New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-02-10
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Special Dlspateh TO The N Y. Tribune.
WASHINGTON, Thursdsy, Feb. g. 1860.

Report in order to give their printer the advantage
of that job, which was carried by decisive party
majority, excluding our side from any participation
in its benefits.
THE HOUSE COMMITTEES.
The Committees give general sstifaction; though,
of course there are exceptional cases Of individual
disappointment The Southern Opposition and Anti
Lecompton men have been well noticed, and no
complaint can be made Of sectional cast. Dir.
Winter Davis could have chosen his own position
in the House. but positively declined any distinction,
preferriDg to remain on the Committee on Ways
and Means where he was assigned in the last Dem
Ocratic Congress.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
The Senate Republican caucus this morning
selected Messrs. King Foster, and Grimes as the
Committee on their part to cooperate with that ap
pointed by the House for the Presidential campaign.
They will Immediately unite forces and begin work.
MOVEMENTS OF MIRAMoN
Private advices received here state that Mramon
was expected to leave the capital of Mexico about
the 29th of January for his proposed demonstration
against Vera Cruz. 1t was expected no could col
lect force OF about eight nine thousand includ
ing the troops at the sarrisOns along the route.
MIR. SMITHS RESIGNATION.
Mr.. Smith has resigned the Commissionership of
the Land Office to engage as counsel in an import
out case, TO come before the Supreme Court from
Tennessee, involving titles to copper mines, est-
mated at several millions.
THE HARPER's FERRY INVESTIGATION.
Mr.. Plumb OF Ohio has completed his testimony
before The Harper's Ferry COMMITTEES. The letter
written by him TO j. II Kagi was in answer to an
appeal for money, to redeem the farm of Kagrs
father, who lived in Nebraska, which was under
mortgage to Cincinnati barker.
Mr.. Plumb testified that he gave money to Leary
for the purpose OF enabling him to engage in assist
ing slaves to escape bu. that he had no knowledge
Of the invasion of Virginia, or of any plan to pro-
mote insurrection there or elsewhere, and that he
had not seen John Brown for more than twenty
years, and never corresponded with him. He also
testified to the existence of an organization called
the 4" Sons of Liberty" whose platform of prin-
cples is as follows:
:s ,: sePEysd ., IL. SSTty % With
John A. Andrews Of Boston also appeared be-
fore the Committee. He was summonded because
the Committee had learned through Mr.. Chiffon Of
this city that he had been retained as counsel for
the defense of John Brown, through Mr. Andrews
The Committee desired to know from what source
funds were derived, what interests he represented
ard what motives influenced his Intervention. Mr.
Andrews stated that when intelligence reached Bos-
ton, that John Brown had been urged to trial with
out time for preparation, without opportunity of
being reached by his friends, and have bis case
properly examined, and while Frustrated on his bed
and unable TO sit up and instruct counsel. If he had
any, the whole proceeding struck his mind, and
that Of most people whom he met, as judicial
outrage, certainly without any parallel In the
history Of Massachusetts. He supposed Vir
mia was strong enough TO conduct such
a case with justice and propriety, and without
being excited by unfounded apprehensions. He
confessed, too, sympathy for man whom he be-
lieyed the victim Of an idea, and whose misfortune
had probably been precipitated by what bis family
and friends lad seen and suffered at the hands OF
the Slave Power in Kansas. He had entertained
good opinion of him as brave and conscientious
def pder of the Free State cause, which he consd
cred the cause of liberty and good Government in
which all free settlers Of Kansas whether from
Norh or South. bad common interest. In conse-
ouence of his own refs ctioDs, and the suggestions
of o,bers, representing all shades of opinion, and
"a there was 10 time TO lose he assumed the re-
sponsibihty of engaging Southern counsel in Wash
pgton and Richmond, whose business 1t should De
TO secure John Brown the fullest and farest trial
of which the circumstances would admit lie
accordingly guaranteed and paid $1,000 in
fees. of which Mr.. Chiffon Of Washington
received one thousand, aud Mr.. Green of Richmond
three hundred dollars. This money was refunded
by the voluntary contributions of various gentlemen
when they became informed of bis interference, and
who approved its purpose and accomplishment.
MANY contributed who were less Ant-Slavery than
himself, but who thought the excitement would be
ouieted by proper defense. No concealrnent was
observed or desired, in the whole matter. The
Committee inquired Mr. Andrews opinion concern
ing John Browns conduct in Kansas, and the
transactions attributed to him, particularly
horse-stealng, and the POtawatamie homcides.
Mr., Andrews answered, he had always under
stood that in the conflicts between the Free and
Slave State parties, the horses were regarded as
the spOiIs of war; and be was not aware that Brown
formed any exception. He had no belief, from in
formation which had reached him, that Brown was
prf sent at the Potawatamie hOmicides; but he had
long since heard that Brown and many other people
were convinced thst the Potawatame affair was
one of imperative necessity, as measure Of self