The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-05-24
THE NEWS

In the Senate, the bill disposing of the
public lands Of Alabama, Mississippi. Louis
lana, Arkansas, and Florida, according to the
provisions Of the homestead law, was passed.
One hundred and sixty acres is the maximum
of q patent, and there is to be no distinction
of color.
The amendments of the Finance Commit
tee to the bill reducing the rate of interest on
the national debt, were agreed to-
On the 4th of May, inst, the national debt
was $2,827, 176, 871, some other items not in-
cluded. The bill from the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs equalizing bounties, would call
for two hundred millions. The Pacific Rail-
road, $4,000, 000--the cost of 400 miles be-
ing $64 100000. Due to States for military
expenses, $1O,0O0,OO0, already appropriated
Claims from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana,
$20,000,000. The Baine bill, $4,000, 900,
would be laid aside, there being no probability
of its passage. Private claims for damages to
be allowed, all of which above items would,
probably, swell the public debt OF the United
States to $3,000,O 100000
This immense sum is swayed by various
laws, and is composed Of numerous forms of
securities-the several loans having been au-
thorised by many laws. The series of the
7-3Os and of the 5-20s. being respectively
three and five. The idea is to consolidate this
immense loan, which will be like the English
consols. One hundred and seventy eight mil
lions will mature this year. The Secretary
contemplates to reduce the debt during 1867
more than nine hundred and twenty-five mil
lions of dollars, or, it will be in his power to
do So The holders may demand payment or
convert them into 5-2O's Upwards of six
hundred millions will be due in 1867. All
nations have acted on the policy of reducing
the national debt to oneness of form. 1t is
desirable to fund the whole of the national
debt. 1t is stated that the United States pays
an excess of interest of $7,000,000, ON debt
exceeding little more than half the debt on
which England pays an interest so much less.
In other words, on $4,000, 100000, England
pays $132,00O,000 interest, and on little
more than half that sum, the United States
pays $139 100000.
And while our 5-2O's pay six per cent, and
sell for $64, English Consols pay 81 per cent
and sell for $50; and this while our resources
are SO vauntingly held forth as SO immense
Snch were the views of Mr. Sherman in ad-
vocating the bill to reduce the rate of inter
est, which was postponed to another day
MISUNDERSTANDING
The bill to amend the postal laws, after
having been amended, was passed.
The House passed the Senate bill Great
ing the Office of another Assistant Secretary
of the Navy, for six months, from its APP
proval.
A bill establishing a uniform system of
bankruptcy was passed.
The bill to continue for three years, the act
creating the Freedmens Bureau, was laid
over
The bill equalizing the bounties of soldiers,
sailors, and marines, was recommitted to the
Military Committee.
The tax bill was amended in several par
ticulars, and then laid aside and taken up
again in the evening session.
The House refused to strike out the tax on
gold watches and gold plate. The tax on
Telegraph Companies gross receipts re-
manned at three per cent.
As stated yesterday, the indictment of Mr..
Davis it is thought is insufficient. The law
of 1871, under which it is made, Furnishes
treason with death. That of 1861, for sedi-
ton or instruction, fixes the penalty at a
fine and imprisonment for one year, and hard
labor, as it may be determined.
The Hon. B. j. Barbour of Virginia, is
among the visitors appointed by the Presi-
dent, on the Board of Examiners at the West
Point Academy.
A fire destroyed 1880 cords of govern
ment wood at the Government Yard in
Washington, valued at $75 OOO-there were
about $4,000 cords of wood in the yard
A Committee of the Council of Washington
city was authorized to protest against the alb
rogation of the city charter by Congress
and use all efforts to prevent the passage of
the BILL
Secretary Harlan presided over centenary
meeting of the Methodist church. Them
ing was very large, and several addresses
were made by prominent bishops and others.
New School Presbyterians, discussed the
question OF reunion, this being the first meet
ing since 1887. Moderators of both bodies
presided, and elegant speeches were made.
Twelve hundred members rose and voted for
reunion. 1t is said, measures are to be taken
to effect such an organic union.
The new pension bill passed by the Senate,
gives 1876 month to those permanently in
jured; 800 to those not requiring continual
care and attention; $16a month for the loss
of arm, hand, Or leg. No transfers or mort
gage of the pension can be made. 1t also
gives pension to the minor child or children,
where the widow of person entitled to a
pension If immorally disqualified to take care
of her children. af,If. III.
This bill in supplementary, is yet to be
acted on by the House. .H94 81
T. w. Chichester of Augusta, Geo, Agent
under Gov. Jenkins of Georgia, has effected
loan in New York of 100000, at low
rate of interest, to enable the Governor to
purchase and distribute corn to widows, and
disabled soldiers, as authorized by the Geor-
gia Legislature
The Episcopal Church in Hagerstown, Md,
was entirely consumed by fire on the 21st
inst The organ and some church furniture
were saved in damaged condition. The loss
was $500. M Ss
The Secretary of the Treasury is ready to
redeem before maturity all certificates of in
debtedness, maturing in june July and Au-
gust, 1866, with interest, if presented before