The New York Herald Newspaper, January 19, 1879, Page 6

6 THE LEGISLATURE OF (879! chiens Its Leaders, Prospects, Probable Policy and Aims. He OUTLOOK FOR LEGISLATION. What May or May Not Be Accomplished. POLITICAL WIREPULLING The Presiden and Au the Governorship, Tammany ‘ammany at the Capital. THE OLD GUARD AND THE NEW. es ALBaxy, Jan, 18, 1879, To-morrow night the Senate and Assembly come together after the recess for the purpose of proceed- ing with the regular business of the session. Should Speaker Alvord have concluded by that time the im- portant duty of appointing the various committees then the real live work ot the Legislature can pro- ceed without interruption. But to-day it seems doubtful whether or not the Speaker will be able to make his official announcement of the committees, Such announcement must operate in bringing bitter disappointment to several yepudlican Assemblymen who cannot be recognized in this important deal. When the names of the committeemen are made known then some idea can be had of the complexion of the future legislation which may tend. cither to disgrace or elevate the character of the session of 1879. The infamies, corruptions, neglects, misdeeds and extravagance of former legislative bodies are familiar to the public. Albany has again and again witnessed the almost open bribery by which the votes and consciences of Senators and Assemblymen were bartered away. It ix needless to recall the days of Tweed and his colleagues in substantiation of this assertion. The corruptions of that period are of too recent a date to need particularization at the present time. Just before the hand of death had seized upon the late “Tammany Boss" he unbosomed himself al- most fully before the New York Aldermanic Committee asto the peculiar methods adopted by him in secur- ing the passage of some bills at Albany and the defeat of others, Then, however, the Legislature could pass almost any bill, whether of # local or a general char- wter. Since that time the constitutional amend- ments of 1874 have been adopted, some limit being laced to the methods, powers and responsibilities pt the Legislature. These amendments were ratitied by an immense majority. People of the State were under the impression that their passage would do away with much of the jobbery at Albany, and that the days of the lobby—grown fat under tiie liberal provender afforded around the halls of the old Capitol—were drawing to an ignominious close. ‘True, the amendments took away much of the valua- ble tidbits falling freely from the corporation and private tables. The enterprising countryman who wanted a bridge built across the river of Squedunk and the New York Sixth ward politician, wishing to flo alittle business in paving Chatham street, from Pearl to James, alike came to the grinding mill at Albany. The patent pavement man, the heavy rhil- road operator, the petty striker on insurance compa- nies, all commingled in one general scramble for the extracting of as much legislation as would be useful in the public market, after the statesmen had shaken the unholy dust of Albany from their feet in April or May of each year. 18 IT ANY BETTER NOW? Reformers claim, and no doubt with some degree of truth, that things in this respect are not “as they nsed to be;" that the opportunities for corruption and bribery are much less than when the ‘immaculate’” ‘Tweed, the shrewd ‘Squire Sweeny and the oily Dick Connolly travelled back and forth from the State Capitol in regal style. The reformers are right; the opportunities are by no means as plentiful. Public sentiment has been aroused, and the men who seven or eight years ago flaunted their diamonds, car- riages—ay, and loves, too—before the wondering eyes of staid Albanians to-day keep very quiet and only flash ont occasionally on the surface of poltti- cal life where some particular job is in Prospect or some important movement is to be accomplished in the interest of one clique or another., The slime of the serpent is un- doubted!y here still, but under different bues and with more cautious movement. The 5,000 jobs orig- inated at the opening of the legislative session have given place to the 500, It looks to-day as if the cor- poration anaconda—composed of railroad, insurance, banking and other interests—is about to encircle us with its grasp, crushing out all the manhood and in- dependence of the ordinary legislator and blinding with deepest darkness the innocent, inexperienced members, who come here with the best of inten- tions, but go away with blunted perceptions of what really did occur during their stay at the capita? of the Static. 51 green” individuals are generally layed upon by ced colleagues. hould they happen to procure places upon commit- tees where “anything is to be made,” th erally in a minority, and when the time co} certain measure to be reported upon favorably or ad versely, they are e ulted and consequently left out inthe cold, as far as the “spoils” are con- cerned. THE INFLUENCE OF LEADERSHIP—TRE OLD GUARD AND THE In a body composed similarly to that of our State Legislature—thirty-two Senators and one hundred and twenty-eight Axsemblymen—it is a simple matter for three or four men of ability, daring nation to control and shape all the impor taut legislation. This consideration will be manifestly apparent at the coming session. In the House the republican leaders, besides Speaker Alvord, will doubtless prove to be General James W. Husted, Dr. L. 1. Hayes, General George H. Sharpe and Robert H. Straban representing one wing of the republican party (the Old Guard), and-George B. Sle Hamilton Fish, A. B. Hepburn, J.c. J. Langbein and Charles K. Skinner representing the young element or that branch which has recently arisen in a grand struggle for the mastery as against machine power and corporation dictation. At least these are the emblems and battle cries under which this latest schiem in republ vance on the common en ‘Their position i# un- btedly astrong one, ‘Tlie late little controve wrshfp proves t iy the keyno ed by one of their juries K. Skinner. He has he House looking toward the appointment « ee \ipon gomne plan to cut down and abolish all sinecure lative pruning knife can be judi- usly handled, [t is waderstood that the fort: emblymen who voted tor Georg ay ranks claims to ad- cries of rm, and that will be ay between the two con! nsible majority’ in | the lower House, (is waged in the nuer indicated we are likely to have some stormy scenes before the present session Aioses, The “Old Guard’the men who rep- fesent the republican machine proper aud the corporation interests, which evidently go hand in hand with it—have, of course, sneeceded in electing their choice for Speaker. They will consequently have the organization of the committees and the almost absolute control of jeyislation, which such power siwayn gives. The majority will then be | y that inimitable parliamentarian and most adroit legislators, gentleman from Rockland, W. Husted. No knight of old ner scimitar than that yielded by when be draws upon his mental no shrewder “the Kawle! of sarcasm and metaphor; Pelitieian ever 4 with the quibbles and erook ways ot legislative wire pulling. It wy inatter to determine an what pare side the yentieman is when he wish his intentions from an inquisitive public ral Hus than to any « task of directing the movement of the republic “old Guard." ir, Lb who hi Bis polar explorations 4 power in the new fourth term at Albany ries aud needs of le- gisletion quicker than amy 0 General » of the authori ouyntto know, Tf the Doetor ik not made the Conimittee on Ci jon, will lowe the val and determi- | jan who has - Strahan, from the Eleventh district of New York city, also promises to be a leader of considerable weiht in the lower House. He was the first member this year to introduce bills with the familiar title, “An act in relation to the local government of the city of New York.” Visions of busy contention, : wirepulling and political pipelaying haunt the minds of the statesmen as they look forward from this starting point to the usual legislative raid on metropolitan municipal affairs, sf OUTLOOK POR THE LOBBY. The ‘commercial yentlemen" who come to Albany solely 6 pr the purpose of amusement and to tender “advice” to Senators and Assemblymen who may happen to want that particular article have already putin an appearance, Like good generals they are engaged in surveying the grounds, mappi t the campaign, placing their pickets and directing } M@vements of file leaders. ‘The smail speculators— men who claim to have “intlience” in all sorts of quarters—have, too, commenced operations. With the adjournment of the Legislature last week they took their Hight; but to-day their cunning, artful faces inay be seen occasionally around Stanwix Hall, the Delavan and Kenmore House. These three hotels will be the great centres for caucus and secret wire- Gallias during the session, Speaker Alvord, Senator Wagner and other prominent legislators have taken rooms at Stanwix Hall, which establishment has been | refurnished from top to bottom. A gentleman named | A. D. Barber, from Utica, somewhat known in legisia- | | tive experience, will also make his headquarters at | the Stanwix. That suave and enterprising gentle- | man, Mr, “Ed” Phelps, is also one ot the most fre- quent visitors to this hotel. Surely the green Assem- Dlyman cannot very well go astray at Albany this year, with such an abundance of talent ready to “advise” him at every step in the progress of his legislative career, That such “alvice’’ will be freely offered seems pretty evident. THE TE LEADERSHIP, On the democratic side it is conceded that Mr, John C. Jacobs will lead and advise his party in the Senate aud Mr. Erastus Brooks in the House. Mr. Jacobs is considered one of the ablest aud by far the most ex- | perienced members of the Senate, In debate he is forcible, striking right at the issues before him without verbosity or attenipt to dilate at wearisome length—a fault with most speakers, When Tilden was Governor | Jacobs vigorously supported that gentleman's admip- | istration. It will be also recollected he was Chair- man of the Utica Convention, in 18’ delegates to the Nationvl Convention of that year. At St. Louis he was the parliamentary adviser of General MeClernand, permanent presi- dent of the democratic Convention, and did much toward steering that turbulent body through the breakers of dissension liable to break out at any moment between the Tilden and anti-Tilden tactions. ‘The gentleman has since acted with Governor Robin- son’s friends as against the virulent attacks of Tam- many Hall, being foremost in the ranks of: that pow- erfui contingent at the recent boisterous Syracuse State Convention. ‘The twenty republican Senators will doubtless give way in the matter of leadership to Mr. Theodore M. Pomeroy, the successor to William B. Woodin, The circumstances of Mr. Pomeroy’s election to the Senate are familiar to all. Mr. Woodin had been nominated trom the Twenty-fifth district in 1877. Just at this time an plosion came in the sworn testimony of William M. Tweed to the effect that Woodin had received some $60,000 for his vote on the famous New York charter of 1870. Woodin spparently was afraid to go before the people while those charges rnng in thetr ears. On the eve of battle he declined to run and substituted Pomeroy in his place. Before and shortly after election Woodin and Pomeroy were like’ two brothers, socially and politically, They breathed through the same telephone and argued from the same stand- pints: intact, Woodin was Pomeroy and Pomeroy Wooiin. They drew inspiration from each other. 6, which elected But a change came. The story goes that the two distinguished gentlemen fell out over the impeachment of Insurance Superintendent Smyth last year. Woodin was anti-Smyth and Pom- eroy pro-Smyth. The conviction of Smyth meant a severe blow to the Conkling interest; his acquittal a vietory for that side. It is said that Pomeroy prom- ised to vote in favor of the removal of Smyth. The pledge, they say, was given to Woodin. It such a pledge was given it was broken by Pomeroy when the final test came. Four democratic members of the present Senate jcined in the alleged unholy compact to let Smyth go free—Ecclesine, Wagstatt, Hogan and Pierce. ‘Che first named bas since become an anti- Kellyite and a retormer of the yery first magnitude. He may have acted entirely from conscientious mo- ves, but there are people here uncharitable enough to speak differently. The same may be said of the other three “grave and reverend Senators.”” ‘The palm of Jeadership is also_to be contested, it is said, with Pomeroy by Senator Hamilton Harris, of Albany, who, the politicians say, wants to become the leader of his party in the Upper house, and that Pom roy, the successor ot Woodin and the vindicator of Smyth, may be compelled to take a back seat. GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE These are the principal gentlemen, in both Senate and Assembly, who propose to lead the forces in pass- ing laws and preventing legislation whenever and wherever circumstances may direct, ‘That the Legis- lature will require watching nobody seems to doubt. So large a republican majority in. the lower House has never assembled in Albany before. It conse- quently follows that there are more personal claim- ants to satisfy than usual, Alvord, Husted, Strahan and company will consequently have » hard time in keeping the Assembly managerie in order from now until the final adjournment. FPRCULIAR HINTS PROM GOVERNOR ROBINSON. Alluding to the probable career of the present Legislature and its removal into the new Capitol, Governor Robinson made use of the following terse and vigorous language in his Mexsage:—‘If the oc- cupation of their new and gorgeous apartments shall Jead the two houses of the Legisla + to so emulate the exalted virtues which have at different times and on many occasions adorned the history of the old chambers that they shall enact only wixe and good laws, that they shall honestly and faithfully execute the great trust committed to them by the people, that they shali strictly obey the constitution and the laws, t they shall establish and maintain a higher tone of public morality, the enor- mous cost of the building will be repaid in something better — th money. But it, onthe other hand, no such effects appear; if the la: mentable vices which have too often marked the legislation of the oid building shail stain that of the new; if the extravagant expenditure made upon it is to stimulate profuse and wasteful appropriations to other subjects; if, instead of encouraging a plain and honest republican simpheity, it ix to cuitivate a weak and vain desire to imitate the manners of European courts or to rival magnificence and imperial splen- dor; nay, more, if bribery and corruption, following naturally in the wake of such influence, shall soil the new chambers, the people will have cause to regret the erection ot such a capitol ant to wish that the earth might open and swallow it up.” THE LEGIXLATURE AND FUTURE POLITICS. With the large republican mwjority in both branches of the Legislature the leaders of that party have evidently made up their minds that much care must be exercised us to the complexion, effect and character of the business to be transacted during the next five months. That the session will bea long one—probubly lasting until the Ist of June—nobody who understands the peculiar workings of Legisia- tures seems to doubt, Of course the usual bun- combe will be indulged in as to the necessity for quick work and close attention to public business; but no matter how efficiently such suggestions are carried out the interests at stake and tie ground to be covered just at this time will necessitate a more than usually long session. hat next year we have a e Vitul importance of earry- ing the fork next November, in view of that fact, is acknowledged by both parties, Accord- ing to present appearances it is the intention of the republican leaders to place A. D, Cornell at the had y 2 +3 = = e = | of their tic for Gove might be thought a more the time comes tor act the democratic party will doubtiess unite upon | Lucius Robinson as standard bearer, al- though whispers are ceasioially waftted here from Gramercy Park that Samuel J. Tuden proposes to” try iusions — ¢ more with the republican foe. However visionary this | Jutter idea may be it is pereetly plain that “Unele Sammy's” master haud is observ im the rum- Dlinys of revolt coming to us from New York ety in connection with Tammany Halil, Should the gentie- man’s friends obtain control of that organization in the April election of sachems, then the “counted oat” Presidential candidate ndoubtedly control the whole State political machine and either rev | bis friend Robinson tor Governor or pee hy the front of the cratic Colm as an opponent of A. J. Cornell or Chester A. Arthur, Wiui vietory | | thus assured on the democratic side, the out. | look for the Presidential campaign of 1800 | would prove — exceedingly bright; — with — de- feat, the republican shouts ot victory might re-echo the name of Koscoe Conkling as the most available candidate for the White House. Some of Conkling’s friends here, however, seem to think that with the machinery of ‘the republican party m pt to itby their theit hands, and the preat power handed oF success at the polls on the Governorship, Oneida chieftain would east Nis im Presidential Convention tor his frie In either contingency Delieve that it is not at aber, 1880, will be hiden, of New York, w “MAVE A CARE, GENTLEMEN,” at stake in the future y low the work ple of the Sta takes, le ruptions ¢ As at pres seem that this Wil prove to be simply the creature of corporatious—a congregation ofp ticians drawn together, under the forms of oft life, for the purpose of taking care of railroads, in urunce companies, banking interests, political rings and grasping corporations of every descrip- | tion, ‘The republicwn leaders may, however, sce the brink of destruetion upon which they stand in thi State, and direct the passage of wholesome and nee essary laws, A good work might be done in striking at the very of insurance, banking and raitrond | evils, Governor Robinson's ideas (plainly and pith: ily put forth) on thowe questions are worthy of repe- tition bero:— THE CORPORATION INPLOE INC mense commercial, mant interests, the business of ance is of very great iin- to the concitsion that charge of it. for th hy great corporations to. the al jaws (iis was undoubtedly undertake to ad. WS—INSURANCE AND BANK+ “In a State with sn facturing ant anit NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, J | which might far better be left alone. - malfeasance of such agents. management of those who understand it, with their hands as free from and untrammelled by legis- lative interference as — practicable, ‘a8 sumption that intelligent business men do not know enough to manage their own alfairs, and that the Legislature should undertake the task for them, is both erroueous and misebievous. Intluenced by this unsound idea the Legislature twenty years ago established the Insurance Depart- ment. The ostensible parpose of its establishment was to protect the public, the policy and stockhold- ers of the Insurance Companies, While it confined itself strictly to the aceomplishment of that object it did comparatively little harm and no good. Its whole history shows that the community would have fared much better without it than with it, People who wish to insure their property or their lives, ifleft to exercise their own discretion, will be more likely to select safe and well con- ducted companies in which to insure than they will it they rely upon the direction given them by an agent of the State, The intermeddling of a State official is almost invariably mischievous in its opera- tion and results, Lam informed that within th seven years thirty life insurance compani failed, involving # loss to citizens of this State of $36,927,000, This shows how little protec- tion the department gives. I am_ theretore of cpinion that the wisest legislation in regard to the Insurance Department would be to abol- ish it and to return its few necessary powers to the Comptroller's office, whence they were taken, ‘This step L advise, believing that it will benefit the parties interested and much redound to the credit of the State. ‘The same general rule naturally applies to the business of banking. It may be claimed that, so far as savings banks are concerned, the ‘class of people who deposit their savings with them require some governmental guardianship, But even this is doubtful. The host of savings bauks which have grown up as if ina night, flourished for a time and then became insolvent, could never have gained the contidence of the poor people whose little all was lost by their operations if character and credit had not’ been given to them by the pretence that the State was the protector of their interests. In 1877 the Superintendent whom the State had ebosen, and who had served for several years as guar- dian of these institutions, was removed for negligence and incompetency; and almost the entire time ot the very faithful and efficient deputy into whose hands the work has fallen has been occupied in saving what he could from the ruin into which so many of the savings banks fell. “It is also a question worthy of consideration whether, if the State will not leave people and cor- porations to manage their own affairs in their own way, but persists in exercising a governmental con- trol over them through such agents as it sees fit to appoint for that purpose, it ought not to be respon- sible to parties who suffer through the negligence or Tcommendto your con- sideration such measures as will tend to a more speedy and less expeusive mode of proceeding for winding up the affairs of the insurance companies and savings banks that have failed, so that parties who have suffered by them may receive, at the earliest day possible, whatever may be saved from the wreck of such institutions.” The above timely warnings of Governor Robinson may operate in iufluencing the passage of such laws as will promote much needed reform in the direc- tions mentioned. The extracts are given so as to direct particularly at this time the lative and public inind to subjects which are oftentimes over- looked and mystified through corrupt and interested influences. WHAT I8 TO BE DONE BY THE LEGISLATURE. A great many important things ought to be done by the islature which it is safe to say will not be done, while again other things will be attended to Among the measures demanding immediate attention are the following :— 1. Passage of a new apportionment bill, by which the thousands of voters in this State at present unrepre- sented in the Legislature can have voice in the mak- ing of laws. , x 2. The abolition and amendment of statutes by which the taxpayers of New York can be reheved of paying at least $5,000,000 a year im extravagant salaries and for the support of sinecurists who could scarcely earn a living at any reputable employ- ment. 3. Abohshing the fees of Register, Sheriff and County Clerk (which amount annually to from $50,000 to $100,000), and making those offices sala- ried, so that the fees might go into the city treasury. 4, Passage of an equitable excise law, which will protect the liquor interest as well as lovers of law and order, and prevent the police from blackmailing and cxcise commissioners from arrest and removal through misconception of their duties. 5. Reforming the well known abuses in public markets in New York city by which standholders and their friends are said to be blackmailed and the city defrauded of a large amount of revenue. 6. Changing the statutes governing ihe Dock De- partment in New York, by which the income from docks, wharves and piers can be largely increased aud tne sinking fund tor extinguishing city debt materially enhanced. 7. Providing additional protection for depositors in savings banks and holders ot policies in insurance com) ies. acting statutes which will benefit the masses Qs against the encroachment of powerful railroad and other corporations in their seizure of public and private property for the benetit of rings. 9. Compelling a proper accounting for and collec- tion of personal and real taxes where corporations are in interest. These are among 4 few of the many reformatory measures to which the Legislature of 1879 should de- vote carnest attention. Wallitdoso ? Will the lobby intluence, which already, according to present ap- pearances, has its choking grasp upon the legisla- tive throats, be able to carry out its nefarious schemes in ‘preventing the passage of all proper laws ? The progress of business here can only answer the question. It will be no simple duty to solve such vital conundrums as the sesmon advances: in order to enlighten the public as to the mcans and the men who throw impediments in the way of sug- gested reforms. PARDONS BY THE GOVERNOR. ALBany, Jan. 18, 1879, ‘The Governor has pardoned Josiah W. brandon, of Columbia county, convicted of assault and battery and sentenced to the Albany Penitentiary for six months. Adolph Breuse, of New York, convicted of grand larceny and sentenced to Sing Sing for three years and six months, has been restored to citizenship. David K. Pierce, of Oneida county, convicted in 1876 of arson and sentenced to Auburn Prison for life, has had his sentence commuted to four years from January 19, 1876, subject to the legal deduction for good conduct. BRUSH'S ELECTRIC LIGHT. (From the San Francisco Alta, Jan. 11.) Notwithstanding all the talk by Edison and others as to what they were soon “going to do” with their electric lights, the field is being actually occupied almost exclusively by the Cleveland light—the Brush. A glance at the order book of the Telegraph Supply Company shows some very important orders recently received, some of which have been exe- cuted, others in process of execution. Among those already completed and in use were noticed twenty four lights for the immense store of John Wanua- maker, occupying the entire square bounded by Market, Chestnut, Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, Philadelphia; sixteen lights for the Merrimack MUll, at Lowell, Mass.: sixteen lights for the Palace Hotel, San Francisco, owned by Senator Sharon; eight lignts for the Edgemoor Iron Company, Edgemvor, Del.; four lights for the Boston Music Hall; six lights for the Continental Clothing House, Boston; six lights for Locser’s Dry Goods Palace, Brooklyn, tour lights for the mills of the Washburn « Moen Manu- facturing Company, Worceste ss. Orders now filled are fo of the Assembly Chamber of the New Yo 1, at Albany; composing rooms and offic« New York vibune; the mills of Park Brot burg, and others of ms to look to Ohio Army, Chief Justi nt w raph Supply Cc noon and evening, as their duet Celebration, and in addition to the regular nightly illumination of their factory on St. Ciair ranged an additional light in a headlight re- of, and threw a flood of light up Ontario street and into the Park, The effect upon the flakes of show gently failing at the time was beautiful, and crowds were drawn to observe the light, whieh made | The | that portion of the city appear almost as day. question is asked, “Why could not the Viaduct be lit up by this light?’ The effect would be magnificent and the expense inconsiderablo.”” A CALIFORNIA LION KILLED, {From the Napa (Cal.) Reporter, Jan. 10.) For some time Mr. D. D. Hill, who owns a farm in Rag Canyon, about eighteen miles in a northeasterly direction from Napa, has been missing goats from his flock every little while, and where they went or what became of them was a mystery. Last Saturday a young man named Henry Samuels started out with his rifle and dogs to solve the mystery. He soon ran across a large California lion of the mgle sex, and the presence of this carnivorous east dispelled all doubt as to the fate of the missing goats, Young Samuels at opened — the attack with his ritle, the animal, and then the dogs and had a The canines were soon vanqwished, however, and then the angry beast made for the hunter, who boldly stood his ground and lodged another bullet im the lion’s body. At this fire the beast sprang into a trev, aud Samuels put five more bullets iuto him before he died. The dead lion wae brought to Napa, and on Monday was on exhibition at Mr. Marvin's stables, on First street. He was ot yellowishalark color, mieastited six feet eight inches from tip of tail to the once wounding oa hose and stood two feet ten high, He was agreeing with bis estive orgs pounds, Mr, Mill estimates his loss by the depredatic this animal at about Near the spot wh killed wore found Aye partiahy devoured ne Hi goats, tussle, | | inevitably close the Southern ports and compel ship- WASHINGTON. The Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims Re-Established. THE JAPANESE INDEMNITY. Suggestions of Medical Experts as to a National Quarantine. FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Washineton, Jan, 18, 1879, RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MEDICAL EXPERTS AS TO A NATIONAL QUARANTINE, It is understood that the medical experts appointed to aid the Congressional committee in the investiga- tion of the yellow fever epidemic will recommend the establishment of a national quarantine, to be inde- pendent of the local authorities, For instance, the point to be selected for the protection of New York harbor would be at Sandy Hook or at some point outside of the harbor, and at this point all vessels coming from infected or | suspected ports would be subjected toa strict quar- antine. ‘The possibility of such a system conflicting | with the local authorities is being considered, and it | is evident to the medical experts as well as to the Congressional members of the committee that serious complications must arise if such @ system is en- forced by national legislation. Such a system would ping to seek Northern harbors, and hence would arise local or sectional opposition to the enforcement of the measure. Again, it a national quarantine were estab- | lished the question would arise which of the clear- ances would be valid or accepted by the local author- | ities. These matters are being carefully considered | and the committee of experts hope to be able to finish GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. Wasurncton, Jan. 18, 1879. REDEMPTION OF FIVE-: WENTY BONDS. ‘The Secretary of the Treasury this afternoon issued the eighty-second call for the redemption of five-twenty bonds of 1865—consols of 1867. The call is for $20,000,000, of which $10,000,000 are coupon | and $8,000,000 registered bonds. The principal and interest will’ be paid at the Treasury on and after the | 18th day of April next and the interest will cease on that day. Following are descriptions of bonds:— Conpon bonds dated July 1, 1867—namely :— 50, . 37,001 to No. 46,000, both inclusive. 00, No, 47,001 to No, 60,000, both inclusive. $500, No. 37,001 to No. 46,000, both inclusive. $1,000, No, 48,001 to No, 60,000, both inclusive, Total coupon, $10,000,000. Registered bonds, “redeemable at the pleasure of the United States after the Ist day of July, 1872,” as $50, No. 1,551 to No. 1,925, both inclusive. $100, No. 11,401 to No. 13,350, both inclusive, 400, No. 6,251 to No. 7,250, both inclusive. . 93,751 to No. 27,750, both inclusive. 5.000, No. 7,101 to No. 8,150, both inclusive. $10,000, No. 9,951 to No. 13,250, both inclusive, Total registered, $10,000,000. Aggregate, $20,000,000. "i “ PERU AND THE POSTAL UNION, l According to announcement heretofore made ‘to the public through the press, the Post Office Depart- ment has not withdrawn from the arrangement which it made in anticipation of the entrance of Peru to the Postal Union on the 1st of October last, #0 far as it relates to correspondence from the United States addressed to Peru and forwarded via Panama. But the full prepayment of letter postage on such cor- | respondence is required. THE JAPANESE INDEMNITY FUND. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs to-day held an informal conversation on the bill heretofore reported concerning the Japanese indemnity fund. About fifteen years ago difficulties in Japan led to ; damage to United States, French, English and Dutch vessels, and for this $3,000,000 were exacted by these treaty Powers. The amount received by the United States as its share was $785,000, This was invested | in our bonds, and the result is a consider; able accumulation, making a special fund on hand that has never been covered into the Treasury. which amounted in June last to $1,500,821; adding iva) per cent interest from the date of payment by’ Japan of the various instalments to the Ist of June, the amount is $1,000,441, Should this amount be returned to Japan, as proposed, there will remain a surplus of #410,380—sufticient to cover the donation proposed to the officers and crews of the Wyoming and Taki- ang and leave a balance of $285,380 to be covered into | the Treasury. Representative Hamilton particularly | and the other members of the committee were in ac- cord in the assertion that the United States cannot consistenely with the honor and character of our nation retain possession of this amount of money which the government has, the committee say, never felt justified in covering into the Treasury, and which we hold, as Mr. Seward said, for “no substan, | tial equivalent ;” and especially should the money be returned, as the Japanese regard Americans as their | sincere friends, and as it is important to foster com- merce with that country and divert it from foreign channels. In view of the importance of the general | subject the committee has ‘concluded to press the | passage of the bill. THE GENEVA AWARD BILL PASSED. WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 1879, The House resummed as the regular order of busi- ness the consideration of the Geneva Award bill. Mr. Haus, (rep.) of Me., said the bill really involved | acontest between the insurance companies of the great cities and the parties on whom unrelieved | losses had fallen by reason of the depredations of | Confederate cruisers, The majority bill was for the benefit of the insurance companies and no one else. owe companies had any right to the award it was technical right. If they had had any perfect | right why had they not gone into court instead of | coming to Congress. Congress after Congress had | declared that the insurance companies hud no claim | either in equity or law, and yet they had come again | and again with arguinents and speeches, even follow: | ing members to their seats, and would not be put | down, hoping to weary Congress and get their claim through, Mr. MeManoy, (dem,) of Ohio, supported the mi- nority report. The error in the majority report was in a gee J that national claims had been excluded by tl tribunal and ane passed upon bute bundle of private claims. the contrary, the claims passed upon had been national claims, When private claims had been presented to the tribunal | they had been presented # witnesses to show the extent of the damages sustained by the governinent. | The bill of the reg tif was not fair. It did not give au equal chance to all persons, ‘Those who paid | large war premiuins or suffered losses by exculpated | cruisers would have only @ seintilla of achance. The only persons who would have any right before the | Court of Claims would be the insarance companie: and they would only get that right by virtue of t! langtage of the bill, ‘The Court would be hampered by the bill, and controlled not by principles ot jus- tice, equity or international law, but by technicati ties. On the other hand, the fundamental principle ot the minority bill was that no indemuity should be paid to any one who was not an actual loser, At the close of Mr. McMahon's speech the previous question was seconded and the main question ordered, the understanding being that Mr. Butler, of Massachusetts, should be allowed fifteen minutes, and that Mr, Knott, of Kentucky, should have as mich time #s he desired before the yote should be taken. Mr. Burien, of Massachusetta made ipecch againat the claim of the insurance companics ant in favor of that of the war premitm men, He reviewed the history of the Johnson-Clarendon treaty and of the ‘Treaty of Washington, and said that it was ayreed that national claims only should be sub- mitted. When the matter, he said, was in fiert be- fore the tribunal it was whispered around that one of the counsel of the United States was the retained counsel of the insurance companies, Whether that rumor was right or wrong it is not necessary to consider; but the effect of it was to bring from the State Department a peremptory order to its counsel and agenis not to allow the Geneva tribunal to make any disposition Whatever in relation | to the classes of claims that should be paid. The tribunal awarded a sum in block whieh covered everything That money, in my judgment, said Mr. Butler, jonged to the United joe without an, trust, any legal duty or any claim of any cons Whatever. wre are three propositions in: tu it—one is Wo pay the money iat the Lreasury, Ido | got no return for their pre: | far side of the moon, {ana it was adopted (0; NUARY 1%, 1879.-QUADRUPLE SHEET. not believe there is aSouthern gentleman on this floor who will vote for that. Having inflicted the wrong (rig) when it was so far as that war could have any element of right) no man who ‘was in the Contederacy will want to have any advan- tage trom money got from the neutral friend tor its in that wrong. Therefore the proposition to put the money in the ry never has had any consi le support from the tlemen who represent the Conted part of the Union. The other pro ition is to give it to somebody. To whouw 8) it be given as an indemnity? Nobody has any legal right to it. We have aright to do with it what we Vahey at use it in Mississippi levees, in Northern ‘oads, in build- ing ships, or in giv subsidies, But what ought to be done with it? It is proposed to give it to the insurance companies, or to give them some right to wo inte the court and set up what they call a claim of subrogation. They have no legal right to it now, Der do not claim, I think, any equitable right to it. Premiums are the mother of insurance, These insurance con jes have received nearly $9,000,000 in premiums during the war, and have paid out only about $5,500,000, therefore they have lost nothing. In the bill which 1 had the honor to draw, und which became liw, a provisicn was made that if, on reckoning up the insurance business during the war, it was tound that any company had suffered a loss, that loss should be paid, Andall the insnrauce companies that could show @ loss growing out of their war risks have gone before that tribunal and have re- ceived their pay. Now, who is there here that thinks that there is any mutans ‘or have claim on the part of iusurance companies? they any legal claim. they made four millions by their war risks, Are they to make four millions more? Now, who are the war premium men? They are the class of men who paid premiums and who mms. They were obliged to pay ten per cent insurance to get their ships across the water in the course of business. So reat was that burden that many men sold their ships, nominally or actually, to Great Britain to sail under the British flag. But there were other men who, with true patriotism, car- ried on business and paid the war pre- miums and haye not received a dollar in return im any way trom insurance companies or anybody else. The answer to this is:—All that is true; but the merchant and the shipowner charged the amount of his war premium paid and added it to the price of his goods, and, therefore, Le has collected it back again trom the whole people. That is a fair argu- ment and is to be fairly considered. What is the fact on that point? It could have been done so only that four-fifths of the commerce of the United States dur- ing the war was carried in foreign bottoms that paid no war premiums. This four fifths fixed the prices of the goods, and, therefore, the men who paid the war pre- muiums could not charge them up in fixing the prices of their goods, Mr. Knorr, (dem.) of Ky., closed the debate, His position was one of absolute impartiality. Not a single constituent of his had any more claim to the Geneva award than he had to a diamond mine on the He, himsel’, entertained no feeling or prejudice in favor of or against any par- ticnlar class of claimants. He only wanted simple justice done and such steps taken as would insure the speediest possible distri- bution of the remainder of the tund among those legally entitled to it. He reviewed the pro- ceedings of the Geneva tribunal, and stated that the money had been awarded for losses occasioned di- rectly by the inculpated cruisers. He contrasted the bill of the minority with the bill of the majority, the former being a mere act of grace, the latter an act of clean handed justice; the former presenting im most odious torm all the most chiptonans features of class pieton the latter being a fulfilment of the sacred guarantee trans- planted from Magna @harta that no person, high or low, rich or poor, should be deprived of his Ree right except by due process of law. ‘he minority substantially said that the fund be- longed to the United States; that the war premium men had no equitable or legal right to any portion of it yet. Congress had an unlimited discretion with re- gard to it, and should, therefore, give it to those claimants for sweet charity's sake. There was no provision in the constitution authoriziug Congress to peddle favors or deal out alns. Here was a ques- tion involving $10,000,000 and the honor of the United States which the House was actually asked to guess upon and to decide us to what class of claimants had the best right. In regard to the bill of the majority there was not a syllable in it that proposed to pay acent to any insurance company, or deprive of his right any oue who had paid war premiums. The question of payment was simply referred to the Court of Claims for its deci- sion, Nothing could be fairer or more impartial than that, A bill almost identical with that of the majority had last year been passed by the House without a dissenting’ voice tor the distribu- tion of the Chinese fund, and nobody who had let that bill pass without objection could consistently oppose the present bill. He did not stand as the advocate of any one class of claimants, but as the humble champion of justice, Tue in- surance companies may be the bloodless and soulless monsters they were Tepresented, still they were com- owed Or citizens of the United States, and looked to he constitution and laws of the country for siunple justice, and the government that refused justice to its | humblest citizen was a despot to be despised. Mr. House, (dem.) of Tenn., moved to lay the bill and amendments on the table. elo im the affirmative, the negative not counted. THE MAJORITY AMENDMENT. The next vote was on Mr. Frye’s amendment to the majority bill, at was agreed to on # stand- | Ang vote— yeas 136, nays 50. it provides that no claim by or in bebalf of any insurance company shall be admitted or aliowed by the Court of Claims unless such claimant can show to the satis.action of the Court that during the late rebellion the sum of its losses in respect to its war risks exceeded the sum of its premiums or gains, and then the allowance shali not be greater than such | excess. No claim is to be admissable in tavor of auy insurance ccmpany that was not lawfully existing at the time of the loss under the law of some one of the United States. Mr. CAMERON, (rep.) of Il], moved to lay the bill on the table. Defeated—yeas 96, nays 121. . THE MINORITY SUBSTITUTE. The question was then taken on the substitute re- ported by the minority of the Judiciary Committee, ‘standing vote)—112 to 73, It revives and continues the Court of Commission- ers of Alabama Claims, fixes the number of Judges at three, requires the Court to convene and organize as soon as practicable, in Washington, and linnts its istence «to = eighteen) = mouths. The first class of claims is to be those deseribed in section 11 of the former act, and claims for damages directly done by Confederate cruisers on the high seas, although within four miles of shore, In cases of whaling vessels ten per cent addi- tional is to be allowed in lieu of freight and the same allowance 1s to be made (with «1x per cent interest) on judgments heretofore rendered in favor of whal- ing vessels. The second class of claims is to be for | two per cent additional interest on former judg- ments, On all judgments to be the interest allowed to be six per cent. hereafter rendered The third class of claims is to be for the payment of premiums for war risks,@ deductions to be made of any sums paid back im diminution of sich premiums, so that only the actual loss shall be allowed. The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to pay (without turther adjudication by any Court) the ten per cent upon whaling vessels and their out- fit (with six per cent interest) on awards heretotore made, and also to pay two per cent additional interest on ail judgments heretotore made; judgments rei im the first ass are to first paid, and then judgments in the second class, and if the money be not sufficient to pay all the judgments of the second class they are to be paid pro rata, and the like rule is ulso to apply to Judgments in the third class. No foreign born person is to be excluded if sailing under United States flag. The act is not to be construed as | renewing or continuing any of the comiuissions of judges or officers.of the former court. Auy balance that may remain shall be a fund from which Cou- gress may hereafter authorize the payment of other | claims thereon. ‘this is the minority substitute as reported by Messrs. McMahon, Frye, Butier, Conger and Laphan. ‘The bill as thus amended was then passed—yeas 113, nays 93. THK PENSION AVPROPRIATION BILL. , Mr. Smrru, of Ponsylvania, reported back from the Appropriations Committees the Senate amendments to the Pension Appropriation bill, ana they were concurred in, The House then, at half-past five, adjourned, BOILED IN A GEYSER. (From the Napa (Cal.) Reporter, Jan. 10.) From the Leake Democrat we learn the following particulars of a horrible death at the Sulphur Banks, Lake county :—About noon on Sunday, December 20, Daniel Sutherland, brother to John Sutherland, one of the bosses, « native of Nova Scotia, while at work iu the seventy foot shatt, at the bottom of which is a geyser which throws up astream of water the tem- rature of which is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, missed is footing and fell, He dropped some fourteen feet Into the boiling water and was pulled out by the boss carpenter, McCabe, who had to descend a ladder from whence Sutherland fell to rescue him, When rescued his hair cae off in the hands of his rescuer, so trightfully was he scalded. Dr. Downes was tele- graphed tor, and everything done for the sufferer, but without avail. He died in three hours after the accident, # sad and pitiable sight to look upon. He wax a sober, industrious man, and had worked at the Sulphur Bank mine about a year. His sad deuth cast quite a gloom over the resident community at Sul- phue a as was Universally liked and respected, A NOVEL SKATE RACE, {From the Kingston (N, Y.) Courier.) Chauncey Goodrich, # smert, active gentleman o¢ seventy years of age, living in this city, bas # pair of skates, “old peelers,” which were made by his fa ther sixty years ago from # pattern brought from Hol- land, They are fastened to the fect by a stout cord, straps uot being at that time in the general use they are to-day, though the toes have a very graceftl curl, Pull of au earnest desire to renew the exhila rating pastime of his youth, Mr. Goodrich yisited the Pornt, aud finding the ice in perfect condition, he on Monday chailenged Peter Weaver to @ triendly race of 300 yards, ‘The challenge was accepted, aud except the unimportant preliminaries of tine, place (due notice of which wit be given), stake, bottle holders, time-keepers and a few more ininor particu tier is all arranged, and the email boy is req » keep off the ive in the creek, as it is eape- cially desired that the rave may take plave 48 so0u 4s couveniont, SLEIGHING. Thousands on the “Snow Path” with Fine Sleighs and Fast Horses. SPEED ON THE AVENUES. Grand Display Through the City and the Park of Family Turnouts. It seemed as if all New York had gone. sleighing yesterday. Great was the crowd and variety of the vehicles that swept through the avenues and boule vards, laden down with people, all intent on enjoying to the utmost the pastime of sleighing. The weather was all that could have been wished for—cold, but not toa chilling, with just enough sunshine to suggest that Old Sol was taking a peep at the fun from behind some distant wintry cloud, The snow on the road was level and in good order, and the owners of nearly all the well known teams were out vieing with each other in friendly dashes along the frozen ways. Fifth aye- nue, the boulevards, the Park drives and St. Nicholas and other avenues were all thronged with bright and happy faces, and the scenes were all jolly and animated as could have been desired, Bright colored, cosey looking wraps protected fair forms from the severity of the weather, and the richer visitors seemed to vie with each other in the beauty and elegance of their get up. By no means the least picturesque part of the display came from the east side avenues, whence ali kinds of improvixed sleighs issued and did duty quite as well as the more costly turnouts of the wealthier citizens. There were groups of boys mounted in grocery wagons placed on runuers, who evidently enjoyed the sport not less than t! iors and better equipped neighbors, Nothing cOWld have been more thoroughly democratic than the scene, which gave one the impression that the whole of New York had turned out to enjoy a winter carnival. ‘Among the hundreds of fast horses that were on the “show path” the following were the most con- spicnous:— Mr. Robert Bonner and his sons had horses that represented over $70,000. Mr. Bonner drove Edwin Forrest; his son Alley, Music and May Bird together, and his other sons bad out during the day Startle, Molsley and Maud Macey. Mr. W. H. Vanderbilt drove Lysander Boy and Captain Jack. Captain Jake Vanderbilt (brother of the late Com- modore), drove bay team. Mr. Eastman was behind his hea Snail bay team. Mr. Jacob Lorillard drove a bay team. Mr. W. Turnbull was behind his bay mare Belve dere. * Mr. Sheppard Knapp drove his teain. Mr. Foster Dewey, sah) pdebn ba hee Ton, Mr. Deforest, a team of spanking bays. Mr. George Work, the bay gelding Modoc. Mr. Vanderbilt Cross, his bay team. Mr. Jacob Dodge, with team of bay and brown geld- ings. ir. W. Ridabock, behind bay mare Lena Case. Mr. Dam, of the Astor House, behind a fine bay teal ‘Mr. Babcock, a bay team. Mr. Kerr, » tue team, bay and chestnut. Mr. Joseph Godwin, bay and chestnut team, Mr. Griswold, of the Fitth Avenue Hotel, his gray mare and bay gelding—a fine team. Colonel Kipp, with hia beautitul bay mare Hart- ford Belle, Mr, Sheppard K. Knapp, with his chestnut gelding. Mr. Frelerick Vander! nite the bay gelding Deckene Mr. Dunn Walton had fine team, a brown and & ir, James D. McMann, a team of bays. Mr. Clark Vandewater, with bay stallion Ridge- woud. Mr. Harry Elder had a fine team of chestnuts. Tho two John H. Harbecks, father aud son, were behind team of mares, one known as Commodore Vanderbilt and the other the Troy mare. Mr. Dutcher, team of bay geldings, Mr. Brigys, # team of bays. Mr. W. U. Conner, # chestnut gelding. Mr. W. McCarty, bay gelding Rocket. Mr. G. W. Richmond, the team Lady Low and Orie nt. Mr. Bernstein, chestnut mare Lulu, by Messenger Duroc, Mr. Robert Lindsay, bay gelding Humpty Dumpty. Mr. Weeks drove the gray gelding Billy Lewis. Mr. Charles Dickerman drove chestuut gelding Sur- F.62. Petr, Frank Work, bay gelding Bill Thunder. Mr. N. Hauseman, bay gelding Tommy Moore. Mr. Chester Simmons, # bay aud chestnut team. Mr, Kerner, of the Everett House, bay mare Scot- Maid. land 5 Mr. Schultz drove beget gst Bricks. Mr. H. N. Smitu was behind # bay colt by General Kuox, dam La slond, which was very fast. Mr. L, A. Stabl was behind the chestnut gelding George Moore. Mr. Harry Hamilion drove a rapid pair of bay mares. Mr. John Olcott was behind the roan gelding Pro- tection, a brother of Slow Go. Mr. Otman drove his team Star Henry and Anna Collins. Mr, Warren drove a bay team. Mr. Freeman had out his gray and bay team. Mr. E, Pelham drove his bay gelding Elevator. Mr, C. Hollowey was behind the cream mare Lady Beam. ‘Dr. Hall was driving a sorrel gelding. Mr. Havemeyer drove his team of Norwegian nies. Pir. Asa Whitson, with gray and brown team, Mr. Walter Briggs drove his bay team. Mr. Perry Belanont had « splendid team of bays. Mr. Andrews was behind Clifton Bay. Mr. J. Q. Laws drove a chestuut ‘iad gray team, Mr. Eg. Smith handled nicely » bay and brown team. Mr. David Bonner, in company with Mr, Busby, drove gray mare Cora Belmout, by Belmont, dam tue dam ot Mand 8. Mr. George Law, Jr., drove a black and gray team, Dun Mace was out behind Billy O'Neil and Big Strider, ‘Then there were Abe Straus, with bay gelding; Dr. Suuth, gray gelding;. John Wood, bay gelding; James Wood, chestnut gelding; Benj. Floyd, bay mare; Mr. Roach, bay ding; Dr. = Sheppard Knapp, Jr., chestnut at den, with the Mill bay team ire Sook Mr. W. Woodcock, bay gelding; Mr. Evaux, chestuut gelding; Colonel James J, Mooney, sorrel anare; Mr, Loses, brown 3 Mr. deze Mar- bay ; Mr. James Riuavock, chest- gelding; » MgOune, brown — team; . — Clausen, welding; Mr. Norman B. Audrews, brown mare; Mr. king, uray mare; Mr. Harrington, brown gelding; W. Price, brown mare; Mr. W. McMahon, bay gelding; Mr. Whittaker, bay team; Mr. Harry Hyde, brown team; Mr. Wilkinsou, black mare; Mr. George Butts, bay gelding; Mr. Au- drews, brown gelding; Mr, Sum. Felter, brown gviding; Mr. Allen, brown gelding; Mr, Joseph Har- r, chestnut gelding; Mr. Schindler, bay guiding; . W. Sayer, chestnut gelding; Mr. T, Dunn, bay elding; Captsin Van Sice, bay gelding; Mr. Squires, Y gelding; Mr. Barclay, bay gelding; Mr. brane, bay mare; Mr. James Spreker, bay team; Mr. sorrel pacer; Mr. Benjam: i mare; U. Allen, bg A Mr. Bush Gibbs, bay team of mares; Charles W. Melntyre, chostnut pacer; Mr. Fuller, black stallion; Dr. Radford, bay ~ Mr. Akiu, brown mare; Mr. A. a, brown pacers Mr. M. Galvin, sorrel colt; Ben it; Mr. Ful- Jer, black stalbon, and Mr. Alexander Lawrenco, with geldin bay gelding, St. Nicholas avenue was crowued until aed nighttall by fast horses, and the porch of Lam- rt chal ‘as uncomfortably filled during Ae Hug the movements of the speedy ones. 7 b house is a grand place to seo speed, as nearly all drivers make # it of passing there at their very best clip. will Witness inany @ lively scene on THE SKATING RINK AT GILMORE'S, Mr. Vanderbilt hea converted the garden where Gilmore & Thofuas held forth #0 many summers past, where the animals of the cireus have united their voices in discordant chorns, into o skating rink. Imagine the decks of au ocean steamer, 100 feet long, converted into an ice chest, containing fitty tons of ice and 5,000 pounds of salt, Such is the portion of the garden adjoining Twenty- seventh street, Here the freezing fluid forms, and it is then conveyed to the floor, where Mr. Rankin has put down 60,01 foot of pe, occupying nearly two-thirds of the garden, over a flooring of pine lumber, which is covered with brown per dud a layer of axphaltum, ‘There are two feeding four-inch puwps, runni over two hundred feet, and under them o thve-in discharge pump. From the immense reservoir the freezing fluid is conveyed by a powerful suction pump. Last night the process of ming the e1 surface was nearly completed and the gardey will ve thrown open to the public to-murrow, The ice is about one inch thick, and will be increased by sprayin stantly upon it from a hose, Switt, the tancy skater, gave an exhibition of his skill last evening and pronounced the trogen sure thing that could be wished for by the ont have face eve skater, p yarden is to be fitted up in the Javish manner and numerous applications ‘alremly been made by skatorial experts to de themelves on Monday to wiving « brilliant inauguce tion to the uew rink,