New-York tribune., 1869-03-04

by the circumstances to resign the Speakership to-
day. he proceeded amid the most impressive silence,
to bid farewell to his fellow members and to the duties
as a representative which he has performed for the
past IA years The Speaker was deeply affected during
the delivery of his valedctory and his feeling words
were listened to by the immense audience with the
deepest attention. At the conclusion Of his remarks
all the members and visitors on the floor began
vigorous clapping of hands, which taken up and
repeated by the galleries, until the immense hall
echoed with the applause bestowed upon the popular
Speaker. During the enthusiasm, Mr. Colfax sur
rendered the chair and gavel to Mr.. Wilson of Iowa.
and quietly withdrew from the Chamber Mr.. Wood
ward of Pennsylvania, on behalf of his Democratic
associates, then offered resolutions of Endorsement
and approval of the retiring Speaker, which were
passed unanimously Mr.. Dawes then proposed the
name of Theodore NJ. Pomeroy of New-York for
Speaker during the remainder of the XLth Congress,
and he was elected without dissenting vote amid
great applause. Mr.. Dawes then administered tho
oath of office and, after few words of thanks. Mr.
Poeroy struck into the routine of business and dis
patched il with great rapidity.
The House spent most profitless day, up to mid
night. Not more than dozen bills were disposed of
from the large number on the Speakers table. A
deal of time was wasted by unnecessary debate on
unimportant measures. Schenck, with his usual de-
termination pushed through the bin in relation to
the public credit and gold contracts as amended by
the Senate The greenback men made small fight,
but were badly beaten. Broomall wasted two
hours time in most useless debate on n
proposition in regard to paying contest
ants for seats. Broomall assumed that
his Committee of Accounts, consisting Of three men,
had the power to interpret the orders OF the House in
regard to the disbursements Of its money, because
the Controller of the Treasury considered it lawful
to refuse all payments unless ndorsed by that Com
mittee. Menard and other contestants, ascertaning
that the Committee did not desire TO pay the $500
ordered by the House. consented to take $500, and
amotion to that effect being made by Broomal, more
than two hours was wasted in useless discussion,
ending finally in tabling the resolution,
with o pretty broad hint from the House
that its creature was not it's superior In the even
ing the first hour was wasted the bill for the
removal of disabilities, which passed the House some
days since, was amended by the Senates inserting
names to which the House disagreed, and asked and
obtained Committee of Conference. Mr.Farnsworth
made the report tonight. The bill included num-
Der of Virginians Objectionable to many Republicans,
among them being Parker, the Judge who tired
John Brown. 1t was at evident that its oppon-
ents were determined TO defeat the BILL even II they
tIlibustered Messrs. Shanks Of Indiana and Clarke
of Kansas led of in this delaying process. Mo
tions were made to adjourn, postpone, call
the roll. and lay on the table. The vote on this,
evidently presaged non-concurrence, imore than q
third having voted to lay on the table and on the
motion TO concur the vote stood 6l to a. not more
than 25 Republicans having voted in the Affirmative
The opponents Of tho measure still continued their
delaying motions in opposition to that made by
Gen. Paine, that the House disagree, and ask
another Committee of Conference Both sup
pOrters aud opposers Of the bill were In
fault In wasting time over the measure. lt was
evident from the first that the Objectionable names
could not receive the Constitutional vote The House
then got into quarrel on the resolution providing
for the printing of the debates of Congress. The
Democrats incensed at the defeat of the bill reev
ing disabilities began to llibuster, and up to mid
night were successful in stavng off action on that
and other pending business
At 10 O'clock midnight the interest in both Houses
began to flag, and the members showed signs OF
fatigue When roll-cas were ordered members
were dragged from comfortable quarters in the cloak
rooms from their food and drink in the refectores,
and from luxurious lounges in Committee-rooms, in
order to obtain quorum. Some Of the members
with their feet perched upon their desks
nodded and snored until shaken from their slumbers
by their colleagues when their votes required
Sumptuous repasts were spread in some of the COM
mittee rooms, where solids and liquids were dis
pensed with extravagant hospitality. The prospect
now is that an adjournment will be effected by both
Houses by o'clock. The general opinion is that it
is the dulles last nights session which has occurred
for years. Members appear careless, show an indif-
ference TO business and are filled with spirit for
fun and mischief
This morning between 10 and II o'clock, Messrs. A.
T. Stewart and q number Of Hew-York gentlemen
committee appointed by the subscribers
In York" to the fund for the purchase of resi-
dence and furniture for Lieutenant-Gcn Sherman.
visited the Army Headquarters by appoint
ment. On entering Gen. Grants office Mr. Stewart
approached him and informed him that they had
como prepared to consummate the purchase Of his
residence and furniture LIST. for the purpose Of
the same to Gen. Sherman; and at the
same time handed TO Gen. Grant check for $4,000.
The General received the gentlemen cordially, and
expressed his great qualification at Gen. Sherman's
being the recipient of such high mark of friendly
consideration. The General then produced deed of
the house and bill of sale for the furniture, hand
someIy enRossed on parchment, signed and ac-
for record, and bearing the requisite
signatures of Gen. Grant and his wife. After short
interview with Gen. Sherman, who was attending to
his duties at desk in the same room while the COM
mttee were engaged with Gen. Grant, the chairman,
bir. Stewart made known their desire to have pri
vate interview. Gen. Sherman then invited the COM
mtteo to an adjoining room. usually occupied by
Gen. Rawlns Chief-ofStaf, when 5lr. Stewart,
holding in his hand the subscription papers and deed
and bill Of SALE addressed Gen. Sherman follows
GENERAL: It is great pleasure to me TO be tho medi
nm OF presenting this voluntary subscription OF your
friends and felOwcOuntrymen. n there In
Of the pleasure being greater 10 give than TO
ceye this Is certainly that assure you that this
may be accepted without any feeling Of obligation on
part is contributed In the sincere belief that