The New York Herald Newspaper, December 15, 1875, Page 4

4 “SPAIN AND AMERICA Diplcmates in Authority Diseussing the Question of Cuba and the United States, A Jerald Correspondent at a Private Banquet in Madrid. SPAIN’S REPLY.) The Concessions as to Courts Martial in | the “Ever Faithful Isle,” What is Thought of “Soldier” Jus- tice in the Manigua. Manan, Nov. 22, 1875. Tarrived here three days ago, precisely at the mo- ment when the pending questions between the United States and Spain were warmly discussed in official and political circles, in view of the incessant reclamations of our learned and energetic representative, Mr. Caleb Cushing. My first visit was to an influential person- age, long connected with affairs of State, T shall’ suf- ficiently describe him by saying that he has of late o¢- cupied the highest position that a statesman can reach in Spain, and will, It is generally believer, be again called to the head of the administration. Such being the case, his views may be taken as the expression of the sentiment which now prevails in the Spanish gov- ernment. | A STATESMAN’S VIEWS. | ‘The remarks of this gentiemen are to the effect that | there are two questions pending between the govern- ments of Spain and the United States, but that neither ts likely to by the cause of war or even of a coldness in the relations of friendship that have existed for a cen- tury between the two gountries. ‘The question as to the interpretation to be given to the seventh article of the treaty of 1795," said tho gen- tleman referred to, *is one of the greatest importance, It is simply whether American citizens involved in the insurrection in Cuba are to be tried by the courts mar- tal there established, as is the ancient practice tn our country and the opinion of our government, or by the civil tribunals, as claimed by the government of the United States. This question, however, is not diMcult of solution, and will undoubtedly be settled in a short time in such a manner as to meet the desires of your government, and yet not confiict with the Spanish laws already in existence, before the conclusion of the treaty of 1795. These laws are of ancient origin, and have been in force ever since their enactment, On this point, | therefore, our concessions will go as far as those laws and the national dignity will permit. “This,” he | added, ‘is the main question, the one vow being pressed by Mr. Caleb Cushing. ‘THE OTHER QUESTION, that relating to embargoed property of American citi- gens, has become one of jess importance, and is not so much urged now by your government as it was before, for the reason that most of the embargoed property has already been returned to the American citi- zens whose claims were proven. . On this point the present government is as liberally disposed as the former, which asked all the necessary information of His Majesty's Minister at Washington, and of the Gov- ernor General of Cuba, in order to decide the matter fairly and equitably, Much of that required informa- tion has already arrived, other will soon be received, and when all will be collected a general decision will be arrived at—one that will be as sweeping as possible, and the conciliatory character and evident justice of | which will not be doubted by the United States. As I Lave already told you there remain now but a few of these cases of embargoed property, as it has been re- | stored to all, except to those whose claims to American Dationality or to the property in question were evi- dently unfounded. Meanwhile the mixed commission, established in Washington by the Convention of 1871, is actively engaged on the subject and has recently de- cided several cases, that of Augerica among the num- ber, to whom the umpire has awarded the large sum of 16,000,000 reais, or $800,000 in gold, with interest to be paid by Spain. This sum {s the interest on his embar- | goed estate during its detention, the property itself having been returned a long time ago. This question might have been considered by the Spanish govern- | «ment as settled by means of the aforementioned Con- vention; but it has, out of good will to the United States, adopted a measure that will put an immediate end to the whole controversy, and decide those cases | which have not yet been reached on account of the character of the claims or the claimants. '’ Subsequently 1 paid a visit to another gentleman, an editor of considerable tnfluence, who is supposed to have opportunities of Ministerial inspiration. He said to me:—‘“In matters of diplomacy as much secrecy is maintained here as elsewhere; but come and dine with me to-morrow, and you will find among the company at my table several public men, well informed on pending affairs of diplomacy, and by turning the conversation to the subject on which you desire knowledge, you will probably find out enough to satisfy even a journal so exacting in the matter of news as the New Yorke Hxratv.” I need not say T accepted promptly. DIPLOMACY AT A DINNER PARTY. The next day, therefore, at the appointed hour, I found myself at the table with several statesmen and journalists, After an animated conversation on the sta- ple topics of society in Madrid, such as the oper: #on, the latest ball fight, &c., my host gracefully turned to the subject in which I was most inter- ested by proposing a toast in these words:— “To the United States—may the friendship that has ea- existed between that country and Spain for over a century always be maintained.’’ Being the only American citizen present, I felt myself called upon to answer in the same strain, This led to a general conversation on the subject of the relations between Spain and the United States, Ono of the guests (whom the Washington correspondent would class under the head of ‘‘semi-officia.”’ authority) then remarked :— “The controversy pending between Spain and the | United States can be easily arranged by sincerity on | both sides, The reports inthe European press that there are difficulties betweon the two countries that might lead to war are, in my opinion, entirely un- | founded, The only question now under discussion is | that of the interpretation of the seventh article ot the treaty of 1795. Soon after the final settlement of tho Virginius difficulty the United States government ad- dressed in May lastanoteto Spain, remonstrating against the trial by courts martial of American citizens in Cuba, and asking for the release of Dockray, con- demned to death by one of those military tribunals, whose sentence, however, was commuted to imprison- ment for some years, That note was forwarded to the Council of State, a supreme body, whom the govern. ment Is bound to consult on all questions of importance. The usual adjournment of the Council In summer de- layed their report. In the interval, however, your ever persistent veteran Calob Cushing sent to our government several other notes, and a memorandum Tecapitulating all the complaints of the United States fg regards Cuba, and asking for an iinmediate and favor. able avswer; hinting, also, that if it was not fortheom- ing the United States government might accord the rights of belligerency to the Cuban insurgents. SVAIN'S CONCILIATORY Answer. Since then the Council of State have given their re- | port, and the Cabinet, having in its last meeting thor- | oughly examined the question, agreed upon the answer which, I believe, has already been handed to Mr. Caleb Cushing. The note embodying this answer is so con- Nkw YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1875.—-TRIPLE SHEtr, turbance of the public peace was established by & 1773 and by Tae “Roan wstxucrion’® oF LTT4 ‘Those boing in force prior to the Treaty of 1795, the stipu'a'ions of the latter cannot be interpreted as con" ficting with the letter and spirit of the former; that is to say, the law of 1773, which rendered subject to tho jurisdiction of courts martial all persons engaged in armed disturbance of the public peace, even if not ina state of war or insurrection, ‘It is certain,” continued my semi-official authority (waxing warm on the subject) ‘that the seventh article of the Treaty of 1795 (the wording of which 1 ao not quote, not having a copy of it at hand) stipulates that cases involving the persons and property of American citi- zens shall always be tried in the Spanish/dominions in accordance with the laws and the form of proceedings therein established. Butas the law there in force was that of 1793, which prescribed trials by courts martial in certain cases, there can be no legal doubt as to the | fact that the seventh article of the treaty of 1795 re- ferred to that law and to that form of proceedings for the trial of crimes of rebellion as it referred to the civil law for the trial of common crimes." CONCESSIONS. “Then what has your government conceded to the United States?’ said I, hardly able to conceal feeling | of impatience, “Lf you will follow me patiently a little farther on | you will find your question answered," continued he. | “Besides the law of 1793 we have the laws, of 1801 and | 1802, according to which crimes of treason (infidencia) | are placed under jurisdiction of military tribunals,” MILITARY TRIBUNALS. “But it has been alleged that those military tribunals, with their eummary proceedings, offer little or uo means of defence to parties on trial,” I remarked, in further interruption of his argument. ‘Do not believe it,’ be replied. “In the first place, they are collective, every such tribunal being a kind of jury, composed of six or more commissioned officers of the army of acertain rank, Then the accused has a right to select his counsel from among the officers of the army, and in case of refusal the Captain General appoints one for him officially. TO CONDEMN THM ACCUSED a majority of the court is required, but as an additional safeguard the sentence cannot be executed without the approval of the Advocate ot the Army (who must be always an experionced lawyer, versed in civil and mili- | tary law) and the confirmation of the superior military | authority, which means, in the Island of Cuba, the Captain General. [n cases where the Advocate of tho Army and the Captain General are not in accord the latter is bound to suspend the execution of the sen- tence and to comsult with the Supreme Court of Mili- tary Justice, established in Madrid, and composed of generals and lawyers 6f great experience and learning. This tribupal, equal in rank to the | Supreme Court for civil and criminal justice, examines | such cases with attention and impartiality, and has | Power to condemn to severe penalties members of courts martial if they have not applied the law with justice. This shows that the military tribunals of Spain offer all the guarantees of impartiality, notwithstanding the rapidity of. their proceedings, This system of military justice 1s used in all Europe in time of war or insurree tion, It was applied in the United States during the late civil war, alike to American citizens and for- eigners.* COURTS MARTIAL IN THE UNITED STATES, Here again, | remarked that there was this difference In favor of our mode of dealing, that in no case was any civilian executed during the late civil war in conse- quence of any sentence of court martial, even for tak- | ing active part in the insurrection, He said he could not discuss that point, mot being sufficiently acquainted with the history of the Ameri- | can war, or rebellion. He was personally in favor of | the abolition of the death penalty, and so were the | government and the people of Spain. During the year | following the revolution of 1868 no sentence of death | was executed, no, not even for common crimes. But, | unfortunately, crimes increased to such an extent that | it was necessary to restore the death penalty, | THR DEATH PENALTY IN CUBA, | I interrupted bim with the question, “Are, then, | courts martial to continue in Cuba as heretofore?” =| “Certainly,” he replied, “in dealing with insurgents | and conspirators, whether they be Cubans or peninsu- lars; persons who are in arms against the national authority, assassinate peaceable citizens and destroy their property. According to internatiopal iaw, every State has the right to apply to foreigners the same law as to its own citizens. “Our government has so sincere a desire to maintain the friendship that has so long existed between Spain | and the United States by preventing all possible causes of complaint, that it will in future concede to all foreigners residing in Cuba the right of choosing their | counsel of defence from among civilians instead of army officers. This, you will observe, 1s granting a privilege to foreigners over Spanish subjects.” “But, in spite of this safeguard,” I rejoined, “courts martial are exposed to suspicion, om account of the summary way of their proceedings,”? “Granting even that,” he sald, “the concession could be extended even still further without wounding our national dignity aud violating the laws of our country, as I snail explain to you. A law enacted by our Con- gress in 1821 regulates the form of proceedings to be | taken against persons guiltyf the crime of rebellion. | It subjects to courts martial ail rebels taken by the military authorities, and to the ordinary tribunals all | those taken by the civil authorities, ‘This law, as well | as the laws of 1793, 1801 and 1802, bas always been ap- | plied in Cuba, and the United States have never pro- tested against their application. THE FORM OF PROCERDINGS prescribed by the law of 1821 gives more the accused than thatof the former laws, feguards to It grants | him public trial, the right of selecting counsel of de- | fence, of presenting witnesses and of their cross-ex- | amination—in short, all the means of defence given to | the accused in the most civilized countries, including | the right of appealing to the Superior Courts | (Audiencias), and in some cases to the Supreme Court at Madrid. But the maintenance of the laws of the | land could be brought to accord with the wish | that Ameri- | | ot the United States government can citizens be tried by civil tribunals, by @ decree on the part of our government to the effect that in future all foreigners accused of | treason or rebellion or of complicity with these crimes, | be tried by civil tribunals, whether captured by the | civil or military authorities, This furtner privilege £ am sure must do away with all pretext for saying that | the seventh section of the Treaty of 1795 was not tul- | Silled, even if interpreted in the amplest manner.’” | Most of the gentlemen present listened attentively | to our conversation, remarking, generally, to the effect | that the above mentioned concessions were the utmost | that Spain could make to the United States, This sub- | Ject having already monopolized too much of the ater | dinner conversation the company turned to other topics which were not of public interest. THE VALUK OF THR PORRGOING, When I took leave of my host I inquired whether L | could safely consider the ideas expressed by the gentle. | men specially referred to as tho opinion of the Spanish | government, He replied, “Sefor R— js one of | the leading members of the Council of State, and you | may take what bo has said as the deliberate views ot that high consuiting body, and probably as the correct | résumé of the answer given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the latest note of Mr. Caleb Cushing. Theso | ideas aro undoubtedly explained in this answer in a more precise and learned manner, as its writer, Calde- ron Collantes, is an ex-judge of the Supreme Court of Civil and Military Justice; was Minister of Justice from 1858 to 1863, in the Cabinet of General O'Donnell, and | has always been considered one of our most illustrious lawyers and statesmen,” ROBBERY AT THE DOCK. WHITE STAR On December 6 two cases, containing silks for um- ciliatory, and 80 strictly in accordance with the spirit of | tho treaty of 1795, that \t will undoubiedly satisfy the Chited States,” Here I remarkedt—="I suppose the Spanish govern- ment will accede to the demands of tho United States— | ‘viz,, that henceforward courts martial in Cuba shail | have no jurisdiction over American citizens.” | He replied that be thought Spain could not concede #0 mach, although she would make all possible conces- sions, Courts martini have always existed in time of | ‘war or insurrection in all countries, They existed in the United States durmg the war of secession, and they exist atthe present moment in republican France, four years alter Communism Sad been put down, tn Spain this summary provens: * soene af somad Ave. | | River, brelia manufacture and silk handkerchiefs, valued at $5,000, were stolen from the White Star pier, North On Monday evening Detectives Dunn and Kealy, of the Central Office, searched W. D. Woods’ store, No, 1 Great Jones street, aud found nincteen | pieces of silk and some handkerchiefs, in ail valuod at $,600, Woods was arrested, and with bim John | Haman, of No, 82 Franklin street, An examination took place yesterday before Judge Kasmire, at the Was on Place Police Court, and Haman was dis- having proved that bis connection with | Woods was purely a business one, Woods was held in $4,000 for further examination, The stolen cases were cousigned to Messrs. Hoffenback & Co. of Duane street, and the property recovered was Identitied as | being ‘similar to the goods ordered by the firm. The property recoperad by the detectives had been sold to several downtowt silk umbrell& manufacturers, all of Wham warn renvauantad 14 caneh REMABKABLE UNANIMITY OF THE PRESS CON- DEMNATORY OF THE REMOVAL OF GENERAL HENDERSON. 1 The removal of General Henderson bas @ very bid look. It seems to us that Grant's desire that ‘no guilty man be allowed to escape,"’ is not as strong now as it was a month ago.—Knozville (Tenn.) Press (dem,) If the President is guilty of anything worthy of it, let a formal indictment be sent against him and let him be impeached. But certamly he is not to be badgered and abused like a felon merely for the gratification of a | sore-beaded politician.—Parson Brownlow’s Knoxville | ‘Whig (rep.) It will do to wait awhile before accepting the verdict of the democratic and independent press that the with- drawal of Henderson means that the whiskey prosecu- tion Is to be slackened.—Hartford Courant (rep.) The extreme sensitiveness of the President, coupled with the recent indictment of his private secretary, General Babcock, is not calculated to assure the pubic that immaculate is the rule of the White House. —Neo- burg Telegraph (dem.) Grant’s lofty notions of personal prerogative have been fed by official and unofficial flatterers and para- sites until he has betrayed the weakness of resenting as an affront a proper and just criticism on his pubic conduct, Such disloyalty to his person as was shown by Mr, Henderson he has taught himself to regard as one of the gravest of offences,—Harrisburg Patriot (dem, ) No lawyer of integrity will undertake the job of re- conciling the acquittal of Babeock with the President’s inyunction, Let no guilty man escape.” No lawyer who is not prepared to let Babcock slip through the meshes of the jaw will consent to be Henderson’s suc cessor.—Worcester Press (dem) Henderson needs no defence, Hedid his duty with unswerving fidelity and fearlessness, and his lasting vindication is found in the fact that he seoured the cor- vietion of all who were tried before his removal — Utica Observer (dem.) If the new man’s head is level as well as broad, ani | he cares to keep a pecuniary good thing, he will not let | any guilty person escape—unless the person belongs the White House family.—Utica Observer (dem.) ‘There can be no question as to the good faith of the Cabinet in appointing Mr. Brodhead, The bad policy of the removal of Mr. Henderson is equally above question, and we fear will become more conspicuous with the progress of events.—Utica Herald (rep.) ‘The trials will continue without Henderson, and the world will not be moved out of its orbit by the peculiar oscillations of the disappointed politicians at St, Louis.— Washington Republican (administration organ). ‘The pretended motive for the dismissal of Henderson is too flimsy. The President, we in charity hope, may be deceiving himself as to his purpose, but none are 50 blind as to fail to see in this act an impediment to jus- tice. —Boston Post (dem.) As the case stands the President has placed himself inanunenviable light before the country.—Buffalo Courier (dem.) Grant throttles the Whiskey Ring prosecutions—the thieves jubilant —Portland Argus (dem.) General Henderson was in earnest and must have been surprised that he was allowed to get so many ad- ministration men and Grant’s cronies into the Peniten- tiary before there came to him the command “Halt !""— Portland Argus (dem.) It might have been better for many reasons that Mr. Henderson should have been retained, but it would re- quire the exercise of intense and narrow prejudice te see that General Babcock’s possibilities of conviction are in any way lessened by the occurrences of the past two days.—Baltimore American (rep.) The President made # mistake in calling for Hender- son’s dismissal. —Pittsburg Dispatch (rep.) It was largely through Henderson's vigorous man- agement of the prosecution that Joyce, McDonald and Avery were put behind the bars for theircrimes. And a wretchedly poor recognition of such services was It for the President to demand Henderson’s withdrawal from the case,—Pittsburg Dispatch (rep.) General Henderson said he would trace the frauds to the White House, and—he did. In tracing them to Babcock and to Babcock’s influence with the President he performed jast what he promised. His dismissal, therefore, has a bad look.—Pittsburg Dispatch (rep.) So arrogant an attitude royalty itself has not in late days assumed as President Grant took in this matter The constitutional axiom of the British law that the | king can do no wrong, is appropriated by the Presi- | dent, and extended asa protective mantle over his inti- mates at Washington. —Pittsburg Dispatch (rep.) All His Excellency need to do hereafter in the trial of public causes is to say to any of his offending foliowers, in the language of Richelicu, slightly altered, “Around | thy form I draw the awful circle of the White House!’” and behoid! justice must halt at the circumference, and the tongue of the people's advocate fall dumb, stricken with the paralysis of Presidential command.— Pittsburg Dispatch (rep.) Are President Grant’s feelings of more consequence than the public rights? It seems that they are to At- torney General Pierrepont. —Pittsburg Dispatch (rep.) Acareful reading of Henderson's speech does n&t | lead us to agree with those of our contemporaries who insist that he passed the bounds of decency or made an unwarranted attack on the President. —Pittsburg Dispatch (rep.) THE “HAVEN OF UNREST.” FURTHER OPINIONS ON THE HAVEN-GRANT THIRD TERM MOVEMENT. We shall doubtless soon hear an explanation from Bishop Haven upon the subject that has caused so much discussion and elicited so many reflections upon | the Methodist Church and its ministry.—Scranton (N. Y.) Republican (rep.) Tho Methodist bishops should look ‘after Bishop Haven, and puta padlock on his lips, in order to pre. vent bis making a fool of himself, until General Con- ference reassemble. —Allegheny (Pa.) Mail (rep.) Supposing Cardinal McCloskey had made the dem- onstration of Bishop Haven, what would be the condi- tion of the country now ?—Albany Knickerbocker (rep.) Those whom the gods would destroy they first make mad, The flatterers of Grant made him mad. He proclaims himself, what churchmen must declare, if | they are consistent, the bitterest antagonist of all the churches. Won't somebody send Bishop Haven a tele- | gram congratulating him on the wisdom of his third | term views ’—Hudson (N. ¥.) Register (dem.) Bishop Haven knew what he was about. So did the assembly of Methodist ministers that applauded the Bishop enthusiastically. It will not do for the National Republican Convention to go counter to the wishes of the Metbodist Church. Haven spoke for its members, and to what he said they have already cried, “‘Amon!""—~ Baltimore Gazette (dem.) Bishop Haven knows and they (the Methodists) know that they are the most powerful religious body in the United States; that Methodist ministers, from their familiarity with the Individual members of the Church, exercise a greater influence over their congregations than the clergy of any other denomination, except pos- sibly the Catholic, —Baltimore Gazette (dem.) If it be reprehensible in Haven to lug politica into ro- ligion and into the discussions of religious meetings, is it any less reprebensible in a candidate for a third Presidential term to lug religion into politics "—Vash- ville American (dem.) Here is expressed, in a mode designedly informal and seemingly spontaneous, the nomination of General Grant to the Presidency by the Methodist Church of the United States.—Washingion (D. C.) Gazette (dem.) All the Republican Convention need do is to indorse the action of the Boston assembly, and the issue will be fairly before the people, Is this a Methodist govern. ment!— Washington (D. C.) Gazette (dem.) He is not only not sustained, but the leading members of the Methodist persuasion are rushing into print, ail over the land, denouncing Bishop Haven’s conduct in ail sorts of phrases, except the complimentary sor. — Philadelphia Inquirer (rep.) What the Bishop has done has been to achieve a sud- den and general notoriety. Doubtless he scarcely ex- pected to create such @ tumult as is now sounding in his ears, bat people who do extraordinary things must expect extraordinary results.—Philadelphia Inquirer | (rep) On the whole, weare disposed to consider that, while his renomination of the President was rash, in bad tast and il}-timed, {t bas not been without excellent uses, It | bas shown that the third term idea is not quite dead yet; that it bas, in fact, dangerous vitality, and that the Bishop has evoked the opposition to it, which, while being very general, was also quicscent.—, Phila- delohia Inawirer (rep. “} CROOKED WHISKEY RING NOES. | CONGRESS. Lively Debate on the Louisi- ana Senatorship. MILLAN’S CREDENTIALS © WITHDRAWN, A Resolution of Inquiry Regarding Mr, Henderson's Dismissal. Mr. Blaine’s Constitutional Amendment. SENATE. Wasuinaron, Dec. 14, 1875, The President pro tempore laid before the Senate the annual report of the Attorney Goneral of the United States, Ordered to be printed and referred to tho Judiciary Committee. Mr, Cowx.ina, (rep.) of N. Y,, presented a communi- cation from Thomas J, Durant, who was connected with the Commidsion for the Codification of the Laws of the United States, pointing out certain defects in the Revised Statutes: Referred to the Judiciary Com- mittee, A large number of petitions for the appointment of a commission to inquire into the traffic in alcoholic liquor were presented by Messrs. Conkling, of New York; Hamlin, of Mame; Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey} Sargent, of California; Morrill, of Vermont; Morrill, of Maine; Howe, of Wisconsin, and others, all of which wero referred to the Committee on Finance. ALABAMA CLAIMS. Mr. Epuunps, (rep.) of Vt., from the Judiciary Com- mittee, reported back the Senate bill to extend the duration of the Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims, with several verbal amendments. He said it was desirable to have this bill passed by both houses of Congress before the holiday recess. It merely pro- vided for continuing the court six months, and did not touch the disputed questions connected with that court, The bill was passed. Mr. ALLison, (rep,) of Iowa, introduced a bill to trans- for the Indian trust funds to the Treasury of the United States, Referred'to the Committee om Indian Affairs. Mr. Patrerson, (rep.) of 8. C., presented a memorial of the Charleston (8. C.) Chamber of Comimerce in favor of an appropriation for the improvement of the harbor of that place, Referred to the Committee on Com- merce. Mr, Davis, (dem.) of W. Va. introduced a bill mak- ing an appropriation for continuing the improvement of the Great Kanawha River, in the State of West Vir- ginia, Referred to the Committee on Commerce. Mr. ANTHoNY, (rep.) of R. L, introduced a bill provid- ing for the completion and location of the naval monu- ment. Referred to the Committee on Nava! Affairs, Mr, Camwgxon, (rep,) of Pa, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, reported favorably on the Senate bill authorizing George P. Marsh to accept presents from the governments of Switzerland and Italy, It was placed on the calendar. Mr. Cauxnoy, (rep.) of Wis. introduced a bill to atd the Winnebago Indians of Wisconsin to obtain supsist- ence by agricultural pursuits and to aid in their civil- ization, ferred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, DISLOYAL PENSIONERS. Mr. Merxmmoy, (dem.) of N. C., introduced a bill to. amend the act granting pensions to soldiers and sailors of the war of 1812 and the widows of deceased soldiers, \d to restore to the pension rolls the names of those ponees stricken therefrom on account of disloyalty. eferred to the Committee.on Pensions. He also in- troduced a bill granting pensions to certain soldiersand sailors of the war with Mexico and the widows of de- ceased soldiers, Referred to the Committee on Pen- sions, 4 Mr. CLarton, (rep.) of Ark., submitted a resolution requesting the Attorney General to transmit to the Sen- ate, if not incompatible with the public interest, any infortaation in his possession in regard to the treat- ment of United States prisoners confined in State peni- tentiaries. Agreed to. ‘The Cuar laid before the Senate a communication from the Secretary of War, transmitting the report of Major C. B. Comstock upon the improvement of the South Pass of the Mississippi River, the character of the work done under Mr. Eads, &c, Laid on the table and ordered to bo printed. The report of Major Comstock, gives a detailed technical description of the work accomplished up to hast November. Secretary Belknap invites attention to the importance of an early appropriation by Congress to curry on explorations, surveys and inspections required by the jetty act of last year, and for which 0 moans re provided by that law. ry Mr. CRA@IN, (rep.) of N. H., introduced a bill to regu- late the pay of certain officers of the navy. Referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. UNSETTLED ACCOUNTS AND DEPALCATIONS. The unfinished busin being the resolution sub- mitted by Mr. Dawes, of West Virginia, yesterday, in regurd to the unsettled accounts of government officials and defaications, was called up, the pending question being the motion of Mr. Sherman to refer the resola- tion to the Committee on Finance, which was agreed to, Yeas, 35; nays, 25. ‘THE LOUISIANA SENATORSHIP. The Caam then laid before the Senate the motion submitted by the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. West) last week to grant the requestof W. L. McMillan to withdraw his | pees claimung a seat in the Senate as a Senaijor from Louisiana, Mr, Savtsscry, (dem.) of Del, said he had no partic- ular objection to'the withdrawal of these papers, but it seemed to him a rather strange proceeding and he would like to know some of the reasuns therefor. Mr, ns agg 4 Vermont, inguired whether the cre- dentials of Mr. McMillan came to the Senate from the Governor of Louisiana, accoraing to law, or whether they bad been submitted by Mr. McMillan himself? The Cuain (Mr. Ferry) replied that the credentials were presented by the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McCreery). Mr. Epaunps said he had no objection to their with- drawal. Mr. Tucrman, (dem.) of Ohio, said it was a matter of no consequence whether these credentials be withdrawn | or not, Undoubtedly their withdrawal would put an end to the claim of Mr. McMillan for a seat in this body; but that would have no effect whatever on the claim of Mr, Pinchback for a seat. The committee of the Senate had reported that neither the body which elected Mr. Pinchback nor that which elected Mr. McMillan was the Jegal Legislature of the State. r. Davis, of West Virginia, inquired if there wero not two sets of credentials of Mr. McMillan. The Cuam replied that there were two sets, those presented by the Senator from Kentucky and others sent directly to the Senate, Mr. Mortoy, (rep) of Ind., said there never was any such body as the McEnery Legislature. This whole McEnery government was a sham and a fraud, Mr. Stevenson, (dem.) of Kentucky, said, in a per- sonal aspect, this matter amounted to’ very’ little; but the Senate should be very careful about fixing a prece- dent. He thought that when credentials, properly authenticated by the Governor of a State, were laid upon the table tt became more than a personal matter, and the claimant had no right to withdraw them, He took issue with the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Mor- ton) as to the McEnery government being a fraud. Ho (Mr. Stevenson) believed it was the true government of Louisiana, and the Kellogg government a fraud, a bribery and a corruption, The Committee on Priv- tleges and Elections bad reported to the Senate that the Kellogg government was a fraud, and the record would show it. He argued the Senate was estopped by the report of the committee from recognizing the Kol- logg government, r. Hows, (rep.) of Wis., denied that the Sonate was estopped by the report of the committee. He would not consider himself estopped by the report of any committee. Mr, Wayre, (dem.) of Md., said tt occurred to him that the credentials of any person, after once being placed in the custody of the Senate, could not be with- drawn, They came to tho Senate from a sovercign Stato, and it was the right of a State to lay before the Senate of the United States a certificate that she had exercised her sovereign power by electing a Senator of the United States, without reference to the question whether McEnery or Kellogg was elected Governor ot Louisiana. He argued that Mr. McMillan had no right to come here and ask to withdraw his papers. le moved that the motion to grant the jucat to with- draw be referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. Rejected without a division, Mr. Bararp, (dem.) of Del, inquired in whose cns- tody these credentials were to be delivered in case the Senate acceded to the request. They come from tho State of Louisiana and could not be delivered to Mr. McMillan, He read from the record to show that Mr, MeMillan’s credentials were also presented by Mr. West, and relerred to the Committee on Privileges and Klections. Mr. Hows, of Wisconsin, said he did not desire to as | raise the ron the other | to the custody or value of these precious papers, Un- | doubtedly they came before the Senate iM su: hape as to place them on the journal and make them part of the record, He argued that {t had always been the practice of the Senate to allow papers in regard to ciaims to be withdrawn, There were papers in regard to the foun- dation for a seat in the Senate. The man who pre- ferred the claim had become sick of it and disgusted, and he (Mr. Howe) thought it was highly creditable to him, No injustice would be done by allowing the claim to be withdrawn, and be was in favor of it, Mr. Bararn said he believed in his soul that Mr. MeEnery was the logal Governor of Louisiana, and had been kept from his place by usurpation and federal power. (Slight applause in the gallery, which was promptly checked.) The question being on the motion of Mr West to grant the request to withdraw the credentials, it was agreed to—yeas 20, nays 28.~as follows :— Yras—Mossrs. Allison, Boutwell, Bruce, Burnside, Cameron Conkling, ‘¢ Frelinghuysen, MeMiilan, Morrill o Cragin, Eaaw | lin, “Harvey, Vormont, Morton, f Sherman, Spencer, W. ds, Hitebe Ls k, Howe, Inga lock, Patterson, t, Windom Navs—Messrs, Bayard, Bogy, Cape ¢r, Davis, Daw aton, Lngligh, Gold Johnston, Jones, Kelly, Kernan, Key, MeUreery, MeDunatv Merrumon, Norwvod, Randolph, Wenndy jury, Steven m0 son, Sherman. Watiaee, Whyte aad Withers: | tion as soon as the resolution was offered, acte BILLS DFRODUORD. Mr. Hircacoce, (rep.) of Neb., introduced a bill to survey the Austt Pacific route railroads, ‘Wr. Tuarros, o ts introduced a, bill for the rred to the Committee relief of William G, Ford, on Claims, Mr. ALLisom, of Iowa, introduced a bill to amend seo- tion 10, of the Indian Appropriation bill, approved Mareb 3, 1875, in regard to bonds of Indian agents, to the Commitee on Indian Affairs. Senator Allison’s bill provides that no Lodian agent shall be allowed to enter upon the duties of his office until the sureties on his bonds have filed sworn state- pone xe 8 setting forth the nature and kind of property by them, the value of the samo and where situ- ated, empowers the Secretary of the Interior to require any Indian agent now on duty to execute a new bond in with the foregoing provision, if, in be case, ho thinks the interests of the service de- mand it, The bill also requires each Indian agent to keep a book of itemized expenditures aud records of contracts and expenditures always open to public in- ir. KeRNAN, (dem.) of 'N, Y, n fal of Theodore Boromat, late master of thaiship asain for the loss of said ship out of the Geneva award, tho ship having been destroyed on the high seas by tho Confederate cruiser Tallahassee, Referred to the Com. mittee on the Judiciary, Mr. Rongrrsoy, (rep.) of S. C., presented tho petition of Kiizabeth B, Thomas, widow bf the lute General Lo- renzo Thomas, asking to be granted a pension, Re- ferred to the Committee on Pensions. Mr. Wricur, (rep, iat lowa, presented the memorial of Christopher S. Tucker asking compensation for| property taken and destroyed by the United States army in Ascension parish, Louigiana, in 1863 Referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. Haxvey, (rep.) of Kansas, introduced a bill for the relief of Amos B. Ferguson. Referred to the Com- mittee on Military Affairs. Mr. Patterson, of South Carolina, introduced a bill extending the time for the redemption of lands held by the United States under the geyeral acts levying direct taxes, Referred to the Committee on Finance, Senator Patterson's bill proposes to extend the time within which lands held by the United States under the jeveral acts levying direct taxes may be redeemed until February 1, 1877, and provides that already incurred in preparing for the lands may be paid out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Mr. Pappock, (rep.) of Neb., introduced a bill for the relief of J. W. Pearman, Reforred to thc Committee ou Claims. Mr. Sancent, (rep.) of Gal., introduced a bill to re- peal the last clause of the Sundry Civil Appropriation bill for the year ending June 80, 1874. Retcrred to the Committee on the Judiciary. [The clause it proposes to repeal relates to customs, commerce and navigation in the Territory of Alaska. } Mr, Incase, (rep.) of Kan., jutroduced a bill for the relief of the officers of the Fourth and Fifth Indian by ments, Referred to the Committee on Military fairs. Mr. aaccet fren oe Minn., presented a memorial of citizens of Wisconsin for an appropriation for the completion of the Fox River improvement aud for the construction of a canal along the bank of the Wiscon- sin River trom Portage City, Wis., to the Mississippi ay Referred to the Committee on Transportation joutes, Mr. Joxms, (dem.) of Fla., presented a memorial of the Florida Fruit Growers’ Association, asking the lo- cation of a national len for the concentration and Po gag of tropi and: semi-tropical flora in that tate, Referred to the Committee on Agriculture. Mr. Haauirow, (ind,) of Texas, introduced a bill for the relief of John N. Read. Relerrea to the Committee ‘on Claims. The Senate then, at twenty-minutes to two o'clock, on motion of Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN, proceeded to the consideration of executive busin Ata quarter past two the doors’ were reopened and the Senate adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wasuinaton, Dec. 14, 1875. The Spzaker proceeded to call the States for billsand resolutions, under which call billsy:&6, ‘were intro- duced and referred as follows:— BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS. By Mr. Bane, (rep.) of Me.—Proposing an amend- ment to the constitution providing that no State shall make any law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, and that no money raised by taxation in any State for the support of public schools, or derived from any public {und there- of or any public lands devoted: theretd, shall ever bo under the control of any religiou® sect; and that no money or lands so devoted shail be divided among reli- gious sects or denominations. ‘ By Mr, Hauer, (rep.) of Me.—To provide for United States vessels hailing from places where they aro owned. a By Mr, Eamns, (rep.) of R. I.—To reduce, postage by providing that after March 1, 1876, postage shall be charged on domestic mailable matter of the first class, embracing all correspondence, wholly or in part in writing, except book manusoript and corrected proof sheets passing between authors and publishers, and in- cluding home or drop letters, at the uniform rate of one cent for each half ounce or fraction thereof. By Mr. Starkwsatier, (rep.) of Conn.—To extend the duration of the Commission on the Alabama Claims, By Mr, Cox, (dem,) of N. Y.—A bigh fag like purposo. By Mr. Monnox, (rep.) of Ohio— end the act creating the Alabama Commission. YOR RESUMPTION. By Mr, Currrenpey, (ind.) of N. Y.—To fund the United States legal tender notes and to prepare the way for resumption of specie payments as soon’as practicable, directing the Secretary of the Treasury to sell for legal tender notes, which are to be immeé- diately cancelled and destroyed, three millions im four and ahalf per cent twenty year bonds on the first Tuesday of every month, By Mr. Buss, (dem.) of N. ¥.—To provide for the sale or exchange of part of the Brooklyn Navy Yard property. WANTING TO KNOW. By Mr. Ey, (dem.) of N. Y.—Directing the Secretary of War to transmit copies of the orders and instruc tions under which Quartermaster General Meigs is act- ing for the government during his absence ym the United States. By Mr. Wittis, (dem.) of N, Y.—For the improve- ment of the Harlem River, between Ward’s Island and the Hudson. ONE TRRM AMENDMENT. By Mr, Ranpatt, (dem.) of Pa. —Proposing an amend- ment to the constitution providing that after the next Presidential election the President of the United State: shall hold his office for six years, and that neither tl President, nor Vice President, when the office of Presi dent devolves upon him, shall be eligible to re-election, By Mr. Towsexp, (rep.) of Pa—To abolish stamps on bank checks; aiso to fix the rates of postage on third class matter. By Mr. O’Briex, (dem.) of Md.—Calling on the Secro- tary of the Treasury tor information as to when tho | Internal Revenue Bureau may be absorbed by the bureau under the charge of the Commissioner of | Customs. By Mr. Dovazass, (dem.) of Va.—To limit the sink- ing fund of the District of Columbia as provid the act of June 20, 1874; also to reopen the claims of States against the United State: . vances made during the war of 1812; also to establish a portof entry and delivery at West Point, Va. By Mr. Fuxrox, (dem) of Ga.—To prescribe and estab- lish a form of oath or affirmation to be taken by mem- bers of Congress, By Mr, Darratt, (rep.) of La.—To amend the act of the 8d of March, 1871, incorporating the Texas Pacitic Railroad Company. By Mr. Morey, (rep.) of La.—To remove political dis- abilities from all citizens of the United States and to prescribe an oath of office, By Mr. Sovrnanp, (dem.) of Ohio—To repeal the act of January 14, 1873, for the resumption of specie pay- m ents. By Mr. Jowes, (dem.) of Ky.—A bill for the same pur- pose, By Mr. Barant, (dem.) of Tenn.—A bill for the same purpose; also a'bill to restore the franking privilege for the Congressional Record and public documents, Mr, Davis, (dem.) of N. C.—To repeal the law for- bidding payment of accounts, claims and demands of Southern citizens for quartermaster’s stores, &c., and appropriating $500,000 to pay for the same, By Mr, Wmitrrnorys, (dem.) of Tenn.—To modify the tax on tobacco; also to pay the claims of certain mail contractors in Tennessee, aby Mr. Tuorxpuren, (rep.) of Tenn.—To equalze soldiers’ bounties, Mr. Laxpers, (dem.) of Ind.—Relative to the re- bre of the Resumption act of the 14th of January, By Mr. Baxrr, (rep.) of Ind.—Relative to mileage of metnbers of Congress; also against subsidies and the grant of land to railroads, By Mr, Casoy, (rep.) of Ind.—To amend the laws re- specting third class mailable matter; also in relation to bounties; also toextend the time for filing claims for additional bounties, By Mr. Homan, (dem.) of Ind.—To repeal the act for tha resumption of specie payment; also to repeal the Bankrupt law; also to equalize soldiers’ bounties. > By Mr. Fanweut, (rep.) of IlL—For the resumption of specie payments, THE OLD WAR PEELING. mt, (rep.) of Ill, offered the following reso- 4 demanded the provious question ou its adop- Resolved, by the House of Representatives, That {n all sub- ordinate appointments und y of the officers of this House, it is the judgment of the House that wounded Union soldiers, who are not disabled from the performance of duty, | A standing vote on seconding the previous question shgwed 97 republicans voting in its favor and 104 dem- ocrats against it, The vote was then taken by teilers, with the like general result, the report of the tellers being—Yeas 99, nays 126, Bo the previous question was not seconded. Cox, (dem.) of N. Y., then offered the following méndment to tho resolution, and moved the reference of both resolutions to the Committee on Ac- counta, and demanded the previous question :— Resolved, That inasmuch as the anion of the States has doen restored, all the citizens thereof are entitled to cu sideration in appointment to offices under this government, Mr. Haux, (rep.) of Me,, inquired whether Mr. Cox's resolution was offered as a substitute to Mr. Fort The Sreakenr roplied he anderstood it to be offered mendment, STARKWeATHER, of Connecticut, made the ob- Jection that as the State of New York had been already called the gentleman (Mr, Cox) could mot put in a reso- lution now, The Speaker riled that t was too late to make tho objection. Mr. Fort sald that he had tried to make the objec- Mr. Ha.k, of Maine, inquired whether the House had on the amendment, The 3veacen—it bas not, That would be acting om Of the resolution now, which is not from New York, His lutions to a committee, Tesolution was an ad captan- My resolution is in the nature of an am. (Laughtor.) GAN, (dem.) of Texas, made a point of order ‘er the original resolution nor the amendment was in order. Neither of them proposed anything which the House was authorized or required by law to do. ‘Tho Speaker overruled the point of order, stati thatit it was ever tunable It come too ee ‘Tho vote was taken by yeas and nays and resultod— Yeas 168, nays 102 (a strict Py. vote). So both resolutions were referred to the Committee on Accounts. The call of the States was resumed and introduced and referred as follows:—~ a TO RETIRING PRESIDENTS, By Mr. Haraisox, (dem.) of Ll, to amend the con. tiation by fixing one term for the President and mak- ug him neligible for future election, but making him a Senator for life from the United States at Large at the expiration of his office as President, by Mr, Sprixogr, (dem,) of IIL, a ing the Committee on Mili the expediency of reducing men, or tosuch num! service at an ils were ‘at six years, le in any term of _ By Mr. spanks (dem.) of Ill.—Authorizing the pay- ment of import duties in legal tender notes. By Mr. Campngn. ‘of Ill.—To provide a national currency, and for lection and disbursement of the public revenue, SP Were (dem.) of Mo.—To establish a mint in St. Louis for the coinage of gold and silver. By Mr. Stonx (dem.) of oto. —to establish a depart- ment of commerce; also various concurrent resolutions of the Missouri Legislature. By Mr. Desour (dem.) of Mo,—Establishing rates of Postage on third class matter; also to regulate the tax on dealers in, and producers of, tot ; also granting indemnity to States for swamp lands sold by the United tate: By Mr, Rea (dem,) of Mo.—To amend’ the existing revenue laws, ‘ THR HENDERSON DISMISSAL. By Mr, Buoxxxr, (dom.) of Mo.—Granting legal titles to all New Madrid locations in Missouri; also the fol- lowing resolution, which he asked to be put on ita pas- sage :— Resolved, That the President of the United States be re- quested to trunsinit to the House all correspondence in ref. erence to the dismissal of ex-Senator John H, Henderson, of Missouri, as one of the special counsel of the United States in the prosecution of whiskey fraud cases before the United States Court at St, Louis, Mr. Lawrenox, (rep.) of Ohio, suggested that the words, ‘‘if not incompatible with the public interests,” be inserted in the resolution, Voices on the democratic side:—"*No!” “No!’’ Mr. Booker declined so to modify the resolution. Mr. Kasson, (rep.) of Iowa, made the point of order that under the rules resolutions calling for Executive information, when objected to, must lay over oue day. ‘The Speaker sustained the point of order, and the resolution wentover.., f Bills were further introduced and referred as fol- jows:— By Mr. Coxorr, (rep.) of Mich.—To revise, amond and consolidate the laws relating to the security and property on steam vessels, By Mr. WALDRON, (r P. ) of Mich.—For appropriation for Michigan Ship Canal; also to admit gilling twine free of duty, By Mr. W. B. Witttams, (rep.) of Mich.—To amend act relating to reports of railroad companies. By Mr. Huupect, (rep.) of Mich.—To divide the Stuto of Michigan into three judicial districts, and to estab- lish the northern district of Michigan, By Mr. Hancock, (dem.) of Texas—To amend the act granting pensions for the War of 1812, and to restore to of persons stricken there- nt of disloyalty, By Mr, McCrary, (rep.) of lowa—Concerning interna- tional arbitrations; also proposing an amendment to the constitution, aS Wiisoy, (rep.) of Iowa, offered the following res- olution :— Resolved, That it is the duty of Congress to regulate on interstate railroads by appropriate legislation, vo that the agricultural, commercinl and other industrial interests of the country may be protected trom extortion and discrim- ination. Objection being made, the resolution went over for one day. The previous question was not seconded and the ee was referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals. Mr. Groysn, (dem.) of Mo., offered a resolution in- structing the Committee on Coinage to inquire what roceedings should be taken on the part of the United tates with a view to the establishment of a uniform decimal system of weights, measures and coins through- out the civilized world. Referred. i Bilis were further introduced and referred, as fol- jows:— By’ Mr. Kisnaut, (rep.) of Wis —For the constrac- tion of a pontoon bridge across the Mississippi River between Buffalo county, Wisconsin, and Winona county, Minnesota, By Mr. Lurreett, (dem.) of Cal.—For the sale of desert lands in two counties in California. Also to re- move all internal revenue taxes from brandy made of apples, peaches, grapes or fruit; also for the payment of import duties, one-half in legal tender notes or national bank notes; also repealing the duties on grain ‘sacks and bagging used for grain, on cotton and wool and on burlaps and gunny clovh; ‘also for the sale and pre-emption of the grazing lands 1n California; also for the improvement of harbors at Humboldt Bay and Cres- cent City, Cal. By Mr.’ Pier, (dem.) of Cal.—For the construction of @ post office building at San Francisco, Cal. ; also for the reimbursement of Califor for expenses incurred during the late robellion; also for the transfer of Indian affairs from the Interior De- partment to the War Department. By Mr. Wigaixtox, (dem.) of Cal.—For the improve- ment of the harbors of San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Wilmington, Cal. By Mr. Pacx, (rep.)of Cal.—To forfeit certain public lands granted for railroad purposes from Mis- souriand Arkansas to the Pacific coast; also for the sale of Jumber lands in California, Oregon and Wash- ington Territory; also, relating to placer mining on public lands in California, By Mr. Dowxett, (rep.) of Minn.—To amend the act relating to naturalization, By Mr. Lass, (dem.) of Uregon—To indemnity Ore- gon for expenses imcurred in suppressing Indian hos- tilities in 1872-3 0 for the construction of a canal at cascades of the Columbia River, Oregon. By Mr. Puiuips, (rep.) of Kansas—For the equaliza- tion of counties; also to amend Pacific railroad acts; also to confirm pre-emptions witnin limits of railroad grants; also to define and limit claims of certain rail- Toad companies to certain land grants; also to provide Jor government buildings in Leavenworth city. By Mr. Browy, (rep.) of Kansas—For sale of Kansas Indian lands in Kansas to actual settlers, By Mr. Witsox, (dem.) of W. Va.—To repeal act prohibiting payment for quartermaster stores taken during the late war; also a resolution directing the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish the names of all persons or oflicers whose accounts have not been set. ted, or who have become defaulting to the government since March, 1865, Laid over under the rules, By Mr. Facrxyer, of West Virginia—For holding United States District Court at Martinsburg, West Va. ; also a resolution instructing the Committee on Ju- diciary to inquire into the expediency of repealing all provisions of law that allow Unitea States district at- torneys extra fees and compensation for professional services. By Mr. Crovnse, (rep.) of Neb.—For settlement of Jands of the Fort Kearney Military Reservation in Ne- braska; also for a branch mint at’ Omah: construction of a pontoon railway brid, Mississippi River, By Mr. Cayyox, of Utah—Relating to approval of billa in Utah; also to enabie the people of Utah to forma constitution and State government, and to admit Utah into the Union as a State, By Mr. Sranty, (dem.) of Wyoming—P lection of Governors and Territorial officers by the people; alsa for a military road to the Wyoming Nation: rk. y Mr. Harris, (dem.) of Va —To aid the Washing- ton, Cincinatti and St. Louis Railroad Company to con- struct a narrow gauge railroad from tidewater to Su Louis and Chicago, By Mr. Hosxixs, (rep.) of New York—To encourage the production of hew and valuable froits and planta. By Mr. MacDoveat4, (rep.) of New York —Relating to appointments and promotions in the Pay Department of the Arm; R18, (rep.) of Mass—To provide compen- wners of certain lands ceded by the United, States to Great Britain under the treaty of July 9, 184: "By Mr. Packer, (rep.) of Pa—To define ths postal revenues on which commissions to postmasters shall be allowed; also to regulate tho manner of bidding for and awarding mail contracts; also to reduce the rate of postal or mailable matter of the third class. By Mr, Paryx, (dem.) of Ohio.—Resolutions calling for the report of Lieutenant Maynard. and other infor- mation on the Alaska seal fisheries. Agreed to. By Mr, Euiorr, (rop.) of 8, 0.—Resolutions relative to the peddling of spirituous liquors within the limite of South Carolina, By Mr. Hexrox, (dom.) of Va., and Mr. Dovarass, (dem,) of Va—Removing the political disabilities of Samuel Cooper, Jr., and Robert Tausell, of Virginia, Passed. ‘THE WHISKRY FRAUDS, Mr. Rawpatt, of Pennsylvania, offered a resolution directing the Secretary of the ‘Treasury to transmit copies of all Jetters, telegrams, orders and instructiont relating to the organization ‘and prosecution of the present movement against whiskey rings at St. Louis, Chicago and Milwaukeo, Mr. Kasson, of lowa, objected tothe present com ideration of the resolution, and asked that under the Je it lie over for one day. He wished to seo that it ‘was carpfully worded, Mr, Raxpauu asked him whether he objected to the resolution. Mr. Kassow replied that he made no objection to any: thing that was consistent with the successful prosecu tion of the pending proceedings. Mr. Ranpat said that the object of the resolution wasto have the Houre fully informed of what wat being done in the matter by the government, Mr. Hoar, (rep.) of Mass, intimated that the effee, of it would be to expose to the whiskey rings the pur poses of the government. Mr. Raxpaus replied that the resolution contom plated po such purpose, The resolution then wem over till to-morrow, Mr, Ranpatt presented a very numerously petition for the repeal of tho Check Stamp act, REGENTS OF SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE, The Speaker appointed Regents of the Smith sonian Institute Messrs, Clymer, of Pennsylvania, Hill, of Georgia, and McCrary, of lowa, The Senate bill extending the duration of the Ala bama Commission was taken up and passed. The House then, atten minutes past civht o'clock, adjourned (ill to-morrow,