The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-22
THE LATEST NEWS.
AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
The SIsden PrOposition-Grand Flare UP In
the Senate Between Fitch and Douglas
Rencontre Between Messrs. Taylor and
Walaron, &C., &c.

the Senate Between Fitch ind Douglas
RencOntre Between Messrs. Taylor and
Wal1rOn, &c., &c.
OUR SPECIAL WASHINGTON DESPATCH.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 81, 1859.
There is still much doubt aud discussion among the
publcans as to the be pursued the Sideu
proposition to negotiate the purchase of Cuba, and
no decision has as yet been arrived at. Some Of
the younger members think the occasion q good
one to get rid the old leaders and bring new men
Inose from Oho say that to oppose the measure ia to
commit them virtually against the free sugar question:
winch has been once carried in their State Legislature
Advces have been received from Governor Banks that
Inc cotton manufacturing interests Of Massachusetts, will
60 for the measure the ground that they are now kent
out Of good market for five millions of dollars OF their
products.
In executive session Of the Senate to day an angry and
exciting discussion arose between Judge Douglas and
Senator Fitch when words used which it is thought
must lead to duel The debate occurred the question
Of confirming Potter of Ohio Collector of Toledo Mr.
Pugh opposed Potter's nomination. the man displaced
was his friend lie said the President desired an issue
with him (Pugh) be was ready for it, He denounced the
appointment, and called every Senator who was his
(ughs) friend to vote against it. Douglas responded
saying he would vote with the Senator from Ohio. He
then branched of on to the Illinois appointments and said
they were dishonest corrupt and incompetent Senator
Fitch Intercepted Douglas and said untrue Douglas
again reiterated what he had said Fitch again said IL
was untrue Cries of order then made Douglas
continued the debate Fitch replied to Douglas with
great bitterness, and said that Senators knew how
to prize thing coming from that quarter Cries Of
der were again made Douglas then replied, and was
called 10 order Motions then made that Douglas be
allowed to go on in order. jeff Davis opposed it, and
said turning to Douglas he had listened with indignation
to the language used, and it that Of hiehwayman
and bravo The debate was continued some time, when
motion was made and the Senate adjourned 1t is said
the lie given and most severe personal remarks
made.
The House Committee Foreign Affairs met again this
morning, and had under consideration Mr. Branchs re-
port The report is voluinous and discusses the ques
ton OF Cuban affairs in every aspect Some amendments
were suggested, which will be submitted at tho next
meeting, when the report will be adopted
The minority have not yet completed their report.
They seem to be afraid to take position the question: IS
many republicans favor the purchase Of Cuba
The Senate Finance Committee is indusriously engaged
upon the subject Of rerenchment and reform They
tend to carry into all the departments of government
The appropriation bills will be thoroughly sifted The
iron interest largely represented here just now looking
after the tariff New England also hand to see that
free wool is not interfcred with
The select committee to investigate matters connected
with the Navy Department met this morning They in
tend to sit daily during the session. as to bring their
abors to close before Congress adjourns. They have
despatched officers to subpoena witnesses.
The Interior Department is Informed that the Supreme
Court of Michigan made decision sustaining the claim
Of the department in question to titles sites Of
Ontonagon which invalidates the claims of those now
holding.
renconre occurred in the Capitol today between Mr..
Chas c. wadron late Deputy Collector of the port OF
New York, and the Hon. George Taylor NJ c. from Brook
Ign, who resented offensive words uttered by Mr. W. by
pretty rough assault him The interference of by
ISLANDERS prompt and therefore, Of course no serious
bodily harm was DONE