The New York herald., 1868-06-20
The BR Removing Political Disabilities
Rejected In the House.
Defeat of the Wood Screw
Patent Bill.
Relief OF Exporters OF Rum
and Alcohol.
Congressional Report on the Regulation and
Control OF Railroads.

WASHINGTON, June 10, 1862
The Impeachment Committee Again at Work.
General T. w. Egan was called before the Butler
Investigating committee to-day. He testified having
bet q hat with General Logan that seven Sena
tors would vote for the acquittal OF the President
Butler asked upon what grounds he thought the
Senators in question would vote for acquittal. The
witness gave his reasons, which were principally
based upon the character of those Senator's
Tho Swiss Consul with the Chinese Embassy.
The Consul General Of Switzerland, Mr.. John Hitz,
called on the Chinese Embassy to-day, and invited
them to visit the land of William Tell, of Switzerland
and its people. The Chinese talked with surprising
familiarity, and seemed quite appreciatve Of the
skill which the Swiss have acquired in the
manufacture OF watches and delicate silk fabrics.
1t appears the trade in the former article is
quite considerable between Switzerland and China,
and that peculiar class of timepieces Is manufac-
tured to suit the taste Of the Chinese which insists
upon having two sets OF watches for personal wear
one with an hour and the other minute hand sole
ly. Reference being made to the republican form Of
government of Switzerland the Chinese claimed that
China was republic two thousand years ago. and
that now 1t was republican to the extent of having
the form OF government desired by the people.
Visit of MIR. Burlingame to General Grant.
Mr.. Durlngame paid General Grant visit to-day
and had n long interview with him. On Sunday he
expects 10 leave Tor New lOrk.
The Reported Resignation Of Secretary
McCulloch Denied.
1t has been ascertained from proper authority that
there is foundation for the report published here
this afternoon to the effect that Mr. McCulloch to-day
transmitted to the President his resignation as Secre
tary OF the Treasury.
Our Relations with Spain and the South
American Republics.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and
House Committee on Foreign Affairs have under
consideration an important question: which has also
been submitted to the Executive by citizens OF New
York, Philadelphia and Boston, relative to our COM
mercial relations with Spain and South America.
According to the law of nations beigerents are
bound TO prosecute their wars actively to termina-
tiOn and results and neutral nations are bound to
avoid entering into commercial transactions which
may serve to aid either party. From this statement
OF the law Of nations inference may be drawn that
If begerents fail to prosecute their wars and dis
continue active hostilities neutral Powers are
relieved from their obligations of neutrality:
but it seems this question has never been
raised acted upon, and the committees
OF Congress which have the subject before them will
probably report at an early day such measures as
will enable American merchants and shlpowners to
understand their rights and duties on this question
better than at present. The war between
Spain and the South American republics, which
commenced in 1854, was prosecuted with some
vigOr for nearly two years; but since the
LIST Of May, 1865, when the Spaniards destroyed
CallaO and with It q large amount Of American and
British property, not a blow has been struck by
either party. This cessation OF war for nearly two
years is held by many strong presumption that the
war is closed and that all commercial rights and
privileges restored to neutrals This view is un-
derstOOd to be entertained by a majority of both
committees Of foreign affairs In Congress, and action
win likely be taken accordingly.
Application for Extension of the Hoe Patent
for Printing Presses.
The Senate Committee on Patents has given a
hearing to Colonel Hoe, Of New York, on PROPOSE
ton TO extend his patent for printing presses which
is about TO expire. The committee has under con-
sideraton the propriety Of taking from the Commits
missioner of Patents the power to extend patents
and putting it in the hands OF a board Of examiners
1t is alleged that the power now lodged with the
Commissioner is too great and affords strong tempta
tion to partiality and corruption.
The New Indictment Against John III. Surrntt.
The first count in the new indictment against John
II. Snrratt charges him with conspiring with Booth,
Paine, Harold, OLaughlin, Arnold, Atzerodt and
Mrs. Surratt to murder Abraham Lincoln. The sec
ond count charges him with conspring TO capture
Mr.. Lincoln and deliver him as a prisoner into the
possession, custody and control of certain persons
whose names are unknown to the Grand Jury.
Government Clerks Wrathy with the Radicals.
very strong feeling OF resentment has been
aroused in the government departments against the
radical party in consequence of the tabng of the bill
granting the continuation for another year OF their
additional twenty per cent Since yesterday the con-
servative element in politics has gained large
number OF converts.
The name OF General Ketcham of New York was
erroneousy printed voting in the House yesterday
against laying on the table the clerks' twenty per
Cent bill. lie voted in the Affirmative.
The Question Of Increased Pny to Army
Oficers.
The House Committee on Military Affairs had
under consideration to-day q bill proposing to give
officers of the army thirythree and third per cent
In addition 10 their pay. No action was reached
The subject will be resumed next Thursday There
Ii but little prospect Of such bill becoming law
Afairs Mt the Executive Mansion.
The usual large crowd Of nterviewers gathered at
The va lite House, waiting for the termination OF the
Cabne meeting to get access TO the President. The
Cabinet assembled at noon, all the members present
except Secretary seward, the department having
been represented by Assistant Secretary Hunter
The CabEet had under consideration the bills for
the admission OF the Southern States and the bin
regulating elections In this District Before Cabinet
session the President saw Senators Henderson and
aui General Rousseau.
Anislated Discussion Over the Bhiskey Tax
Question.
The Ways AID Means Committee ~ having an |
animated discussion today over the whiskey tax |
question: and also relative to the transportation OF
whiskey In bond. There is prospect OF the bill |
being reported before Monday.
Land Grants Asked for n New Telegraph Line.
Certain parties interested In the bill granting lands
% sid in the construction Of a railroad ard tele-
yraph line from Lawrence, Kansas, to the boundary
inc kctween the United States and Mexico In the
Erection OF some ports on the Gulf OF California
lad hearing before the Committee on Pacific Rail
oad o-dAy. AS the project does not require money,
,ut merely grant OF public lands the commiffee is
ather fayotably disposed towards It.