New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-02-17
CoNGREss YESTERDAY.

| In the House yesterday Mr.. Sherman introduced
a resolution Of comprehensive character in refer
ence to reform in thePost-O Office Department, and
including the abolition of the frsnking privilege.
Also, one respecting the notorious veoak contracts
of the Secretary ofthe Navy, which were ventilated
| at the last session.
Mr. Maynard Of Tennessee brought forward a
resolution with view TO making the Fugitive Slave
law more effectual in its operation. We are glad
TO see this movement We think the Fugitive law
needs amendment, and we shall be only too glad to
see the subject brought up and fully considered.
The Republicans ready to improve that law, and
we feel sure will offer no obstacles to change such
as would be strictly conOrmsbe to the Constitution,
and in accordance with the sentiments of o just
conservatism. Let US have by all means, what all
me under every decent system of juruprudence
are entitled TO- the trial by jury for the fugitive,
and we feel quite sure the country will no longer be
perpexed by irritating controversy on the subject
The demand IL q most reasonable one, and cannot,
with any show of justice, be denied.
Mr.. Maynard also introduced resolution looking
to facilitated intercourse. and 10 90 alizatlon
of all duties on import, and experts, between the
United States and Cuba, in whose objects we are
very much disposed to concur, so far as we under
stand them from the telegraphic report.
Mr. Morris of Illinois offered resolution in favor
of eectipc Postmasters, aud Of giving power to the
people of the Territories to elect their own eIecu-
tive officers, from the Governor down. Whether
this means Charleston or not, the telegraph does
not inform us. Mr. Houston Of Alabama COM
planned of its being " dirty" resolution winch his
fastidious tastes forbade nm to touch. Mr.. Morris
having further moved inquiries into certain remoy
ais and appointments in Illinois, MIR. Houston re-
newedly characterized that proposition OF Mr..
Morris as "filthy business" for which remark DIR.
Morris sharply retorted We regret to see these
early demonstrations of mutual disesteem between
the two wings Of the Slavery Democracy and
would be glad if they can restrain these painful
ebultions of temper till after the middle Of April
MIR. Farnsworth Of Illinois offered q resolution
requesting the Committee of Foreign Affairs to
tsie measures to procure Canada. Dir. FANS
wor,h's colleague, Mr. WShburne, brought for
ward his River and Harbor bill, and bill TO amend
the Steamboat law. Mr.. McClernand, from the
same State, put in an advertisement for the Pur-
chase of Cuba. He also offered resolution depre-
eating the appointment Of ex-Members Of Congress
10 "lnferior stations" We agree to that. Now,
let him count up the Democratic e1-Menbers and
repudiased Democratic ex-Governors, and other ex-
officers of the FREQ States that have been provided
with inferior stations" under the two last Admin
istrstions, and have them all turned out Of ofhco'
and we viii 20 with him to serve any stray Hepuoh
can ex -dignitaries that may have found their way
into similar places in the same way we agree
With Mr.. McClernand that taking these iofhces 10
mean business and we suppose no will agree WITH
US that nobody has done more OF it than the ITO
Slavery Democracy, in paying oil their Northern
dousbfsces.
A great number Of other resolutions were INTRO
duced, covering topics enough to occupy oil inc
time Of the session, and good deal more. Aisof
which, Mr.. Anderson Of Missouri made poh!ica'
speech, and Mr.. Fenton Of Eew-York replied 70
him. The House then adjourned without any Vose
Printer, having previously Gent ths subject over
" to-day.
The Senstes action was brief After the intro
duction OF VARIOUS resolutions, Mr.. Hale Of Now