New-York tribune., 1873-02-04

votes on the Goat Island resolution and tLe fssrvat
Comnissopers bill referred to elsewhere the only othei
important feature OF the days proceedings was ne 70
iossl q the House % agree % set apart time 20 con
on the various blIs 20 refund the Cotton tax. Or.
s DAWES ,an reported % d four m bills for S this
nus ns TO- fourth was s%S a 0a o
the numerous advocates Of the refundng project he
asked that two days be given for its discussion The
less than two-thirds Voting in the affirmative This
probably dsposes finally OF the subject for this session.
sion OF the rules.
PROBABLE DEFEAT OF SCHEMES TO TAKE MONEY
FROM THE TREASURY.
The Ways and Means Committee does not appear to
look with favor upon any OF the various schemes Tor
taking money from tho Treasury TO refund taxes or
duties OF one kind another alleged TO have been
improperly collected. Last week they disposed OF the
cotton job and to-day they agreed report adversely
upon what is known the Tce Meter bill Soon after
the whisky tax srst levied, law passed pre-
venting the use OF the ce meter by dsiers The meter
was found TO De worthless and the law was speedily re
pealed Now the dstillers want the Government to pay
9ack 70 them the money they invested In tho meters
we'll bear the loss rs the Government 1t is probable
that an adverse report will also be made by the Com
mttee the bin TO refund portion of the tax paid by
ally per cent and afterwsrd reduced TO n per
cent 1t is claimed that 1t improperly assessed at
the higher for short time, and the demand for re-
payment ia based upon this claim The question now
posed TO require the claimants to await the decision
that tribunal, and to abide by 1t when rendered.
DEFEAT OF THE AUSTRALIAN SUBSIDY BILLS.
The Australian Subsidy bills were both slaughtered
together to-day the Senate, much 10 the surprise OF
many OF the friends Of each bill Just before adiourning
on Friday evening. Mr. Thurman moved to Law the bill
and oil pending amendments on the table. That was
the question before the Senate at O'Clock to-day Mr.
Ramsey desired before that motion was voted upon 70
of perfecting the bill His amendment made the sub
sidy begin at the time the Postmaster,General
years ago. originally provided. Thus amended. the
motion was put on laying on the table AS the names
were called aud the votes in the affirmative about
equaed in number those in the negative the excitement
among Senator'S many of whom seemed TO take per
the calling Of the roll complete the Yeas were about
3O and the Naysabout 27 TheD while the secretary was
engaged In counting, which IN this instance occupied
several minutes pages sent in the greatest haste
to search the lObbes and commteerooms and bring In
delinquent Senator'S. Nearly dozen additional votes
thus obtained, but the balance still against
the subsidy, and defeated the vote standing 50 10
81 Mr.. Nye remarked recently that his time was so
short he did not wish to waste any OF IL IN attending the
funeral of this BILL but he will have to leave his scat
mourner for bis pet measure.
RAILROADS AND THEIR DUTIES TO THE PUBLIC
A significant vote was had in the House the ques
ton Of the power OF the Government over railroads.
Mr.. Hawley OF Illinois got the yeas and nays on bill
authorizing the appointment OF three Commissioners
with very full purses to inquire into the condition Of all
railroad lines their earnings and expenditures rates OF
fare and freight charges, and whether the same are
and cars OF operating, etc. with directions to
recommend to Congress legislation to make rates uni
form and remedy other defects in the railway system
The vote the bill rs to 90 The fact that the ar
sentiment the House In OF interference by Con-
gress compel railroads to make better provisions for
the safety OF passengers ana 10 project the puohc
against unjust and discriminating charges.
AN APPEAL FOR THE CHICKAsAW NATION.
fPROM REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THB TRlBUNBl
Cyrus Harris, the Governor OF the Chckasaw nation
has sent TO Congress long and earnest protest against
the Oklahoma and other schemes looking TO the open
ing Of the Indian territory to white settlement The
protest concludes as foows We weak and power
less The people OF the United States rich
ous and powerful part OF their territory was
the hunting grounds OF the Chickasaw Our ances-
ceded it them, and sought homes under the
they should become Christian and civilized
people. They are both. and they have conf.
pacs with other nations in all material progress.
Year after year esties to ther advancement and al
destiny honorable to the red men, and reflect
ing credit upon treaties now & Tn very
weakness should be our strength ana We earnestly anu
@ list che .ns ssas appeal 70 not to de-
stroy the nationality people or Impair or prejudice
their rights"
THE SANTILLAN CLAIMS.
GENERAL PRESS DIsPATCHl
The House Judiciary Committee have voted, TO 4. on
bin authorizing rehearing by the courts OF the IA
nous santilan claim Mexican land grant covering the
site OF property In San Francisco worth millions OF
dollars. The Supreme Court years ago rejected the
claim as fraudulent The reearng asked by the Cali
forna Land Association Of Philadelphia. which bought
the santilan claim several years ago; Tney
assert that they have discovered in Calfornla
an old Mexican record book containing eyl-
dence OF the validity OF the grant Their
case is supported by various adayts, but by none from
one James Paul in whose possession the record DOok
alleged found. The papers IN tho case were
presented to Congress about tho LIST OF May last and re-
ierred 10 the Committee Public Lands. On or about
May Is they reported back, the COMMITTEE dls-
charged and the matter referred TO the Judiciary Com
mttee SO quietly the case pushed. that the Cali
fOrnia members OF the House say they had no knOW-
edge OF the proceedings until subsequent to tho vote In
the Committee.
WASHINGTON NOTES.