New-York tribune., 1870-12-06
TELEGRAPH To THE TRrBUNRl


IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUHRl
WASHINGTON, Monday, Dec. S, 1870
The Capitol. deserted since Midsummer threw open It's
doors this morning 10 the innowing tide OF Senator's
representatives lobbyists, citizens and strangers and
at noon the third session OF the XLIst Congress began
OF course, there was the customary greeting of old
friends oondOng Of beaten candidates. and hearty con-
grauatons for those who have since the last session.
received new lease Of Congressional lfe and though
there were less confusion and hustle than is sometimes
scen the attendance was larger than had been anoi-
pated and general air OF hearty good feeling pervaded
both wings of the Capitol The floor Of the House. for
hour before nooD was occupied by pleasant knots OF
members and Others who fresh from their constituents
were brmming full Of news and opinions every
subject that is dear to the legislators heart First
in order OF discussion were the elections, their
conduct and results. Some who have been
defeated through army feuds, the apathy OF their
constituents were earnest in their denunciGtons OF all
dsOrganzcrs attributed their defeat TO the lack Of
any great popular question which the enthusiasm of
people could be aroused Taken altogether the Re-
pubcans seem have fears for the future, and the
Democrats, whose gains have generally been made
through Republican apathy rather than through any in
creased strength Of their Own are not OyereNuitan
There seemed TO be but one opinion ON the socalled
Revenue Reform movement; or, If there are any who
stiu believe that party can be formed, they took
little part in the general conversation There were in
Vulnerable specuatons to what the Presidents Mes
sage would contain and to what the earliest important
business would be. Nearly every scat in the galleries
was fun before the Speakers gaye FELL and, as the
weather been Sprngke for the past few
days the ladies, in their bright cOors gave the seats
assigned 10 them unusually gay appearance.
The number Of visitors in the Senate galleries was
much smaller than usual upon the first day of meeting,
but the seats In the diplomatic gallery were mostly
occupied by fashionaby dressed ladies and members Of
the foreign Legations. Mrs. Grant and Mrs Colfax
nj he adj pf
ingtOn society. There a large attendance of Sen
atOrs and friendly greetings exchanged every
hand When the hour Of arrived the VcePreedent
called the Senate TO order, and the Chaplain the Rev.
DIT. ]. 2. Newman made eloquent. fitting, and i'm
pressve prayer Business then proceeded WITH and
a flood Of bills and resolutions were sent to tho Clerks
desk Mr. Sumner presented financial proposition, and
asked for immediate action; but Mr. Sherman OBJ
iected lively discussion followed between the
two Ohio Senators, on motion Of Mr. Sherman TO
take up the House bill Of last session, intended to
make imperative the decision Of the Supreme Court
Of Ohio relative TO the votes of soldiers in the Dayton
Asylum. spirited debate is likely to arise when the
bill comes up foriaction. The Presidents
received at about 1:SO o'clock and 1t eXcellently
read by GOrham Secretary of the Senate. The read
ing seemed to put every one in good humor except
Southern Senator who went to sleep. The Presidents
reference to San Domingo received with half con-
ceaed gesture ofdissen from Senator Summer and Dir.
schurz paid the most earnest attention The illusions to
reform struck the Chairman Of the Finance Committee,
Mr. Sherman very amusing. The Presidents straight
forward talk the Alabama claims and the Canadian
fisheries produced wonderful feeling Of satisfaction in
Mr. Chandler who watched with much interest the face
Of Mr. Thornton the British Minister, who sat in front
Of Mrs Grant, and nervousy stroked his beard. The
concluding paragraph OF the message summing IN the
policy Of the Administration, with universal favor
on the Republican sde and the sentence aimed at eec
ton repeaters created much laughter. When the read
ing was finished the Senate adjourned.
The session opened in the House with the usual dry
formaty. The calling to order. the calling Of the roll
and the announcing of the absentees occupied the first
halfhour; ard then, after Committee Lad been ap
pointed to wait upon the President for his Message
j. II. Sypher Of Louisiana sworn in as member Of
the House, notwithstanding objection made by the
Hon. s. s. Cox Of NewYOrk. Mr.. Dixon, from the lid
District North Carolina, next admitted TO seat
after which credentials Of Mr.. r. T. W. Duke OF the
With District Of Virginia presented. ATesolu0n TO
commit the case to the Committee on Elections brought
some Of the Democrats to their feet and debate ensued
in which Nessrs. schenck, Randall Of Pennsylvania, and
S. s. Cox Of NewYOrk participated The resolution was
lost and Mr. Duke after the recess, was allowed TO take
his seat. A general inquiry was made for MI Rliney
(he coOred Of Whittemore Of South Carolina
but he did not appear the floor The reading OF the
Presidents Message was listened to by the majority OF
the House with close attention, and one subject after
another was taken up and treated Of signs OF approval
or dsapprova might have been discovered on the faces
OF many members. at about o'clock the House ad-
journed
There are so many bills the Speakers table that it
is subject Of general remark that during the present
session it will be as difficult to carry motion to go to
business on the Speakers table during the clos
ing days Of last session. The Speaker said to-day that
there was enough material on his table to keep the
House talking during the entire session. The first 10
come up for action is the troublesome Apporuonment
BILL which, in its present shape, provides Tor increasing
the number Of Representatives to 2'5
The Presidents Message Of course the only topic Of
conversa ton IN this city tonight, and in the hotels on
the street. in tine newspaper oces-ndeed everywhere
where public men are wont TO gather San Domingo and
the Canadian fisheries, Revenue Reform and the
Alabama claims have been discussed. The general
opinion Of Republican Senators and Representatives
seems TO be that the Message is the ablest
state paper that has from the Executive
Mansion during the present Administration and
the Democrats, while they bound 20 criticise,
concede that Gen. Grants latest Message will at
least be popular among the OF the people On
some OF Gen. Grants recommendations there Is a wide
difference OF opinion One prominent Senator says that
the part relating to the San Domingo treaty the most
vulnerable portion Of the Message He thinks that some
time in the far distant future the advantages
claimed as result Of the annexation may result but
that at present there s reason why that measure
should be pressed at this particular time. Another
Senator regretted that there possibility Of the
matter coming before Congress in the form OF joint
resolution, as that viii result in n great waste
Of time in both Houses, particularly In the
Senate The Revenue RefOrmers" find little
consolation in that part Of the Message
which refers 20 the Tariff while the advocates OF Pro-
lection are generally pleased with the recommendations
Oh this subject. An Eastern Senator remarked this
evening that there never was a greater humbug than
the 70 allied Revenue Reform" and that If any two Of
the sforers could be induced TO explain their views,
they would be found % agree very few points The
same gentleman thinks that there has not been Mem
Der Of Congress elected simply because he is Revenue
Rforner and that the most that these disOrganzers