New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-02-05

PRESIDENTS REPLY TO GRANr-SENAT0R
WILLIAMS ON ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DAN
ISL NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. COPYRIGHT
wIsEwELL-COX-MR. DICKENS
uLnssAPH
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1863
The principal topic of conversation tonight among
politicians and others is the Grant-Johnson corre-
spondence from the War Office. AS the matter now
stands Grant has had the last say. The President this
evening finished reply to Gen. Grants last letter,
which he will send to the General tomorrow. The
Presidents friends claim that this letter will floor
Grant; while Grants friends claim that he has
already foored johnson. The correspondence was not
read until late in the day. 1t created quite sensa
ton. Although it took long while to have it read
every member paid the closest attention Several OF
the passages of Grants letters to johnson created
good deal of laughter among the Republicans.
In the Senate to-day, after the expiration of the
morning hour, Senator Williams of Oregon took the
floor and delivered mastery speech in favor OF the
Congressional policy of Reconstruction 1t was at
tentivey listened to, and made decided impression,
both the floor and in the galleries The subject OF
Reconstruction then postponed for the day, ana
the Senate resumed the consideration Of BILL intro
duced by Senator Patterson of New Hampshire, COM
pelling the confirmation of all special agents and
other officers of the departments now appointed
without the advice and consent of the Senate. Not
wthstanding every Senator seemed to be in favor OF
the principle Of the BILL it amusing to notice how
those who represented special interests wanted ex-
ceptions in their favor. Senator Sumner Thought IL
good BILL but that it ought not to include the state
Department, which must have its secret and special
agents, untrammeled by Senate combinations. SEN
ator Ramsey believed in the principle, but, being
Chairman of the Post-Ofiice Committee, wanted to
deal very gently with the Post-Ofice Department.
4 oh
omit the Navy Department Senator Sherman would
like to have the Treasury Department exempted. AS
Senator Wilson was absent, no special plea was PUT
in for the War Department The bill was finally re-
committed. and the Senate adjourned.
The proceedings in the House to-day were devoid
of interest Mr.. Banks's report on the rights OF
American citizens abroad was debated during the
morning hour The indications are that members
will spread themselves this subject, as it is OK
pected to be popular matter in the next political
campaign. Mr. Julians bill to coniiscate Govern
ment lands granted to Southern railroads. occupied
the remainder of the days session. 1t was expected
that a vote would be obtained this measure to-
day, but it's friends failed to get it,
The Senate and House Committees on Foreign
Affairs were both in session to-day The several
treaties were up for discussion in the former but no
definite conclusion was arrived at in reference TO
any of them. In regard to tho Danish treaty 1t was
resolved to await the arrival OF messenger from
the King of Denmark, who, it is understood, Is on
his way to the United States with information on
that subject. Gen. Banks Chairman of the House
Committee was absent, and on that account the con-
sideration of Mr.. Robnson's resolution demanding
the release OF immediate trial of persons now in con-
fnement in British jails. was postponed until the
next meeting The Alaska appropriation was talked
over but as members entertain very opposite views
on that subject 1t will be long time before they Will
decide on the icourse which they will pursue. The
Perkins claim on the Russian Government was aired
little and it was resolved to hear argument from
counsel on that subject after which the Committee
will consider the legality of introducing it into the
House with the Russian appropriation.
Financial matters were considered to-day in the
Senate Committee having charge of that subject but
though several of the schemes before them were dis
cussed, they arrived at no conclusion on any one.
They will meet again tomorrow, and endeavor to
mark out some financial policy and embody their
views in bill.
The House Committee on the Library to-day IN
structed Mr. Baldwin to report bill providing for
an International Copyright law The bill is pre-
pared and will be presented to the House probably
to morrow.
The WAYS and Means Committee hold special
meeting this evening and will meet every evening
until the new Revenue bill is finished. The Tobacco,
Petroleum and other articles were discussed to-day,
hut no definite action taken on them in the way
of fixing the tax. IL consequence of the numerous
delegations representing all sorts of interests in diff
ferent parts of the country who have for the last
two weeks been pressing their views on tho Commit
tee the business has been considerably delayed and
il is not probable that they will be ready to report
before three weeks The Chairman has informed by
letter most of the persons here interested in manu-
features that the duty is as for as possible to be re-
moved from the leading industrial pursuits.
Several Republican Members of Congress are pre-
pairing resolutions to introduce into Congress con-
corning the policy to be pursued by the Government
in respect to tho Alabama claims.
EA bill providing that the Chicago and Rock Island
Company be allowed the right of way over the Gov
eminent bridge to be built at Rock Island the
Mississippi wasvagreed on to-day, in the Military
Committee of the House. This privilege is not to be
conferred upon the Company, however unless they
pay onehalf the cost of the structure and the right
is reserved to the Government of comforting the same
powers upon other companies on the payment OF pro-
portionate shares Of the expenditures on the work.
The Senate has not yet taken any action on WISE
wells appointment. his name not having been even
referred to q committee There is not the slightest
prospect Of his confirmation, as Mr. Rollins does not
wish to resign. Wisewell has a very large lobby
here working for him, who boast TO have unlimited
funds about the influence of which they whisper
very mysteriously Wisewells opponents say that
the whisky ring is to be used by the Democrats in
tho coming Presidential campaign, and that is the
consideration which induced Mr.. Johnson TO send in
his name.
A communication giving the number and names OF
persons employed in the secret service OF the State
49, fhary