Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1872-05-15
Letter from Washington.

speculation among politicians, reporters ana
dealers in stock. The consultation OF the
President and Secretary of State with the
Republican members of the two Foreign
Affairs Committees, though intended to be
confidential and to be carefully kept from the
outside world, was Immediately published
in all the papers, the inventive genius OF the
reporters supplying whatever was necessary
to make up lively and graphic account. 1t
is not probable that this meeting had any
influence on the negotiation but that it was
called together, as stated by the correspond
ent of the New York Herald, for the purpose
of pledging support to the course which had
been decided upon, rather than deciding what
that course should be.
1t was apparent at the meeting that
the disposition of the President and Secre-
tary was to stand firmly at last on the
ground that the question of constructive
damages must be submitted a part of the
case to the Tribunal at Geneva, and that
there was willingness in case this should
not be acceeded to that the treaty should fall.
The Saturdays Republican contains what
appears to be semi official announcement
that such has been the result,-that the
United States refuse to eliminate the con-
structive damages from the case, and that
Great Britain declines to 60 before the
arbitrators unless the elimination is made
There is another announcement, however, to
the effect that negotiations have not entirely
ceased, but are still pending, with hopes of
an honorable and satisfactory arrangement.
But it is generally believed that the RePubh-
can is right, or soon to be right, and that
the case is really . gone case" to use the
classical language Of Butler.
The debates in the Senate have taken of
late political turn, and the papers have
remarked that Mr. Tru nbull opposes the
measures of the majority with more bitter
ness than ever, and votes always with the
Democrats There have been meetings Of
the Republican Senators for the purpose Of
discussing the political situation and it has
been rumored that the deposition of Trum-
bull from the craftsmanship Of the Judiciary
Committee has been seriously proposed. But
1t seems that peaceable counsels were adopted
The advice of Senator Wilson and the Vice
President prevailed against that of Senator
Chandler, who is always for war to the knife,
and it is hoped that instead of estranging
others from the party, many who have lett
it may be induced to return.
The bill providing that the Presidential
election in Louisiana shall be held on the
same day as the State election and the cleo
ton for members Of Congress aroused a
political debate, during which the Cincin-
natl Convention and many other matters
equally relevant were warmly discussed. Ii
was charged by Mr.. Trumbull and Mr..
Bayard that this was merely m attempt u
bring the election Of presidential electors
under the military supervision of the gov
eminent and it was replied by Mr. Morton
that while the opponents Of his bill were in
favor Of honest elections they always defeated
every measure intended to bring them about.
An amnesty bill also came up in the Sen
ate and underwent an interesting process Of
amendment and substitution. Mr.. Sumner 5
motion to substitute for it his civil rights
bin was agreed to. Then motion TO amend
the substitute BY adding the amnesty bin
was agreed to. Other amendments in the
first and second degree were made, some Of
which were adopted and some rejcctcl and
finally, on a vote being taken N amnesty
and civil rights, together, the bill was re-
Iected by vote Of 81 yeas to p nays,-a
two thirds votes being required The col
ored population fill the galleries Immediately
on ascertai ling that the great civil rights
bill is under discussion, and they show by
their c)untenances the gratitude they feel
for every word that comes from the Massa-
chusetts senator. Wheneyera coIored polit'-
cal meeting is held or a celebration OF the
EN- ancipation proclamation, or of the passage
of the XVth amen dment, Mr.. Sumner Is
invited to deliver an addr ess, and respond in
a letter Of thanks and fatherIy advice, which
is read amid tremendous applause. During
the debate upon this bill the Vice President
was obliged to throw several casting votes
and they were all given promptly for civil
rights But Mr.. Sumner was not SO success
ful with his other measure-the bill throw
ing the schools of the District open to col
ored children His attempts to get it before
the Senate for action were unavailing,-
probably because it is a delicate matter tina
senators at this stage of proceedings would
not care to vote upon.
The House has been mainly engaged upo1
the tariff. An important change has taker
place in the bill before the House Mr.
Kelley rallied all its enemies to vote witt
MIN on a motion to strike out the enactin.
clause, intending alter that to instruct tn,
committee to report his own bill to tn,
House. The motion was made, carried by
decided majority, and the bill Of BURGLAR,
and Finkelnburg was as dead as a door nail
A scene of confusion ensued. Motions
amendments, and points of order were mad
by Mr.. Kelly, Mr.. Dawes, Mr.. Finkelnburl
and half dozen others. But when it wa
over, and those whom Mr. Kelly considers
his friends had deserted him, and following
the leadership of Mr.. Dawes had voted t
report back another bill to the committee o
the whole, the gentleman from Pennsylvani
stood bewIldered In his place, declaring tina
members = had voted under misappre
hension' The remark OF Mr. Garfield, tina
there was no misunderstanding, but that tn
trade which had been made was bursted, di
not satisfy him. This bill of Mr. Dave.
provides for general reduction in duties o
ten per cent. on cotton, wool, iron, &C., an,
is much nearer the billawhich was passed b,
the Senate.
The probabilities are strong 10 favor of al
early adjournment. The appropriation bill
and deficiency bill are we'll along, and tn