The Portland daily press., 1866-12-18

LATEST NEW s
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE
PORTLAND DAILY PRESS.
Tuesday Morning, December l8, 1866.
WASHINGTON.
The Impeachment of the President.
Bill to Reimburse States for
Var Expenses.
LETTER OF THE EHPEROR OF
WASHINGTON.
The Impeachment of the President,
LETTER OF THE EMPEROR OF
s RUSSIA.
WASHINGTON, Dec. l.

H.
| A resolution to appoint committee to in
| quire into the improperly of proceeding with
| the impeachment of the President, it is thought
will pass the House before the recess.
| The Senate Finance Committee will remain
here during the recess, mainly to consider the
| tariff bill. Already there is a considerable
| delegation here representing the woOlen inter-
| est, which, it appears, demands a protection
of % per cent. clear Of the per cent. tax, and
| duty on raw material
Secretary McCulloch responds to the House
inquiry concerning the condition OF the Ma
| tlonal Banks, that on the 1st OF October there
were tfty-five banks more or less deficient in
their reserve of lawful money. They were i'm
mediately notified not to increase their liabil-
| tiles by making any new loans and discounts
| Otherwise than by discOntinuing or purchasing
bills of exchange payable at sight, or purchas-
| ing bills, nor make any dividends of their prof
its until the required proportion between their
circulation and deposits, and their reserve OF
| lawful money should be restored and special
weekly sworn statements were required which
all proved to be satisfactory. He recommends
monthly returns. He says: Recent reports of
deficiencies in the lawful money reserve of the
New York city banks have come to my knowl-
edge through the press. Several banks so re-
ported have voluntarily made statements show
| ing that their failure to comply was temporary,
and has since been removed"
In answer to the resolution calling for infOr-
nation concerning compensation to loyal own
ers for slaves placed in the army, sets forth
that three Commissioners were appointed each
for Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, Kentucky
and Tennessee They have examined and re-
ported ON nearly 1000 claims as follows: Mary
land, 1867 awarded, 786 returned to claimants,
2SO unrepOrted; Delaware, ia awarded, 43 re-
jected, 8 returned unreported Only these two
commissions are reported, and they were dis
solved by the War Department before their
labOrs were concluded.
The civil and diplomatic appropriation bill
Omits an appropriation for the salary of the
Minister at Portugal The bill the last session
did the same thing.
Immediately after the holidays the bill to re-
lmburse loyal States for war expenses will be
reported for action by Representative Blaine,
of Maine. The proposition is to give certain
amount of five per cent. United States bonds
to each volunteer furnished by said State.
The proposition of Comptroller Hillhouse, of
New York, to give the income tax to each State
does not meet with favor because of the great
lnadequacy OF the amounts collected under
that head in the several States. The same OBJ
lection applies, though in less degree, to as
sign the bank tax to several States Some
of the States would in this way realize large
amount while others would receive very little.
Among the petitions presented to the House
to day was one from Athens county, Ala, sign
ed by six persons, asking for the impeachment
of President johnson.
The following is the letter of the Emperor of
Russia, which was read in the House to-day:
St. Petersburg, dug II, 1861 have receiv-
ed from the hands of Mr. Fox the resolution of
the Congress of the United States of America,
on the occasion of the Providential grace of
which / have been the object. That mark of
sympathy has moved me sensibly. 1t is not
alone personal. 1t attacks once more the SEN
timents that bind the American nation to that
of Russia The two peoples have no injuries
to remember, but only good relations under all
circumstances. Proofs of mutual benevolence
are added. These cordial relations are as con-
ductive tie their interests as to the good of civ
ilization and humanity, and answer the designs
of Divine Providence, whose will is peace and
concord among all nations 1t gives me a live
ly pleasure to see these ties constantly strength
ened more and more. have impaired my SEN
timents to Mr.. Fox; pray you to be my inter-
prefer to Congress and the American people
whom it represents. Tell them how much
appreciate, and with me the whole OF Russia,
the testimonies of friendship they have given
me, and how happy will be to see the Ameri
can nation grow in strength and prosperity by
the union and the constant practice of the civ
ilities that distinguish it. Accept at the same
time the assurance of the high consideration
with which am your good friend.
(Signed) ALEXANDER.