The New York Herald Newspaper, January 20, 1875, Page 5

CONGRESS. The Proposed Bureau of Com- merce Voted Down. PROGRESS OF THE “OMNIBUS BILL.” Debate on the Breach of the Privileges of the House. ANOTHER RECUSANT WITNESS SENATE. - WASHINGTON, Jan, 19, 1875, Mr. Ferry, (rep.) of Mich., presented a me- mortal of the citizens of Michigan protesting @gainst the proposed Canadian reciprocity treaty. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wricur, (rep.) of Iowa, from the Commit ‘tee on Finance, reported adversely on the Senate ill to amend and re-enact section 44 of the act to reduce ingernai taxes, approved June 6, 1872, and it was indefinitely postponed, Mr. HAMLIN, (rep.) of Me., by request intro- dtced a bill to incorporate the Corcoran Square Market Company in the District of Columbia. Referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia. Mr. INGALLS, (rep.) of Kan., introduced @ Dill to authorize persons unjustly deprived of their property in Utah prior to 1860 to bring suit there- Jor in tederal courts. Referred to the Committee of the Jndiciary. Mr. SARGENT, (rep.) of Cal., called up the res- elution of yesterday, providing that during the present session it shall be in order at any time to move a recess, and, pending an appropriation bill, to move to confine debate on amendments thereto to five minutes by any Senator on the pending motion, and such motion shall be decided without debate, Mr. BAYARD, (dem.) of Del., submitted a substi- tute Jor the resolution as follows:— That during the present session it shall be in order at any time to move a recess, and pending an appropria- tion bill to move to confine debate or amend- ments thereto to five minutes by any Senator on the pending motion, and such motion shall be de- cided without debate, and no amendment to any such bill making legisiative provisions, other than such as directly relate to the appropriations con- tained in the bill, shall oe received. Rejected. The original resolution was then agreed to. Mr. WRIGHT, from the Judiciary Committee, re- ported, with amendments, the House bill for the relief Of owners and purchasers of lands solu for direct taxes in the tnsurrectionary States and for other purposes. Piaced on tue calendar. Mr. MORTON, (rep.) Of Jod., submitted @ resolu- ton to print 3,000 additional copies of the pro- posed amendments to the constitution in reference te the election 01 the Presicent and Vice President submitted by the Committee on Privileges and Elections. Referred to the Committee on Printing. THE LITTLE TARIFF BILL, Mr. SHERMAN, (rep.) of Ohio, from the Commit- tee of Conierence on disagreeing votes of the two houses upon tne House pill to amend the existing customs and Internal revenue laws, aud for other purposes, made a report, which was read. He ®aid the report was substantially the same as that presented Jast session. with thé exception of the auty on hops, which had been raised to eight cents per pound. The House proposed a duty of ten cents per pound, but the committee agreed upon eight cents. ‘The two sections reiating to tobacco and the sale of bonds, &c.. waich were the principal subjects of disagreement last year, were now botn stricken out, Lhe report was agreca to, Mr. STEVENSON, (dem.) of Ky., called up the House bili tor the protection of tne United States Custom House in the city of Louisville, Ky., re- ported by the Committee on Appropriations at the last ses-ion. Mr. MORRILL, (rep.) Of Vt., objected to the present consideration of the vill, and moved it ve reierred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, Agreed to. Mr. SARGENT, Of Calllornia, showed that ‘the rule adopted this morning 10 reference to Nmiting debate, &c., be appliea to the Legtsiative, ‘Judicial and Executive Appgopriation bill, it being unfin- Ashed vusiness of yesterday. Agreed to. M. KeLLy, (demi.) of Oregon, from the Commit- tee on Miltary Affairs, reported, with amend- ments, the bill jor the coustruction of a milicary Fb gl Toad from Sydney, Neb., to the posts at the Red Cloud and Spotved Tail agencies. Placed on ‘spe calendar, THE OMNIBUS BILL. The Senate then resumed the consideration of the Legislative. Judicial and Executive Appi opria- tion bill, the pending amendment being that of Mr. Bdutwell, to strike out the first part o1 the a@mendment proposed by the committee, which provided ior the organization of a bureau of commerce and staiistics, aud it was agreed to— yeas 29, nays 21—as follows:— Yuas—Messrs. Anthony, Bayard, Boreman, Bontwe! Cooper, Ue Dennis, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry Connecticut, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gor- don, ager, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Howe, Johnston, McCreery, Merrimon, Morrili ot Ver- one churz, Scott, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson and fashburn—29. Nays—Mesers. Allison, Bogy, Clayton, D: Ferry of Michigan, Fianagua, Morrill of Maine,’ Morion, Ogiesby, Patierson, Pratt Sargent, Tipton, Wadieign, West, Windom and Wright—21, The question then deing upon the second part of the amendment proposea by the committee, to continue the present Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Winvoy, (rep.) of Minn., opposed apd said U the country could not have a bureau of commerce and statistics he did not want any sta- tistical bureau. covered but @ very small part of the ground which ought to be covered. The amendmeat of the committee was agreed to. Mr. EpuUNps, (rep.) Of Vt., moved the following amendment:— i And it shall be the duty of the Director of the Burean ‘of Statistics to gather, collate and aunually report to the Seerelary of the Treasury, tor wansinission to Congress, statistics nations and a tems of this a operaiion oi ra! ‘is, Dorsey, Ingalls,’ Logan, Mitchell, ng the several States: the radlroad ays- onstruction and of such construc: jon aid operation of ruiiroads; the actual cost of trans- porting freghts and passengers on railroads and on canals. rivers und other navigable waters ot the Uniied States; the charges imposed tor ench transportation ot freight and passengers and the toonage transported. ‘Agreed to. Mr. MORRILL, (rep.) Of Me., moved an amend- ment appropriating $2),000, or so much thereo! as may be vecessury to detray the expenses of the bureau, to be expended under direction of the Secretary of the Treasury. Mr. THURMAN, (dem.) of Ohio, said the country had plenty of statistics now—statistics a9 to rail- roads, lubor and diseases irom cerebro-spinal meningitis down to the itch, He did not see the use of having any more figures to be piled up and mever looked at by ae a The amendment of Mr. Morrill was agreed to. Mr. Windom moved that the reports of the Sta. tistical Bureau be pubiushed quarcerly instead of monthly, as heretovore. Agreed to. Mr. SARGENT moved to the commictee, a8 amended by the senate, va the table. Lost. The question then being on agreeing to the amendment as amended tt was agreed to. Other amendments of the committee were agreed to as follows :— increasing the appropriation for wages of the workmen and adjusters at tne Pniladelpuia Mint froin $225,000 to $250,000; increasing the appro- priation lor wages oi the workmen and adjusters at the San Francisco Mint trom $253,000 to $275,000; Increasing the appropriation Sane purpose at Carson City siint Irom $67,000 to $35,000, and the appropriation for materials, re- | pairs, &c., at that mint from $75,000 to $100,000; | “appropriating 37,500 for the Assay Ofice at Boise city, Idaho; appropriating $23,400 tor legislative expenses in the Territory of Utah; providing for eighty-nine lnstead of filty-four temporary clerks in the Avjniant Generai’s oiice in the War De partment; providing ior filty-uine instead of thir- ty-three clerks iu the oflice of Surgeon General of the United States Army; authorizing the secretary oO; War to employ in the Ora- Dance bureau thirteen enlisted men jor one year; providing that the managers of the Na- tonal Home lor Disavied Volunteer Soidiers shall | make quarteriy, tustead of monthly, requisitions; increasing the salary of the Commussioner of the General Land Oftice [rom $8,000 to $4,000; in- creasing the appropriation for photo-lithograph- ing copies Of drawings ior the use of the Patent OMice from $40,000 to $100,000, provided that and alter the ist of July, 1876, the grade or rd Assistant Kxamiuer in the Patent offic shall cease; striking out the provisy inti clause that the army appropriation tor the fiscal yeur ending June 30,4475, which probibits the allowance of miteag mentor appointment under the United States shall not be construed to apply to the legal travel- jing fees of United States marshaig or deputy marshals. The commitwee reported tn favor of striking ont the second section of the bill, Which provides that the Circuit Court of the United States, in and for the district of lowa, shall be held attimes and places BOW provided by law tor holding the United Staies Jiistrict Court in said State, but the Circuit dudge shall mot be required to sit in said Court, except ut Des Moines, tr Th Mr. ALLISON, (rep.) of lowa, hoped the amend. | ment would Borne adopted, but that the section Would be allowed to remain in the bill, Decessary to promote the efficiency of the judicial system ii that State. Other States had their Cir- cenit Court heid at several places, and he saw Lo reason why lowa should not have the same Privilege. ‘The penate refused toonepr in the amendment its adoption, | It Was an expensive thing and | jacis relating to commerce with foreign | | jay the amendment of jor the | t | Medical aid was appiled an are to persuns holding employ- | It was | NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1875.—TRIPLE SHEET. ofthe committee to strike ont the section—yeas. 20; nays, 4. pooding discussion on the bill Mr. CAMERON, ep.) of Pa., Moved that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business. Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, mtroduced a bill relative to tne steamers Pnilo Parsons and Isiand Quee! Relerred to the Commitee on Claims. Mr. LOGAN, (rep.) of Hl., Irom the Committee on Military Allairs, recommended thar the Senate non-concur in the amendments oj the House to tne bill approving Of the action of the Secretary of War, under the act of July 1, 1870, in reianion to the muster-out Of Ollicers, and that @ committee ol conlerence be appomted thereon. Agreed to, and the Vice President appointed Messrs, Logun, Wa‘ieign and Ransom members Ol the committee en the part of the Senate, Mr, SPENCER, (rep.) 0! Ala,, Irom the Committee op Muitary Adutrs, reported tavorabiy on the bill tor ‘he relief of First Lieutenant Henry Jackson, Placed on the calendar, Mr. CRAGIN, (rep.) 01.N, H., presented a memo- rialof Captain Alexander Q, Knind, now on the active list Of the navy, asking to be placed on the retired list, Keferred to the Committee on Naval Alfa try. Mr. HARVEY, (rep.) of Kansas, presented a me- moral o! the citizens of Colorado asking for the passage of the House bill providing that lands granted to railroad companies which remain un- patented by the neglee: or refusal of suca com- pany snail be subject to taxation the same as the Jands belonging to individuals, Reierred to the Committee on Finance. Mr. ALLISON, of Lowa, presented a memorial of citizens of Wisconsin asking g liberal appropria- tion jor the improvement of the Fox and Wiscon- sin Rivers. Reicrred to the Committee on Com- merce. ‘ ‘the VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a memoriai of the Legislature o1 Dakota asking Con- ‘Tressional aid for the completion of the No: thern Facine Kaliroad, Xelerred to the Committee on Railroads, Mr. ALLISON presented a memorial of citizens of lowa, ior the improvement of the Hennepin Canal. Referred to tie Committee on Commerce, Mr. ALCORN, (rep.) Of Miss., presented resolu- tions of the State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, Oi the State of Mississippi, in favor of making Pascagoula a porto: entry, and for the improve- ment o1 that harbor. Re.erred to the Committee on Commerce, Mr. CAMERON'S motion for an executive secsion was agreed to, and at twenty minutes past four tne Senate proceeded to the consideration of ex- ecutive business. At & quarter to five the doors were reopened and the Senate adjonrned, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 1875, Mr. StoRM, (dem.) of Pa, made @ personal ex- planation in response to a charge ol being impli- cated in the Pacific Matl subsidy, and dented in- dignantly the truth of such charges. © Mr, SYPHER, (rep.) of La., made @ similar denial in reference to charges agatnst him, Mr. CHITTENDEN, (ind.) of N. Y., also repudiatea an intimation in the Chicago Tribune and Hart- ford Post connecting him with the receipt of money for the subsidy. Mr. Dawes, (rep.) of Mags., said he had an affidavit in bis hand from L. E. Chittenden, of New York, that he was the person who had re ceived the money. (Laughter.) Telegrams were also read ‘rom Messrs. D. W. Voorhees, of Indiana, and Boyd Winchester, of Kentucky, protesting against allegations made against them in connection with the Pacific Mail subsidy, and requesting to be subpeenaed as wit- nesses. THE ARREST OF WHITELAW REID. E. RB. HoaRr, (rep.) of Mass., offered a resolution for the appointment of a select committee ot five to inquire whether the privileges of the House have been violaied by the arrest and detention of Mr. Whitelaw Reid, of New York, at the suit of Alexander K. Shepherd, while Mr. Reid was within tue District of Columbia, under a subpwna trom a committee of the House, Mr. BUTLER, (rep.) 01 Mass., opposed the resoln- tion, on the grouud that it was an attempt to extend the privileges of the House beyond the coustitanon, He did not think the House should interiere with the administration of criminal jas- tice. li Whitelaw Keid should send into the Dis- trict ® package of poison by which a man receiving it should receive injury tn his person, he would be Mable .to be brought into the District and tried criminally for the act; but it was claimed that it a man only sent a package ol malicious Jalsehoods, by whi-h the reputation and good name ol some citizen of the District was struck down, he might do so day by aay without any animadversion. ‘The resolution was advocated by Messrs. E. R. Hoar, Kelly, (rep.) 01 Pa., and Dawes, of Massachu- setts, The latter said that no public man had sul- Jered more from an uulicensed and unbridied public press than bimsell, but when he leit himsel! coin- elled to appeal to the law rather tnan to his own wwe and character for a vindicalion against | talse charges made in the press, he should teel that he had sunk so low that his character would not be worth any such resuscitadon as the law could bring to it, and he should consider it quite a Work of sapererogation to take any trouble about it. The Committee on Ways and Means lo-ked upon the arrest of Mr. Reid as unlawiul, unwise and impolttic. At the close of the discussion Mr. BUTLER moved to lay the resolution On the table. Negatived—45 102, The resolution was then adopted—yeas 187, nays 44, and the Speaker appointed as stich select committee Messrs, EK. R. Hoar, of Massacnusetts ; Hale, (rep.) of N. Y.; Ortn, (rep.) of Ind,; Cly- mer, (dem.) of Pa., and Sayler, (dem.) of Ohto, WORE SUBSIDY EXPLANATIONS, Mr. Hays, (rep.) of Ala., also made a personal explanation, In Connection with the charge that he had at the time of the Pacitic Mail subsidy de- sited a $1,000 bill with the Sergeant-at-Arms. He denied that he had ever had a $1,000 bill since he was a member of Congress. He had voted for the subsidy vecause he deemed it a proper meas- ure, and would vote for it again ir it was before | the House. THE UNION LEAGUE ee CLUB. ITS SECRET MEETING ON THE LOUISIANA QUES- TION—THE RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED—IMPLIED CENSURE OF PRESIDENT GRANT AND GENERAL SHERIDAN. It now appears, despite the efforta to keep se- cret everything retating to the meeting of the Union League Ciub, on Monday evening, that the Meeting was origimated by tie speech of a promi nant Grant republican at the annual election of the officers, in which the President’s course was boldly indorsed. Thereupon one of the democra- tic members of the club, Mr. Horace Barnard, rose to proest against this view, on the ground that not only every democrat and every repubil- can, but that every upright citizen and fearless man should openly condemn the usurpation tn Louisiana, The result was that a cofnmittee was appointed to embody the views of the club in @ series of resolutions to be submitted to tne club on Monday evening last. This committee was composed of tne following gentlemen :—William Orton, Le Grand B. Cannon, S. B. H. Vance, Levi P. Morton and Artemus B, Holmes. The first-named four gentlemen agreed upon asertes of resolutions, but Mr. Holmes, though a republican, was not quite so ready to whitewash General Sheriaan and Preaident Grant, refused to approve of the major- ity’s whitewashing, and drew up a minority re- port. The majority report was drawo up by Mr, Orton. THE DEBATE. The discussion on Monday evening was confined to but a iew members, and was, at certain points, very excited. The Custom House was lberaliy represented, and attempted to pass the resolutions presented by the majority of the committee, but because of the manly, outspoken independence of Mr. Horace Barnard, Mr. Artemus B, Holmes and other memoers, the effort was frustrated. Mr. Barnard, in @ remarkably vigorous speech, de- nounced the course of President Grant and Gen- aral Sheridan as illegal, arbitrary, and likely to subvert the free institutions of this country, Mr. Dexter A. Hawkins recited the facts of the Louisiana usurpation, taking the ground that the State Legislature was not a legal body, and ex- cusing the President’s action on that ground, Mr. Barnard tried to get the Congressional Committee’s report read to confute this state- ment, but such confusion ensued that it could nor be read. The most elaborate speech of the evening was that of Mr. Dorman B. Eaton, who spoke of the propriety of limiting the power of the United States to interfere in the affairs of a State, and to decide the legality of any body of men assembied asa legisiature, or even merely claiming to be a legisiature. r. Orton’s speech was, in the matn, an amplifi- cation Ol the views expressed in the resolutions submitted by the majority of the committee. ‘The speech was received with great favor vy the Custom Huuse nabobs who attended the meeting. ‘The ioilowing is the majority report :— THE MAJOKITY REPORT. Resolved, That the State of Louisiana, a LeMee fi Sate of the Union, is entitled to exercise and enjoy all the powers and immunities of & sovereign State, under the censtitution of the United States, and that military imterierence with the organization of any body of men being, or claiming to be, entitled to exercise the legisia- tive sovereignty of such @ state, is most dangerous to republican institutions. That the interterence which ‘aciually took place in Louisiana on the 4th of January, inst, constitutes @ preceaent not to be followed or ap: proved; that in considering it it is not material to know whether the persons interfered with were right or wrong in their pretensions to seats in the legislative boay, the military arm of the United States being con- stitutionally without power to consider or determine such questions, and any attempt by it to exercise such Power of judgment being an evil vastly exceeding that which could result from the illegal orgarization of any legislative body. Kesolved, That white we thus condemn the principle of military interierence in the affairs of a State it is due to trun” und justice to say that no evi- dence anywhere appears of @ purpose on ‘the or” officers in command {n Louisiana to part Kivor either one or the other of the contending polls, ical parties, or to intertere for any purpose otaer than to prevent physical violence and preserve the peace; ani that the people of the United States owe a debt of respect and gratitude to. Lieutenant General Sheridan tor his great services during the rebellion adequate to balance and cancel much more serious faults than an; he has committed white performing duties of great deli- cacy at adistance frou the Commander-in-Chiet and his constitutional advisers and in the tace of persons and interests whom but lately he had met in a state of ‘war and was compelled to conquer as enemies, Resolved, That a complete knowleage of ‘the facts shows the President of the United States in an attitude Nonorabie to himselt and assuring to all good citizens, and chat his messages to Congress on this subject give proot that he has at no time during the existence of the complex troubles in Louisiana been wanting either in intelligent comprehensfn of the whole case or a brave and patriotic determination to use the powers with which Congress has geen fit to invest the Presidenual office sole.y tor the establishment of peace, order and justice. Resolved, That this club petition Congress to consider the recommendation of the Presideny of the United States in ius messages relating to the condition of affairs in the state of Lovisiana by enacting such measures as will tully protect ali its citizens in the complete exercise and enjoyment of thelr rights under the constitution and laws of the United States. = LEG. B. CANNON, WILLIAM ORTON, LF MORLON. SAMUEL B. H. VANCE. MR. HOLMES’ VIEWS, Mr. Holmes in presenting the minority report spoke as 1ollow: in submitung to the consideration of the club this minority report of your committee, 1 am iully conscious of how trifling 1s the claim 1 have to the attention and time of this body tn com- parison with the clalins of the other four members Oi your committee whose years, experience in public affairs and long membership of this club have deserved and gatued ior them (he confidence and faith of all the members. For my own jart I Mr. Dawes, of Massachusetts, then brought be- | fore the House the refusal of a witness to answer | | Questions put to him betore the Committe on | | Ways and Means on the Pacific Mail lnvesugation. The witness was Charles A, Wetmore, a corre- | spondent o! the Alta Californian and other Call- | fornia newspapers. He had mentioned in his despatcues that there were strange rumors | about Mr, Beck’s counection with the subsidy. | | On his examination he alluded to tne rumor as } being one avout che tracing of a check trom Mr. | Fant, a banker, to Mr. Beek, vut he refused to give | the name of the party who mentioned it to him. | Therefore the matter was brougut belore the | House, Aiter an indignant speech from Mr. BECK, (dem.) of Ky., the resolution Was adopted, oruer- | ing the witness to be produced at the bar of tue | House, ‘The House then went into Committee of the | Whole (Mr. Poland, (rep.) of Vt., im the chair) on THE INDIAN APPROPRIATION BILL. A long discussion took piace on @ proposition to | Pay the Choctaws $2,981,247, the amount, with in- | terest, of the award maae by the Senate on the ; ¥th of March, 1859, under the treaty of the 22d of | June, 1855, Without disposing of the question, the com- Mittee arose, apd the Sergeantat-Arins pre- sented at the bar of the House the new reco- | sant witness in the Pacific Mail investigation, | Cuarles A. Wetmore, who had refused to aaswer | the question as to who had mentioned to him the name of Mr. Beck in connection with a chetk said to have been traced to him, The witness having been asked by the Speaker H whether he was prepared to answer the question | Teplied that he was not, and asked time until to- ; Morrow to determine whether he could rightiully do 89 without breach o1 confidence, Mr. Dawes offered @ resoiution declaring the witness in contempt of the tlouse, | Mr. Howarron, (rep.) of Cal., advocated grant- | ing the time asked by the witness, and moved to postpone tie further consideration of the matier uotil to-morrow. | Mr. Cops, (rep.) of Kan., moved to adjourn | (which would have the same effect on the wit- ness), and that motion was carried and the House, at halt-past four o’clock, adjourned, OTHER TUNNEL EXPLOSION. | THE DEATH SHAFT IN JERSEY CrTY—THREE | MEN FATALLY iNJURED, | | Not aweek elapses without some disaster in | the tunnel being constructed by the Delaware and Lackawanna Railroad Company, under Ber- | | den Hill, at JerSey City. Only two Weeks ago tour | | men were dashed downa shaft and instantly Killed. Afew days ago three men were fearfully | | mutilated by the premature explosion of a olast. | Yesterday aiternoon, about two o'clock, @ gang of men were employed inthe section known as | shaft No.2 A blast was prepared and set and | two of the workmen, named Frederick and Paul Rocco, Italians, commenced their ascent. Beiore they could escape the explosion occurrea anu both | ; men were hurled through the shait and crushed | beneath piles of earth and stone. Their fellow workmen rushed to their assistance, but when | they were taken out they were unconscious, they returned to con- sciousness alter great efforts, They presented a truly pitiable spectacie. One of the meu had his eyes blown out and ins kv AT terribly bat | tered, He was also severely Qnjured internaliy. The other was so crashed about the chest tuat ho ; breathed with great adn They were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital, tn Hovoked, where they | ratited under the application of stimulants, but | their recovery 1s considered impossible. In consequence of the irequent disasters at this tunnet and the excitement created by them in Jer- ; SBy City the Grand Jury, which was empanelied | yesterday, Will iuvestigate the causes of these acci- | dents. sixteen men have been either killed or weverely injured since the construction oj this tun- nei commenced, The property owaers in the neigh- borhood are go* annoyed by the constant expig- sions, even in the dead of nignt, that a committee has been appointed to apply to Onancellor Runyon | Jor au muunction, ExX-Mayor Sawyer has com- mMenced provesdings 10 a civil snit of benali of the | heirs of the Wen WNO Were killed against the Dela- ware and Lackawanua Oompany, laying damages | @b $100,000. . | during | tion of Lieutenant Generai Sheridan. wish I did not consider that it is my imperative duty to submit this report, and regret that I have beeD unavie to agree with my associates on the ‘committee, and I claim your attention, as | representing the sentiments of a minority—I must,presume it to be that—bat a minority waica | have the heart to hope will prove very consider- able in number and of no trifling” character. I was surprised to find myseif a member of whis committee and greatly surprised apon discovering that | alone represented the moderute ana conservative sentiment of the club; but, hav- ing taken great interest in this subject and given it Considerable consideration, I entered upon my duties as a member of the committee with well digested views and opinions and with decided con- victions as to what was the most becomtng and grarele course jor this body to take in the prem. es. IMPORTANT Ia#SUES. 1 beileved, and still believe, that what transpired in Louistana on the 4c oj January and the attend- ani circumstances thereat imyoived questions of the gravest character and of the rights and privi- leges of our repubiican torm of government—que: REPUBLICAN CENTRAL comurrer. f STRONG RESOLUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE AC- TION OF THE GOVERNMENT IN LOUISIANA. The Republhican Central Committee met last evening at Repudncan Hall, Thirty-third street and Sixth avenue, to express their sentiments in regard to the President’s action in Louisiana, Colonel Joel W. Mason was elected Chairman for the evening, alter which Messrs, Jacob M, Bath- son, B. K. Phelps, G. W, Lyons, H. M. Ruggles and ——Baker were: appointed a committee on con- tested seats. ‘Tne joliowing resolutions were then read and unanimously adopted:— Resolved, That the course of President Grant in his whole treatment of the difficulties in the South, has been marsed by wisddm, observance of the consti- tution, and a due regard for the r:ghts, at once, of the States and of the citizens of th ited tates, ich has been made to Resolved, That the attempt wh: represent the recent removal by the military. on the request of the Governor of Louisiana, of five mtruders into the Lewistative hall, as being # bold infringement of the constitution, could onty succeed tor a through ap utter misrepresentation of the facts; and that the eagerness with which the democratic party and their ales, the White Leaguers, and un-reco atracted rebels Rave sought, by such misrepresentauo’ and conecalments, to gain ® partisan advantage, sho: how hungry they'are for place and power, and how un- scrupulously they would use itifonce obtained. Even it what was done was illegal, 1t was aamiitedly done witnout the knowledge of the President aud with a sin- cere desire, on the part of the officers, to 4o simply their duty, and wath Do intention to Violate the constitution or the laws. Resolved, That if any error has been commited in the treatment of the south. it has been due to the failure of Congress to respond to ihe cail ot the President and per- form its share of the difficult work tmposed upon the government by the ill-auvised course of many of the poittical parties in the Southern States. Kesoived. That the indignation in which our demo- cratic Governor and bis associates of Tammany. [atl fer to what they allege to be the fraudulent or” irreg- ular acts of the Returning Board in Louisiana is in sin- trast with the active approval or silent nee which characterized then: when John ‘T. associates were placed in power by nd returns, and seems to sugyest that is only reprehensible when it de- or rebels of office and patronage. The meeung then adjourned, AMERICAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY. ment REGULAR ANNUAL: MEETING—ELECTION OF oF- FICERS—MR, ROOSEVELT ON THE DISTRIBU- TION OF FISH—PALESTINE EXPLORATIONS, The annual meeting of the American Gevgraph- ical society was held at the Hall of the Historical Society, om Second avenue, last evening, the President, Hon, Cuarlea P. Daly, in the chair, ‘The report of the council, reciting the operations of the society during the year, and of the Treas- urer, showing @ balance of $2,000 in the treasury, were read and approved? Dr. Bjerring, the Rus- slan priest and head of the Russian Cnurch in this country, addressed the society on the necessity of larger quarters, required by the large increase in members during the past year; and the President stated that the subject of erecting a structure for the special use of the society and adequate to tne demands upon it was under consideration, OFFICERS ELECTED, The following officers were elected for the en- suing year: President, Charles P. Daly, LL.D.; Vice Presidents, Frederick A. Conkling, Francis A. Stout, George W. Cullum, U. S. A.; Foreign Cor- responding Secretary, James Mithienberg Bailey; Domestic Corresponding Secretary, William H. H. Moore; Recording Secretary, Alvan S. Southworth; Treasurer, George Cabot Ward; Council, Wiliam Remsen, T. Batley Myers, William Tilden Blodgett, William E. Curtis, Theodore W. Dwight, LL.D.; Eilal F. Hall, William Jones Hoppin, E. R. Straz- nicky, M.D.; Isaac Bernheimer, Roswell D. Hitch- cock, D.D.; Samuel L. M. Barlow, Harlow M. Hoyt, H. Manigault Morris, Charles A. Joy, Walton W. Evans. ‘ ADDRESS BY MR, ROOSEVELT. The society waS then addressed by Hon. Robert B. Roosevelt, Commissioner of Fisheries of the State of New York, 0. “The Geographical Distri- bution of Fish in the United States.” He com- menced his address by explaining somewhat the hapits and manner of propagation of fish, owing to an ignorance of which result 80 manygdiscour- aging failures in attempts at fish culture. The nature of te fish is controlled by tne element in which they live, ana cannot be changed to sult other and unnatural conditions. He proposed to confine his remarks to our Own country, not even crossing the borders into the neighboring land of Canada, Salmon were never found west and south of the Connecticut River. All tue importayt livers of New’ England were once filed with salmon, and would be still were it not that pro- creation ig interfered wits by dams and obstructions. Salmon pass most of their tune at sea, but ascend to cool, clear Water to deposit their eggs. The inordinate fishing of New Englanders has had a tendency too to destroy them. Millions of dollars yearly would not represent the extent of their commercial vVaiue bad their abundance not been diminished, Trout are found in ali rivers in which salmon can hatch their young, but, as they are not neces- sarily migratory, they often dwell where salmon cannot. Trout require a temperature of water never exceeding 70 deg. At 65 deg. they begin to suffer, and not one will survive a temperature of 9 deg. It 1s simply manifest then that. the southern and western rivers are not inbabitabie for trout or salmon. In lieu of the salmon the spectal migratory fisn of the lower Atlantic States is the shad. Their eggs hatch best in a temperature of from 65 deg. to 75 deg., 80 deg. being the extreme limit, They visit New England ag they can timestitir appear- ance to the proper temperature of the water. The fish culvurer may follow them along and hatch them in every river along the coast. THE NATIONAL FISH of America ts the Diack bass, It 1s wholly un- koown in Europe, existing only with 13, Its natural distribution was through a tew of the lakes of New York, but mainly in the Northwestern | States, It las, however, been acclimated in many other ponds and lakes, where it now flourishes ex- tensively, These fish, witu the Oswego or grass | bass and the pike perch, a variety of which is called the Ohio salmon, people the waters of our land {rom New York to the Rocky mountains. The bass is the tyrant of the fresn waters, Kven the Saat snake-like pickerel cannot stand against | 10. Among the fastnesses of the Kocky Mountains trout and salmon are jouna again, jot, however, the Kastern trout, salmo Jontinatis, or the Nortn- ern salmon, salmo salor, but several species of large spotted trout and anew saimon called the salino quinnat, Like everything else the ‘fish transplanted irom the Kust there attain a very large size. Mr. Roosevelt closed by showing how through @ proper knowledge of the habits of the fish those of one section can be transplanted 10 tions ab@it which woula crystallize the political | and partisan interests of this country, the creed | Ol parties, the political faith and views of men— questions Which will most surely determine | the course of public optnion and political action the pending Presidential campaign. 1 believed and still believe that tne discussion of the radical questions involved wouid tend to widen the breach in the repudlican parc and cause @ division in the political seatiuents of this cluo, I more than halt wished that no action should be taken by the club, and desired and ae- termined to confine whacever acuion was taken within narrow limits; but I tound that tn this 1 ‘Was greatly at odds with the other members of the | club, I think it unwise and unnecessary W con- | sider the question o/ indoraing or condemning the acts of the President of the United States, and wholly superfluous and gratuitous to consider and report to the ciub seutiments concerning the ac- Both sub- jects are dangerous to tamper with, and beyond the authority of the club to the committee, who are instructed to prepare and submit to the clab resolutions expressive of the sentiments of tue club tn regard to the condition of afairs in Lou- isiana; but in tuis I found mo concurrence in your committee. THE PRESIDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY, 1 do not undertake to decide, and my report contains nothing a | the question oj the re- sponsibility of the President. Ido bot andertake Lo Saudié Lim With that responsioliity of Generai de Trobriaud or Governor Kellogg. | wholly agree with your committee aud with every member of this cub as to the character of Lieutenant General Sheridan as @ soldier, and as to his loyalty, gallautry and bravery, and the debt We owe fim, but why criticise or ap- prove of his statesmansaip? That is not! ‘within \he scope of the duties of the committee, and wanecessary for this ciub to decide. It is with proper aiflidence that I have criticised the report ol the commitiee, and [ sincerely oupe that vheir report Will not be adopted. + THE MINORITY REPORT, The following was the minority report read vy Mr. Artemus H, Holmes :— ‘ To THe PRESIDENT axD Mempers-or Taw Unton Laacce CLUB Geyttemey—[have the honor to offer this as a minor- ity report of your commitice “to prepare ana submi: to the club at ity special meeting, January 15, resolutions | expressive of the seatiment of the club in regard to | attairs tn Louisiana.” Resolved, That the Union Leagne Cinb greatly de- plores the ‘present condition of political and domestic affairs in the staie of Lonisiana, and expecially whe it terference of the tderal military authority with th municipal government apon the convening of the Legis. Jature on the 4th inst Resolved, That sucn interference of the federal mill- tary authority was a violation of the consututional rights of the State of Louisiana most dangerous to re- publican forms of government, and an iutringement of politica! privileges Upon which’ oar federal government is tounded, Keavived, That the club earnestly desires that Con- gress, ia obedicnee to the repeated requests of the Presi- dent, wil ai Wd chact such Measures ay Will most surely and spevsily restore domestio concord and p erity to that Sia. Kespectfully submitted, Perity Co ANRIBMUS H. HOLMs., of the committeo, The attempt to get the majority resolutions be- fore the cluv failed, and they were foa'ly laid upon the tabie without any action Whatever being taken upou them, Mr, Saiem H, Wales then cut the Gor- dian Knot and brought the club's dilemma to an end by moving to adjourn, This motion was adopted by a jarge majority, e | a8 yet only touched the sur ace. ; sccomplished py the various socteties and scien- ; Same time, $1,481 75; fund belonging to the as- amotner with success. Following the rules laid down shad will be taken to the Pacific, salmon | will be brought to our own doors, the great trout | or Maine, weighing ten pounds apiece, will re- place the fingerlings of or brooks and bass will abound everywhere. ADDRESS OF A. L. RAWSON, Mr. A. L. Rawson, the Palestine explorer, then addressed tte audience on “Palestine Exploration | from @ Practical Standpoiot.’* He opened by rei- erence to the systematic survey of that part of Palestine lying west of the Jordan River, which | has been carried on ler nearly eight years by sci- entitic men in the employ of the English society, | aud the important part which the country has piayed tn the history of the worid. He then | sketched the various historical works and records relating to Palestine, commencing with the Bible; referred to the recent explorations made, and said the work will be carried on | for three or four years longer until the | map is completed on this side of the Jordan, The exploration and map on the east side was leit to be made by the American branch | of the society, known here as the Palestine Ex- Ploration Society, Rev. Dr Hitchcock, President. | The archwology of Palestine will require a com- | pany of ten skiiled men twenty Fears We have | ere are some | points that can never be settled beyond a mere | conjecture, such as tie site o1 the Holy Sepuichre, Calvary, the grave of Moses and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, The location ot several of the more important places mentioned in Scripture, and their relative position to each other, were then described, and In thls connection the work tile men in the exploration and study of the | country was referied 0. He closed by relating a | number of interesting traditions concerning some of the prominent Bible characters, such as David, Solomon and others. At the conciusion of Mr, Rawson's remarks the society adjourned. THE EXEMPT FIREMEN. The thirty-third annuai meeting of the Exempt | Firemen’s Benevolent Association was heid last evening at the Oaledonia Club room, 118 Sullivan street, Vice President Zophar Mills presiding, The annual report of the Treasurer, James Y. Watkins, Jr, showed receipts ior the year, $1,672 86, and disbursements for the sociation, $7,596 62. The report of the Trustees of the Benevolent Fund shows thirty-four widows added to the pension list, making the total pen- siouers 528, There Was received from all sources | during the year $66,881 89, Taere was disbursed $05,087 05, Of which $41,168 Was in charity, $16,136 to tue present Pire Department. The permanent fund is $110,000, and o:ner available funds increase | the total assets vo $146,405. The jollowing oficers | were chosen lor the ensuing year:—President, Philp W. Engs; First Vice President, Zophar | Millis; Second Vice Presideut, A. F. Ockershaus@n ; Financial Secretary, Francis Hagadon; Recording Seurevary, George W. Wueeler: Treasurer, James Y. Watkins; Trustees of tne Benevolent Fund jor four years—Wiison Small, John M. Coster and Jo- sept Dou las 5 Trustee to fill vacancy, Leonard Paper; asurer of the Benevolent Fund, John | sided. | were not very immaculate, OUR CITY ~ GOVERNMENT. Conference of the Mayor with the Departments. * THE BOARD OF APPORTIONMENT. Another Exoiting Session Held Yesterday. THE JUBILANT SCRUB WOMEN The heads of the several departments of the city governmeut met at the Mayor’s office yesterday, by invitation of the Mayor. There were present President Bailey, Department of Charities and Correction; President Perley, Fire Department; President Wheefer, Department of Taxes; Presi- dent Wisturell, Department of Docks; President Stebbins, Department of Parks; President Matsell, Poitce Depgrtment; President Chandler, Health Department; Comptroller Green, Chamberlain Lane, Finance Department; Commissioner Van Nort, Department Public Works; Commissioner Wales, Department of Docks; Superintendent Adams, Department of Buildings; BE, Delafield Smith, Counsel to the Corporation, The Mayor said that he had called the Commis- sloners together in the spirit of subdivision 4, of section 23,of the charter, whicn requires the Mayor to be vigilant and active in causing the ordinances of the city and laws of the State to be executed and enforced, and for that purpose to call together for consultation and co-operation all heads of de- partments. He destred, he said, to meet the heads of the departments for the purpose of receiving such suggestions from them as would lead to the cor- rection of any abuses which exist in their several departments growing out of deiective legisiation. He ihougit that the interesis of the people and every department would be subserved by abolishing the practice which had heretofore existed of the heads of departments going to Albany during the session of the Legislature and procuring legislation for their particular department, regardless of the general Wants or harmony of the local government as @ whole, and olten conficung with ana contra- dictory of other legislation, He was of opinion that no legisiation should be asked for unless it had been considered by the representatives of the several departments with reference to its fenexat scope as well as its particular provisions. le announced that he should adhere to the opinions expressed in his message of the 4th inst. tothe Common Council in rejerence to co-opera- tion between that Lead and the Executive of the city government, and that he now extends to the bead of each vepartment a cordial invitation to communicate to Bim any and every suggestion which may help to assist bim and the Common Council in the effectual improvement of the local administration. For these objects, and to afford the heads of the several departments opportunity jor free interchange of opinions in an informal Manner upon subjects of common interest, these meetings Will be held as occasion may require. Several communications irom the Comptroller and the Commissioner of Public Works, addressed to the Mayor, calling attention to matters requir- ing immediate legislation, were read by Mr. Har- rison, the Mayor's secretary. The matters to which they rejerred—the issue of bonds jor the Departments of Docks, Parks and Public Works, &c.—were freely discussed by the Comptroller, Couns@to the Cerporation, President of the De- partment of Parks aud the President of the De- partment oi Docks, ‘There Was & unanimons expression of approval of the purposes expressed by the Mayor aud the necessity 01 harmonious action among the beads 0: departments, e Many suggestions Were made by the gentlemen present, prompted by personal observations and experience in the departments with which they Were connected. The meeting then separated, sndject toa future call of the Mayor, when the drafts of several laws, to be arawn to meet the suggestions offered, will be considered. THE BOARD OF APPORTIONMENT. ANOTHER LIVELY MEETING YESTERDAY—THE SCRUB WOMEN JUBILANT. The adjourned meeting of the Board of Appor- tionment took place yesterday. ‘the Mayor pre- The first question that came up before the Board was the subject of the bills of the Court House cleaners, The COMPTROLLER—I have here a resolution which I think will cover the ground, which may be offered. Ido not care to do it myself. The Mayor—You do not mean to offer it? The COMPTROLLER replied that some other mem- ber of the Board might offer it, and before it was offered he said he had another resolution to pre- sent. He then offered the followin; Resolved, That it 1s not deemed expedient by this Board to authorize any further transfers of ations for years previous to 1874, inasmuch ae a number of taxes levied on personal property are ancol lectable by reason ot erroneous assessments, &c. ; or. 10 other words, they are no means from which’ to pay said Appropriations. AN INTERCHANGE OF VIRWS. The Mayor--Now, I want to know if there are which ciaims for salartes which were before the Board yesterday can be paid? The CoMPTROLLER—I can’t speak exactly as to that just at present. The MaYoR—You prepare a monthly report, do you not, concerning the finances, and in which the unexpended balances are shown? ‘The COMP7ROLLER— Yes, sir. Which the Board can learn what the unexpended balances are. ‘The COMPTROLLER (Sharply)—The Board has the appropriations, The Mayor (with warmth)—That is exactiy What the Board has been called together for. The COMPTROLLER (doggedly)—Well, then, supply me witn the necessary money and ali payments can be made in fiiteen minutes. The Mayor—But I think you should let us know what moneys can be used te pay these claims. The COMPTROLLER—I am in Javor of any resula- tion that may be offered within the law, provided it 1s calculated to cover matters now belore the Board, A POLITICAL RETROSPECT, The Comptroiler then added, rather sarcastically, that the Supervisors last year nad reduced the estimates by $500,000, although the various depart- ments stood in need of the money. The MAyYOR.—But those Supervisors represent- ed_ 100,000 electors. The COMPTROLLER—Bui I think some of them As to the bills for cleaning the public buildings, including the County Court House, | stated in 1874 that there wore altogether 100 many cleaners on the pay Tolls; that the work could easily be aone by a smaller force. The Mayon here iaughingly remarked that the Coart House did not lvok as thougn there were too many cleaners about the building. The CoMPrROLLER, replied by saying that he believed the people 01 the city wanted economy in tue admintstration of the city govern- Ment, “if tuey,do not” he said, looking round in @ balfeneering Way at the other members o! tne Board, ‘‘l certainly do.” He then added that balances could be transferred {from one department to another only by consent of the head of the department from which tie bal- ance Was to be tuken, He said he wouid vote for atransier of balances from the Department of | Public Works if Mr. Van Novt eonsented, Mr. Green's resolution was laid over on motion of Mr. WHEELER, HOW TO MAKE TRANSFERS, It was then resolved that $600 should be trans- feres trom the Department o: Puplic Bulldings and the $3,000 transier, as requested by the Corpora on Counsel, irom one account to another be al- lowed. A communication from the Court of Com- mon Pleas, asking for an appropriation of $1,300 to pay the clerks of the Court, and one from we County Clerk, asking for a transier of @ balance unexpended of $2,201 to pay the assistants tn the Supreme Courtior December, were referred to the Comptrolier. Tue MAYOR at this stage called up the County Court House claims and advocated the adoption of | @ resogition to have them paid. The COMPTROLLER remarked that he had no money to pay the cleaners, issue of bonds he had laid every requisition before the Board. Commissioner Van Nort, who had been sent for, came in and was asked if he knew of any balances to the credit of his department that could be used to pay the cieaners. He said that he did not know Jor certain; but he soon aiterward ascertained that there was a balance | to the credit oi the account of “Repairs to Public Bullaings.” The COMPTROLLER then offered a resolution that this balance of $2,077 21 be transferred to the account Of the Cleaners, Which Was adopted, A GRAVE QUESTION, The Coroners’ $6,000 deficiency was then called up, When the Comptrolier remarked shat the ap- propriation made to the Coroners nad been qui sumicient. The MAyYor said that {t was impossible to tell in acvance how many inquests would have to be held by the Coroner: The COMPTROLLER—Wel,, & great deal depends Upon What an autorsy may cosi, The Mayor—And a good deal depends upon how Many inquests may ve held in one case, ‘The COMPTROLLER—Just 80, GRERN’S PARLIAMENTARY DIGNITY, The question as to what onwht to be done with unexpended balances forthe past year out of | | The Mayor—Then, certainly, you have data from | power to make provision to meet deficiencies in | He said that as tothe | 5 the Coroners’ request for money was finally lata over, whereupon Mr. Green, aduresstug the Mayor, suid :— 6 “1 would like to know, through the Chairman of the Board, what the resolution requesting certain information from the Finance Department really means, There are ear Marks in the resolution that I fat to compreheud., 1 want to know, through the Chairman, What the gentleman who 80 felicitously presides over the d of Alder- men meaus by his reference in the resolution to the investivating Committee of which Mr. Booth Was chairm and I want to say, too, that ali the information called for is to found in the printed reports of the Finance Departuent.”” Mr, Lewis—The iniormation | called ior is very plainly stated in the resoiuuion. No, explanation can make it clearer, The COMPrROLLER—I would like to learn, through the Chatr, if the gentieman has & copy of Mr. Boorh’s report? ‘Ihe Mayor—I presume the President of the Board oj Aldermen can answer for himsell, The COMPTROLLER—It bas always been my cus- tom, sir, to address questions to any otuer mem- ber of this Board through the Chairman, Mr. Lewis—i suppose tae Comptroller can be furnished with @ copy of the report. The Board at tms point adjourned, after the Comptroller had promised, at the Mayor's urgent request that speedy action should be taken in regard to the matter Of salaries, that at the pext meeting of the Board he would present a state- ment of all balances. 18SUE OP BONDS. The Comptroller was autiorized to issue the fok lowing bonds :— Third avenue improvement vonds, $11,000; city park improvement fund stock, $100,000; assessment bonds to pay contractors for work done under Department of Puviic Works, 200, 000, ihe Board will meet again to-morrow (Thurs- day) at noon. COMMISSIONERS OF EMIGRATION, The Commissioners of Emigration held a regular meeting yesterday afternoon, President Hurlbat in the chair, A debate ensued on a recommenda- tion of the Ward’s Island Committee to direct the Superintendent to report ali cases of idsubor dination by telegraph belore discharging the in- mates, The recommendation was approved. Mr, Lynen reported that the Committee on the Eliza Collins case had come to the conclusion that um- der the management of the Smallpox Hospital by tue Board of Health the patients would be sale from annoyance. On motion of Mr. Forrest the office of overseer of laborers was abolisned after the Ist prox. The discharge ol C. Periey, clerk of the Lavor Bareag, was ordered. Tie salary of Mr. H. Horton, overseer of outdoor luvor on Wara’s Island, was reduced to $775 per anaum; also that of Wiliam Bennett, storekeeper on Ward’a Isiand, to $ On motion ot Mr. Forrest, the counsel to the Board was directed to present @ memorial to the Legislature to urge immediate relief to the Commission, and to prepare the draft of @ bill to that effect, which is to ve laid before the Legislature by a committee compused of the President of the Board, Mayor Wickham ana Messrs. Lynch and Schack, MUNICIPAL NOTES, It was rumored about the City Hall yesterday that Mr. Townsend Cox would sovn resign from the Commission of Cuarities and Correction. ‘The Mayor has as yet received no repiy to his demand that the Police Commissioners should ex- plain why there was not a sufficient number of P policemen to preserve order at the late mass meeting. His visit to Police Headquarters re- lated to this matter @ day or two ago, Tne Board of Aldermen will hold a meeting to- morrow a/ternoon. Corporation Counsel Smith’s answer to the Mayor’s charges against him will be made public on Thursday. The Fire Commissioners’ fate will be aecided next week. It 18 again rumored that one of the Commission- ers of Accounts is to be removed. THE COMPTROLLER AND THR CITY GOVERNMENT. To THE EDITOR or THE HeRaLD:— Your article on the “City Finances” an@ the questions propounded therein in Saturday's paper seem to me timely and proper, so much at- tention now being directed to city affairs. Tne $3,072,832 of which you make mention as appear- ing in tue Comptroller's budget for 1875, to be raised on interest account for temporary debt, must iuclude the interest on revenue bonds of 1875, of which at least $20,000,000 will be required to be raised before the taxes of 1875 can be col- lected. The expenses of 1875 commence January 1; taxes to meet said expenses commence to be collected during the month of September; mean- time the expenditures of the city are only met by borrowing on revenue bondé, and on said loans, Of course, we have to pay interest. To your second inquiry, “What becomes of the Interest received from the payers of assess- ments?” I woulo state Jor information that all in- terest received by the city on all dues, taxes, as- sessments, &G., is paid directly into the general fund and makes up a large portion of the $3,000,000 that fund 1s estimated to produce duriug the year 1875, and 1s applied to the reduction of taxation a6 much as if at first directly appited tothe re- duction of the 1uterest appropriation. “The Comptrolier is authorized, under chapter 756, of the Laws of 1873, to issue consolidated | stock of the city, to pay assessments upon the eal estate belonging to the city, and to meet the amounts fas don the city by reason of de- | flelency or v: ates ol assessments. How much | Block been issued for tnat purpose? and ts | there any portion of the $21,000,000 of outstanaing temporary debt thus payable by the city ana properly belonging to the funded devt ?”” To this portion of your article I would state that | something like $3,000,000 has so been issuéd (if I / am correctly informed), reducing the temporary debt that much. There may be stili some portion of cieare ae debt that shouid in that way be celled, he Comptroller reports the amountof debt payable from tne sinking fund 03 whic’ interest is. due in 1875 to be $23,541,826. He asked in the | Board of Apportionment that the interest on $13,664,671 Of toils amount should be raised by taxa- tion, and the required sum, $830,052, 1s inciaded in the $9,300,000 appropriated for interest in the tax | levy of 1875. This leaves interest ou $10,177,155 only, or on less than half the sinking 1nd debt, to be paid from the receipts of the ‘sinking fund to provide interest on the city debt.’ Should not tue interest on the whole of the sinking fund debt be paid irom this interest fund? What are the | receipts of the latter fund? Is there any surplos there? Why ts it that it only yields enough to pa: | luterest on less than one-half of the sinking fon debt? How much interest does the Comptroller really pay out of the fund in question? and, if there is a surplus, What becowes of 1t7”’ To this | would answer that. the interest on bonds payable from tbe sinking fund jor the pay- | ment of interest are “Croton water bonds,” and are so specially provided for by “law,” for the Teason that the “law requires the rents or the use of Croton water to pe gua into this special fund, ; the surplus of that fund, yearly, aiter meeting the | interest on ‘Water stock,’ ts appropriated to the revenues of the ‘general tuna,’ " “Ol the debt on which interest ts paid by taxa- tion, five hundred thousand dollars is at jive per cent, fity-three millions at six per cent, and eighty-eight milltoos—vesides revenue bonds and ) newly issued stock and bonds for the current year—at seven per cent, A competent financier would not have continued for three years to pay | seven per cent interest on neariy two-thirds of | the debt, and on all new bonds and stock, when Money could easily have been had at five per cent, But the trouble 18 that Mr. Green is not a finan- cier. He 1s a chariatan, Who uses his position in | the city government ior his personal purposes, and whois altogether too smail for the position he assumes to fii.’ What should have been done ts the passage of a law authorizing the issue say of $60,000,000 gold bonds, into which all who desire may convert their Certificate of debt, running say thirty years at least, and drawing not more than five per cent interest in gold, tree from city tax, and soon the credit o1 the city would stand as high as any city 1g the world, and its stock quoted on all the stock boards in Europe. And besides this, we require an able board of practical financters, weli versed with the bject. 1 finance in all its detaiis, such @ board as could easily be selected in tmis city, consisting of sucn Meu as President Tappen, of the Galiatin ; Hunter, of vhe Peoples; W. &. Duncan, J. Van Schaick, W. M. Vermilye and John J. Cisco, a gentleman with like qualifications to prepare a general law that would cover the fifty or more present ‘statutes’? governing the operation of our Finance Depart Ment. Alilaws now in force that they deem ex- pedient to be retained should be embraced In one general act, said act shoula require the immediate cancellation of all bonds heid by tne sinking ducing the amount to terest account $1,500,000 at least per annum. Se ondiy, all revenues of the city, except receipts from taxes aud assessments, shoud be paid into one generai fand toward the expenses 0: the year, | nd ail interest should be paid from taxes, and each ar @ certain specified sum should be raised by taxation and applied to the reduction of the “debt.” Wiha simplified system of finance Ii this, with honest government and rignt ability in whe Finance Department, our r: of taxation heed not be over two and a half per cen a | could soon be reduced even to two per cen’ with Do stoppage of needed public nmprovements that any peapirea to increase the taxable value of e. 1 deem it aiso advisable to suggest on account of the magnitude of the operaion of the Finance Department, and the tmcrease of business tha | Will naturally accrue to itin the tare growtn ol | Our ciiy, that thé department should be compose | Of & board of three members, the president 0! Which should be calted the Comptroller of the city of New York. I shat! refer again, if yon so desire, to this sub ANDREW W. LEGGAT. | Ject. Respectiully, ' No, 44 Latent street.