The New York Herald Newspaper, March 21, 1876, Page 3

THE STATE CAPITAL The “No Seat No Fare” Bill Finally Defeated. COWARDLY ABSENTEES. Representatives of the People Who Neglect Their Interests. e . Assemblymen Terribly Agitated About Their Public Reputations. THE. PRESS DEFIED. Atsayy, March 20, 1876. ‘The chief topic of conversation this evening at all the hotels and at the Capitol was the publication in the Henatp of this morning of the rumor that prevailed last Friday relative to the bribery of the Railroad Committee to report advorsely on the “No Seat No Fare’ bill and the charge made by a party who signed himself “One Who Knows,” concern- ing the “ring” tn the committee and what it had agreed to do fora certain sum of money. The three members of the Railroad Committee who arrived to-day were im a torrible rage and declared that he story was gotten up by the lobby for their own benefit. Expectation was on Miptoe when the Assembly was called to ord nd, of course, these members of the committee were the observed of all observers. They flitted to and fro across ‘the chamber from time to time, apparently to consult with one another as to what was best to be done. Kiiltan, to the surprise of many, ‘was in his seat long before the hour had arrived for the session to begin, looking flushed and excited. He occupied himself busily in writing, and it was no- iced that he bad the Albany despatch from this morn- ing’s Heratp on the desk before him, apparently as a ext for what he was hastily putting down on paper. When the Speaker took his seat and called the House to order, the members of the Rail- toad Committee present were Muller and Whitson, of New York, and Baldwin, of Allegany. The absen- dees were West, the chairman, of Saratoga; Worth, of Kings; Gridley, of Oneida; McKee, of Herkimer, and Lock, of Queens. AS soon asthe reading of the jour- sal had been coneluded Mr. Muller rose in his seat, amid a general buzz, and the people in the galleries craned their necks over the dalustrades so as to hear what he bad to say. Silence soon followed, however, whereupon ho an- nounced that he rose to a question of privilege, He said he desired to make a statement relative to, his action on the “No Seat No Faro’ bill in the Com- mittee en Railroads, He stated that he was not Present when the bill was diseussed in tho committee by Mr. Killian and the railroad representatives, and was not in the committee when the vote was taken on the bill. He denied most em- Phatically that he had been influenced in any way by pressure in the committee or without to take favorable or unfavorable action on the bill, or to so act as not to take any action on it As a member of the committee he knew of no “ring” in the committee, Did not believe there was any, and had never hegrd it suggested that there ‘Was by any one before he had read the statement of the individual who bad written to the HxRaup, declaring uot only that there was a “ring,” but that he was a member of it. ‘The bill had had a far hearing before the committee, It had been fully discussed in all its aspects in the committee, and it was the unanimous opinion of the committee thas the object sought to be obtained by the ‘bill was UTTERLY DAPRACTICABLE. Por that reason, and that reason alone, the commit- tee had come to the conclusion {t had concerning the measure. As’for the charge that he had been actuated by improper motives; that he had been induced by promises of pecuniary gain to keep away trom the rommittee when the vote was taken on the bill, or to refuse to make a motion to reconsider the adverse re- port. It was false from beginning to end His sharacter as @ legislator was such that he _ felt ‘that be was proof against any isinua- Mons of that kind, and he defied any one to put his Gnger on a single act in his legislative career ‘hat could be construed by an unbiased mind as dis- honorable or dishonest. Muller spoke slowly and de Uberately, but It was evident that he was considerably sxcited, Mr. Baldwin tollowed Mr. Milllor in rising to a quos. lion of privilege. He is a quiet, unassuming man gen- tally, but while Muller was speaking he walked out into the middie aisle and stood there fucing the Speaker until he had been recognized. When Yulier bad done he caught the Speaker's eye “and gotthe floor, His speech was very brief, He umply said, “The charge made against the Railroad Committee, so far as 1 know, is false. As to myself I know it to.be false and | challenge investigation.” KIDLIAN’S SPEECH, It was next Killian's turn to rise, and as soon as he ‘took the floor he began to speak without stating that be rose to a question of privilege. ‘Does the gontieman rise to a question of privilege?’ asked the Speaker, Killian, with his hands thrust into his pockets, looked up at Mr. Sloan, who was in the chair, as though he felt like saying, “What in’ thunder do you suppose I got on my feet for;”’ but he did not say so, Alter a slight pause he answered, ‘I do rise to a ques- | tion of privilege.” Then arranging some papers on his desk and hoiding im bis hand the Albany despatch cut from the Hxra.p, he spoke as follows :— MR. KILLIAN’S SPRKCH, Mr. Speaker, I rise to a question of privilege. Itis not my desire, Mr. Speaker, to occupy the attention of this House a very long time, but I deem Wt sufficient, Mr, Speaker and gentiemen of this House, to stand here to-night and denounce as an atter and malicious talsechood as far as myself is concerned or my colleagues, the members of the vps ayer the statements made in the Heravp in regard to bill 88, introduced oy me, known as the “No Seat No Fare’ vill, appertaming to New York: Now in re- to my action on the matter of this vill wat forth all the energy that | possessed wo have that bil! reported favorably. I attended the com- ittee meetings, argued there, to the best of my abil- thé good qualities of that bill, 1 waited patiently from ove week to another and no Feport was made the commitice. To my utter surprise 4 report was made inst Thursday night adversely. On Friday morning, after the report had made adversely the Hrnaty mado quite a com- ment ob my action not being here that night to reconsideration of the vote against the repore | of the committee. 1 can ny here belore I get through | my point of privilege 1 will snow to mem- bers of this House to their utter satisfaction that everything | did concerning my connection with this bill ah along was proinpted by pure motives on my rt. I imtroduced the bill to have it brought before 18 House and to have it thoroughly considered by this House. Now then, sir, in the iirst piace, | don’t think {t is neccesary to go into any detaied ton thie matter, but as! sata before, the ‘Sense and dignity of this House certainly impel me to do it. As faras myself, Mr. Speaker, is concernea, I tare not for the cominents of the press of this country— Whether it is the Nuw York Henao, Times, Sun and Tribune, or any other paper. | come here, sir, representing a respectable constituency that knew very well the man they sentto Albany to represent them. Is and hereto defy the reporter of the New Yorn , OF any other reporter thatever sat in this House, to poimtio any action of my life where they can impugn any dignity or honesty. The Hirxaty goes on to say that there was a ring in the interest of the raiiroads operating against this bill im that committee, Now, Mr. Speaker, w this country that expects to ‘@ any standin, spectad! portions of this community at least, efore it takes and asset character of representing Cage of th this gare | Temarks, and not to be ruled by any little bigoted action un ne part. 0 HERALD also On Suturda; day and son published certain articles reflecting on myself and sev eral of my colleagues on this floor; stati in fact, that pecuniary motives bad mpled me mem vo Recure tie defeat of this bill, 41 you think it proper L will send up to the clerk and have bim read the article that was began this morning. Mr, Killian sent the article up to the clerk’s desk, which he rewd The reading of this despatch was listened to with con. Mderable interest by the House. The ‘2,000 reasons’ Feated a half suppressed laughter in the galleries. Mr. Killian, after the article was read, con- as lollows:—Now, Mr. Speaker, when my charges Mpued first call th er ae [e ed Ua et tosuch a mean wat of whole cloth colleagues of the — silent re tellow treat i with ch scurrilous and con#* to be treated; out of i thought | would as malicious, wil- respect Serena wis Hous: to mse and denounce all those arti ful falsehooas without the slightest foundation, manu- factured tor the this House Mr. er and gentlemen of this Hou’ so long as lam member of this House I wi! do my duty in an honest, fearless manuer, fearing not who takes oifence at my course I fut@) my duties to myself and my constit- id to the dignity of this House! Now, Mr. speaker, | am democratic in my ideas about politics, rehgion, speech and the freedom of the press; but [I must claim, cir. that any newepaper that will attack = any member of this House certainly should receive the condemnation of this respectable body of inteligent gentiemen until itcould state some S that it could make these seurrtious remarks on, and sir, | will offer a resolution asking the Speaker of this House to appoint an inves- tagating committee to-examine into this matter, and to report to this House at the first favorable opportuility. Killian was followed by Mr, Whitson, who said that he also rose to @ question of privilege. He said his name bad been mentioned in an article in the Henao, written by some one whom nobody knew, but who says he is “One Who Knows.” He said that the bill had been very fully discussed, and that # hearing upon it bad been given a few weeks ago by the com- mittee, when Mr, Killian appeared and argued in fa- vor of the bill, and by gentlemen representing the rail- roads against it «It was shown at that time by the Jatter that cars on the Third avenue road were run at intervals of twenty seconds, and of his own personal knowledge he could assert that it would bea physical impossibility to run more cars on that road. In his judgment he did not think that the travelling public along that route could be fully accom- modatea except by rapid transit, An elevated railroad there could alone solve the problem, The bill was an impossibility and was adjudged such by the committee. If passed it would be impracticable aud an attempt to enforce it would do SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THR RAILROAD COMPANIES which, though public servants, were very convenient fs neo of intimidating members of 60 uents ry ones, and had rights as well as individuals. He would, | ho said, hke to see the interests of public trav- ellera taken care of, He stated that as far as he was concerned he knew the charges made in the Hrratp were * false and malic:ous’’ in every particular, denied that there was a “ring” in the Railroad Com- mittee, and closed by saying he had no apologies to make for his vote in the committee to report adversely on the bill, ‘I recorded my vote in favor of an ad- verse report,” said he, “and Iam proud of that roc- ord.” Then Mr, Whitson sat down as though he had uttered a sentence that would make small boys at school wonder hereafter why it is that all Assembly- men are proud of their records, The ¢xcitement occasioned by these questions of privilege had scarcely died away before the order of resolutions came up, and, trae to © oF pledges, Betts and Wenzel took their seats, determined not to let the order pass by without a vote on the mo- tion to reconsider being taken on the adverse report of the Railroad Committee. It will be remembered that there was some doubt last Friday as to whether Mr. Betts’ motion had not been cut off entirely by his giving way to Mr. Worth, who did not renew it, as he had promised. But it seems that while the action Worth took in offering the resolution he did, which finally ended in an adjournment, effectually pre- vented action being then taken on the motion, it did not prevent the motion tying considered as actually ‘on the table. Speaker pro tem. Sloan so, decided, and as the journal, when read this evening, contained the motion, and the journal was approved, Mr. Betts Knew just where he stood when the proper time came, He called the motion the moment the regular order was reached, and called the yeas and nays on it. It is probable that it would have been more satis- factory had it not been called up this evening, as there were somany absentees, butas there was a prospect of there being a much thinner House to-mor- row on account of the Syracuse Convention, on tho whole it {e just as well that the motion was taken up as promptly as it was.- It was evident that the calling of the yeas and nays was not relished by many, for the absentees had to be called before several members cared about going on the record. Tlie vole Wasa close one, the motion being defeated by only six votes, for which. New Yorkers may “thank”? the New York members who voted in the negative. The following is the vote:— ° ‘THE VOTR—YRAS, Walter Ballou, Oneida (dem). ve Goorge W. Welant, Rockland (dem). Adolphus E. Wenzel, Sullivan (dem). George W. Betts, New York (rep). Patrick J. Carty; New York (dem). John Galvin, New York (dem). Isaac 1, Hayes, New York (dem), Martin P. Killian, New York (dem). Stephen J. O’Hare, New York (dem) James J. Slevin, New York (dem). Archibald Watts, New York (rep) Berfrand Chaffee, Eric (dem.) Edward Gallagher, Ene (rep.) Wilham W. Lawson, Erie (rep.) Charles F, Taber, trie (dem.) Edgar Shannon, Cataraugus (rep.) Witham V. Cieary, Renssaelar (dem.) ‘Thomas D, Coleman, Albany (dem.) William J. Maher, Albany (dem.) Alexander H. Campbell, Lewis (dem.) . James 8. Davenport, Otsego (dem.) George Scramling, Otsego (dem.) James H. Fiavagan, Oneida (dem.) Amos A. Birrel, Niagara (dem.) Jonas W. Barron, Niagara (rep.) John M. Roscoe, Schoharie (rep.) Daniel Bradley, Kings (dem.) Michael Coffey, Kings (dem.) Albron P, Higgink, Kings (rep.) Charles D. L. Lyon, Kings (dem.) Samuel B. Gardiner, Suffolk (dem.) Samuel D. Holliday, Tompkins (dem.) Thomas B. Hamilton, Ulster (dem., George M. Voorhes, Montgomery (dem.) ©. Fred. Herbst, Oneida (rep.) George J. Post, Cayuga (rep.) Isaac H. Maynard, Delaware (dem.) Edmund Miller, Chemung (dem.) Barton G. Morse, Greene (dem.) Judson 0, Nelson, Courtiandt (dem) Seth Stanley, Ontario (dem.) Witham H, Whitney, Chautauqua (dem.) NAYS, Sumner Baldwin, Alleghany (rep) Lansing Becker, Jefferson (dem. ) Joseph D. Billmes, Orleans (rep.) Jonas W. Brown, Niagara (rep.) William BE, Calkins, Essex (rep.) Arthar Clark, Wyoming (rep ) Thomas W. Green, Oswego (rep.) John Preston, Oswego (rep.) George B. Sloan, Oswego (rep.) YN. Green, Genesee (rep.) William Gulick, Schuyler (rep.) George Y. Whitson, New York (dem) Charles a. Peabody, Jr., New York (rep.) Nicholas Mailer, New York (dem.) James T. King, Now York (dem.) Andrew S, Campbell, New York (rep.) Isaac a. Englehart, New York (rep,) William T, Grail, New York (rep.) Fred. Gugel, Jr., New York (rep.) Joseph Hofman, Jr., New York (rep) Morris N. Campbell, Madison (rep.) Frederick C. Fiske, Madison (rep.) Theodore A, Case, Chautaaqua (rep y James Faulkner, Livingstone (dem.) — Hamuiiton Fish, Jr., Putnam rep.) Rodney A. Ford, Broome (dem,) George H. Forster, Westchester (rep.) Eugene B. Gear, Tioga rep.) Hetan Glass, Monroe (rep.) James H, Graham, Monroe (rep) . William Hodge, Montoe (rej. ) Thomas Hammond, Dutchess (rep.) De Witt Webb, Dutchess (rep.) A. Barton Hepboom, St. Lawrence (rep.) John T. Hogelman, Columbia (rep. ) George D. Wheeler, Delaware (rep,) Lotus Inga ls, Jefferson (rep.) Alfred Leroy, Albany (rep.) Hiram Manfeld, Octario dem.) Ivaac Noyes, Jr., Saratoga (rep.) K. 8. Tewsend, Richmond (rep.) Jonathan Ogden, Kings (rep.) Adrian M, Suydam. Kings (rep.) Janae Plumb, Chenango (rep.) Louis Post, Seneca (dem.) ‘Witham B. Ruggles, Steubeo (dem.) Allen 8, Russell, Wayne (rep.) He | _| theontained belore it was recom | Richard U, Sherman, Oneida (dem.) ; Joba D. Sutherland, Yates dem.) - ° ADSENT, Shepard Bowen, Clinton (rep.) Thomas W, Bradley, Orange (rep.) Henry G. Burleigh, Washington (rep.) Harrison Cheney, Cattaraugus (rep.) Townsend D. Cox, Queens (dem.) Daniet Cruice, Erie (ind. dem.) Joseph P. Fallon, New York (dem) Jobo L. Gilbert Franklin (rep.) Sylvester Gridley, Oneida (rep.) Emory W. Gurnee, Wayne (dem.) Joha J, Hanson, Fulton and Hamiiten (dem.) Lewis C. Lang, 8t. Lawrence (rep.) John MoGroarty, Kings (dem.) Myron A. McKve, Herkimer, (rep.) Allan Munroe, Onondaga, (rep.) Felix Murphy, New York, (dem.) Emmet O'Neil, Schenectady, (rep.) Matthew Patten, New York, (dem.) Alvin T. Payne, Queens, (dem.) Townsend J. Potter, Washington, (rep.y George H, Power, Columbta, (rep.) . John H. Reeve, Orange, (dem.) Gerry E, B, Santee, Steuben (rep,) Thomas B, Simmons, Rensselaer (rep.) Peter Slingerland, Albany, (rep.) Carroll EK. Smith, Onondaga (rep.) Robert H. Strahan, New York (rep.) Wm, F. Taylor, Rensselaer (rep.) % George West, Saratoga (rep.) George W. Walant, Rockland (dem) Jacob Worth, King’s Co, (rep.) Jacod D, Wurts, Ulster (rep.) REASONS wiry, When Mr, Killian’s name was called he said he | hoped the House would give the-bill achance. An opportunity to be so amended, if possible, so as to meet with tho views of the majority of the members. If there were good teatures | he wanted them to be considered fairly. He then vored in favor of the motion. Mr. King said he voted ‘Nd™ because he believed the | bill was an attempt to acgomplish an impossibility. | Mr. Ogden remarked that there were good many rea- | sons why a negative vote should prevail, the chief one of which was that the House owed some Tespect to its standing Committee on Railroads, which bad umanimousty reported against the bill, Mr, Weiant was absent when the committee made its revort, it was but right, no matter what might be its merits or demerits, that he should be | given an opportunity to have it fairly discussed in Committee of the Whole. Mr. Ballou remarked he was not like some members who had risen to @ question of privilege and | who were absent when the committee made its report, Aside from what might be the conflicting views of members on the bill, he thought that there ought to be fair play about the mat- ter, and, inasmuch as the member who introduced the bill was not present when (he committee made the re- port, he thought a reconsideration of the vote had on the committee’s report could prevail without any re- flection on the committes, PEAR OF A LOBRYIST. When the voto was announced the House went on with its routine business as usual It is contended by | the friends of tho bill that had it. not been for | the fear that they would be regarded as playing | into tho hands of a certain lobbyman who | wanted to see the bill get into the House, so that ho | could put money in his pocket by getting the railroad companies to employ him to buy up members enough to defeat it when it would be put on its final passage, the motion would have been carried. This follow and another of his own feather made themselves so disgustingly prominent tn talking about the bill that there is no doubt about this fear of honest members of being minunderatood if they voted in the affirmative. A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE. Mr. Killian, it will be borne in mind, gave notice ; that ho would ask for a committee of investigation into the charges made against him and the members of the Railroad Committee. It {8 probable that the ap- pointment will not be asked until Mr, West and Mr. Worth, the two members | of the Railroad Committec, who were absent this even. ing, have had an opportunity to be heard before. tho Honse on a question of privilege, which, I learn, they are anxious to obtain, | LEGISLATIVE NOTES, ‘The proceedings of the Canal Board relative to the Tate of canal tolls were recerved by the Assembly and referred to the Canal Committee, The Erie Ratlway biil was received from the Senate, and Mr. Peabody asked a unanimous consent that it be referred to the Committee on the Whole. Mr. G. J. Post objected, Mr. Peabody then asked that it be sent to the Judiciary Committee, as it involved only a legal point and had becn considered by that committee in the | Senate, Agreed to. Mr. Hepburn introduced a bill providing for the dis. position of tho lateral canals. It authorizes the Canal Board to sell those canals to the best advantage of the | State, and in case the Board cannot sell them, then it shall abandon them and sell the land covered by them. ‘The resolution introduced by Mr. Gerard for an {| amendment to the constitution consolidating the Su- | preme, Superior ard Common Pleas courts of New | York, was killed this evening tn the Senate after somo debate. Mr. Gerard also introduced a bill providing for the | amendment of the Compulsory Education law, requiring | the paid officers of the Board of Education in New | York city to perform the duties imposed on the Schoo | Trustees by the original act in proceeding against par- ) ents who do not send their children to school. id, as the member who Introduced it | + tee. | he was'refused, and Abbott, one of the contestants, The House went into committee and took up the bill | fixing the salaries of officials in New York. Mr. Gray moved to restore the Dill to the provisions tted, reducing the | salaries of the Mayor and Comptroller to $8,000, the | Commissioner of Public Works and President of the | Board of Police to $6,000, the President of the Fire | Department to $5,000, the Aldermen to $2,000 each | and some others from $500 to $1,000, Mr. Whitson said several inembers wgro absent who wanted to ve heard on this bill and, therefore, moved | that progress be reported. Carried. The same committee considered the bill to provide | for the audit and payment of claims for incidental ex- | me of schools in New York, incurred from 1869 to Along discuesion on the bill took piace and a aum- | ber of amendments were offered but none of them pre- vailed. The bili was progressed, and in the House Mr. | Forster moved its recomumittal to the Commitiee on Cities Lost. , | The bill was then ordered to a third readin, Mr. Forster moved that the New York Salary bill be ordered to a third reading, thas cutting off Mr. Grafl’s Proposed amendment. Lost—3l vo 42. | Mr. Weiant’s bill, amending the public tn: | law, refers to the election of trustees, and allo electors to determine whether they will have a sole | trustee or three trustees, Adjourned. THE JERSEY LEGISLATURE. } | BENEVOLENT MEASURES—A PROPOSED LAW YOR SUPPRESSING GAMBLING. Treytox, March 20, 1876, {p the Senate to-night Mr. Blackwell introduced a | bill appropriating $10,000 for the erection of a Centen- nia! monument in the Soldiers’ Cemetery at Trenton, The bill appropriating $25,000 to the Home for Disabled Soldiers at Nowark was finally passed. in the House Mr. Egan introduced a bill making {t a misdemeanor for any person to keep or direct any house or premises, public park, fair ground or race course for the purpose | of ‘welling what is commonty called “Paris mutual pool,” Gekets, auction pools, or permit any gambling | ate dice, faro bank, rouletio, keno and three-card mont other game, lor money or property. The con- sideration of the vill providing for the erection of build. ke., lor the deal, dumb, blind and teebdie-migded, the evening, pending which the house ad- up journed. | A STATEN WLAND STRIKE. About forty laborers engaged upon the new Cana) , Street sewer at Stapleton struck for higher wages yes- terday morning. They say they will not work for tne present wages nor allow any one else to work, while the contractor says that fil their places, The gang have been receiving $1 25 a day each and now demand $1 60. The masons are still at work at $2 a day, but it is understood that they will“demand $2 $0. RELIGIOUS MADNESS. Last night another name was added to the list of religious mauiacs. Cornelius Mahoney, an uomarned | man, aged two ix yours, a laboror, was transierred | from Ninety-ninth Street Hospital to Bellevue, de imaginos that, as & puuishmens for bis many sius, he | has deen transformed ito # devil and cannot be saved. all poe “4 toMy 4 ig uy tony nin thas ar jut s thar hope- | Sb asean | Election unanimously reported in his favor, and he | 1872, the date of Vance’s resignation. NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1876,—TRIPLE SHEET. WASHINGTON. The Pursuit of Investigation for Political Purposes. ATTACKS ON THE RECORDS OF STATESMEN. Members of Clymer's Committee at Loggerheads, THE MEPHISTOPHRLES OP BSSRX APPEARS. y A Lively Week for Distinguished Witnesses. FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT, Wasuixotox, March 20, 1876, AN EXCITING SCENE BEFORE CLYMER'S COM- MITTEE—THE PURSUIT OF PENDLETON'S PEE— GENERAL BUTLER COMING TO THE SURFACEy A lively, not to say exciting scene, took place in Mr. Clymer’s committee this evening. After Mr. Clymer had finished examining the younger Tomlinson, a brother of Mrs, Beiknap, one of the newspaper corres- pondents was called in to give the name of acertain | prominent republican lawyer who he said knew who re- ceived $30,000 of the Pendleton money alleged to have been transferred to Mrs. Belknap. The witness took the stand but refused to give the name, as he had done once before earlier in the day, Mr. Clymer grew un- easy and Mr. Robbins frowned. The witness said that he could not disclose the names of the persons who | were supposed to bave transierred the money. Then | the chairman asked why, when he was examined before he, went to ask permission of Mr. Danford, a» republican member of the committee, to reveal the name, when he had already published it four days previously. The reply was to get Mr, Danford, who knew the name of tho lawyer, to tell and relieve me of the secret, Clymer and Robbins renewed their efforts to obtain the information, after warning the witness of the consequences if he continued obsti- nate, At this juncture it was suggested that the Jawyer was Ben Butler, and the names of two New York women were given as the names of the manipu- lators of the $30,000, Subpmoas were hastily made out, and the Sergeant-at-Arms ordered to bring General Butler before the committee in the morning. Some one hinted that he might be on the road to Canada by thattime, Robbins turned, aud said he favored bring- ing the General before the committee forthwith. “We must catch our republican witnesses on the ran,” said he. Clymer assented and the officer started for Mr. But- Jer’s house, but he soon returned with word that But- ler would not come until he had eaten his dinner. Clymer looked toward General Batler’s stone houso across the park, and sald he (Clymer) had eaten but one meal since last night, At this Robbins held up his nands and said he was hungry, and it was agreed to let the General alone un- til morning. Then a prolonged discussion ‘followed between the committees and the Sergeant-at-Arms as to what sho be done with the witness on hand and wko should be responsible if he escaped. The officer contended that he was in charge of the commit- Robbins believed tn exercising all the power vested in the committee, and’ in keeping the witness confined until he should tell what ho knew. Both Clymer and Robbins showed anger when they learned that Dantord and Bass knew the names of the republican lawyer and the two women. They asked if they were kept serect for political reasons, Smith admitted that politics had something to do with it. Robbins again frowned savagely and afterward aectared to @ friend that he would bring the conduct of the republican members before the House. He satd he had been trifled with long enough. Mr. Clymer agreed with him, but was willing to trust the witness’ honor for his return, Robbins objected, Finally the Sergeant-at- Arms appointed General Boynton @ deputy to look after the witness daring the night, It is said on good authority that Messrs. Danford and Bass have found some important evidence and im- portant witnesses, and that they are working up a damaging case against Pendleton, The reason given for their independent action is that Clymer and the | other democratic members of the committee gave | them no information of the Belknap investigation until the case waa complete. General Butler will appear at balt-past ten inthe morning, and fun is expected, A TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLAR “BRIBE” ACCOUNTED FOR, A printed slip has been sent to the republican Sena- tors charging that Mr. Ransom, Senator from North Carolina, paid ex-Governor Vance $2,500 to withdraw | his claims to the Senate in bis favor. According to the explanations made by members of the Senate, and Mr. Ransom himself, he has been representad, Tn an interview he made tho followin; ement:—~In 1870 Vance was elected, after a long contest in the democratic caucus Ransom was beaten by one vote. Vance then appeared hero for admission to the Senate, but his political disabilities not having been removed claimed the vacant seat. This condition of affairs con: | tinued until Vance resigned his claims, whereupon the Legislature of North Carolina clected Ransom after an exciting contest He received one majority over | the combined vote for Merrimon and Warren, Ransom immediately applied for admission to the Senate, but was not admitted until after three months of delay. On April 24 the Committee on Privileges and was adniitied to his seat, Tho next day Senator Bay- ard, unknown to Rangom, introduced a resolution that Ransom be entitled to the pay of Senator from the begioning of tho term. The resolution was referred and reported back favorably by all of the committee, and the Senate passed it without a dissenting vote, As soon asthe resolution was introduced Ransom said that if it carried he should give the back pay to Vance. This fact was well Known to several Senators at the time, especially to Mr, Ransam’s colleague, Mr. Povle, a republican, In speaking of the matter toa {rena about it Ransom agged how he could offer Vance the money @nd not wound his pride. Vance refused to take tt at first, butafter some checks had been drawn and offered him he finally agreed to accept part of this salary which had accumulated | during the period between March, 1871, and January, Ransom told lim frankly that he considered it no more than just that he should have the money. He bad been duly | + elected as Senator; tie had been to much expense at | home and in Washington, Until he resigned he had held the commission fora seatin the Senate, and for that time Ransom purposed to give him the corre- sponding salary, Ransom told bim thataf he did not | accept it he (Ransom) should return it to the govern+ ment.’ Rangom gave him a cheek for the roand sum of $2,500, as Vance refused to take the whole amount— ome $4,000, Mr. Ransom says that he had-no pre- vious vuderstanding with Vance about it; he bad pot seen him for six months previously. He only regretted | that Vaneo did not take ali the money honestly due him, In conclusion Senator Ransorm said he would do the same thing again if the oceasion offered. i GENERAL SCHENCK AND HIS ATTORNEY X£X- | PECTED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO-DAY. | A subpesna to appear before tho Committce on Foreigu Affuirs has been forwarded to Mr. Chittenden, the attorney in New York of General Schenck, ex- | Minister to England, and it t# possible the returned | Ambassador may be present at the meeting of the com. | mittee to morrow, vat he is hardly expected antl | Wednesday. | THR DEMOCRATS @TILL AT SEA ON THE cun- | RENCY QUESTION—-THE VOTE 1m caucus on | PAYNE'S BILL A DELUSION. The hard money and soft money democrats have been at soggerbeads al! the afternoon over the result of | the vote—109 1b 108—to suspend (he rules and allow | the presentation of a bill repealing the resumption and bond sewing clauses of the Resumption act, each claiming @ victory, The soft money men | | Riggs & Co, say that the majority vote in cagcus the other night for Payne’s bill isa delusion and a snare, ag the majority of twenty odd votes was chiefly made up of the Senators who were present and who do not repre- sent the more modern sentiment of the people on the currency question. The majority vote was also a con- cession to the Eastern democrats for the parpose of affecting the Connecticut election, the result of which would be endangered by a soft money policy in caucus. THE SYNDICATZ CONTBACTS TO BE INVESTI- GATED. The Committee on Expenditures of the Treasury De- partment, Smith Ely, Jr., chairman, are going to make atborough tmveetigation of the Syndicate contracts, not with the expectation of discovering any frauds or “irregularities,” but witha view to seeing whether there has been any favoritism in the awards of the con- tracts. Secretary Bristow will be invited to appear be- fore the committee and answer such interrogatories ag have suggested themselves in furtherance of this In- quiry. THE SPENCER INVESTIGATION—SPECIFICATIONS STRICKEN OUT BY THE COMMITTEE. The Spencer Investigating Committee, after striking outanumber of specifications before beginning their inquiry on Saturday, strack out another, and to-day two more. This morning General Morgan, the attor- ney before the cominitteo for the State of Alabama, offered to prove, by five witnesses, the poisoning of one Stribling, a member of the Logislature, by the administration of narcotics during the strug- gle for Spencer's election; to prove also that aman was paid $100 to do it ond that Spencer knew of and participated in the: preparations for tho commission of this deed. He had his witnesses ready, but when he attempted to introduce them a majority of the committee voted to strike out the specificauion which concerned this matter, ate on the question whether they should refuse to in- vestigate or hear proof on this charge, but the repubii- cans on the committee refused to do that also, ATTORNEY GENERAL PIERREPONT BEFORE THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. Attorney General Pierrepont will appear before the Judiciary Committee in the morning to testify regard- ing the various matters which the committee have | been instracted to make investigation of A LIVELY WEEK IN THE COMMITTEE ROoOMS— DISTINGUISHED WITNESSES TO APPEAR. It promises to be a very lively weck in the House committees, who aro to examine a number of distin- guished and notorious persons, The Attorney General appears before the Judiciary Committee to-morrow and General Butler before the Clymer committee on Wednesday. General Schenck will go before the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Marsh before the Judiciary Committee, and later in the week Mr. Pendleton will be asked a few more questions It is possible that Mrs, Marsh and Mrs. Belknap will also be questioned, and there 1s report that General Babcock will be called before the week {s over. THE RESIGNATION OF W. A. DARLING, PRAISER AT NEW YORK, LOOKED FOR. ‘The resignation of W. A. Darling, Appraiser of the Port of New York, is looked for at the Treasury with every mail, and will be accepted at once upon receipt. aP- GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. et Wasuivarox, March 20, 1876. THE WAR DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION—-SECRE- TARY BRISTOW BEFORE THE COMMITTKE— 4 HISTORY OF THE MULE CLAIM AND HIS CON- NECTION THEREWITH—TESTIMONY OF FISHER, THE PARTNER OF EVANS. Secretary Bristow voluntarily appeared before the Committee on Expenditures in the War Department to-day and made a@ statement under oath in relation to @ letter which appeared in the New York HERALD on Saturday, dated Louisville, March 11, in re- Jation to a mule case. He said he had reason to believe the letter was not written in Louisvilie, but in Wash- ington, he having been advised some weeks ago that the statement would be made. He ought to say he did not deem it any part of his duty to undertake the preparation of the case, the duties In wht owas on- gaged being merely professional in the way ofargument, He never had the slightest reason to suspect the fair- ness of tho case, or the integrity of the party in whoso behalf it was prosecuted. The parties were citizens of Kentucky, residing !n Clarke county, re- mote from his place of residence. One of the claim- ants has since deceased. He had Intimate pleasant re- lations with him inthe Kentucky Senate—Harrison Thompson. The Secretary was here tn the spring or summer of 1873 on business having no connection at that time with the government, having resigned the office of Solicitor General in 1872, Ben, B. Groome en- gaged bim to argue the case and gavo him a statement of it, saying his firm were engaged in stock raising and tad* invested much money in the purchase of mules, but owing to the collapse of the rebellion the government refused to take the animals, In consequence of this tho firmd ha sustained o heavy loss, having invested, $200,000 on account of the purchase, Mr. Groome aid they would pay him no fee if they did not succeed im procuring the payment of the claim, or at all events they would pay bim only a sinall fee. The Secretary said to Groome tbat it was not his habit to accept con- Ungent fe but, in view of the dilemma in which the firm found themselves and the desire to have his pro- fessional services, he would argue the case before the | Court of Claims, or before the Supreme Court !f it should go there, Groome agreeing to pay him the ex- penses incurred in coming here and a compensation of ten per cent in the event of the claim being allowed by the Coart of Claims. Thomas J. D. Fuller, a resident solicitor in Washington, formerly a member of Congress, and who was an Auditor or Comptroller under Buchanan’s administration, prepared the case. Tho Secretary took Fuller's brief of the cause, and on that brief he prepared his legal argument. The only questions ed there were on points of law, Mr. Goforth, the Assistant Attorney General, made no question as to the facts, which seemed to be con- clusive. The facts were the firm had the mules at the proper points to be shipped, and some of them were on the tram at the time the government refused them. ‘There was as a consequence a sudden depreciation in the value of the mules. The low prices at which they wore compelled to sell them was incontrovertible, and even Chief Justice Drake, who dissented, did so only on a question of law, There were involved {i the case two very interesting questions of law, Court gave judgment for $108,760, The Secretary be- lieved then, and now believed, the judgmont was right, The case was argued by him in 1873, and the judgment was rendered January 5, 1874. ‘The caso had been ‘referred to the Court of Claims by the War Departmont and payment was made from the fund uniter the control of that department. The Secre- tary had nothing more to do with the case than to | argue it before the Court of Clattns, bim as his fee $10,870. Tho Seéretary said that since the publication in the Heratp he bad procured the original papers on which payment was nfade, which he gead to the committee, One of the papers showed that Attorney General Williams informed the Secretary of War that no appeal would be taken from the judgment of the Court of, Mr. Groome paid | Clams to the Supreme Court, The money was paid to Jobn A. Thompson, others. case only professionally, for which he received pay, as already stated, His fee was paid by a check on Benjamin B. Groome and he did not know, received half the claim was unqualifiedly talse, He repeated, the claim impressed him with its being meritorious and just, Mr, Bristow, on cross oxamination, reported that at the time he argued the case he had no connection what- ever with the government, having before that resigned the office of Solicitor General, He did not regard the fee of ton per cent as unusual, He had been told the feo was not up to the usual maxi- mom. In conclasion the Secretary intimated that he would be very glad if the committee would unt dertake to ascertain how sugh stories a8 that im the Heratp obtained circulation. The chairman replied Uhat they could not undertake sach work at the present time, but they would be happy during thia examina- tion to have such iaformation disclosed and would be glad to have the Secretary's cooperation in this or any other such case, Secretary Bristow said that since the publication of the letter in the Hexato he had made inquiry and ascertained that Mr. Groome, SS General Morgan then | | requested the committee to ask tho wishes of the Sen- | The majority of the | The Secretary repented he engaged in the | What compensation Mr. Fuller received | The statement that the Secretary | who is a stock raiser an; importer of blooded stock, i now abroad. Mr, J. J. Fisher, of St. Louis, testified that he was associated with Mr, Evans as post trader at Fort Sill: They made « contract with Caled P, Marsh; for the privile, Mr. Marsh exacted a tribute of $12,000 per year, which sum, was paid quarterly in advance, commencing in October, 1870. | Tpis amount was paid for two years andahalf, On the representation that they could not afford to cone “Muue to pay the tribute the yeariy charge was reduced to $6,000, which has been paid up to the Lith of April, | 1876. The witness stated that when he told Mr. Marsh that unless be reduced the tribute they would ve compelled to give up their business | at Fort Sill, Mr, Marsh hesitated for some time before acceding to the proposition; Mr. Marsh never told him that the Secretary of War had any in-, | formation concerning the contract with him (Mr | Marsh); the tater never informed him thas he had inj | fluence with the Secretary of War, Q What did Mr. Marsh refer to whem he said to Mr. Evans, in a note, “Phat if he did not pay the bonus it would be bad for him?” 4, Tonly know that Marsh controlled the appointment and my inference is that Marsh would compel me ta pay the bonus or make it warm forme, We would not have paid him the money ir we had not believed he could have turned us out, Mr. Bass inguired of the witness whether he regarded {tas moral and innocent to give Mr. Marsh $12,000 @ year for the privilege of the post tradership? The witness replied that selt preservation was thé first law of nature, | Mr, Bass said {¢ seemed the witness wanted to pree serve this property and buildings. The witness remarked that he never thought h¢ | was doing anything wrong in protecting himself, THE ALLEGED FRAUDS IN THE POST OFFICE DE« PARTMENT — HOW LOWER BIDDERS ARE BOUGHT OFF—LOANS OP MONEY FROM MO-« TIVES OF POLICY. | Bradley Barlow, of the firm of Barlow & Sanderson, was again under examination by the House Pos! Committee to-day, Ho testified that the firm had ia several instances last year bought off lower bidders for mail contracts in order to obtain them at the firm's higher figures, but denied that any money | had evér been paid or loaned by him or his partners to any official in the Post Office Department, He admitted in reply to questions that he had loaned considerable | Sums, not exceeding $20,000 in the aggregate, to Gen- | eral Morgan L. Smith, brother of Gues A, Smith, then Second Assistant Postmaster General, but | Swore that these joans were not made for the purpose of influencing the later; he (the witness) did not be- | Neve that General Smith had any influence with his brother Giles. In reference to further inquiries, the | witness stated that he had Joaned money to a good many people simply becaase he would rather have their good will than their il] will, and not that he expected | or believed they woula or could render him any as- sistance in securing mail contracts. The firm had laree | vested interests in stock, &c., on the various routes, | and it was in the power of disappointed bidders some. times to cause them trouble and great pecuniary loss by groundless charges and investigations, ke He gave some details showing how the firm had secured certain valuable contracts last year. He paid to Grant 1. Taggart, of California; to Corbett & Beekman, of Oregon, and toa Mr. Blanchard, several thousand dob lars to withdraw their bids for the service between Redding, California and Roseburg, Oregon, and he paid toGovernor Thompson, of Idaho, $15,000 for relim quishing his lower bid on the long route from the Dalles, Oregon, to Kelton, Utah, At the afternoon session of the House Postal Com. mittee, Mr. Barlow. swore that he never made any im- Proper suggestion to any government official, and never asked or expected any man ta whonf he gave or leaned money to convey any such suggestion to a government official. He was nof responsible for any improper act if any were come mitted by any party to whom he had evet paid money. They must testity themselves, and he had no objection to their doing 80. He had employed Mr. Earl to act as an attorney for him before the department during hig absence from Washington. He admitted that the fact that Mr, Karl had formerly been @ low partoer ot Postmaster General Creswell partly influenced him im making his selection of an attorney, om account of tho latter's facility of access to Mr, Creswell and his ability to obtain information affech ing bis interests, but he paid him less than $5,000 im all for his services, His omployment commenced aftes he ceased to hold the office of Assistant Postmastes | to-morrow, SOROSIS. ‘ MONICO’S YESTERDAY. The great feminine symposium of New York, the annual dinner of Sorosis, took place yesterday at Dele monico’s, By noon the large parlors were thronged with ladies, and the rustleof silk mingled pleasantly with the ripple of low laughter and the hum of many voices, About 150 ladies were present, representing much that is brilliant in New York society, and at tw o'clock the doors were opened into the large dining hall where the dinver was served, Mrs. Charlotte B Winterburn, who had charge of the music, directed a lively march, and the ladies filed in | and took their places at tables dressed with flowers and fruits, The walls of the room were sull decorated with flags from @ recent Spanish dinner, while a pore trait of the boy King, Alfonso of Spain, showing hig handsome face and military carriage, bung over a window, Ata raised tablo sat the officers of the club, Mrs. J. ©. Croly occupying the place of honor in the centra, with Mrs. Filly and Mrs. Soulé, che two vico presi dents, on either hand. Then followed Mrs, | Borgholtz, Mra, Newton, Mrs. Farnsworth, Mrs. Mer- win, Mrs, Bronson and Mrs. Delamater, Beside each | Jady’s plate was laid a small bouquet, and the excellent dinner was served a la Russe, This portion of the business of the day being over, and the tables cleared, | | Mrs. Croly, on (aking the chatr for the second term of office, said:—*'Ten years ago any attempt at organize | tion among women outside of the church arn insignificant that there exisied not a single charter body under the management of women. Men said, ai women repeated with some stiow of reason, that our seg | was Incapable of united elfort or roal organiza tion, Eight yeara ago Sorosis was foundedy followed very soon by the Boston Woman's Club, while similar associations sprang into existence all over the land. Eight years ago there was no Vassar Col-| | lege, 20 Alpha Beta Gamma or other literary society omong girls. Since then Vassar has been created, and many kindred institutions bave come into existence, Women bave organized the most extensive charities Obristian associations. Working unions have been formed to proiect tho poor stroggie of our sex, Grangers’ societies have been founded, with womem aud men as equal members, whil¢ | other bodies have been instituied in which women the acuive aud men the lay or silent members, Y. there are persons who stitl say that women have o@ pwer tO organize ‘or to work together. Of course $ of Conduct will creep mito ali associations, apd 4 natare is much the Fame in both women and | men; yet women have surely proved that they bw | much power as men in co-operative action, One thin | howevor, should be said, women who joi clubs hat often some pet idea to which they have devoted thei tives, and strive to turn the whoié power of tng club in that direction, The work of a woman's club if | properly educational, and may also be made efficient ia | procuring valuable facts and statistics tor the benefit | of women, but it should nyt be turned into the orgad | of any special reform or the founding of benevolent ine stitutions Such a procedure would be tatal to st primal object—the social one.” Miss Heilbrun, after the addreas, played with her cas= | tomary taste upon the piano. Then Mrs. Filly presen the congratulations of the club to Mrs. Rit veg u installation of officers followed. Mrs. Berg ite rend | Jetters trem Mile, Tivens and Mrs. General Dix regret. | ting that they could not be present. Miss Jenm@ | Leveyge made a neat speech, Mra. Bergholtz theh gat | the toast, “To the thirteen sisters over the sea, whi | chose bot water instead of cold tea,” and Mra, Soul | responded in some very clover verses, Mrs, Merwim | spoke on what Sorosis is doing, which was ied vo | by Mra. Stebbing, Mrs. Wilkon said un always toasted “The that at men's dinners the; Ladies."" She proposed, therefore, the toast, “The Gen- | temen,’? with this sentiment, “While we Dask in tbe | sunshine of their gooduess, may their shadow nov | grow less; bat if they attempt to throw ua too mach | the shade, may we by our iltame the dart | places’ Mrs. Diehl gave a recitation, “The Prairie | Fire,” by Allee ; Mrs. Amy Weld read a poem Witl ” Mrs, Newton | Spo! b Miss Puller rev Mrs A. sooue, General Mr, Barlow’s examination will be continued THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE CLUB AT DEIe_ yl