The New York Herald Newspaper, March 28, 1879, Page 3

WASHINGTON, Debate on the Army Bill in the House. APPROPRIATIONS AGREED UPON. ‘Republican Programme on the Po- litical Provisions. THBIR RECORD IN THE LAST CONGRESS. Enforcement of the Federal Elec- tion Laws in Philadelphia. MARSHALS AND SUPERVISORS UNNECESSARY of Senator Chandler's Jeff Davts speech, have thought it judicions to keep that ball rolling and to “wake up the country” by a rousing debate and by “show- ing a determined front and opposing whatever the democrats propose,” It isa small business and wrong, because evary @ay’s delay makes it more certain that Congress will enter upon general business to the injury of the country. GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES. ‘Waeuinctox, Morch 27, 1879, THE RUGPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN OF 1878—Ex-SEC- RETARY OF JBE SENATE GORHAM CONTINUES F THE ELECTION IN PHILA- RS AND DEPUTY MAR- UNNECESSARY BY A UNITED ce” Committee, this morning, Mr. Gorham, ex-Beeretary of the Senate, continued his testimony relating to the conduct of the republi- can campaign of 1878, He produced the books con- taining subscriptions by employés in the depart- ments, which are headed by Sccrotary Sherman, in the Treasury Department; the Second Assistant re tiers General, in the Post Oftico Department; Commissioner Le Due, in the ‘Depattment of Agri- culture, and tho Sixth Auditor of the Treasury in his J office. Witness thought $12,000 or $13,000 was contrib- Expenses of Funding the Na- ‘ tional Debt. RE FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. WasHIncton, March 27, 1879. THE ARMY DIL IN THE HOUSE—PROVISIONS AGREED UPON—ACTION DETERMINED ON BY REPUBLICANS REGARDING TROOPS AT THE POLIS. . ‘The greenbackers thought better of it this morn- ing, and did not demand the announcement of the committees before the introduction of the Army bill, They hdd perhaps heard, what was true, that if any such demand had been made the Speaker would have, immediately announced the Appropriations Committee, and business would havo gone on. The Army .bill was therefore intro- duced without objection, and its different sections were discussed in Committee of the Whole, and when the sixth section ‘vas reached, which contains the po- litical legislation, it was passed over by gencral con- 1 sent, until the Committee of the Whole hascompleted action on the remainder of the bill, and the House adjourned shortly after four to give the republicans opportunity to meet incaucus. Tnree sections re- mained to bé considered, and the debate on the po- litical part of the bill will take place to-morrow. ‘The House worked in good humor to-day. A mo- tion to reduce the force of the army was voted down by yeas 53, nays 119. A clause allowing the transfer: of money from one item to another in the appropri- ations was struck ont by 104 to 95.° Both of these were non-partisan votes. General Butler's telegraph proposition was adopted as amended by the Senate at the lost session, and is in these words:— ‘Telegrams aro authorized to be transmittea by rail- road companies which may have telograph lines and which shall file their written acceptance of the re- strictions and obligations Jmposed on telegraph companies by title 65 of the Nevised Statutes tor the governmont ‘and for the general public at rates to be xed by the gaverument according to the provisions of title 65 of tho Revised Statutes. ‘The republicans in caucus this evening determined to ask the democrats for time for unlimited debate, not to be eut off by the previous question. They have also agreed that no republican member shall pair with a democrat, but all are to be pree- ent constantly. ‘The leaders on the republi- can sido are to be Messrs. Garfield and. Frye. Finally it was determined to oppose the amendments as they stand in tho bill and to offer a substitute the statute as it now stands; to offer as amendments a clause prohibiting the presence of Btato troops at the polls, and another'that any per” #on found bearing arms or detected in carrying con- vealed weapons mn his person on any day when au election is being held for federal officers shall be lable to arrest, and upon conviction shall be subjected to a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000, and imprisonment for not less than five years, in the discretion of the Court—that Is to say, the republicans have determined to spend as much time as possible over the Army bill and op- pose as much as they are able the proposition of the democrats, What the democrats propose to do is to strike out of sections 2,002 and 5,528 eight words, the same in each section, “Or to keep the peace at the polls.” These eight words as they now stand in the statutes silow.any army or navy officer in his discretion to station troops at the polls if, in his judgment, it is necessary to keep the peace, and it is this discretion- ary privilege that the democrats wish to abolish, The republicans will not filibuster, but will begin by an objection that the proposed amendments are in violatiqn of the last section of rule 120 concerning appropriation bills, which says:— Nor shail any provision in any such bill or amend- ment'thereto changing existing law be in order, ex- cept such as being germane to the subject matter of the bill shall retrench expenditures. If overruled on this, they will claim that the amend- ment is in violation of the constitution, which directs the President to keep the peace on the demand of Gov- ernors or Legislatures, and they will assert that tho whole action of the democrats is revolutionary, and that the federal governmertt has the right to exercise all its powers, military as well as civil, in the elec- tion of federal representatives. Speeches were made Dy Mossrs. Garfield, Robeson, Keiffer, Hawley, | McCook, Cannon and others. At the close of tho last session tho republicans ‘were very willing to join in the repeal of this clause, They thought it of no consequence, Mr. Foster, on the last night of tho session, said in his place in the House that the republicans had offered to agree to the amendment concerning troops at the polls and to the repeal of the jurors test oath, and he ex plained the republican position as to appending such Yegislation on appropriation bills in these worda:— Are you going to force us to 1 these laws by provisions on an Sorry ill, I know we have had a great deal of discussion about lezisla- tion upon appropriation bills. It hag been «i that the republicans in times past have been in the habit of legislating upon appropriation bills. I agree to that, and for myself I cannot see any great harm in legislating upon appropriation bills when both houses agree to it, But this proposition never ‘was brought into this House as an independent measure. You never rar nap tncd it parsed through this House and sont to the Senate as an independent mieasure, but you come in here with this proposition on Py riation bill to foree the proposition upon the ute. There, in my judgment, is where the wrong ofe legislating upon appropriation bills comes in. That is to say, thoy objected in February only on the ground that the House and Senate wece at vari- ance, and held that where the two houses wore agreed thoce was no impropriety in {such “ridera,"’ as they are called. Mr. Garfield followed Mr, Foster, and said of this Army bill amepdment:— Tem free to admit for one that these enactments ‘Were passed at a period so different trom the present that, probably, wo can withdtit serious harm in any direchon muster them out as we mustered out of service the victorious armies whon the war was done. For myself I see no sertous practical objection to letting these sections go through, I do not quite body can = say that ‘while a call out its own militia to keep the peace at its own polls, and nobody calis that tyranny, nobody calls hat wickedness, injustice and a menace to civil iberty, #0 it seems to me that a nation when it has man has complained of, irteoh yoarn and mrore that this ta years and more " Ww our statute book, has been dented tho fat ‘toa tres exercise of the elective franchise in consequence of the presence of armed soldiers of the United States near the It* thero has been such a T will join with any man of any party tn depro- ating Tt, lin i witet Peat, mee gp i a vent its recurrence. But lest it should bea offence and a stone of stumbling to un: cpantty 1 Ls Looky be will vue jaw rather ih oven appear to against H ey of the citizen. Hs a Mr. Garfield will probably oxpiain to-morrow tho grounds on which ho has changed his mind, Tho private talk of republicans is to the effect that the a q same duties ag United States su uted in the Treasury Department, instead of $7,000 or $8,000, as stated yesterday. Very little camo from the Intericr Department. About $1,000 was sub- scribed in tho Ppst Office Department. Wisconsin was one of the States in which the contributions were left in charge of the State committees. As to Cincinnati, the agreement was that one-sixth of tho amount collected should go to the National Com- niitteo, one-sixth to the Stato Committee and the remaining two-thirds be used in Cincinnati, accord? ing tothe judgment of the local managers there. ‘The collections in Nevada wore remitted to the State organization. One thousond dollars was sent to Co orado, James M, Kerns was then examined. Ho is and as been for seven years United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pounsylyania, The munici- pality of Philadelphia is republican, ‘The Mayor, who is a republican, appoints the policemon of tho city, who number from 1,000 tb 1,200, and are re- ublicans, There aro in the city 686 election djvis- ions or precincts. In November last the “ma- jority of lection ollicers in about two-thirds ot these divisions were republicans. Under the statute lew there are seven ciection officers In, each division—namely, a judge, two inspectors, two return inspectors avd two clerks. In addition there are two United States super vigors. Witness appointed 773 deputy marshals for thd No- vember elections—one for each of the 686 divisions and two for some divisions where he was asked to do 80 by citizens. About forty deputtes wore retained at his oflice during election day to serve processes that might be issued by the Court to the United States Commissioner, &c, Appointments of deputy Marshals wero made under United States statutes on the application of at least two qualified voters of the, district? A great many of the appointecs were per- sonally known to the witness; many of them were not. He consulted certain gentlemen in the various localities and asked them to name proper persons for deputies. To the best of his kuowledge the depu- ties wero present at their places of duty on election aay. ‘They employed two days and were paid $10 for their services. ‘To Mr. Hoar—Vhere are abont ove hundred and forty thousand voters in Philadelphia—about two hundred and. fifty to each division. Large crowds in addition to those desiring to vote gathered about the Is in certain parts of the city. The duty of the idee of Elections is to be present as the inspectors take the votes, The State overseers have about the ervisors; the watch the count, &e., but have not! ing to do wit! c keeping the peace—that {s left to the police force. In sevéral places during the day the deputy marshals were attacked and driven away. The fact was tele- graphed to witucss, who sent half a dozen men to protect the deputies. This occurred in perhaps a dozen places, ‘fhe supervisors of election were of different potitica] parties. The deputies appointed by him were all republicans. The applications for their appuyintment all came from _ repub- leans. ‘itness exhibited an application m to the court for the appointment of United States supervisors under tho law, which was sig: by men known by witnesses as repre- sentative democrats. i In reply to a question by Mr. Hoar, whether in his Judgment the election would have been safo from disorder and frand without the protection which he had described, witness said he believed it would. In some of the precincts thero would have been dan- ger of frax:d, in others there would not. He thought, so far as United States fapercoces, and marshals were concerned, the city Philadelphia could do without then i. o ee ayy ‘To Mr. Cameron—Tho ity marshals were not appointed until after the application for the appoint ment of supervisors. Would not havo been ap- pointed Fran Hey si} such fecinmmoe ae - No republi- can applied for the appointment’ o! Supervisors. ‘Tho supervisors’ expenses amounted to $27,440. On Mr. Cameron's asking why he made special efforts in placing deputies in Mr. Randall's district witness said the character of that section of the city ‘was such that protection was very necessary there. Riots have occurred there year after year, and people hayo, been shot down in the streets. ‘Che greater bart of the slums of the city are in that section. The conn, marshals were interfered with in that district and in one or two other cases, One deputy in the ‘Twentieth ward wes attacked, The roughs tried all day to drive him away, and when night came they beat him, kicked him into the gutter and otherwise maltreated him. He afterward had the parties ar- rested by the civil authorities. + Withers thought the police force was large enough to keep the peace on election day, it they could be got toyether in cage of ariot, but they were not numerous enough to guard the polis in 686 divisions and look after the welfare of citizens besides. These men appointed as deputy marshals wero not selected because they were political workers, nor were they ‘ paid ont of ernment funds because they were political’ workers. Many of them took an interest in the party, and perhaps would have been around working tor its sue- cess if they had not been employed as marshals. not aware that any of them wore election badges or distributed tickets at the polls, Could not say they jad no donbt the supervisors had tickets of y to give to their friends when they came up; that has always been the case both with demo- erats and republicans. ‘Tho committee here adjourned until Monday, at ten o'clock. M. EXPENSE OF FUNDING THE NATIONAL DEBT— SECRETARY SHERMAN'S REPLY TO AN INQUIRY OF THE SENATE. The Senate to-day received from the Secretary of the Treasury a response to Mr, Saulsbury’s resolution of the 2th of January last, calling for detailed in- formation as to the commissions paid for services in negotiating or refnding United States bonds, from the year 1862 until the present time, together with spocitte imMormation concerning alleged payments of “double interes! nd in regard to moneys received by banks and syiidicates for bonds sold by them peing allowed to romain on deposit with national banks pending calls for bonds, &. Seqretary Sher- aman says:— Ip reply, I have to state that immediately upon the receipt of the resolution steps were taken with a view of presenting fully and im detail the inuforma- tion called for, It was escertained, however, that in compliance With the House resolutions the Treasury Departinent had already furnished in April, 1963, and April, 1874, pert of tho information sought, as will be seen by reference to Honse Ix- ecutive Documents No. 263, Fortieth Congress, and No. 207, Forty-third Congress. Since the Ist of daunary last, refunding of six per cont‘ bonds into four per cents been of such unprecedented magnitude ax to require the ‘unremitting attention until late at night of every clerk in the department familiar with such duties, aud have also required ao transfer to these duties of many experienced clerks from otler burcaus; and, consequently, there has been some delay in prepari: tho intormation desired. 1 send herewith a statemon’ showing the accounts with the several national bank depositorica, from which will + at aglance the time which cach bauk held its deposits betore trans- ferring them to the Sub-Treasurers’ offices. Theso moneys were at all times bem 44 secured by deposits or United States bonds with the department, and were subject at all times to the draft of the United States Treasurer, No moneys have been transf from the Treasury to the bank. It should be stated, however, thyt in the majority of instances the credit giveu by the Treasurer of the United States for moneys transferred to his own office consixts of the proceeds of called bonds de- Ivered by the bunks in payment of theit subsorip- tions, Several days before the crodits appear, time being required to examine the bonds and to adjust interest thereon, a statement is given showing allowed on the sale of four lar subscription to the per cent bonds made by jst inst. a In TR pete to commissions ng uve been contracting commissions amount and. on conditions as natter stated, The Secretary then proceeded to state that Messrs. Von Hoffman & Go,, of Now York, in June, 1878, ro- ceived acommission of one-quarter of ono per cent on a subsoription of $5,000,000 of new fivo per cont bonds, and that Kuhn, Loeb & Co: reootved a like commission on $1,000,000. He next refers to the an- nual Treasury report of 1874 for the terms and con- ditions of the contract made in that year by Secro- tary Bristow with the Belmont-Rothsthild-Seligmon syndicate for the negotiation of the five per cent bonds, He saye:— In anbstance, it may bo atated that tho contracting bgt ey paid for the bods, par and accrucd interes! the date of the maturity of each call, and recet: ission of one-quarter of nt on the Sunount of tho sales, Crom wAish were to po paid the K ' NEW YORK fiERALD, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1879—TRIPLE SHEET. nsmitting from there to the Treasury the ex incurred in sending the bonds to London | store, ri cal bonds and coupons received in’ pay- leaving oue-fourth of one per cent disposal of the department from to pay for preparing the bonds and charges incidental thereto, At the time this contract was made the five per cent bonds of the kind contracted for were selling in small lots in the open market at a price somewhat above par in com, exclusive of the accrued interest, and this increased value of the bonds enabled the department to obtain somewhat better torms flan those of previous con- tracts, The amount sold. under this contract wis which the contracting parties reeetved stipulated, of one-fourth of one per Secretary Shorman next recites tie contract in Jonuary, 1875, With the same parties, and Messrs. Drexel, Morgan & Co., of New York, and. J, 8. Mor. gan & Co., of London, added to the Syndicate. The conditions of the previous contract were so modified that these contracting parties received a compensa- tion of one-half of one per cent on $122,682,550 of bonds sold for refunding purposes, and one per cent on $25,215,500 of bonds sold for the purpose of carrying into effect the third section of the act of January 14, 1875, from which compensation they de- frayed all expenses connected with the issue, inelud- ing expenses of preparing the bonds, ‘The next contract was for tho negotiation of the four and as half per cent bonds. It was made by Secretary Morfill with the members of the for- mer Syndicate, “and Messrs. Morton, Bliss & Co., for themselves and associates,” Under this contract the Syndicate were to pay accrned interest on the bonds to the date of thefr application for delivery, were to pay all expenscs of the preparation and issue and were to receive a commission of one-half of onc percent on the amount negotiated, Secretary Sner- aman continues :— When I entered upon the duties of my present office iu March, 1877, there had been sold under this contract $90,000,000 of these bonds, In the follow- ing May it became apparent that the condition of the money market h me so favorable that four percent bonds could be gold at par, and thereforo availed myself ‘of the privilege secured the corftract, and gave notico that of the four. and a half per cent bonds would be limited to $20,000,000, and. of - this amount an agreement was made that $15,000,009 should be ap- plied: to. resumption purposes. Sules were rapidly inade to the amount of £185,000,000 for refunding poses and $15,000,000 for resumption purposes, expenses were paid and the compensation al- lowed as per the terms of the contract. At that time there had been issued in redemption of six per cent Donds $446,045,000 of five per cents and $485,000,000 of four and a hulf per cents, aking a saving in the annual interest charge of $7,635,430, On the 9th day of June following I made a contract with Mossrs. August Belmont & Co., of New York, on behalf of Messrs. N. M. Rethechild & Sons, of Lon- don, and themsetves; Messrs. Drexel, Morgan & Co., of New, York, on behalf of J. 8. , of London, and themsclves; Messrs. J. & igman & Co., of New York, on behalf of Messrs. Seligman Brothers, of London, and themselves; Messrs. Morton, Bliss & Co., of New York, on behalf of Morton, Rose & Co., ndon, and themselves, and the First National ot Bat ot Now York city, for the sale at par in coin four ver vent bonds, The conditions as to accrusd interest and commissions wore in substance as.in the previons contract, vut I reserved the right to open the loon to popular subseription for a pe- riod of thirty days. Such subscriptions were openod, and within the period mentioned they reached the amount of $75,3%,550, of which I reserved for re- sumption purposes $25,000,000, Additional sales of four per cent bonds in small amounts were made dur- ing the winter and spring by popular subscriptions, but the'condition of the money market at that time did not give much encouragement for the future sale at par of bonds bearing #0 low a rate of interest. Recognizing ‘the duties imposed upen the Secre- tary of the Treasury to propare for the redemption in coin of United States potes on January 1, 1879, I entered into & contract on April 11, 1878, with the ties of the previous contract for the sale’ of 850,000,000 four and a half per cent bonds for re- ‘sumption purposes at. a premium of one and a half per cent, the parties to defray the expenses of tho preparation und issue of the bonds, and to receive a commission of half of one per cent on the amount issued. The rates obtainod were somewhat above the market valine of the bonds at the time the contract was made, and were the best ratos I could obtain. The bonds were taken and paid for in accordance with the terms of the contraét and the commissions have been paid the contracting par- ties as called for by the terms of the contract. The confidence of eminent bankers in the value of onr securities, a6 shown by this contract, extended thronghout the conntry and the moncy markets of the world and chhanced the value of the four per cont bonds. Desirous of popularizing this latter Joan among our own people, and there being no con- tract existing with any company for the sale of bonds, I, on the 20th of June, 157%, solicited popular subscriptions and invited all banks and era to aid in bringing ea bonds bide er = at of all'the people. As the procecds of the sules cou! ‘berused, under the low, -in--the- like amount of*six per cent bonds, and t! yale not be called in except upon a notice of three months, the money received from the les was permitted to remain in the banks, prop- erly secured, until needed to meet tl pay- ment of tho called bonds, usually somewhat less than three months, as calls wero frequently made in advance of subscriptions. In this way the exchange of the bonds was made without interfering with the volume of the currency outstanding or causing any interruption to the ordinary business of the country. Innocaso has public money been de- livered to any parties upon collateral or otherwise, Tenclove the several circulars showing the terms + on which the loan has been disposed of and the in- terest adjusted In this way there has been taken, mogtly in this country, to the Ist inst., since Jan- nary i, 1874, about $77,000,000, causing a dike, re- duction in the amount of six percents and an. an- nual saving for all time in the interest charge of $7,540,000, Tam alo pleased to state that after paying the compensations and the expenses of the issue, so far as can be ascertained to date, there remains in the ‘Treasury, unexpended, of the amount allowed by law, $657,819. No favors have been shown any of tho subscribing parties, and the loon ia still open tor any one who wishes to make # subscription on the terms offered. , Tofurther facilitate the diffasion of the public debt among the masses I recommended in my last annual report such modifications of the Resumption law as would permit the issue of interest-bearme certifi- cates of deposit of the denomination of Bi ), to be convertible into four per cent bonds. Con- gress, by the act approved February 26, 1879, made the necessary modification. -A cireular was issued on the 12th inst. (copy enclosed) inviting sub- scriptions and extending to public officers the priv- ilege of becoming agents for their sale, Encouraging Tesponses are being and there is reason to ho} that before the close of the presont year all of the resent six ‘cent bonds now redeemable, amount- Res to $78,079,300, will be converted into the certifi- cates oF into four per cent bonds, and mainly ‘held by onr own people, In this conclusion I have the honor to su it that if the Senate deem the matter of sufficient impor- tanc@a committee be authorized to examihe into the method employed by the Treasury im retunding the debt, to the end that any existing methods not deemed propor or expedient may be and better schetnes. devised. I shail also be pleased to consult with any member of the Sonate who may have any suggestions to offer in the matter, and to open to his inspection all the books and records of the department, showing in detail the transactions in the issue and redemption of the public debt. Very respectfully, JOHN SHERMAN, Secretary. The statement of loan accounts Of the national bonk depositories contains nothing of goneral in- terest except the amounts on doposit at various periods daring the pust year in certain prominent banks, which wero made the snbject of discusgon in he House of Representatives last sesston and then published, The statement of commissions paid to aubscribers to the four per cont loan covers several hundred pages of mannscript. ‘Tho itome range in amount from $1 to $74,642, tho Intter having been patd to the “Bank of the New York National Banking Association’ on tho Sth ult. The total amount of the com: missions paid is not stated, but it appears “that since the Ist of January last there has been paid to the First National Bank of New York $159,750; to the Bank of the New York Notional Banking Asso- ciation, $109,024; to the National Bank of the State of Now York, $47,575, and to the Maveriok National Bavk of Boston, $25,000, PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSE. Wasurxaton, D, C., March 97, 1879, Mr. Concern, (dem.) of Mich., called up his motion to reconsider the vote by which the resolution offered yesterday by Mr. Cox, of New York, in regard to tho appointment of certain select committees was ro- ferred to tho Commitice on Rules, In order to save time, Mr. Cox mado no objection to the motion, and, it being carriod, withdrow his resolution, ’ THE ARMY DIL. Mr. Sranxs, (dem.) of 11.—a member of the Appro- priation Committee in tho last Congress—introduced the Army Appropriation bill. Ho explained that it was substantially tho bill that had passed the House in the Inst session of the Inst Congress, with the provisions in regard to the reorganization of the army strickcn out. It was also substantially the bill which had been passed by the Senato with the provieion inserted repealing the two ste tutes allowing the nse of troops at the polls, It was really the bill which, had been informally agreed upon in the conference committes exeepting that portion of the bill ropeajing the statutes in regard to tho use of troops at the polls, He would like to | that it be referred to the Committee of the Whole. This was agreed to. ‘The Houso then, at a quarter past twelve o'clock, , went into Committee of the Whold (Mr. Springer in the chair) on the said bill. DETAILS OF THE BILL, Tho vill was read in full. It appropriates $26,707,300. It limits the namber of enlistel men to 25,000, including Indian scouts and hospital stewards. nal service is to remain as at present organized, with a force of enlisted men not excceding 450. It provides that no allowance shall be made for quarters for officers’ servants, and the rate of commutation shall hereafter be $12 pyr month for officers’ quarters in lien of $10, as now provided by law. - It contains the clause authorizing railroad companies to do gen- eral telegraph business. It amends section 2,002 of the Kevieed Statutes so as to prohibit the presence of ops at the place where any general or special clection is held ‘less it be nec- essary to repel the armod enemies of the United States.” It also amends section 5,524 in the same sense—moking it a penal offence for any officer in tho civil, military or naval service to order or have troops at any place where a general or special clection is held in any State, “unless such force be necessary to repel armed eneinies of the United States.”” Mr. Spangs ther procended to explain tho bill as compared with tliat which failed in the last session. The telograph Efgvision, ho eaid, had been adopted precisely as it had been modified in the Senate.* The Senate had increased the House bill of last session by $300,000 or $400,000, but the conferees had agreed that the House had appropriated a sufticient amount, and hence the present, bill had been prepared on that basis. There was; however, an item inserted of $50,000 for a military post on the Niobrara River, in | Northern Nebraska aud Dakota, There were no other differonce#between this bill and the bill that pased the last House except as to army reorganization. All that = part had been omitted except a few items, These items includo the provision for the cessation of the professorships of the French and Spanish Jangnages in the Mili- tary Academy, whenever a vacuney in either oc- beat Masih merging of both in one professorship of medern languages. They also included the pro- vision allowing niembers of the next two graduating classes of the Suilitary Acadomy aftgr. gratuation to cleet the receipt of $750.and mileage, which accept- ance shall render hinrtneligible to appointment, in the army until two years atter graduation, The pro- vision is also retained prohibiting promotions above the rank of captain, except in the Corps of Enginoers, and prohibiting the transfer to the retired list of any offiver below the rank of major, except on the report ofa board. . In conclusion, Mr. Sparks suggeste1 that all gen- eral debate be dixpensed with, except a6 to the clauses respecting the use of troops at the polls; and that as tothe general contents of the bill they be considered under the five minute rule, That proposition was agreed to unanimously, and the House procecded to consider the bill under the five minute rule. 4 bs ACTION ON THE BILL. Mr, Tuowas TURNER, (dem.) of Ky., moved to re- duce the maximum of enlisted men from 25,000 to 15,000, Rejected—58 to 119. ‘Mr. SINGLETON, (dem.) of Tll., moved to reduco the numbef to 24000 men. After a brief discussion the motion was with- druwn. Mr. Sastvonp, (dem.) of Ala., moved to strike out the provisions that in case apy item of the appra- riation shall be insufficient, the excegs in any other item or items may, with the written consent ot the Heorelary of War, be applied thereto. ‘Along discussion resulted, several members of the last Appropriations Committee explaining the reason for the provision, and showing that it it wore struck out it would be necessary to increase the ap- propriation. Mr. Wurrrnornr, (dem.) of Tenn., contended that the provision contained an express violation of ex- isting Jaw, and that it was a dangerous license to give to officers of any department. it behooved the dem- ocratic members, he said, to put their fect down on any departure from that law, which had been. found wholesome and selutary. Mr, Spanxs expressed his surprise at the length of the debate on a matter which he considered very im- material. The provision was inthe bill of Inst ses- sion and was indorsed by the House, the Senate and the conference committees. Mr. McCook, (rep.) of N. ¥., inquired whether it was indorsed by the democratic caucus, Mr. Spanks—i am, not permitted to give the gen- tleman democratic secrets. Mr. McCoox-——I am very glad, I would not like to be the recipient of any. . Mr. Srarss—Then you shou'd not have asked me. Mr. Broun, (dem,)of Ga, said that he himself had made the point last session that the provision was against existing law. ‘Mr, Spanks argued that the law on the subject merely meant that the appropriations for one branch ot the service should not be applied to another branch. This provision did not violate that law, for it only applied tothe appropriation for pay, and al- lowed a transier from one item of pay to onother of Pay. If this elasticity were allowed the dopartment could get aloug with a loss Spricosietion, and he thought there could be no valid objection to it. Mr. Biocyxt, of Georgia, said that while he was + utterly opposed to the provision he would still voto for the bil ce it was, bevause the provision was of little interest as compared to other questions pre- sented by the bill. ve * Mr. VicLane, (dem.) of Md., pes. that, while as 9 general principlo snch a provision was against law and against sound policy, it was not objectionable when’ confined, as ‘thie was, to the items coming under one goneral head. Me Mr. Cox, of New York, thought that the matters were somewhat irrelevant to the issue which hed been the cause of the meeting of Congross. Let thore be a vote on the amendment, and then let the House to treat the real point of difference— namely, the sixth section, in regard to the use of troops at the polls. z Mr. GanvIexp, (rep. of Onio) stated that the ex- isting law was enacted while he was chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and explained the various for its enactinent, He believed that the pro- vision objected to was in the wrong direction, ‘M. Sranks, of INinois—Do I understand the gentle- man to favor the motion to strike it out? Mr. GanvieLp, of Ohio—Ido. Lhope the, proviso will be struck out. ‘Mr. Spans, of Ilinois—As far as I am céncerned Tam willing to have it struck out. It was put iu ‘at the suggestion of the Secretary of War and the execttive officers and because it was believed by the committee that money could be saved by it. After some further discussion the provision was struck ont by a vote of 104 to 95. Mr. RwaGax, (dem.) of Texas, moved to strike ont a like provision’ in regerd to appropri ‘ular supplies,” “incidental e quarters” and “army transportation. Mr. McCook, of New York, oe poner the difficulty that might arise if riots should suddenly break ont in some quarters, and it the President in reply toa call even from democratic Governors showld send troops there, while there is no provision made for the expense of such transportation ot troops. Mr. Ganrrevp, of Ohio, thought it better to have appropriations made and confined to the respective items, and if they were not suflicient for the purpose let a deficiency bill be reported. That was the only proper way. After some further discussion the provision was stricken out—all the domocrats and some repub- licans voting 1m the affirmative on this and the last vote. ‘Mr. McCook moved to amend the item of $50,000 for the conversion of smooth bore guns by making it read :—‘For conversion of smooth bore and fabri- cation of heavy rifle guns, $100,000," He «tated the importance of his amendment in view particularly of the defence of New York Harbor. Mr. Cuxmmn, (dem.) of Pa, suggested the omis- sion of the words, “and fabrication of heavy rifle.” The country, he said, was not in a conditon to enter on tho fabrication of heavy rifle gifns, Mr. McCook, of New York, Sgreed to modify his amendment to that extent. Mr. Spanks, of Illinois, opposed the increase of ap- propriation for that purpose. Mr. McCoox, of New York, in advocacy of his amendment, stated that in the event of war with o first, class nisritime Power the harbors of the coun- try (New York and others) were practically defence less, except by the torpedo system, and that in order to make the torpedo system effective there must be harbor deftnces. ~ Mr. Baxen, (rop.) of Ind., advocated the amend- ment on like grounds, He asserted that there was nota city on the American seaboard that could not be laid under tribute by a single one of the great iron-clads of any of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth class nations, Mr. Biount, of Georgia, trusted that the House would keep in'view simply the political issues in- volved in the bill and not go into the subject of arma and fortifications. The people felt no apprehension of danger from foreign war. The House had not done itself the justice of appointing committees to examine the subjects, and he trusted that this and all other amendments offlike character would be voted down. ‘fhe amendment was tod —92 to 113, Mr. CaLxrns, (rep.) of Ind., submitted an amend ment providing that all officers and men who served during the rebellion in the regular or voluntecr ser- vice of the army or navy #hall bo credited with tho time they #0 served in computing their services for pay, and that any officer hereafter retired shall be re- tired with the highest rank that he ever held (exclu- sive of brevet rank) oither in the regular or volun- toct service. The amendment was ruled out on 4 point of order. Section 6, relative to the uso of troops at the polls, having been reached was passed over tor the present. The section authorizing tho Secretary ef War to issue smail arms, &c., to any college oF university which may desire them and which havo 150 inale. students having been reached, An amendment to tho section was adopted reducing the requisite number of students to 100, Mr. Coxoxr, of Michigan (alinding to @ clerical er- hereby the clause “univorsitios’ in tho United printed ‘‘universities of the United tates"), Lae and his surprise that gentlemen on the other side should be found voting in favor of grant- ing arms to anything belonging to United States. Being informed that the error had corrected, he remarked that he had mado @ mistake in suppor ing that the other side would knowingly vote any- thing in the shape of arms or power to anything = seemed to belong to the United States, (Laugh- er. On motion of Mr. Ha , (fep.) of Conn., the wholo section was sielonta oat’ he stating that he made the metion on grounds of economy, and be- causo the cxisting law on the subject was quite ade- quate, as it yavo the President authority to detail military officers as inetructors and to supply small’ arms and Hight aruillery, The committes then rose (having dixposed of all but two or three of the ordinary provisious of the ao House, at four o'clock, adjourned. tho republican cancus wae announced fo bo immediately, ©. held tm ; 3 THE STATE CAPITAL, Alleged Collapse of the Anti-Tilden Combination. RIVAL RAILROAD INTERESTS. Lobbyists Opposing the Hudson River Tunnel Scheme . CHEAP MILK FREIGIITS. Property Owners Demanding Compensation from Rapid Transit Companies. 1 (BY TELEGRAPH TO TITE HERAT. Atpany, March 27, 1879, ‘The Belden-gnti-Tilden-Tummany-machine repub- lican combination plan scems to bave come to grief so far as present indications explain the situation here to-day. Ihave heard Joud boasting of what was to happen through the operations of this congrega: tion of political athletes, but such an incongruons mixture of statosmen con{d not, it is said, sco the way clearly when tho field came to be closcly surveyed in Albany. The exposure in the Hrnasp of the unholy alliance, it is understood, did a good deal toward breaking up the scheme. The plan was a bold one, but the clements brought together after its conception were of so heterogenous @ char- acter that it was found impossible to work in absolnte harmony. If thove elements could jo cemented so as to work unitedly against the common eneimy—tho,Tliden-Robinson-Cooper phalanx—much might beaccomplished. The Langbein Removal bill might be passed, tho Gumbleton pronunciamento against Governor Robinson made part of the ground- work for impeachment, and the rebel clement in the House, headed by, that courageous leader, George B. Sloan, checked in their vigorous onslaughts against the “Old Guard.” But it was found dificult to keep the Canal Ring, machine republicans, Tam- many democrats an® corporation wirepullers to- gether. Tho ¢aleium light of public inquiry was directed to the operations of this uliarly or- ganized band. Gumbleton’s excoriation of the Goyernor remains on the table, and unless some change takes piaco before the ad- journment of the Legislature to-morrow, tho paper is likely to be smothered by reference to thé Judicizry Committee. The de- tails of this magnificent piece of political intrigue are said to have been arranged in New York last week at the house of a prominent political leader, It is now evident that the tactics of the gentlemen who took part in this wise conference will have to be changed if they expect to+ achiove any de- cigive results against Governor Robinson and his friends in the present Legislature. The abuse of that official by the decapitated County Clerk has done him far more harm than good, so far as I can judge from the expressions of legislators with whom Iconversed here to-night. The idea of im h- ment, too, is laughed at; and if the republican leaders are wise they will not press such an issue. The mero suggestion has alrca ty raised a sentiment here, and I am also told throughout the State, agsinst any such movement. A prominent repub- lican remarked to me to-night at Stanwix Hallin connection with the subject:—“It Lucius Robinson were impeached by us he would andoubtedly be re- electe:l Gqvernor next November by at least sixty thousand majority.” _ : OPPOSITION TO HAYES’ TUNNEL BILL. ‘uliar movement relative to Mr. Hayes’ Tan- nel bill, in connection’ with which the Heratp has exhibited so much interest, developed itself here to- night. It has been represented to me that the lobby men aro taking a very lively interest in the matter ,and havo opened their batteries against the bill. Whether or not they are in the interests of the Cen- road remains to be seen. Several of these . gentlemen were on the floor of the y, lobbying against the measure when it came up lor discussion in Committee of the Whole, The anti-cot ints have a interest in this measure, and if the Central people really mean by this opposition to this bill to keep up the Chinese wall which they havo built around New York’s commercial interests they are likely to have their hands full for the balance of the session. I am informed that in case of such impediments being thrown in the way of Mr. Hayes’ ode ition a plan will soon be developed by which this corporation will be called upon to explain its peculiar tactics in this connection. It is conceded, too, that this monopoly is by no means invulnerable to further attacks of 3 similar nature. * A SALARY BILL. Mr. Hayes’ New York Salary bill, which was re- cently reported in full in the Hrnanp, will be re- ported favorably to-morrow. This bill provides for different teen of policomen, but does not inter- fere with the salaries of present incumbents. RAPID TRANSIT LEGISLATION. The Assembly Committee on Railroads gave an- other hearing upon the subject of rapid transit legie- lation for New York and Brooklyn this afternoon. None of the nine bills introduced in the Assembly upon the subject have yet been reported from the committee. Mr. Avhabel Green appeared betore the committee as Couneel for tho Metropolitan Elevated road and said that Mr. Field had stated every- thing that was necessary concerning all the bills except the ono introduced by Mr. Bradley, of Westchester. This bill prohibits any elevated road from crossing the track of another road upon the seame grade. Afr. Green said that the company which he represented had finally hit upon a plan forcrose- ing the track of another road which would bear the test of investigation. He announced that Mr. Beard, the engineer of the road, would appear before the committee next week with drawings illustrating his plans. The committee postponed further hearing on this measure until Thursday of next week. By far the most important bill before the committee ts the one introducea by Mr. Trowbridge, of Brooklyn, commonly known as the “Compensa- tion bill.” ‘This proposition was discussed before the committes to-day by several interested parties, The bill provides that any elevated road which shall, be built in Brooklyn shall pay five per cent of its goss receipts into the city treasury every six months for tho benefit of the property owners along the line of the routes whose Property may be injured by the operating of such is. Mr. Trowbridge first appoared in support of his bill. He called attention to the fact that there was great demand for rapid transit in Brooklyn, and that the le would have it. The experience ta New York had been that the operty along the line of the clevated roads had been injuted. Elevated were entirely how enterprises in New York and their franchises had deen granted without many restrictions. There was, theretore, nothing in the’'general law which vided for whatever consequential damages which might arise to property owners. The bill bad been drawn with great care, and provided that the city assessors should assess the damages. He thought rapid transit woukl come in Brooklyn in spite of any legislative interference. He should vote for it, but not until this bill or some other one embodying its principles should become a law. SPECIAL PLEADING. Mr. 'T. K. Horton, a large real estate owner, pro- Auced tho statement of persons showing that 100 flats on Sixth avenue could not be rented to respect able people, because of the dlevated railroad obstru: tion—noise, gas, &¢.; also similar testimony in Pearl street, showing that property had been greatly injured by the Fapid transit company. He «wemanded that it perty ia to be thus injured withont compensa- tion it will be like securing authority to rob one class of individuals to enrich another class, Mr. Winchester Britton then made on argument in sup- port of Mr. Horton. If the people of Brooklyn de- mand id transit and 8 cot ition ts ready to fur- nish it, between the two there ought to be some provision mado so that the entire loss to be inenrred should not — a few persons. It is a fair proposition that where one party is to be benefited by an improvement and another injured that the former should stend some part of the dam- age. Mr. Britton could not suggest a definite plan for snch compensation, but thought that something ought tobe done. Under the present constitution all the damage paid for public improvements fs for the property actually taken, whilo in most of the Western States consequen- tial damages assessed. There was now an opportunity’ for correcting the injustice as it existed in this State, and would do it by amending the general law under whtch the prosent corporations were organized, When asked the Gece seen Go prene it pensased by — kad damages upon ro} vated roads, Mr. Britton thet he woald bave the roads pay part of the damage and the city corpora tion the rest. DERATING THE SUBJECT IN THE Houses. ‘The « ene of rapid transit also came up in the Houee to-day in Committees of the Whole. ‘the dis cussion camo in connection with Mr. Og- den’s bill to permit the erection of an elevated steam railroad on Atlantic avenno, Brooklyn, from the South ‘ogg ? to Carlton avenue. Mr. Grady attacked the bill fiercely on the ground that it did not provide for compen- eation to property holders along the line of the route. He called attention to tho evils arising from rapid transit in New York—the injury to real estate, noire, bad agement, &c. Such objections were raised . for in his road monopolists when the quostion of providt rapid transit facilities for New York was agitat without success session after session. Mr, O<den ade an effective speech in support of his bill, call- ing attention to the great necessity that existed for rapid transit in Brooklyn now that it had been pro- Vide for the wefropotis. Mr. Langbein followed on the same side, After an hour's discussion the bill was progressel. Senator Pierce aixo introdnced & bill in the Senate providing for the compensation of owuers of property who thay suffer from the creo tion of clevated railroads, VICTORY FOR THE ANTI-CORPOLATIONISTS. The first signal vietory of the sexsion—and, in fact, of any session for the past dozen years—ot the honext members of Assembly over the railroad corporations was achieved to-day. This vietory may be looked upon as the entering wedge to a suecess- ful warfare against grasping monopolics which have robbed the people.of the State of millions in property and) mon bought and sold lege islators like shesp ‘at the shambles; pur chased immnnity trom attack with the pro- covds of sale of watered stock aud generally corrupted the public service. “Tho Milk bill was oF dered to a third reading shortly before adjournment, without any debate other than a facetions speceh road from his place by ME. Wheeler, of Dutchess. ‘The gentlemen's remarls tod with clappin, of hands. He was handed a yless of pure 4 tito refresh himself upon resuming bis seat. bill ents down the prices which the roads charge for bringing milk to New York some thirty per cent, the present prices boing considered very exorbitant and outrageous. No doubt exists but that the bill will pass the House. Whether the ma- chine corporation Senators can be induced to keep ont of po.itier! graves by pushing it torough that branch of the Legis remains to be seen. The lobby will doubtless have something to say about it. RAILROAD COMMITTEE PSTHONAGE, the Honse wax, too, occupied for au ing the simple matter of ap- to the special committee re- investigate the railroads of the ware hour to-day in dis: pointment of # cently designated State. This com ix probebly ong of the most important that hi en formed in Albany for some time. Heneo heat of didussion as to the selection a clerk, Mr. A. DB. Hep: burn, chairman of the committes—an _anti-cor- rationist—otlered , a resolntion which called lor the appointment of a lawyer to fill this place, The story goes that the “Old Guard” or cor- porationixts’ wished to secure the position for a gentleman from Syracuse—the headquarters of the canal rivg. The “young Legislative chips’ rallied around Mr. Hepburn and,secured the selection of his candidate, During the discussion an excitin, ine: occurred between the Speaker an Mr. The latter gentleman. evi- dently feels aggrieved at his treatment in being dropped from so important a committee in the deal consummated to add four additional names to the number previously designated by the Speaker, It was conceded that a man of Mr. Brooks’ ability would have been a yreat power upon such a commit tee. A public man ot unquestioned honesty and Kteadiness of purpose, it is now argued that the rail- posi corporations were afreid to ‘permit him to act onthe committee. They consequently set to work and had his name withdrawn. When he was called to-day upon the resolution to appoint Mr. Chamberlain clerk of this committee he asked & be excused from voting and proceeded to address the Chair. ‘As one of the minority of this House,”* Mr. Brooks remarked, “I think we have been insulted in the crganization ‘of this committee.” Speaker Alvord here rapped his gavel vigorously and shouted, “The gentleman is out ot order.” Mr. Brooks ate tompted to procee, notwifhstanding the interrup- tion of the Speaker, when he was again called to r. The eyes of the member from Richmond flashed fire gs he looked up monacingly at Mr. Alvord, He dat down with the emphatic statemont, “I submit to the power of the Chair.” This closed the little scene. FRAMING A NEW EXCISE BILL. Tho committee appointe by tho delegations fro Kings, New York and Erie counties to consolida and revise the various excise bills now before the House into one upon which they could all agree met to-night. It was remarked that a single democrat was present. Assembly! Strahan and Langbein, ot New York; Talmadge, ot Kings, and Swift, of Eric, were on hand, and, ‘taking the Dill introduced by the Committec on Internal Affairs as a basis went to work. They revised and amended the first eighteen sections, and adjourned until Monday evening next. The principal change:nade in the bill was the striking out of the clause permitting arbitrary arrests by the police and the insertion of an amendment to the effect that no arrests for violation ot the Excise law shall be made except upon a warrant issued by @ magistrate. AUBURN PUISON INQUIRY. ‘Was the removal of L. R. Wells from the position of Agent and Warden of Auburn Prison in violation of law? is the question which a special committee of the Senato was recently appointed to inquire into, The first actual meeting of the committee was held this afternoon at four o'clock. Superintendent Pils- bury, who removed Mr. Wells and inted Mr. J. Moses in hin place, and who is therefore in a manner on trial, was present with his counsel, Mr. Henry Smith. Behind him sat Smith Weed and several other well known persons, who were called as witnessee, Senator Pomeroy, chairman of the committee, conducted the examination, assisted oc- casionally by his colleagues. Messrs. Jacobs and popmaarg ¢ ‘When poked whether the — was made ut the request of some person or on his own ‘Mr. bilsbury, aftep, a. considerable pause, answered, “On my own volition.” He had, however, conversed with one person on the subject before the Temoval was made. By advice of his counsel he de clined to state who that m was. He said, how- ,over, that this person had. not come to him until re- quested to do so by witness himself, The following oemeoneress from Pilsbury to Wells was read by jatter :— Orne or Tae Surmmererpext oF State Parsons, } Atwaxy, N.¥., Nay. 18, I87S, Drak Lew—Cannot find your key now, Have look vain, You take the wrong view about “resignation. 1s different from my caso, in which charges had been that wore not t: As to you, no charges are bro: against you. It sto whether, the existiiys feel ? ments of the State governinedt, It is tur the good of all that you should doso. I feel, ander all the circumstances, that [ must make a change, not that there is the least fantt be found with your oficial management, but for the sake of hi or harmony as mattors stand, and T port, confidence and co-operation of both Comptroller to succeed in my own duties, L regret it exceedingly, but they have beon informed that you have repeatedly declared in Auburn and Ni a arMon| that yon “did “not care the place, and was ready to leave it at time,” eo." Your resignation has wot yet received, “but I suppose it will reach me before the 30th. By this mail I orward joses his appyintment. You aro w thoroughly appreciate the tanner in which you have dis charged y elal duties, and that my only renson for the change is thet the public interosts domand porfoct harmony between all connected with the gevernmont of the prisons. desi positiot and no troublo re ave interfered in Matter at all. tractors @ knows better than yourself that when they endeavor to ctl eipline an rest ugwurod that no matter who ts Warden he will be roqnired to carey out my directions and Koep the discipline up to the present standard or vacate his position. LOUIS. The committee adjourned to Thursday afternoon, INSURANCE LITIGATION, Justice Westbrook bet Beene) the following oréer in the matter of the pire Mutual Lift In- surance Company of New York, which, after passt: throngh devious legal ways, has been finally woun up. In bis order, Justice Westbrook recites the fact that the referee reported to him that the Empire Company was indebted to the policy holders in tho sum of $88,043 13, as computed by the actuary,’ and that the expenses of the Teferes were $243 6%, and that for the payment of the same, the Superintendemt of Insurance holds $75,900 in United States fonrand s half percent stock, $31,328 35 cash and $4,500 of a bond and mortgage, Justice Westbrook holds that the surplus, after distri- bution Salon, holders and expenses, to dobn P. eill, as receiver of t company; an after heating Messrs. Harris & Rudd on behalf the Superintendent of Insurance, Wingate & Cullen for the receiver, Foster & Thompson for a majority of the policy holders it is ordered that.the report stand ratified and confirmed; that the superintendent on receipt of a copy of the order sell the stocks and mortyt and pay F. F. Vanderveer, the referes, $750 tor his fee, and disbursements and e: ses $234 63; to Thomas Chaffee, actuary, $500; to & Rudd, $1,250; to Wingate & Culien, 0, and to Foster & Thormaa, $500; to the policy holders the full amount duo them, and turn the remainder over to John P. O'Neill, to be held by O'Neill until the further order of the Court on five days’ notice. Among the risks held by the company was a policy of $1,150 issued to Susan B. Anthony, fifty-two yeurs of age, October 26, 1872, for the benettt of Mary 8. Anthony. | Severalof the risks were pay- able in gold and the heaviest taken was $20,000, A DIVIDEND OF BIGHTY PER CENT. bei Justice Learned to-day made an order that the Superintendent of Insurance pay a dividend of eighty per cent to the creditors of the Now York State Life Instance Company, of Syracuse, forth- with, and to dispose of the secureties of said com- pany as s00n as possible and pay a further dividend of twenty a or so mach as he may Lave funds 8. BOYTON PLYING THE PADDLE, (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Owessporo, Ky., March 27, 1879. Captain Boyton arrived gt Cloverport yesterday afternoon at three o'clock, afler running twenty-six hours through a “wind squall, He rested all night and started at cight o'clock this morne ing to reach Owensboro, a distance of over fifty-two miles. The trip was an unusually severo one, as the sun was scorching, as the swimmer plied his paddies the reflection from the him intense suffering. He arrived bere at six o'clock P. M. On it was found that one of his hands was badly swollen, and it is doubtful if ho will ever reach the Father of Waters. His land. ing wasamid the wildest onuthusissm, and all day Jong the river has echoed the boom of cannon, He leaves for Evanevilic in the morning. _ THE FITZ JOHN PORTER CASE, Wasttrxctos, Maroh 27, 1879, ‘Tho procectings by the Court of Inquiry in the Fitz John Porter caso bave reached the President, Though as yet it hos been sible to obtam offi. cial information concerning the report, it can be stated that the friends of General Porter teel conf. Belson tt is the ond of all government and dis- ey ci dent that the findings are in overy way in his fevot snd that he has on completely oxonerated trom the y