The New York Herald Newspaper, December 14, 1878, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1878. --TRIPLE SHEET “WASHINGTON. Presidential Election Bill Passed by the Senate. THE DAVENPORT INVESTIGATION, Republican Opposition to the Wood Res- olution Withdrawn. A REPORT ON THE ACKLIN SCANDAL. | ‘Movement to Provide for the Care of Immigrants. FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Wasntneton, Dec. 13, 1878, THE DAVENPORT INVESTIGATING RESOLUTION AND THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS BILL, The republicans in the House to-day set a useful example to the Senate democrats, They voted unani- mously and without discussion for Mr. Wood's reso- lution of inquiry into Mr. Davenport's conduct, Mr. McCook, as the only republican member from the city of New York, saying but « few words before the vote was taken. The resolution was amended in ac- cordance with the suggestion telographed by Mr. Dayenport to Mr. Conger. Mr. Blaine: desired to get up his resolution this afternoon, but it was late, the Senate was tired, and a motion to ad- journ prevailed, There appears to be some disposition on the democratic side to make more speeches on the resolution and considering the generally acknowl- edged lameness of those already made, this is a little surprising. Mr. Edmunds’ bill, concerning Presidential elections, passed the Senate to-day by 35 to 26, only three demo- crats—Senators Bayard, Morgan and Merrimon—vot- ing for it. If it mects with similar democratic op- position in the House it will have but a slight chance of becoming a law. It is possible that a bill now in Mr. Southurd’s hand, prepared by a special committee of the House and introduced last May, may be sub- Stituted for it. FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Wasutneton, Dec. 13, 1878. IMMIGRATION AND THE CARE OF IMMIGRANTS-— REPRESENTATIVES POTTER AND COX BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMERCE COMMITTEE. Messrs. Potter and Cox, of New York, had a hearing before the House Committe, on Commerce this morning on the subject of House bili No. 3,704, to regulate immigration and make provision for the eare of immigrants. Mr. Potter gave a clear statement of the growth of the Bureau of Iminigra- tion in New York, its charitabie nature and the be- neficence of its working, and showed how long it bad facilitated immigration and how necessary it had been for the protection and well being of immigrants. Yor many the Bureau of Immigration had been supported by a charge of $1 to $2 per bead, paid by the owners of ships bringing immigrants, ag a commutation for liability for bringing into the couatry criminals, lunatics and helpless persons. In 1876 the Supreme Court declared this charge un- constitutional, aud since thea the commissioners eve had no fund with which to care for the immi- grants, except as contributed by the State of New York. ‘The bill proposed was introdnced after conference between all the representatives of the State and upon the recommendation of the Legislature and State an- thorities, and provides for authority to the State to prevent the landing of foreign criminals, lunatics and helpless paupers, and for an appropriation of $250,000, to be divided among the different ports of the country relatively, according to the number of immigrants cared for. Mr. Potter was followed by Mr. Cox and by Mr. Jackson, secretary of the com- missioa, urging the necessity and wisdom of the bill. GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. Wastrxeron, Dec. 13, 1878, DETAILS OF THE ARMY REORGANIZATION BILL. Among the details of the Army Reorganization Dill which are not specifically mentioned in the report of the Burnside Commission are provisions that “‘here- after all vacancies in the grade of second lieutenants shall be filled by appointments from graduates of the Military Academy and by promotions of meritorious soldiers of the army," and that “the general officers shall be selected from the army, the major generals from the brigadier generals and the brigadier gen- erals from the field officers of the line.” These provisions, together with the section men- tioned inthe report which requires appoirtments to the grade above second lientenancies to be made by lineer promotions, cover the subject of appoint- ments into thearmy, It is claimed, therefore, by members of the commission that the (incidental re- peal of section 1,214 of the Revised Statutes, which forbids the appointment in the army of any person who served in the Confederate canre, will not open the door to the appointment of Confederate officers or soldiers to any grade except that of second liea- tenant, and to that only through graduation at the Military Academy or by promotion from the ranks, The bill also contains, in addition to the matters heretofore stated, provisions that no Ine officer shall be eligible to detail for stat duty unless be has served six yours, and that each detail #hali be for three years ouly; that all orders relating to military operations shell come through the Headquarters of the Army; that any citizen of the United Btates may be enlisted in the army (thus superseding the existing provisions for colored regiments), and | that all bands and details for bands shall hereafter be discontinued and prohibited, and the men composing them be returned to duty in their respective regi- ments. ‘The following is the full text of these important portions of the bill which provide the machinery for its proposed reductions, &c., and prescribe the meth- ods of dealing with each officer whose retirement or discharge it coutemplated :-— BeeTIon 40.—That in order to bring abont the re- duction and reorganiza provided for by this act, it is authorized and directed— First—That a “reserved list!’ be established, to which officers shall be transferred from the line and we. ope not otherwise disposed of, as hereinafter irected, Second-—That so much of existing laws as limite the number of officers that may at any one time bo on the “retited list” is hereby suspended, Tived-That every officer who bas been thirty ears in the service may, upon Lis own application, placed wpon the retired Met; that every officer other than of the corpe of general ofieers who shall be sixty-iwo years of age at the passnge of this act, and ball then havo verved for twenty yoara as 1 OMeer, shall be at once retired: that all such off- cers who at th aye of this act shall be between | the ages of six! sixty-two shall be at once trans forted to the regerved list, ar of sixty-two tired het, and the wixty age at the bhali © rend service ax an officer «hal gratuity provided in claus Vided that cach year's service in tiny emt as two yerrs’ ordinary service. 4 of this sestion who is tever for the proper and eft an may be lone habits the off be discharged, with » gratuity of one year’s pay he shall have Wire te, aud if it ither the reanit of vigets habits nor of incident to ber all be disehary with # at tue tate of erm prot e ay Te avai punted Of ‘ive srondered, either onan Officer or soldier in thw Vay vr vor fg Ot the United Labia Beaten Wine ot the ve thee of injaries fer “ fat ne todd in of Ine duty, tee oof choc) be jhaceal cy Che Rathtud Hat, yew and bureaus ‘eof the several cepurtments { the #tefl, the commanders uf the sev- | remain subject in all respects to the rules and articles | after viewing the same frou! u §olitical standpoint, ¢ | deemed that Acklen’s re-election might be jeopardized rother than thoae referred | eral sraprephicnl divisions and departments of the Corps of Engineers of the several regiments and mil- posts and of detachments in the field, shall, practicable, aud before the Ist June, 1879, forward, through and for of the General-in-Chief, Seeretury of War, a list of officers belonging to their respective departments, bureaus or commands deened by them unfit from any cause for the proper and efficient discharge of their duty. The cause of such unfitness shall be fully and specifically set forth im each case with a lint of witnesses and reference to any document of evidence, Sizih—That a board, to consist of uot less than three of the highest general officers available for the purpose and of two surgeons, and that shall have a recorder, shail be appointed by the President to ex- amine ito the qualifications aud habits of every officer affected by the reports or records referred to in clause five of this section and not disposed of by age under clause three, The members of the Board and the Recorder shail be sworn to a faithful dis- Py of ng duties and the Board cay have power compel the witnesses necessary y case, ane: they be civilian or military, to pi and Seventh—That the reports and records calied for by clause 5 of this section and such special reports in re- lation theveto as may be necessary by the Secretary of War, shall be referred to the Board of Examiners aforesaid tor the investjgation necessary in each case, and upon the recommendation of the Board, approved by the President, unfavorably reported upon shell in accordance with clause 4 of this section be cither retired or discharged. Provided that no offver shall thus be retired or discharged until he hasbeen allowed an oppertunity to appear before the Board a That pepe pret and inspector t present sdju' of general's Cepartments shall be consolidated into the department to be known us the ‘‘gen- eral staff;"’ that the present cavalry force shall be consolidated into eight regiments, and the present infantry force into seventeen regiments, and that the enlisted men ot ordnance, artillery, cavalry sand infantry shall be so trans- ferred as to establish as soon as may be the Teor- ganization in view. Provided that no non-com- missioned officer or first class private shall be forced to serve in a lower yrade. _Minth—That from the officers remsining upon the active list of the line and staff after the process of elimination, hereinbefore prescrived, nave com- pleted, and before the 1st of January, 1880, the Presi- dent having regard to their seniority, length ot service and fitness, shall, by retention in their present positions, and ‘by the necessary transfers and promotions, arrange the proper com- plement of officers to each of the departments and bureaus of the staff and to the several corps and regiments of the line. Upon this arrangement being made the supernumerary officers shall be transferred to the reserved list. See, 41.—That the “reserved li shall be main- tained for three years, or till Congress shall other- wise direct, provided that no «additions shall be made thereto after the reorganization of the army has been accomplished, and that the officers upon this list, except as hereaftcr provided, receive the pay and allowances of retired officers of like rank and no more. Se. 42.—That every officer upon the reserved list who may tender his resignation within six months after his transfer thereto shall be entitled, upon the acceptance of such resignation, to receive thrve years’ full pay of his rank, less the amounts previously paid to him as an officer on that list. Sev, 43.—That officers upon the reserved list shall of war, aud when employed upon any duty that may be recognized by law they shail receive the full pay of their rank. THE ACKLEN SCANDAL-—CHARGES EXAMINED AND PRONOUNCED BASELESS BY PROMINENT REPRE- SENTATIVES. , ‘The following statements in regard to the scandals affecting Mr. J, A, Acklen, set afloat just prior to the election in Louisiana, explain themselves :— Some time ago serious charges were made against the social character ot Representative J. H, Acklen by an affidavit in the possession of H. L. Surith, and a committee of prominent democrats of Louwisiana, by the publicity given the slauder, and as but a shfort time intervened between the publication and the election, advised him on party grounds to withdraw from the canvass. We quote the following from a letter addressed to Mr. Acklen by several rs of that committee :—- “It was held by them (the committee) that, should they deem it advisable for you in the interest of the party and the election of a member of Congress from Your district to withdraw, they would declare that opinion. The committee were convinced that if the republicans made a canvass in your district the affi- davit against you would be printed and ned in an attempt to destroy your chauce of election. They, as a committer, ignored what at term the social onestion entirely, and were guided solely by what they considered to be the interest of the democracy of the State. They examined the question from » political standpoint only and from n0 other.” Mr. Ackien declined to withdraw from the canvass, bnt was advised to submit the charges to a republi- cau committee in order to estop the use of slander against him by his political opponents. This he did, and this cormmittee pronounced him innocent of the | charges and the attempt one ot blackmail. He was re-elected by a majority tenfold that of 1476. We have felt it our duty toward Mr. Acklen and the State of Lonisiana to carefully examine into these charges strictly from a social standpoiut, aud have done so. After an examination of the whole case, of let- | ters and documents from the most reputable peuple | of the parish where the alieged wrong is said to have occurred, and other Papers bearing on~ the | case, which leaves no doubt w! ver on our minds, | ronounce most emphatically that the charge it AL. Acklen is entirely without foundation and @ buse attack npon hix character, 3. B. EUSTIS, United States senator, Louisiana. Representative from Lonisiana. ema Ww. ROSERTUOS, tative m Louisiana. E. JOHN. ELLIS, Representative from Louisiana, = request we have carefully examined and consid- the evidence submitted to us touching the charge of seduction against Mr. Acklen, and in the above statement the conclusion is inevitable that this charge was maliciously made and bad no foundation in fact. CHARLES FOSTER, M. C., Ohio. | WILLIAM P. FRYE, M. €., Maine. W. H. CALKINS, M. C., Indiana. THOMAS 8. COBB, M., C., Indiana, H. D, MONEY, M. C., Missisaippi. JESSE J. YEATES, M. C., North Carolina. ACTION OF HOUSY COMMITTEES, The House Committee on Expenditures in the State Department to-day continued the cross-exam- ination ot G. Wiley Wells, without eliciting any new or interesting features. The House Committce on Yellow Fever has ap- pointed sub-committees to confer with similar sub- committees appointed by the Senate some days ago | to investigate differemt branches of tho subject. Mr. Garfield, of Ohio, was anade chairman of the sub-commuttes charged with the duty of reporting | upon the constitutional power of Congress to legis- | late upon the subject of public health; Mr, Hooker, of Missinsippi, to report the scope and method of in- | repeal o much of the vestigation, and Mr. Gibson, of Louisiana, was made chairman of the sub-committee to sclect experts. Those comiuitteecs will have a meeting with the cor- | 7 responding committees of the Senate to-morrow and | present their reports to « joint inesting of the Senate | and House committecs on Monday. It is not yet de- termined how wide a range the investigation will | teke, but it is supposed that it will embrace every- thing pertaining to the cause and prevention of ail | epidemic diseases. ] The House Naval Committce met this morning, but the republican members not being prepared with a minority report on the Robeson investigation, that subject was postponed until next Tnesday, It was decided to hold # special meeting to cousider Repre- sentative Harris’ bill for the reorganization of the | navy, but the date was not fixed. | ‘Tho House Committee on Yost Ofieus and Post | Roads will hear argument on Monday next relative to | the pending bill providing for the classification of | mail matter and rates of postage thereon. The House Patent Committee to-day authorized Representative Sehieicher to report tothe House a bill prohibiting the bringing of suit for damages | aqoinet parties purchasing articies nanufactured by others than the petentee if at the time of purchase the infringoment of the patent was unknown. A snb-committes of the House Committee on Ap- propriation Clymer aud Baker, heard statements to-day from Postmaste? James, of New York,,Superiutendent of Ratiway Service Thompson, and Cthers, in favor of an appropriation to supply deficits in the appropria- tion for the Railway Mail Service, without which, as stated by the Postmaster General, the postal car branch of it Will, of necessity, be discontinued on January 1. The subject went over for possible action to- mortow, THE VERS OF PENSION ATTORNEYS. The bill introduced in the Senate today by Mr. | Conkling relative to pertkions provides that the feqot an agent or attorney for prosecuting @ elaim for pen- sion in the Pension Oflice shall hefeafter be as fol- lows :— Fird—Yor an increase of pension, restoration to the rolls,» bounty land warrant and a service pen- sion, $10. Seoond—Por au original invalid pension, $15, Therd—Vor widows owi other heirs, $29, Agents paying such pensions are required to dednet from the amount due the pensionor the amount of fee #0 certified to him by the Commissioner of Pen | ment, consisting of Representatives Blunt, | sions, and to forward the same to the agentor attar- ney. THE NATIONAL RAILROAD, Senator Gordon offered an amendment to the Na- tional Railroad bill to-day, which provides for the appointment of a board of sixteen commissioners, to be called the ‘National Board of Commissioners of Interstate Transportation,” whose duty it shall be to decide upon the route and the termini of the pro- posed National Railway Company, act as the first Board of Directors of said company, and generally to carry out the purpose of the bill—viz., to purchase, locate, construct and Boston, through the States of Massachusetts, Connecticnt and New York, to the port of New York, and through the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Mlinois and Iowa to Council Bluffs, Iowa, with sundry branches of the main line in the several States enumerated. It also provides that the said compuny shall have the right to acquire by purchase, gift or condemuation all necessary real estate and rights of way, and that its capital stock shall not exceed $15,000 per mile on each mile of single track railway #0 bought or constructed, bs ‘THE ETERNAL M'GARRAHAN CLATM. The House Public Lands Committee to-day decided to hear argument of counsel in the case of McGarra- han vs. the New Idria Mining Company on Tuesidey next, » PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. SENATE, WastiIneTon, Dee. 13, 1878, The Vicz Preswent laid before the Senate a com- munication from the Secretary of War, inclosing a letter from the Chief of the Engiveer Corps, stating that under the law as it now stands if the office of Chief of Engineers should become vacant no appoint- ment to fill the vacancy could be made. The secre- tary submits tho draft of a bill to remedy this diff- culty. Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Also @ communication from the Secretary of War calling attention to the case of William English, late acadet at West Point, and suggesting such lezisla- tion ag will enable the President.to appoint hii sec- ond lieutenant in the army. Referred to the Com- mittee on Military Affairs. t Also a communication from the late Constitutional Convention of California remonstrating against any treaty with France which will reduce the import duties on wines and spirits. Referred to the Com- mittee on Foreign Affairs. Also a communication from the joint commission appointed to complete the Washington Monument, transmitting copies of reports showing the extent and progress of the work. Referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, Mr. Kernay, (dem.) of N.Y¥., presented resolutions of the City Council of Brooklym, N. ¥,, favoring the passage of the bill granting 4 pension to the widow of Rear Admiral Paulding. Referred to the Com- mittee on Pensions, On motion of Mr. McDosaxp, (dem.) of Ind., it was ordered that when the Senate adjourn to-day it be to meet on Monday next. Mr, Dennis, (dem.) of Ind., presented a petition of the Balthnore Academy of Sciences and the Baltimore Medical Association favoring the appointment of a commission of competent persons to inquire as to the cause of epidemic diseases gnd the manner of treatment, means of prevention, &c. Referred to a select committee tp to consider that subject. Bills were introduced and referred as follows :— By Mr. Cox, (dem.) of Texas—To authorize the Secretary of War to contract with the Galveston and Camargo Railroad tor the immediate construction of ite line of road to Rio Grande City, opposite Camargo, Mexico, a6 a coast defence and for the purpose of es- tablishing # commorc:ai und militery rail highway — the = Grande. Referred to the Committee on roads, By Mr. Proms, (rep.) of Kan.—Io provide for the temporary increase of the army in an ciuergency. Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. FEES OF PENSION ATTORNEYS. Mr. CONKLING, \(rep.) of N. by request, intro- duced a bill to ame the laws ing to pensions. Mr, CONKLING said this bill concerned the fees of | pension sttorneys, He ppposed a recent act on that | subject which fixed a maximum rate of fees for pen- sion attorney, under the operations of which attor- neys hud refused to act. letters trom persons entitled to pensions complain- ing that, uader the guise of protecting them, a provi- sion had been put upon the statute books which pre- vented them from securing the services of the attor- neys they desired, THE MANHATIAN BANK. Mr. Morrin, rep of Vt., from the Committce on Finances, reported favorably on the Senate bill to authorize the issue of certain duplicate registered bonds to the Manhattan Savings Institution of New York city, and in explanation of the bill seid i# was rey unsniinousiy by the Finance Comuittee, and was also recommended by the Secretary of the ‘Treasury, Passed. It authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue duplicates of the bonds amounting in the aggregate to $1,600,0v0, alleged to have been stolen trom the Alaphattan Savings Institution on the 2th of Octo- ber, 1878. The bonds are to be held by the Treasurer of the United States in trust tor the suid institution for such time as in the judgment of the Secretary of the Tressury will secure the Urcasurer uguinst lows. Mr. BxCK, (dem.) of Ky., culled up the House bill to mary Civil Appropriation bill for the present fiscal year ax appropriates to Obaries P, Birkett the suv: $2,506 70, ax late indian agent at the Ponca Ayency, and moved that it be re- terred to the Comsaitter on Appropriations. Mr. Beck explained bis connection with the bill at the last session, and said he introduced it at the request of a respectable attorney. He examined the bill then as far us he could at the request of the bra: ae on Appropriations and believed it to be fight. If the Committees on Appropriations or inim- self had been imposed upon he would cheerfully vote for the bill of the House to repeal the act. The bill was referred to the Committee on Appropriations. Mr. Morea, (dem.), of Ala., yave notice that on Wednesday next Le would call up the bill for the re- lief of the Methodist Publishing House, of Nashville, Tena., reporied favourably by the Committee on Claims at the Jast session. PREALWENTIAL ELECTIONS, The morning hour having expired the Senate re. sumed consideration of » uufinished business, being the bill of Mr. Edmunds to amend suudry pro- yisions of chapter 1, title 3, of the Revised stacutes of the United States relatin; and to provide for end regulate the counting of the yotes tor President and Vice President and the deci- sion of questions arising thereon. REMARKS OF ML, bAvann. Mr. Bayar, (dem.) of Del., suid the importance of this subject alune induced hum, as a momver of the special coummittee Which reported tie bill, to take part im the discussion. The great difficuities sur- rounding this oye of counting the electoral vote wonld be y @ppareut to sny oue who would study the formation of scheme of our govern- Our fathers had approache iled to satisfectorily «dispose of it. in urgent need now to settle this question, aud he held was especially yropitious, becauxe tie houses of Congress were controlled by different political parties, and & measure wiien would receive the advent of both houses would be euch aone as one on this wabject shouid be, & non-partisan mens- wu ‘This nation needed rest aud peace and not turther agitation. ‘fhe man who would serve his country best would seek to give her rest, to allay con- fusion and compose strife. The country’s worst foe wes the fomenter of new discords. He viewed this bill a» & imeasure tending to peace aud quiet, tending to restore confidence to the public mind, and any man stututional uifficulty stood in the way, that the vill vested no new power in the two houses of Cougress, aud next reterred to the constitutional powers vested in Congress and in the staves, The bill met his favor, because it reafirmed iv clear and explicit terms the power of the State over this sub- ject of appointing electors. It wiped ouv ail pretext of federal supervision over the seicction of electors, and confided everything to the State itaeli. Tho State had the svle power to execute that act, and the voice of the State should be conclusive. DUPLICATE RETURNS. He then referred to duplicate returne from States, and seit we had had in the unhappy past u Litter ex- perience in regard to duplicate returns. N the kind was kuown until 1472. Previv tine there had been a spirit of honesty which would stamp with infamy the effort of any minority at- tempting to overturn the will of the majority in a State. Those who committed or permitted the com- mis#ion of fraud would sooner or later perish by iraud. This bill ought to ve in the political interests of ali parties. Gradually this country was coming back to acts of reason and justice and the people were weighing the acts of men aud parties. Part! vanship —_ weck to slay this era of yood foeling, but it would fail, In conclusion Mr. Bayard referred to the late peati- lence i the South and said the small rivulote or pri- vate beneficence on one side and of gratitude on the other had yrown into a mighty river of good feelang. He hoped this bill would pase, as it tended to emooth the path of progress over « difficult subject. Mr. Katos, (dem.) of Conn., opposed the bill or any other on this subject. In his judgment there could be, coustitutionaily, no legislation wpon this subject. There ougit not to be any interposition by | Congress between tie States and the constitution in rd to choosing electora. It the constivution is Gofective iu thin respect iet it be amended. He argued that this Congress could make no lew in re- gard to counting the electoral vote that would bind the next Congress, upon which the counting of the vote would devolve. Hethen referred to Klec- toral Conunission of beg men said the choice of the people ot the United States was defrauded by the illegal at of an miconstitutional commission. During # colloquy between Mr. Eaton and Mr. Laxiuunds upon tie debate Mr. Katon epoke of it as boy ay. Pa Comune 1 think it is, Karox--1 operate a railway: from | | duty to vote for it, without regard to ‘This bill came to him with | to Presidential elections, | i this subject, aud | that the present time | two | who cold | vote tar it should do 80, Uuless some serious con. | He argaed ‘| think i¢ is, aud if my friend (ir, | Mr, Wai, (rep.) of Pu., intzodaced » bill sppropri- Edmunds) won't interfere there will be one less boy ren tlre btoalpen error the Delaware conquer in the +» ater.) River by @o.cetablishisent of. ante, Referred, ~ Mae « of N, C., favored the passage | The ‘then proceeded to call committees for of the billand efake o the imy of some leg- | reports of a private nature, a islation to prevent # recurrence of the troubles yrow- . Daves, ( ) of N. C., from the Committee on ing out of this subject, would fail in its ® bill (orizinatly introduced by Mr. city if, im view of the pas to avert those d his eyes open my longer delayed Puiliva, of Heausde) aunending the ack which every one with riation for the en ot gorse see. Ho felt it tobe his duty to neat awe meron etn 1872, sod, vote for the bill now before the Senate, Unless Con- It includes im the settlements provided for in that ress in a ye of patriotism and forbearance of bill all accounts for the service of laborers, &o., em- late on this subject the time might come when | ployed by the government between the 19th of May, there would be @ dissolution of the gov: , and the date when full payment was commenced ernment in transferring the office of Presi- | for eight hours’ work by the uct ap) oes en e reduction in dent tvom one person to another. He spoke | when it shall be mado to appear that at some of the constitutional powers of | hours of labor was the cause of reduction in wages, Congress and the States in this matter, and argued At the conclusion of the morning hour Mr. Woop that Congress hud the right to provide, by statute, } moved to take from the Speaker's tuble and pass the how the provisions of the constitution in regard to | Senate bill to anthorize the issue of certain duplicate counting the electoral vote should be executed. He | registered bonds for the benefit of Manhattan believed the Denenae of this bill would be satistactory | Savings Institution, of New York. tothe people, He believed it to be his high, patriotic Mr. WILLIAMS, (rep.) of Oregon,’ objected to sits yy considler- ‘esent cousic On. 6 grou! it it had uo ees merit than any chee eons ill, and it was Mr, GanLanp, (dem.) of Ark., 0} the bill npon | reterred to the Committee on Ways atid Means, constitutional grounds, and arg that no previous ‘The House then, atiten minutes to: three, went into Congress could prescribe duty which would be oby | Committee of the Whole (Mr, Burchard, of Illinois, ligatory on @ cone which was to witness the | in the chair) on the private calendar, . counting of the electoral vote. The princip! upon The first bill on the calendar was the bill for reim- which bill.was placed wexe good, but not within | bursing the College of William aud Mary for property the.scope of the constitution. destroyed during the late war. Mr, Jonxs, (dem.) of Fla., who made an argument Mr. Keer, (rep.) of Ohio, opposed the passage of a few daya in opposition to the bill, lained | the bill, saying that he did so without ing desire or portions of his argu tin reply to intent-of ng-elivethe itt will engendered: the and Merrimon, ‘and. objected sticaltete to that | late war, tht the fact should not be lost night portion of the bill which gave it.to one Sena- | that the col was destroyed by a war brought un tor und one Representative to abject to the count of pV cols own teaching, sud that no reedrd the vote of any State. tasingle student of thatinstitution bad ation. SPEECH OF MR. HILL. ont army, Ha opposed it booause Mr. Hii, (dem.) of Ga., said the country and our | there no egal skeen for he bet of the institutions wore in great peril during the Presi- | claim,and denied that there was any precedent for dential count of 1677. We were not far from a | sugh payment. | condition of anarchy from which no escape been provided by law, not certain influences been bro no one could say where we or our institutions would be to-day. Hv did not believe then and be did not believe now that the perils which then threatened the coun- try arose from any confusion of law or the power of Mr, Enxn, 1 of IL, would not bill because it’ ht establish a ‘The committee then rose without Mr. Wiison, -(dem.) of W. Vi making the trade dollar a logal Mr. Gipson, (dem.) of La., intro: lution yiving notice to terminate v' th rote Lor ‘% and had the two Houses of Co: . The troubles arose June, 1875, with the King of the Hawaiian Islands. not because we had no law, but because there was # | Referred. “ Gisponition to disobey the law. ‘the very framework | Mr. Coox, (dem.) of Ga... trom the Gdinmittco on of that Electoral bill was one of the moat remarkable | Military Affairs, reported # bill do} ‘twenty con- confessions of the domination of spirit that he | demned cannon to aid in the erection of a monu- ever saw, I¢ was framed upon t! that seven pank to the late General G. A. Custeg at. West Pojnt. ‘assed. i ‘The House then adjourned) until twelve o'clock to- morrow. 4 NATIONAL BOARD OF ‘TRADE. CLOSING SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL— RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONGRESS. Wasuinaton, Dec, 13, 1878, The Executiye Council of the National Board of Trade, in session here for the pagt two days, has agreed on recommending to the Byard, to be, acted upon ut its next meeting, some changes in its organic law, which will have the effect to increase the interest of local bodies, in its vocdings, The rule of rep- resentation is to be made liberal, the current ex- penses arc to be kept at @ low point and its meetings are to be held iu Washington uniformly instead of in the various cities of the country in turn, as Leretofore. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONGRESS. The Council has laid before the appropriate com- mittees of Congress the action of the Board favoring a systematic and thorough revision of the tariff by a compe$nt comission; the appointment of a simj- lar commission to unite with one representing the Dominion of Canada in framing a new and broad re- members would vote for the republicans and seven for the democrats. ‘the great effort was to find the fftcenth member Who» would yoto im- partially. One of . the»» highest — tributes ever paid to any man on, this Continent was then paid to gentleman now @® member of this body, but then a Justice of the United States supreme Court (Davis of IMinois).. The belief that ho would be the fifth Judge secured many votes for the bill, be- cuuse it was believed that he approached the standard of non-partisenship more than any other gentleman who could have been selected. Congress could not settle this matter of counting the ¢lectoral vote and wonld finally have to appeal to the peepie, but, unfortunately, the people were almost as badly pi ridden as their leaders. Another ob- jection which he had to the bill was that it alowed nincty daya between the election of elec- tors and the time for them to vote for President aud Vice President. That would give rise to more peril than all that now existed. Party spirit not yufre- quently dominated all psrtics in this country to an vlarming extent, and he was afraid to allow ninety days tor pertisaus to change the results of elections. ir, THURMAN, (dem.) of Ohio, said he would not higwclt by voting againet it, and ho hoped the vote se] st it, vote would be taken soon. i THE BILL PASSED, After some further discussion between Messrs. Hoar of Massachusetts, Cockrell of Missouri and Ed- munds of Vermont, the bill was read a time and passed—yeas 35, nays 26—as foilow#: Y¥xas—Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Bayard, Blaine, Booth, Burnside, Cameron of Peunaylvania, Canieron of Wiscon: | ciprocity treaty as .a basis for negotistions between taupdauione, Hawli, Hexh Lows ingatinskellpon ice) | Seen cree eu ions ine snocuncation, of wood, Meailian, Mutihows’ Merrimon, Mitchell “Morgan, | the navigation laws; the assertion by the general gov- Morrill, Oglesby, Paddock, Patterson, Plumb,’ Rollins, Baunders, ‘Teller, Wadleigh and Windom —3», Navs—Messri Bailey, Beck, Butler, C Davin of West Virgini ton, Rustis, Gor Grover, Harris, Hereferd, Hil of Florida, Ket Lamar, McUroery, McDonald, Muxey, Randolph, Kansom, Thurman, Vourleds, Wallace and Withers—26, Mesers. Chailee, McPherson and Conover, who ernment of its authority and jurisdiction over the navigable waters of the country and the establish- nent of a department of commorce as & branch of the yovernment, to have in its charge the varied in- dustrial and commercial interests of the nation. SPECIE RESUMPTION. ‘The National Board has for years been urging upon would haye voted in the affirmative, were paired with | Congress the resumption of specie nts at the Messrs, Boruum, Johuson and. Gsriand, wae would cacet ‘practicable ee son the oie ras pre ‘After the toll call Mr, Cocument, (deun.) of, Mo., | calculated t9 interfere 4y any way with resumption said he favored. a number of the provisions of this | as fixed by the law of January, 1675, but they upder- bill, and could one or two provisions bave been | stood no Such legislation is to be ‘attempted. The oe dr: Hewitt's bil providing for tho fru excuange on Mr, Hewitt’s rr ree exc! e- ability at the Sub-Treagury in New York of go! a and silver coin, but its members are all unders: to be in favor of this measure as designed to maintain‘ fair relative equality between tue two metals, and while meeting all the reasonable views of the silver mien to secure aud maintain specie resumption upon a gold basis. Thirteen cities have hecm at the preven’ inectiny of the Lxecutive Council, which closes to-night. THE NEZ PERCES OUTBREAK. changed he would have voted tor it. YROVISIONS OF THE BILL. The bill as pee provides that the electors of President and Vive President shall be appointed in | each State on the first Tu in October in every | fourth yeapeand onthe same day in October when- ever there shall be 9 vacancy in both of the offices of President aud Vice President. The electors are to mect and give their votes for President and Vice President on the second Monday in January next following et such place in each State as the Legislature of such State shall direct. In case of vacuucy in both the offices of President and Vice President occurring more than two months next pre- ceding tho first Tuesday in October, the Secret of State shall cause notification thereof to be made to the Executive of Re gd It further provides that each State may prov! by law (enacted prior to the day named for the appointment of electors) for the ap- pointment of such electors, for the trial and determins- tion of any controversy concerning their appointment before the time fixed for their meeting the second Monday in January. The electoral vote shall be connted by the two houses of Congress on the second Monday of February succeeding every meeting of the electors, Every ob- jection shall be made in writing, stating the reasons, and be signed by at least one Senator aud one mem- ber of the House. It further provides for the separation of the two houses and the action upon all objections after two hours’ debate in cach house under the ive minute rule. No vote objected to shall be counted, ex: ept by | the affirmative voice of both houses, No debute is | to be allowed when the two houses are in joint session. | AGENT MONTEITH IN REPLY TO CHARGES AGAINST HIM. Wasurnoton, Dec, 13, 1878, John B. Monteith, agent for the Nez Percés Indians, in a letter received by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to-day, quotes from a speech which he under- stands as having been made by General Miles at Bismarck, to the effect that the Nez Percés outbreak a year ago was caused by the rascality of their agents fencing and ploughing lands on their reservation, and sayg ig reference thereto, thet during his (Mon- teith’s) administration of nearly eight years no gov- ernment funds have been expended for fencing pur- posesand but about $125,000 for ploughing. Previ- Mi, BLAINE'S RESOLUTION. ous to his taking cha of the sgency, After the passage of the Electoral bill Mr. Biarxe, | however, Captain sells, "Cinited States Army, (rop.) of Me., moved to take up the resolution sub- | during nine months’ administration, expended iitted by him on the first day of the session in re- | large sums for both fencing and ploughing, making some $23,000 on fencing contracts and more than $7,000 on that for ploughing. Monteith further claims that the outbreak was not made by reservation Tudians, and thot Sarina. his ediministration the In- dians have received fill benefit of all funds appro- priated for them, and the condition of thoso on the gard to cilizens being deprived of their constitutional rights, so it would be the unil business on Monday. Mr. WapurioH, (rep.) of N, H., objected, and said | the Nenate bill to revise, consolidate and amend the | statutes relating to tents and he would press its consideration, Mr. Buatwe said if bis resolution was to pass it was important that it be passed before the holidays. . WADLKIGH said the resolution would lead to discuasion, while the Patent bill would not. Mr. Buaine, of Maine, said the Senator (Mr. Wad- leigh) did not know that the resolution would pro- voke discussion. , Mr. WADLKIGH moved to adjourn. Messrs. Liaine of Maine, Edmunds of Vermont, and others on the repubiican side objected and called | for the yeas and nays. ‘The motion to urn was agreed (o—yeas U4, néys 26—Moessrs. Booth, Davis of Llinois, Ingalla ond | Wadleigh voting with the democrats in the uffrma- | expended, ARMY INTELLIGENCE. Wasutxatow, Dec, 18, 1878, Captain Henry M. Adams, of the Corps of Engi- neers, is relieved from duty under the immediate or- ders of Major U. B. Comstock, of the Vorps of Engi- neers on the survey of the Northern and Nortlwoutern lakes, to take effect as soon as his services can be spared by that officer, and he will repair to Washing- ton and report to the Chief of Engineers for assign- ment to duty in his oilice. tive. ‘The Senate then adjourned until Monday. ES ee ee war rer NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, os Wasmyortox, Dec, 13, 1878, THE QUINNEBAUG—CHANGES AT THE GOSPORT Mr. Kuswa, (dem.) of W. Va,, rising to a personal NAVY .xARD. explanation, referred to the sweeping charges: made in the public press against members of the Cominit- teoon Enroiled Bills for drunkenness at the clove of the Iast session. He denounced such charyes a« un- Annapolis. qualificdly false, aud filed statements of the Speaker ‘A and other officers of the House, in’ sapport ‘of his | Commander Francis. H. Beker, equipment and re- mit | cruiting officer at the Navy Yard, received his orders statement. | to-day and leaves to-morrow afternoon for” Washing- Mr. Fens, (vep.) of Idaho, from the Comunittee on | a Indiau Affaire, reported bill. to confirm cortain con | eee a te i eons vacancy of veyances executed by guardians of Indians ap- | parted a Alfred Hopkins, now on the staff pointed by the Territory aud State of Kansas. Ke- | ea oouaimee bb ned ai) will, it is thought, suc- jersed. The bills on the Speaker's table (since Inet session) were taken up and referred to committees, except where objections wore made, a8 was the case with the Dill to repeal the Resamption act and the bill to ex- tend the time for constructing the Northern Pacific [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. } Nonvonn, Va., Dec. 13, 1878. ‘The Quinnebaug will reach here on Sunday from this station on the Ist of January, CUANGES IN THE STATIONS OF OFPICERS. Wasitixerox, Dec. 13, 18° Assistant Engineer f. W. Galt has been or Railway. ‘Those bilis remain on the Speaker's table, | the Plymouth and Assistant Engineer Eugene Wi t YUE DAVENPORT RESOLUTION. Corles to the Boston Navy Yard. Assistant Engineor . EB. Trick has been detac Mr. Woop, (em,) of N. ¥., called tp the resolution | H. By Reick, baw been detached from the Fiyimoxtth and placed Pas: geon . K. Yaucey las been detached from the Adams and placed on sick leave, THE offered by him yesterday for an investigation into the conduct of John I. Davenport, United States Super- visor of Elections for the Second Judicial district of New York, for the purpose of having it decided whether it involved « question of privilege. Mr. Ganrievn, (rep.) of Ohio, said that yesterday he had stated that Mr. Davenport was not an impesch- able otiicer, but on investigation Le had come to the conclusion that he was, ic (Mr. Garfield) might still object to the resolution on the ground that it was not @ privileged question, but he did not desire to do so, He only desired to make au amendment extending the investigation to Mr. Davenport's official conduct on the days of registration a» well a8 on eluction day. Mr. Woop stated that he had no objection to that amendment. Mr. McCook, (rep.) of N. ¥., said that as the only political rope sentative of the republican party from the city of New York he hoped po gentleman on his wide of the House would offer the «| 4, yee objection to the adoption of any resolution which inquired into the exorcise of suffrage in that city. He was as much oppored to iliegal interference with voters in New York a8 iu Louisiane or South Carolina. If men had been intimidated in New York it was as criminal as bull- dozing in Louisiana or ballot box atuffing in South Carolina. Hoe conid, perhaps, give reasons why his distingnished friend from New York (Mr. Wood), the leader of the democratic party, was so anxious for an investigation, That gentleman's district had, in 1876, given him @ majority, and now’ be was & minority candidate to the tune of 2,000), SUGAR TARIFF. To tae Epiton or tar Herann:— Your correspondent “‘Ainen” makes certain state- ments tonching the sugar tariff in your issue of De- eomber 10 which are not founded on fact, and which, being liable to mislead the public mind, I desire to correct, With regard to the classification of sugars, the weighing and sampling of them, the rigid prevau- tion by which the Treasury has rendered frand in these matters practically impossible, the abecnee ot such traude as alleged by him, I would merely refer him to the official evidence given under oath in the “New York Custom House Investigation,” pages 106, 166, &e. Kither your i 8 RO® has read that evidence or he has not. If has, his state- ments, which, so far as frauds are concerned, are tion” ot his communication may be divmissed with the remark that the public will apt to believe the affidavits of men well known in this comrownity and to the trade throughout the country than the insubstantinted averments of tms anony- mous writer, It is false that the refiners énjoy any special privi- leges. Is this writer aware that the government holds: mitch more It was, perhaps, not the fault of the democratic party | at its good piessure ten eent of every ¢al ot that that extraordinary condition of sflairs bad oc- | imported sugar, which it can sample and je un- curred. There bad been a difference between demo- | til thoroughly satisfied of its dutiable value, and that crate and Tammany, and whenever the republicans | such ten per cent cannot be touuhed by either im- joined with the anti-Taminany democrats these re- suite had siways occurred and, he believed, always would ovew ali business men by asking the government to put in ‘The resolution was then se bond the whole of every imported cargo until satix- Mr, MiuLs, (dem.) of Toxs, asked leave to offer a res- | fied ? Is he aware that the unitorm rateof duty up olution appointing a committee of five members to | to No. 16, advocated by him, opens the door to frand revise and simplify the rules of the House, 800 per cent greater than is posrible wtider the pres- Objectod to. ent tari voetly castor of pe ration ? Yours, truly, A. HAVEMEYER, of |-tieve him. He is Kept tinder the: infiencb'of oplates ‘Whoa tnornedlt th solute uacealy in stealing monty appropriated for the purpose of WADE HAMPTON, | ee | The Governor of South Carolina ap Object of Solicitude. Pi if ANXIETY REGARDING HIM INCREASING. { TIT OTH Zi { Some Hopeful Symptoms, but Fears of ‘Sudden Dissalutian. reer (BY TELEGRAPH TO TRE HERALD.) CoLymais,.§. 0., Dec. 13, 1878, Disguise it as his friends and well wishers may, there iq no\doubt that Governor Hainpton is ilbwly sinking from the injuries gustained by his fall from a mule. Physicians are im constant attendance, and everything is done that can be thought of to re- nearly all the timej@s he anifers intensely, Soon after the accident the physicians favored amputation of the leg, but Governor Mathpton’strenuously opposed Jast mo; of the! ation, the Governor yielded. _ ‘The amputation was regarded as very successful. The bone was severed flowed. It, wag fi that the fractured p not united “BD the band hate oe course, badly affected the system, Great hopes were entertained of his recovery, as his constitution was known to be excellont,) Ha is temperate in every. term, being particular aa to food, HI$ WOUND 18 THE WAR During the late war he was severely and it was thought mortally wounded in the head by a sabre but he recovered im an unusually short time. The death of Governor Hampton would be a terrible blow to the entire State, He is in his sixty-fifth year, Ho has always enjoyed excellent ‘health devoted much time to } Ot door nistters, sich es superintending his late planting interests in South Carolina and iting and fishing. He was fine horseman, : 10 dist Conference, now in session in New! tor= day devoted half an hour to special pra; the redtoration of the Governor to ‘health A fast..day will likely. be appointed by, Acting Governor Simpson for the same _ purpose, whicl will be religiously and generally m1 ‘The greatest interest is manifested as to thotondition of the Governor. The first question asked when acquaintances meet is, ‘Have you beard trom Governor Hampton recently?” His election ta the Senate was deprecated by many well-wishers ‘of the State, as if wax rightly thought that his proper place was where the people had already placed him; but the Legislature and State officials thought differ- ently, He is in his sixty-fitth year. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. The latest bulletin from Governor Hampton (whose residence is a mile from the city) was that he passed # quiet night and had taken some nourishment which he was able to retain during the morning, The nausca from chloroform and other anasthetics was somewhat relieved. There is no talk even among ambitious politicians as to who would be his. gnecessor in case of death, as the subject is re garded as slmost sacred. * A. & W. SPRAGUE’S ESTATE. YEBDICT FOR THE NEW YORK BANE OF COM- MERCE—OPINIONS OF LAWYERS AND OTHERS ON THE EFFECT OP THE DECISION. (Bx TELpGRAPH To THE HuRsLD.] Provipence,. B. I,, Dec. 13, 1878. The National Bank of Comwerce, of New York, has rocovered a judgment jn the sna of $59,084 04, with costs, from the A. & W, Sprague Manufacturing Com- pany. This case is considered one of vital im- portance to all intercsted in this great estate, not so much on account of the amount of money involved as of the important questions to be de- cided in connection with it, The suit was begun to recover money advanced to Hoyt, | Sprague & Co., of New York, by tho National Bank of Qommerea, in the eg discount on notes drawn by the A. & W. Sprague Manufacturing Company to the order of the Aflantic Delaine Company, ard by that company tendered to Hoyt, Sprague & Co., which firm went_under soon atter the failure of A. & W. Sprague, It has been in the courts of Rhode Island since December 21, 1675, and has consumed # great deal of time. Both sides have bed eminent counsel, and the final decision has been awaited with interest in this und other States. Several payments have ‘been from time to_ time on the notes, either by dividends from the Atlantic Delaine Company or from the receiver of the firm of Hoyt, Sprague ‘&Co.. The next question is to vecure the payment of theabovo claim. All the property of the Spragucs in this end other States is under attachment, not only in this suit, but also in that brought by the defunct Franklin Institu- reservation, be says, is evideuce that it has been well | terest in financi | Creditors st the Atlantio Delaive | ori fran hte. hr in thier State as 6000 a6 & | eae rae edule premetie. itactt. Several tion for Savings, the amount sought to be recoverel by. the latter being about $800,000. It is expected thas this suit will be decided in the same way as that of Bank of Commerce in a few days. The validity of the Sprague trust deed, in favor of y of tl 5 vor Chafee, in view of the decision in favor of the Bank of Commerce, is now questioned? in financial circles. It is claimed that the decision was made with the assumption that tho trust deed is invalid, and such being the case this judgment is secured on all the A. & W. Sprague property in this State and of sufficient long standing to be good against the sul Mr. Chafee, it wil tho trust dved, this being brought about by the fact of ap ‘attachment by the Bank of Commerce, If the trust deed is sustained, however, as a valid convey- ance as against creditors who would not accopt 1 provisions, then the attachments tade by the Bank of Commerce and the Franklin Institution for Sav- ings are worthless, Only a few are of the opinion that the trust deed was tulently made. A FULL STATEMENT KXPROTED. The fortpenginn loony ae iy anes sertition of the ro) ty ce receiver, together hearing Me tho bit 4 bee A ap Lid v: bags) of ao represent: Z Chatca Wom bis portion, wilt bs, awatiet with 4: cl from lon, a in- circles, It is expected that the Company will ro- to dispose over favorable une ‘There will be » general change of payinasters on | faine, cannot result from ignorance. The ‘“aduitera- or refiner until the government fw Wo Ketintiod ? nd, if knowing this, doce he court the laughter of made for the property. ry offers 4 CHARTER OAK CONSPIRACY TRIAL. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE mRA J Hantroap, Conn, 43, 1878, 2p she Cea conspiracy trial this morning Judge Hovey as admissable so much of the ter timony. of the, Boston Globe correspondent (on the witness stand yesterday) regarding Wiggin’s state- of the Charter Oak troubles as related to Wig- || gin’s own doings, WHAT PRESIDENT BATTEUSON KNEW. ‘The most iuportent testimony of the day was that of J. G, Batterson, Prosident of the Traveler's Innur- ence Company, of this city, who testified that ciates had retired from. the Charter Osk one of them—Mr. White—had s conversation with Ba crs oe eee eee Oe ‘urber whon he eae lo said that Furber had put a poreen, for $7 ew into mipany’s treasury as au . and nally White @ copy of a letter to himself from Furber, he had a mortgage of $700,000 from wa lat thews, of New York, in ‘aver of the Charter Oak Com- Of thin $500,000 was to be sul ited for Fur- 4 amount, then in the bands of Wigyin, leaving.$200,000 to Furber’s credit. Against this he wished to have cla @ note of J. C. Walkley for in cash: advanced to hi (Furber} paid out of the company’s funds for stock of the com- pany purchased from Hollister and others on account of Furber et 61. This left about $40,000, Dry which Furber wrote that he would draw. ite admitted to witness that the statements in the Jetter were correct. Witnors also testified that he had an impression that during this conversation, in which the letter wae produced, White said that the com; aid $5,000 to Chariton T. Lewis, of the then exist ng Chamber of can bo hae eee for Lar 9 in arrangement under which the com into Burber’s hands, and a smaller prrsny pd Hor ton, However, witness could not be certain as to facts or figures in this instance, Defence declined to cross-examine. ‘ ang | mater vOR THR teed and After hearing ghe testimony of William Healy Frederick P. Lepard, of this city, be pe) the over- valuation of real estate in Hartford, owned by the company and minor matters, the Court to Monday afternoon. The results of week have for tho prosecut than had eon anticipated, and the Court has been forced on several occasions to rule out, wuder the atriet rules of evidence in criminal trials in the Connecticut prac- tier, some quite important testimony that had Felied upon by the Biate,