The New York Herald Newspaper, January 9, 1879, Page 3

' WASHINGTON. Death of Representative Hartridge, of Georgia. MORTALITY OF THE FORTY-SIXTH CONGRESS Gossip Concerning the New York Appointments. EVIDENCES OF A POSSIBLE ANTAGONISM. Poor Prospect for the Burnside a Army Bill. FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Wasninetoy, Jan. 8, 1879, THE NEW YORK APPOINTMENTS--CURRENT RUMORS CONCERNING THE ACTION OF THE COMMERCE COMMITTEE AND THE ULTIMATE SETTLEMENT OF EXISTING TROUBLES, Senator Conkling, it is reported, will suggest to the Committed on Commerce that it shall authorize him to ask of the President and Secretary of the Treasury their reasons for making @ change in the Collectorship of New York, on the ground that, though General Merritt may be @ good man, civil service reform would not countenance the removal of an officer like General Arthur without sufficient reasons, even to put in another good man. Well informed persons say that if such an inquiry is made by the committee the President will probably answer that he has made the change for réasons satisfactory to himself and in the exercise of his constitutional right and his responsi- bility for his subordinates, and that no law requires him to give reasons, but that the Secretary of the Treasury will send a reply to the committee in which he will give plain and sufficient reasons why, in the interest of the public Bervice, he desired the removal of General Arthur and the substitution of another in his place. It is said, also, that if the Senate should reject Messrs. Merritt and Graham the President will remove Messrs. Arthur and Cornell as soon as Congress ad- journs, and some republicans are a little dissatisfied at this prospect, remembering that in any case Mr. Arthur’s term would expire next August, and that the incoming Senate is democratic. They say that a democratic Senate may make trouble about confirming a republican ‘and that the New York Custom House is so impor- jefactor in the State and general politics that ‘would rather, for the party’s sake, see Merritt Graham quietly confirmed now than to see a lasting trouble and disorganization in the Custom House political machinery. Another rumor says that Mr. Arthur insists on the »Fejection of Mr. Merritt, but agrees privately to re- sign as soon.as he re-enters the Custom House, and that thereupon whomever the President may nominate ‘will be confirmed; andthe rumor asserts that it is on this understanding thet the republicans in the Senate will be asked to now reject Mr. Merritt. CHANCES OF AN EXTRA SESSION. In republican circles the question is discussed whether the President would call an extra session of the Senate in case the New York and some other important nominations are now rejected. The republican Senators are very anxious to retain control of the organization of the Senate un- til next December, hence they dislike the thought of an extra session of the Senate, If they were certain that the President would not in any case call such an extra session they would not hesitate to reject such nominations as are displeasing to any of them.-~But it-is understood that the President is non-committal on this point, and the relations of the vepublican Senators with the White House are not of such 8 cordial and confidential nature that they can consult or advise with him about it, especially as their object is to free their own hands to oppose his nominations. It is admitted by some of them in private that in this matter the President has the whip- hand of the Senate. But they say that he is so devoid of resentment that he will scarcely use his power, but ‘will conform himself to the desires of the Senators, even if they do reject his nominations. ee ‘FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Wasuixgtox, Jan. 8, 1879. DEATH OF MR. HARTRIDGE, OF GEORGIA—SICK- NESS AMONG OTHER CONGRESSMEN—RESOLU- TIONS OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. Roth branches of Congress adjourned quite early to-day, the House doing so immediately after the reading of the journal upon the announcement of the comparatively sudden death of Mr. Hartridge, of Georgia, @ conspicuous, able and popular member. ‘There was even something of consternation percep- tible in the haste with which the House suspended business, for Mr. Hartridge is the sixth member of tho present body who has died, so to speak, in his seat, and the third within a few weeks who has paid the debt of nature, his immediate predecessors being General Williams, of Michigan, and Beverly Douglass, of Virginia. The other three were Messrs. Quinn, of New York; Welch, of Nebraska, and Leonard, of Louisiana. Such arate of mortality, 6 out of 293, in the brief space of a little more than a year, is be- Neved to be unprecedented, except when the great poisoning accident at the National Hotel at the time of Buchanan's inauguration wrought such wide spread fatality among public men at the capital. MB. HARTRIDGE'S ILLNESS, The apprehension inspired by Mr. Hartridge’s fleath is all the more acute that he was a man of fine physiquo.and temperate and orderly in his habits. His trouble originated only afew nighte ago when, in company with friends, he partook of some plain refreshment, comprising chiefly a dish of fricd oysters and an accompanying glass of punch. Upon retiring to his rooms he was taken with violent pains in the bowels, and his agony became so se- vere that # physician was sent for, who pronounced his illness acase of pneumonia, Asa consequence he was compelled to forego his intention of visiting New York to conduct,‘on behalf of the Judiciary Committee, tho investigation of the charges against Commissioner Davenport. But his illness was not regarded as dangerous until late last night, when fatal symptoms showed themselves, verifying them- selves in his death about six o’clock this morning, CAREER OF THE DECEASED, Mr. Hartridgo hal been ® member of the pre- ceding Congress, and was offered the nomi- nation for , the next, but hoe declined @ third term for the reason, as he said, that he was too poor to remain in Congress, and that he was un- dor the necessity of prosecuting to a competency for his family the law business, which he had already too much neglected, It is generally believed that he would have been the next Governof of Georgis, as his name was first on tho list of candidates for the nomination, and his nomination meant success. Ho was only forty-six years of age and leaves a wifo and six children. Fortunately for his family his life was insured for $20,000, OTHER CONGRESKMEN IT. ‘This sad record has given prominence to the fact that several Congressmen are lying quite ill, among them Messrs, Schleicher, of Texas, and Chapman Freoman, of Pennsylvania, while Messrs. Walker, of Virginia; Money, of Georgia, and Danforth, of Ohio, sud a number of others are but recontly convalescent trom severe sickness, Much concern is expresved for the condif.on of Mr. Schleigher, who, after mak- ing & New Year's call at the residence of the Secretary of the Navy, cut his log slightly in stepping into his carriage and was taken down next day with chills and fever, erysipelas supervening in the wounded leg. Ho was unconscious part of the time this morn- ing and is in & precarious state. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED, The following resolutions wero adopted by tho House Judiciary Committes, of which Represente- NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1879—TRIPLE SHEET. tive Hartridge was a member, at a special meeting held immediately aiter the adjournment of the House to- day * Whereas we just heard with unspeakable sorrow of the melancholy and death of our esteemed colleaague, Hon. Julian , of Georgia; there- fore, as a slight testimonial of our high appreciation of the many virtues exemplified in his character, and as a token of our profound respect for his memory, pee ‘That by the death of Mr. Hartridge this committee has lost one of its most beloved and useful members. the House of Representatives one of its most brilliant ornaments, the State of Georgia one of her most and accomplished sons, the nation a citizen and a faithful public servant, and the community in which he lived a generous neighbor, a fait friend and an honorable gentle- man, Resolved, That to his bereaved family, so suddenly deprived of an aftectionate husband and father, we tender our heartfelt arupenhy and condolence, and direct that the Chairman transmit to them a copy of these proceedings. The funeral services of the late Representative Hartridge, of Georgia, will be held in the Hall of the House of Representatives to-morrow afternoon at three o'clock. The two houses of Congress will attend the services, and the chaplains of tho Honse and Senate will both officiate. At the conclusion of the services both honses will follow the remains to the depot. The committee to convey the deceased to Georgia will leave this city on the half-past five P, M. train. BAD CONDITION OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING. The mortality in Congress turns attention afrosh to the defective ventilation and pernicious sewerage of the Capitol building. It would be unfair to charge all the several recent deaths of Congressmen upon this as an immediate cause, but it cannot be ignored as a primary influence in leading to such sad results. The two chambers im which the Senate and the House sit for business are set within chambers like boxes inside boxes, and original light and air never reach their interior. The air is pumped in through long conduits, having their extremities in the hill- side on which the Capitol stands, and the actinic ray of heaven's light, the chemical, life generating ray, never gets within the double thickness of ground glass which makes the skylights, and is utterly excluded by the outer walls. which are perforated only for the admission of light to the encircling galleries = and committee rooms. It is from the asphyxiating air of such halls that the members rush out into the changeful atmosphere of the Washington climate— the temperate men to invite chills and fever and tho drinking men to seek relief or protection in alcohol. While Congress will always afford a good field for the benevolent efforts of the temperance adyo- cate, the Capitol will be still more a subject for the intelligent consideration of the sanitarian scientist. ARMY REORGANIZATION—EVIDENCES OF THE .. WEAKNESS OF THE BURNSIDE BILL. ‘The opponents of the new Army bill are rejoicing to-night at the'confession of weakness made by its promoters in deciding not to call it up to-morrow in the House, though it was made a special order for that aay. The members of the joint commis- sion who framed it assign as a reason for the dolay that they want the Gonévya Award bill to be gotten out of the way first. The fact, however, thet ® proposition has been made by the managers of the bill to the Appropriations Committee to incorporate the main features of the reorganization measure into the Army. Appro- priation bill indicates that doubts of the passage of the former as an independent proposition are felt. Chairman Atkins has said within the past few days that the Appropriations Committee would not consent to hamper the regular Army bill with any legislation © providing for re- organization. He said the subject had been discussed, at least informally, in his committee, and the unanimous opinion was that no attempt ought to be made to force through legislation aftecting the organization of the army, The members of the Appropriations Committee, he said, held that the Burnside bill should properly come before Congress upon its own merits. The joint commission have not decided definitely upon what course they will pursue in submitting their bill to the two houses, but it is likely tmat some line of policy will be agreed upon to-morrow. THE SOUTH CAROLINA .SENATORSHIP—NO ACTION UNFAVORABLE “TO “BENATOR: BUTLER ANTICI- PATED. There is nothing promising early action in the con- test of Mr. Corbin, of South Carolina, for the seat of Senator Butler. The report drawn by Senator Cameron reflecting the views of the republican members of the Committee on Privileges and Flections has not been signed by a single member of the committee. Senator Hill is preparing a minority report, and Senator Cameron is absent with the Blaine committee in New Orleans. Senator Hoar, of the committee, has already ex- pressed the opinion that the claim of Mr. Corbin is ruled out by the action of the Senate and is now be- yond the action d¥ the committee. The only point in the report of Senator Cameron claiming attention ig that Senator Butler was not elected. by both branches of the Legislature in joint session; that is, that there was not a mutual recognition by the Senate and the House, The precedent is already established in a number of cases that the action of State legislatures in choosing a United States Senator does not re- quire action as u legislative body, but only the act of legislators duly elected as members, a majority only being requisite to determine the validity of the elec- tion. This Senator Butler had, and does not an- ticipate any unfavorable action on tho part of the Senate. WAYS AND MEANS—BILLS TO BB REPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE. The Committec of Ways and Means has been as- signed next Wednesday as the occasion upon which to report a number of bills perfected by the commit- tee, Tho first which will be reported is one author- izing the Secretary of the Treasury to receive for customs dues United States notes so long as such notes are equivalent to coin. The proposed bill, prepared by the Treasury Department, entitlea “An act to facilitate the collection of customs,” will not be reported by the committee. Mr. Wood will also ro- port a bill to suspend the operation of the sinking so a bill tO ‘authdrtze thie’ isene’ Of certi- ficates of deposit in denominations as low as $10, bearing interest at the rato of three per cent per annum, ‘exchangeable in sums of $50and upward into four pee cont bonds; also & bill to amend existing laws regulating protests and appeals on entry of merchandise into customs houses, and Mr. Wood hopes to beable on that day to report a bill changing the duties on sugar. Thero are several measures Of minor importance which will be reported if time permits, GENERAL WASHINGTON. DESPATCHES. Wasutnetox, Jan. 8, 1879, THE NAVAL INVESTIGATION—DEFENCE OF MR, ‘WOOD, EX-CHTEFY OF THE BUREAU OF STEAM ENGINEERING, TO THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM, ‘The House Naval Committee this morning exam- ined a number of experts, called at the instance of Mr. Wood, ex-Chief of the Bureau of Steam Engineer: ing, United States Navy, to refute the charge of having used an obsolete form of boiler in the naval vessela—namely, those Known as water-leg boilers. Mesars, Farran, consulting engineer for John Roach and the Morgan Iron Works; Eras- tus W. Smith, superintendent for the Provi- dence and Stonington Steamboat Company; David Smith, Chief Engincer United States Navy; Goorge B. Whitney, engineer United States Navy, engaged for many yeara in designing naval machinery, and B. F. Garvin, Chief Engineor of the Kittery Navy Yard, and during the war Ghief Engineer of the North Atlantic squadron, all testified to a preference for the water legged boilers, on account of durability and facility for repair. The difference between tho cost of water bottom and water legged boilers was not material. The committee at twelve o'clock took a recess and reassembled shortly after the adjournment of the House, The examination of Chief Engineer B. F. Garvin was resumed. In reply to Mr. Robeson he stated that he was a member of the Board that exam- ined the boilers of the Iowa at Boston and reported them unfit for use and of no value oxcept as scrap iron. Chief Engineer Robey testified to the almost worth. Jeseness of the boilers furnished for tho. ships built and sent to the Atlantic squadron daring the war; they wore what are called water bottoms; was s member of the Board that examined the boilers in the lowa; considered the boilers faulty in construction and worthless. Boilers made during the war were generally very inferior; had never known valuable material improperly condemned; the vessels added to the navy during the past six or eight years were, in the opinion of witness, superior to those which had preceded them; he believed the steamship Huron, which was lost on the coast of North Carolina, was as complete in construction, machinery and boilers as any ship that ever went to sea. Chief Engineer Stewart, Unitea States Navy, amem” ber of a Board appointed to examine boilers con- structed during the war, testified to having ex- amined and condemned a large number as having 22 present or prospective value for economical use in the navy, Mr, Stewart was examined at considerable length in regard to condemnation of certain material at the Boston Navy Yard by a Board of Survey of which he was a member, and rejterated his confidence in tho correctness of the report of the Board. W. H, Smith, chief clerk of the Burean of Steam Engincering since 1872, was examined as to the mode of procuring supplies for the Burean, and testified that Mr. Wood’s purchases were in compliance with the orders of the Secretary and the usage of the Navy Department. Witness believed the plan of purchasing in the open market supplies as wanted was preferable to advertising for proposals, and was more advantageous to the government. Mr. Shock, the present Enginecr-in-Chief of the navy, was examined as to the use of ‘water bottom” boilers, His imy ion was that the boilers taken from the Iowa and put in the Ticonderoga were not very good. The boilers of the Powhatan were in- tended for the Colossus; thought them very good now that some $4,000 or $5,000 had been expended in their repair. Tho Martin boiler, used dur- ing the war, was uow obsolete; would not use the water legged boiler in a wooden vessel; would not object to it in an iron vessel; was clearly of tho opinion that it was better to go to the most _reliablo men and purchase in open market than to advertise. A better article was obtained and more economi- cally. ‘The committee, at half-past four P. M., adjourned to half-past ten A. M. to-morrow. FIVE-ITWENTY BONDS-—SEVENTY-NINTH CALL FOR REDEMPTION, The Secretary of tho Treasury this afternoon issued the seventy-ninth call for the redemption of five-twenty bonds of 1865, consols of 1867. The call 4s for $10,000,000, of which $6,000,000ere coupon and $4,000,000 registered bonds. The principal and in- terest will be paid at the Treasury on and after the 8th day of April next, and the interest will cease on that day. ‘Tho following are descriptions of the bonds:— Coupon bonds dated July 1, 1867, namely, $50, No, 18,001 to No. 23,000, botu inclusive. 100, No. 18,001 to No. 24,000, both inclusive. 500, No. 16,001 to No. 22,000, both inclusive. 1,000, No. 20,001 to No. 27,000, both inclusive. Total coupon, $6,000,000. Registered bonds redeemable at the pleasure of the United States after the 1st day of July, 1872, as fol- lows:— $50, No. 551 to No. — 800, both inclusive, 100, No. 4,401 to No. 5,900, both inclusive, 500, No. 2,851 to No. both inclusive. 1,000, No, 11,001 to No. both inclusive, 5,000, No. 3,551 to No. both inclusive, |. 10,000, No. 2,801 to No. 00, both inclusive, ‘Total registered, $4,000,000. Aggregate, $10,000,000, THE POTTER COMMITTEE. P Representative Clarkson N. Potter arrived in Wash- ington this morning and called a meeting of his committee for to-morrow, which was, however, sub- sequently postponed until Friday, by which time General Butler 1 expected to be present. COUNTING THE ELECTORAL VOTE—ADVERSE RE- PORT OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON THE SENATE BILL, The House committee on counting the electoral yote, at a meeting this morning decided to report the Senate bill adversely to the House, and directed the chairman to call up for action in the House as earl, as practicable the House bill known as the “South: bill.’”” Mr. Southard hopes to obtain a consideration of his bill, which is now on the Speaker's table, as early as next week. PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS, SENATE, ‘WaskINGTON, Jan. 8, 1879. ‘Mr. Epsonps (rep.), of Vt., said there were no joint rules for the government of the two houses of Con- gress, and what he wished to accomplish by the reso- tution which he proposed to offer was to declare that on the last three days of this session no bill passing either howse shall be sent to the other for its con- currence, and that on the last day of tho session no bill shall be sent to the President for his approval. The old joint rules, adopted sixty or seventy years ago, so provided, showing that even when the busi- nese before Congress was light such rules were neces- sary. Unfortunately they had been suspended during years. He theretore submitted the following :— Resolved, By the Sonate, tho House concurring, that no DiI that shall havo passed one house shall be seut to the other for concurrence after twelve o' inidnight, of the Ist day of March, in the present ves: Resolved farther, That no bill or resolution that shall swed the Senate and Hou of the United Stat lock, midnight, of th present session. evolved further, That the foregoing orders shall not be repealed or suxperided except ou one day's nutice, and by a vote of three-fourths of the members of ench houso present. Referred to the Committee on Rules. Mr. Tavemas, (dem.) of Ohio, submitted a resolu- tion instructing the Committee on Rules to consider the propriety of so amending the rules as to adinit to the privileges of the floor the ex-Cabinet Minister whose ee was earliest in date of those now living. He said this was a gentleman distinguished for his learning as well as tor his patriotism, who was Secretary of the Navy under President Polk, and who could not now come upon the floor to meet his friends who were prominent in the government the history of which he had written. It was needless tor him to say that the resolution referred to George Bancroft, the historian. The resolution was agreed to. SENATOR GROVER EXPLAINS, Mr. Grover, (dem.) of Oregon, rose to a question of privilege and read a telegram recently published in the New York Heratp in regard to $97,000 of the funds of the State of Oregon having been expended and not accounted tor during his administration as Governor, and said it was a duty he owed to himeelf as well as to the Senate to notice these charges. As to the charge that $27,575 had been paid out by order ot the Board of School Land Commissioners, of which, as Governor, he was president, covering a period of seven years, it was entirely false. re quoted from the public lands legislation and stated the rater to be paid to agents and surveyors were fixed by law. No member of the Board was interested to the amount of one cent in the payments nor.in the land surveyed. He denied seriatim the charges that $87,382 had been paid for illegal fees to sheriffs; $13,200 for quarter- master’s stores inthe Modoc war, $3,600 overpaid to Chadwick, Secretary of State, &c. As to the sherift’s fees, he never heard any question in regard to their legality before; o# to, the chargein regard to fraud in purchasing quartermaster’s stores in the Modoc war, he quoted from a report of the late Inspector General, James A. Hardic, United States Army, to show that all the stores were properly purchased and accounted for. He characterized the charges as false through- out, and having originated with his enemies, who were attempting to ruin him. He quoted at great length from Oregon State laws and records to show that he acted justly and in accordance with law. ‘The morning hour having expired, Mr. Buawstpr, (rep.) of R. L, said the bill tor the reorganization of the army had been made the special order for to-day. He now moved that the Senate proceed with its con- sideration. Mr. WapietaR, (rep.) of N. H., said the unfinished business was the bill to amend the patent laws and he could not consent to its displacement. THE DEATH OF MR. HARTRIDGE, The Senate then proceeded with the consider- ation of the bill to amend the patent laws, and Mr. Wadleigh, of New Hampshire, in c' of ‘the bill, took the floor to speak in fa thereof, but just after beginning his remarks & message was received from the House announe- ing the death of Representative Julian Hartridge, of Georgia, and the adoption of ® concurrent resolu: tion by the House providing, for, the aj at, of acommnittes of Representatives ‘and Sehators to ar- range ag the funeral and accompany the remains to Georgia, ‘On inotion of Mr. Gonvon, (dem.) of Ga., the Senate unanimously agreed to the resolution, and the Vice appointed Messrs. Gordon, Booth and Beck mumittee of Arrangements on the part of the ov Senate. Ou motion of Mr, Eoaunps, of Vermont, the Senate then, at ten minutes past one P. M. a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, ad- journed until to-morrow. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Wastttneton, Jan. 8, 1879, In tho opening prayer the chaplain alluded in a feeling and solemn manver to the death this morning of Mr. Hartridge, of Georgia; and immediately after the reading of the journal the official announcement of the death was made by Mr. Cook, of Georgia, who offered a resolution expressing the rogret of the House, and providing for @ special joint committee of seven members and three Senators to take order for superintending the funeral, and to escort the re- mains of the deceased to his late residence in Georgia. The Speaker Cg enti as such committee on the part of the House Messrs, Cook, of Geor; Frye, ot Maine; Cox, ot New York; Cabell, of ginia; Stone, of Iowa; Davidson, of Florida, Hanna, of Indiana. ‘The House then adjourned, THE STATE CAPITOL. | Thomas G. Alvord Nominated for the Speakership, SCENES AT THE CAUCUS. The Apportionment Question Up in the Senate. NOW FOR THE COMMITTEES. [BY TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD.) Auany, Jan. 8, 1879. ‘The excitement and wire-pulling on the Speaker- ship was transferred this evening from the hotel cor- ridors to the Assembly Chamber, The republican caucus took place at half-past seven o'clock, The Assemblyimen and their friends began to crowd in at seven o'clock. The galleries were filled, a number of ladies being among the spectators. Up to the hour of the mecting of the caucus the contest was consid- ered close, both sides expressing themselves as confi- dent of victory. THY. TWO CANDIDATES. “Old Salt” was the first of the candidates who came upon the floor of the Assembly, his snow white hair being arranged with more than ordinary cure. He looked around smilingly as he dropped his overcoat and took a seat in the fourth row, fronting the Speaker's desk. Sloan followed in a few minutes and occupied a place on the first row of seats @ little in advance of his antag- onist. The Oswego Assemblyman is small in stature, with a remarkable resemblance to General McClellan, THE CAUCUS ORGANIZED. Precisely at half-past sven o'clock General Husted rapped the caucus.to order and suggested J. Theodore Sawyer for chairman of the caucus. The secretaries and tellers being elected, business was at once pro- ceeded with. Page boys went around with cards on which were printed the names of the two candidates for Syeaker—Georye B, Sloan and ‘Thomas G. Alvord. ‘The roll was called amid a good deal of excitement. ‘The hundreds in the galleries craned their necks over the railings for the purpose of getting a good view of the proceedings. ‘Jimmy’ Husted, the active licu- tenant of “Old Salt” in the canvass, passed backward and forward through the chamber. ‘The passageway in the rear of the members’ seats was also crowded with attentive spectators, while sevoral ladies, in company with Senators, stodd back against the walls. It was found that all but one of the republican mem- bers were present. ‘THE CLAIMS OF THE CANDIDATES, When the roll was called Mr. Robert H. Strahan, of New York, rose and placed Mr. Alvord in nomina- tion. The name was received without a single evi- dence of approval, either by cheers or clapping of hands. Mr. Strahan’s effort was principally devoted to a laudation ef M>. Alvord’s career. Mr. Sloan’s claims were presentea by Mr. Steele, of Oswego. The gentleman. opened his remarks with a sketch of the republican party and its victims. The speech fell exceedingly flat upon the caucus, Sloan stroked his mus- tache and looked fidgety. Alvord lay back in his chair and watched the speaker with an amused air, The gentleman concluded by placing in nomi- nation “The Slogan of Oswego county, George B, Sloan.” The name was received with slight tokens of applause in the rear of the chamber. Mr. A. B. Hepburn, in seconding the nomination of Mr. Sloan, alluded to the brilliant qualities exhib- ited in the character of Mr. Alvord. But the question ‘was not one of men, but of what was the best for the |. republican party. The speech was a good one. Mr. Brennan, of Franklin, also spoke in support of Mr, Sloan. He considered: that the election of ‘the gen- tlemasjwould conserve best the interests.of the re- publicdn perty in this State at the present time. General Husted followed in one of his fiery, pithy speeches. He complimented both candidates on their intelligence, capacity and integrity and defied any one to impeach cither of them. His'speech brought out the first real applause of the evening. He called Alvord “The Old Man Eloquent of Onondago” and dilated upon his ad- mirable qualities for the Speakership. A dry but sensible speech in advocacy of Sloan was next in- dulged in by Jonathan Ogden, of Kings. He pref- aced his speech with the interesting information that “Old Salt,” who is over seventy, is several months his junior. ‘THE RALLOTING. ‘Thjs concluded the speech making, and the real practical work of balloting was commenced. The tellers stood in front of the Speaker's desk holding the box and the Assemblymen came up and deposited their ballots as the names were called off by the deputy clerk. | When the poll hud closed a buzz of anxious expectancy went throngh the large assem- Dlage. While the tellers were engaged in counting the “Bald Eaglg” went over to where “Old Salt’ sat and conversed with him animatedly. Sloan looked as impassive asa stony image. The result of the ballot was announced as follows:—Alvord, 52; Sloan, 43. When the result became known aloud cheer went up from one of the galleries. Sloan then stepped to the front and made a neat speech, warmly thanking those who had supported him,’ compli- mented Mr. Alvord on his admirable qualities for the Speakership and concluded by moving that the nom- ination be made unanimous. "Thus ended one of the warmest and closest canvasses for the Speakership of the Assembly which has taken place in Albany for several years. OTHER NOMINATIONS. ‘The following officers were nominated by acclama- tion:—Edward M. Johnson, of Otsego, Clerk ; Charles A, Orr, Sergeant-at-Arms; Henry Wheeler, of Rensse- Doorkeeper; Michael Maher, of Westchester, \d Assistant Doorkeeper; Worden E. Payne, of Oswego, Stenographer. ‘Two ballots were had for first assistant doorkeeper, when, finally, Harrison Clark, of Columbia county, was nominated, q On motion of Mr. Husted the Chair was authorized | to appoint a caucus committee, to consist of five members, to be named heroafter. The caucus then adjourned. THE COMMITTEES. ‘There is much speculation as to the chairmanship ot the leading committees. Among others the fol- | lowing are named :—Ways and Means, Mr. Sloan; In- | surance, Mr. Husted; Judiciary, Mr. Strahan; Ratl- roads, Mr. Hurd; Canals, Mr. Hayes: Affairs of Cities, Mr. Sharpe; Banks, Mr, Sawyer; State Prisons, Mr. Noyes. APPORTIONMENT QUESTION. Short as was the session of the Senate to-day a good deal of business was done, and several of the honora- ble gentlemen had an oratorical tilt. This came about in consequence of # resolution offered by Hamilton Harris to the effect that the clerk and ot és of the Apportionment Committee of ye continued at the same pay. Senator Ecclesine moved to amend by instructing the committee in question to report within thirty days, This brought the Senator from Sandy Hill (Hughes) to his fegt to advocate the necessity of an apportionment within. that time. Woodins’ sue- cessor, Theodore M. Pomeroy, of Auburn, let Off some rhetorical reworks, declaring | that the majority ‘of the last, House had | made a fair and equitable apportionment last year, bat that the minority would not agree to it. In re- buttal of this Senator Ecclesine made a brief but vig- orous speech, Nothing, he contended, that could be said in that body, on one side or the other, could determine whether the measnre proposed by the majority Was in accordance with the terms of the coustitution, which not only required that there should be an apportionment of the State, but that such apportion it should be a just one. The veriest tyro inarithmetic could decide whether the Dill of the Senator trom the Twenty-fifth was of such acharacter, Notwithstanding this protest the resolu- tion passed. “I wish to present a bill for the protection of widows,’ cried Senator Wagstaff. There was a good deal of merriment for a moment and the Senator blushed as he went on to briefly state the nature of the proposed measure. The bill provided that when & man leaves o will naming execu- tors to the exclusion of his. widow, the latter, if a proper person, shall be granted letters testamentary just as if she had been appointed an executor in the Will; that she shall have sole custody of her minor children, and shall have one-thitd of the net estate. ‘The bill was accompanied by a petition for its enact- ment signed by several hundred well known per- sons, the nathes of George William Curtis and Peter Cooper heading the list. ‘The matter was referred to the Judiciary Committee. THE BOND STREET SAVINGS DANK. Mr. Willis 8. Paine, receiver of the Bond Street Savings Bank, bas been granted an extension of time in which to make final distribution of the assets in his hands among the depositors and creditors of the this Pepert covers but the last three months of the 1877, year Capital stock...............5 <n - $2,000,000 00 ‘Total cost of road and equipment. Number of passengers peor 5 ‘Tons of treight carried.... . ‘Total expenses of operating road Receipts from passengers... 22802 Receipts from treight. ~.....-- 34.871 13 Receipts from other sources. 2,923 90 Payments :— For transportation expenses. 48,336 55 For interest. ... 3a 3,807 09 For payments to surplus fund. Il 9458 58 SERENADE TO EX-GOVERNOR HOFFMAN. The Jackson corps this evening serenaded ex- Governor Hoffman, who is a life member of the corps, at the Kenmore Hotel. The ex-Governor made a brief speech, in which he referred to the past cour- tesies extended to him by the corps, which he had always held in remembrance. also referred to his visit to the to participate in the opening of new Capitol, the corner stone of which he had laid in his official capacity as Governor of the State. He spoke of the day being the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans, the name of the hero of which the corps had assumed, and closed with a high tribute to the memory of Andrew Jackson. NEW YORK LEGISLATURE, THE SENATE. ALpany, Jan. 8, 1879, The Senate met at noon. Mr. Wenpover presented the twelfth annual re- Port of the managers of the Hudson River State Hospital. Among the bills introduced were the following :— By Mr. Sesstons—To repeal chapter 73 of the Laws of 1875, entitled “‘An act to establish specie payments on all contracts or obligations payable in this State.” Mr. Haruts offered the following resolution :— Resolved. ‘That the special committes ou apportionment, appointed tinder a rosolution of the Senate adopted January 9. 187, be and the same Is hereby continued, und that the cierks und messenger to said committee appointed by the preamble and resolution of January. 10, 1804, are herby appointed Ker to suid committec for the vame p me compensation provided tinge uneil such id committeo shall ator refi be finally disposed of by the Legislature. Mr. EccLestne moved to amend, that said commit- tee report within thirty days. The resolution as amended was then adopted— yeas 25, nays Senators Hughes and McCarthy in the negative. Mr. Waastarr presented a petition signed by George William Curtis, Peter Cooper, Henry Bergh, J, W. Simonton and a large number of other promi- nent citizens, asking for the enactment of a law granting widows an active voice in the sottlement of estates in which they are interested, and that they may serve as administratrixes conjointly with the executors named in a will and that they have the sole guardianship of minor children. The otition was accompanied by a dill making the pro- sions asked for, and both the bill and petition were referred to the Judiciary Committee. LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES. Mr. J. F. Prgnce introduced a bill which permits policy holders of mutual life insurance companies to come in and make good the impaired capital of such companies. ‘The tollowing is the text of the bill:— Section 1.—Relative to mutual life ins Whenever any mutual lite insurance pany created under the laws of this State, which has @ capital stock or guaranteed capital stock, shall have assets hppa Si re- ording to co companies. insure all its outstanding risk: the American Experienco Table, cent interest, and, in addi four and one-half per dition’ theroto, © sum eqnal to lo the amount of said stock, the said ’, of ite ockholders the approval, in writing, of the Superintendent of the Insur” ance Department, Sec, 2—After the resolution of the Bonrd of Trne- tees for the payment off of the shalt have paswed and ‘shall have, been a by the wrintendent of the [n rt mont, it shall be the duty of the officers of said com- pany to pay to the stockholders in said company the Amount of their stock aforesaid, and all intorest or divi- n said stock shall cease immediately upon the the resolution aforesaid, Immediately after the passing of the resolution dits approval by the Superintendent of the Department, the officers of snch company sbull aforosaid Insurane givon printed.notice to such policy holders in said com- pany, informing them of the action of the company, and that’ @ meeting of the policy holders o! a company will be held at the offico of said company or other convenient place within the city where tho company has its head office upon a certain day, which shall not be longer than thirty days and not less than twenty days from the giving of the notice aforesaid, at which the said policy holders shail elect a Board of Trus toes to manage the affairs of said company until the next annual election of the company provided for in its charter or bylaws, and at such election and at all subsequent elec. tions for trustees of said company each policy holder of said company shall be entitled to vote in nor by proxy for trustees of said company, and such persons os may by a majority vote at said election be designated by the policy holders as trustees of said company shall so act until tho next annual election and thelr successors are elected, suid trustees shall clect officers to take the places of the officers of said company, who shall be retired. Si ‘rom and after the election sforésaid tho com ‘on paying off its capital stock in accord rovisiops of this act, id rporaston shall be entitled {0 all the rights of membership and to vote at all elections for trustees of the company. and also The Senate wljourned until eleven A. ML to- morrow, THE ASSEMBLY. Atpany, Jan, 8, 1879, The House met at twelve o'clock. On motion of Mr. Sloan the rules of the last House were adopted, to be continued in force until reported by ‘the Committee on Rules, ‘Mr. Alvord said, as the usual caucus preliminary to organization was to be held this evening, he would move an adjournment till to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock. Mr. Brooks asked the gentleman to withdraw nis motion in order that the Governor's annual message might be received, and the press, which had it in its possession, could lay it before the people. Mr. Alvord replied that he was not yet sufficiently accustomed to the new Capitol to warrant him in making such an innovation upon the rules which obtained in the old Capitol, and he would therefore be obliged to decline. The motion to adjourn was pnt by the Glerk and carried, and the House adjourned, LEGISLATURES IN OTHER STATES. MAINE. Avavsta, Jan. 8, 1879. In the convention of both brancites of the Legisla- ture this forenoon, Hon. Alonzo Garceion, the Gov- ernor elect, attended by ex-Governor Connor and his Council, took the oath of office, which was adminis- tered to him by J. Manchester Haynes, President of the Senate, The Governor then delivered his inaugural address, which occupied about twenty-five minutes in the delivery. ‘The House was crowded with spectators. The Executive Councilmen also qualified in the joint convention. ‘The following is an abstract of Governor Garcelon’s message, delivered to the Legislature to-day :—Under the head of State expenditures, after deploring the fact that there had been an increase of fourfold, ex- clusive of bounties, during the past twenty years, he exhorts to most rigid economy in all the departments of the State's service. He recommends biennial ses- sions of the Legislature, a revision of the tax laws whereby a more equitable system of taxation may be enforced, a return to the former rate of interest fixed by law at six per cent, and the reorganization of the the judiciary. ‘The present system of State bounty to high schools he declares to be impracticable and. un- fuir in its apportionment, while the conrse of in- struction is not such as is demirded of such schools. He recommends also submitting to the people the propositions adopted by the Constitutional Commis- sion of 1875 to prevent bribery in elections. He dis- cusses the finances briefly, and congratulates the nation upon the return of resumption, expressing the hope that it may never again be led into so plain | a violation of the constitution as the passage of the Legal Tender act. CONNECTICUT. Hantrorp, Jan. 8, 1879, The Legislature assembled this morning in the new Capitol and organized. Gilbert W. Phillips, of Put- nam, was chosen President pro tem. of the Senate and Dexter K. Wright Speaker of the House, together the other officers nominated in the republican cus last night. The election of State officers will occur’ te-iorrow. NORTH CAROLINA. Rareion, Jan. 8, 1879, The General Assembly of North, Carolina met at noon to-day, with a quorum present. J, M. Moring was elected Speaker of tho House by the democrats. Both houses adjourned to to-morrow morning, when Governor Vance’s message will be sent in. The organization is not yet complete, but will be to- morrow. WEST VIRGINIA, Wure.ine, Jan. 8, 1879. The West Virginia Legislature met at the Capitol in this city to-day, Colonel D. J. Johnson, of Tyler county, was elected President of the Senate, and the Hon. George H. Moffat, of Pocahontas county, Speaker of the House of Delegates. Several import: aut measures will come up in the present seasion— among others an entire change will probably be made im the judicial department of the State. THE TENNESSER LEGISLATURE THANKS THE WORLD FOR ASSISTANCE DURING THE YEL- LOW FEVER EPIDEMIC—GOVERNOR PORTER'S institution, He has oo seventy percent in divi- dends, and has on hand about $41,000, besides several parcels of real estate which he has been ordered to ae following réport has beon’ received by tho foreclosure sale and organized as the Buffalo and Soutiwestern Railroad on January 1, 1878, Hence PROPOSITION TO FUND THE STATE DEBT, [BY TELEGRAPH TO, THE HERALD.) NashVILLE, Tenn., Jan, 8, 1879. ‘Tho Lowor House of the Legislature met to-day, and unanimously adopted a resolution tendering the thanks of tho voovle of Tennessee to the gencroun People of the entire country of the whole world for their cordial sympathy and prompt and noble bene- factions to the afflicted and distressed citizens of Tennessee during the late terrible epidemic. Governor Jumes D. Porter, the outgoing Executive, to-day delivered his Messsge to the Legislature. Om the subject of the State debt he said: — The State has issued 49,393 bonds, amounting to $49,173,316 66; the number cancelled is 24,355, amounting to $2x,163,016 66; the number now out- standing as a liability against the State is 20,219, amounting to $20, . Ty ten years the State has paid three instalments of interest, seven are past due, amounting, after ceduct- = ing $149,050 id to educational and charitable in- stitutions, to $4,052,717, making a debt of princi and interest of $24,274,000 17. The settlement of this “ debt is paramount to all questions of legislation that can engage the attention of the General Assembly; it mvolves the honor. and good, name of the State, the credit and honor of every one of its citizens, It is @ liability that was voluntarily } contracte 4, and whether it was wisely created or not cannot now be a question, In December, 1877, certain creditors of the State proposed to adjust that part of the debt held by themselves upon a basis of fitt; cents for principal and past due interest and offered assurances that the great body of the creditors would accept the same terms; this proposition was submitted to ap extra session of the Forticth General Assembly and its acceptance earnestly recommended. I ami satis- fied that the creditors making this proposition would still moke the adjustment; settled at ‘ety cents the © debt would amount to $12,137,000; the annual interest upon this sum, at six per cent would amount to $728,220, 1 do not hesitate to again urge the acceptance of this proposition. I cannot be mis- taken in the opinion that the people of the State are anxious to ve delivered from a further discussion of this question and trom a longer postponement of its settlement, If this recommendation is adopted the Smee should be invested with authofity, after a day to be fixed by law, to make publica: tion, with notice to financial agents of the sev- eral counties, announcing the number of old bonds returned and cancelled, with the numberof new bonds issued and the amount of revenue to be pro- vided to mcet the interest, with the amount assigned to each county; upon this coageinonrie and notice the county courts should required to make the necessary levy to mect the interest without further legislation. MISSOURI FINANCES—THE CONTEST BETWEES THE GOVERNOR AND STATE TREASURER I¥ REFERENCE TO THE MASTIN BANK FAILURE, ‘ Sr. Louts, Mo., Jan. 8, 1879. Governor Phelps’ message to the Legislature is ¢ lengthy document. It reviews the relations of the Governor with the State ‘Treasurer, and the connec tion of the latter officer with the defunct Mastin Bank, which was one of the State depositories. It says the State Bank of Missouri, from its incorpora- tion to its close, was the financial agent of the State. When it failed, a year and a half ago, there was no law prescribing where and how State funds should be deposited; nor was there any law giving the Governor or Auditor any supervising power over tho matter. The Treasurer was simply required to give account to the Auditor of receipts and expenditures. The consti- tution requires the State’s money to be deposited in a bank selected by the Treasurer and approved by the Governor and Attorney General, but the passage of a law was necessary to give force to this requirement, and the Legislature failed to pass such a law. In this condition of things, if the surety of a Treasurer became insolvent or re- moved from the State, neither the Governor nor any other official had power to demand another bond; neither did, nor does, the Gover- nor ' possess power to remove a Treasurer for neglect of duty. Before the failure of tha Mastin Bank the State Treasurer had no understand- ing with Governor Phelps as to the deposit of the State's moneys. When the Mastin Bank failed State Treasurer Gates had about half a million of the State’s funds in it. The Treasurer had the bond of the bank for $1,000,000, also some vaiua- ble securities, the sale of part of which has realized $220,000, leaving im the Mastin Bank about $280,000. Last tall the Bank of Commerce, of St. Louis, and the Exchange Bank, of Jefferson City, were made depositories of State funds under the law, both giving satisfactory bonds and depositing in the hands of trustees in New York securities of the United States and of this State for the faithful performance of their contract. State Treasurer Gates brougat suit inst the Mastin Bank and its bondsmen immediately after its failure for the recovery of the State funds. No legal proceedings have been instituted by Gov- ernor Phelps against the State Treasurer or his bondsmen, as it is thought the State has no right to sue until the ‘Treasurer is forced to givea new bond. The State Treasurer was indicted at the October term of the Criminal Court of Jackson county for alleged criminal transac- tions with the Mastin Bank. Governor Phelps im- mediately instructe 1 the Attorney General to assist the Cireuit Attorney of Jackaon county in proseent- ing the State Treasurer, as well as his predecessor, who was also indicted, The State could not proceed in the cone at the last session of the Court on account of the absence of witnesses. The Governor says if the State Treasurer is guilty he should be punished. ‘The Executive will protect no one from punishment. The law must be executed against all, without dis- tinction, but as an act of justice to the State Treas- urer, the Governor says, he has demanded a speedy trial, ‘WISCONSIN. MILWavkEE, Jan 8, 1879, The Legislature met at Madison at twelve o'clock noon. ‘The Senate was called to order by Lieutenant Governor Bingham. Charles E. Bross was clected Chief Clerk and Senator Price President pro tem. D. M. Kelly was elected Speaker of the Assembly and. John E. Eldred Chief Clerk. Only the routine busie ness incident to the organization was transacted, pTHCO, Cal., Jan. 8, 1879, A Prescot despatch says the Arizona Legislature met Monday and organized yesterday. The Council stands 5 republicans to 4 democrats and the House 10 democrats to 8 republicans, MARYLAND POLITICS, [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Barrimore, Jan. 8, 1879, ‘The republican disaffection which has been sime mering for some months boiled over to-day at a gen- eral convention of the “outs,"” held under a special cail, in the hope of reorganizing the party and placing it on a stronger basis than it has enjoyea for some time. The opposition to the Fulton-Thomas C stom House faction, which is now enjoying the federal patronage in Maryland, has been gaining strength, till it vow includes in its organization many of the most influential republicans in the State, among them Washington Booth, cx-Collector; J. A.J, Creswell, George C. Maund, C. Irving Ditty, an ex-Confederate; Henry Stockbridge, Jacob Tome, of Cecil, and many others of equal standing in the city and State. John G. McCullough presided. Sev- eral speeches were made denouncing in unqualified terms the present party management, and dec! it essential to have a thorough reorganization of the republican party in Maryland; that the present chair- man of the State Central Committee be requested to call a State Convention on the 22d of February, and if he refuses that the President of this Convention issue the call. ENTHUSIASM FOR GRANT. During one of the speeches the name of Grant was on, When the entire Convention rose and cheered 1 moments, the enthusiasm being intense. DEMOCHATIC AID PROMISED. Major Hancock in a speech declared the belief that there were enough dissatisfied democrats in Mary- land who would unite with # reorganized republican party to insure a triumph for the latter at the elec- tions in November next. The proceedings through- out were marked by harmony and pertect unanimity. ‘Tho “outs” are evidently in earnest and a bitter seo- tional fight is promised. THE COMING MEX. The democratic leaders look complacently on the internal warfare going on among their antagonists and feel absolutely certain of electing to the Gover- norehip William T. Hamilton, of Washington county, who, itis now assured, will be unanimously nominated ‘by the Democratic Convention. A sweeping demo- cfatic victory for other offices is also equally certain, Keating will be re-elected State Comptroller, Gwinn willbe again chosen Attorney General, end Whyte will, in all probability, be returned to the United States Senate. The democracy is thoroughly united and will make an active and vigorous cam- paign. INDIANA FOR TILD [SY TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD.) INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 8, 1879, The leading democrats of the Indiana Legislature have to-day endorsed Mr. Tilden as their choice for the Presidential nomination in 1880, and pronounced the financial question a dead issne, CALIFORNIA MINING STOCKS, Sax FRANctsco, Jan. 8, 1879, The following ate the closing official prices of mining stocks to-day :— ny Hale & Norcross onsolidated. 31!) er. . 4M a CN a Yellow Jacket... Bodie. Washoe cons, + Oh Jom