The New York herald., 1869-01-31
The Constitutional Amend
: nent Passes the House by
q Tw6-Thirtls Vote.
Proposed Mail Steamship Line Between
New York and Amsterdam.
Blackmail Operations Of Lobbyists
and Claim Agents Exposed.

M 0 WAnhirdlON, JAIL dV looSs
The Proposed New Constitutionai Amendment.
The great event in the House to-day was the pas
sage OF the joint resolution reported from the Com
mittee on the judiciary by Mr.. Boutwell, submitting
to the State Legislatures amendment TO the con-
sttutiOn providing for universal suffrage. All the
republicans voted for 1t with the exception Of
John A. Bingham, OF ohio, Jehu Baker, Of
Illinois, and David Hasey, OF West Virginia. or
course the democrats all voted against It. The
pet-baggcrs who voted against it were Nelson rft
and p. N. D. Young, OF Georgia. Mr.. Bingham had
himself proposed an amendment, which, when put
to . vote, could command but twenty-six support
ers. This overwhelming defeat enraged him SO
much that he voted steadily with the democrats on
the preliminary motions as well as on the passage
OF the joint resolution itself. No attempt at il-
clustering was made by the democrats beyond the
successful efforts OF Mr.. Brooks in calling the yeas
and nays in ordering the joint resolution to third
reading 1t IS the opinion OF Mr.. Boutwell, that the
measure win pass the Senate at an early day.
The New York Election Frauds.
The special committee to investigate the New York
election frauds held meeting after adjournment Of
the House yesterday. A new Witness named John
AcCloskey, OF New York, had been summoned by
the chairman, under the impression that he could
unfold tale OF democratic frauds that would throw
perfect food Of light upon the late election in that
State. On his direct examination Mr.. McCloskey
admitted that he had procured bogus naturalization
papers in manner that must have been known to
Judge Barnard, and Mr.. Mexican, one OF the clerks
Of the Supreme Court. These naturalization papers
he gave to several parties who, he supposes, made
use OF them at the election. On cross-examination,
however, the witness acknowledged that neither
Judge Barnard, Mr.. Mexican nor any other person
had induced him to procure the bogus papers or was
privy to the fact-that he committed the wrongful
act OF his votion, in fact without prompting from
any OF the leaders Of the democratic PARTY. Mr.. Nc
Closkey is was messenger Of the Court Of Gene
raj Sessions IN your city.
No Inauguration Bnll-;eneral Grants Dis
like to President johnson.
Tho Inauguration ball question seems to he as far
from settlement now as II was IN the beginning.
Now that il is definitely decided that General Grant
will not appear at any ball or reception held on the
9TH OF March, and as q consequence IL s more than
probable that there will be no ball and reception
that day, it may not be uninteresng TO give brief
history Of the efforts made arrange for these Gu
tertanments and to state the present condition OF the
question. The original committee which started the
project Of having grand Inauguration ball, and
which applied for the use Of the Rotunda and
old Hall of Representatives Of the Capitol
for the purpose, was composed largely Of
republicans. The arrangements went smoothly on;
there was no doubt entertained that Congress would
allow the Capitol to be used for the BALI the commit
tee proceeded to develop the MINOR arrangements
IN regard to the management OF the entertainment.
Here they cfs ris with anunforeseen obstacle.
That obstacle was the negro. Some insisted the ball
should be free to all who should purchase ticket
negroes included; Others were not prepared to go
that length, arguing that such rule would mar the
success Of the ball. The contention over this impor
advice Of General Grant was sought In the matter
The General examined both horns OF the
dilemma and settled the dispute enectually by
requesting the committee to drop the matter
Just where was, informing them that the project
did not meet his appreciation. Thereupon the CON-
mttee resolved to abandon the idea, In accordance
with the Generals views At this juncture the ctl
Gems took up the project thinking II much to be
gretted that 30 commendable measure should fail
without another effort. Prominent among the cti-
xens were II. d. Cooke, ex-Mayor wallach, Mr..
Nohun and Mr.. Sheppard. They were aided by
number Of other well known citizens, most OF whom
are conservatives and democrats. This committee
examined the National theatre and one two other
buildings, which did not appear suitable for the
purpose, 20 they finally applied for the north wing
OF the Treasury. Their application was favorably
considered and to-day they were informed that the
Treasury could be used for the purpose on certain
conditions. The Secretary stipulated that injury
should he done TO the buildings that the progress Of
the workmen engaged In finishing the extension
should not be retarded, and that none OF the gov
eminent funds or employees should be used In making
the necessary preparations. The supervising archi-
tect who has the immediate charge OF this portion
of the Treasury consented, provided General Grant
promised to attend the ball. All these provisions
we're accepted BY the committee, and negotiations
were at once opened with Grant to obtain the de-
sired promise. At this stage OF the proceedings,
however, fresh distractions presented themselves.
nhe original committee had been watching the
movements Of the citizens committee very closely.
Tney soon saw there was . strong probability that
they would succeed, and they became alarmed.
They called another meeting, alluded to
the EFFORT OF their rivals az democratic scheme to
get hold Of General Grant ana deprive the negroes
OF their unquestionable right to dance In the
same room-yes, even In the same set with the
President. They resolved that their meeting was an
adjourned meeting, drew up formal request 10 the
Secretary Of the Treasury asking the privilege OF
holding . ball and reception In the north wing Of
the Treasury, and claimed that this idea originated
with them. Another attempt was made to-day In
the senate TO procure reconsideration OF the vote
refusing the Capitol for ball. and asking that II he
granted for reception. The motion failed, and on
the heels OF this defeat came another which win
doubtless prove decisive. In reply TO the letters
from both committees General Badeau stated that
General Grant would not attend any bah
or reception on Inauguration day. so the
matter stands. 1t has been intinated by those who
claim to be thoroughly informed that even had there
been no contention among the projectors OF the ball
General Grant would not have consented to attend,
FOR the reason that the exPresldent would be pre-
sent, and he Ia unwilling to meet him. IL Ia also
stated that important changes VIII need to be made
in the proceedings usual at nauguratlons. ipasmuch
- General Grant, It 10 stated has inHmated that ne
will not occupy the same carriage with Mr.. johnson
IN going to and from the Capitol.
A Congressional Committee sold.
ss0eneraln A. w. Adams. Of New York, was before
the House Committee on Public Expenditures this
morning. Mr.. Hulburd, chairman OF the committee,
caused the "General to be subpenaed In the cx-