New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-11-18
PRICE FOUR CENTS.
WASHINGTON.
THE RIGHT OF FRENCH CITIZENS TO BRING SUIT
AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT-THE NAVY
LINE AND STAFF QUARREL-ARMY oFPICERs
DIsMIssED-THE EIGHT-HOUR LAW.

LINE AND STAFF QUARREL-ARMY OFPlCERS
DIsMIssED-THE EIGIIT-HOUR LAW.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUsRl
WASHINGTON. Wednesday, Nov. II. 1859.
The question of the right OF French citizens to brns
suits against the Government Of the United States was
today brought before the Court OF Claims as sfueson
involved iin the case MAMMALIAN A. Dauphn agt the
United States law OF Congress- passed In 1863 pro-
vdes that any foreigner may bring such suits, II tho
Government to which he owes allegiance accords tho
same privilege citizens this country When the bill
for this act originally drawn, 1t intended to
prevent suits being brought by Engshmen against our
Government and its terms broad as 70 effect
universal prohibition OF the adjudication Of such claims
by Courts. 1t was finally modified and passed with
provision of reciprocity, which the alluded TO
brought to the proceeds Of the
OF nearly 100 bales Of cotton which the property
Of Dauphn, land was seized and sold by our Govern
ment duringEthe late The Attorney OF the
French Legation here asserts that the Code Cce OF
France allows suits be brought against the Emperor
the Treasury of the Government by foreigners under
certain restrictions, which provide THAT the party
bringing suit must furnish security for the cost OF tho
trial. &c. unless he ia possessed Of sufficient property In
France guarantee the payment Of the costs He ar
CUES that this privilege is sufficient TO ente Dauphins
be considered under the law referred to- and has
submitted evidence TO sustain the argument There are
40 cases OF similar character which depend upon the
decision in the case pending and which will DO
~
The exact amount of money involved in them Is not
known but is estimated several millions OF dollars
II quite probable that the English Government Will
eventually change its code to meet the requirements of
law and in the end is equally probable that all tho
great Powers Of the world will accord TO foreigners the
rights which we have granted them
The Secretary Of the Navy las determined to make
thorough investigation Of the existing differences be-
the officers of the line and the staff the Navy,
that in the forthcoming annual report he will be able
present Congress the views OF unpreudced per-
the subject Accordingly, to-day board consist
OF six Naval officers selected from the chief OF the
bureaus in the Navy Department, appointed and
horzed to examine into the questions at ISSUE and re-
port Mr. Roheson. The board will be composed Of the
following persons Commodore Melanchon Smith, Chief
Of the Bureau OF Equipment and Recruiting Commodore
James Alden Chief Of the Bureau OF Navigaton Com
modore A L. Case, Chief OF the Bureau Of Ordnance;
Capt Daniel Ammen, Chief Of the Bureau Of Yards and
Docks; Chief Engineer James W. King Chief OF the Blu
reau of Steam Engineering; and Surgeon VIM. Maxwell
Wood Chief Of the Bureau of Medicines and Surgery
The Board will convene Immediately.
Capt Walter S. Long. 4Oth Infantry, appointed from
Maryland has been dismissed the service for embezzle
ment and conduct unbecoming an officer and gentle
man. and sentenced to six months imprisonment unless
the amount embezzled is returned. Lieutenant %. f.
Bell 10th Cavalry of Illinois, has been dismissed for sell
ing Government property cheating the Government and
for conduct unbecoming officer and gentleman.
Lieutenant VIM. Johnson 43d Infantry also Of Illinois,
has been dismissed for attempting to swndle the Gov
eminent and brother officer
general movement Of stOnecutters and other mechan
les OF Washington foot induce the Governments
10 compel contractors public buildings TO enforce the
EghtHour law. ....t .....
The Special Census Committee Of the House met TO
day. Messrs Garfield, Wilkinson, and Halderman being
present Nothing done further than 10 decide to
begin work again tomorrow. bill, providing the ways
and means for taking the next with accompanying
tables will be printed by the time Congress meets The
Committee have decided recommend decrease IN the
rates OF representation, which will increase the Members
Of Congress and the confusion Of business Gen. Garfield
will have charge OF the bill in the House.
In the Board Of Aldermen Of this city, last night joint
resolution was passed asking Congress for authority to
subscribe TO the capital stock Of the Alexandria, Loudon
and Hampshire Railroad Company, an amount not ex'
ceeding 100000 be applied to the extension OF their
road westward Of its present terminus to the Ohio River
and 70 connect the said road with this city.
The Office Department has for the present aban-
doned offers to negotiate cheap postal arrangen nts
with the Government OF France The matter Will DO
brought to the attention Of Congress.
ThanksgvingDay will be generally observed here by
the closing of the departments and the general suspen
sion Of private business.