New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-12-11

TION-THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN COMMIT
TEE-PROPOsED REFORM IN TIE CONSULAR
SYSTEM.
p,
WASHINGTON. Tuesday Dec. TO- 1901
In the Senate to-day communication was re-
eeived nom Secretary McCulOch, in response TO a
resolution of inquiry about the appointment OF
Edmunt Cooper as Assistant Secretary of the Treas
ury. The Secretary says Mr.. Cooper has not been
appointed TO that Office but merely designated under
the act Of 1895 to fill the vacancy occasioned by Mr.
Chambers resignation. Mr. DoOlittle gave notice OF
an amendment 10 the Reconstruction act, the effect
of which is to restrict suffrage In the South
to the whites and such blacks rs served
year in the army. or can read anu
subscribe to an OATH own $3.50 worth OF property
He intends to submit this, he said. when Mr. Wilson's
bill now pending comes up. Garrett Davis took tins
occasion to remind the Senate of the great reaction
going on in the North in favor Of a white mans
government and against negro supremacy. 10
which Mr. Stewart of Nevadas responded that he
couldn't see much danger of negro supremacy IN
country where the population is about nine whites TO
one negro At o'clock Mr.. Drake called up his
resolution of censure, and commenced lengthy
written speech in advocacy of it. Reverdy Johnson
took the floor at o'clock TO reply to it, but immedi-
ately moved an adjournment as to resume the de-
bate tomorrow.
In the House to-day little business transacted.
Mr. E. b. Washburne made an attack on the practice
of granting public lands to Railroad Corporations.
He said that Congress IN doing so was throwing
away 80 much money. The debate arose on bill
introduced to extend grants of land and time for the
construction Of certain railroads in Michigan and
Wisconsin. The bill finally passed by an over
whening majority. concurrent resolution pro-
viding for the adjournment of both Houses from the
Goth of December to January 9, was adopted by
large vote. Two hours were spent by the Democracy
IN debating Mr.. Stevens's cOntscaton bill OF last
session. At Mr.. Stevenss request the bill was sent
into the Committee of the Whole of the House, where
it will be fully debated.
Within twelve DAYS the President must send 10 the
Senate communication setting forth the circum-
stances of the suspension of Secretary Stanton 1t
is probable that notification may he given the
Senate this week with the further notice that the
Executive has also removed Secretary stanton.
There is much speculation as TO what may be the
action of the Senate the subject Some who should
know the sentiments of Senators assert that they
will confirm the action Of the President, upon the
grounds that the Tenure of Office law is unconstu-
tiona so far as it restricts the Executive in the re-
moya and selection of Cabinet officers and for the
additional reason that good has out Of the sus-
reduction in the expenses of the War Department
through the retrenchment directed by Gen. Grant.
Others, well informed, are Of opinion that the
Senate win decide that Mr.. Stanton is the legal
Secretary Of War and that upon the
official notification OF such decision, Secretary
Stanton will demand possession of the papers, &c,
in the War Department the demand first being made
upon the President and, in of the latters re-
fusal upon Gen Grant. Whether Gen. Grant viii
surrender the custody OF the archives of the Depart
ment of course cannot he determined; but II ne
shall refuse Mr. Stanton must seek his remedy In the
courts IL is uncertain whether the President will
noninato SECRETARY until afteE all these ques-
tons are disposed of.
The Finance Committee Of the Senate bad under
consideration to-day the bill repeating the cotton
tax The adyisability of exemptng the present crop
was discussed at great length but though portion
of the committee in favor of that proposition 1t
is understood that the bill will be reported substan-
italy as it passed the House The Currency Con-
traction bill was also under consideration. but no
definite action was taken in regard 10 il. The con-
sideraton of the first case of suspension under the
Civil Tenure of Office bill was taken up to-day, it
being that of Col James OF Richmond. against whom
charges of mafeasance in office preferred. IL
is understood that the charges Of such charac
ter that the committee unanimously commend the
course of the Secretary of the Treasury in suspend
ing Col James from office. The appointment Of
Cen milford. it is thought will be tavorsby TO
ported on by the Committee
The House Military Committee authorized Gen.
Dodge to-day 10 report bill providing that. from
and after the passage Of the act brevet commissions
shall be conferred during time Of only, and for
disting uished service in the presence of the enemy
and that all breve commissions shall bear date from
the time of the particular action service for which
the officer was breyeted
Senator Patterson of New Hampshire is preparing
a bill looking to a complete revision Of the present
consular and diplomatic system, with view to re-
trenchment. and consequently All adjustment of
many of the present appointments II is understood
that be will recommend some radical and sweeping
changes in the service, particularly in South Amer
ica Senator Morrill, will also introduce bill the
same subject at an early day.
1t is understood that the Senate Committee on
Foreign Relations has considered and will report tho
following treaties ut early day; Japan, Sandwich
Islands Venezuela and Madagascar. The recent
treaty with the King of Denmark for the purchase
Of the islands OF St. Thomas and st. John has not
yet been formally considered bur will probably be
discussed at the next meeting.
The House Committee On Appropriations has re-
ceived letter from Gen. Grant recommending the
payment of the additional 20 per cent TO the Depart
ment clerks Gen Grant states that IN his Judgment
the same reasons which induced Congress to allow it
last year hold good now aud he hopes Congress viii
see fit 10 accede to the request OF the petitioners
This appropriation, if carried viii take about mill
Gop of dollars ont of the Treasury.
Gen. Grant has issued an order to the Military
Commanders in the South investing them with SUI
pervisory power over the Freedmen's Bureau, thus
virtually making the latter subordinate 10 the mill
tary authorities. Gen. Candy has already given di-
rections in accordance with Gen. Grants order TO
Gen. Scott of Alabama and has announced the latter