The New York Herald Newspaper, March 20, 1879, Page 4

4 WASHINGTON. The Political Legislation Pending Before Congress, : FAIR PROSPECTS FOR A COMPROMISE. Proposed Modification of the Federal Election Laws. < Gradual Repeal of the Recon- struction Laws. FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDEN}. WaAsHINGTON, March 19, 1879, POLITICAL LEGISLATION AND THE PROSPECTS FOR A COMPROMISE—MODERATE COUNSELS PREVAILING. . There is a fair prospect this evening of a brief session and sensible action. Senator Edmunds, who has been credited with helping in his adroit and calmly pertinacious way to bring about the extra sessiom, to-day introduced a resolution adopted at his instance in the republican caucus which was apparently intended to spoil Senator Thurman’® temper. Its object is to confine legislation solely to tho passage of the appropriation bills. Mr. Ed. munds’ purpose, of course, is to get his dem- veratic friends into a debate. Otherwise it is of up consequence, as the initiative now lies with the democrats, and these have not yet fletormined on their policy. The House democrats meet in caucus to-morrow, and will appoint an ad- visory committee to meet with a similar committeo of the Senate democrats to determine the order and extent of business. Of course there will be general discussion in the cducus, and Mr, Springer, of Illinois, has prepared the following bill, which he will perhaps introduce in the House to-morrow, and about which ' the discussion may gather:— SEcTION 1.—Be it enacted, &c., That the following sections of the Revised Statutes—namely, section 2021 and all of the succeeding sections down to and including section 2,027 and also section 2,031, and ail othcr sections and parts of sec- tions of said statutes, and all laws or parts of laws authorizmg the appointment of chiet super- visors of elections and special deputy marshals of elections, or gexeral deputy marshals of elections, and prescribing their duties and powers—be and the e are hereby repealed. —That section 2,020 of the Revised Statutes Mendet so as to read as follows:-— 2,020.—When in any election district or voting precinct in any city or town tor which there have been appointed supervisors of elections for any election at which a representative or delegate in Con- gress is voted for the Supervisors of election are not Bllowed to exercise and discharge fully and freely, by reason of bribery, solicitation, interference, hindrance, molestation, violence oF threats théreof on the part of any person, all the duties, obligations and powers conferred upon them by law, the supervisors of election shall make rompt report, under oath, within ten days atter the ‘y of election to the court appointing them of the manner and mems by which they were not so to fully and freely exercise and ge the duties and obligations required and im herein; and upon receiving any such report the Court shall forthwith examine into all. the facta and may subpena witnesses and take testimony in respect to the charges made, and prior to the assem- dling of the Congress for which any sucl'represent- ative or delegate so voted for, the Judge of said Dourt shali cause to be fled with the Clerk of the House of Representatives all the evidence by him taken, all information by him obteined and all the ions hereafter held at which Representatives or delegates in Congress are to be chosen the ballots to be ured at suck elections shall be printed upon plain white paper, such as is com- monly used for the publication of daily and weekly mewspapers, and there shall be no mark, design orim- pression whatever, written or printed, on the back of puch ballots, except in States where ballots are required to be numbered by the laws of such Staté in which ballots may contain such number oni; and they shall be printed in plain types with straight lines and with suffictent space between cach riame on said ballot for the interlineation vf another mame; and suid ballots shall contain on the face thereof no device, mark, printing or writing by which the same iay be identified and shall contain only the designation of all the offices to be filled, ‘whether national, State or municipal, and the names of the persons voted for at said election, which ames may be either written or printed on such bal- jot; and’at Presidential elections there may be inted on such ballots the names of a candidate for resident and Vice President of the United States, Said ballots shall be not less than twelve inches in length and not less than three inches in width. All ballots mot printed in conformity with this act shall De rejected, and not counted so far as they relate to the election of Representatives or delegates in Con- ress, and all ballots found in any ballot box of jess size than indicated in this act or printed on tissue paper, or paper haying marks by which persons voting the same could be identified @t the time such bullot was cast or thereafter, shall mot be counted by any judge or inspector or can- ‘vassing officer of any election, so far as such ballot relates to the clection of a representative or dele- gate in Congress. Src. 4. Nothing in this act or in any act of Con- gress heretofore passed shall be so constrned as to authorize Supervisors of Elections or United States “Marshals or their deputies to arrest any citizen of the United States without process or warrant dasned in pursnancs of law, and no ar- rest of a citizen on election day or ‘within sixty days prior thereto with warrant shall deprive such citizen of hie right to exercise the elective franchise at any election where Repre- Bentatives or Delegates in Congress are being chosen, all persons, whether with or without color of suthority, who shall prevent, hinder or delay or in any wise interfere with any person who may desire to vote at any election at which Representatives or Delegates in Congress are chosen, éxcept by peacer bly challenging the right of such person to yote before the judges or inspectors of such election, shall on conviction be ;unished by imprisonment not more than two yearsor by fine of not more than $3,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment, and shill pay the cost of prosecution. It will be observed that this bill seeks to prevent such ballot box frauds and intimidation of voters at the polls as comes from the use of tissue paper tickets and tickets so conspicuously labelled or marked on the outside as to destroy the secrecy of the ballot. If any one blushes to find such guerds against ballot box frauds needed in this country he wijgdo well to remember that the notorious tissue ballots were invented and first used by republicans in Florido in the Presidential election of 1876, and that the device of making the outside of tickets in such man; very man’s vote could de known yas also fi fived on a large scale by Bouthern republic so called, in Louisiana and other States in order to make sure of the negro vote, ‘which they manipulated, ’ ‘The deinocrats have certainly been apt punils in this disgraceful business, but it is to thpir credit that from their side comes the first eflort to prevent these mewn crimes. Mr, Springer’s bill also fixes heavy penalties to ‘violence and iptimidation intended to prevent the exorcise of the elective franchise, whether it is done with or without the*color of law, which is intended to cover also such proceedings as those of Mr. Davenport in New York. It is, of course, about ‘the deputy marshals that the dispute will arise, and here there ix a possibility of 9 sensible and just com- Promise if the republicans axe willing. A number of Moderate democrats think well of a propusition to limit tho deputy marshals for election purposes to ten for each precinet or voting place, to be appointed by the United States District Jndge on the nominations of the Congressional candidates, and thas to be, a8 the supervisors are, of different political parties. A proposition of this kind will be made by the democrats to the republicans, and it is difficult to see how it can be rejected, Beveral republicans to whom it hag been mentioned have said freely that they think it fair and deserving of support. There isa good deal of ‘vehement talk and binster. am y the Congressional riff-raiY of both sides, each violently adjuring his @ide to “never givean inch, but stand solid asa rock,” but there is a good deal of common sense on both sides of both houses, and all the signs now point to an amicable and speedy settloment after the contestants have gone through the preliininary encing for powitfon. — Miia GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES, . Wasurnotox, March 19, 1879, APPROPRIATION BILTS—-PROGRAMME OF LEGISLATION. Noproveritative Sparks, of Illinois, a membor of the House Committee ou Appropriations at the last THE NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 1879.-TRIPLE SHEET. ye Sn a eee ee eee eee has been authorized by promi- | neat democratic members of the present Congress to submit to the House at the first practical moment the Army Appropriation bill and call for its imme- diate consideration. The Dill, as it will be reported by Mr. Sparks, is identical in_its provisions with that passed by the last House and which failed enact- ment in consequence of the incorporation therein of the clause prohibiting the presence of troops at the polls on election days, It is anticipated by prominent members of the last Committee on Appropriations that there will be Hittle or no delay at this time in securing’the passage ot the Army bill, including the previous objection- able clause. It is stated on good authority that the present in- tention of former members of the Committee oh Appropriations and leading members of the House is to obyiate the necessity of organizing any of the regular committees during the extra session by pursuing this course in the case of the Legisla- tive, Executive and Judicial Appropriation bill which also failed to become a law at the last session, A democratic House caucus has been called for to- morrow night. It is held for the purpose of de- termining the character of the business to be trans” acted at the extra session, and whether it shall be strictly confined to the objects for which the session was called, and it will then be decided whether or not the programme outlined above will be carried into effect. THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE—ESTIMATES 8UB- MITTED. The following is the President's Message :— Feiiow CrrizENs OF THE SENATE aND House oF REPRESENTATIVES :— The failure of the last Congress to make the re- quisite appropriations for legislative and judicial Fe reni tor the expenses of the several executive partments of the government and for the support of the ay has made it necessary to call a special session of the Forty-sixth Congress. Bes ‘The estimates of the appropriations needed, which were sent to Congress by the Secretary of the Treas- ury at the opening of the last session, are renewed, and are herewith transmitted to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Regretting the existence of the emergency which requires a special session of Congress at a time n it is the general jus ent of the country’ that the public welfare’ will be best pro- motel by permanency im our legislation and by peace and rest, I commend these few necessary meas- ures to your considerate attention, RUTHERFORD B, HAYES, WasHINGTON, March 19, 1879. Accompanying the President’s Message aro esti- mates from the Secretary of the Treasury of the money needet for the army and the legislative, ex- ecutive and judicial branches of the government. These estimates are the same as those submitted at the opening of the last session, with the ex- ception of the items provided for at that session, Under the army the last Congress made provision for the Military Academy at West Point and for fortifications and armament. This leaves, according to the estimates, $28,340,500 yet to be appropriated for the support and maintenance of that branch. None of the legislative, executive and judicial appropriations were provided for, even in part. The estimate far these expenses is $16,520,601 91. To these appropriations 1s also to be added the item for court expenses, which is generally placed in the Sundry Civil list, but which was left out of that bill at the last session. The estimate for these expenses is $3,000,000, ° POLITICAL DISABILITIES AND THE IRON CLAD OATH. The bill introduced by Senator Beck to-day pro- vides that all disabilities imposed by the third sec- tion of the fourteenth amendment to the constitu- tion of the United States upon persons who have en- gaged in the insurrection or rebellion against the United States or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof be and they are hereby removed. Another bill introduced by him provides that the act of Congress entitled ‘An ‘act to preacribe an oth of office and for other purposes,” and so much of the provisions of section 1,756 of the Revisted Statutes of the United States and all other sections thereof which'provide for the enforcement of the provisions of said act of duly 2, 1862, be and the same are hereby repealed; and that no persop hereafter shal) be required to take the oath therein proscribed as a condition precedent to the holding of any office or to serving as @ juror, or to the acquirement of any right under the laws of the United States. These two bills were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, DR. WOODWORTH'S SUCCESSOR. No successor has as yet been named for Dr. Wood- worth, late Surgcon General of the Marine Hospital Service, but it is generally understood that the pointment will be conferred upon Dr. John B. Ham- ilton, now stationed at the Marine Hospital at Boston. Ali but two of the surgeons in the service have united in recommending his appointment, and it wus one, of the last expressed wishes of Dr. Wood- worth that Dr. Hamilton might be appointed to carry out the work he had begun. PROCEEDINGS .OF CONGRESS. SENATE, Wasmneotox, March 19, 1879. Mr. Hrt1, (dem.) of Ga., presented the credentials of Mr. Gordon, his colleague, who, he said, was de- tained from the Senate by sickness. The credentials were ordered to be placed on file. ‘The Clerk of the House appeared and informed the Senate that the House had organized, was ready to proceed to business and had appointed a committes to act in connection with that appointed by the Senate to wait on the President of the United States. Various bills were introduced to be referred to the appropriate stanuing committees when appointed. Among those of a public character were the follow- ing:— By Mr. Pius, (rep.) of Kan., providing for the payment of claims for horses used in the service of the United States, . By Mr. McDonatp, (dem.) of Ind., reviving and continuing the Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims. By Mr. Bunyerpe, (rop.) of R. L—To reorganize the army of the United States, By Mr. Sauxpens, (rep.) of Neb.—Authorizing the President temporarily to transfer the conduct, con- trol and managenfeut of certain Indian tribes from the Interior to the War Department, and to aid in the construction of tho Omaha and National Park Railway and Telegraph line. REPFAL OF EXISTING LAWS. By Mr. Beck, (dem.) of Ky.—For the removal of all political disabilities under the fourteonth amend. ment of the constitution of the United States, repeal the act of July, 1862, imposing what erally known as the “iron-clad oath.” Mr. Epwunps, (rep.) of Vt., offered the following resolution ; — Whereas tho, necessity for the present special session of Congress has been occasioned by the falinre of the Inst Congress to take appropriations forthe support of the army and for the legislative, executive and judicial ex. f of the next fixeal year: and # and other public interests of the countey will be heat promoted by confining legislation at session to making provisio by an early adjournment Resolved, That all bill: thowe for the atoresaid par xppropriate committees au December sessi Mr. Savane, (dem.) of Del., objectedgand the resolution Went over. The Vick Prestpent laid before the Senate a momtorial signed by a number of members of the Legislature of Kansas asserting that the election of Senator Ingalls was secured by bribery and corrup- tion, and asking tho Senate to give them a full op- portunity to offer proof ot the; riions. Re- ferred to the Cominittee on Privileges and Elections, MARSHALS AT ELECTIONS. Mr. Wattace, (dem.) of Pa., offered the following Prosolution :— Resolved, That the Secretary of tho Trea dd to furnish to ‘ For tho objects aforosaid it nity be and hots etailed statenent "1 nt of wages oF feos chars mselves or their special depus in regard to the conduct of elections in Nevewber, the amount claimed by or paid to each of merge re paid or claimed said marshals for services On the suggestion of Mr. Conxirse the resolution lies over. On motion of Mr. Wattace, of Pennsylvania, thé forty-sixth rule, which requires the election of standing committees by ballot, was suspended, and he submitted an amendment to the rules tnereasing the number of members of some of the committees, which was agreed to. Mr. Wattace then submitted the list of standing conunittees and also a list of the select committe: which were agreed to. Mr, Buvex, (rep.) of Miss., asked to be and was ex- cused from serving of the committees on Mississippi 8 and Pensions. Waurace, 08 Mr, Gordon had not been sworn in and os Mr, Hampton had not arrived, asked that thei es be withdrawn from the committees to which they were appointed, and that their places for tho proeent be left vacant. ‘This was agreed to. Air. SauLsuuny, of Delaware, submitted a rosolu- tion calling uj the Roster of the Troasury to furnish Seka latereetion in regard to the nego- pred bag Ai pe Rp pate, the seer re, amount amount of double interest, what security was demanded by the Secretary, &c. Mr. Monnitt, (rep.) of Vt., making objection to the consideration of the resolution at this time it lies over, Mr. Fenry, rep.) of Mich., introduced a joint reso- lution to author the Secretary of War to sell or lease to the Port Huron and Northwestern Railwey Company a portion of the Fort Gratiot military ree- ervat 4 bart rs to nageead the city ee yg to ran way compan; ri of way rough Pine Grove Park. Referred to Committee on Military Affairs. ‘THE NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATORSHIP. On motion of Mr. W. vk, of Pennsylvania, the credentials of Mr. Bell, appointed a Senator by the Governor of New Ham! ire during the recess of the Legislature, were rred to the Committee on tne Judiciary with instructions to report them back as soon as prac le. Mr, BLarsx, (rep.) of Me., presented a memorial of the Legislature of Maine in regard toa bridge over the St. Johns and Francis rivers, which rivers form the boundary, line between the United States and ‘aes Refefred to the Committee’ on Foreign Re- ions. Mr, Wattacr, of Pennsyluania, introduced s joint: resolution ‘providing for the enforcement of the Fogel Hour law. Referred to the Committee on the ry. Mr, Voorurss, (fem.) of Ind., introduced a bill in regard to the Japanese Indemnity Fund, Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Mr. GARLAND, (dem.) of Ark., at fifteen minutes to one o'clock, moved, as the committee to wait on the President had just started for the Executive Man- sion, that the Senate take # recess for one hour, which was agreed to. On reassembling, Mr. Bayanp, of the committee, reported that the committeo of thé two houses had performed their duty and that the President would forthwith transmit a message to Congress. ‘Mr. Rogers, the Prosident’s private secretary, then appeared and delivered the Message, which was im- mediately read, . Mr. Wuytr, (dem,) of Md., submitted a resolution that 3,000 copies of the Message be printed. Referred to tl ‘ommittee on Printing. Mr. Hoax, (rep.) ot Mass., submitted a resolution of inquiry, which was agreed to, respecting a com- plete index of the Congressional delegations from the commencement of the government to the present time. At ten minutes to two P. M. the Senate adjourned, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wasuincron, March 19, 1879. ‘The session this morning was opened with prayer, after which the journal of, yesterday was read. Mr, James, (rep.) of N. Y.,"and Mr, Otero, of the Territory of New Mexico, who were absent from the Houso yesterday, appeared at the bar of the Honso and were sworn ip. On motion of Mr. Cartisie, (dem.) of Ky., the order of the last Congress was continued in force excluding from the floor of the House every person not entitled to its privileges under the rules, On motion of Mr. CALKINS, (rep.) of Ind., a resolu- tion was adopted directing the elerk to furnish to members such stationery as may be necessary during the extra session. . THE FLORIDA CASE. The House then proceeded to the consideration of the case of Mr. Hull, from the Second Congressional district of Florida. Mr. Frvz, (rep.) of Me., opened the discussion with a speech in favor of the claim of Horatio Bis- deo, the contestant in the case, His speech was in- terrupted by the entrance of the committee ap- inted to wait upon the President and inform him hat the House was organized and ready to receive any communication from him, and Mr. Buacksury, chairman of that committee, reported that it had discharged ite duty and that the President had stated that he would forthwith send to the House a Message in writing. The President’s Message was received at ten min- utes totwo P, M., andthe Speaker immediately laid it before the House. Its brevity’nd terseness ap- pooper to. create equal surprise and commendation. its reading was applauded y afew members on the republican side of the House, and the Message was, on motion-of Mr. Woop, of New York, referred to tlie Committee of the Whole. Tho discussion of. the Florida case was resumed. Speeches in-favor of the right of Mr. Hull were made by Mr. Cobb, of Indiana; Mr. Davidson, of Florida; Mr. Buckner, of Missouri; Mr. Mills, of bo Pea and in favor of Mr, Bisbee by Mr. Garfield, of 0. Mr. Ganrmxp, (rep.) of Ohio, took the ground that. Mr. Hull's certificate of election had been legally can- celled. He suggested, therefore, that neither of the applicants be sworn, but that the case be referred to Committee on Elections. If either ot thom were to be sworn now it should not be theman who held @ cancelled certificate, but the man who held the highest certificate known to the laws of Florida. He wauted the House to ‘in this Congress in all fair- ness, use he knew ; too woon it would get lashed up by the y tiger. Mr. Fryx, of ine, moved to amend the resolu- tion offered by Mr. Harris of Virginia, ered (that the oath be now administered to Mr. Hull), by providing that the prima facie, as well as tho ulti- mate right of each contestant be referred to the Committee on Elections, when appointed, and that in the meantime neither be sworn in. Mr. Hannis, (dem.) of Va., argued that the uniform rule of the House hagi been to let the person holding the certificate be sworn in and, if that person was not in fact legally elected, let the contest go to the Committee on Elections. That was all that he pro- posed in the present case. Mr. Cox, (dem.) of N. Y., alluded to a remark made by Mr. Gartield and said that the remorse indicated by that CV peregaees for unjust action in election cases ought to have come earlier, and that his re- pentance ought to be more staid. Mr. SPRINGER, ae of Il., also quoted against Mr. Garfield the decision of the Electoral Commis. sion in the Florida caso to the effect that it was not competent to go into evidence aliunde of the Gover- nor’s certificate, ‘At three o'clock the previous question was moved and seconded. The question was first taken on Mr. Frye’s amendment referring to the Committee on Elections, both the prima facie and ultimate rights of both contestants. The amendment was co pas rod 137, nays 140, As between the republicans and the democrats it was a strict party vote. As to the greenbackers, Messrs. Barlow, Delamatyr, Ford, Forsythe, Gillette, Jones, Kelley, Lowe, Murch, Russell, of North Caro- lina; ‘Stevenson, Weaver, Wright and Yokum (14) voted with the republicans, and Mr. Ladd with the democrats. | The original resolution (that Mr. Hull be sworn in) was then adopted—yeus 140, nays 136—and the modi- fied oath of office was administered to Mr. Hull. The SpeakEx then announced the eppointmtent of the following Committee on Rul ‘The Speaker, Mesara. Stephens, Blackburn, Garfield cnd Frye. The House then, at ten minutes past four P. M., adjourned till to-morrow, and a desmocratic caucus ‘was announced for to-morrow evening. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. THE VANDALIA READY FOR SEA—DIMENSIONS OF THE VESSEL AND LIST OF OFFICERS. Boston, Mass., March, 1879. ‘The United States ship Vandalia, which for several weeks past has been refitting for sea, shifted her berth from the sheer wharf at the Navy Yard to the coal dock to-day and commenced taking in her coal, She will soon be ready tor a ¢; * List. OF OFFIC! ‘The following is a list of her officers :— Commander—Richard W. Meade. Lieutenant Commander—George F. F. Wilde. Lientenants—Goorge E. Ide, Richard Rush, 0. 0. Allibone and Willian F. Low. J. A. Shearman and Ensigns—Lucion Flynne, Robert M. Doyle. Surgeon—J. Rutus Tryon. Assistant Surgem—George Arthur, Paymaxt:r—John MeMahon. Engineers—Chiet, J. Trilley; Past Assistants, Fulmer and George W. Bat Assistant, A. 3. Canaga. First Lieutenant of Marines—-E. R. Robinson. Pay Clerk—R, H. Paine. Acting Boatswain—Dennis Traggs. ‘Acting Gunner—Patrick Lynch. ‘Acting Carpenter—Leon Ridoux, Saitmaker—-Inainh E. Crowell, cor Vandalia will probably cruise in tho West Indies, CHANGES IN THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, Wasinoton, March 19, 1879, Surgeon A. 8. Oberly has been detached from the Navy Yard at Ponsacota and placed on watting orders and Surgeon Henry Stewart assigned to duty in his place. . ARMY INTELLIGENCE. ear gee . PROMOTIONS: AND ORDERS, WasHtsaton, March 19, 1879, ‘The President rent the following nominations for promotion to the Senate to-day :— Corps of Engincers—Licutenant Colonel H, G. Wright to be colonel; Majors John G, Parke and G. K. Warren to be lientenant colonels, Captain William R, King to be major; First Lieutenant George M. Wheeler to be captain. Ordnance Department—-First Lieutenants Charles Shaler and Henry Metcalfe to be captains, Infantry—Vifteonth Regiment—Firet Lientenant Jobn W. Beary to be captain, and Second Lieutenant ‘Thomas F, Davis to be first lieutenant, ORDERS, Major O, D, Greene, A, A. G., is relieved from duty at the headquarters of the Department of the South, and will report in person for duty at the headquarters of,the Department of the Colum- bin, Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory. Major Joseph MM. Taylor, A. A. G, is re: lieved from duty at the headquarters of the Depart- ment of the East, and will report in person for duty at the headquartors of the Department of the South, Newport barracks, Kentucky. Captain D. A, Irwin, Fourth be ig 2 will report in person to the Saperin- tendent of unted Reeruiting service, to conduct recruits to the Departmont of Texas, ‘The order as- signing Captain W, H, Rexford to duty at Fort Yuma, California, is revoked, and he is reassigned to duty, tomporarily, at the Bonecia Arsenal, THE STATE CAPITAL. Sharp Contest in Committee Over New York “L” Roads. LOW FARES .OPPOSED. Mr. David Dudley Field Wantsthe Companies “Let Alone.” STATE RAILROAD MANAGEMENT. Assemblymen Bent on “Investigating the Great Monopolies.” CANAL TRANSPORTATION. Text of the Hayes Concurrent Resolutions Demanding Low Tolls. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] . Aupany, N. Y., March 19, 1879, The Assembly Committee on Railroads gave a hear- ing this afternoon upon the several bills which have been introduced in the Assembly relative to the New York elevated railroads, There are seven of these bills now before the committee, most of which are in the interests of the convenience and safety of passengers passing over the clevatetl roads. Mr. David Dndley Field appeared in behalf of the New York Elevated Railroad, and made the principal arguments against the bills. He first di- rected his attention to Mr. Galvin’s bill, the pro- visions of which make it the duty of the Railroad Commissioners to devise a plan by which transfer tickets issued by an elevated railroad company may be used and taken in payment of fares by any horse railroad and to fix an equitable rate of compensation to be paid by the elevated to the horse railroads, Mr. Field said that the effect of such a bill would be to place the elevated corporations at the merey of the horsé railroads. The *eleyated roads now carry passengers eight and a half miles for ten cents a fare, and for four hours of the day at five cents, This was a smaller fare than any other in the world, and if it was proposed to compel the road to issue transfer tickets and lessen it still more it would. be an impossibility for the roads to succeed financially, He thought that the committee would not entertain the proposition for a moment, * FIVE CENT TRAINS, Mr. Field was more strenuous upon another bill, introduced by Mr. Galvin, which relates to cheaper fares upon the elevated roads. This bill provides in its first section that the time of running the “com- mission trains” shall be extended so as to run from five to nine A. M. and from fourto eight P. M., and that one car shall be run upon every train during all hours of the day upon which five cent fares alone should be exacted, Mr. Field. explained to the com- mittee that tho Rapid aransit Commis- sioners, after laying out the routes and fixing the fares exacted from the ele- vated road compani @ contract by which the latter were compelled to run the “com- mission trains” two hours in the morning and two in the evening. Qhat was a valid contract, and while the State may have the right to violate such a con- it he did not believe it was policy for the State to do so, The problem of cheap fares did not enter into the congideration of this bill. It was better tor the elevated compayies to run at low fares so long as they could be made remunerative, but the companies had been at An enormous expense in the construction of their foads, and they must experiment with the present rates before they could know whether tlre fares could be lowered. That the roads were in favor of low fares was shown by the fact that the New York company is authorized to charge seventeen cents from the Battery to River street, when in fact they really charged but ten cents, QUESTION OF HAVING TWO CLASSES OF PASSENGERS, The railroad commissioners had created this diffi- culty when they established the running of tho “commission trains.’ They had provided that saloon cars might be run upon these trains on con- dition that if the common cars were overcrowded the saloon cars might be occupied by the five-cent fares. Tho result was that the saloon cars were overrun by @ great crowd, and saloon passengers ‘were put to great inconvenience and danger. Mr. Ficid said that a bill would be presented to this Legislature before adjournment, asking for the privilege of taking both five and ten cent fares upon the “com- mission trains,” and at the same time keep the two classes separate. Mr. Field said in reference to the financial effect of the bill under consideration that since the New York Elevated Road was built the income to the road from five cent fares was but 29 7-100 per cent of the whole income’ of the road, while ten cent passengers constituted forty-six per cent of the whole number of passengers over the road in the same time. He suid that the company had been compelled to provide a large amount of extra rolling stock and additional help, which was necessarily unproductive a considerable portion of theday. He thought it’ would be much better to leave the company alone, as it had already shown a disposition to reduce the fares. CLEANING CARS OVER THE STREETS. Upen the second section of the bill, which pro- hibits the company from washing, cleaning, repair- ing or a, of their cars upon the tracks when not in use, Mr. Field said that the company had been compelled to wash and store their cars upon the track ‘because they were urged to commence the running of the cars before they were really ready to do 80. The consequence was that the com- pany had been unable to provide a fit place tor storing and washing. He was authorized say that the company had about completed their building which was to be used for these purposes, and that no futher inconvenience from these causes should be experienced. Howover, there were some places, as at South ferry or at the sidings, or Hanover square, where it would be impossible to house the curs, and if this bill should pass you might as well legislate that there shall be no rapid transit. LADDERS YOR “Tite CATS. Mr. Ackerman’s bil, which courpels the elevated railroad companies to provide a ladder for each cat run upon the road, to be used im case of delay or accident, was next considered, Mr. Field said that the Legislature might as well pass @ law compelling the companygto put straps in the cars fur the conven- jence of ladies. ‘The elevated roads will do everything in their power to make their cars conveni but it won't help the matter any to crowd the company. vi ‘on't be taught how to make their roads con- venient by legislative bills. The directors had ex- erted themselves to their utmort to place their roads in good condition, They had accomplisued wouders in tho time they deen engaged, and it was not right to compel them to come to Albany every week Gee about little matters which experience would ust, ‘The bill introduced by Mr. Bradley, of Westchester, provides that no elevated raflrond shatl run its tracks across any other elevated railroad on the same grade, nor use the track of any other railrowd. Mr. Field expressed it as his opinion that this bill should be- come slaw. It was a serious question with the cle- vated roads in New York whether they should over be allowed to run upon the same track. He thought that they should not. What was to be done at Chatham square he did not know. It was an engineering problem beyond his comprehension, i deserved the most careful attention, In conelu- sion Mr. Field summed wp his remarks by saying that the law under which the elevated roads were Tun had this provision:—That the company should pay tive per cent of its net income to the city for the permanent improvement of the streets in which the roads are run, The Legfslature cannot impose any additi®nal obligations upon the roads without vio lating this clause in the contract. He thought the os pap should panse and reflect before taking this step. ADVOCATES OF LOW FATES, Assemblyman Galvin appeared before the commit: | fee in support of his bill providing for the extension f the tine for running minission train: He said that it was well known that when rapid transit ‘was first introduced it was claimed that relict would be brought to the overcrowded tenement houses, Rapid transit if now a fixed tact, and the roads were built, not for the rich but forthe poor, It was for the committee to say whether the poor people should be benefited by it. If the bill should become a law at least one hundred and fifty thousand passengers would use the roads daily. Many thou- sands Who had left the city would return, becauso they could obtain decent homes within easy reach of the city, Mr. Gulvin said that it was admitted that the Henatp had done more than any other agency to make rapid transit what it was. He then read the editorial comments of the Hrnatn favoring the passage of stich a monsure, and said that it would not put the roads to additional expense, but would increase their revennies. The great qnes- tion of the day in New York was “how «hall we re- lieve the tenement honse.” If fares upon the ele- vated roads can be rednecd, as his bill provides, the question would be solved, The poor people would move up town. That is what the voted’ for when it allowed rapid transit. 1 companics cannot say that they cannot atford it, because tltir experience thus far shows that their profits are enormous. A DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT. Upon this aanation of low fares, Mr. Barnes, a di- rector of the New York Elevated Raiiroad Com; who was present, said that he believed in low tarea, | and that the roads were ready to make a reduction when they thought It would be safe to do #0. But ey were called upon to expend large sums in the extension of their lines and in the improvement of those now running. They were ready to make any improwensats necessary and to reduce the fares, but did not desire to hurry matters unduly or to be crowded too rapidly, PROVIDING AGAI@ST ACCIDENTS, Assemblyman Ackerman, in support of his bill for the use of ladders upon the cars, said that the point to be reached by his bill was ‘this:—That in case a train of cars is stopped on account of an accident be- tween two stations the passengers need not romain for an indefinite time, perhaps tor hours, suspended in the air and without access to the streets, The danger of such stoppage, the loss of time ond) money must not be underestimated. ‘The breaking of a wheel or an axle iight keep sev- eral hundred aeooe in forced imprisonment for many hours u1 relief was brought from below. At the present time there was no place where Lneerod gers could leave o train of cars except at the sta- tions. Some means should be devised to enable engers to leave the trains be- tween tions in case of accident. As a matter of fact trains had been delayed on the East side road for over an honr. The bill, pro- viding some suitavle means for reaching tho street, met a demand bets joe f suggesting itself to those enjoying the facilities of the elevated roads, and its adoption would contribute largely to a thorough sense of security. Further hearing upon these was postponed till Wednesday, March 26, YIGHTING RAILROAD AND OTHER MONOPOLTES, Tho determined temper of the House as opposed to corporation interests and influences, was strik- ingly exhibited to-day. Several important bills have been pending for weeks in the Railroad Commitieo, which, it they become law, must strike at the im- mense earnings of corporations and reform many of the abuses brought about by legislative enactments to benetit such grasping monopolies, The a has several times called attention to these bills. Among them are tho pro rita freight and thilk bills and the measure providing for appointment of railroad commissioners. When the present Assembly was organized it was thoroughly understood that the corporationists had, as usual, obtained control, ‘They dictated, it is said, from the Speaker's chair the leading committees, so that the “smothering” process should fog without impedimeat, The peogranime has n followed ont tor several years, ut matters have now begun to ol fe with alarm- ing rapidity. The people of the Stato clearly see or suspect that ate Tepresertatives have been bought ‘and sold, like sheep, session after ses- sion, by these corporations. It seems, consequently. rather dangerous for certain gentlemen in the Senate and Assembly of 1879 to continue their corporation support in view of the bitter feclings existing in the public mind on these délicate topics. It is positive, however, that a large majority of the resent Assembly can be counted on as directly op- posed to this system of corporation influence. It is also thoroughly understood that anti-corporation bills will be passed by them, despite the ‘organized”” opposition suro to come from the “Old Guard.” DEFEAT OF THE CORPORATIONISTS, This morning the Ruiiroad Committee introduced a resolution which po! to send all reformatory bills in their possession to the Special Railroad Commits recent y appointed. ‘his document read :— Resolved, That the Standing Committee on Railroads of this House be discharged from the furthor consideration of the follawing bills:—An act regulating the rate of compen- sution to be paid to railroad companies for the transporta- tion of milk; an act to regulate charges on froight transportation in car loads on the several rail- roads of this Stato; an act to provide for equality ot r: of transportation, storage and handling of property car: ried wholly or partly by vailroads in the State, prohibiting rebates and drawbacks and contracts therefor, &¢.: an act to create a bonrd of railroad commissioners; and that the saine be referred to the Special Committee on Raitrouds, Tho object of the movement was Glee oe The corporationists wished to kill the bills by delaying action upon them in this way. The bills had 2 before a regular’ standing committee for several weeks. A nuiber of hearings, had been accorded to the pppentes and advocates. Now that nearly three months of the session has & movement to refer the bills again to another committee proves to the initiated that the corporationists are again busily at work. When the resolution was sent to the clerk’s desk this morning it was vigorously combated by Messrs. Fish, Wheeler, ley, Ogden and others ot the “reform” element of the House, while the “old guard” were represented in debate by Messrs, Braman, Halsey and half a dozen others. Mr. Fish hoped the resolution would not be adopted. It was extraordin in its nature, a no good reason could offered for its C. Among the bills which, it this resolution was adopted, would be referred, was one Keettnag: Sheridan several weeks ago (the Milk bill), Wi. the bill was introduced six 8 ae it was asserted in the public prints that a favorable report would never be made upon it. It would seém that such re- ports were only too well founded, and that the gréat railroad corporations were to triumph. Those in- terested in the bill had Jaborod in vain to obtain a report from the committee, and now the Rail- road Committee ask that it may bo sent to its tomb. Mr. Braman said that the gentleman from (Mr. Fish) stated that the bill had been introd: six weeks ‘ago. Hoe might haye said six years ago, Mr. Fish—If it was introduced six years oand has been before the Legislature ever since the fact only shows the power of the great corpora- tions that opposed it. Mr. Braman said that the special conumittee referred to had been Sppothtes. to consider just such guesions as those involved in the bill under consideration. It was not true that the great corporations had endeavored to defeat this bill.. Mr. Fish—Did not the New York Central Railroad sppear in opposition to this bill? Mr. Braman — replied that the New York Central road rad at the first hearing asked that cer- tain other roads should ‘be heard—notbing else. Mr. Halsey read the resolution appointing the Special Railroad Committee, and argued that the bill under consideration ought in all propriety to go to it. Mr. Bradley was opposed to the resolution. The only effect of its. passage would be to overl the special committee and fo divert it from its legit- imate work. The Railroad Committee ought not to be allowed to shirk its work. Mr. Braman said that involved in the bill were — ques- tions of terminal facilities and, the like which the special committee . was appointed to investigate. Mr. Brundage was op| to the reso- lution, and boy it would be voted down. He hat no fault to find with the Railroad Committee, which, he believed, had tried to do its fullduty. Mr. Flynn, said that the c of the special committee (Mr. Hepburn) had last week expressed himself as against sending a bill'to that committee. The Rail- road Committee have accumulated all the statistics and information ggg meee to intelligent action on the bili, and the resolution should be yoted down. Mr. Noyes said that, as a member of the special committee, he objected to the paxsage of tEs resolution. te pass it was to prevent the pas- sage of necess railrdnd bills this session and lumber the select committee. Mr. McKeel said that the Railroad Committee had tried to do its whole duty, aud had not shirked anything that could be Joyitim tely asked of it, Mr. den thought that the Railroad” Committee could do nothing but ask to be discharged from the further considera- tion of the bills in question, It was for the House to decide what reference it would make ot the bills. Mr. Arnold moved as an amendment that the Railroad Committee be discharged from the further consideration of all bills before them, and that said bills be referred to the special committee. The Chair decided that the motion was out of order. Mr. Sloun called for a division of the question, that one bill be co at » time, The Gn no “amuch “OF tie’ pesotatiog "as" referred "to on so much 0: st as the “Milk bill,” 80 ‘atled. ie Sloan moyed to amend eo as to provide that such bill should be sent to the Committee of a ole. The whole business ended in the Milk bi g sent. to the Committec of the Whole House for consideration and the other measures kept in possession of the Railroad Com- mittee, Thus the adroit movement was promptly killed in the bud, i THE FREE CANAT, RESOLUTIO! The following is Dr, 1. 1. Hayes’ resolutions as re- ported from the Canal Committee to-day in advocacy of free canals :— CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS PROPOSING AM¥NDMENTS TO ANTI. CLE XKVEN OF THR CONSTITUTION. Resolved (if the Senate concur), That section 3 of article Tot the constitution be amen that it shall read as follows = NUCHON h After paying the expenses of superintendence and ordinary repairs, the Stat tioned in the preceding sections having been provided for, there shall horeafter- be Mppropriated hpart inench fiscal your ont of the surpluy roi i Is as a sinking the interest, cipal of fund a sum suMeciont to pay sit falls due and extinguish the prin. the debt contenctod the section of ‘wnder h on Ist Os, atitution ent thereo! to bo made thoreto, He a ther with the con: and the accumulations to bo known os tho “canal adder arth sect if the eo inking fund shall ficient any part of the prineipal at th dt ment, oF to of stipulatod, t by: equitab’ xo8 no Crease the 1yvenuds of the said fund as to make it sufletont pertoctly to preserve the public faith, ‘The Canal Board previous to the opening of the nhyign: Me during the season thereof, shall os- 1 ficient to ¢ requirements of this seetio whenever it may be hecossnry to medt oxtran tition and to prevent an im ding diversion of from the State, the Legislature, in its discretion, menrrent resolution direct the Canal Board tolls or to dispense with them and, in that event, or in ease a) failures in revere, the Lagislature shall by equit provide the mo for maintaining the canal ing such suspension of tolls or failure in revei All contracts for work or matorials on,any canal made with the person who shall offer 16 do or pre ice with adequate security ra compensation shall the ‘or their cdo to any may, npon eancol such contract. Resolved (if the Sen je concent), That section 5 of article roi} the constitution be amended so that it shall read as follows — Srcriox 5.—In the event that the Congress of the United st rior to the Ist day of Jaumary, 1882, by a pr ake such” provision. for the payment. of th tnd lutorost of the canal debs then oxieting under the third seetion of # rticle as sha! to “conenrrot n° wy the Laislature ‘ot thle State, then,, in, considoration. thereot, no. tollp shall there after be Imposed np ansported on the Brio, the Ow Champleln ewnal ni property the © mi oc and the 4 there katt aanuatty be tre hich shall be suMictent to pay the ox- 0 superiutoudencs and maintenance of tho sald, sede of uch tax shall tn: each facel for tl purpose, That section 6 of articl wis celtadel oo 01 ta sped wn licen Louislntuo shall not sell, lease or ot o Erie Canal, the Oswogo Canal. the Seneca Fee oh the remain the tate and ung ry mataxoment forever. Riess that may bo derived fom any se, ition of any va | appiied ih payment ‘3 the canal debt mentioned in the r section of this article. solved (if the Renate concnr), That the foregoin, amendments be referred to the Legislature to be chosen ai the next general cloction of Senators, and that, in con- formity with section one of article thirteen of the consti- vation, they be published for three months previous to the time of such election. , 4 RAILROAD ON THE ERIE CANAL TOWPATH, ve a two the ho bill which proposes to erect a railroad on the tow- paths of the canals from Albany to Buffalo. The points this Dill were printed in last ‘riday’s HERALD, together with its good features, as ined by the interests behind the measure in Albany. The same points were claborated upon at length this afternoon in the arguments before the committee in a lengthy speech made by Mr. . Crane, Some evidence was also taken as to the practicability of usi steam on the canal towpaths. Ihe opponents of the measure will be heard next week, Aig full meaning of in proposition can oroughly understood the committec. ‘toe Likely to over this measure, and political wirepulling influential nature is hinted et both in fayor and opposition to the scheme. . OFFICIAL SALARIES IN NEW YORK. Considerable interest has been developed relative to the New York Salary bills in the House, aud evidences ot determ: efforts on the ves of oflice holders are apparent hore to-night ro kill them either in committee or when they come up for de- bate, Mr, Varnum’s Dill, just int contains many features of Mr, 8! "8 meas ure on the same subject of ies, it differs from the latter’s bill in respect to the policemen, firemen and school teachers. Mr, Strahan‘s bill protects these classes of city employés from removal except for cause as now provided by law; Mr. Varnum’s bill does not afford this protec- tion. Mr. Strahan’s bill keeps the policemen and | iiremen, so far as @ reduction of their glaries and removal ure concerned, out of the hands of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment; ‘Mr. Varnum’s puts these powers into the hands of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, A BREEZE OVER OCHAN PARKWAY, ‘The bill levying asscssments on the whole city of Brooklyn for the completion of the Ocean Parkway was tually squelched to-day, a unanimous ad- verse report of the Committee on Internal Affairs being agreed to by the House. This measure has been up here before and is well known to Brooklyn roperty holders. If it became alaw over $500,000 Er assessments would have to be defrayed by Ki! county instead of by the owners of land immediat bencitted by the Ocean Park way improvement. : THE SENATE. ‘The committec of three Senators appointed under resolution of Senator Pomeroy, to inquire whether the recent removal of the agent and warden of Au- burn Prison was in violation of law, met this after- noon for the first time. Witnesses were p! ¢ and a large number of interested spectators filled the room, Mr. Pilsbury was present, but his counsel, Mr. Henry Smith, was unabie to attend on uccouns of illness, and the committeo,adjourned until Thurs- day of next week. i A bill introduced by Senator Marvin amends the act to facilitate the construction of narrow gauge railroads by permitting them to be made as narrow as twenty-four inches between the inside of the rails instead of forty, the present minimum, and allowing rails to be laid weighing as little as twenty-five pounds to the lineal yard, whereas forty’ is the lightest now permitted, Senator Pomeroy introduced a bill providing that where any corporation organized un any law of this State shall have becomedusolvent and shall have been placed in the hands of a receiver the latter may, upon petition, with notice to all parties who have appeared in the action or proceeding in which such receiver was appointed, apply to the Supreme Court in the judicial district where the cor- poration’s municipal office was situated for au- thority to sell the franchise. The Court shall theretipon take proof concerning the financial con- dition of the company, and if upon such proof it shall be satisfied that there is no reasonable -pros- ect of the corporation becoming he? solvent or in its discretion make an order authorizing and di- recting the receiver to sell the franchise at publio auction. The purchaser or purchasers, together with not less than four associates as the guarantees or assigns of such purchaser or , purchasers of not less than five, may execute -file with the Secretary of State a certiilcate in which they shall describe by name and reference to the act or acts of the Legislature of this State under which it was onan. the corporation whose fran- chise they shall have acquired and the title of the ac- tion or proceeding in which the order ryagtiie 4 the sale of such franchise was made and the date place of theentry of the order. Besides those tacte it shalt set forth the name of the new corporation, the amount of capital stock and the number oi shares into which it is tv be divide, and the names ‘and residences of the directors selected for the first year after its organization. A third bill, imfroduced by Senator J. FP. a provides that wi F any. corporation cre: under the laws of this State or of any other State, kingdom, dominion or country shall foreclose or has heretofore foreclosed guy mortgage upon real est improved or unimproved, situated in tho State New York, and the said real estate shall bo or have been sold under adjudgment of foreclosure, and shall be or shall have been purchased in by said cor- poration or by any person or corporation on behalf 1ON wise dispose of Champlaln Canal or the Cayuga and the of ‘such corporation, the owner of such real estate at the time of such sele shall have the right to redeom such real est from such corporation by paying to such corpora- ‘amount of the judgment in foroclosure, and all costs, taxcs, assessments and moneys expended thereon, with interest up to the date of such redemp- divn or offer to redeem, and such right to redecm shall continue while the said real estute is held by said corporation. Every such corporation so px chasing real estate upon a foreclosure sale may hold such real estate, may manage and improve the same so as to obtain’ @ reasonable income therefrom for such yes ay of time’aud until such corporation shall be able to scli such real estate for an amount which will pay in full such judgment of foreclosure and ail such sums as may have been ox+ pended thereon, with interest, anything in the char.er of such: corporation or in any act or acts the Legislature to the contmry notwithstanding. PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. ATTACK ON YHE SANITARY INSPECTORS IN BROOK+ LYN. ‘Threo post-mortem examinations were mado you terday by Sanitary Inspectors McLean and Bell on cows that had died in Brooklyn, but no traces of plouro-pneumonta were discovered, Only fifteen cows now remain at the Biissville stables and they will be killed before the end of the week. The threats made against Dr. McLean during his examination of the cows in Smith’s stables at East New York, on Tuosday, is thought likely to lead to severe measures on the part of the sani- tary commissioners. The Doctor was accompanied by Professor Law and Dr. Bell, and it was their ine tention to kill two sick cows belonging to Smith. ‘When they arrived at the place they found the prem- ises locked. Inquiries were made of, several persons in the vicinity, who in evory instance returned evasive answers. Mrs, Smitlt said she could not tell anything in regard to the where- abouts of be husband. Fg ee gre] ‘was at laet approac: for in! she was not on evasive in hor answers but became very abusive. ‘hile Dr. McLean was speaking to her she called her husband, who unceremoniously hed tho Doctor down tho stairs. The Doctor ereupon raised his right hahd, holding short thick pair of scissors used by veterinary s and ge bis gay 4g be carel the iw was very in cases wi he sanitary commissioners were obstructed. No urther molestation was offered, but Fagan applied to Justice Gertum for s warrant for the arrest of Dr. — on the chi of threatening his life, ‘ustice as tl nnd on which to base the complaint. The inter- ficials did not end here, They “provended, to nvcuttie yard which had by General trick for of cattle ‘comiug from the interior ng Island, of East New York, Henry and Atlantic avenu the corner Several cows were examined and permission w! iven to take them to the roo rag house, A crowd of actuated a} now s ‘to ior By by curiosity, coll in the yards to w: examination. Dr. McLean or- dered the gatoman to remove tham, but allowed a lice commissionér and Officer Nacquer to remain. ‘he Doctor desired that thoy also be re- moved, but the } officer became #0 abus- ive that the Doctor took his numbor and rted him to tho Police Commissioners, Gen Patrick on being informed of the diMecul! visited Police Commissioner Pickering and inform: him that Governor Robinson would see to it suiticient nee i at Gag be afforded hn} officers, . ickerit that'he would it that the officers would do their duty. | FOR CHARITY'S SAKE. Tho attention of the Hxnatp was called +yesterday to a most pitinble case of want. Mrs, Kato Canfield lives at No, 41 Watts street, in the .rear, Her single apartment is scrupulously clean and the wan face of the invalid is almost as white as the coverings of the bed on which she lies, Mrs, Canfield was at one time in comfortable circumstances, but the death of her hosband and the burden of a family of four children soon wasted the little she had. Then she was taken with rheumatism, and for five years has not walked, Added to this was the loss of a leg which had to be amputated. For the past seventeen months she has not left her bed, nor is she able to move her arms or remaining leg, which have become distorted through long inertia. Two of her children are cared for, but two remain with her and a young niece has been her constantand bn Daj is now utterly destitute and her sit pent oad 4 se to strongly to the charitable, She is ii was vot sufficient . * 44