The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-16
FROM WASHINGTON.


FROM WASHINGTON.
Under the telegraphic head is given sketch OF
The proposed modifaotions to the tariff act, as
agreed upon by the CShmittee of Ways and Means.
It viii be that the bountes heretofore granted
to fishermen remain untouched, which leads to the
suppostion that the proposed reciprocity treaty
with the British provinces is not regarded with that
degree of favor claimed for it by certain parties.
The maximum of revenue to be collected under the
provisions of the modified tariff is fort five million
dollars. We shall take occasion to give views at
length on this subject hereafter.
We have had all sorts Of rumors, both from Wash
ngon and Madrid relative to the settlement of the
Black Warrior affair, but it seems it yet remains an
open question. In another column may be found
IN explanation from the organ of the Cuban gov
eminent of the various outrages committed against
the persons and property Of our citizens in Cuba.
OF course the conduct of the officials is fully justi
fed in these explanations.
It is said that the nomination of Mr.. Westbrook to
the Office of United States District Attorney for this
district meets with the cordial appreciation, both of
the delegation in Congress from this State and also
Of all the prominent politicians.
In the Senate yesterday bill was reported pro-
viding for the payment Of the creditors of Texas,
coming within the act Of September 8, 1850, and
approprating $6,500l000 to be divided pro rata
among the holders Of bonds other obligations for
which the revenues of that State were pledged be-
fore its annexation. synopsis Of the provisions
of the bill is given in the Geographic report, but it
is suggested that they will merely serve as the
groundwork for the Senate in its action the sub
ject Mr. Clayton gave his views at length in favor
of the bill granting land to the INDECENT insane and
in opposition to the Presidents veto. With regard
to the exercise of the veto power his remarks were
similar to the arguments advanced by whg poll
tcians generally. He cited instances of recon-
mendations by democratic Presidents Of appropria-
lions Of the public lands for objects analogous to
that provided for in the bill, and closed with an
eloquent appeal in behalf of the measure, on the
ground Of the philanthropic purpose sought to be
accomplished.
In the House the bill amending the postage laws
was taken up, and Mr.. Gerrit Smith moved to amend
30 as to provide that the act shall remain in force for
two years. and at the expiration of that time the Post
Office Department be abolished. There is a deficit
of two millions in the revenues. Instead of at
tempting to abolish the franhing privilege-which
everybody knows will never be done, as members of
Congress are the last persons in the world to reln
quish such privlege-or to increase the rate Of
postage which the universal sentiment OF the coun
try is opposed to- why not at once appropriate from
the treasury sum sufficient to make up the deficit
OF two millions The proposition to increase the
rate is idle. In committee the General Appropra
ton bill amendments were offered providing COM
pensation for the public officers in the new Terri
tories of Nebraska and Kansas, and also making
raft Gov DIV fbooa
struck out Of the Deficiency bill.
Our dispatches contains several interesting items
of intelligence from Washington. There seems to
be no doubt but the House will concur in the Sem
ates resolutions for a during the hot months
Of summer. The appropriation for the salaries Of
the officers in the new Territories was moved in the
House yesterday, and it is stated that the nomina-
tions have been made and will be sent in to-day.
This will end that matter. A treaty with Japan is
in course Of preparation, and it will be submitted to
the consideration of the Senate as soon possible
AFFAIRS IN CUBA
letter will be found in another column from our
Havana correspondent in which he makes some in
teresting comments upon the political and social
condition of the people Of Cuba and their capabili
ty just now of undertaking revolution.
BROOKLYN MATTERS.
The Excise Commissioners of Kings county are on
trial in the Court Of Oyer and Terniner charged
with misdemeanor in granting licenses to sell ar
dent spirits to improper persons. This investigation
is Of considerable importance, as it will probably
result in judicial decision as to the extent Of
power which may be exercised by excise commits
Honers. A full report of the case is given else
where.
In the case of the Farleys, the jury had not yes
terday been able to agree upon a verdict The
Judge appears determined to keep them out until
they do.
AFFAIRS IN THE CITY.
very curious case of the alleged lunacy Of
Mr.. Thomas Dunlap is now pending before the gu
preme Court It appears that Mr.. Dunlap was a
juror the De Corn trial, which lasted some days,
and he there contracted severe cold, which led to
protracted illness. Some of his relatives construed
this into fit Of insanity and procured an order of
inquiry into his state Of mind, which was granted
with Che express proviso that Mr. Dunlap should be
present at the investigation and be by the jury
This proviso, however, was not complied with
evidence was adduced on the part of Mr.. Dunlap's
relatives, and his lunacy pronounced upon parte
testimony. He was consequently confined in the
asylum for several weeks. Yesterday his counsel
applied to Judge Roosevelt for t,persedeas, which
he Court granted, directing Mr. Dunlap's relatives
show cause why the alleged lunatc should not be
estored to his liberty and the full possession of bis
property. Mr.. Dunlap, who was in court, conversed
RELY with several eminent members Of the bar and
ther gentlemen with whom he was acquainted, and
ppesrcd perfectly rational and sane.
Judge Barculo, Of the Supreme Court, ia lying
vigorously III Of chronic darhpa, at the residence
This fathcrin-law, in Nineteenth street.
The improved feeling in -four previously noticed
as maiutlinsd without change in prices. Canada
as in better demand for export, and advanced from