The New York Herald Newspaper, December 6, 1878, Page 3

WASHINGTON, The Effort to Revive the Southern Questian. SENATOR BLAINE'S COMING SPEECH The President Deceived by Exaggerated Reports. TROUBLE AMONG THE SUGAR MEN. “Importers, Refiners and Producers } To Be Reconciled. ‘ THE HOT SPRINGS COMMISSION CLAUSE FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. ‘Wasuixcton, Dec. 5, 1878, MR. BLAINE’S COMING SPERCH ON THE SOUTHERN RLECTIONS—FALSE AND EXAGGERATED RE- PORTS ON REPUBLICAN AUTHORITY-—-HOW THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN DECEIVED—COURSE OF ‘THE DEMOCRATS. It is said that Mr. Blaine, in the speech in which, next Monday, he will defend his resolution for ‘an investigation into election frauds in some ‘gouthern States, means to be conciliatory rather than aggressive, and will not encourage the hopes of the extremi who are eager to revive the Southern quostion in all its fury. \ Whatever ground he may take, he is preparing him- ‘self with some care. He labors under the difficulty, however, of having (except in the cate of the two South Carolina districts) to depend largely on hear- say and partisan reports for the “facts” on which he must base his call for an inquiry, and these reports, it begins to be seen here even by republicans, are grossly exaggerated and in some instances mere in- ventions. It was stated in these despatches on the 22d of No- veniber, on what your correspondent then believed to be trustworthy republican authority, as follows :— In one of the counties of the Norfolk Congressional district in Virginia several arrests have been made by federal officers under the federal election laws, the persone arrested being charged with unlawful interfer- ence with voters or with fraudulently tampering with the ballot boxes. The evidence on which thw arrests were made is hero believed to be sufficient to con- vict. But this, of course, cannot be known until a trial is had, and it would be proper to await the re- it of the trials, if it wero not that the local author- ities at once arrested the com; it#, in some cases for perjury, in others for other offences, and stuck them into jail with a thrent of State Prison. Mr. Goode, who represents this district in Congress and who has been re-elected, assured your corre- spondent to-dsy that this statement is absolutely false; that no arrests have been made in the whole district of any one charged with violation of federal election Jaws; no process has been issued by federal officers and no complaints have been made. The only arrests made at all were at Hempsville for a disturbance which broke out between eight and nine to'élock on the night of election day, and of course some time after the polls had closed, and which arose, he says, out of the disappointment of the republicans at the smaliness of their majority, «whieh amounted to but twenty-cight. One hundred yand gixteen colored voters lost their right to vote through non-psyment of the pol! tax, and this reduced ‘the republican majority. Out of the discus- sing of this, after the polls closed and the: vote had’ been announced, arose angry words and blows, which .Je@'to the election row spoken of. This, he says, was. the only disturbance in the district. Mr. Goode ssys that. the law making payment of the poll tax » prerequisite to, voting, which obtains in Virginia, as it does: in many Northern States, dis- abled between fifteen hundred: and two thousand white voters and between six and seven thonsand colored in his district. It probably disfranchises a great number of colored ‘voters in all the Southern States, for they do not like to pay taxes, and in Georgia some years ago they very generally avoided registration even, ont of a fear that if their names ‘wore registered they would be compelled to pay the poll tax.: It will be found that the President has been taken im by lying reports brought to him by defeated re- publican candidates from different parts of the South, and that, while undoubtedly there were frauds in a few places—notably in the black districts in South Carolina—he has been deceived by numerous tales which had no foundation iv fact. Considerable curiosity is felt about the tone of Mr. Blaine’s speech. The democratic Senators have de- termined not to be drawn into replies which would tend to inflame the public mind; but some foubdt exists whether Mr. Blaine, in case he shall de- termine to make an exciting and angry appeal to paseion, will not count upon Senator Hill, of Georgia, to help him, as he did on a famous occasion in the House some years ago. Tho general wish of the dem- cratic Senators is to hear Mr. Blaine quietly, pro- ‘pose their amendment in but few words and avoid giving the republicans any opportunity to raise a new fisme of excitement. It i¢ probable that Senator Thurman, who is to Propose the amendment to Mr. Blaine’s resolution, ‘will allude to the practices of the federal anthoritier in New York in arresting citizens about to vote, especially as Jadge Blatchford has declared this ac- tion illegal. New York democrats assert that a fair “inquiry will show that more voters were intimidated and dfiven from the polls by these arrests in New ‘York by far than in all the Southern States. Sonth- ‘ern men here also assert that it can be shown that in mumerous instances in their States federal deputy ‘Werehals grossly misused their authority in efforts to create disturbances at the polls. 2M UTILS ON SUGAR—-MR. DAVID A. WErIS IN OPPOSITION TO THE PLAN OF SECRETARY SHEBMAN. Another attempt is to be made to reconcile the dif- ferences of opinion existing among the sugar im- porters, sugar refiners, (he Southern sugar producers and the Treasury Department concerning the necded reforms of tho stigar duties, ‘There is @ proposition that a sub-cominittes of three of the Committce of Ways anil Means shall confer with the Secretary of the Treasury on (he sub- ject. The Secretary in his report proposes a uni- form rate on all sugars up to a certain grade, which, he says, “will exclude temptation either to color sugar for the purpose of reducing the duty or to com- mit frand by means of sampling and classification.” Mr. David A. Wells, who has just made an impor- tant report on this snbject, asserts that the plan of Mr. Sherman would be very injurious to American refineries, which now employ a great number of men end pay out about $15,000,000 per annum in wages alone; that it would cripple the refiners by exciuding the low grade sugars which, witha uniform rate, would of course pay tho heaviest duty compared with their value, but which alone can be most advan- tagoously worked up by the refiners, Ho asserts that a uniform rate would give a monopoly of our market to the centrifugal sugars of Cuba, and would deprive our shipping of an important carrying trade in the crude sugars of other countries. Mr. Wells Miso advocates the use of the polariscope to determine the real value of sugars, and asserts that this instrn- ment is used by all importers and refiners, The ‘Loutéians sugar men are not satisfied with Mr. Wells’ report, and assert that he bas been misted in some particulars. Hoe will probably be called here to tes- tly as well as other experts. MHORGANIZATION OF THE AnMY. Geveral Burnside’s Commission on the reorganiza- tien of the army is in session in this city. Their Binal meoting Will be held to-morrow, and it is ex- spocted thetr bill will be ready to report to Congress by Monday post. Much interes urtelt in army NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1878.-TRIPLE SHEET. cles concerning this matter. General Burnside says the Commission is a unit in its conclusions, but does not state the nature of them. FROM OUR REGULAR CORREPONDENT. Wasutnaton, Nec, 5, 1878. THE HOT SPRINGS COMMISSION CLAUSE IN THE SUNDRY CIVIL SERVICE BILL—SENATOR CON- OVER'S STATEMENT. The Senate Commitice to investigate the charge that Senator Conover was implicated in the work of tampering with the Sundry Civil bill last summer, from which the Hot Springs Commission clause was left out, will hardly be able to get to work until next week, as some of the members appointed by Mr. Wheeler show a disinclination to serve, Senator Conover, in his defence, says he will show that the bill was not fully compared by the Enrolling Committee and that there is no evi- dence extant that the bill was completed and perfected when it left the House side of the Capitol to go over tothe President. It will be remembered that in the excitement and dissipation of the closing hours of the session Mr, Rainey, the colored member from South Carolina, was the only representative of the Enrol!- ing Committee who stood at his post. Now Senator Conover iutends to show by the evidence of Mr. Rainey and Mr. Kind, his clerk, that the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Atkins, came to him while ho was engaged in com- paring the Sundry Civil bill and when he was within twenty pages of completing it, and insisted that he (Mr. Rainey) should desist and give up the bill and report it to ihe House, that it was all right as it was and that it wouldn’t do to prolong the session any further by waiting to complete the com- parison; that Mr. Rainey, in obedience to his sworm duty as @ Congressman and member of the committee, protested against’ report- ing or turning in the bill until it was thoroughly re- vived by him, and that he was responsible for its proper preparation; that thereupon Mr. Atkins re- newed his entreaty and gathered up and took away tho bill in sts unfinished state, and that the Hot Springs provision was contained in the last twenty pages, which, had Mr. Rainey been allowed to do his duty, would have duly contained and expressed the will of Congress. It will be remembered that Mr. Atkins asked tho Treasury Department to put a secret service agent to. work to detect the reason of the flaw in the bill, and that the agent selected implicated Senator Conover by suspicion and circumstantial evidence. ‘he above is the rejoinder of Senator Conover to the action of Mr. Atkins. The report of this agent is still kept a secret from the Honso and the press, but will be handed over by Mr. Atkins to the Senato Investigat- ing Committee when the latter organizes for business. Its contents have been generally discounted through the leaking or gossiping of the Treasury detectives. —--- + GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. ‘Wasturnaroy, Dec. 5, 1878, THE FOREIGN DIPLOMATIC SERVICE-—COMMUNI- CATIONS FROM SECRETARY EVARTS TO THE HOUSE FOREIGN AFPAIBS COMMITTEE. Secretary Evarts has sent to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House some communications re- lating to foreign diplomatic service, which have been ordered printed and referred to a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Wilson, Bridges and Monroe. One of these communications enclosed copies of correspondence with the United States Ministers at London, Paris and Berlin in relation to the neces- sity for retaining in office the second secretaries to those legations, the consular and diplomatic appro- priation of June 4, 1878, having failed to make any provision for their payment for the current fiscal year, The offiecs, which were created by a previous law, were not abolished, and in deference to the urgent representations of the legations at theme places that their retention was indispensable to their efficient workings of their legations, the department represented to Mesars. Nadal, Vignaud and Coleman that if they were willing to remain and @ischarge the duties of .their respective positions the attention of Congress would be invited, to the subject with a view to obtain a special appropriation for the payment of their salaries and the restoration of the appropriation for the future. The letter closes with a very earnest indorsement of the recom- mendations of the Ministers whose communications are enclosed, In another of the communications Mr. Evarts ree- ommends an increase in the amounts allowed for clerk hire, &c., for the consulates general and con- snlates ‘at Rio Janeiro, Kanagawa, Melbourne, Bor- deanx, Barmen, Calcuita, Hong Kong, Dundee and Glasgow. The increase of American commerce at these places and the efforts being made to further ex- tend our trade make such appropriations especially necessary. Mr. Evarts ina third commends a restoration of the appropriation of $5,900 for tho salary of a chargé d'affaires for Greece. He says:— At this juncture in the affairs of Eastern Europe. when the hopes of ct id yood will based on the arrangement of Berlin may at any time be dispelled by reason of the evident discontent of the Greeks, the presence of a responsible diplomatic representative at Athens is deemed to bo very necessary. THE FREEDMAN'S SAVINGS DANK—COMMUNICA- TION FROM THE COMMISSIONERS. ‘The communication of the Commissioners of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company, which was laid before the House to-day, calls attention to the proposed large sale of property at auction, which is now being extensivety = addver- tised, and recommends the purchase by the government of the banking house in Washington at a reasonable prica; referring to former reports and communications on this subject, the Commissioners suggest that the government shonid allow a reasona- ble interest on the balances romaining to the creéit of the bank and say:— Hal the deposits been invested in United States bonds a large part of the expenses of the Commission could have been saved by the interest. ‘They also suggest that some provision be made for the distribution among the other depositors of un- claimed dividends after a reasonable time has elapsed, The suggestion is made that after the unencumbered real estate is disposed of and the proceeds distributed some more simple method of administering the at- faire of the concern could be devised: No plan is, however, suggested to the wisdom of Congress, ‘Thegommission reports 2s follows :— Cash balance, January 1, 1878 Receipts to November 30, 1878. ‘to! Unclaimed of first dividend. . Unclaimed of second dividend. ‘Lemporarily unavailable...... At present available... USE OF GOLD CENTEFICATES DISCONTINUED. The Treasury Department has discontinued the use of gold certiticates, ‘THE NAVAL AND CONSULAR AND DIPLOMATIC AP- PROPRIATION BILES. ‘The Naval bill reported to the House to-day con- tains no now legislation except to provide for the ap pointment of visitors to the Naval Academy us a mat ter of Inw instead of custom and usage, as heroto- fore, Ita total is about $125,000 loss than that of the appropriations for the current fiscal year. The Diplomatic and Consular Appropriation bill, as reported from the committee to-day, is an exact copy of last session's bill of that titlo as first passed by the Honse, which, however, became a aubject of pro- longed controversy with the Senate, and was finally modified in many particulars by the committoe of conference before its enactment. The changes from the existing law again proposed by the committee consist mainly of reductions in salaries of the higher grades of forcign Ministers and the discontinuance of sundry small Consulates, The total saving proposed is about $41,000. ‘The committees propose to reduce the salaries of our Ministers to Great Britain, France, Germany.and Russia, from $17,600 to $15,000 per anne the Miuisters to Spain, Austria, Maly, Brazil, Mexico, Japon and China, from $12,000 to $10,000, and those of our Ministers to Chili and: Pern-from $19,000 to $8,000 per annum. ‘The Dill omits any provision for ‘States Minutes Pesident a Belgium andthe | ARCHITECT HILL Netherlands, or for the Chargés d’ Affaires to Denmark and Switzerland. objected to, and that each Senator be entitled to speak ‘once and for five minutes only. Objected to by Mr. Marraxws, of Obio, and laid The changes proposed in regard to consulates are | oy... mainly in the line of reclassification, a number of them being reduced to lower grades of compensation anda few advanced. The committee insert in the bill, however, an item of $20,000 for diplomatic and | matter of the cluim of David ‘Il, Corbin for a seat in consular service, to be expended in the discretion of the President. NOMINATIONS BY THE PRESIDENT. ‘The President sent to the Senate to-day the follow- ing nominations jlas, marshal for the Western district uarshal for the Eastern district of Chandler, attorney for the Northern dis- of Missisaippi G, ©. Moody, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Dakota, Sydney M, Barnes, attorney for New Mexico. io George H. Hand, Secretary’ of the Verritory of Da- ota, M, Giunager, Register of the Land Office at Worth- ington, Minn. Samuel A. Russell, Indian agent at the Mascalero Apache Agency, New Mexico. Arthur ©. Millette, Register at the Land Office at Springfield, D. 't. Registers of the Land Office—Henry H. Stafford at Marquette, Mich.; F. A, Husher at Lacrosse, Wis.; J. V. Brower at St. Cloud, Minn. Receivers of Public Moneys—Charles A. Braston at Del Norte, Cal.; John N. Bogert at Bozeman, M, 'T.; John W. McElroy at Norfolk, Neb.; Justin P. Moulton at Worthington, Minn.; Thomas M. Pugs* at Fargo, D. T.; Charles H, Chambers at San Fran- cisco. PROTESTS AND APPEALS FROM ASSESSMENTS OF DUTIES—CHANGE RECOMMENDED BY SECRE- TARY SHERMAN. A communication from the Secretary of the Treas- ury was laid before the House to-day recommending achange in the law relating to protests and appeals from assessments of duties in customs cases, accom- panying which the following draft of bill was sub- mitted for the consideration of Congress :— Be it enacted, &c., ‘That protests or appeals from decisions of collectors of customs aa to the rate or amount of duties due on importa, heretofore filed at or before the liquidation of the entry, shail be re- wardcd as of the same force and effect under section No. 2,931 of the Revised Statutes as if filed within the time therein prescribed. In his letter recommending the adoption of the above bill Secretary Sherman says :— Tt has been for along time the practice for officers of the customs and of tho Treasury Department to recognize as valid protests and appeals which wore filed at or before the liquidation of the efftry, and which were found on file’ within the statutory time often days after such liquidation, and ‘that. large numbers of contested cases involve protests filed in this. manner. It has been recently decided, however, by one of the United States courts that protests and ap- peals, to be valid under this statute, must be filed after the liquidation of the entry aud before the expiration of the re= scribed ten days. It is considered not to be within the power of this department to adopt any other course than to apply the decision before mentioned to all cases pending. before it or which may hereafter arise, but in view of the acceptance by this depart- ment without objection of protests and appeals filed before liquidation where suits have been instituted, and in many cases the views of this department, re- versed'by the Snpreme Court of tho United States entitling the parties to refund of overpaid dutics, action by Congress to legalize protests and appeals ef this character heretofore filed would seem but an act of substantial justice to all parties concerned. THE SHANGHAI CONSULATE INVESTIGATION. The Committee on Expenditures in the State De- partment, which is investigating the charges of offi- cial misconduct against Mr. Seward, Minister to China, met this morning pursuant to adjournment, but transacted no business, in consequence of the ab- sence of Mr. G. Wiley Wells, a witness, whose cross- examination is first to be proceeded with. Mr. Wells is expected daily from Los Angeles, Cal, where he is now residing. A sub-committes’ was appointed to visit the State Department to-morrow in order to ex- amine the books of the Shanghae consulate, now there. At a bricf secret session held subsequently the deposition of Dr. Bethune McCartee, heretofore men- tioned as having been received, was opened and partially read, it being decided, however, not ‘to dis- close its contents for publication at present. It is understood that the committee also agreed to stim- mon Professor Williams, of Yale College, to appear before them. He was fora number of years Secre- tary of Legation at Peking. A meeting was callod for: Saturday next. : SUBPENDED—APPOINTMENT OF A TEMPORARY SUCCESSOR. A letter addressed to Supervising Architect Hill, and received by him to-day from the Secretary of the Treasury, states that in view of the pending in- dictment in the Cireuit Court of the United States at Chicago he is suspended from the execution of his official duties until after the trial. This suspension is by dircetion of the President. The-Secretary has designated Mr. John Frazier, superintendent of con- struction of the new building for the Bureau of En- graving and Printing, to temporarily discharge tho duties of Supervising Architect in place of Mr. Hill, suspended. EXPENSES OF EMIGRANTS ARRIVING AT NEW York. Representative Lapham to-day presented the reso- Intion of the Commissioners of Emigration favoring legislation to relieve the State of New York from the expense of aiding immigrants landed at New York and proceeding to other States to maintain themselves, the Supreme Court having declared the capitation tax unconstitutional, UNITED STATES VESSELS OFFICERRD BY ALIENS. The bill introduced to-day by Senator Eaton “for the relief of vessels of the United States officcred by aliens,” proposes to repeal the lawthat imposes a tax of fifty cents per ton upon all American vessels of which any officer is not a citizen of the United States, and provides that any amount exceeding thirty cents per ton thus collected since February 27, 1877, may be refunded by the Treasury. PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. SENATE. Wasurnctox, Dee. 5, 1873, ‘The Vice Paxstent laid before the Senate acom- munication from the Secretary of the Interior in- dorsing a letter from the Commissioner of Patents relative to an appropriation of $28,700 for additional examiners, clerks and laborers in the Patent Office. Referred to the Commilttes on Appropriations. Also a communication from the Treasurer of the United States enclosing copies of his acoounts, He- ferred to the Committee an Printing. Also a joint resotntion of the California Legisla- ture requesting the government of the United States to pay $241,625 #2, expended by that State in sup- pressing Indian hostilities. Referred to the Comnnit- tee on Appropriations. Mr, Dorsey, (rap.) of Atk., presented petitions of tho City Council and citizens of Hot Springs, Ar asking (hat the error in regard to the Hot Springs Reservation in the Sundry Civil pill of last year be corrected. Laid on the table. Mr. Dorset gave notice that he would call the matter up for consideration at an carly day, MILLS INTRODUCED. . Bills. were introduced and referred as follows ;— By Mr. Ax (rep) of R. L—Relating to the public printin; binding. leterred to the Com- mittee on Printing. By Mr. Boorn, (rep.) of Cal.—For the relicf of homestead settlers on bp kg lands, Referred to the Committee on Pablic Lande. By Mr. Mrrenaus, (rep.) of Oregon—Making @ far- ther appropriation of $15,000 for continuing the tm- rovement of the Upper Columbia and Snake rivers. Referred to the Cominittes on Commerce. ‘Also a bill appropriating. $150,000 for continuing the improvement of tho Lower Willamette and Co- lumbia rivers from Portland, Oregon, tho sea Re- ferred to the same committer. Also a bill neking a further appropriation of $40,000 for continuing the improvement or the Upper Willamette River, Oregon. Referred to the same com- inittee. COMMITTEE ON EPIDEMICS, ‘The Vick Presipent announced as the select com- mittee to inquire and report iu regard to the best moans for the prevention of the introdaction of yel- low fever and cholera into this country, autho: t by the resolution of Mr. Harris, agreed to yesterday, jeasrs, Harris, Matthews, , Paddock, Conover, Garland and Eustis. On motion of Mr. Gantawp, (dem.) of Ark., so much of the President's Message as refers to t fever was referred to the above mentioned select com- mittee, Mr. THoRM dei.) of Ohio, said the Senate never ndar during the first week of the took up the ain. Lot work for the session, anc as t cominittees, he moved that when the Senate adjourns to-day it be to meet on Monday ne: Mr. Aytitosy, of Rhode Island, opposed the motion . and argued that a number of mnob calondur might be disposed of to-day and te ‘| the appointment of the present Collector. Adopted. | Mr. Mr. Camznon, (rep.) of Wis., from the Committee on Privileges snd’ Elections, reported a resolution to print, for the use ot the committee, 100 copies of the report made to the comantttee by Mr. Cameron in the the body as Senator fron South Carolina. Agreed to. r ES IN STANDING COMMITTEES. Mr. Wattacr, (dem.) of Pa,, reported the following changes in the standing committees, which had been proposed, and they were unanimously agreed to:— Mr. Eaton, (de: of Conn., to retire from the Com- mittee on Appropriations, and Mr. Wallace, of Peun- sylvania, to take his place on that mittee. Mr. Morgan, (dem.) of Ala., to retire from the Com- mittee on Patents and Mr, Eaton to take his place on | that committee, Mr. Wallace to retire from the Committee on Foreign Kelations aud Mr. Morgan to take his place on that committee, Mr. Ferry, (rep.) of Mich. was excused from serving on the committee to in- qu in regard to the omission of the Hot Springs clause from the enrolled copy of the Sundry Civil Ap- propriation bill of last session, ‘The Vier Prestpent appointed Mr. Dawes in his place, but that § is OWN request, as Was also Mr, Day Subsequently the Vice President — ap; Cameron, of Wisconsin, to fill the vacanc 'y the resignation of Mr. Dawes, and Mr, ‘ton to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Davis. A i Feary, of Michigan, submitted the follow- upon his own request, » That the President be requested to transmit to auy information which may have been received tinomts concerning postal and commercia ween the United States and Sonth Am countries, together with any recommendations desirable to bo submitted of measures to be adopted tor facilitating and improving such intereo Agroud to, ‘THE VREEDMAN'S SAVINGS BANK. Mr. Moraitt, (rep.) of Vt., submitted the follow- cretary of the Treasnry be requested ats the deposits in the ’s Savings and Trusi | commission 1 parcals of real eous to the gov ho United States to purchase at a fair valuation, and what legislation would be necessary to finally close up the affairs of the company and allow the commissioners to retire. Mr. Mornrriz said he understood the commission- efs were anxions to retire, but they could not do so under the law. His own opinion was that the origi- nal managers of this institution should have been eviminally prosecuted. Congress bad given the in- stitution some credit throughout the country and was largely responsiblo tor its management. The resolution was agreed {o. ‘THE TOBACCO TAX. Mr. Wiruenrs, (dem.) of Va., said at the close of the last session the bill reducing the tax on tobacco went. over under the rules without reference to the Com- mitteo on Finance. He now moved. that it be taken from the table and referred to that committee. He hoped there would be a speedy report, as the tobacco interest was suffering on account of the uncertainty in this matter. An exainination of the record showed that the bill ‘was referred to the Finance Committee just before the close of the last session. Mr. Dorsey, of Arkansas, called up the Senate bill for the relief of Jesse Turner and others, sureties on the official bond of George W. Clarke, formerly Indian agent, which was discussed at some length and passed—yeas 43, nays 7. Mr. Eaton, of Connecticut (by request), introduced a bill for the relief of vessels of the United States officered by aliens. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. The Senate then, on motion of Mr. ANTHONY, of Rhode Island, went into executive session, and when the doors reopened adjourned until Monday, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wasutnaton, Dec. 5, 1878, Mr. Sincieton, (dem.) of Miss., from the Commit- tee on Appropriations, reported the Consular and Diplomatic Appropriation bill, which was referred to the Committee of the Whole and made the special or- der for Tuesday next. Mr, Cryamn, (dem.) of Pa., from the same commit- | he would sooner or later be assaulted, teo, reported the Naval Appropriation bill. Referred to the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Rraaan, (dem.) of Texas, introduced a bill for the restoration of the records and files of the United States District and Circuit courts for the Western Dis- trict of Texas, lately destroyed by fire. Passed. Mr. Jones, (dem.) of N. Hf, introduced a bill regu- lating tho rank of chaplains in the navy. Referred to the Navy Committee. A PERSONAL EXPLANATION, Mr. Baxuxrano, (rep.) of IU., rising to a personal explanation sent to the Clerk’s desk and had read an extract from the Washington [vst of July 24, 1878, Bu whieh itwasintimated that a Vermont member had received $25,000 and a Chicago and a Mary- land’ member $12,250 cach for aiding in the passage of the bill directing the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the, interest of the 3.65 District bonds,’ He stated that as he was the only Chicago member who had voted for the bill the extract certainly referred to him, and as he did not desire to have such an impu- tation remaining on his character he offered a resolu- tion directing the Committee on Civil Service Re- form to inquire into said charges. Mr. Henke, (dem.) of Md., hoped that the resolu- tion would be unanimously adopted. On reading the extract referred to he had written to the editor of the Post tor the name of the author, but had received no satisfactory answer. He hoped that the investigation would be full and that the perpetrators of the slan- der would be brought to justice. ‘Mr. Frye, (rep.) of Me., stated that he had entire confidence in the character of the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Hendec), who was absent on account of sickness in his fami ‘The resolution was then adopted, BILLS INTRODUC Fixing the value of the trade and Mexican dollars; also to abolish the tax on brandy made from applos, es oF grapes. By Mr, Fixtxy, (dem.) of Ohio—Limiting the rates to be charged tor the transportation of freight and pas- sengers over the Omaha Railroad Bridge. By Mr. McMawon (dem.) of Obio—Amending the pension laws. Mr. Cox, (dem.) of N. Y., from the Commit- tee on Foreign Affairs, reported back the resolution calling on the President for all correspondence be- tween the United States and the German Empire relative to the expulsion of Julius Baumer, a citizen of Chicago, from the German sey Adopted. On motion of Mr. Hewrrr, (dem.) of N. Y., the testimony taken by the Labor Committee was or- dered printed. Mr. Ackien, (dem.) of La., offered a resolution calling on the Attornoy General for a staternent of the accounts in the late timber seizure in Louisiana, Referred. Mr. Harnison, (dem.) of Ill., offered a resolution call- ing on the Secretary of the Treasury for information regarding the names, salary and duties of all em- ployés appointed in the Chicago Custom Honse since THE YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC. Mr. GaxrreLp, (rep.) of Ohio, from the Committee on Rules, reported a concurrent resolution for the ap- pointment of a commission of four Senators, five Rep- resentatives and seven experts to take testimony and (oy. sub-commissions) to visit the recently infected lo- calitios and other places and to inquire into the re- cent history and means of prevention and arrest of yellow fever and other epidemic Cisenses, with au- thority to employ stenographers, clerks, &c., and to report facts, opinions and recommendations, ir, Woon, (dem.). of N. Y., inquired whether tho action of the Senate on the same subject bad been considered before by the Committee on Rules. Mr. Garvin, of Ohio, replied in the negutive, but said that the resolntion as reported could be amended in either body. The committee, he said, had not considered the power of Congress in the matter further than to recognize the fact that under even the strict- est construction of the constitution Congress had the clearest possible right to take care of quarantine regu- | lations along the harbors and navigable rivers. Ia this instance men of all parties and sections were ab- solutely in accord, and any light thatcould bé thrown | on the history of the pestilence and in the direction of the splendid generosities and sympathies of the poople ought to be shed upon it for future use. Mr. Hooxer, (dem.) of Miss., was sure that the re- marks of the gentleman from Ohio would find a re- sponse in every heart in every portion of the coun- try. Tho recent affliction which had visited the South with # virnlence nover before’ known had called forth @ feeling which made all mankind akin. It had broken down all barriers of pride, had prostrated all boundaries of section, and had made the people of the North and the people of the South tee] that they were indced bone of one bone and of the same blood and lincage. In that terrible affliction when the hand of the fell destroyer was on the peo- ple of the South the North and West had gone to their reseno with a large hearted benevolence whieh would never be forgotten by the affiicted people whose gratitude could not tind words to express itself. Mr. Cox, of New York, while favoring the resol- tion, hoped the committee would in no way interfere with local quarantines. The reeointion was then adopted, and the House, mday, at balf-past one, adjourned till TRAIN WRE! [DY TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD.) Wiimixcton, Del., Dec. 5, 1878 Harley G. Brown, the Claymont train wrecker, was this afternoon placed on trial at the New Castle Court for the wilful murder of the engineer, his son and two passengers, killed on the 2th of Juno last through the prisoner's fiendish act, the placing of a huge log between the rails. Mr. Ross, enginger, ex- 1. the plan of the railroad by descriptive dels, and th ident was described by ips, the conduetor, ie trial will be cou- tinted to-morrow, when it ts expected that Attorney ‘Che motion of Mr. Thurta was agreed to by vas 27, nays 15) * ie Nncernont, of” Rhode Island, submitted a.rosolt. tion that at one o'clock the Senate would pro- to the consideration on the calendar General Pennington will close tor the State and the dofefice be entered on, which will likely be a plea of insanity. The prisoner is, greatly shattered by li Jengthened tnodresretton, and bere ‘unmistakable traces of having auffered mental AZO. SUI AGAINSF GENERAL GRANT, CURIOUS CASE OF MONOMANIA—-HOW THT THEN PRESIDENT WAS PURSUED AND THREATENED BY A GIGANTIC IRISHMAN—INCARCERATION OF THE MAN IN A LUNATIC ASYLUM AND HIS CLAIM FOR DAMAGES, Wasnrneros, Dec. 5, 1878. In the summer of 1874 it was reported to the detec- tives of this city by President Grant that he was pur- sued constantly by a large and muscular Irishman, and confronted unexpectedly and threateningly by him during his daily walks; that he was not only spoken to by the man, but most frequently the latter would stand and glare at him as hoe passed; that on some occasions the man would demand, in a very resolute manner, payment of a large sum of money, which he claimed General Grant owed him; that of course he (the General) had had no business transac- tion with him, and in fact knew nothing about the man or his oceupation or busingss, THE MONOMANIAC. The matter progressed until constant repetition became unendurable, and the General provided him- self with alarge and heavy cane, as he believed that This man turned oni to be Thomas Biggins, a man of some property, who carried on the business of a grocer and arotailer of liquor at a place @ short distance west of the Executive Mansion. He was a man of good habits and peaceful disposition ordinarily, and of Herculean physical proportions. Biggins was a widower, and dressed richly and in good taste, and it was suggested that his peculiar conduct was the re- sult of mental aberration. PLACED IN AN ASYLUM. As soon as the detecti ved this information they learned that one Mr. Drury, an attorney-at-law, had charge of a prepos' s claim for him against the President. With the assistance of Mr. Drury the detectives were enabled to decoy Mr. Biggins, of whose strength they had a very reasonable dread, into a carriage, and, by beguiling stories, induced him to go to Police Headquarters, where ‘two phy- sicians were in readiness to make the convenient pri- vate examination. by which any excited American citizen could be confined in the Government In- sane Asylim. The result of the examination in this instance, by very competent physicians, was to make out such a certcate as the casy going practice required as the basis for a commitment ty the asylum, where Biggins was promptly taken and received by the Superintendent, then Dr. Nichols, since removed, HASED ON CONDITIONS. Biggins was confined for several months and until his friends and immediate relatives employed counsel who, at first, determined to attempt the releare of Big- gins on habeas corpus; but an inquiry into the facts und several interviews with Dr. Nichols satisfiod them that the proceeding would not avail, because both the Doctor and all his medical assistants and attend- ants at the asylum could testify that Biggins, al- though sane on all other subjects, labored under an undoubted dementia in regard to General Grant; that no other physicians had such familiarity with Big- gins during the several months of his confinement as would enable them to successfully oppose their opinions, however the fact of the insanity might be to these medical experts. Thereupon negotiations were entered into which resulted in an arrangement to discharge Biggins provided he would agree to make a voyage to Ireland, his native country, it being hoped and expected that’ the sea voyage and the visit to his old friends and companions would have a beneficial effect upon his mind. THE VOYAGE TO IRELAND. Therenpon Biggins waa taken by an, the usylum to the city of New York aiff placed on board of asteamship. It was expected, and tn fact it was understood, that Biggins would remain abroad for several months, but in point of fuct he re- mained only long’ enough to supply himself with a cheap but excellent addition to his ward- robe. ince =his return Biggins has deported himself quietly, excepting on the occasion of his appearance before the committee of the House of Representatives to investigate Dr. Nichols’ manage- ment of the asylum, when he greatly astonished and grievously disappointed the prosecution that had called him as a witness by testifying that General Grant had an unfortunate habit of visiting him at night when he had retired to sleep and terrifying him by passing into the room through the keyhole. Sub- sequently and immediately upon the termination of Grant’s term of office suit’ was begun by Biggins for alleged false imprisonment. Mr. A. W. Worthington, General Grant’s counsel, said it evening that he had received a letter from the General, dated Paris, and that the General directs him to go on with the trial, and, in obedience to the wishes of General Grant, Mr. Worthington was in court to-day prepared to defend his client. IN THE COURT ROOM. Quito a large attendance was present this morning in the Cirenit Court room of the District of Columbia to see the trial and hear the testimony. The princi- pal figure in the court. room in the eyes of the spec- tators was Biggins, who stood near his counsel, ttendant at Messrs. Browne and McConnell. is is aman fully: six feet two inches high and w over two hundred pounds. He is'about forty-fiveyears of age. He wears u full beard, nearly seven inches in length, and was attired to-day in the height of fashion. AN’ ADJOURNMENT. ‘The caso was the last on the calendar for to-day, but before it was reached the counsel for Biggins un- nounced that Mr. A.8. Worthington, counsel tor Gen- eral Grant, desired a deferment until to-morrow, owing to his suffering with a sick headache. Counsel for Big- gins interposed no objection and the case went over, ARMY INTELLIGENCE, Wasurxatos, Dec, 5, 1878, {The superintendent of the mounted recruiting ser- vice has been ordered to cause fifty recruits to be prepared and forwarded from the cavalry rendezvous at New York to Fort Brown, NAVAL INTELLIGENCE, ARRIVAL OF AN INSANE NAVAL, SURGEON PROM THE JOHN ADAMS, OF ‘THE SOUTH PACIFIC SQUADRON —THE ALASKA AT VALPARAISO, [BY TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD.] PorrsmourH, Va., Dec, 5, 1878, ‘The Pacific Mail ateamship Crescent City, Captain Porter, for New York, from Aspinwall, with a general cargo and forty-two passengers, put into Norfoik this morning for coal. The steamer brought as a pas- senger Lieutenant H. C. Fisher, of the Marine Corps, who has in charge Dr. (. K. Yancey, passed assistant surgeon of the United States Navy. who is insune. They were attached to the United States ship John Adams, of the South Pacific squad- ron. "Dr. Yancey is a native of Cul r county, in this State, where his family now reside, T4eutenant Fisher reports that he left the Adams at Valparaiso on the 2d of November; that she was to sail on the 18th for Callao, thence to San Francisco, where she will go out of commission. Lieutenant Fisher also reports the United States ship Alaska at Valparaiso, with all well on board. THE GUARD AT PORTSMOUTH—DISPOSITION OF AN INSUBORDINATE MARINE. PorremoutH, N. H., Dec. 5, 1878, The United States supply ship Guard arrived in the lower harbar Jast night. Lingard, the marine, who some weeks ago while drunk stabbed Captain Marden, of the Navy Yard fe steamer Emerald, insulted Lieutenant Dickens, of the Marine corps, and has since been tried by court martial, is to be taken to the Boston Navy Yard and delivered to the commandant. BOARDS OF INSPECTION APPOLNTED. Wasurxatoy, Dec. 5, 1878. Chief Engineer B. FP. Garvin has been appointed senior member and Chief Engineers Edward D. Robie and John W. Moore members of a board to inspect botlers belonging to and now on board the Lowa, with w view to their utilization in another vessel. Chief Engineer Harman Newell has been appointed senior member and Chief Engineers D. Bb, Macomb and W. H. King members of a board to test the ma- chinery of the United States steamer Quinnebaug, at Norfolk. Pasced Assistant Engineer ‘I. J. W. Cooper has been ordered to duty at League Island. MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Wriatox, Del., Dev. 5, 1878, George Draper, colored, was convicted of murder in the second degree for inflicting # mortal wound with an axe on one John Wilson, his landlord, whom he attacked on the 22d of September for remonstrating with him in reference to the erection of a fence, Seutence was deferred. ‘The laws of Delaware inflict imprisonment for life, ONE MONTH'S GRACE. (8Y TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Porrsmovttt, Va., Dec. 5, 1875, John Byrd, who was sentenced tobe hanged at Hampton to-morrow for killing his brother, William Byrd, on the 3d of Angust last on the Bates farm, has been respited until the 3d of January next, The citizens of Elizabeth City county petitioned for a respite, Which the Governor granted. They ailege that (he condemned man is of unsound mind, HONORS TO A MEXICAN GENERAL GaLvEston, Texas, Deo. 5, 1878, A despatch to the News, from Kaglo Pass, states that General ‘frevino, the Mexican commander, visited Fort Duncan this afternoon, He was received at tho river by acompany of cavalry and oscorted to the post, where ho was received with music and salvos ia honor of pi A ball General. was given COMMERCIAL CONVENTION. THIRD SESSION OF THE SUBSIDY SEEKERS—APe PROPRIATIONS DEMANDED TO IMPROVE TRE MISSISSIPPI RIVER—JEPF DAVIS ON SOUTHEEN COMMERCE. (BY TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD.] New Onrxans, Dec. 5, 1878, It was nearly eleven o'clock this morning when the Commereial Convention was called to order: A come munication was presented from Mr. E. Martinez, the representative of Columbia and Venezuela at New Ore leans, expressing great interest in the objects of the Convention, which was ordered to be spread on the minutes, Several resolutions were then presented and referred—6no in relation to certain peculiarities of the present mail system in regard to unpaid letters” and newspapers. RESOLUTIONS OFFERED. By Mr. B. EF, Lenehan, of Towa:— Resolved, That this Convention recommend a liberal ape propriation forthe improroment of the Upper Mississippi r nm sippi is most benetici do for this + may bo kept constantly im purpose for which they were built, By Mr. Cane, of Texas :— emorinlized in regard to the silver logistation that it will be increaseds served as a legal tender. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, MISSISSIPPI RIVER IMPROVEMENTS AND APPROPRIATIONSS General Eugene Underwood, of Kentucky, sub mitted the following report ¢ i Improvement of the Naviga River, which was received, n The Committe appointed on the improvement of § commission for navigation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries an: the confinement of its waters within its bamks respectfall; submit the follc report Whereas in of the magnitnde of tho interests ing ved in.the improvement of the Mississippi River and itd ble tributaries ro as to furnish commercial commune ports and with foreign nationi nis on its banks from overtiow ‘ble improvement and the wan! wir borders now and in th between all the avi 0 perl) quirement nor in any degree comparable to the iinprove. meut of other commercial avenues, of no groater national importance ‘by the federal government, whieh alone has” jurisdiction and power to accomplish the samé; therefoge be it resolved, That this Convontion recommends to the Governors spective States bordering upon said ri nd ike to appoint cominisstonors to represen’ nective States in a hoard of commissioners whic: o permanent and continued so long, as there te nee ssity for the same, of commissione: shall” inquire into all matters appertaining the improvement of the nav’ of the | Mise ppi River and ite tribut and of the ime emont of their banks so to, prevent overs How, and of the commerce of the Valley of the Mississipp! ¢ ” and it shall be the duty of the said commission to dissemis nate from time to time thro: ren to sion to gather, collate and embody such information and facts as to them, may seem appropriate, and communicate the samo to the Congress of the United States by way memorial or 0 for the purpose of inducing thi hody to make appropriations for the improvements herein, proposed. ‘Sccon—That it is the paramount duty of the general gev- ornment under its special direction and supervision to come struct and maintain embankments or.levees along the Mis- siesippi River and i taries wherever tho same may he neaded to prevent cre ‘and inundations to people whe have their homes and fields endangered. ' Third-—That it is equally the paramount duty of the Fat eral government to make such appropriations forthe Mise sissippi River and its tributaries an aro required to so deepem the channels of these rivers as to afford cheap, easy and unit terruptod transportation at low water for the products o} the people living on theso rivers to the adjoining States to foreign countries. ‘ Fouvth—Vhat the deep channel already had at the mouth. sissippi River by incans of jotties, eaving in the the tial completion—more: freight to the commerge of the country than the suin paid as yet for the improvement by the United States government, justifies, in the opinion of this Convention, = call on Congress to speedily grant any additional legisié. tion that may be required to facilitate the full and final completion of these warks. Beit farther resolved, that, in order to give force and effect to the recommendations made in this resolution, we request the president of this Convention to apppoint M: Underwood, of Louisville, Ky., a committee of one to ad= dress the Governors of the States bordering on the Mis~ iasippt River and its navigable tributaries, and urge them. omply with the recommendations made in sald frew ution. rst year of thel JEFY DAVIS SPEAKS, Mr. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, arose to ad« dress the Convention. (Prolonged applause.) Mr, Davis said not only did he represent the State of Mississippi upon this important question, but every State bordering upon that great river. There are two important obstacles to the improvement of the Mis- sissippi River to be overcome—the caving in of its banks and the overflow of the sathe. 6 of the Convention here interrupted Mr. is. questing him to speak louder, as the shorthand re- porter was unable to hear fully what he fhat his menmarks, be entered tipo tho mtn that remark ente tyon the mi utes. “Mr. Hogan, of Missouri,” thea Mr. Davis cccuty ee ietore. (Applanse.) Mr. Davis then proceeded through the centre aisle and ascended the platform, when he was again greeted with loud applause. He. thanked the delegates for the honor conferred upom him, and resumed his remarks. He said the resolutis accompanying the report hale fulland complete; that had he had the’ of them he could not have added a word ‘to'their or purpose, nor woulé he take one word t! Me ‘They were complete in expressing ‘the objects to ba. desired for the improvement of navigation of tha® great river. Railroads might come and railroa might go, but the Mississippi Rivér would flow on to the end of time, and the city of New 8 woul ultimately become one of the mightiest emporiums the world—a city of commerce second to none among the nations, SOUTHERN GRATITUDE, CITIZENS OF NEW ORLEANS THANKING THE PEO PLE OF THE WHOLE COUNTRY FOR THEUR GEN US AID AND SYMPATHY IN THE DAT® O¥ THE YELLOW FEVER SCOURGE, New Oxrrass, La,, Dec. 5, 1878. A mass mecting was held to-night at the Varieties ‘Theatre attended mainly by leading and influential) citizens and presided over by General Frederick We Ogden. After prayer by Rev. Dr. Palmer and an ad dress by Chief Justice Manning, the following pre- amble and resolutions were adopted :— Whereas during tho snmmer just passed New Orleans, im common with many of her sister cities of the Sonth, li been scourged by a plague which closed all her revenues trade, drained her resources and utterly dried up her means of self-help; and whereas in her impoverishment multi- tudes of her sick and sufforing citinens, from lack of food and clothing aud medical care, mast have been exposed ta the extremity of human misery and bare perished withous remedy had it not been for aid received from abroad ; whereas it ix becoming that the recipients of a charity ea free and ubounding shonld make du Ierabl the hei thei Fatitude to the ed them in an hour Ri people of New Orleans in mass m of humen suffering aud humam allel to the active Becte| assembled, That th sympathy khow no pa Iibited by all classes of our fellow countrymen toward tI . Not merely wi city of New Orleaus in its late aftiict the naked clothed, the starving fed ininistered to, but our dark at ing spirits sustained by 4 charity which descended lite some heavenly messenger, bringing healing on its wi them that were ready to perish. ‘Tho first cry of disti hardly goue up from our terror stricken comm the agonizing cry for help was answered act From North aie South, , butary streams of benel ‘8 ‘waters, frevh from the . Neyer before has any veople bees. cipient of so grand a clrarity; never can its impressive sou of humanity he forgotten. ‘Resolved, That in this universal testimony of countrymen that wo are one forevermore in woe we revognire the benignant voice of » great peo should silence with a stern rebuke tho evil utte wicked meu, who for ignoble and selfish ends would clamors of sectional discord; and w weaken and no evils of icning poiitie which bind as by the most sacred and the bonds of « national brotherhood, one and Resolved, That in the heroism and self-sacrifice by the physicians and nurses who at the cost of ° lant spirits Samed the tently, ny i c.. Seon jssion of humanity, and in w nt soldier, the late Lientenant Benner, of United states Army, we acknowledge, with tears for 4 fate and ratitnde for their devotion, the wu e J whose deptl: and sincerity they gave this highest proof—= that they laid down their fives for us, Resolved, That to those friends in foreign lands who are alley of its life givin oman affection. onee more th ay our u! of grateful henrts, that freely contributed to the ruliet of one Kindred or alien nationalities, our most fervent dne and are hereby tendered: olved, That to all societies, corporations and come, pan ‘woll as to communities and indi unm who fi i distrers aided ue by word oF nel, peopte of Now Orleans, as with one heart, feel grat unspoakable. CRUSHED IN A MINE. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) | Wuexitxe, W. Va., Dec. 5, 1878, John Yancey, proprietor of # coal mine at Bridges port, Ohio, was in the mine to-day superintending somo work when s mass of soapstone from the roof. A portion of it struck him on cates part of the body, man; his limbs in @ is till al ut will not recover, manner, GRAVE ROBBERS ARRESTED. Crxcixxatt, Ohio, Deo. 5, 1878. ‘The police carly this morning arrested Henry dar and Rufus Heyms, who had just delivered body of a negro girt to the Miami Medical Colleges Hoyms, who appears to be 8 new man in the businesses was drunk &nd talked freely, Asa result the police followed the case up and exposed a gang of resurres. tioniats, consisting of tive persons—the two above named, two white women, one of whom is the of Cunningham, of former notoriety in and @ negro women They talked of perience in the business. ‘The two men went to oa Work Spy ig! one “ot abosing 225