New-York tribune., 1867-03-27
WASHINGTON.

CUsTOM-HoUsE FRAUDS.
~ TRIEsRAPB TRIBUNE.
wAsHISGToN Tuesday, March 26, 1867.
In the Senate to-day most of the time was taken
lid in discussing the resolution for adjournment The
debate was for the most part repetition OF the
argument made on Saturday evening, when the sub
iect was last up The Senate adhered through every
vote TO its proposition of last week to adjourn until
December, and finally passed it by vote of 81 to H.
There were l3 absentees a majority of whom are IN
favor of adjoumng.
The Honse to-daywas the of another discussion
The principals were MessTs Butler and Bingham
The matter was begun by Mr. Butler rising to make
a personal explanation. He was given 10 minutes
and began by calling attention to the debate between
himself and Mr. Bingham day or two ago, and
said he had laid upon members desks printed
sheet showing the report of Mr.. Bnghams re-
marks as they appeared in The Globe and as they
were really uttered, as appeared from reporters
notes The report as published did him lButler)
iniustice and he did not envy any one
who could in the cool of the evening, sit down
and deliberately pen speech that could not be an
Ewered and put it Immediately preceding what pul-
ported to be an answer. He again made his chhge
against Bingham about hanging Mrs. Surratt ana III
tbecourse of his remarks referred to Booths sup
pressed diary which was now with the House Ju-
dietary Committee, with is pages mutllated OF MISS
ing. and intimated that Mr. Bingham had, as
Judge-Advocate withheld at the trial much
important evidence which was contained IN
this diary, and further, that he was party to the
mutlatiOn of the diary Butler occupied the full 10
minutes allowed him. and spoke with great force and
apparent GOODNESS. His bold charges and statements
against Bingham created a great sensation among
members and persons in the galleries WINE ne was
peaking all other business was suspended by the
members and the greatest interest was manifested
Bingham sat in his seat busily engaged making leW
notes in preparation for reply. When the Speakers
mallet fell Butler had not finished, but was COM
pelled to give way. Bingham rose, looking
yery pale and evidently very much agit-
ated. Many of the members left their
seats aud gathered around him, looking
deeplv and painfully interested. He began speaking
in his usual forcibe and emphatic way, but had not
proceeded far when Speaker COlfax called HIM to or
der for usng unparlamentaTy language Ihls I'M
plied censure from the Speaker was evidently Sc
we're wound to Bnghan's feelings, and lrrtated MN
10 the highest degree. When called TO order he re-
piled in rather nsolent manner to the Speaker de
nyinp that he was out of order. He soon cooled
down however saw his mistake, apologized, and
nroceeded in order He denied that he had withheld
anv norton of the testimony of the trial referred to-
The only evidence withheld was that which came up
after the fact and all lawyers knew that could not
he admitted in any court. All courts decided that
such evidence was inadmissabe, but perhaps
tbes were not equal TO the uncOnqueTable genius of
the unconquerable hero of Fort Fisher. His aluson
TO Fort Fisher brought forth the usual laughter and
disorder from the Democracy. He confined hs re-
marks making illusions TO Butler, which were
uncalled for, and in exceedingly badta taste lie spoke
as though Butler had with him the Booths diary
referred TO- and refused to show it. Here he was
mistaken. but he declined to allow Butler to inter
rppt him 10 explain. The discussion lasted half an
bour and produced an evident feeling Of mortifica-
fion and regret on the part OF the friends
of Mr.. Bingham. The whole matter was
isreputable especially on the part Of Mr. Bingham,
who is so apt to lose his temper IN debate, and say
offensive things to his fellow members, with httle OF
no cause When Bingham had finished, Gen. Butler
rose 70 reply. but objection was made, and he was
compelled to remain silent. 1t would have required
a asuspensOn of rules TO allow him to reply, but he
did not ask the favor, and the matter ended. Mr..
Ward introduced resolution for the appointment OF
specal cOn,mitte TO investigate the charges made
by Butler regarding Mrs. SuIratts trial IL was de-
feated by a very decisive vote many OF the Demo
Gratis voting against it.
The Judiciary Committee of the Senate held three
hours session to-day, on the questions nVolVed III
the adjournment resolutions, and came TO the con-
cusion that there was no danger to be apprehenocd
either in the enforcement of the Reconstruction bill
Convention for framing a new Constitution for
MARYLAND Upon the action of the Committee the
Senate to-day passed a resolution to adjourn, OIL
Thursday next, until the first day of De
eember Intinatons are said TO have been
made to Gen. Grant, that the Southern State Courts
would declare the reconstruction act nconsttu-
tiOnal and that the act in that event VIII not DC
operative for many months until it shall be finally
decided by the Supreme Court, and that no decision
can be made sooner than the regular meeting OF Con
gress in December, so that no advantage would
accrue from an earlier meeting. This view OF the
case is believed to have been taken by the Judiciary
Committee of the Senate to-day. 1t is not improba-
bic however that the House viii decide TO adjourn
until October or November and that the Senate VIII
reeede from its action if sufficient grounds are pre-
sented by the lower body.
The President has sent to the Senate the nomination
of Mr.. McNIahon as Postmaster of Brooklyn. 1t was
referred TO the Committee PostOffices and Post
roads and will be reported back tomorrow. Senator
Morgan is known to be opposed TO him. and he VIII
le rejected General Roberts, nominated to the
same place some time ago and rejected, has not only
a good war record but was Radical, while Mcmahon
IS Democrat.
The Senate Committee or Foreign Affairs have
reported against the nomination of Gen. Frank Blar
az Minister TO Austria This insures his rejection
There are several other applicants for this position
Ex-senator Fosters friends very anxious that 1t
shall he given 10 him. Tie President however has
promised il 10 another and h will probably send in
another name as soon as Gen. Blairs nomination is
disposed Of
The Retrenchment Committee have appointed
Messrs Van Wyck Logan and WelkeT a sub Com