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About Weekly constitutionalist. (Augusta, Ga.) 185?-1877 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 20, 1867)
BY associated press dispatches. * From W ashington. Washington, February 10. The New Orleans Riot Committee will make a report to-morrow, condemning roe and censuring the President. TL . an(3 tee adds that loyal people are will, in connection with their r cporl» and ancl adoption of a bill to appoint a G °l%*% way Council, under .hose '"Pgr™?”* '£%fi£ reorganize, permitting only lojah^, TO? of color, to vote. , , r ., Q118 w j]l prob- The Committee of the Internal Rcve ahly report early Jui be to reduce the nue bill. The leading id e3r jiest possible mo tax on manufactures at th a Government meat. The lately carried out, forbid this plan “nly a partial action, and hcuce thereiwdl be omy irtieleg and more of U *ing, such ■vrhfch enter larg y kitchen utensils, "-SJSa£d -clothing made from Spies already taxed. Their bill will exempt many articles which are now paying two per Sit such as glue, wagons used lor forming and freighting, butter and cheese. An exemption section is added, providing for thp refunding of amounts paid on raw. materials which afterwards are employed in manufac tures Many articles are exempted because the expense*of collection exceeds the tax. Boxes, bottles and barrels, the contents of which are taxed will be exempted. The cotton tax will remain unchanged ; that on cane sugar is placed at one cent per pound. The liquor tax will be unchanged, hut the license tax will be increased Jrom one to five hundred dollars. Distillations of apples and peaches will be iree. Grape bran by will be taxed fifty cents. Tax on wine un changed. All incomes under SI,OOO exempt; all over that amount will be taxed five per cent. The rent, taxes, insurance and repairs are to be deducted from incomes, which will make the average exemption amount to $1,500. Viola tions of the distillery law are to be made pun ishable by a fine of not less than $2,000, and im prisonment of not more than twp years, provi ded that the article distilled isYrffered lor sale at a greater price than the tax chargeable upon it. Washington, February 11. The report of Elliott Shellabarger, appointed the 10th December : Commenced the following day examining citizens of Louisiana lie, e, and commenced his examination in lsew Orleans 22d December and closed 3d January; resumed here 15th ult. and closed the examination on 2d February. He examined 170 witnesses, 47 of whom we-e examined at the request of citizens in.New Orleans. “ Our history shows no riot so destitute of justifiable cause, resulting in a massacre so inhuman and fiend-like. The di rect cause of the riot was the re-assembling ol the Convention, pursuant to a call of Hon. R. H. Howell, acting President.” The committee gives a history of the Convention and the riot. Some policemen acted to save not to destroy life. Several members, including Fish, were saved by being arrested. Gov. Hahn was pro tected by passing from the hall to prison, though he received many blows from other polieemen before falling into the hands that saved him. There were some other instances of kindness by the police. There were exceptionalities, but the police and mob, in bloody emulation, con tinued the butchery until nearly two hundred were killed and wounded. Ten policemen were wounded, nine severely, none killed. If the Convention had been armed, or the colored people had been called in advance tq protect the Convention, this could not have been the case. The riot was not an accident. It was the determined purpose of the Mayor to disperse the Convention. The committee proceeds to discuss the question, quoting a telegram from the President to Lt. Gov. Voorhies, which they Bay assured Voorhies of Presidential support hT the proposed action. The President is ceu sured for overlooking the Governor, whom he knew to be loyal, in addressing the Lieut. Gov ernor and Attorney General, known not to be in sympathy with the Governor, and giving di rections which, if carried out as the Lieut. Gov ernor and Attorney General understood'them, would have placed the military with the Mayor in arresting members of the Convention. The President knew the condition of affairs in July, and knew that the rebels, Thugs and disloyal men controlled Monroe’s election. He knew snch men chiefly composed the police. He knew Mayor Monroe, an unpardoued rebel, was suspended by the military; he had sub sequently pardoned him; must have known Voorhies and Herron’s rebel antecedents knew that riot and bloodshed was apprehended; knew that military orders were in force, yet without the knowledge of the Secretary of War, or General of the Army, gave orders by telegraph, intended to compel soldiers to aid the rebels against men loyal during the war. The com mittee discusses .at length the right of Congress to legislate to place Louisiana -within the con trol of loyalfmen. The military must control until the people of Louisiana adopt a Constitu tion, assuring the safety of the Republic, and receiving the sanction of Congress. These re sults follow successful war. These results would not follow, had it been insurrection in stead of civil war, until a loyal state ot Louisi ana exists in full accord -with the United States, and a Republican form of government is guaranteed, and the objects of the war un attained. The accomplishment of this requires] temporarily, a Provisional Government. The loyal people of Louisiana must form such a Constitution,, in the meantime, as their .safety require a Provisional Government. In dis charge of their duty, the committee submits the following bill: Be it enacted, That the President nominate and the Senate confirm a Governor of Louisi ana, who holds one year unless sooner removed by the President, with the consent of the Sen ate, unless sooner relieved by a successor, elect ed under the provisions of this act. The Gov ernor must be a citizen of Louisiana and must at all times have borne true faith and allegiance to the .United States ; shall take the oath of July 2d, 1862, in addition that he has done no act . which would work disqualification under’ the provisions of this act. Second. The President shall nominate and the Senate confirm a provisional council. of nine persons qualified like the Governor and taking the same oath, and to continue in office unless sooner removed by the President, the ■ Senate tlje Legislature is duly elected under the provisions of this bill, the council with the Governor to be invested with legislative power. In no ease shall such Gov ernor or counseller enter office until confirmed by the Senate; the Council remains in perpet-. ual session, with power to adjourn for not, longer than thirty days. The majority consti- j lutes a quorum. Third. The duty of the Governor is to see to the execution of the Federal State laws ; shall nominate, with consent of the council commis sion, officers now existing or hereafter cheated, to hold, unless relieved by the Governor, conn- ■ cil consenting, until their successors are elect ed and qualified, as herein provided. All such . officers and members of the convention herein provided must be able 16 take the oath pre- j scribed. Fourth. Electors qualified by this act, unless Congress orders otherwise, on the first Tuesday in June, 1867, shall elect a Governor, Lieut enaat- Govefnor, a Senate and House of Representa tives, and other officers herein provided—Sena tors and Representatives same number from* same districts as now. All officers to hold a year, or until successors are. duly qualified, un less sooner relieved as herein qualified. The powers, duties, fees and compensations as now, unless inconsistent with this act. Fifth. The following, and none others, shall vote: male citizens of the United States twen ty-five years old, regardless of race or color, one year in the State, have never bore arms against the country since a citizen, can truly take the oath of July 2d, 1862; provided, that any other person, otherwise qualified as an elec tor, who never voluntarily gave aid and com fort to the rebellion, nor the government inimi cal to the United States, in any other' manner, capacitor, or rank, than as a private soldier in open and civilized warfare, may be admitted to the rights of an elector by order of a Federal Court of Record, by establishing the facts on the testimony of persons who have always been loyal, and establishing thus, as aforesaid, that after the 4th of March, 1864, never gave volnn taiy aid and comfort to the rebellion, or the j covernment • to v l* sects and 1 subseri | Upon establishing tfte above foett which t bing to the oath that these tin g that be w ;n bring him within the pro' nt of t >, e j bear true allegiance to JJrfWJ ot the stales, j United receive a certificate entitling thereunder he shall ricrn him to choral Was u autborisc a t o Sixth. Tbc Secret fQr the joat and true make and pnb» prior to any election i registration and» Ume for bo lding elections not ordered*hi this act; the place and manner of inducting elections ; appointment and com pensation of officers of election, and every hther thing necessary to holding tree elections But all persons appointed shall be electors under the provisions of this act, and shall take the oath ol July 2d, and do faithfully discharge the duties. Seventh. On the third Tuesday of October, unless otherwise ordered by Congress, persons qualified shall vote for members of the Con vention to ados>t a Constitution and for framing a Government for the State of Lotiisiapa; quali fications, twenty-five years old, and all others required in case of Governor under this act; number of delegates and districts same as now for House ; none entitled to seats unless they take the oath of July 2d, 1362. The Constitu tion shall not permit distinction on account of color or race ; shall recognize Xhe power and duty of the Government to enforce the perpet ual unify of the States ; shall provide that na debt contracted in support of the rebellion be assumed or paid ; no pension compensation or gift bestowed or paid by the State to any per son by'reason of snytbing done or suffered in support of the rebellion. The Constitution submitted to electors qualified by this act, elec tion held under rules prescribed by the Secre tary of War. If approved by a majority to be submitted to Congress. Eighth. It will be the duty of the President to designate forthwith an officer of the army, not under a Brigadier General, to be stationed in Louisiana, to be the military commander with in the State. It shall be the' further duty of the President to place there, under command of such General, a requisite force lo execute the duty prescribed, whenever the civil authorities refuse, neglect or omit the speedy enforcement of the laws for the punishment or preventionfof crime against the rights of any person whatso ever, thh General shall arrest and hold such of fender until the civil authorities prosecute.— The General shall assist the civil authorities in enforcing the laws, regulate elections, ensure the enforcement of the laws without regard to race or color. Ninth. The laws ol the Council or Provisional Legislature shall be certified to by the Secretary of the Senate lor Congressional approval.— Should Congress disapprove, the fact shall be certified to the Chief Justice of Louisiana, and such disapproved laws shall be void after dafe of receipt by the Chief Justice. Tenth. Until admitted to representation as a loyal State, Louisiana will be allowed one dele gate in Congress, chosen at the first election, ordered herein, and must have the same quali fications as the Governor shall have rights and powers ot territorial representatives now in the House. Eleventh*. All laws now in force in Louisiana consistent wih this act and laws of the United States to remain ■in force until repealed or modified, provided no person shall be compe tent to act or. a jury Who is an elector under this act. All expense incident to adminis trate provisional government, herein pro vided, shall be collected and paid as now due for the support of the present government. Boyer’s report is long and supports, by evi dence and arguments from versions not pub lished at the time and repeated since by the press of New Orleans aud the South, conclud ing that the riot was local, “ originating in lo cal circumstances, showing no hostility on the part of the community toward the Federal Government. It is monstrous' to hold the whole people responsible for a riot'provoked by incendiary speeches. The same course would have led to riot in any city of the Union. The conventionists in uniting with negroes counted first on military then on Congression al support. Denounces Judge Howell as lead ing the conspiracy then abandoning his fellow conspirators. The excitement in the House to-day was in tense. Mr. Stevens, who, it is said, had a three column speech on his bill in type, resisted the previous question on the Riot Committee’s bill angrily but ineffectually. Mr, Elliott was anxious to have his bill dis cussed, but evidently mystified by the rapid proceedings after every filibustering motion, wanted to know, before the vote, Where thepro posed action would place his bill. His repeat ed questions produced much laughter. It is feared by friends of his bill that the House will get in the habit of laughing at him and .destroy the efleet of the closing speech, to which Elliott is entitled as chairman of the committee. The motion to adjourn prevailed, pending the vote on the main question, which was forced by a Congressman demanding the reading of the bill, which would occupy an hoar. The minority are most resolute, and on the Republican side there seems to be much dissat isfaction. Washington, February 12. The District Supreme Court decides in the Magruder case, who, after disavowing his alle giance to Great Britaiq and affirming a belief in the Christian religion, swearing allegiance to the United States, and was admitted to practice, subsequently became a Confederate officer.* In extenuation of breaking his oath, Magruder plead that he believed he owed fealty-first to his native State, next to the Federal Govern ment. This, -Judge Carter maintained, itself bars his admission, even if the test oath (lid not exist. Oaths—the constitutionality, propriety and necessity of which are undoubted by the Court, did not argue the mandatory character ol the Supreme Court. The decision in the cases are claimed to be different. These ques tions were regarding existing members, here original admission —there to exclude —here to admit, and claimed the right inherent in the Court to admit or reject applicants, while the action of the Supreme Court itself, ruling by a bare majority of one, left the Court free* to form its own opinions of the rule regarding thfe test oath, and Magruder’s applieatioh was rejected. The committee to investigate the custom house frauds at Boston show a doubtful prac tice, implicating four Government officers, and I $500,000 were compromised for over $100,000,! of which $50,000 only reached the Treasury.—- j The committee say, and insist, that the exam- ! pie thereby exhibited is a dangerous one, and 1 the precedent, if it shall go unchecked and un- ! rebuked, will demoralize, if hot debauch the 1 whole public service of the country. The Mexican Minister discredits the report- * Cd defeat and capture of President Juarez. ! The Republicans are for from hopeful of <ret-' ting Elliot's bill through the Senate in time to 1 1 become a law this session. It is popular with ' them. It is considered an Initiatory step. They ' Cxpect to apply it to ass Slates. " ! Washington, February 13. A treaty lms been concluded with the Kaw Indians to leave Kausas, but their destination has not transpired. /' \ \ Counterfeit tens on national bank notes have appeared. ’ The general appearance is very good ; back not well executed, but the imita tion of blue is excellent. The engraving of DeSoto discovering the Mississippi > rather Inferior. The District registers decide that the Pres idential pardon don’t restore ’Confederates to franchise. - . To facilitate the conversion of seven-thirties due in August, the Treasury Department pro poses paying express charges until the first of April to Washington, and on bonds refunded. Thd steamer Cuyier, recently seized at New York, will be permitted to sail on the owners Su ing-bond to twice the'value of the vessel he is claimed by Golombia as a war vessel and manned by Confederates. The Minister of Colombiais endeavoring to get better terms. A negro has been appointed to a first-class clerkship in the Treasilry ; a desk was assigned him to-day. Washington, February 1-L • Dnring last night’s session the Senate was | engaged on the District of Colombia bill, and | the House on the Ways and Means bill regard | ing internal revenue. The'President submitted papers in the con i troversy between the New York and Louisiana ! Tehnnntepec Transit Companies. The opinions j of Caleb Cushing, Reverdy Johnson and others, 1 are in eluded. The result is not indicated. The meeting last night of the Conservative Republicans, friends of the President and pro minent Southerners in this city at Willard’s ! was merely colloquial. Nothiug was determin i’ ed on, though a free exchange of opinions seemed to dispel the gloom 'somewhat. Other ! meetings will follow. The anxiety regarding ! the immediate passage by the Senate of either bill is abating, though Ihe excitement and ap { prehension are still great. Washington, February 15. The Benate last night passed the bill author izing a submarine bridge under the Mississippi at St. Louis. The House struck out the whisky license, leaving it as now. Bingham voted for Stevens’ bill, notwith standing his opposition to it. / A movement in favor of Blaine’s amendment, making the adoption of the Constitutional Amendment wilh universal suffrage append ed a finality, gains ground. Several Re ; publiean Senators witi help the Democrats fight the hill to a “ pocket veto,” unless the amendment is added-wliich will take it back to the House. There is rqally some hope that the bill will go over. As the crisis approaches Senators are becoming serious over the respon : slbilities of fathering the bills. The Land Commissioners have received re turns from Jackson, Mississippi, showing nine- I ty.&ix farms, aggregating over 5,000 acres, add- I ed to the productive force that State. . The Stockbridge Indians have by re : linquished their Wisconsin reservations. Gov. Jos. E. Brown and Judge D. A. Walker have been admitted at the Supreme Court. ' Washington, February 16. The proceedings were scattering on Blaine’s amendment. Many amendments were offered. The point on which the Republicans split is the Confederate vote; all favor blacks voting, but some seem to abhor the idea of disfranchising the whites and placing the Stales at the mercy of the blacks. Others seem determined to dis franchise the Confederates as a punishment, others because they 'fear their influence and votes as dangerous to the country. Several motions to adjourn ore negatived, and a proposition to vote at 12 o’elock to-night was rejected. The Senate finally adjourned without a vote or understanding. In the course of debate, Mr. Doolittle said the people of the South would not accept uni versal suffrage, but would prefer military rule. Mr. Wilson responded—“ Make them accept it.” The Republican Senators were in caucus this morning.. Mr, Wilson introduced a bill de claring the Amendment ratified and a part of the Constitution. The Republican caucus appointed a commit- | tee ot seven, to combine Steveus’ aud Elliott’s j bills, to apply to all Southern Slates. j Two hundred and eighty farms, under the j Homestead Law, were reported from Florida i during January. The Internal Revenue receipts for the week ! is $2,500,000. Henry St. Marie, who betrayed Surratt, is here. Nothing has" been beard of Surratt His is a long passage. Concurrent resolutions of the New York Legislature approving the District of Columbia suffrage bill were presented. The matter of an illeged corruption of members involving the Tionor of the House, promising not to do cer tain things if the President changed liis policy, embracing who the members were who carried the messages between them and the President, was referred to a select committee of three. Two and a quarter millions were appropria ted for the revenue cutter service. A bill to build light-houses at the following points was passed: Bratldocks’ Point, Ga.,' Combahee Bank, Ga., Tybee Island Knob, Ga., Morris Island, S. C., St. Simons, Ga., Wolf Island, Ga., Sapelo Island, Ga. Four million eight hundred thousand dollars were appropriated for river and harbor im provements. The South only gets two hun dred thousand for the improvement of the mouth of the Mississippi. A bill providing lor a President in case of a vacancy was passed : First, pro tern. President of the Senate, then Speaker, then Supreme Judge succeeds. The Senate insisted on its amendment to the bankrupt bill and asked for a committee of conference. Mr. Stevens’ bill was resumed. Mr. Doolittee said it was a declaration of war against ten §tates. He closed his speech at half-past four. Mr. Saulsbury took the floor, when the Senate took recess. Washington, February 17. Senate.—Mr. Sherman’s substitute passed at 6% o’clock this morning, 29 to 10. It is substan tially Mr. Blaine’s amendment. The bill will meet serions opposition in the House. Several Republicans, including Stevens and Brandegee, are reported as indignant that the President should appoint officers to approve death sentences, or Federal courts allowed to issue habeas corpus. Friends of the measure apprehend a veto; and bolters may defeat the entire measure. Three Senators voted nay on the motion to substitute Sherman’s admendment for Stevens’, namely, Saulsbury, Bnckalew and Davis; An amendment that all punishments under Sherman’s substitute be according to law, de feated by a vote of 8 to 29. Mr. Sherman’s substitute in the preamble, gives military provisions and districts similar to Mr. Stevens’, only that the President, instead the General, appoints officers. Sentences of death require Presidential approval, and habeas corpus not suspended beyond, that all interfer ence of State authority with military authority is nullified. Section 5. When any rebel State forms a constitution in conformity with the Constitu tion of the United States, framed by a conven tion of delegates elected by male citizens over 21 years of age, without regard to race or color, previous condition resident of the State for one year, except persons disfranchised by participa tion in rebellion or felony. When the Constitu tion provides that the elective franchise be enjoy ed by all persons qualified to vote for delegates. When the Constitution is ratified by a. majority of electors who elected delegates, and is submit ted to. Congress and approved. .When said Slate Legislature elected under said Constitu tion adopts the Constitutional amendment, and said amendment becomes part of the national Constitution, said State shall he declared en titled to representation, and Senators and. Rep resentatives therefrom admitted on taking the oafh prescribed by law, Texas attorneys have commenced proceed ings in the Supreme Court against White, Chiles, Vanderberg, and others, for one hundred thou sand dollars worth of Texas indemnity bonds obtained on unfulfilled and alleged unlawful contracts during the rebellion. The Secretary of the Treasury has been notified of the pro ceedings, and the payment of bonds is stopped, pending the snit, by order of the Court. This ease involves nice-political questions. t'rom Charleston. VIEWS OF GOV. ORR. Charleston, Februafy 14. At the anniversary banquet of .the Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Orr said the political rela ; lions were grave. He Was recently in a position \ to consult with the controllers of the Govern | ™ eTJ /‘ frankness, it was difficult to tell ; ‘Utnre political situation. Several Southern j gentlemen hoped to secure the support of the 4 conservative Radicals. ' Hence the scheme. Ilis judgment is if North Carolina and Arkansas aaopt the programme, and others adopt it, or ! a i disposition to do so, it would produce . "J® and save the South from many proposed Radical measures. From St. iionis. St. Louis, February 16. through a bridge, thirty miles east of St. Joseph. One person was killed and many .wounded. No Southerners There have been terrific floods, washing away bridges in all directions* s SHIPMENT OF SPECIE. New York, February 16. Specie was shipped to-day to the amount of *300,000. Congressional. Washington, February 11. Senate.—Proceedings generally unirapor , taut. The Presidents power to appoint Provi ! sionul Governors was discussed at length. Mr. Dixon moved to amend by asking " whether President Lincoln had the power; questioned the terms of the resolution applying “vice” and“ acting” to President Johnson, ob jected to by .Congress. Mr. Fessenden deprecated the present con sideration,'and finally the whole matter was tabled. The Invalid Peuskm Bill was passed. The Post Office Appropriation Bill was passed. The bill'forbidding reception of the Presi dent aud Vice President (V) was discussed to recess. The Senate is in session to-night. House. —Among the bills introduced, one to promote commerce and ship building, and to establish a mail route in West Virginia. The Ways aud Means, report, amending the internal revenue, was made the special order for Wednesday. Tlie Clerk was directed to -pay the Judiciary a sum not over ten thousand dollars to prose cute their investigation. Mr. Elliot reported the New Orleans riot re port. Mr. Boyers reported a minority report.' Mr. Elliot reported a bill re-establishing the State of Louisiana. Mr. Elliot moved the previous question on the bill. The House seconded the question, 79 to 70— yeas and nays were ordered. Filibustering motions followed. Several mo tions to adjourn. Yeas and nays ordered. The House refused to adjourn—3l to 126. Mr. Elliot expressed a wish to postpone the vote so members could read the bill, but was unwilling to put it out of bis hands. The House, however, ordered the main question—Bs to 59 but Mr. Elliot moved an adjournment. Carried. Washington, February 12. Senate. —Maj. Gen. Mower, Bureau Com missioner of Louisiana, has been assigned to duty according to his brevet rank. Gen. Kiddoo,Bureau Commissioner of Texas, has been relieved and ordered to report to the General commanding the Department ol the Lakes. I Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, Bureau Commissioner of Kentucky, has been relieved. The -bill retiring compound interest uotes, 1 was referred to the Judiciary Committee. The Commerce Committee reported favora- | bly upon a bill-amending a hill for the safety of I passenger vessels propelled by steam. | M.-. 'Morrill introduced a bill regulating, the ; | distribution of the Freedraen’s Bureau fund, j The Judiciary Commute directed report on J j the expediency of a Constitutional amendment j \ extending the Presidential term six years, for- j I bidding re-election, abolishing the office of; ’ Vice-President and Electoral College. The bankrupt bill was taken up. Mr. Sumner urgM his test oath amendment, j The leading discussion was the affairs of the j South. Mr. Howard learned from gentlemen just • from Texas that fifteen murders were commit- j ted, and no convictions. ' . Mr. Doolittle defended the South. Mr. Chandler gave notice of a bill repealing j the tariff arid establishing a uniform tariff of ! fifty per cent, ad valorem on all importations, j The Bankrupt bill was passed by 20 to 10. Mr. Wilson introduced a bill to pay for quartermaster stores taken from loyal people. A committee was appointed for each State, to whom all claims were to be referred. Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. The Senate is in session to-night* House. —The Committee of Ways and Means was instructed to inquire into the expediency of allowing rebate of ten per cent, of tariff on imports in American bottoms. Mr. Elliott’s bill was resumed \?nd amended by striking out provision for one representa tive in Congress. A long eoloquy ensued, the Democrats ask ing time for debate. Mr. Stephens ineffectually asked a postpone ment for the consideration of his bill. Motion i rejected*—4o to SO. Messrs. Boyer and Harden spoke against the j bill. Mr. Elliott redd a letter from Julian Neville, of New Orleans, grand son of revolutionary Neville ; appealing for a loyal government in Louisiana; also a resolutions of Southern Loy alist Association endorsing the bill. The House passed the bill—ll3 to 48. Republi cans voting nay : Baker, Bingham, Kuykendall, Stillwell, Thayer, Whaley. Mr. Stevens’ bill was resumed and the House |adjourned. Washington, February 18*. Mr! Pomeroy presented a petition of Arkan sas loyalists, asking an amendment to Mr. El liot’s bill to include Arkansas. Mr. Wade moved to take up Mr. Elliot’s House bill, hoping that Senators would be brief in their arguments. Mr. Lane asked to proceed to regular busi- Mr. Wade said “if the bill was not acted on immediately, it could not become a law this session. The Chair decided the bill could be read once, but required unanimous consent to go further. A vote was taken upou it and passed 23 to 19. The bill was read. Mr. Hendricks objected to further proceed ings. It lays over. The Military Committee was discharged from further consideration of the bill to pay the Ten- ! nessee Home Guards. The League Island bill was discussed. The Secretary of War was called on for authority and commission during the war, to appoint a Commission to adjudicate war claims of loyal Tennesseans, and the amount and nature of claims adjudicated. Mr. Wade read a dispatch from Colorado. It was of a mass meeting requesting admission. House—The business was generally unim portant. „ , , . Mr. Stevens’ bill earae up. He moved the previous question, which was negatived. Mr. Stevens proposed an amendment which, on ob j jection, he withdrew, saying he had tried vainly j to satisfy gentlemen around him. j Mr Boutwell argued that the Supreme Court j mi-rht decide the States were still States and: en , titled to representation, which ayould cause a j hazardous conflict, hut if the bill passed, the j Supreme Court would have no gbvernment to ; e-organize. Congress would keep in its own hands the political re-organization of their States by passing the bill. , . j At 2 o’clock Mr. Stevens again moved the , previous question. Again negatived. : Mr. Bimrham spoke in opposition, and took ( occasion to highly eulogize Mr. Elliott’s bill. Mr Blair moved the previous question to re fer the bill to the Judiciary Committee. Sec- j Stevens spoke half an hour, and com plained pathetically. He defended the Recon struction Committee, abused Mr. Bingham, op ! nosed Mr. Elliott’s bill, because it mentioned something to be done which lob ced like a 1 1 finality leading to admission. This position was greeted with ‘‘No, no.” Mr Sbellaberger explained thatlhere was A Weciat provision in Mr. Elliott’s bill, requiring the assent of Congress, to proposed admission. yir Stevens’ bill, as passed, reads so-called Confederate States, instead of so-called State*. Mr. Stevens seemed to be regaining his lost P °The main question was taken on Mr. Blair’s motion to refer to the Judiciary. • ! The Democrats generally voted with Mr. j Blaine.. There was two majority against Mr. I Blaine. „ 1 The bill then passed K)y to 00. 1 Mr. Stevens, exulting over the final success 1 of his bill, asked the Speaker if it was in order I for him to endorse the declaration of “ good 1 o’(l Lozertes, that he even yet ruled, and that | there were Gods above.” Adjourned. . Washington, February 14. ' g EN VTE . Mr. Ross, of Arkansas, took his seat. A bill was introduced authorizing the Post ! master General to contract for. a monthly mail between San' Francisco and Honolulu. No * bids to be entertained over one hundred thon ; sand dollars. ‘ The League Island matter was resumed. A motion to take up the Louisiana bill foiled * by a v ote of 17 t<J 25. , The League Island bill passed—27 to 17. It I'to the President. Ia Committee of Conference was appointed on the Tenure of Office bill. , . The Louisiana bill was read a second time. Mr Trumbull spoke of several amendments. Mr Wade said if amended too far they would 1 lose it. He gave notice that he would give the ! Semite no rest when the bill came up till it was P was in favor of both bills—Ste ve^’and the Louisiana. He bad amendments to offer—one abolishing all decrees of the courts fiinee the secession ordinance, i Mr. Fessenden was in favor of both .bills and Blaine’s amendment, which admits States on 1 the adoption 9f the Constitutional Amendment aud impartial suffrage. . Mr. Wade consented to postpone, anil the amendments were ordered to be printed. Mr. Stevens’ bill was taken up and read the second time and ordered printed. The bill retiring compound interest notes | was passed. It goes to the House. The House refused to concur in the Senate s > amendment to thoieuure of the office bill inclu ding Cabinet officers. A committee of coufer i enee was appointed. , ,' The bill tiipay the loyal States war debt pro vides for annssue of a hundred and fifteen mil l-lion five per cent, bonds. Mr.'Delano said this was not the time lor such action, when the credit of the Government was worse than that of any State in the- Luion. Referred to the Ways and Means Committee. The House went into committee on the Rev \ enue Bill. Washington, February 15. Senate.—The Judiciary Committee reported Ia bill regarding appeals, removing limitation in eases arising in rebellious States, and extending I the time one year from the passage of the i act. A bill was introduced providing for the rc rnoval to the District Court any case over five hundred dollars when one of the parties lives in an unrepresented State. Mr. Williams moved to take up Mr. Stevens’ ! bill. Mr. Sunnier hoped the Louisiana bill would take the precedence. ' Mr. Wade favored both ; he was indifferent as to which c .me first. Mr. Stevens’ bill was read. Mr. Williams withdrew his amendment, fear- j iug it would endanger the'bill. He hoped to j reach a vote to-morrow night. Mr. Johnson offered Mr. Williams’ amend- I I ment. It is known as Blaine’s amendment. | I Mr. Stewart regretted that Mr. Williams had | 'changed his mind; he would’ut vote for it j j unless amended ( he did not care if he stood j | alone; he would vote fol no bill leaving nO ; ; escape for the people of the South. Mr. Wilson moved to amend Mr. Blaine’s • I amendment, by giving equal rights to proses- j sions, schools, &c., of all classes. Mr. Wilson favored the bill as it came from I the House, but If amended, desired this addi- j tion. He regarded the battle for impartial suf- j frage as fought and won. Mr. Howard objected, because the amend- j ment acknowledged the validity of State gov- j K ernments. At four-thirty, Mr. Williams moved a recess , till seven o’clock, when he expected the Senate to sit until it passed the bill. House—Considered a number of private bills. The Bounty-bill was resumed. Its provisions j exclude prisoners who joined the Federal army, j The course of argument arrainged the Weal against New England. Considerable bitterness was exhibited. The amendment provoking the discussion was defeated —74 to 85. The bill was passed. Estimates of money required to pay bounties range from two hundred and fifty to six huu dred millions. The Bankrupt bill was taken up. A vote to table the Senate amendment was lost—63 to 65. Foreign. [by the cable.] . London, February 14. Government has advices of the landing of two ship loads of Fenians at Valentia. Wild rumor says their intention is to cut the cable. London, February 15. Our news is meagre; it is suppressed by the Government. A large party of Fenians is sur rounded at Toomiewood ; their escape is doubt ful ; eight hundred are still in the hills near Killarney. The uprising thus far is confined to Kerry and Cork counties ; its spread is im probable. Paris, February 15. Napoleon’s army organization plan is breed ing distrust. Affairs at Crete are unchanged. Florence., February 15. Viscasoli remains Home Minister. London, February 16. County' Kerry is proclaimed in a state of seige. O’Connor and Stephens are said to be identical. Twenty Americans are acting with the Fenians. St. Petersburg. February 16. The Czar will protect Christians, if the Turks refuse them equity. Frankfort, February 16. Bonds, 78. Paris, February 16—Evening. Bonds, 83%. - . . From 3STew York. New York, February 15. The Herald's Washington special says : The Southern loyalists are getting shy of Eliots’ bill. They have apprehensions of negro Governors amt Legislators. ~ Captain Olney, of the steamer Washington Irving, has been arrested on the requisition of Governor Pierpont. He is charged with taking the vessel to sea while under an attachment for debt. The owners of the sbamer Peoit arc allqwed by the Admiralty Court $2,500 for towing the Delaware into port. New York, February 16. In the Supreme Court, in Chambers, yester day, the case of George Olney, Captain of the steamer Washington, having come up on appli cation for his discharge on a writ of habeas corpus , the petitioner’s counsel contended that the requisition of Gov. Pierpont was invalid, on the gr'ound that there was no such State as Virginia in the Union recognized by the Fed eral Government, or Senate,' as snch ; that Gov. j Pierpont had been appointed Governor by the ! President, who had no right to make such ap pointment; that the Governor of New York had no legal authority to expatriate a citizen on the requisition of Gov. Pierpont, and that we i have no treaty with Virginia for that purpose. ; He signified his intention of traversing the re ; turn to the writ, and the hearing of the case | was set down for this morning, at 10 o’clock. Olney was arrested on the requisition of Gov. 1 Pierpont, charged with running off a vessel i under attachment for debt, The proceedings in this case ore looked for with intense interest, as bringing a vital ques tion squarely before the Supreme Court. Marine News. • . , . t . New York, February 15. The Herman, from Bremen and Havre, lias arrived: The ship Mentor, from Pensacola, for Liverpool, is ashore near Valentia. Ship John J. Clark, from New Orleans arrived . Shrug Nnnquasb, from Charleston , Thos. Tru man, from Savannah, and P. €’. Merrimin,ii*om New Oceans, arrived out. Portland, Me. r February 10. The Moravian from Liverpool has arrived. New York, February 10. Arrived— the Corsica, from Havana. The Palmyra, from Liverpool, is ashore in* the low -ler bay • weather thick and rainy. The ship Acilla of San Francisco, was abandoned at I sea, and the Carlotta, of Charleston. Oifbn. New York, February 16. By the Corsica, we have Havana dates of th*‘ i 9th. The health of the city is good. That of j Matanzas continues to improve. From IVlexico. Vera Cruz, February 12. Tlife capture of Juarez is discredited. The Imperial Government has a dispatch an nouncing a victory at Zacatecas. Juarez and his ministers fled. Markets. FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. Liverpool, February 15—Noon^k Cotton opens dull and lower ; sales of -rood middling upland, 14d.; Orleans, 14%<1.; Mail- Chester tending down. Breadstuff's quiet. London, February 15 -Noon. Consols, 91 ; Five-twenties, 73%. New York, February IG—Noon. Market extremely heavy. United States Five twenties of ’62, coupons, 109%; of ’64, 107% ; of ’65,* 107%; new issue, 105%; Ten-forties, 100%; Seven-thirties, first series, 100; second and third, 105%. V irginia State sixes, 54@55; Missouri State sixes, 02%. Exchange-sixty days, 108% ; sight, 109%. Gold, 136%. New York, February 16—Noon. Flour lo@lsc. lower; State, $8 70@I1 50; round hoop Ohio, $lO 7:>@l2 90. h heat 2@oc. lower. Corn dull and drooping. Fork dull; sales 200 barrels; new mess, S2O 68%; old mess, sl9 62. Lard dull; barrels, 11@12%. Whisky quiet. Peas nominal. Cotton steady and quiet at 35 for middling uplands. Freights quiet. , r New York, February 16, P. M. Cotton less aqtive. Sales 1,000 bales at 33c. for middling uplands. Flour dull, 10@15 low er; $8 70@ 11 50 State. Wheat dull, nominally 2@3p, lower. Corn shade firmer ; 1 09%(i?l 10 mixed Western. Whisky quiet and steady. Pork dull and heavy; sales, 1,800 barrels at S2O 56® 20 75 for new mess, closing at S2O 65 for WcStcni; old do. closing at sl9 75. Lard unchanged, 11@ 12% for old, and 12@ 12% for new. Naval Stores quiet. Groceries' quiet. Freight without oo cid ed change. - Baltimore, February 10. Cotton quiet: middling uplands, 32@32%. Rio coffee firm at 13%@13% ou board. Sugar firm at 10@10% for good refining grades. Flour dull. Wheat, Pennsylvania red, s2?Oi«2 80, Corn, supply good aud lower; white, yellow, 94((T96 ; mixed Western, 90. Clover scod,‘?B 7509 00, Whisky dull and inactive. Cincinnatti, February 16. Flour and grain unchanged ; little doing.— Cotton Held firmly at 30 for middling, but no improvement in demand. Whisky steady at 25. Provisions unchanged. Mess pork, S2O 75. Bulk meats unchanged and dull; no demand in consequence. Lard dull at 12. Mobile, February 16. Active sales 3,000 bales at 50%@31; receipts, 313 bales. Savannah, February 16. Cotton weak at 31 % ; sales, 350 bales. Wilmington, February 16. Cotton firmer at 30%. Interesting to Firemen—New Invention. A “spreading nozzle” for fire engines has been invented. The* invention consists in the arrangement of ten brass levers, shaped some thing like a figure 7, and capable of being closed together in the centre, spread wide apirt, or having tour of them shut in the centre and the other six only half closed. If it lie entirely shut together, the centre solid stream of one and one-fourth inches in diameter is broken, and the water forced out in a fan shape from the outer, or three inch bore, covering a width, as we have already stated, of about fifty feet; if half closed, it is still further broken and covers a width of thirty feet. The direct reach of the solid stream through the nozzle is one hundred and fifty feet. Selling Vegetables by Weight.—The re cent annual meeting of the New Jersey State Agricultural Society, field at Trenton, January 16th, appointed a committee to memorialize the Legislature petitioning for a law regulating the sale of vegetables by weight and that of small fruits by measure. lt is a desirable reform, the fairest lor both seller and buyer. But why not'extend it to fruits ? In California and in Mexico every thing, pears, peaches, grapes, strawberries, &c., so much per pound. There can be no doubt about false measure or loose packing. Who | can tell when he gets a peck of beets, Carrots jor parsnips ? They are long-tailed esculents j with big heads, which have a trick of not pack- I ing down well. Half a dozen of them will ap | parentiy fill a peck, flung in cross fashion. So ; with sweet potatoes. It is altogether better to ! buy such vegetables by weight. It is not less iso with fruits. Who knows whether he really gets a barrel ot apples ? Barrels vary in size. | And when opened they arc found not to be fill ;ed to the top. A good half peck might still be j chucked in. But let it be understood thal-a ! barrel of apples means so many pounds, and | there tVHI be no cheating. When a community j becomes accustomed to this method of estima- I ting qdantity, in buying vegetables and fruits, i as well as grain or groceries, they prefer it to all others. Southwestern Railroad.— lt will be seen, says the Macon Telegraph of the 15th instant, | that the Board have declared a semi-annual dividend of five per cent. At the election yes terday all the old directors were re-elected, as follows: William 8. Holt, President. Direc tors: William A. Black, William M. Wadley, John McNab, John E. Jones, T. M. Furlow, Virgil Powers, Alex. R. Lawton. For Governor.— A correspondent of the Cartersville Express says : “ While others through the medium of the press, are present ing thenames of their firvorities for the next | Governor of the State, let one of the common people present to the consideration of the pub lic, one of the most liberal, charitable, ever faithful and patriotic citizens ; that man is i Lewis Tuinlin, of Bartow couuty. ” Tombola Gifts.— We had a peep, says the | Sun, yesterday at the donations to the Tombo la. Everything was there, from a paper ol [ pins to a sewing machine. Pomade, perfume, ! ribbons, af-ghans, books, toys, knives and a I hundred other things were displayed by the patriotic ladies having the enterprise in charge. | Who will give the bale of cotton to make the (list complete ? I A Huge Furnace.— A tract upon “ Hell,” by | Rev. J. Furuiss, a Catholic priest of London, ! gives more definite information than has bitber -Ito been obtained on the subject. Mr. Furn;»s ‘ states, among other items, that hell is 4,000 , miles from the surface of the earth; it is a bonndlcss plain of red hot iron, with an ntmo<- iphereof fire and rivers of seething filth an 1 j sulphur. j- , | I, 1 The Valley Virginian says as high as forty t per cent, interest has been charged by the Na- I tional Bank in Staunton.
