New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-01-13

again passed by both Houses They do not think II
safe to risk the validity of the measure upon the
question of the effect of the adjournment of Congress
before the expiration of ten days after the passage OF
the BILL
The President yesterday signed Schencks whisky
bill, and it is now a law. telegram from New-York
to this city states that the price of fraud whisky de-
creased yesterday IS cents per gallon, and that
whisky could be had at 81 90 per gallon, including
certificate of payment of tax, etc.
delegation of the so-called Conservative Repub-
Icans of the State of New-York, headed by Rufus
Andrews and Tom Murphy arrived here this morn
ing to confer with Members of Congress relative to
New-York State politics. 1t appears that they take
exception TO the call for the Convention on the 18th
Of next MONTH holding that it is not in accordance
with former customs and that such Conventions
have been always held in March or April. They pur-
pose some confederation, and trying their
strength before they take any definite action
The Hon. Reverdy johnson leaves for Baltimore
tomorrow expecting to be absent until Thursday.
The discussion of the case of Senator Thomas it is
understood, will not be resumed until Mr.. Johnson
returns.
Major-Gen Butler goes to Richmond tomorrow, to
make few political speeches.
Mark Twain will lecture here in a few days. at the
request of a number of congressman.
The second annual dinner of the Washington Cor
respondents Club took place last evening. About so
gentlemen were present, including Speaker Colfax,
Representatives Brooks, Blaine, Getz Robinson, SEN
ator Anthony, Mr.. II. d. Cooke the Hon. II. D. De-
frees and the Hon. W. Faxon, Assistant Secretary of
the Navy, honorary members of the Club.
= Yesterday Senior Don Alberto Best-Gana, who has
for some time past been accredited to this Govern
ment as Charge dAifars of Chill took official leave
of the Secretary of State. Mr. Blest-Gana has, il is
said, been intrusted by his Government with an im-
portant mission to England
a; n. Wyman, esq.,. for some time past Assistant
Cashier of the office of the United States Treasurer,
has resigned that position to accept similar place
in a bank at Omaha City. MIR. Wyman has received,
in to his resignation, complimentary letters
from the Secretary and Treasurer and has also been
presented by the clerks In the 1reasuTers Office with
handsome service of silver.
A striking instance of the growth OF Government
affairs is furnished by the Office of the Second Auditor
of the Treasury, the principal business OF which Is
the examination of accounts and claims relating
either directly or cOaterally to the army. In 1859
the work of the office required the services OF but u
clerks; near ~ 400 are now actively employed, ana
bill has lately passed the House providing for fur
Their increase of So for the purpose particularly OF ex
pediting the settlement of claims for the bounty
given TO the soldiers IN the late war majority of
whom, ignorant of the care and labor necessary III
adjudication in each individual to prevent fraud,
are still wondering at the delay made IN forward
ing their dues The files of the Office arc already
buTdened by something over $4,000 claims for bounty
and arrears Of pay. and each month brings IN nearly
10000 more. The present force engaged upon this
Work can dispose OF ABOUT l9,OOO claims per month";
1t will therefore, be time yet, even with the
additional help before the business can be reduced
to peace footing 1t is understood that the APP
pOintees to clerkshps under the act referred TO, will
be subject TO a strict examination upon matters per-
tanning to the business upon which they are TO be
engaged and only those selected who have a COM
petent, practical knowledge upon the special points
involved.
Mr. Delmar, Director of the Bureau of Statistics
has caused to be compiled yoluminous tables relating
to the railroads Of the United States, which show
that at the close of the calendar year 1861 the total
mileage was S3S SOL and the total cost of the roads
and equipment, Al 655 4S3 SO The Superintendent
of railroads should invariably mail copy of their
annual reports to the Department.