The Portland daily press., 1872-04-18
WASHINGTON.



WASHINGTON, April 1.-THE Senate Arms
Committee examined Secretary Belknap this
morning.. He said he did not discuss letter
from himself to the Secretary of State with
Chambrun, and gave other evidence inyalidat-
ing Chambruns former testimony. During the
examination Chambrun interrupted, saying
that three months had elapsed and the more
the matter was discussed the more likely it was
to be confused. After the examination of the
Secretary of War the committee adjourned till
tomorrow. w.
Response of the Prcsident e the African
In response to the African Methodist delega-
ton who visited the President to-day, he said
he was pleased to know that four millions of
former slaves were now free to think, act and
vored citizens. He knew they had not attained
all the civil rights they might be expected to
receive, and that what further civil equalities
due them might be work of some time, yet
he trusted ere long they would be placed on
complete footing of equality with other citi-
zens. He ardently hoped for their welfare and
happiness as race, and bid them God speed in
their efforts to achieve a position for themselves
of which they might honestly be proud. After
shaking hands with the delegation the Presi-
dent withdrew.
Mr. Peters, Allah Anna Claims Resolutions.
1t is probable that the House Committee on
Foreign Affairs will tomorrow consider Repre-
sentative Peters resolution against the presen-
tation of indirect damages in the Alabama
case. There are other members OF Congress
who have privately expressed similar views.
The Administration, however, will adhere to
its position in the case under the present cir
cumstances.
The Navy Investigates.
In the naval investigation to-day, Geo. H.
Corlis testified as to his claims against the
government for the price of certain engines.
He presented the claim in May 1862, when Mr..
Borie was Secretary and settlement was
agreed upon. None of the money, however,
had been paid He never paid or promised any
money, or suggested the payment of money or
any other valuable thing to the. Secretary or
any employee of the Navy Department, naval
officer or anybody connected with. the govern
ment, nor did he ever employ any middle man
or counsel The statement in the Sun was a
lie made up of whole CLOTH :. Witness then
made statement relative to furnishing ma
chinery for the steamer Saco, aad refuted the
charges against him in a letter to the Sun. The
COrliss Steam Engine Co., never asked Robe
sons assistance in getting an appropriation.
Witness never mentioned the subject to Robe
son. For the last ten years the Company has
had nothing to do with contracts, and during
the whole period they never even signed petit
ton for relief. The claim against the govern
ment is $257 $685. They lost $6Q, 900 by that en-
terprise. Witness expected to wait until the
Bureau of Steam Engineering had money to
pay for the work.
s. P. Brown was sworn and examined by the
chairman as to the allowance of the claim for
the steamer Governor. ".
Convention Of Savings Bank Omcers-
Railroad Injunction.
MANCHESTER, n. H., April ia conven-
ton of bank officers, representing thirty-nine
New Hampshire savings banks, assembled in
this city to-day to consult apon the questions af-
fecting the banking interests of the State
| These banks represent 81, 900 capital and
| 80 900 depositors. Ex-Gov Smith, of this city
Treasurer of the Merrimac River Savings Bank
presided. The usury laws were discussed at
length and committee, consisting of ex-Gov
Smith, of Manchester, Wyatt, of Dover, Pills
bury, of Concord, Roberts, of Rollinsford
Joseph Kidder and Judge Clarke, Of Manches.
ter, was appointed to draft resolutions for the
consideration of the convention with view tt
legislative action. The flow of New Hamp
shire capital to other States through the irstru
mentality of our savings banks was also con
| sidered. s........,.
A hearing before Judge Doe in the railroad
Injunction case against the location of the
Southern route Of the Nashua & Rochester
Railroad, has been progressing in this city to
| day. Prominent counsel are engaged and much
1 interest as to the result is manifested.