The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-12-12
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
Latest News from Washington.
Hon. A. II. stephens speech on the
Repeai Of the Salary Riii-charscs
preserrca against General Howard
nv the secretary OF WARTIME Ma
tional iyil-Rights Convention.
Especial telegram 10 The Dispatcn.I

tfonal Civil Rights Convention.
Especial telegram 10 the Dispatch.l
WASHINGTON, December 1.-THE sree2h
Of the Hon. Alexander H. stephens In the
House to-day on the rpcal OF the Sa!afy
bill was the first sensation OF the SESSION.
and It was ye,itahle sensation. Ihe DIS.
tinSuished gentleman was the recipient OF
the most earnest attention from all sides OF
the House; Democrats and Republicans,
Confederate generals and colonels, With
Federal officers who had acquired distinc-
top, thronging around him to catch every
word that fell from bis lips, and at the close
consratulating him heartily on the bold, III
dependent stand he has taken, ana lot Inc
c,eor and statesmanlke manner III which he
enunciated bis principles.
MI Sterhens had an audience such as nc
had been used to tu 0nte-bellum days, so
far as numbers were concerned; ana inc
brcathless interest with which his speech
was received proves bow thoroughly be IS
regarded even IN his intirmity and declining
Years as one Of the great statesmen OF this
great nation. During the delivery OF the
speech be wore small smokiug-cap without
visor, made OF plum colored velvet. He
lsened on cru,ch supported under his lett
arm, and With his right geSticulated wildly,
several times bringing his fingers with gooo
dcal Of force down on the desk of PenI-
s7lvania member who bns seat immediately
10 his rcsr. lie faced the Republican side OF
the House, and seemed to address his re-
marks particularly 10 that portion Of the
chamber. Lie held that member Of Con-
gress should command the highest salary
commensurate with the responsibilities I'M
posed upon him. and compared the sup
posed Incomes Of lawyers, editors, physi-
clans, and merchants TO show that brain
labor did not usually command as high rates
as was paid to those engaged IN professional
and mechanical pursuits. He stated that
had he been member of Congress at the
time the bill passed, no matter whether he
voted for the measure OF not, be should have
retained the increased pay, inasmuch rs it
was consti,utioEslly passed and belonged 70
him just as clearly us did any recompense
for congressional labor.
The speech will not affect the passage Of
the bill. but it has set 4 great many lnem-
bers thinking that demagogism has good
deal to do with the clamor for small salaries
10 Government officials.
An Incident of the proceedings to-day was
the report to the House from the Senate of the
passage OF bill removing the disabilities Of
Hon. John a. Reagan, Of Texas, who was
IN the House ut the time an attentive listener
70 the remarks of Mr.. Stephens.
The Secretary Of War has in letter to the
House of Representatives made direct charges
against General Howard, late Of the Freed
mems Bureau. The charges are misapplica-
ton of the public funds, and Secretary Bel
snnp says the responsibility and accounta-
bllity attaching to the late commissioner so
fur as developed amount to upwards of
s27es73.
The National Ciyil-Rights Convention or
colored men are having a very lively time,
and there is more Speech-making by the dele
gates than there is In Congress. Mr.. Sum-
ner has been subject OF considerable dis
cussion, and for all his efforts in behalf OF
their race tie colored men evince Il DISPOSE
non to regard him as not SO very friendly to
them In personal way as he might be. His
declinaton to address them causes some
feeling. The sessions are as stormy as the
Uld-time reconstruction conventions were,
and quite as replete with "pints" Of order
aud rising to questions of privilege.
To-day delegate Malord, of Virginia, said
there was class Of coord men in this city
who are not willing to accord 20 colorcd
men the same rights Is are accorded TO them
by white men. He was opposed to any
measure offered by man who is unwilling
TO accord such rights to all. Froprietors OF
bsrber-shops and saloons in this city run by
colored men do not allow colored men to
enter their places of business. He wanted
the right, wien he felt like going into bur-
room to take drink, to do It, and not be
told ~ the barkeeper that he "has no Ii.
quor." T1Moy.
Ths S00S eshID of the Eastern District
of Virginia.
Especial telegram 10 the Dispatch
WAsnMaToN, December 1.-THE Judge
ship Of the Eastern District Of Virginia has
narrowed down to General Wickbam and
Colonel Robert w. Hughes. Senator Lewis,
Hon. J. Amber Smith, and DR.. Charles S.
Mills, collector Of Richmond, are pressing
the claims Of General Wickham; Mcssrs. |
Plat and Stowell those of Colonel Hughes. |
Hon. Mr. Sener is neutral and pon.commit- |
tai, and will not press the claims Of any of
the candidates. Colonel Mosby, who Is In |
this city, is an interested spectator In the
contest. but will not advocate the claims of
either candidate. The President declares
bis intention TO appoint none but native
Nlrginian to the judgeship.
ASSOCIATED Press telegram
WASHINGTON, December II. The success
aor of Judge Underwood lies between
Hughes, Wickham, and Willoughby. The
President Will hold the matter open till
Monday.
Congressional.
WAsHISG1os, December l1.--Senate. Mr.
Carpenter was elected President pro tenn. by
the following vote: Carpenter, 81; Thur
l0aD, IL; Bland 2.
Dir. Gordon, of Georgia, introduced bill
10 repeal the section of the bill of March 8,
1878, forbidding the free transmission OF
periodicals, magazines, and newspapers
through the United States mails, and restor-
Ing that privilege. Referred TO the Post.
Office and Post Roads Committee.
rop,rpittaa TRANSPORTATION m ba