The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-02-20
The Dry TOrtugas Prisoners.
GRANTS HOUSE PURCHASED For SHERMAN BY HIS
FRIENDS.

, WASHINGTON, Feb. l9-Noon. - Sendte-The
bill regarding Farragut's capture of New Orleans
passed and goes 10 the president.
,. The bill allowing $4,000 to the Kearsage for
the destruction Of the cruiser Alabama also
passed, and goes to the president.
The House is considering the army appropria-
ton bill.
. In the Supreme Court, on motion of Evarts, the
certificate of division from the District Court of
Virginia, regarding the Davis case, was dismissed
on account of a 7OHe proSeqta in the court below.
The amendments in the army appropriation
bill authorize the president, after March l, TO
sodate the infantry regiments to thirty, consoli-
date tie artillery and ordnance corps, consolidate
the quartermaster, subsistence and pay depart
ments and to reduce the staff as fast as the re-
duction of the army permits.
= An amendment by Butler, ,dscontnuing the rank
of general but continuing that of Lieutenant gen.
ersl, was adopted by 81 to Sc.
Opposing the reduction, Garfield said that not
a day passes without petitions from the Southern
States for more troops.
WASHINGTON, Feb. l9-Evening.-The House
considered the army appropriation bill. All
amendments reducing the ordinary appropria-
tioDs were agreed to. An amendment adopted as
q substitute for the amendments reducing the
army provides as follows: That the army be re-
duced to twenty regiments of infantry, five of
cavalry and five of artillery. No new commissions
shall issue. Regiments will be consolidated as
rapidly as the reduction of officers permits. No
appointments or promotions will be allowed in
any department of the army. The bill passed.
This action defeats Buffers amendment dscon-
tinuiDg the grade of general of the army.
The conference report on naval affairs was
adopted. Ii forbids promotions or appoint
nents until officers are reduced to the required
number. Recess.
Seadte.-A bill was introduced repeating the
law fixing the generals headquarters at Washing
ton, and compelling the president to issue military
: orders through him. The Senate then considered
, the Indian appropriation bill to adjournment.
full cabinet present at the meeting to-day.
Mr.. Thornton to-day handed Mr.. Seward the
following dispatch from the British government:
"Inform Seward that orders have been given
for the release of Costello and Warren"
Seward, replying to letter urging the protec-
ton of persons and property OF Americans IN
Cuba, says that at least half of Admiral Hotfs
Aeet is in Cuban waters, and that Hof has been
frequently and fully instructed TO be vigilant and
active in extending every proper protection to
American interests.
The application for habeas corpus for the Dry
; Tortugas prisoners has been postponed at the
instance of Eyarte who will not be ready till FRI
day next, when the court will hear argument.
Sbermsn's friends here have purchased Grants
house, including furniture. Possession will be
given March 5th.
General orders number G, orders batteries M,
I'd artillery and E, Sd artillery TO Barrancas Fla
the llth, 21st and 24th infantry TO Texas; six
companies of the 9Th infantry, now in South Car.
oina to Missouri, and the 44th infantry TO the rst
military district, to relieve the I1th regiment.
The reconstruction committee was engaged TO-.
dsy considering the removal of disabilities.
The new tax bill covers 600 pages.
Dempsey Of Dempsey d Toole, who cowhided
Duncan, the patent Office clerk, for giving evil
dence regarding the stationery contract was hned
5000 and imprisoned ten days.