNE ll, 1874.—1KIPLE SHKKT. the world shall see, who tt ie that comes here ask- ing '0 take away from alyping interests of the Sine. 1 . UNBLUGHING BXTORTIIN AND reres:—over two ané & mA—to be added t. thatof which it as already robbed the sailor and the merchant by war premiums of ten, Miteen and 4wenty per cen’ Tdemre toknom if that is the entertainment to which the country was invited when we were asked to gotowar with Engiand to make good our ciaims for losses suffered thr cruisers. Is tt any wonder that these insurance companies conid send their counsel to Geneva.as one of +he connsel of the United States? Ie it any wonder that that same counsel appeared last year and this year beiore the Judiciary, Com: ae ease anh reyes ee @ little, , en! je House of Representatives, how the milk got into this cocoanut? in the farther course of Mr, Butler’s argament. Mr, TREMAIN aeked lim li he would allow bum to put a guestion. Mr. Boruen—Yes, if you will keep quiet after- This insurance com, je #UM Of $1,933,000 Radin milo ] wi Mr, TREMAIN—That depends upon whether you | tell the truth or not, Mr. BUTLER—If that ta. a good reason, you will keep quiet alt your life, and die with your tongue dumb; but the dimcuity is, tnat. Tweea was con- victed, Kee it ever bince, REMAIN—And you sympathize with him, do, with such counsel as was nat him. (Laughter. sympathy between you. . BUTLER—I think that such a man should be banted by lions, and not by jackals. (Laughter.) Now you see the disadvantage of interrupting. . TRRMAIN—None whatever, N@SPEAKER protem, (Mr. Randall, (dem.) of Pa., im the chair) The gentleman from Massacusetts ‘wall proceed. mr. BUTLER—I willendeavor to dosoif I am let Mr. Mryzrs, rep.) of Pa., asked Mr. Batler whether, under the Jay Treaty witn Great Britain im 1794, and under the Florida Treaty with Spain im 1819, aud under the French Treaty of 1831, the insurance companies were not subrogated and paida rata with other losers. Mr. ‘LER—Yes, sir. Now are you satisfied? Mr. Meyexs—I am, Mr. BUTLER—Now I will tell you why, which you never would have found out, Now hsten. It was becanse io Jay’s treatyand in the treaty with Spain private citizens were tncinded in the rege and the insurance companies were suvrogated to these private claimants. The difference is that re are nO “private claims” in the Treaty of Wasbingvon. surance companies, and that would be the worst punishment that could.be put upon me. At the close of Mr. Butler’s speech he ytelded five minutes to Mr. STARKWHATHER, Who argued | Foundations of tne Anchorage of the East River in suport o! Mr. Butler's substitute, remarking that the losses in his own district were nearly $1,000,000, or about one-fiiteenth of the whole | amount of the award. The House then proceeded to vote on the bill and amendments with the iollowing result :— Mr. Frye’s amendment, striking Out of the But- ler substitute the proviso in iavor of the mutual insurance companies was agreed to—yeas 137, on not counted. ‘he various amendments offered by Mr, Tremain to the Butier substitute were rejected. Mr. Bland’s substitute was rejected—yeas 92, } Mays 141. Mr. ELDREDGE then moved that the whole sub- | Poy be laid on the table, remarking that that wus 18 amendment to the bill. jected—6y to 107. Mr. Butler’s substitute for the Senate bill was ten agreed to—yeas 132, nays 101. The title was The motion was re- then changed 80 a8 tomake. it read, “To provide | for @ just and equitable distribution of moneys paid in pursuance of the Geneva award.” The Honse tnen, at five o’clocg, adjourned, THE CIVIL ENGINEERS. Annual Convention of the Society=The Mill River Dam Again. The sixth annual Convention of the American Society of Engineers began its aitting at Tammany Hall, on, Fourteenth, street, yesterday morning, Colonel Julius W. Adams, of New York, presiding. There were about 100 delegates present from this and neighboring States. ‘The first paper of the session, on ‘The Form, Weight, Manuiacture and Life of Raus,” was read by Mr. Ashbel Welch, C. E., of Lambertville, N. J. There were two very important requisites tor rate; first, that they should act as bearera to carry the heavies® loads without straining the metal, and second, that they should endure the wear. Euro- pean managers, coming to this country, failea at firet, owing to their want of experience in the principles of rail destruction in America. Ralls are addicted to all sorts of breaking, crambling, washing’ and splitting, not so com- Mon im Burope. American contractors are in the habit of buying the poorest class of rails. if the road is built only to sell. The form of the rail should be such that, while there is no metal wasted, it should have all neces- sary strength. Experience shows that moat if not | all the wear is on the head of the rail, and there- | tore most of the metalshonld be placed in that portion. The head should be broad on the top to give as much wearing surface as possible. In the speaker’s experience the thinner the stem of the rail the better. It is estimated that 1,500,000 tons o1 freight wears the rails 1-100 of an inch, The wearing qualities of steel rails are thirty-six times greater than those of iron rails. Alter considerable discussion on the durability and the shape of rails the Convention took a re- cess. THE MILL RIVER DAM. After the Convention was called to order, James ‘The Failure of the Dam at Williamsburg, Mass.”” ‘The paper was substantially as follows:— The dam 14 between 500 and 600 feet longand about 48 feet high at the highest point near the cen- tre, Siunioisbing when filled, a Tvoir in the valley above olan area of 111 acres, with an average depth of about 20 eet. At the time Oj the failure the water was about four feet below the top of the embanament—not an un- usaal height’ at tnis scason—and withta a few months the water had been at Jeast a loot higher. The satiure took place between seven and eignt oclock on tke morming oi May 16, when probably three-quartets of the contents of the reservoir es- | caped m about twenty minutes, or at the rate of 60,000 cubic eet per second. * * * The dam consisted Of an earthen embankment, with @ longitnda wall of stone and cement through its tre. @ waste-way thirty-taree feet wide the Natural ground at one end of the embankment and a@ sixteen inch pire through the embankment and wall at the eat point lor the Of the water as Wanted lor us¢ at the mills below. Two or three plans for & danat this point were prepared, and account ol their cost, not appear tl any pian ‘was drawn), were pat by Mr. Lucius Fenn, now of New Britain, Conn., Who now claims that he “acted oniyas the attorney of a poraneny in cuawing., = the spect- fications.”? The work was done by Wei (Here original contract, as printed in the HERALD after the accident, was read in detail.) On @ perso xamination of the site and re- mains ot the dam we fing that the bottom 1s compact hardpan, overlaid by about two of coarse gravel alid a Jew inches of soil. The hard. toXlcated, ettempted to. jump on the front plat- | appears tq be impervious to water, or as Pearly ‘80 as al yao can well be, and at the breach discharge plpg Whe “e gully arge ere gully several feet in which may, now: ever, be dud in Po to the former action of the brook. gtavel overlying tae hardpan is wasted and porous, A smaii apriag te now to be seen coming out from under the remains of the embankmint avove the centre wall, which 1s evidently at jclal and from the gravel. The embankment is lormed of gravel similar to that above but contains @ little loam, it was taken irom te hillside just above the dam. It has scarcely atything binding in its character, and 18 not capaiie oi being made into a puddle which would stoptne percuiation of water. Frum the character of the bottom and the material available tor the » jmbenkment 1¢ is obvious thar the main reliance for reciatming the water mnust be im the coment yall and the eomplete union of its base with. the. hardpan, tne of the ment e it deing to support a provect the wall, It a more’ was’ reqdred’ “chau ’“trentohea " enree \ sista on thrusting himself a me et my | more will and the will or the House after weave list- | feet deep to firm, hard bottom ior ened for tour mortal hours to the claims of these | rest on.” The intention MieaP SeOMS ate sees Bid na BS ug 9 a hage sonata out of the a the} atment Pet en sen re ee am either right or wi an aes- show myself right Serore the Hotes and before’ the ler it, * oe nat tecurity country. Ihoid in my hand the charter of “rt a me et ns leet the old Atlantic Insurance Company, whereby from the in 1632 it was made mutual only | which is of steep rocky Reme, it i nO more @ mutual company Sue Water inthe dam was than our old air of ‘Home, Sweet some,” is the | aequentiy be but very varial ra, i are pan. ter.) We never can hud say “aweet Minctive in provi of only one and » ome” in it any more than we can find mu- | half to one. They ve been at least two tuality in this company, except = mutual © | to one on the ontaile ang and a haif on the museal power, A mutans organization to rob | ineide. Another is found in the fact that country, IJ have here the statistics of that com- | the embankment wo feet above the top of for tne 861-: Which will show | the centre wi it should have been wit robbed the country by war premioms and wamelant toy yi the wall from the e: of fits, In 1862 the gross receipts of the Atlantic | frost, which in this climate requires five feet of Esurance Company were pine, ite losses | earth at least. If the earth becomes irozen $2,000,000, its net proats $1,740,000 and its assets | to the wall it 8 to heave and frac- $7,000,000. 1m 1863 1 rece! ‘were $8,214,000, ture it * * * The remains ne ite losses $8,000,000, ite not 168 $2,630,000, | dam indicate <dfecte. of of and its assets were increased r. The bottom of the di oon 5 Bo2,000, ie vaet be fits that the, vail was oases ‘01 : and ite assets were increased’ to $12, @ leet high at the time. | 1866 ite gross rece! 000, val * prot $37 Were Increased to 412,636, Dus that im po that the country Brave) were only partially ORESD, Comes here and. aie.Se, t its | rebek | nd the lawyer who convicted him cannot | , THEM AIN-Cndouptedly there is a bond of | I will sit down and give up to the in- | generally | B. Francis, ©. E., of Lowell, Mass., read a paper on | to nothing at tne ends, torming, | ! removed from the sion than that the under the wall at @ from the discharge it | the embankment on the uown central wall, which, being then unsu jelded to the pressure ou the upper + lalung over made a breach which was rapidly en- by the washing away of the embankinent and the fall of otner parte of the wall, It may be | asxed, if tnis were the Immediate cause of the dis- | aster, why did it not happen beiore, when.we | Peservoir was ata higher level? The answer, we think, would be thut there has been @ rece | 9) OF the gravel pager Ey Rear wi id oe Np Bt cavities formed, wich, when they bad obtained @ certain development, would | suddenly lead to the failure. * * * No engineer or person caluing himself such can be held respon- mvie for eitner its design or execution.” Wiitam E. Wortuen had prepared a model of the | wreck of the dam, aud aiter explaining {t and | giving substantially the game reasone tor its giving | way, suld:—The comtractor was paid $24,000 for the dam. and $10,000 was ntly expended ly on it. with the $1,000,000 of propel de- setoyed "and the large humber o! itves Tost nad made the employment of unscientific. men ratuer expensive, ~The Committee on the Drawbridge asked leave to report on a jutureday. The request was granted, The Secretary read the memorial which the Com- Inittee on Testa or and Steel had drawn up and presented to Congress, it urged the collec- tion of statistics and date, from every available | source, lor tue thorough understan ie Of the | duiaoil My on strength of tron and steel. On | 00 iessor Thuraton, of the Stevens In- | stitute, was added to this commitree. Thia me- mortal was adopted and the committee continued jor another year. General J. G. Barnard, of New York, then reada | | paper on the Resistance of Beams to Fiexure. | The paper was very practical and interesting, but it was as diMcult to report a8 would be a chapter from the ‘integral Caicuius.” It was m: a aise | Cussion Of the theory regarding the location of the neutral zone and the centre of gravity. The co- | | eMicient of elasticity in large forged iron beams | vary from 9,500,000 to 1,500,000, as the various points oF tension are reached, Professor Woud, of the Stevens Institute, stated that formula of Barlow would not apply in every cage. The neutral axis varies materially | when the beam approacnes the point of rupture. | - A paper. prepared by ©. Shaler Smith,. or St | Louis, Mo.¥on ‘strains in Drawbridge Spans and | ; Turntables,” was read by the Secretary. ‘This was followed by @ paper on ‘Kolling Fric- tion,” read by Caarles McWVonaid, civil engineer, of New York city. A paper on ‘The Method of Putting in the | Briage,” was read by Francis Collingwood, civil | engineer, of New York, ‘The next paper was read on “The Conflagration | Dow Existing in the Coal Mine ap Kiddeesiope,”’ by Martin Qoryell, civil engineer, of Wilkesbarre, ; Pa. He stated that the efforts to subdue the fames | by stew were proving efficacious, and hopes were | had that the mine might tnally be rendered air } tight, and the fire put out. | Mr. Steel, in commenting on the paper, said that | there was ové’mine in the coal region which has been burning tor fifteen years. Mr. Cooke also | Said that there were several wondertu! cases of | burning mines in the Pennsylvania coal region. | A very interesting paper on “Tne Teredo,’” | by G. W.'R. Bayley, civil engineer, of New Oriea: La., was read by Mr. Collingwood. ‘ms paper | | reiated to the small worm which attacks the hulls | of vessels and pilesin harvors. The author re- ; commends the use of copper or felt sheeting on plies, and coal tar on tne hulls of Vessels, Ad- | journed. AN EVENING SESSION was held, @ large number oj delegates attending. Papers were read by Tuomas C, Clarke, C. E., of Philadelphia, on “The Education of Civil Engi- | neers;’’ po ‘Theodore Cooper, C. E., of St, Louis, Mo., on ‘The fection of the fiiinois and St. Louis | Bridge ;” by James B, OG, of St, Louis, | Mo., on “Upright Arched Bridges,’’ aud by Joun D. ‘Van Buren, Jr., C. E., of New York, on “The Im- | wement Of the Water Front of New York.” ‘the latter paper, by the Chief Engineer of the Depart- | ment of » comprised sudstantially ali the | detaiis which haveappeared in two recent articies | im the Herat, the miormation for which was ob- tained from Mr. Van Buren, The members o1 the convention will visit the Stevens’ Institute and the Stevens’ battery, at Hoboken, to-morrow, after which they will go up | the East River to Hell Gate, and, landing at Har- Jem, will ins} the Fourth avenue amprovements. On Friday members will make @ tour to the | Wyoming Coal Basin. NEW YORK CITY. The sum of $6 26 was received yesterday by the | Mayor trom A. W. in aid of the Louisiania sul- erers. EB, au Charlies Hennessy, fifth engineer of the steam- | Bhip Celtic, was drowned last night while bathing ; in the North Hiver, foot of Christopher street. Some of the men engaged in planting trees on the Boulevard compiain that they have not re- | ceived any wages for four weeks, and that they are now i a comparatively destitute condition. |. Henry Adame, aged forty-five. of No, 125 Green- | | wach avenue, was, instantly killed last night by an | | embankment falling on him at No. 197 West Eley- | enth street, The Coroner was notified to hold an | \ inquest, ‘The Alsation-Lorraine Society, through its Presi- | ' dent, Mr. Joseph Strauss, on learning the facts | | connected with the death and burial at sea of M. | | Diemer, an Alsatian, took steps for the immediate relief of her destitute family upen their arrival at Castle Garden. They will ve forwarded to Chicago | Over the '. | He. ran along gide o1 a being Mr. Bernhard: Walde, cotton broker, wae found dead im his bedroom at nis piace of resi- Gence, No. 458 Pacific street, yesterda; morning. Al lexy ts su! to have been the cause Po wr Jones will 4 Tne Board of Supervisors had a lengthy discus- sion yesterday aiternoon im regard to the contract. for the convicts’ labor at the Pepttentiary. Finany it was deemed advisabie, Inasmuch as the matter ig now beiore the courts, to Wait until the case The two school districta of the town of Broex- haven, having found themselves;anable to support. two schools, have concluded to unite and bulld.s. union school house. The officers at Fort Hamilton desire'to inform | the public that concerts by the full regimental band of the Third United States auctions aay Par os that pont « every Tuesday afternoon, ive tor eight o'clock. Mr. Simon Wood, @ wealthy contractor, residing at Fiushing, was thrown from his wagon on Tues. day evening, his horse becoming unmanageable, receiving injuries from which be died in @® few hours after the accident. George Englehart, the oarsman, started yester- day irom Newtown Creek for a pull up the Har~ lem. When off Astoria tis’ boat began to fill with. water, and he was ob! to pull sets a barge; tide , the shell and ite occupant were car Tied under the float and the shell smashed in splinters. Englehart narrowly escaped being, drowned by swamming to the shore. The action of the Town Board of Excise, of Hempstead, has caused a great.deal Of excitement, Avery large number of applicants for loences— many of whom have always received them before— have been refused; am thear she proprietor of the Woodsburgh Pavilion, This,acuon is in conse- quence of the tnfinence exercised over the Board the ‘crusaders,’ who are present at each sesalo! in full, and closely scrutinize each application. STATEN ISLAND. Although the Richmond county Board of Healts has been abolished by the Legislature, it is satdl that tt will continue to act as a Volunteer organi- Zauon, Ea ‘The taxsale by the village Treasurer of EAge-' water was continued yesterday, over 100 parcela of land being disposed of, mostly belonging to Don- | Fesidents. The vital statistics of Richmond county for May show that there were 14 deaths in Northfeld, 4in Southfield, 4 in Westfleld, 16 1m Middletown and 20 in Castleton, ‘The Rionmond county police forcé will have their annual general inspection on Monday next, when they will appear in their summer uniforms, with Panama hats and white gloves. ‘The charter election of New Brighton took place yesterday, when trostees were elected. for, the First, Third and Fith wards, The election was uiet, though @ iarge vote was polled. In the fire’ ward ‘Richard B. Whittemore was elected ; im Erte hn rey and in the Fifth, Abranagi B. At the second meeting of the new Board of Aldermen ofthe village oi Edgewater Julius, Wwaselected Village Treasurer Michael me elected, Marshal. | Fessiiens. Meshiooss McNamee and Bachmann Buelse Commissioners for the ensuing year. President then announced the 8! commit- tees and the Board adjourned, NEW JERSEY: — oo In Newark vesterday forenoon, at St. Joha’s church, in the course of impressive ceremonies, Bishop Corrigan confirmed nearly 100 persons. The Board of Aldermen of Jersey City have re- fused permission to the Erie Railway Company.ta lay obec cor tracks in certain streets of that olty.. | Governor Parker proceeded to Washington yea- | terday to use bw influence on behalf of certaim | claims preferrea by the State against the general ! government. Mr. 0, Vanderhoven, of Passaic, the editor who | was muilcted in $5,000 damages for libel on Mr. | Speer, has moved for a rule to show cause ds of new trial should not be granted, om the grounds. damages, excessive tampering with thee jury | imability Wo pay. ‘The erection of a new Presbyterian church’is'te be commenced in Trenton the present summer. ‘'Thig will make six churches of that denomination in that olty. The foundation stone will not belaia tll every dollar of the estimated cost is suby scribed. The site is to be on Prospect avenue, | where a large auinber of the oelievers in that teaite reside, to-day at the expense of the society. | City Marsbal Conckling issued special licenses ' yesterday to several hackmen aud stage drivers to carry passengers to and from the Fordhain depot ! to the Jerome Park races, This action was had owing to the arrest of these drivers last Saturday | by the police of the Thirty-fourth preeinot tor | being non-residents and driving without, license, Yesterday atternoon Coroner Woltman’ held an inquest in the case of Joseph Geahan, fifteen years of age, Whose death was the result of injuries re- ceived by aoctdentally falling throngh the hatch- i oY ase Fourth street on the wey of premises No. 93 15th uit.; .#3 the hatehway was not properiy se- cured the jury censured the owner oi the building for net complying with the law. | About eight o’clock yesterday morning Officer Shea, of the Second precinct, war called to the ‘Dasement of premises No. 75 Goid street, to cut ; down the body of Adoiph Boger, 9 German, who had been found hanging to a beam by means of | ore he had secured around his neck. Deceased, ‘who was 2 porter in the store, it iseald had been disappointed in a love affair and this is supposed to have been the cause prompting the act. © Cor- Tejected on The pian notified. D Saooted: or rather the spectfivations (for it soee | $e Biekbog isa oneaaed lived, te | Frankiort street. Coroner Woltman yesterday held an inquest in the case of Conrad Rolers, a German, twenty-eight & Bassett. | Years of age, who dicd irom tne cifects of injtiries , | Pecetved on the Sist ult. vy being | knocked down by car 148, 0f tae Belt line, corner of First ery | ayenue and Forty-eighit street. The platform of | the car was crowded, and deceased, who was tn- form while the car Was in motion. The jury con- sidered deceased entirely vo blame, exonerate | the dr@ver, but considered the company to blame | for permitting the steps of the platiorm to be | crowded. ha | The ‘Jubiiee’? Joint Committse, appointed by ; the Common Council’ to make arrangements for ; the proper celebration of the ninety-eighth anni- | Versary of American independence, met yes- | terday and organized by electing Alderman | Richard Fianagan us Chairman. Alderman John , | J, Morris and Assistant Alderman Micnael Healey were appointed a sub-committee, ‘to conter wi! the Park oe a pe a A Pye Shes \ ar ind _ the Comptrotier Se | parts ane Mayor Havenieyer. however, informed | t jated $10,000 for this object, to be ex- | pend ea Gy ae Park Commissioners. Seal Fda Patrick Cosgrove, residing in Wyckof street, was aunstrack yesterday on Stuyvesant avenue. He was taken to is home, John A. Mallen, nine years of age, was drowned | | ie avenae. His body was recovered and taken | us Merry residence, No. 168 Ellery street. | Otto Gamecho, of No. 207. Forty-seventh street, New York, was overcome by the beat yesterday aiternoon while at work On &@ schoo! house on De- | catur avenue, He was taken to the City Hos- | pital. Justice Walsh yesterday committed Benjamin | Mitchell, frst mate of the schooner Maggie | Mar to jail to await examination on a c| of ee Ce ee the vessel named. The Ladies’ Association of St. Mary’s Hospital of Brooklyn are making great preparations for their annual fruit and floral festival. The feast will be hetd 1n the Academy of Music on the 2th and 25th insts, Jonn Wilson and John Short were arrested last @ HERALD reporter thai ‘the Goard of Apportion- | Tes last evening in a pond on Stockton street, near |. East Orange has arranged for ® patriotic. cele, bration of the Fourth. . Miss Blake, of werd will deliver the oration. Much dissatisfaction jon of the Counc’ and ian of the Declaration of dependence: &c. An effort will be made next meeting tojhave the resolution reconsidered and rescind On Sunday alternoon David Conklin, an Erie Railway baggage master, was bitten of the Hand by @ copperhead snake in tis jen at Suftern. ‘The wound was on the middle finger of hie right ‘hand. The whole arm began immediately to ewell, sedi Mamata ine doa Beat go alarming that it wi resnit., He is now, however, believed to be ‘Out Of danger. Bs The work of removing the obstroction omtige Perriwig bar, on the Delaware River, between ‘Trenton and Bordentown, is being prosecuted with Tent thousand cubic yards of sand dod gravel have been removed since the Ist inst. itis satd ee tannin pa itn for gt sage vi jen cra aye. | gation on this stream between Philadelphia. a4 ntom promises to be very ¢ ve. ‘At the regular monthly meeting of the Mercer | County Freeholders yesterday, the Collector re- | ported that he had received trom hie prefesessds the sam of $19,600 v6; from tax 7. Total, sia ta0’ 73. Exnenditares, Bal. auce’ on hand, $21,441 71. a $10,000 would be required for the, ¢; the present month, He was aut! ed to $15,000, The debt incurred last month was:from $20,000 to $25,000, The North New Jersey Baptist Association’ held their forty-frst snuiversary mecting in Bast Orange yesterday, Moderator Rey. W. 8. Parmiy Reve Pr etner eee Sion ete Love, of Deckertown, Standing Clerk; Dade, Assistant Secretary, and Revs. Messrs. D. Hedaen, of East Orange; George E. Hort; of Roseville, and J.T, Craig, of Newton, « Commi of Afrangements. Ex-Alderman Tilden, who now occupies aseat in the Board of Aldermen of Jersey city, naa been served with @ writ of quo warranto. by Mr. Arci- bald Whyce, who was elected at the late charter election a8 Alderman fn the Third district, but. was alterwards counted out by the judges of elec will be taxen in tne case me Court Commissioner Romi tn- terest ia felt in the rewult, ag & Vi for Whyte Bulb the deadiock im the Board and oust the y Clerk, The New York and Hudson River Unitarian Con- ference continued its session in Newark yester- day, when the President, wr. Bellows, delivered his address congratulating the Co#ference on the Set ee cies aes would be lett nliray to the but a Freight to the amount of 10,872,078 pounds waa ‘shi from Paterson, 6 ee tion and waste. le deliv ai 97,970 tops Bight by Detective Corr. of the Fourth nreoinct on