The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-11
The Presidents Financial Schemes De-
nounced as Reputation.
Proposed National System Of Military Educa-
tiOn Slighted in the House.
Adjournment OF Both Houses
Until Monday.


The proposed transfer Of the Indian Bureau to the
War Department, which went through the House
the second day OF the session. occupied the attention
OF the Senate to-day. Though General Grant had
given his sanction to the measure in bis annual re-
port, still 1t was rather cOldy received by the Senate
to-day and after long debate referred to the Com
mittee on Indian Affairs. Several very able Sena-
tors seem to oppose the measure, or at least they
show determination to examine into its character
closely before allowing II to become law It's refer
ence, after several speeches and conn., to the Com
mttee on Indian Affairs is regarded here its pro-
bable execution for its friends say that that Commit
tee win never suffer it to come forth again alive
Should this bill fail 1t viii be rather conclusive
as 70 Grants power over the Senate. 1t is
the FIRST declaration Of Grants policy any subject
orpubc import, and inasmuch as he has strongly
recommended it in his annual report, a recommen-
dation which carried it through the House in tri-
umph, its failure to enough votes in the Sen
ate may possibly be indication as to the harmony
that ia TO exist between the new Executive and the
higher branch OF Congress. In spite OF the sudden
check 1t sustained to-day am disposed to believe 1t
Will finally pass In the Senate.
A Dull Day In the House.
The proceedings Of the House to-day were eX-
tremely dull. Schenck and Washburne seemed to
be aboring under the effects Of reaction, which nat-
rally followed the violent excitement and passion
into which they worked themselves yesterday
over the Presidents Message. Bingham's temper
was in wise improved by the signal de-
feat which he sustained yesterday. The
House had another opportunity OF laughing
at his exhibition Of spleen in short rem
coGtre he had with Sconeld, OF Pennsylvania. A
discussion arose upon the reference OF private
claim. Bingham wanted it sent to the Court OF
CIuarn uhi ITO tn .,sa
Committee on Claims. Scoield is somewhat OF a
wag and seemed to enjoy Bingham's uncomfortable
passion and loss OF temper over small matter.
Whatever little influence Bingham may have pos
sessed in the House heretofore he is fast losing.
lie was as clearly beaten to-day on yesterday,
notwithstanding tine earnesiness with which he de-
tended his case.
Tho House in Committec Of the Whole.
1t is manifest that little, If any, business Will be
transacted before the holiday recess. The bills re-
manning on the Speakers table at the close OF the
last session all disposed OF to-day, after which,
Tor lack Of better employment, the House went into
Committee Of the Whole, for the purpose OF
listening to buncombe speeches. In the early part Of
the day large number Of bills and petitions, mostly
Of private character, were reported from the Mill
tary Committee and disposed OF. The action Of the
House In passing washburnes resolution for \ long
viii transact very little business at this session
General Schenck made an earnest appeal TO the
House for shorter recess but 1t had effect The
majority are feeling so good over the election OF
General Grant that they disposed TO let the Tax
bill, the Tariff bill and other important measures
wait for action until the day Of rejoicing is past
They seem to think that In some way or other the
election Of Grant viii regulate all these matters.
without much exertion on their part. Blaine OF
Maine, who addressed the House while in Committee
OF the Whole, distinctly enunciated this idea.
Undignifed Scene In the Honse.
Since the beginning Of the present session the dis
orderly conduct OF members while business rs being
transacted has been q subject OF general remark by
persons frequenting the galleries. the scene pre-
scented resembles that Of large, noisy barroom
than the chief Legislature OF the nation Sometimes
II s impossible for members to hear their colleagues
sitting but few seats rom them, though they
scream at the top Of their voices Speaker Colfax,
who has heretofore prided himself upon his ability
and success as presiding officer, seems to have lost
control OF the House. ana allows members 70 do about
as they please.
The Alta vela Case Revived.
The Alta vela case, which attracted considerable
attention last session, IN connection with Judge
Black and the impeachment trial, was revived to-day
by Mr. Phelps, OF Maryland, who offered petition
from Blacks Baltimore clients, together with rcso
luton on the subject, both OF which went to the
Committee Foreign Affairs. Mr.. Phelps inten-
ton is 10 push the matter before the committee and
II possible get some action upon it by the House.
la this 1t is said, he will be assisted by Judge
Black.
General Buffers Financial Bill.
General Butler has decided not to bring in his
bill on finances until after the recess Of Congress.
Revision of the Tariff.
The Committee Of Ways and Means had con
ference this morning on the tariff question. II is
not probable there win be any early action on the
subject
The Alnskn Purchase.
some wretcned Bohemian started The story from
here recently that in the purchase OF Alaska from
Russia corruption fund was made use Of by the
agents Of the Gear, and 1t deliberately asserted
that 900 was spent In securing the passage OF
she appropriation. The name OF an old and very
prominent banker Of this city, Mr.. Riggs was intro
Guced a. q leading one to whom the money was con
signed to aid in making the Alaska purchase pop
uiar investment. After him the names OF lead.
ing papers IN the country whose editors or CORES
pondents were represented receiving from Mr.
Riggs certain share OF the bribery fund. The
editor OF one paper in particular who had all along
consistently opposed the Alaska purchase, was put
down rs having IeceNeu tZ0,OVV, ana the CORES
pendent here $4,000 Mr.. Riggs, who was
declared the head and front OF the whole
proceeding Indignantly denies any connection
with the transaction. The whole statement
appears TO have been manufactured from the lively
imagination OF q newspaper scribber. am in
formed that the subject 10 TO be investigated by
n special committee, after the recess, when the
whole subject will be thoroughly investigated.
Communication from the Peruvian Governs
ment.
Rear Admiral Turner commanding the United
States naval forces In the Pacific has forwarded 70
the Navy Department letter from General Hovey,
United States Minister to Peru, enclosing copy OF
letter from the Peruvian government thanking the
republics OF Chile and Bolivia and the representa-
ves Of the United states Of America aud France for
'neir generous conduct towards the people In the
south Of Peru who suffered from the consequences Of
earthquake In Ausust last