New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-01-25

nv TEiE 40 TEfbtAh-
WASHINGTON Friday. Jan a, 1868.
Tho Great event Of tho day and of the session in
Che Senate was the speech OF Senator Morton OF
Indiana who. from seat in front of the CHAR de-
hvered Of the most powerful arguments IN Vindi-
cation Of the Congressional policy of Reconstruc-
ton that have vet been made. lie was compelled to
Keen his seat during the delueTy of his speech-the
second time only in the history of Federal leglsla-
iion that the spectacle has been seen OF
Senator addressing the Senate from his seat
and not from the floor. disabling lameneSs IN both
Of his legs compelled the distinguished Senator 10
this unusual aud most disadvantageOus form OF de-
livery His sentences fell like sledge-hammer blows
aud every word was timely and weghty. The Sena-
tor had no preparation but few rough notes to
which he seldom referred. Up TO last night he
had no intention of speaking; but as Mr. DOohttle
quoted largely from him yesterday to prove
that in 1863 he (Mort0nl Endorsed Johnsons
policy he felt IL his duty 10 reply The galleries were
densely filed with an audience such as seldom SITS
through q political discussion, and no. one VINO
heard the opening sentences left before the close Oh
the great argument. The homage of such profound
attention as was manifested is not often paid. AT
the conclusion Of the speech, the Senators present
Rocked around Mr. Morton in perfect
mob TO congratulate him The first TO eX-
tend his hand was his Democratic colleague,
Mr. Hendricks. The proceedings OF the Senate were
interrupted for time by the confusion winch the
enthusiasm in favor of the speech produced. MI
kye followed Mr.. Morton. It was intended that
some Democrat should do so, but none was willing
TO undertake the task without few days reflection
and study. Mr.. MortOns speech Will be circulated
as a campaign document. Thousands Of copies were
subscribed for in less than hall hour after its
conclusion.
The report from the Committee on Foreign Rela-
Z ho RIGHTS American citizens has
given rise 10 much comment among Congressman,
md IL is thought that the Representatives, Will pass
the measure with few amendments Gen. Baukss
report on the subject will be submitted ON
Monday. The report is more belligerent IN tone
than the Ll and a large portion of it is
devoted 10 the rehearsal Of the suilerings
endured in British prisons 10y Americans who have
been arrested various charges during the last
twelve months. Mr.. Sumner. who is at the head OF
the Committee Foreign Affairs in the Senate, does
not regard the bill with much favor and WILL 1t Is
understood. hold it in his Committee until the Gov
eminent can have an opportunity to consult with the
new British Minister, who is expected here next
week and who has received instructions on this
subject
The Civil Appropriation bill will be reported dur
Ing the latter part Of next week by the Committee
on Appropriations The presentation of this bill is
looked forward to with great deal of interest as it
is the first bll of the session of this nature, and
from it an idea be formed Of the progress of re-
tTenChment.
During the negotiations between Mr. Seward and
the Russian Minister for the purchase of Alaska
there considerable correspondence by telegraph
between the latter and the Russian Government on
that subject The bills of the Gable company amount
% about $4,000 and the Russian Government is of
opinion that the United States should pay il. AIr.
Seward declines 10 do the ground that II is not
legitimate charge. The appropriation for the pur-
chase of that territory is still held in allegiance in
the Committee on Foreign Relations, at the instance
Of Secretary Seward and there seems to be dispo
sItOn the part OF the Government or the Commit
Tee to take action on it.
The Ways and Means Subcommittee for the re-
vision OF the revenue laws consisting of Messrs.
Kchenck Hooper Allison, and Logan, are holding
daily sessions and working eneTgetcay on the busl
ness before them. Gen. Garfield was examined by
them to-day ON the subject of reducing the army,
and gave it the opinion of the Military
Committee that reduction is possible at the present
time. The Committee have been investigating this
branch of the service and find that the expenditure
is enormous especially on the Indian frontier. The
troops there consist mostly of cavalry Subsistence
is very high especially the soresrequired for horses
and as the troops widely scattered, 1t is almost
Impossible TO effect q reduction. The Committee feel
suced to a much lower figure than the present es-
Inmates before the taxes can be decreased.
The Senate Finance Committee have not been in
session since Wednesday. when the consideration of
Senator Shennans funding bill and other bills relat-
ing to finance was postponed for week, until the
return of Mr. Sherman from Ohio No action what
ever has been taken on any part of Mr.. Shermans
bill. except mere general discussion of its pro-
visions
The Ordnance Committee will meet tomorrow to
near the report which has been finished of the Sub
Committee. Gen. Dyer has been refused permission
10 appear by counsel before the Committee but they
Will allow him 20 read all the testimony and be
present when the examination takes place. Wit
nesses will be examined tomorrow on the Ames
gun affair
The WAYS and Means Committee continued to-day
the discussion OF the tobacco tax, and examined
several Inspectors who gave the details Of the opera
fon Of the old bill in their several departments and
made numerous suggestions in regard 20 the changes
which they thought would aid in rendering the law
more operative. The Committee are desrous of
getting all the information they can the subject
and win not take any decisive action until they have
Investigated thoroughly the various projects pre-
scented for their adoption.
The Senator's elect fIom Colorado were before the
Committee ON Territories Of the Senate to-day and
com municated to that body considerable informa-
ton 20 strengthen the report Of the Committee made
Mt the last session in favor OF the admission of that
Territory as State They state that the people Of
Colorado are very anxious to be admitted and urge
the Committee to take as speedy action possible
that subject They allege that the objections the
tcore Of population made by the President IN bis
veto are now entirely removed and that, shonld the
IN