The New York Herald Newspaper, March 22, 1879, Page 3

WASHINGTON. Efforts of the Democrats to Ar- range a Programme. ACTION OF THE CAUCUS COMMITTEE. The Republican Opposition in the Senate. SUDDEN ‘ANXIETY FOR INFORMATION. aces yal Ree Preparing the Way for a Repeal of the Federal Election Laws, GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. WasHinctow, March 21, 1879, THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS ON THE ORDER OF BUSINESS--SUMMARY OF BILL TO BE PRE- SENTED TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE. Representative House, chairman of the democratio taucus, to-day appointed the following committee to confer with the caucus committee of the Senate, with & view to determining what the order of business shall be during the extra session:—Messrs. Chal- mers, of Mississippi, chairman; Carlisle, of Ken- tucky; Cox, of New York; Ewing, of Ohio; Springer, of Iinois; Tucker, of Virginia; Atkins, of Tennes- see; Clymer, of Pennsylvania; Reagan, of Texas; Bicknell, of Indiana, and Phelps, of Connecticut. — ‘The committee immediately after the adjournment of the House met in the room of the Committee on . Ways and Means for the purpose of holding a pre- ‘Lminary conference previous to their joint session . vith the Senate committee. Ageneral interchange of views occurred with regard ‘to the most practical mode of procedure, and con- siderable difference of opinion was manifested as to the most effective and judicious course to be adopted. Without passing upon any resolutions whatever end after conferring with Senator Thurman, the chairman of the Senate caucus commit- tee, it was decided to postpone all further consideration of the question at issue * until to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock, at which ‘time a joint meeting will be held with the Senate committee and definite action’ will probably be taken, the nature of which will be reported toa foint caucus of the democratic members of each House. Although the time for holding the cancus bas not yet been announced, it is thought by mem- bers of the House that it will be held on Monday or Cuesday. Messrs. Springer, Carlisle and Reagan were appointed a sub-committce on the part of the fouse committee to prepare a bill for consideration wt the joint meeting to-morrow, embodying provisions for the repeal of certain por- tions of the federal election faws and such new provisions as the sub-committe may consider de- sirable to enact in connection with the proposed re- peal, in case the majority shall determine that it is not advisable to adhere to the original programme of passing the Appropriation bills preciselyin the form so far as regards the political clauses, in which they were passed by th’ {. <e last session. The sub-committee tuis afternoon completed a comprehensive measure, based mainly upon Mr. Bpringer’s suggestions, the principal features of which are as follows:— © It proposes to repeal sections 2,020 to 2,027 inclu- sive, and siso section 2,031 of tho Rovised Statutes of the United States, and to modify section 2,028 by providing that no person shall be appointed a super- visor who is not a resident of the precinct in which he is to serve. The sections to be repealed are those which authorize the appointment of a chief supervisor and of deputy marshals for special servico at elections. The appointment of two supervisors of differont politics to serve ino merely testimonial capacity 18 not interfered with by this bill. It is provided that supervisors of elections who may be prevented from performing their duties shall report the facts to the judge of the nearest United States Court, to be by him laid before the proper Grand Jury. Regulations aro prescribed to prevent any impair- ment of the secrecy of ballots, requiring them to be of uniform size and to be printed on plain white paper, &c. The bill proposes to repeal the sections which now permit the presence of troops at the polls under certain circumstances and to substitute for them substantially the British law on the subject, which prohibits soldiers boing stationed at any point nearer than two miles from the polls or to go to them ex- sept tor the purpose of voting, in which case they must immediately afterward return to their station. The bill will also embody a repeal of the jurors’ test oath provisions of the existing law. It is believed by Mr. Springer that the President will approve a separate bill of this character and that the threatened deadlock on the appropriation Dills may thus be wholly averted. THE NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATORSHIP, The Senate Committee on Privileges and Eléctions this afternoon heard the Hon. Charles H. Bell and ‘Senater Rollins, of Now Hampshire, on the argument supporting the validity of the former’s appointment by the Governor to fill the Now Hampshire vacancy In the Senate. After some informal discussion on the part of the members of the committee the fur- ther consideration of the subject was postponed until next Tuesday. SHE RESTORATION OF MAJOR RUNKILE TO THE ARMY—REPORT OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE—UNLAWFUL ACTION OF THE PRESIDENT. A report has now been printed which was pre- tented to the Senate by Mr. Edmunds in the closing hours of the last session, stating the conclusions reached by the Judiciary Committee as the result of the investigation ordered by the Senate, on motion of Mr. Conkling, in regard to the President's alleged unlawful restoration of Major Benjamin P. Runkle to the army. This caso, which attracted much attention a year Dr more ago, involved two important questions— First—Whether the President of the United States has authority to convene general courts martial. Second—Whether the President's own signatare to the approval of a sentence dismissing an officer from the army 1 necossary to give effect to the dismissal. In the case of Runkle, as in many others which pré- ceded it, tho signature of the Secretary of Wer was the only attestation of the approval of the President, and his restoration to rank and back pay upon this ground, if legally established as a precedent, would therctore have ® very extensive bearing. Tho con- tlusions of the committee are as follows: — The committee are'of the opinion that Benjamin P. Kankio was regularly tried aud sentenced by the court martial named in the papers. and that the sen- tense of the court was dul: YY, revulerly and lawfully approved by th it of the United Btates, and that in com thereof the said Runkle was lawfully dismissed trom the army of the United States. Tnasmuch as the law does not authorize the President to Fw & private citizen in the army an an officer without the advice and con- sent of the Senate; and inasmuch as the said Kunkle ‘was restored to the army by an Exeoutive order, made without such advice or consent, it follows that his restoration was not warranted by Inw, and that the public money paid to him as salary or arrears of salary have been paid without authority of law, Runkle has not beco: by force of said order of restoration a lawful officer in the army, and that he has no valid, legal claim for pay or compen- gation as such, Tho papers and documents connseted with the Bistory of tho case and the evidence taken by tho om mittee aro mado 4 part of this report. Tho Judiciary Committee's report is in full ‘ac- cordance with the opinions successively given in ‘this case by Judgo Advocate General Dunn and At- NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 1879.-TRIPLE SHEET. torney General Devens while Major Runkle’s appli- cation for restoration was before the President. NOMINATIONS BY THE PRESIDENT. The President sent the following nominations to the Senate to-day :— Clarence King, of New York, to be Director of the Geographical Survey. Francis A. Walker, of Connecticut, to be Superin- tendent of the Census. . Daniel W. Gooch, to be pension agent at Boston, Mass, . William A. Herron, to be pension agent at Pitts- burg, Pa. David H. Strother, of West Virginia, to be United States Consul General at Mexico, Stephen R. Risley, of New York, to be Supervis- ing Inspector of Steam Vessels for the Second dis- trict, dames Pollock, to be Naval Officer at Philadelphia, George Holmes, to be Collector of Customs, Beau- fort, 8. C. James H. Durkee, to be United States Marshal, Northern district of Florida, Horuce Austin, of Minnesota, to be Register of Land Office at Fargo, D. T. Jacob H, Stewart, to be United States Surveyor Generol for Minnesota, Indian Agents—Wilson M. Stanley, of Mlinois, for Pinos Agency; Colonel G. Fastman, of Michigan, for Navajo Agency, New Mexico. PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS, SENATE. WASHINGTON, March 21, 1879. Mr, McMrrzay, (rep.) of Minn., introduced a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the constitu- tion of the United States as follows :—- Resolved, be the Senato and House of Representa- tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, two-t of each House concurring therein, That the ing amendment to the con- stitution of the United States be proposed to the Leg- islatures of the several States, which, when ratified by three-fourths of seid Legislatures, shall be valid as a part of the said constitution. That section 7 of article 1 of the constitution of the United States be amended by inserting at the end of said section the following words—that is to sa; “If any bill presented to tho United States, in pw suance of this section, contains several items of ap- propriation of money the President: may object to one or more of such items of appropriation of money and approve the other portions of the bill; and if any such bill contains several items of appro- priation of money and contains also a provision or provisions embracing general or special legislation the President pore er to one or more of such items of appropriation ‘of money, or such. provi- sion or provisions embracing general or special legislation, or to one or more of both and approve the other portions of the bill. In all such cases he shall append to the bill at the time of sign- ing ita statement of the items of appropriation of money, or the provisions embracing general or rs legislation, or both, as the case may be, to which he objects, and the appropriation and pro- visions embracing g or special legislation ob- jected to shall not take effect. “If Congress be in session the President shall trans- mit a statement of the items of appropriation of money or the provisions embracing such general or special legisiation, or both, as the case may be, in said bill to which he objects, together with his ob- jection thereto, to the House in which the bill origi- nated, who shall enter the same at large on their jour- nal, and the items and provisions of the bill objected to shall be separately reconsidered. If after such re- consideration one or more of such items or provis- ions be im roved by two-thirds of each House, the same shall be a part of the jaw, notwithstanding the objection of the President. All the provisions of this section in regard to bills not approved by the nt ly in the cases in which he shall withhold his approval from any item or items of appropriation of money or provision embracing gen- eralor special legislation contained in a bill appro- priating money.” The joint resolution was referred to the Committee on the Judiciaty, The following bills were introduced:— By Mr. Laman, (dem.) of Miss.—Providing for the orgunization of the Missiasippi River Improvement Commission, the deepen: of the channel of the river and the protection of the alluvial lands. By Mr. McPunnson, (dem.) of N. ¥.—Authorizing the oquipment ot an expedition to the Arctic Seas. By Mr. Becx, of Kentucky—Amending the Revised Statutes so as to authorize purchases of foreign built ships by citizens of the United States; also providing for the retiring of the trade dollar and their recot into the standard silver dollar; also for the repeal of section 1,218 of the Revised Statutes of the U; States, which provides that no person who served in any capacity in the military, naval or ‘Shem aburbe spotted teeny position in the srmsy any pos: e of the United States, Altof the vebillswere referred to the appro- priate coniinittees. | MR, CONKLING GROWS FACETIOUS. Mr. Coxx11Na, (rep.) of N. Y., referred to the fact that although numerous bills and resolutions had been introduced no printed copies had yet been placed on the tables of the Senators. There were 80 many radical changes going on that this seemed to add new terrors. ° Mr. Cockner1, (dem.) of Mo., said that his side of the chamber would take the responsibility. Mr. CosKurxe replied that that, like everything else, ought to proceed from the majority of the Senate, It was with great trepidation that he asked the question. Mr. Cockrg.t, of Missouri, said he sympathized with the Senator in the terror-stricken feeling, but the majority of the Senate was not responsible for the papers not being printed and laid upon the table. The tepublicans were responsible for the delay, their officers being in possession of the business. Mr. Epaunps, (rep.) of Vt., called up the resolu- tion heretofore offered by him proposing to confine the business of the session to the objoct for which it ‘was called. On motion of Mr. Watrace, (dem.) of Pa., it was laid on the table—yeas 45, nays 24—a strict party vote. Mr. Hoan, (rep.) of Mass,, submitted the following resolution :— Resolved, That make necessary p' lowistative and the country except upon the and the i wi the refusal by one House of Congress to sion for the support of the executive and for the defence of dition that the other House © their assent to legislation . and the retusal by Congress to n condition that the Prosi- re unconstitutional, wt lead to the the destra mal ge n» of the national life. ACCOUNTS OF UNITED STATES MARSHALS, Mr. Wattacr, of Pennsylvania, objected, saying “Let it be printed,” which was ordered Mr. WaLtack then called up his mitted on Wednesilay, as follows Resolved, That the Secretary of ¢ is hereby requested to furnish to ment of the accounts of the mar of the United es inthe States of New York, P ayivanta, Ohio, Massnchusotts and Maryland rendered to this date, for and in re employment of aud payment of wages or or weed for services perf m0 resolution sub- Treasury be and he Senate « detailed by nt Marshals for services connected with the elect Mr. CoNKLING, Of New York, said that the resolu- tion was too narrow, a8 it called for information re- lating to only five States, He wished it to be amended so as to read ‘‘marshals of the United States in the respoctive States." There was information as to States other than those enumerated which ought to be known, and he hoped the Senator from Penn- aylvania would interpose no objection. Mr. WALLACE, of Pennsylvania, said the Senator from New York could introduce a separate resolution and thus obtain the information which he sought as to all the States. It the Senator thirsted for imorma- tion he could obtain. it in that way. Ho hoped that tho resolution would be adopted in its original form, TURN ON THE LiGur. Mr. Conxktin, of New York, expressed his amaze- ment at the Senator. He bad read in the newspapers an int of proceedings which had taken place elsewhere, He'read of anattempt to direct inquiry as to fraud in certain localities, excluding all others, and enlarging such area of inquiry, and the objection now heard was made by the same showing of fore becalise it was said this inquiry was to be conducted in committee. Here was a request made of an exeentits dopattment to send-to tho Se seripts of certain accounts or records in and hours, But the Senator thought a time would be necessary to supply the addit formation called for by the ame no ground to anticipate delay. ‘TI country should have the intormation, not alone as to the States mentioned in the resolution, but as to all the States, the a: th reasons tr paying these au penditures were made tu guard against improper in- terference with the casting and counting of votes and depredatio the polis, tion should apply to all the St He was conscious the Senator from Pennsylvania ly to accomplish his wishes by dirceting the if ms associates, He (Mr. Conkling) wanted the simple issue understood, The Senate had lected for some reason five States, and, under the quise of inquiry, he sought to acquire intormation neerning them alone, while he (Mr, Conkling) de- red information relating to all of the States. The mator from Pennaylvar ‘topped him, and said tran- minutes © Senate and the he would refuse to obtain such intormation, although no additional expense or time was required, and, althongh he (Mr. Conkling) submitted there could be no objection, except to stifle and cover up the inquiry which fell within the scape of his (Mr. Conkling’ ‘Turn on the Nght, not only on the # nentioned in the resolution, but on all the States, which would not work wrong to anybody, Mr. War.ace, of Pennsylvania, said thero was no purpore fo obsctire the light, and that if the Senator should introduce @ separate resolution tor the desired information there would be no objection. Mr. Conkitxe—t introduce it now. Mr, WatLacr—I want the committec to now go on with the inquiry in a few of the States, and the in- quiry could be made as to the others when needed, Mr. Epuusps, of Vermont—What committee? Mr. Watace—The committee constituted to in- quire into frauds at the recent elections. Mr. Epaunps—The committee is authorized to send for persons and papers without the intervention of the Senate, ‘Mr. WALLACE suid the committeo had been in ses- sion three months; had obtained all the information it needed; had concluded its labors, and made its report on one of the branches of the inauiry. The proposition of the Senator from New York was the phase of anew inquiry, Although the committee might apply to the Secretary of the Treasnry for the information named in the resolution there certainly was nothing improper in calling for it in this way. The Senate sheuld assent to whatever would give light to the country, and if a member of the com- mittee sought to obtain it in this way there should be no objection. 1 Mr. Conkiine held that the Senator from Pennsyl- vania asked for this information for a special com- mittee, while he (Mr, Conkling) asked for intorma- tion for the Committee of the Whole, composed of all the peenie of the country, who were looking on with justifiable curiosity. He humbly asked that the information should be ful! and explicit, that the Senate and the country might know the whole truth, ‘Mr. Bayanp, (dem.) of Del., briefly supported the resolution, saying the facts showed that there had been interference by the federal agents in State elec- tions, and he thought that nothing should be done to delay the furnishing of the information. Mr. Brox, (dem.) of Ky., opposed Mr, Conkling’s amendment on the ground tiat it would delay the investigation for perhaps sixty days. Mr. BLAINE, (rep.) ot Me., said that such com- plaints as had been made did’ not apply to all the States. He ventured to say there were not ten or even eight States which could be named in that con- nection. There were certainly none in Maine and Vermont, nor in Michigan, Wisconsin, Kansas, Min- nesota and Nebraska, nor California, Would the Senators say that if such general information were asked for it would imply that marshals and their deputies were used in the rural portions of the coun- try as well as in large, boisterous centres, whero there were rowdyism and corrupt practices which must be kept in check? ‘Lhe Senate and the country ought to have the information called for by the amendment, Mr. Beck, of Kentucky, repeated that whatever might be the waurnoes of the amendment its adop- tion would delay the investigation. Let the Senator from New York ofter his proposition in the shape of a separate resolution, which could be passed if no one on the republican side objected. Mr. Conxine, of New York, replied, saying, among other things, that he understood it would not re- uire more than forty-eight hours to prepare and ‘urnish all the information called for by his amend- ment. It would not, therefore, do to object to it on the ground ot delay. ‘Mr. McDoyaxp, (dem.) of Md.—As the Senator said the information can be furnished in forty-eight hours I simply ask if he has authority for the state- ment. If it takes twice as long I will vote for his amendment. Mr. Conxiina, of New York—I say these accounts: are in the Treastry Department and can be copied in forty-eight hours. Does the Senator doubt that? Mr. McDonacp, of Indiana—there is a difference hatmoas: what is said can be done and what will be lone, Mr. Eaton, (dem.) of Conn.—I doubt it. Mr. Coxkuivc—The Senator from Indiana has found an adjunct in tho Senator from Connecticut, who is willing to doubt. Ido not doubt, because it is inconceivable that half a dozen clerks cannot copy what is already in books. To doubt is a draft on credulity which no man can honor, though the Sen- ator from Pennsylvania is in doubt. Mr. Eaton, of Connecticut--The Senator from New York says he wants the broadest light. He shall have it by my vote, but not now. It would take a longer time than forty-eight hours to furnish the information the Senator seeks. It would be fortunate if it were obtained in four times forty-eight hours. Mr, ConKLING—Does the Senator think it would take a longer or shorter time to give the information concerning the five States mentioned than all the residue of the States? If, as the Senator says, it would take four times forty-eight hours, does he think that time would cover the residue of the States or not? Mr. Eaton—If it would take ten, fifteen or twenty clerks forty-eight hours, or four times forty-eight hours, to furnish the information called for by tho resolution, it would Tequire forty clerks to furnish the information called tor by the amendment, and, therefore, another force of the department would have to be employed. ‘tho question having being tuken Mr. Conkling’s amendment was disagreed to—yeas 27, nays 36—: strict party vote. Mr. CoxkuinG then submitted an amendment in the form of a separate resolution, namely :— ther, That the same {information called for in the preceding resolutian be likewixe sent to the Senate in Tespect to each State not named in the resolution, without deterring an unswer to the preceding resolution. This amendment was accepted, there being no ob- jection, - Resolved farther, That he report fally all information in oxsession touching the question and necessity of such penditures and the operation of the laws under which joy were made, Mr, Wattace said that the information ought to be asked of the Attorney General. Mr. Epmunps lied that it called for whatever information was possession of the Secretary of ‘Mr. WALLACE said ft invited newspaper,accounts or loose rumors in his possession. He hoped the opinion of the Secretary of the Treasury would not be asked in this form, Mr. Epmunps replied there was not @ line in his amendment calling for an opinion, ‘but for vouch- ers in the Secretary's office, which would show on whose application the money was experfled and whether the number of marshals was too large or too small. * Mr. Kennan, (dem.) of N, ¥., said the cdamitice ought to be allowed to obtain the information with- out being embarrassed. A NEW-BORN ZEAL, Mr. Sauispury, (dem.) of Del., said the Senators had shown a new-born zeal on this occasion, but when they had control of the Senate there was no attempt made by them to. obtain the information. He would prefer to see them take the situation a little more cheerfully. We will, he said, aid them in obtaining the inforniation in a proper way, but when we strike a line for our action there should be no @rawback. Itshould be understood that the demo- crats pursue their own line of policy without regard to consulting the republicans. Lhope they will be- have like Christian statesman and bear it mantfully. (Laughter.) Mr. EpMunps replied that he had always supposed that where there were two parties a Senator was still a Senator. He thought that a Senator in the minority even had the mght to submit an amend- ment to a pending measure. He had not known be- fore now that because a Senator was in the minority he had no right to attempt to correct legislation. He did not know but by direction of some conclave of democracy a resolution would be brought in to cor- rect the yea and nay list by striking off names. The minority would leave the responsibility where it be- longs—to the democratic party. When the Senator wes in the minority he frequently saw him rise to submit amendments to pending prepouitens: and no objection was made by the majority to his right to do so, the propriety ot it depending on their merit and pot because of any particular Senator. He knew of no rule changing this practice. The people will be sorry to learn o7 it, but it will be cor- rected by and by. Mr. EpMunpxs' amendment was rejected by a strict party vote—yeas 2], nays 36. Mr, EpaMunps offered another resolution, namely :— Resolved further, That as soon as possible after the In- formation called for by the foregoing resolution ehall be furnished he report fally all the information in nis posses. sion touching the question of the necossity for the ex pensitures, This amendment was also rejected—yoas 27, nays 36—a strict party vote. The resolution of Mr. Wallace, as amended by consent, was then agreed to. The Vick Present, under the provision of the resolution, appotuted Senator Booth aimember of the Board of nts of the Smithsonian Institution to supply ® vacancy caused by the expiration of Senator Sargentis ‘term of Congressional service, The Se went into executive. session at two o'clock, and, when the doors were opened at twenty minutes past two o'clock, adjourned until Monday. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Wasurseros, March 21, 1879, Mr. Extts, (dem.) of La., offered a resolution in- creasing the membership of the Committee on Eloc- tions from cloven to nineteen, and stated that he did so in the interest of economy and correctness of representation, since it frequently happened that owing to press of business that committee was not able to report on election cases until the last days of the session, Mr, Mrtts, (dem) of Texas, thought that every con- tested election case should go to a special committees. Mr. Favs, (rep.) of Me, said that he degired to apologize for a remark w he had made the other day—namely, that be ‘lid not believe in the total de- cavity of the democratic party. The vote upon ihe Florida case had shown bim that be was mistaken. (Laughter.) The resoiution was finally referred to the Commit- tee on Rules, Mr, Rvaoay, (dem,) of Texas, desired tu refer sev- oral bills, but Mr. Conger, of Michigan, objected, He also objected to returenve of & re-olution which Mr. Young, of Tennesses, desired to offer tor the reap- pointment of the yellow fever committee. ‘The House then, at twenty minutes past twelve, adjourned until ay. A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE. Ricumonn, Va., March 21, 1879, In the Senate to«lay Senator Massey, of Albemarle, rose to a question of privilege, and proceeded to read er severely reflecting on Senator ©. 'T, Smith, son, for publishing aspeech which reflected i uage of the paver was to the od to, tof unrefineme: indelicacy, coarweness, misrepresentation, defame: 1 vindictiveness, surpassed anything he had rd in the halla of the Legislature. Proceed- ing with similar severe langnuge, Senator Mussey was several times called to order, and during his re- marks Senator Smith denounced him asa liar, « scoundrel and a dog. A scone ensted, and several propositions to reprimand the offending Senators and require them to apologize were made, Alter de- bate, tue matter was reterred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections for # report as to what ac- tion in the premises should be token by the Senate, NEW ORLEANS BANKS. Causes for the Recent Panic in the Crescent City. CONDITION OF THE NATIONAL BANKS, Disastrous Effects of a Supreme Court Decision. —eoeegitinaiio DEPRECIATION OF STATE SECURITIES Want of Credit and Consequent Agri- cultural Stagnation. —-——_—— (PROM OUR SPECIAT, CORRESPONDENT. } Wasuineron, March 21, 1879, The bank suspension at New Orleans attracted but slight attention at the Treasury to-day and is consid, ered there a matter of no real importance, Tho banks which have actually failed are all State insti- tutions and the seven national banks are in good condition, The State binks which are in trouble are believed to have invested lergely in State and New Orleans city securities, especially the latter, which have become depreciated to the extent of twenty per cent by reason of a decision of the State Supreme Court, which declared unconstitutional a special tax levied on the city to pay the interest. It is probably true also that the declared intention of the Constitutional Convention, an election for which has just been held, to tinker with the State credit, has had the effect of shaking confidence in the State bonds, Governor Nicholls having been unable with the best intentions to carry out the refunding scheme which was begun under the Kellogg gov- ernment. THE BANKS IN NEW ORLEANS. There are seven national banks in New Orleans, with an aggregate capital of only $2,875,000. There are eleven State and savings banks, with a total capital of $4,284,000. Concerning the condition of these State banks nothing is known at the Treasury. They issue no notes, of course, The seven national banks appear to be in good condition, CONDITION OF THE NATIONAL BANES, ‘The latest official report to the Comptroller of the Currency, which runs from February 13 to March 3, shows the following figures :— Abstract of Examiner’s reports made to the Comptroiler of the Currency, showing the condition of the national banks in tlie city of New Orleans February 13 to March 3, 1879: Resources. Loans and discounts Overdrafts. .. + "144,687 10 United States bonds 2,150,000 00 United States bonds to secure deposits... 2 United States bonds on hand. Other stocks, bonds and mortgag Due from approved reserve agents Due trom other national banks. Due from State banks and bankers . Real estate, furniture and fixtures.... Current expenses and taxes paid Premiums paid. Checks and other cash items. Exchanges for Clearing House. Bills of other national banks. Yractional currency. $5,399,804 72 421,485 79 395 078 33 Five per cent redemption fun Due trom United States ‘Lreasurer. 1,400 00 +++$14,122,009 93. + $2,875,000 00 453,000 60 Total resources.. Dividends unpald Individuals’ deposits United States deposit: “Dae to other national banks. .... Due to State banks and banker ‘Total abilité Number of banks. Compared with the report of the 6th of December it appears that the loans and discounts have de- creased since that date by $723,000, The legal ten- der notes have increased by $518,000, The amount due from approved reserve agents—from New York banks, that is to say—bas increased by $869,000; while on the other side of the account the indi- vidual deposits have increased $1,544,009, The other stocks, bonds, &c., must include all the State and city bonds held by these seven banks, and the amount, it will be seen, is’ trifling. The statement is considered a good one, though there is a large increase in the amount of funds in New York banks, which was but $372,000 in Decem- ber, against $1,241,000, The total deposits in all the New Orleans banks are reported to be about $10,000,000. In 1859 they were $21,000,000; in 1860, $19,000,000, This shows the considerable decrease since then of the business of the city. A LOUISIANIAN’S EXPLANATION. nenator Jonas, of Louisiana, who left New Orleans a week ago, said to-day that at that time the national and State banks generally were complaining of hav- ing too much money on hand for profitable business. The demand was very light and at this season of the year money was flowing into Now Orleans rather than leaving it. Tho Southern Bank which had sus- pended was only a State bank, and, though conducted on safe business principles, had large investments in what aro known as city consolidated bonds, which were purchased at about one-half their par value These bonds were protected by legislation which provided that the interest should be paid out of special taxes, and which also provided for a sinking fund to mect their redemption. The constitutionality of this special legislation was tested before the Stato Supreme Court and decided ad- versely, which depreciated the city console fully twenty per cent, and as the Southern Bank held about $600,000 in these bonds the loss necessarily embarrassed the bank, and hence the failure, It was, however, only.a, bank of exchange, he says, and did no discount business whatever. So sound was its management, that in 1873, when the Now Orleans banke- were compelled to do just what they are now announced. to have done, the Southern Bank was able to keop out of tho mutual protective operation and paid its depositors on demand doltar for dollar, The suspension of the bank has, ho says, no importance whatever. None of the old banks, ho adds, have loaned money on State securities except at a very large margin, and this class of securities are not secepted by the New Orleans banks save upon the safest margin. There is just now a scarcity of currency in New Orleays by reason of the large de- posits in the banks on private deposits and, said Senator Jonas:— “The demand for money is so small that the banks have no opportunity of paying out that which they would be glad to loan on good security. I see by the New York papers that nearly $1,000,000 has gono forward to protect the credit of the banks which have the confidence of our business men, which means that this searo will pat them to the cost of paying for the transportation of tunds between New York aud New Orleans only to return the same in a few days. Lam sure tho action of the banks is purely of & prudential character, and the strong have united with the weak in order to do precisely what they have done before to restore public confidence mo- mentarily disturbed.” GENERAL GIBSON ON THE SITUATION. Goneral Randall Gibson, who represents New Or- Jeans in the House, and who is familiar with both the financial and the industrial condition of the city and State, said in answer to the question why the banks had suspended :— “Lhaye no private advices, The suspensions and panic reported in the newspapers are undoubtedly carised by the want of confidence excited in the com- munity by the disoussions in anticipation of the Constitutional Convention. They are unreasonable, for the convention is called in the interest of econ, omy and good government; but vague apprehensions have been aroused, and private as well as public credit has been impaired, In my judgment both will be benefited by the convention. There bad beon a gradual decline in real ostate since 186% until the Nicholls government was installed, when exaggerated hones weracntartainad Baal eaiate and tha Stata bonds advanced immediately, and but for the toss of the sngar crop in 1878 and the epidemic of last sum- mer they would have continued to advance and en- tire confideuce would have been once more restored. We have had but little credit since 1864, The taxes have beon an ‘immense burden, Our city lost much of its trade by the system of railways from the East to the Mississippi Valtey, which made that valley tributary to the East, Nearly one-third of the land of Louisiana, formerly cultivated like a garden and enormously productive, has not been rescued from the thistle and weeds since the war. It is as fertile as ever apd Iubor can be readily procured, but we have been compelled to pay from fifteen to twenty-five per cent for money. WANT OF CREDIT. “In fact we have had no credit. I have an estate of near'y ten thousand acres, with seven houses and machinery, ready for the plough, and the colored people have remained upon it cultiveting small patches; but, while it would | require $50,000 to put it in operation, I could | ‘not at any time raise $10,009 secured by a mortgage upon the whole of it in the last ten years an? T should have been compelled to pay a rninous rate of interest, It nas Iain idle. This is the condition -of hundreds of planters. What we neei ia crotit; we have the lands and labor, but no money and no eredit, It we conld borrow money at four or five per cent Louisi- ans would produce more cotton and sugar and rice than before the war. This panic will not last, The Constitutional Convention will be composed of our most intelligent citizens and they will do nothing to drive away capital and to destroy credit. It is estimated that citizens of Louisiana havo invested $2,500,009 in four per cent fed- eral bonds this winter and that $4,000,000 of foreign capital have been withdrawn. As soon as the conyention shall assemble confidence will be re- stored and our credit will be placed upon « firm busis, and all this capital will flow back into the channe's of business and enable us in the country to Dring into cultivation our rich lands and to give em- ployment to the people. The city will be equally benefited, for its life and prosperity depend upon the crops. I think it but fair, although the debt has been once scaled, thut, owing to the calamities I have mentioned, the creditors of the State should consent to a reduction of the rate of interest. Seven percent is too high for public securities. It the rate of interest be reduced and ,be well secured, and its punctual payment provided for, the creditors will find that their bonds willimprove. I repose en- tire confidence in the ability of Governor Nicholls and Lieutenant Governor Wiltz, and the gentlemen who have been selected to the committee to deal with the situation.” WHAT NEW YORK BANKERS THINK OF THE 3 THE MURDERED ACTOR. Benjamin (. Porter's Body on Its Way North for Burial. SYMPATITY FOR THE FAMILY. Fears that Barrymore's Wornd Is Mortal. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Datwas, Texas, March 21, 1879. Maurice Barrymore, the actor shot by James Currie at Marshall yesterday, was, at half-past six o'clock this evening, under the influence of mor- phine, and his physicians forbid him to hold any | conversation, as bis wound is very painful and shows inflammatory symptoms, Fears are enter- tained that he will not recover. There is strong talk of lynching Currie, but no open démonstrations of violence have yet been made. -The affair is con- demned as one of the most brutal, outrageous and unprovoked that ever occurred in the State, CURRIE REMANDED TO JAIL. Currie is in the hands of his attorn Turner & Liscomb and A. Pope, of Marshall, and M. 5. Crane, of Shreveport, La., who forbid him to converse on the subject of the tragedy with anybody, and es- pecially with newspaper men. He was this morning bronght before Justice of the Peace Hanson, and his counsel waiving an examination, was remanded to jail. The case will come up again next week, probae ‘bly on Wednesday. PRACTICAL SYMPATHY. Citizens of Marshall are doing everything in their power for the comfort of the troupe. A series of complimentary benefits have been tendered to the Ward-Barrymore troupe by the citizens of Dallas. ‘All expenses, such as rent of theatre, printing, ad- vertising, bill posting, license, &c., are to be borne by thecitizens. The following is the call, signed by hundreds of leading citizens, merchants and business men:— We, the undersigned, citizens of Dallas and vicin- ity, remembering your admirable’ performance here and the excelient personnel of your troupe, and in view of the sad calamity ana bereavement which has 80 outrageonsly been visited upon you, beg to tender to you a complimentary benefit at the Opera House, in this city, tor any night or any number of nights as may suit your convenience aud, pleasure, ‘'Vhe daily Herald of to-morrow morning will con- tain the following editorial paragraph :— We hope the Ward-Barrymore troupe will not leave SITUATION. The slight excitement which existed in banking circles on Thursday on account of the temporary suspension of the banks in New Orleans had totally subsided yesterday. ‘The correspondents in the city of the suspended banks said that everything was quiet in New Orleans and that there was no danger of apanic. At the Third National Bank a despatch was received from the National Bank of Louisiana, of which it is the correspondent, stating that they haa passed away, and that the merchants of New Orleans generally accepted the action of the Clearing House. Bankers say that the whole movement of the Olesring House at New Orleans done by the strong banks in order to protect them- selves from any trouble which might be precipitated by a run on the weaker banks. It was claimed that after ten days the strong banks will resumo, and those banks which are unable to keep up their bal- ances will have to go under. It is estimated by bank- ers that the total amount sent from this city to the all that was required. They say that when the ex- citement is all over this money will be returned to this city on deposit. Bankers claim that the effect of of $1,500,000 from here will reduce proportionstely the legal tender reserve, and banks will be thus en- Joans. Cottén or Produce exchanges, and the temporary ane- pension of the banks was considered a trifling mutter. A gentleman who arrived from Now Orleans yestor- day said that this suspension of the banks in that city was expected for some time, and that the weak condition of the Southern aud Mechanics’ and Trad- ers’ banks had been kaown for two weeks, The failure of the New Orlesns Savings Institution about a fortnight sinco had caused @ temporary panic. A great deal of the investments of this savings institu- tuon were in real estate, which, when appraised, was considered of littie value on account of the heavy arrears of taxes on the property. This opened the eyes of the larger banks, and they premeditated this plau of temporary suspension to prevent a run simi- iar to that on the savings banks. He said that the suspension would not aifect mercantile transactions, because all payments for cotton oF sugar could be made by drafts on New York. INVESTIGATING CHARGES PREFERRED AGAINST A. ©. POWELL, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ONONDAGA SALT SPRINGS RESERVATION, (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE MERALD.} Syracuse, N. Y., March 21, 1879, The democratic managers of the charges of mal- feasance in office against A. C. Powell, State Superin- tendent of the Onondaga Salt Springs Reservation, | are preparing to push the investigation with vigor | * next Monday. Samuel T, Benedict, Governor Robin- son’s commissioner to take testimony, writes that he will be in Syracuse on Monday, when he hopes during the week to finish the case. The last investi- gation, which adjourned in December, led to a change in the programme. The old charges cov- ered work against A. C. Powell, Son & Com- pany. An examination of the books im court eveloped the fact that work had also been doge for the State by Powell & Son. After the late adjournment amended charges were made by the managers, Messrs, Beach & Garfield, to cover work done by Powell & Son of the same character as that done by A. C. Powell, Son & Co, One new charge was also made against the Superintendent— that of unequal distribution of brine. A witness for the State, a salt manuructurcr. testified that Super. intendent Powell refused point blank to give him any brine, but turnished the sume to viock adjoining. The only reason he knew for the Superintendent's refusal was because he (the witness) did not get ail his private work done at Powell & Co.'s machine shop. The mi te believe they have already # strong case against the Superintendent. They claim that he has plainly violated the Revised Statutes, which declare that the Superintendent of the Salt Springs shall not be dircetly or indirectly interested in any work done on the reservation. STRONG EVIDENCE AGAINST POW ‘The testimony taken on this point has come from & member of the firm of A. ©. Powell, Son & Co. and also from the books of the same firm. It shows that Superintendent Powell has been during his term 4 mber of @ firm which has d bust. ness for the This firm pureh an | engine . repaired the same, figuring the | . ineluding profit on work and 1 Superintendent Powell, acting as , then bought this engine of his own frm, making @ secondary profit of over damaging piece of testimony was wie by the Superinten water wheel. The wi wright let the contract for furnishing the tron work, without competition, to the firm of which the Superintendest ‘is a member, The | firm did the work for the wheelwright charging for it, inetnding profit) for labo Q material, $45, ‘The State paid for this we done by Powell's firm, $3,000, showing another « ondary profit of over $2,000. A number of ot transactions of a similar character w: estimated that the State has lost, o ot competition in bids for work ahd ¢ above, irom $10,000 to $15,000 per year tor the last five years, The charges first made wero brought by machinists 1 manufacturers ot this city of the seme political complexion as the Superintendent. They claimed that he used his position ss Superintendent of the Salt Springs to ol salt manufacturers to employ his firm in ng new tweachinery and in repairing old The defence foreshadowed is that when his interest in ail the firms, so far as State work was concerned, but retained it in all other matters, ‘The testimony already adduced on this point ts that separate books or accounts were kept; that the same firm did business for the Stato and others; that the same men were employed at the same shop, and the same machinery was tived and the stock was taken from the common stock of the firm, ORATORY AT CORNELIA Trnaca, N. ¥,, Mareh 21, 1879, The contest for the Woodford prize in oratory at Cornell University, established by General Woodford, camo off this evening. The victor was Alfred Millard, of Umaba Nek all the money required, that the excitement had | New York. this temporary suspension of the New Oricans banks |‘@nd during his absence from hom will be ot benefit to this city, because the withdrawal | rf | go back there to testify,” This sentime: Texas without receiving some substantial proof that this people are not all Jim Curries. A great benefit has been tendered them in this city. It is our duty to make all the reparation within our power for the irreparable crime of a roarmg bully and red-handed murderer upon innocent, unoffending strangers who come here to amuse our people, and not dreaming they would be attacked as a savage tiger springs from. his lair upon his prey. PORTER'S BODY COMING NORTH. Porter’s remains will leave Marshall in charge of a citizen escort at half-past twelve to-night en route for PROPOSED SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE BENEFIT OF BENJAMIN C. PORTER'S FAMILY—THE REMAINS COMING NORTH. was | ‘The peculiarly wanton murder of Mr. Benjamin C, Porter, fully reported in yesterday's HenauD, has ex- cited the greatest indignation and sympathy among his numerous friends in this city. As was said yes terday, he was» universal favorite among bis fellow actors for his genial, inoffensive nature, and in theatrical circles his death was the prominent topic of conversation. The first news of his assistance of the New Orleans banks was $1,500,000— | desth which reached his family was contained _ Mr. rter’s: received b; telegram Jerry Lant. in Mr. in a Mr. Lant_ lives house in Pamrapo, N. J., where Mr. Porter’s wife, mother and niece reside. He was in New York on Thursday, 6 the telegram ar- . It was not opened until his return in the: ing, and thus the painful duty of breaking the news to the stricken family fell upon him. The de* abled to claim and obtain a stiffer interest on called | spatch read as follows :— There was no excitement whatever on the | pr. Jenny Lax, Pararapo, N. J. » Be ©. Porter died at one o'clock this bo apapear-pem shot. Break the. nows gently to his mother, Shall we bury him herer Or will send the ody on it you aasire, WARDE & BARRYMORE. Yesterday a second despatch was received, saying that the body had been sent. The grief of the ladies is described as something terrible, and fears are expressed lest his mother, who is about sixty-five years of aye, will be unable to rally from the shock. The younger Mrs. Porter visited New York yesterday and saw several of her husband's friends, but was herself almost overcome with grief. HELP POR THE BI ‘The circumstances of t to be straitened and, as is always the case among actors, almost the first thought expressed was that they should be helped, Mr, Porter owned the house iu which he lived, but it is of small value and is said to be considerably encumbered. The first person to move in the matter was Colonel Sinn, of Brooklyn, who sent the following card to this office: | + Brooktyy Park Tieatme, March 21, 1878, To rae Epitor ov re Hxnanp:— H e opportanity for @ theatrical ood nd T know the prow ree me. Let us give a benefit, the raised hy the ft to go toward di f bringing the remains of Mr. B for bts fami benebit 1 member and others would e started it with §50, Manager Brooklyn P so sent word to Mr. R. C. Gardiner, of Gare Dramatic Agency, of what he hud done, and ing that he should open a subscription at hie | offce, No. 12 Union square. Mr. Gardiner thought | well of the idea, and said that he would cheertully | take charge of any communications or contribations, | A benefit was, of course, thought of, but the general fecling among those who were talking of the matter in the different places of resort was tuat a subscrip- tion would be far better, as if it were begun contri- butions would come in from every dramatic troupe in the country, and re money could be raised than by any benefit pertormance. ‘to's one thing that ought not to be forgot. ten,” said one friend, “‘and that is that some of the fund should be devoted, if it is m , te securin the conviction of his murderer. It is possible that Barrymore and Miss Baker may start North before the trial, and they should have their expenses paid to was ay approved by the few who heard it, ‘Mr. Charles Furbish telegraphed yesterday to Texas, to learn st what time the remains would probably arrive in New York, and also sent a mes- songer to Pamrapo to learn what was the desire of the iamily ju rejation to the funeral. It was Its re- quest that the body should be received by mem- bers of the profession to which Mr. Porter belonged, It the family do not object it is proposed to appoint a committee to receive the remains and escort them to the “Little Church Around the Corner,” whem the burial service is to be read by Dr. Houghton. It is probable that this course will be adopted, ‘and, itso, due notice will be given of the funeral, KINGSTON’S IRREGULAR ELECTIONS, [BY TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD.) Krxostox, N. Y., March 21, 1879. ‘The «pecial Assembly committee to investigate the irregularities at the late election in the town of Kingston arrived here to-night and will proceed te business to-morrow. The committee consiste o€ Messrs. Glidden, Hepburn, Prendergast, Chickertny and Morison. They will be the guests of ‘Generab George H. Sharpe auring am the city. KENTUCKY GREENBACKERS, Crsctysatt, Ohio, March 21, 1879, Thé State Greenback: Convention, et Frankfort, Ry., yesterday, composed about a hundred delegates, The following ticket was nominated :—-For Governor, James Stewart; Licutenant Governor, Dr. B. B. Lewis; eer General, Isaac Trabue; Auditor, Henry Potter; Treasurer, John Wolcutt; Koguter, John McMurtry. WEST POL | | APPOINTMENT. Wastttxetos, March 2, 1879, Mr. James W. Covert, of the First Congressional district of Now York, having at his disposal an ap pointment to the West Point Military Academy, will Hl it in accordance with the result of & competitive examination in his district early + month, for which he will shortly make arrange ts. READING RATLROAD STATEMENT, Putivsnenta, March 21, 187. ‘The comparative statement ot the Reading Railrosa Company for the month of February shows an in- crease in gross receipts from all sources of 000, A comparative statement of the year ending with February shows an increaso in gross recerpts of $22,000 over the twelve months ending Fobruary, aT