The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-02-22
INTERESTING WASHINGTON NEWS.

laWASHlNGIUN NEWS.
.-.TI e8i 10 grasliIoT WASHINGTON, Feb. IL.
The report of the select committee of
which Mr.. Morris of Illinois, is chairman,
gives detailed facts relative to the abstrac.
ton of the Indian Trust Bonds. Mr.. Floyd
gave acceptances to the amountof nearly 81
100000 or $2,OOOOOO to $4,000, 900 more
than Majors Russell & Co., ever earned.
The acceptances were given on the strength
of the contract between the Government
and Messrs. r. q Go.
Senator Benjamin was an important wit
ness. About q year ago,-he could not
fix the exact time, he received letter
from Duncan, Sherman & Co. asking
him to ascertain whether Mr.. Fl0yd's
acceptances were good. Mr.. Benjamin
called on the President, who said he knew
nothing about them or any law authorizing
their issue. He next called on Mr.. Floyd
who said the acceptances were in accord
ance withe usage Of the Department and
were given conditionally as to the arrival
of trains from one point to another. He
(Benjamin) reminded him of the impropri.
ETY. OF such proceedings, and Mr.. Floyd said
he would sign no more but notwithstand.
ing, from April to December, he gave &C.
ceptances to the amount Of $2,l63,000.
The last batch was on the 18th of Decem-
Der, the day Bailey delivered the last sup
ply of the bonds. The committee have as
certained that many of these acceptances
are still out and $4,000 worth of them are
in the hands of one or two parties alone,
but which are worthless. The committee
make no recommendation but merely re-
ported the facts.
The President has issued proclamation
declaring that an extraordinary occasion
requires the Senate to assemble for the trans
action of business on the 4th of March at
noon : namely, to receive and act upon such
communications as may be made to it on
the part of the Executive. This proclama-
ton is in accordance with usage, and to en-
able the incoming President to nominate
net.
Horatio King was confirmed to-day
Post Master General. Numerous Deputy
Post Masters and other minor appointments
were also confirmed.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.
A strong police force was stationed in
various parts of the capitol this morning.
The House side and some parts of the build
ing usually opened to visitors, were closed.
At an early hour the reporters galleries of
the Hall of Representatives and the pas
sages leading thereto were densely crowded
in anticipation of the counting of the votes
for President and Vice President of the
United States. Lord Lyons, Chevalier
Huseman and other foreign ministers were
amongst the distinguished spectators. On
no former occasion was there a more ami.
mated and exciting scene.
Ex-Secretary Floyd publishes state-
ment that the report of the committee of the
House on the Indian Bond defalcation, is a
desperate arraignment of his official con.
duct, upon e1.parte testimony, taken in Sc.
cret, and in his absence. 1t is labored
attempt by inuendo, and by means of cir
in the absence of proof, to fix
upon him some unexpected completely with
the robbery Of which he had no knowledge
until about the time it was publicly dis
closed. he promises to meet the report of
the committee with full response. There
is no truth in the statement that Floyd and
counsel has plead the act of 1857 in bar of
the prosecution pending against him.
Owing to apprehensions of conspiracy
for the purpose of Selling the public build
ings, they have been privately guarded,
though not in large force, for some weeks.
Blowing up the capitol was regarded as not
hence every night thorough
examination of its cellars and vaults was
made by the capitol police. To-day the
officers of artillery were on duty for the
purpose of Immediately communicating with
Congress should an attempt be made to
attack the capitol, and the military forces
were ready TO advance at a moments warn
ing. Nothing was visible to excite the
least apprehension, and perfect good order
was preserved.
Hon. J. G. Wright, of Cincinnati, died
this P. M, of pneumonia. His remains will
be taken to the Relay House, to await arri-
val of friends.
The Engineer Department has sent to
Congress modified estimates for Notifications,
emitting all except Fort Calhoun, in Vir-
ginia, and Taylor and Jefferson, in Florida.
1t is added that $4,000 each for the two
latter can be applied to advantage within
the next fiscal year, to prepare them to
serve particularly, at least, as naval depots
in the Gulf
The Secretary of the Treasury has ad-
vertised for proposals till the 23d of Feb.
for the Se,OOO,OOO loan, under the late act.
Those successful must deposit on or before
the lst of March.
JUDGE PETIT, whose nomination is now
before the Senate as United States Judge
for Kansas for life. decided only month
ago that the territorial law there, passed
over the Governors veto, was uncoDstitu-
tional. Yet, with this record, the effect OF
which was to legaIize slavery in Kansas
against the will of the people, he expects
confirmation by aid of Republican votes.
Nh. Douglas, and perhaps one other Demo
crat, it is said, will vote agaidst his con-.
frmation.
The Committee on Naval Affairs in the
Senate have reported unanimously in favor
of the proposition providing for the creation
of an Assistant Secretary Of the Navy, and
that he shall not be civilian, but Eaval