The New York herald., 1870-02-08

all the newspapers free through the mails 1t appears
that the revenue from newspaper postage is about
t75o,000 annually, whereas the Postmaster General
says 1t cost 900 to maintain the fransing PRIV
ilege luxury. The newspaper IL held to be the best
medium OF communication between Congressmen
and their constituents and as the only argument in
favor OF the frankng privilege ID that It enables
members and Senators to communicate freely with
their constituents. the passage OF Mr.. Getz's bill win
do all that and more; il will at the time aid In
dIfrusing intelligence Of more valuable and general
character than the windy speeches and public docu-
ments
Test Vote on the Tariff Quesiion-Vree
Traders Floored.
There was what may be regarded as test vote in
the House to-day on the tariff bill in advance OF Its
consideration. Mr.. Marshall, OF Illinois, who 10
member OF the Ways and Means Committee offered
resolution declaring in substance that tariff shopld
be for revenue only and not for protection. mo-
ton to lay the resolution the table was agreed to
by vote Of 90 to II. This is perhaps unpleasanty
close for the tariff men, but the free traders polled
tner entire strength and more. The resolution was
regarded by the democrats as party measure, and
at least six democrats from Pennsylvania voted for
1t who VIII go for the tarifs. On the whole the tariff
men are considerably eateu at the prospect and feel
encouraged now to push the tariff bill
Revision Of the Internal Revenue Law.
The Ways and Means Committee meet on Wednes-
day to commence rev is0n Of the Internal Revenue
law. preliminary meeting was held to-day at
which the order in which the law should be consd
cred was discussed. The opposition TO the income
tax is on the increase, and the committee win be
compelled to give 1t some attention.
Conference OF n Delegation OF Ge0rgians with
the President.
deleg alton OF Geog,ans, composed OF Mr.. Conley,
President or the State Senate; Speaker pro tenn.
Tweedy, Judges GIBSON Parrot and Harrou, OF the
Superior Court; Mr. John Rice and Others, called
upon President Grant to-day and had an interview
OF over an hours duration, during which
a thorough discussion OF the political stua-
ton OF Georgia was engaged in, the delegation
being desirous OF ascertaining the Presidents
views on that subject The President stated
that ne had been nrst impressed with the idea that
all the acts Of the Legislature made previous to the
expulsion Of the col0red members had been legal
and binding, and that the elections OF Senators was
to hold good; but that upon more mature reflection
and investigation he was satisfied that the present
Legislature organized was the first Legal Legisa-
ture, and that all action should 30 commenced
de r,ooo. he inquired who the republicans would
elect United States Senator's; in response TO
which the delegation stated that no nominations
had yet been made, but that they probably would BE
on Monday next, aad the Senators be elected on the
tuesday following. They had no doubt Of electing
loyal republicans. During the conversation the
President mentioned that both himself and General
Sherman had entire confidence IN General Terry's
Judgment and ability, and that they expected him
here in few days, when they would be fully ad-
vtsed by him Of affairs IN the State. The delegation
also expressed their confidence In General Terry.
Governor Bullock, Of Georgia.
Tr,a Iy,.1Io ~
city to counteract the influence Of delegation OF
spectacle citizens OF that state In effort to secure
her immediate admission to representation.
The Sale of Cadetsi,tps by Members Of
Congress.
The House Committee on military affairs had
session to-day at which the plan OF the proposed in
vest,gatlon OF the sale OF naval and military cadet
ships by members Of Congress was discussed. The
names OF o number OF persons who have volunteered
as witnesses LAID before the Committee ana 1t
was agreed to summon them together, with others
who are supposed to have some knowledge OF the
matter. good deal Of the testimony Will no doubt
turn ont to be OF the hearsay order and this investi-
CATION like the maj orlty instituted BY Congress- will
result In heavy expenses without any results; at
the same time their to De no DOUBT that Ger.
tam representatives have been guilty Of the charge
Trial Of Contested Elections in the House.
The Committee on Elections to-day, bY one ma
joriy, agreed TO report bill 70 the House provid-
ing that all Of contested election shall be tried
separately by jury drawn rrom the members OF
the House, each party having the right to challenge
until the twelve Ere drawn. The committee Will
ext take up the Louisiana case OF Lusham against
Ryan, from the Fourth district, both sides Of argu-
ments having been filed to-day.
Unused Material Belonging TO the War De-
parfment.
The Secretary OF War has acknowledged The re.
cept OF the House resolution making inquiry as to
the quantity OF copper, tin, pig lead and other
metals now on hand IN the various ar
senals, &c, and reports 1t Is believed pub
lie interests viii be subserved by selling some
GOO pounds OF pig lead 1t being also believed
the legal authority for It's sale has already
been granted by jonr resolution OF July 1868. The
aggregate quantity is in pounds, at the various
arsenals:--Inaot copper, 8o,3S5 pounds; pig lead,
45,2i2ooo pounds; block tin, 22,o92 pounds; lead
bullets, 1854 O00 pounds antimony, 41s,O00 pounds;
use materials, 6154 pounds.
Reduction Of Force in the Post ONCE
Department.
There Is a disposition In Congress the moment the
ranking privilege IL abolished, to cut down the
force OF the Post ONCE Department In proportion to
the amount OF reduction OF expense ana labor sug
gested by Postmaster General Creswell as the result
OF the franking privilege.
Personal.
Colonel Il. W. Smith has arrived in this city from
Georgia. Colonel Smith has been on duty with
General Terry, and precedes that officer here.
General Terry is expected "A Washington IN few
days.
General Godfrey weitzel, OF the Engineers wno
for time, has been In charge or the Ohio canal
around the rapids At Louisville has been in the city
for several days. The General will speedily return
to his headquarters at Cincinnati.
Commissioner Delano has returned to Washing
ton, aud resumed his 0flcial duties this morning.
DECISIONS OF TIE SUPREME COURT.
Eoh