Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1867-02-28
VIRGINIA NEW US.

On Monday, in the Gerporation Court, at
| Norfolk, Va, in the case Of the Commonwealth
VS.. w. r. Hammond charged with felony,
the defence objected to negro testimony, as not
coming under the statute, and that the civil
rights bill was unconstitutional. The court
sustained the defence, and the testimony was
ruled out. Yesterday, the Z. S. Commissioner
S. S. Foster issued warrants ''for the arrest Of
five magistrates Of the Corporation Court at
Norfolk for violating the civi-rights bill by re-
fusng colored testimony IN legal proceedings. y
A dispatch from Richmond dated, yesterday
says: 1T is understood that large potion of
the members of the Senate favor the calling of
a State Convention. (?) Mr.. Calvert, the State
Treasurer, was summoned to Washington yes
tcrday before one Of the committees of Con-
gross. .. ..... ..
CONGRESS. In the Senate, yesterday, the
Naval bill was passed. with provi<o that here
after the humber of cadets at the Naval Acad
envy shall be one for each Senator, Rcrresen
tative and Delegate in Congress one for the
District of Columbia, ten at large, and ten ad
dtional. to be selected from the boys in the
navy deserving of such by reason Of capacity
and good conduct. The bill authorizing the
removal Of causes in certain cases from State
courts was passed. 1t provides that in cases
between citizens, where the amount involved
exceeds $500, on affidavit of either Of the
parties that he has reason to believe he cannot
obtain justice in the State Court the case may
be removed to the United States Circuit Court
Presidential succession was referred 10 the
next Congress The bill for the redemption Of
the compound interest notes, as amended by
the Senate Finance Committee was passed,
and goes back to the House. 1t provides for
the issue of temporary loan certificates bearing
interest at rate not exceeding three per cent
per annum, principal and interest payable in
lawful money on demand and said certificates
of temporary loan may constitute and be held
by any national bank holding or owing the
same as a part of the issue provided for by the
act Of June 8, 1864 Provided, That no less
than Two ffths of the entire reserve of such
bank shall consist Of Lawful lmoney fthe United
States, and provided further, that the amount
Of such temporary certificates at any time out
standing shall not exceed 100000 600 The
Omnibus Appropriation bill was taken up and
4 long debate arose on 4 motion to strike out
the section abolishing the Office OF Commission
er of Public Buildings, and authorizing the
eIcCLlOu NY Tue HcuaIC VI Il superintendent Ol
Public Buildings. Without deciding tic queS-
ton the Senate went into executive session
In the House OF Representatives yesterday
the Naval Appropriation bill was passed, ali
propositions to increase the sums appropriated
being voted down. An amendment was adopt
| ed authorizing the Secretary Of the Navy to
receive and accept tract Of land on the Thames
river, near New London, Connecticut, for
naval purposes The total amount appro-
priated by the bill is over sixteen millions. In
Committee OF the Whole the House resumed
the consideration Of the Tariff hll The
amendments relating to wool Of all classes
fixing the duty on that article without regard
to the value OF the goods cat the last port or
place. whence exported to the United States
were all agreed to. On the flax question
prolonged struggle took place between the
Eastern and Western members. The duty was
finally increased to $50 per ton by close vote.
At the evening session the consideration Oh the
tariff bill was resumed.
The Richmond Enquirer says owe under
stand that no portion of the Peabody fund for
Southern education will be applied in aid Of
our colleges or high schools; but will all be
devoted to the founding Of common schools Tor
the children of the INDECENT. Agents are now
exploring the Southern States with a view to
ascertain what localities are in greatest need
OF such aid"