New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-03-23
VOL. XXVIII.....No' 8, 722.
WASHINGTON.

CAUCUS OF REPUBLICAN sENAToRS-THE SPEEDY
SETTLEMENT OF THE TENURE-oF-oFFIcE
QUESTION ANTICIPATED "A COMPROMISE
AGREED UPoN-No REPUBLICAN, OFFICE
HOLDER TO BE REMOVED EXCEPT FOR CAUSE
PROCEEDINGS IN SENATE AND HOUSE
CUBA AND ST. DoMINGo-THE CONTESTED
sEATs-THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MISSISSIPPI
IBY EoRAPH TO THE TRrBUNEl
WASHINGTON Monday March %, 1862
Anew feature in the matter of the Civil Tenure
of.oaice act was deyeoped to-day, which it is ex-
pected will lead to speedy settlement of this en-
barrassng but important measure. In the first
caucus of the Republican Senators, held to-day, the
debate showed the fact that the leaders of the two
factions were very determined, earnest, and biterin
their convictions This became painfully evident
when such men as Morton, Grimes, and sprague
threatened to withdraw and act independently Of
their party on finding themselves in a minority
The action of these men placed matters
in very unfortunate position, and after
a session of two hours the time for tho meeting of
the Senate arrived. and recess was taken until
o'clock. During the interval the leaders of the
party held consultations among themselves, and
when the caucus reassembled better feeling was
manifest The boiling Senators became convinced
that they had erred and if they should persist the
result might be serious Then, too it evident to
all that the Democratic members had all the advan-
tages on their side to make mischief if they so de-
sired. A majority of the Republican Senators were
opposed to repeal and the balance of power with
the Democracy. They could have carried repeal or de-
feated it, as they chose Should repeal have been sue
eessful with their aid majority of the friends Of the
Administration in the Senate would have been on
record as in position of antagonism to the Execu-
live. This would have been unfortunate begin
ming and had to be avoided. With these and other
similar apprehensions staring them in the face the
Republican Senators went into caucus for the second
time with determination to harmonic. and agree
upon final action in the matter, on which the
party would act as a unit. After two hours of con-
sultation it was finally agreed to refer back the
whole subject 10 the Committee on the Judiciary.
with instructions 10 frame bill which shall embody
the present law with the exception of the first and
second sections This will leave the President the
right to select his Cabinet officers at WILL dispenses
with the requirements that he report to the Senate
his reasons for removals made during the recess OF
the Senate and requires him to report to the Senate
merely the fact of the removals having been made.
resolution to this effect will be presented to the
Senate tomorrow, and Immediately referred TO the
Judiciary Committee. The Committee, it is ex-
pected. will report the new measure on Wednesday,
first submitting it to a caucus to be held on that
day. The Committee called the President tonight
and told him of the action of the party in the Senate
and sought his sentiments 1t is understood that he
expresses himself as satisfied with the result it
lievlng him of the embarrassments of which he
complained. The Senate will now go on with the
regular business booked out at the beginning OF the
session. which includes the Georgia case. the bill for
redistribution of the currency, and the bill for the
reorganization Of the judicial system of the Govern
ment.
At the Cabinet meeting on Friday last the subject
Of the various offices at home aud abroad was dis
eussed at length for the purpose of deciding upon
general of action the part of the Executive
Departments The question of removals was partic-
ularly considered. and the united opinion of the
President and Cabinet was that no removals of Re-
publican onice-holders should be made, except for
cause until the expirotion of their commissions.
In the Senate to-day the officers agreed upon at the
caucus on Monday last formally elected. Mr.
Clapp, the new Congressional printer, win not take
possession of the Government printing Office until
the 18th of April. The new Sergeant-at-Arms and
Executive Clerk MessIs. French and Morris were
sworn in and entered upon their duties directly after
the election. Mr. French was Immediately beset by
9 crowd of men, women, and boys, for positions The
Indian Appropriation bill read twice and re-
Gerred to the Committee on Appropriations. The
Tenure-of Office matter which came up as unfinished
business at O'clock. was laid over, and the bill to
amend the Judicial System of the United States was
taken up But little progress was made on it, and
the Senate at o'clock adjourned.
The action of the House. to day, showed that body
to be in favor Of immediate adjournment but the
course of the Senate, if persisted in, will make an
adjournment before the latter part Of April impOs
Sbe.
The House, to-day. passed the bill granting the
right of way to the Memphis, FL PasO, and Pacific
Railroad Company from the Rio Grande to the Pa
ci6c Ocean. and also bill from the Committee on
Elections providing that where member is re-
turned elected who cannot take the test OATH the
seat shall be given to the person having the next
highest number of votes, and otherwise qualified;
and resolution was also passed preventing the dis
qualified person from receiving compensation for
expenses OF salary. Gen. Logan's bill dispensing
with the Office of Chief of staff of the General of
the Army was passed without opposition.
The Cuban and st. Domingo question was resumed
by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs at their
meeting to-day The discussion lasted until nearly
~ o'clock, without coming to any conclusion. por-
ton of the Committee maintaining that it would be
impossible secure concurrent legislation at the pres
entsessiOn. Thematter finally postponed until the
next meeting It expected that the minister from
the revolutionary party Cuba, who will reach
here tomorrow, will be able TO furnish some addi-
tOna information relative 10 the of the in
surgents In connection with this matter it appears
from dispatches received at the Navy Department