New-York tribune., 1873-02-05
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
AN IMPORTANT AMENDMENT TO THE CUSTOM
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THR TRIBUNEl


lBY TELEGRAPH TO THB TRIBUNEl
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1873.
The Ways and Means Committee considered, this
morning, Ellis II RoOefts's important bill regulating
the customs service and agreed to the first section
vding for the issue OF SPECIAL licenses for unloading the
esrgoes of foreign steamers at night This will probably
be reported special bill It's passage viii prove of
great advantage 10 the various European lines
by enabling them greatly to expedite the unloading of
cargoes, and ii will also benefit importers, who will fire.
quenuy able 10 their goods day sooner than
they under the present system.
The remainder OF the Roberts BILL relating to salaries
and fees Of Custom-house officers the chief importing
cities viii probably not be reported by the Committee.
SPECIMEN INDIAN APPROPRIATION BILLS.
The conference report the Indian Appropriation
bill was agreed to by the House, today, after
animated discussion between Messrs Sargent and shanks
on the OF the ChOctaw claim, which the bill pro
hbits the Secretary of the Treasury from making any
further payment upon without further legislation by
Congress. Mr. shanks defended the claim resting
upon treaty, and Mr. Sargent denounced 1t as fraud
from the beginning throughout It's whole history-of
over 80 years In the of the debate IL stated
that the Secretary Of the Treasury had agreed 70 pay an
attorney $4,000 for proof that the claim fraudulent
and that attorney had discovered receipt in full in
the Interior Department, given by the Choctaws.
The propriety Of this contract was questioned by
Mr.. shanks who asserted that the receipt was
not a bar TO the payment Of the claim.
The Montana Claim bill passed after persistent
opposition by Mr. Holman The bill directs the account
ing officers OF the Treasury 10 pay the claims, after
examination OF the evidence but 10 allow in no case
more than was recommended by Inspector General
Harde in his report. The claimants made out eGor.
Ditant bills, charging two or three times the market
prices of the supplies animals arms and other things
furnished 10 the Territorial militia during the hcttio1s
10y the War Department, about TWO years ago. 10
the claims and he cut them all down to what
Al e time the purchases were made thus reducing the
total amount OF the claims about one-hali.
A DEFENDER OF THADDEUs STEVENS.
Representative Dckey the successor In Congress of
Thaddeus Stevens and ms partner IN the practice of the
law is greatly incensed Jno. b. Alley for his tes
timony before one Of the Credit MObier Committees
10 the effect that he had head that Mr.. Stevens got
$4,000 Of stock bonds. Mr. Alley said Dr. Durant had
informed him Of the fact Dr. Durant was on the stand
recently and not only denied paying Mr. Stevens
the money, but having said he paid it, or that he
ever heard Of such a thing. Mr. Dickey of the
executors OF Mr. stevens WILL and says there is not the
slightest truth In the matter Mr. Edward MCPHERSON,
Clerk Of the House. another executor, also denies that
Mr. Stevens received any bonds. Mr.. Dlckey viii
go before the Wilson Committee before 1t closes its IN
nnIy 9S Sea SnS 1 TO TO Ma Stevens stricken from the record
outrage. He will also ask 10 be sworn and II nee
essarv will exhibit Mr. stevenss check book from 1859 TO
the date OF his death also the inventory Of all his prop
erty, including his assets.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS BEFORE THE JUDICIARY
COMMITTEE.
The testimony the case OF Delahay o. g. Judge for
Kansas against whom nvest LEGATIONS by the House Ju-
dietary Committee have been pending for nearly year.
has been printed and considered by the Committee. The
charges drunkenness and other mprOprietes
in connection with his Office were fully proved The
Committee hesitate to present articles Of Impeachment
the time necessary for trial and the great eX-
pense and trouble attending OF impeachment OF
u. s. Judge, and therefore they VIII walt until nearly
the close of the session, order 10 give the Judge an
opportunity 20 resign The bill increasing the salaries
OF the President, the Of the Cabinet the su
preme Judges and the members Of Congress was
again considered by the Committee, and 10 was unan
Iously approved. The Utah question not taken up