The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-04-18
HERALD THURSDAY APRIL 49, QUADRupIE SHEET

In each case accompanied by satisfactory expla-
nation OF the delay In Onering II. For want OF this
explanation they declined to receive the evidence
offered in several cases. The large class OF cases
against the United States, known as the .sIndian
depreciation casesn was submitted to the consider
alton OF the Commissioners upon the legal ques-
tons involved
The African Methodists and the Presi-
dent.
The members OF the annual conference of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church. now in session
here, called in body at the White House to pay
their respects TO the President The members
assembled to the number Of over one hundred in
the East Room, at quarter past twelve O'Clock,
and took favorable position for being received.
Shortly afterwards President Grant descended
and advanced to the centre of the room where he
was introduced to Bishops James, A. J. Johnson
and Wayman, with whom he shook hands. Bishop
Johnson then addressed the President briefly stat
ing the devotion OF the Methodist Church of the
country to his administration, referring at some
length to his services In saving the country and
curing to the colored race the right Of peaceful
thought and action all over the South, where
owing to his paternal solictude for the colored
race that race is now nourishing, and it's churches
and other institutions in the full enjoyment OF all
rights, privileges and immunites accorded to the
white race, and closing by expressing the united
wish of the coored race in the United States for his
success in this life and eternal happiness In that to
come.
The President said he was more pleased than any
one except, perhaps, themselves to know that
four millions OF people, heretofore held as public
slaves and chattels were now free to think, to act
and to worship in the same manner as the most
favored OF citizens He knew they had not yet
attained all the civil rights which they might
be expected to receive, and that what further
civil equaties due them might be work OF some
time, yet he trusted that ere long they would be
placed on complete footing Of equality with any
other citizens Of our country. He ardently hoped
for their welfare and happiness a race, and bid
them God speed In their efforts to build up for
themselves church and position OF which they
might honestly be proud
The delegation then individually took the Presi-
dent by the hand and passed out
The Senate Arms Inquiry.
Secretary Belknaps examination concluded
to-day Senator Schurz conducted 1t in great part.
The principal point which seems in doubt is whether
Secretary Beknaps letter to the Secretary OF State
was written on three OF two pieces Of paper. The
Marquis Chambrun thought the more that was said
the subject the more things were likely to get
mixed.
The Naval Investigation.
George II. Corliss was examined by the Robson
Investigating Committee to-day. He emphatlcally
denied having asked Mr.. Robeson's assistance in
getting an appropriation from Congress on account
OF his claim for the price of certain engines fur
nished the government. The subject was never
mentioned to Mr.. Robson. He expected the
Bureau of Steam Engineering to reimburse him for
outlay. S. p. Brown was examined in connection
with the claim for the loss of the steamer Governor
He never spoke to Secretary Robson about the
claim.
The OIL Freight SwindIe.
P. H. Watson, President of the South Improve
ment Company, whose affairs are undergoing in
vestigation before the House Commerce Committee.
appeared this morning and produced the
original contracts between that company
ana the railroads leading out of the Oil
regions. He stated that said contracts
had been annulled by the South Improvement Com
pany March 49, but not having Official documentary
proof of that fact hand his further examination
was postponed until Friday when he is expected to
produce the evidences Of cancellation. This can
collation. took place after investigation ordered
and after service of subpGnas to produce the rail-
road contracts.
Ten Hours Pay for Eight Hours Work.
The Secretary Of the Treasury has decided
against the demand of the stone cutters
employed on government work at Column
bia, 8. G. The mechanics were paid the
usual per diem rates for eight hours work
The architect, wishing to make as much progress
as possible, early this spring proposed they should
work ten hours, with increased pay at the rate of
twenty per cent After complying with this for a
few days the stonecutters thought they should be
paid as much for the eight as for the ten hours
work, hence the trouble among them and the rea-
son for Secretary Boutwell, refusing to accede to
their demand.
Commander ]. G. Walker, United States Navy
Lighthouse Inspector for the Boston district has
been relieved by Commander G. II. Perkins.
A New Post Office at Philadelphia.
The House Committee on Public Buildings agreed
to-day to report bill approprating $4,000 for
Post ONCE and Court buildings at Philadelphia
Presidential Nominations.
The President sent the following nominations to
the Senate to-day
John J. Moulton, Postmaster of Mobile Ala ;
James S. Ray, Receiver OF Public Money, at Mon.
roe, La, and Frank W. Darlington, Register OF the
Land ONCE, at Monroe LA.