The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-01-25
WASHINGTON NEWS

Reaf concluded his testimony before the commit
tee on Monday. 1t was detailed account of the
organization of the Brown Provisional Government
in Canada, which has already been published. He
testified that he went to England in 1858, and
knew nothing about Browns operations after that
time. He was requested to examine certain letters
found in Browns bag, to see if he could identity
them, but testified that he knew nothing about
Browns correspondence or the authorship of the
letters. The committee give him credit for frank
ness. He will receive about 5000 mileage, having
been brought from Texas. 1t is evident that some
members of the committee have been disappointed
in Realfs testimony, he having testified to nothing
of any Importance that was not before in evil
deuce.
Mr.. B. B. Newton, the Vermont member of the
National Kansas Committee, and previously the
leader of a colony at Mapleton, Bourbon county,
Kansas, confirmed the testimony of Mr.. Army con-
cerning the refusal of the National Committee to
furnish arms to Brown in 1857. When he COM
menced testifying in relation to the invasion of
Kansas by armed bodies of men, he was stopped
Senator Wilson went before the Senate Brown
Raid Committee on Monday, and informed the com
mittee that if they would allow him time he would
produce copy of the letter he wrote to DR.. Howe
concerning Browns movements, based upon the in
formation he received from Col Forbes He had
sent to Natick for it. The Chairman informed him
they were willing to give him his own time to pre-
pare his testimony.
The Senate Committee Patents have prepared
a new patent bill, which contemplates some impor-
tant changes in regard to the laws which govern
that department. The first section changes the
present plan so far as to compel the attendance of
witnesses in contested cases. This is necessary
overcome gross frauds The second section authori-
Board of Examiners in Chief, who shall de
eide appeals from primary examiners. Appeals
from this Board to the Commissioner are allowed
under specified restrictions, but there shall be no
appeal to courts as at present The fourth section
increases the salary of the Commissioner from
twenty-five hundred to forty five hundred dollars
1t changes and regulates the schedule of fees to be
paid by applicants.
United States Arts Commissioners Brown. Lamb
din and kensett, appointed by the President in
May last, are engaged in making their report to
Congress, which is to embody a comprehensive
plan for the historical and illustrative embellish
ment of the Capitol and other public buildings at
the seat of government. Their report will be i'm
portant, and contain many new recommendations.
There be no doubt, when their report shall
have been presented, the commission will be cloth
ed with the means necessary to perform the duties
for which they were appointed.
correspondent of the New York Times says
that there is talk of calling together a Democratic
caucus, wherein the participants are to select
definite candidate for the Speakership, and pledge
their lives their fortunes and their sacred honors
to support him to the bitter end. On the other
hand 1t is now pretty well understood that four if
not five, of the Anti-Lecompton men will vote for
Sherman under disguise of the plurality rule-that
is they will first vote for the rule, and then throw
their votes away on each other-which will be tan
tamount to throwing them for Sherman.
1t is rumored that Attorney General Blacks ar
gument against Mr.. Douglas squatter sovereignty
ideas has been extensively subscribed for bv the
heads and subordinate officers of the Departments
for purposes of distribution. The rumor is that
when Gen. Cass was asked to subscribe he de-
clined, on the ground that Mr.. Douglas was in ia
of the doctrine which he had advocated all his
life.
RESIGNATION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF PATENTS
Mr.. Bishop, of Connecticut, Commissioner of Pat
ents, has resigned.
Samuel Ingham, of Connecticut, Commissioner of
Customs, has been offered the place of Commission
er of Patents. e declined it, but has since deci-
ded to take it, and will assume the duties on the
lst of February, when Mr.. Bishops resigna-
ton takes effect. Mr.. Bishops private financial af-
fairs compel him to resign the post.