The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-29

by Congress expressly for the purpose like the Union
Pacific Railroad Company, for example. the charter
for which was granted by Congress July /, 1882 and
contains, besides the OF 100 OF the soundest
business men in the Union corporators, eghty-one
distinct provisions guarding against the abuse OF
the nations subsidy by the company's managers. In
granting subsidies distinction seems to have been
made between company thus organized and wild
cat corporations that had their origin In border
Territorial Legislature Both classes have been sub
sidized upon the same terms and conditions.
Effects of the Amnesty Proclamation.
Much confusion prevails as to the full extent and
operation OF President Johnsons last amnesty proc
lamation, some people, and even good lawyers sup
posing that 1t was not only intended to cover the
cases of Jer Davis. his Cabinet and all persons guilty
OF treason excepted from preceding proclamations
but that 1t also should work the release OF Arnold
Spangler and Mudd, now suffering at the Dry Tortu-
GO as accomplices In some way with the parties who
cOnspred for the assassination OF President Lincoln
However courts may construe the President last
amnesty, should it come up judiciay. there seems
to be no doubt that Mr.. Johnson did not intend to
extend the boon Of pardon to any other than poti-
Cal prisoners such people as had been guilty of
treason and were either In prison or under certain
kinds OF disability Under this view OF the procla-
nation Davis and his confederate Cabinet would un-
doubleday be relieved from further prosecution or
disabilities and be restored to all their civil rights,
except as curtaied by Congressional enactments not
In conflict with the constitution. What portion OF
these laws thus in conflict is question which OF
course remains TO be determined by future adudca-
ton.
Juvenile Entertainment Given by the Italian
Minister.
most interesting entertainment was given this
evening by the Chevaier Marcel Cerruti the Italian
Minister, at his elegant residence ON Pennsylvania
avenue. 1t consisted OF a charming Christmas en-
tertainment to about seventy little children belong
ing to the creme dc Ia creme OF Washington
society," There were present General Grant
and lady. Postmaster General Randall and lady, AS
sistant Secretary of State Frederick W. Seward.
Mr. Ford of the British Legation of the secre-
taries Of Foreign Legations, ex. Mayor Wallach, Mr..
Joseph G. J. Kennedy General Badeau, Mr.. Riggs,
the banker, together with large number OF
ladies OF this city. The entertainment com
menced about seven O'Clock by the crown
ing Of little Miss Grant Queen of the
evening. The Chevalier Cerrut performed this
graceful ceremony himself placing upon the head OF
the sweet little daughter Of our President elect
very beautiful crown sparkling with precious
stones. The petite Queen was thereupon conducted
to her throne and her royal consort for the nonce
Master Thornton, son or the English Minister, was
placed by her side. Master Blair, son OF
Montgomery Blair, was next made Prime
Minister of her Majesty and young lady appointed
chief maid Of honor. During these ceremonies all
the llputlan subjects OF Queen Grant stood abound
In silent but delighted astonishment, the grown
folks filling up the background with admiring faces.
Queen Grant, with right royal air and most be-
wltching grace, then announced that she was ready
to deliver an address to her SUBJECTS Saying this
she delivered pretty bundle Of manuscript to her
lady In waiting, who in q clear merry
voice read the address. This OF course cannot be
laid before your readers in ertensO. II began by
congratulating her subjects on the happiness that
blessed her realm at home, and then alluded to the
amty which existed with other nations. This amity
illustrated in the shower of presents which had
been bestowed upon her on this happy occasion Of
her coronation. The address terminated happily by
the expression Of the hope that her subjects would
continue in happiness and peace for oil time and
that the revolution of q year would find them as
blissfu and as fortunate as at present Queen Grant
then announced to her subjects that to sgnalize the
joyful occasion Of her coronation and the kindly
feelings that filed her heart she would invite all to
be the recipients of her royal bounty. This was
most interesting part OF the ceremony especially to
the juvenile subjects, who were conducted one after
another to an urn, whence each drew q ticket,
which. on being presented to the royal almoner,
was exchanged for o valuable present. The young
subjects thought their queen the right kind OF
monarch, and voted to keep her In power forever
The entertainment concluded with princely sup
per, which was heartily enjoyed by all present
Altogether 1t was the most charming and enjoyable
affair that has occurred for many q year, and no
doubt viii live In the memory OF the little long
after the accomplished Cerrun shall cease to figure
In this mundane sphere. or all the presents
supplied by the liberal bounty OF the Chevaler.
The children Of President Johnson were invited to
the entertainment, but, owing to the preparations
for the White House juvenile party tomorrow even
Ing were obliged to decline. The young folks re-
ception at the Executive Mansion promises to be
highly interesting. Nearly 400 children have already
been invited, but onyabout half have sent answers.
General Grant. Is this one Of the signs Of com.
ing pacincationa Rather not.
Another Version Of General Custcrss Indian
Battle.
Thomas Murphy, Superintendent OF the Central
Indian Department. arrived In the city this morning.
From the statements made By Mr.. Murphy In con-
nection with the late attack by General Custer the
Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians the Washita river
there Is very little doubt that another fearful bunder
was In that case committed by our military COM
manders In the summer or 1857 when the Peace
Commissioners were In the Indian country. they had
made arrangements to meet number Of chiefs at
Fort Kearny, and Superintendent Murphy had
represented to them that some OF the more I'M
portant chiefs Of the disafected tribes could
be gotten together at q point some miles
further In the interior. They deputed Murphy
to go there and meet the Indians he alluded
to. Murphy set out on his journey and found much
greater dificulty In bringing together the bands he
wanted than he anticipated. Here he met Black
Kettle, who nforrnea him tnat II he would
60 to Medicine Lodge creek ne Black Kettle
would assist him in assembling the Indians.
Murphy expressed some doubts as to whether
it would not be extremely hazardous to venture into
that country. He could not take with him military
escort that would alarm the Indians and prevent
them from assembling Black Kettle, Cheyenne
chief little Raven, an Arapahoe chief, and
pany him TO protect and aid him in his
undertaking.. Murnhv Medicine