The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-12-21

PURCHASE MONEY FOR ALASKA
The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore
Sun, writes under date of December 18th
The President sent to both houses of Congress
to-day the message previously called for by resofl
ton in relation to order No. Of General Hancock,
issued by him upon assuming command of the
Fifth Military District. AS the message was read
in the House, parts Of il were received with loud
shou of laughter from the Republican side of the
House. Especially was this the case in that por-
ton of the message in which allusion was made
Of General Washington. At the conclusion Of the
reading motion to print was referred to the COM
mittee on printing. Subsequently Mr.. Eldridge
and other Conservative members essayed to obtain
the floor for the purpose, as il understood, OF
offering the thanks Of Congress to General Han
cock for his administration OF the affairs OF the
Fifth District 1t will be useless task to offer
any such resolution, as it is hot TO be presumed
that sufficient number CT Republicans would vote
for it to give 1t a respectable majority. They
could not do so very consistently in view of their
often avowed approval of the acts of General Han
cocks predecessor. Some of them actually favor
the introduction of the resolution, as they are un-
willing to be placed upon q record of antagonism
to so gallant an officer and soldier as Hancock
proved himself during the war.
The Senate did not seem to be well pleased with
the message, for motion of MIR. Doolittles to
print the usual number of copies was object
never before heard of refusal to print Presi-
dents message, Mr.. Conklin, of New York, re-
torted that he never knew OF q President before
who would send such message as this to Con-
gress.
With slight modification the supplemental re-
construction bill, introduced by Mr.. Stevens yes
terday, was passed by the House of Representa-
tives to-day by strictly party vote. The bill was
intended in the first place to repeal that clause OF
the original Reconstruction act which required
majority of the registered voters to call conven-
tion. Secondly, the bill provided that electors
could vote for members of Congress at the same
time that they voted for against ratification OF
State constitutions; and in the third place the bill
made the apportionment of representation, and
fixed it in every State except Florida, at repre-
sentatiOn which was an increase over the number
allowed by the apportionment of 1861. This in
crease was to be secured by providing that some
of the representatives should DE elected from the
State at large.
MIR. Stevens explained that this increased repre-
sentation was required by the freeing of The slaves
The bill seemed to be very generally approved by
the Republicans, except the last clause, to which
there was great objections from all quarters, and
Mr. Bingham stated his objections in such q de-
cisiye way as to induce Mr.. Stevens to withdraw
the obnoxious section, and then the bill was
passed.
Mr. Stevens had an opportunity to-day, in this
reconstruction bill, which he would not have ne
elected to improve with long speech but for his
feeble physical condition. His powers are failing
rapidly. His voice, which at the last Winters
session powerful enough to be heard IL all
parts of the Representatives hall, lS now so low
that it is with difficulty he be heard In the re-
porters' gallery. When he now speaks, no matter
upon wnat subject, members gather about him
from all sides of the House, and remain until nc
concludes.
1t is clear that there is in the House dead op-
position to any appropriation for the ratification OF
the treaty for the purchase OF Alaska But when
it comes to the point, do not think there will be
a failure to make the appropriation. While mem
bers speak against the purchase, they seem to
think that point of national honor IS involved,
now that the territory has been officially trans
ferred to the United States They will insist
however, that in all future purchases OF territory
the ratification of the treaty shall be made contn-
gent upon the appropriation by the House OF Rep
resontatives.
large number of members Of Congress have
obtained leaves of absence, and left to-day Tor their
homes until after the holidays
THE EXPECTED vETo-coNGREss AND TREATY AP-
PRoPRIATIoNs-cosTo OF THE UNITED STATES CON-
sULAR sysTEM-coMMEYT on THE PRESIDENTS
MESSAGE RELATIVE TO GENERAL HANCOCK.
A telegram from the same correspondent says
The Presidents message vetoing the District OF
Columbia bill striking out the word white IN all
laws, &C., will be brief. 1t is understood and is
expected to be presented to Congress tomorrow.
The variance IN opinion among leading members
body in the matter of making appropriations to
carry out treaties made by the Executive and rati-
fed by the Senate, appears to be general. Scarce
ly any coincidence of views in all particulars Is
mcnifested, but whilst the indications are that
majority claim the right Of tho House to 60 into
an investigation of the merits OF tho treaty and
determine whether an appropriation shall be mace
or not yet there is reason to believe that MAORI
ty of members are in favor OF voting for the appro-
priation to pay for Walrussla.
An impression prevails that our consular system
is a costly institution TO the people, From ofhclal
sources it is found however, that the balance Is IN
favor Of our government, and that we have during
the past year derived more than one hundred thou
sand dollars over all expenses from our consular
agents.
The Presidents message recommending some
pubic recognition of General Hancocks patriotic
coniuct &C., is the theme of conversation and re-
mark tonight. BY decided Republicans it is con-
demned as being an expression OF sympathy with
and appreciation of General Hancock's so-called
favoritsm for rebels.
By the Conservatives and decided Democrats the
message is unqualifedly applauded as well-tmed,
just and magnanimous. 1t is the Judgment OF all
classes that by this public and formal notice OF the
conduct of General Hancock, Mr.. johnson has
placed the General conspicuously in position as
Conservative candidate FOR the Presidency In the
election next Fall. This idea being suggested to
Mr.. Johnson tonight, he replied substantially,
that if such is to be the result OF his action to-day
he would be satisfied, and that il the people sh 1uld
feel disposed to reward General Hancock for his
patriotic conduct and statesmanlike qualities none
would more heartily endorse their choice on such
grounds than himself.
Among those who visited the White House to-
day and had interviews with the President was
General Grants father. Archbishop Spalding had
an interview with Mr.. Johnson this evening.