Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-05-16
From Washington.

Washington, May 10. Over 1000 claims
amounting 10 several millions of dollars have
been filed with the Southern Claims Commits
sion, who will require evidence on all Of over
$4,000, in the amount to De given before them
in Washington.
Jonathan Richards, Indian Agent at Coye-
hata, Indian territory, writes April 2Sth, that
representations from all the tribes are there
and appear friendly, and he thinks they are
dispose to form a peaceful alliance. The
Kiowas, Camanches, Cheyenne, Arapahoes
and Apaches are represented by some of
their head men, who are behaving very well,
and there are hopes that their visit and the
influence of friendly Indians wills exert a
marked benefit over them. Heavy rains have
delayed the meeting of the council. He
heard great deal more of Indian depreda-
tons and proposed hostilites from news
papers and sensations than from the Indians
and other reliable sources, and thinks there
is no cause for fear of general outbreak
among the wild tribes. If such should occur
it will be the result of improper influence of
designing and bad men.
The new Territorial Government for Column
bia was inaugurated to-day, there being a
large number in attendance at the Metsearot
building to witness the proceedings, includ-
ing the organization of the Legislative AS
sembly. Frederick Douglas was elected Vice
President of the Council of the upper branch.
The Governor in his message, stated that the
funded debt of Georgetown will not exceed
$3.50, 900, while it is reasoned that that of the
city of Washington Is over 50 900, 900, with
81 100000 floating dept and the receipts of
Washington from general taxation is 81 .500,-
600 per annum. The Governor makes recon-
mendatiohs relative to the finances and pub
lie works, and suggests various improve
ments.
4, In the Executive session to-day the treaty
was favorably reported by the chairman OF
the Committee of Foreign Relations, Mr..
Cameron, without any recommendation of
amendment. That gentleman after making
a few remarks was followed by Senator
Irwin, explaining certain parts of the treaty
in response to inquiries. No general debate
has yet been opened upon the subject. The
proceedings thus far have been merely of a
preliminary character. There are specula-
tions as to the result of the vote, the prospect
is that the treaty will be ratified. 1t is said
that the Democrats met tonight to talk the
subject over, and especially as to principles of
international law involved, and further that
instead of Reverdy johnson being opposed
to the treaty as reported, he earnestly desires
that it may be ratified by the Senate
The Select Committee on Senatorial Privi-
leges held a meeting this evening, and eX-
amined five witnesses concerning the publ
cation of the treaty in the New York Tribune.
G. w. Adams, correspondent of the World
testified in effect that he had no knowledge
how the copy was obtained, or from whom.
White and Ramsdell of the Tribune, severally
testified that they did not procure it either
from a Senate, or any officer or employee
of the Senate. They however declined to
answer the question as to the name of the
person from whom it was obtained, and
whether they paid money for it. This refusal
on their part will be reported to the Seuatc to-
morrow for action of that body.