The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-01-04

Very Interesting from Washington.
IMPORTANT CAUCUS THE REVISION OF THE TARIFF
THE REPEAL OF THE COAL DUTIES MR.. sICKLES
HAS NOT RESIGNED.
WASHINGTON JAN 3, 1855.
The caucus of democratic members TO consider the
proprety amending the tariff of 49, met in the hall of
the House Representatives this evening with closed
doors Only forty members in attendance.
Senator Toucey called to the chair and Mr. Barts-
dale, of Miss, acted Secretary Speeches made
by Senator'S Hunter and Brodhead General walbridge,
Mr. Letcher and others Mr.. waloridge introduced the
subject Of the repeal OF the duty coal Mr.. Brod-
head said the people of Pennsylvania felt interest
the subject and would offer opposition to the repeal
Mr. Wabrdge replied that he trusted when the matter
before Congress Mr.. Brodhead would give his
testimony to this effect Several resolutions pro-
posed and voted down.
Atlepgth the following resolution offered by Mr.. Jones'
Of Tennessee adopted, not without opposition
Resolved That ii is right and proper that the present
rates OF duty imposed upon goods wares aud merchan
disc imported into the United States from foreign
tries should be far modified and reduced during the
present session OF Congress- preserving the principles OF
the tariff Of 1916, materially diminish the annual
amour. OF revenue collected from customs.
The then adjourned. It is understood an eff
fort win be made TO to take up question OF
the modification OF the tariff Congress press to
a resolution. But there is general feeling amongst
members, and the probability is the win no. i'm
mediataly succeed.
Mr.. Daniel Z. sickles arrived here this evening The
rumor that he has resigned is destitute OF foundation
MORE CUBAN oUTRAGEs AGAINST AMERICAN CITI-
zENs-LETTER OF MI. THRAsHER TO SECRETARY
MARCY-wHAT WILL THEY DO ?--THE MEXICAN
CONSUL GENERALS SHARE OF THE GADsDES TREATY
MoNRY-GoNE OFF WITH IT.
WASHINGTON, JAN 3, 1855.
For public information hasten to transmit you copy
Of letter very lately received State Department;
which is as follows
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. IS, 1854.
HoS. WIN. L. MARCY, Secretary OF stite:--
SIR-lt has been stated in several of the public prints
that two persons said TO be American citizens lately
arrested in Baracoa, Cuba, 10 be subjected by Cen
Concba to the ordeal that subjected TO in
Havana some three years since; and this statement
being confirmed by letter from Col W. H. Robertson,
acting Consul at Havana, published in this evenings
Picoylne am induced to address you on the subject
in order respectfully to urge that the Department Of
State take such steps in the matter my belief will
those persons from much of the terrible suffering
compelled TO undergo and ensure truth and justice
in the proceedings.
Tie usual course pursued by the Spanish government
in Cuba in these 10 conGne the accused days.
and sometimes for weeks the stric,est solitary conanc.
ment. communication with any person being absolutely
prohibited, When the ply steal and mental powers
Of the accused become sufficiently debiated by
the agony Of This confinement, the fiscal or pro.
scouting attorney OF the Court proceeds 70 his
dungeon and he is subjected 10 the most stringent and
searching questioning that the WIT OF long prac-
tised in the subtletes Of the law devise Fanced
facts and declarations Of other parties cited
and delusve promises made; opinions sap
posed to be entertained sedulously sought for
companied with the faacous assertion that the gov
eminent does not punish for them, but only for acts
60 ..Ia H..
every act of his lfe and to contradict himself in his
statements order that the conction in his testimony
may weaken his assertions Of These decara
by the accused all taken do wn In writing aud
constitute the basis Of the process against him by gov
ernmcnt whose only ain IL not TO fail in o prosecution
because It weakens its moral power.
Any one, even the most innocent, subjected 70 the
horrors of such ordeal without friend or counsel
near, have strength OF constitution physically
and mentally that is seldom found to enable him 10
bear up against them. can say this truly for know
i. from bitter experience.
American citizens hope to End protection from these
influences in the seventh article OF the treaty o. iss
between the United States of America and Spain whie
reads as follows
And in all cases of seizure, detention or arrests for
debts contracted offences committed by any citizen or
subject Of party within the jurisdiction 81 the other
the same shall be made and prosecuted by order
and authority Of law only, aud according 10 Ia.
regular course OF proceeding In such The
citizens and subjects Of both parties shall b. allowed
80 employ guoh advocates, solicitors, n0aries agents
and factors as they may Judge proper in all their affairs
and In oil Their trials at law in which they may be con
orrnod before the tribunals Of the other party And
such agents shall have ree 60 be preseu al the
proceeding in such causes, aud at the taking Of all
examinations and evidence which may be exhibited in
said trials.
II The Spanish government b. induced 20 comply With
these stpua,ons and allow the counsel for the defence
Freely chosen to be present al tie proceedings 10 such