New-York tribune., 1868-11-16

LENCY AMONG THE AVENUE LOONDEh9'
WASHINGTON, D. c., Nov. Is, 1869.
Col. Tappan. member of the Indian Peace Commits
sion has lust returned to this city, and reports that
al the Indians represented by those who have met
the Commission in council during the present year
together with those with whom Commissioners Au-
ger and Cullen treated numbering in all about 1OOOO
are at peace carrying out the plans and purposes OF
the Commission, all having either gone upon the
reservations set apart for them, or are on theh
way 10 them. Col. Tappan says that
this has been accomplished simply because
the Commissioners have been enabled by the GOV
eminent, army and people TO carry out III q iIieSi
their part of the contract, while on the oiher manu-
the 5000 or 5000 men, women, and children OF lhe
Cheyennes, Comanches, Apaches' AIrapahoes' ana
Kowas. whom the Peace Commission met over
wear 400 ore declared to be at with the united
states Onr army is operating on the Plains against
them. This state of affairs has resulted from the
failure of our Government TO carry out
its treaty agreement, and from the consequent
necessity which compels the Indians to 60 upon the
warpath as their only means Of selfpreservaton ana
safety Col Iappan also reports that he has recently
returned from the seat of the Canadian Government
at Ottawa where he examined their mode OF admin
istoring Indian affairs and its results and that ms
investigation confirms his convictions derived
from long residence in tie lndlan
country and from official intercourse with the In
dians. that they are as easily managed, governed
and civilized as any other people provided justice
done and the protection of law is secured to Them
as it is in Canada Our trouble has resulted from
the fact that our policy makes the Indian an outlaw
and vagabOnG victim of political spectators, and
of combinations whose purpose is to rob the National
Treasury and destroy the Indians acquire lands aud
attain wealth and power.
Surgeon General Barnes has made his annual re-
poIt to the Secretary of War. The synopsis which
he gives of the monthly reports of the sick and
wounded for the year, medical men will find Of much
interest when the document is published The whole
number of deaths among the white troops during
the year was 1885, among the cOlOred troops, 2CS.
Dr. Barnes reports at length what has been done in
ms office toward studying and classifying the records
Of the various injuries received by soldiers during
the war; as well as what progress has been made in
arranging the Medical Museum, which has become
very valuable feature of his Department His ex-
pcnditures during the year $l,75G,G00, and he
asks only a small appropriation for the coming year
The excitement attending the investigation into
alleged frauds and corruption in Internal Revenue
mates has apparently subsidcd for the present
UistIict-AttOrney Courtney went home last evening
rumor was circulated to-day in effect that John f.
Smythe had been appointed a Supervisor Of Internal
Revenue for the Eastern District of NewYOrk State
The report is erroneous. Spencer Kirbys nomination
is still with Secretary McCulloch and 10 action has
been taken on its confirmation.
The meteoric shower on the night and morning of
Friday and Saturday was observed by many Of the
citizens in this city, and by several prominent Gov
eminent officers. At the National Observatory the
most extended observations were made, and a very
complete record was kept of the appearance Of the
heavens from the time the display began
until il ended, as from central posi-
ton on Pennsylvania-ave., facing south, and
embracing in the field of vision south
southeast, an unObstructed view of perhaps
One-thrd of the horizon. The display was very hne
The night was cloudless and the atmosphere re-
maIkaby clear Meteors were first seen IN unusal
number at about II o'clock increasing in beauty and
frequency until after midnight. At l o'clock the
star-shower had fairly begun, and in this narrow
field of view meteors were counted in quick success
sion. five or six each minute. The general course
was west-south-west from radiating point APP
parently in the Constellation Leo, the meteors
moving in nearly parallel lines, as if chasing
each other across the horizon. Occasionally one
came from nearly opposite direction, crossing the
track and in very few instances were noticed with
a lateral OF nearly horizontal movement. From l
until o'clock they carefully counted as some
thing more than 2OO and after o'clock 400 within 80
minutes The whole number from about o'clock to
81
connt 1868 1t was observed that the more brilliant
meteors left long trains of light, distinctly visible
for several minutes, and closely resembling the
tail of comet Indeed so nearly perfect
was this illusion. and so lOng-contnued were these
luminous trains that it was difficult TO believe, at
one time that there were not as many three
four comets in view. In one instance, a large and
very brilliant meteor shot the horizon, leaving
behind il an immense trail which shortly began
TO oscillate, moving to and fro along q line Of
perhaps two degrees, like fiery serpent
suspended in md-air. Gradually it assumed the
form of letter S, and finally condensed into nebu
Ions head fading away, having been distinctly vis
BE % OF 80 minutes Altogether. the display of Fri
,ay night if not comparable with the historic star
showers was nevertheless, seen in Washington,
magnificent and marvelously beautiful.
Sunset Cox is here. Col.IOrdway, Sergeantat-Ams
of the House arrived here last night 1t is said that
seven United States Senators and all the members Of
the Cabinet have been invited 10 the dinner TO be
given to Mr. Evarts by the New-York bar on Tuesday
VIM T. Chandler has returned.
The British Government has withdrawn It's claim
10 the Island Of San Juan, thus giving the United
States sole control Of Puget Sound, and one OF the
best harbors between San Francisco and Sitka.
Chief-Justice Chase goes TO Baltimore tomorrow to
hold session Of the U. S. Court for one week
The Dyer Court OF Inquiry having adjourned on
Friday Is expected tOreconyene tomorrow. and begin
tue taking of testimony for the prosecution.
Mr. Wmtlhngton, Commissioner Of internal Rev
enue Of the Canadian Dominion. has been passing
fow day, IN this CITY with special view to 0ufOrmng
himself Of the workings Of our EtcTnal revenue sys-
TEN lie has had utslyiews with the President,
Secretary McCull0ch, Commissioner Rollins and
other officials. Secretary McCulOch gave special di-
rcctions to have every facility afforded 10 the dis
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