The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1869-12-22
Latest by Mail.
We copy as follows from the St. Louis Democrat Of

we copy as 1oll0Ws from the st. LOUIS democrat o.
the 7th:
| OPENING OF CONGRESS-.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-The second session of the
Fortyfrst Congress opened with most disagreeable
day. There rain this morning, seet this noon
and snow this evening. The storm was so severe anG
walking bad that the attendance the Capitol
much smaller than usual. Mr. Thornton was the onl,
one Of the foreign ministers present though most
the Others were represented by their secretaries.
For half an hour before "order" was called, the
floor Of each branch Of Congress was thronged will
people, and there the usual amount of hand shak
| ing and congratulation. General good feeling pre-
vailed and the talk indicated pleasant and agreeable
session. z5as sssit gE5z5
THE GALLERIES. .ss. sa !.
All the galleries were pretty we'll filed, but none
them were crowded. and there was noticeable vacanc,
in both of the diplomatic galleries. Among those OF
the floor during the afternoon were Gen. Sherman
Gov. Lowe, the new minister to China, Gov. Bullock
Of Georgia, and Gov. Walker, Of Virginia Seno
Lemus late head Of Cuban Junta was in the Senat.
gallery, with number Of sympathisers.
| THE MESSAGE. 45ir
The regular report shows fully enough what wal
done in Congress during the day The reading OF tht
message occupied about an hour, and 1t was listened
to with the closest attention In both houses aud tht
general comment tonight is very favorable to its gooG
sense clearness of ideas, and vigor Of expression
The Cuba lobby is in great wrath at the manner in
which the President gives them the cold shoulder and
clearly that it is not worth while for them expect
| much from Congress at present. Lemus looked very
| gloomy when this part of the message was read
was glad to hear the President reterate bis
views of last February the Alabama claims question
1t will be noticed that they similar in general to
those taken by Mr. Sumner in his speech on the John
son-C Clarendon treaty. . q
The principal discussion in all circles is on the nan
cial part of the message, and the report of the
Secretary of the Treasury. The last named document
was not read to Congress- but the of it's recon-
| mendations soon got abroad. The Eastern members
| payments than those from the West many of whom
talk about an increase of currency. The Presidents
idea OF redeeming currency at fixed price, is ideht
cal with that presented some weeks ago by Garfield
Tariff men find the message rather more favorable
than they expected itwould be, more from what is
omitted than from what is said. The suggestion to
remand Georgia back to the condition 1t was when the
first Legislature assembled took people by surprise,
but it will probably be carried out and bill on the
subject comes up in the Senate on Wednesday.
The recommendation for the repeal Of the tenure Of
office act will find some opposition, though the House
s certain to pass bill carrying 1t cut, which Butler
will bring in tomorrow, If he can get the floor. "
It is far too early to say how the financial recon.
mendatons of the message and report will be regarded
when the members have had chance to carefully CON
slider them but it is certain that the finances are going
to have early attention in both branches OF Congress
TIE CENSUS. MS -t.E .. 1EnE
The bill submitted BY the House in regard to the
census to-day among other things provid for gen.
era superintendent and census bureau, be located
at Washington 1t provides that the us instead OF
being taken by the United States Marshals as hereto
FORE shall be placed in charge of district supernten
dents in each Congressional district be assisted by
the President. Each district superintendent is EN-.
powered to employ as many enumer.tors as may be
necessary to take the within the time fixed BY
the bill between the lst anathe s0th Of June. Pro-
visions made in the bill for more careful coec
ton of all the facts regarding the commercial agricG
tura, manufacturing, mining fishing, and indeed all
the industrial and material interests Statistics are
be gathered regarding the educational religious re-
ormatory and criminal matters, and everything that
affects society. ~rs
ARAY CONSOLIDATION BILL.
bill is in order of the House for Wednesday for
the consolidation of the staff corps as proposed in
Gen. Garfelds bill and recommended by Gen. Sher.
man. The contemplated union of the quartermaster,
commissary and pay departments will be called the
Department Of Supply. The ordnance bureau was to
be merged into the artillery and pass into the line
The second department was formed Of inspectors and
adutan. generals II has just been ascertained that
precisely such consolidation as this is now going on
in the English army, having been brought about BY
commission, which examined the leading officers the
same as our House committee did. -r-.
REPORT or PUBLIC PRINTER. .>=
The report of the Public Printer for the year ending
September 80, 1869, is out The principal fact Of
general interest in it is that the whole expenditure Of
the printing Office in the year 81 6o7 240 which is
about 100000 more than the expense Of last year.
and $780, 900 less than in 1867. He recommends the
enlargement of bis buildings, at estimated cost
of 100000. -. .e.
SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES.
The Republicans of the Senate met in caucus this
afternoon and appointed committee of five to revise
The standing committees of the Senate Wilson is
chairman, and they meet tomorrow morning to per-
orm their work. The vacancy the head Of the Ap-
Fessenden, will be filled by Morrill,, and that of
Foreign Affairs by Schurz. The chairmanshp of
Naval Affairs, vacant BY Grimes resignation, will prob
IDLY be filled by Cragin. ~
MIssIssIPP1-Itis is evident that the most shameless