New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-10
7sseL ATTACK UPON a DAM

WASHINGTON, Monday, Dec.
RFPTEuCAN CAUCUS.

REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.
A. this evenings caucus Of the Republican
,oombers of the House, Mr. Bingham intro
,oesd resolution that it was the duty OF Con-
cross TO pass forthwith on act confiecating oil
tbe property Of Rebels and Of their aiders and
,bettors-lanJr, slaves, and everything. he
supported this most sensible proposition in a
speeeh Of great force.
Tbad Stevens followed in his best vein,
maintaining the policy of the resolution, and
IN the course of his remarks declared that
,lthOugh he had long been estranged politically
from Secretary Cameron, he must acknowledge
that be was the only member Of this Admins
trasOn who had eyinced any correct notions
about the true method of prosecuting the war,
and bringing it to speedy aud successful
cIose. lie startled the caucus by declaring
that after Mr.. Camcron's report had been ac-
cepted BY the President, Gen. Mcclellan went
10 him and threatened to resign if it was sent
into Congress with the passages respecting the
emancipation and arming Of the slaves OF repeis
unmodiGed.
Mr.. Owen of New-York first fell into objec-
lion. but tho full ten minute speeches, tery
and determined, of Judge Kelly, Messrs. Lane
of Kabsas, Morris, Davis, Ashley, Conway,
ard Others efaced the trfng impression his
opposition made, ard gave the comforting as
surance ttat there was virtue and courage
enough in the House Of Representatives 10
save the war and save the country. The
Caucus adjourned the debate on the resolution
70 "Wednesday night.
COL. KERRIGAN's TRIAL.
Col. Kerrisan's trial commenced this morn
ing. The Court is composed of Gems. Casey
Graham, Palmer and Park, and Coils. Wheat
on. Second Rhode Island; Stockton, Michigan
Volunteer; Davis, Hath Pennsylvania; Boards
Icy, Eighty-ffth Pennsylvania. The charges and
specifications are:
First. HaJitual neglect of duty; neglect TO IN
street bis officers aud men in tactics.
Second Conduct prejudicial to good ORDER per
hitting his zen TO indulge in disputes and brawlsi
and letting his men parade in filthy and disorderee
condition; restoring to duty without trial Patrick
Gafmey, desorleri causing this Gafmey to be paid
from July q 10 Oct H. the period Of bis desertion
as If he was rreeent in the regiment and doing duty
Third: Absenting himself without permlssion
from the rendezvous OF officers, assembled by Bng
Gen. MartiDdale for examination.
Fo1,Ytk Positive refusal 70 return TO this rendeZ
vous when ordered TO Go 30 by Gen. Martindae.
Fifth: Lying out Of camp, without permission Of
/, bis superior officer.
Sat-: Drunkenness, while on the March sept
The witnesses against Col. Kerrigan are
Brig. Gen. Martinaale, Maj. Savage, Brigade
Surgeon Lsyman, Capt. Lock, Lieuts. Fer
guson, Charles, Abbott, Shaw, Plat, Moore,
Sergeant-M ljor Helpen. COL Kerrigan pleaded
not guilty TO every charge, except lying out Of
camp without leave. To the charge Of drum.
kenness, he said: i was never drunk in n!
life." Edmund /. Hearne Of New-YoIk is his
counsel. The case was continued until Tues
day morning. Gems. Porter and WadswOrth
are mentioned as witnesses TO support the
fifth and siAlh charges. Members Of the press
only were admitted. The prisoner was pale
and hsggayd, having been closely confined
since the 18th of October, nobody having been
permitted 20 visit him.
TIE SUPREME COURT.
Judge TRANQUIL viii shortly introduce bill
recognizing the Supreme Court On the basis
Of population. 1t provides that for the New
England States, New-York and Pennsylvania,
embracing ten millions people, three Judges,
Clifford, Nelson and Grier, shall remain. For
the Southern States, excepting Kentucky and
Missouri, embracing ten millions, three Judges,
fancy, Wayne and CatrOD, shall continue to
+ SIT, while ior the Western States, including
Kentucky aud Missouri, with population Of
ten and half millions, three new Judges
snail be appointed, Kentucky and Ohio to con.
s t1ltute one circuit, Illinois, Indiana and Mehi-
Gan another. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa,
Missouri aud Kansas a third. The Pacific
States to be, as hitherto, under an independent
Circuit Jadge.
THE CASE or DIR. FINLEY.
A Court-martial cOnvenes tomorrow noon
for the trial of tie SurgeOn-General of the
Army. DIR. Clement A. Finley. The following
is the detail FOR the Court:
Brigadier General II. C. Meigs or Brighten. j.
w. Ripley, Ordnance Department.
Brighten. i. st. G. Cooke, u. 4. a.
Col. G. A. White, LIST Infantry.
Col. III. L. Craig Ordnance Department.
Col. b. Il. Lained, Paynaster-General.
Col. 5. III. Long, Typographical Engineen.
eut-COl. WIN. Hoffman, 9Th Infantry.
Lieut.-COl. u. G. Buchanan, 4th Infantry.
Maj. j. L. Lee, Judge-Adyocate.
The order for tho Court says that no other
officers than those named can be assembled
without manifest injury to the service. The
charges agaiDst DIR. Finley are preferred by
Or. Tnpler, Medical Director OF the Army,
who accuses bis superior Of rude language aud
conduct toward himself For some timo there