The New York herald., 1873-12-10
MEMBERS LAcERATINe EACH OTHER.
Senator Carpenter Nominated by the Re-
publican Caucus To Be President
Pro Tenn. Of the Senate.
Senator Thurman Gets the Dem.
ocratic Nomination.
Secretary Robson Likely to Get the
$4,000, 600 Asked For.

| Com m nder Braine Investigates Cuba m
Dofences-He Has All the Facts or the
| Virginius' Capture and OF the Murders
| which Followed.
Commander Braine has made an elaborate sur
vey Of the defences and condition OF San
| tiago de Cuba and other parts OF the
island. He also gathered much valuable
Information concerning the character and
capacity of the Spanish vessels on the coast, in
Guiding the gunboats built In the United States.
While on an ofnclal visit to Santiago de Cuba he
gathered all the facts in relation the capture Of
the virginius and the executions which fol-
lowed, and other matters OF interest.
This report was forwarded to Rear Admiral
Scott, who sent despatch to the Secretary OF the
Navy, asking what he should do with It. The Sec
retary directed him to send the full document by
mail. but to telegraph abstract OF its prominent
features This abstract appears in uo-day's NOR
ing papers.
The cabinet without Further News
from Cuba.
The Cabinet to-day was not in session more than
an hour. All the members were present, except
ing the Secretary of War. No new features were
presented concerning relations with Spain.
Tonight it Is said on high authority that every
thing is believed to be in q fair way of accommo-
dation.
sickIes to Resign HIS Return from
spain.
The friends of General Sickes say that he WILL
on his return to Washington, formally tender his
resignation as Minister to Madrid.
Senator Carpenter To BE President OF
the Senate Pro Tem.-Cha ndler's De-
fence Of Him I'm the Caucus-An Even
ing ssGslOrificatlOn.''
Vice President Wilson to-day announced to the
Senate that it was his intention to leave Washing
ton tomorrow, and he would be absent some time
on account of his health The Senate would, there
fore, provide for President pro tenn. After
important session, lasting less than an hour, the
republican members assembled in caucus in the
Senate parors, leaving Senator Carpenter in pos
session of the Senate Chamber.
The 'fnjured innocence'' from Wisconsin combed
his shaggy locks with his lett hand, while with his
right, he drove quill over letter paper at the rate
OF 20 words minute. The solitary guardian OF the
Senate amused himseIfin this manner until half past
two O'Clock, when the unknown and silent Senator
from Florida, who answers to the name OF Gilbert
rushed into the Chamber, breathlessly approached
Mr.. Carpenter, fell upon his neck and gave him tho
kiss of peace What he said could not be heard
in the gallery; but Matthew smiled benignantly,
and a few minutes after they both smiled in
another manner.
In the caucus 1t appears Senator Anthony q son
Of Joseph, presided, and Senator Conkng nomi-
mated for President pro tenn. OF the Senate Senator
Carpenter, OF Wisconsin. This was the signal
for action. Zach Chandler, who is political
neighbor Of Mr.. Carpenter, arose and had
good deal to say about Webster, Clay, Johnson and
other eminent statesmen who lived in Washington
before the Board OF Works was known. Mr.. Carpen-
ter had been abused by the newspapers and mean
things had been printed about him. For that
reason he knew that all that was alleged was false
The only way for man to get distinction now
days was to be abused, and he only wished he could
get some first class paper, with big crcua-
ton, to abuse him every day. He seconded Mr.
ConklIng's motion and hoped Mr.. Carpenter would
be confirmed without dissenting vote. What Mr..
Carpenter did was ones business, and IL did not
become dignifed Senators to take notice of attacks
on a mans character He knew shameful stories
were told about former presidents and vice presi-
dents, but no one thought less OF them in dis
charging their ofIlcal duties. There was great
difference, he insisted, in what man did as citi-
zen and as Senator. Senator Howe, OF Wiscon-
sin defended his colleague and had satisfied him.
self the allegations against Senator Carpenter were
not to be believed.
A canvass of the caucus discovered the fact that
the members were divided into two classes-those
who believed Mr.. Carpenter was innocent and those
who did not care whether he was or not. So with
out even the formality Of ballot Senator Carpen
Vice President Wilson is absent. This was the
reason why Senator Gilbert who is q warm friend
OF Matthew, made haste 10 tell him he had been &C.
quilted by jury OF his countrymen from the
charges made against him.
Tonight the distinguished Senator gave grand
set-out to his friends. The wines not used at the
Governors banquet last night were provided, and
everything was harmoniously happy.
The Senator from Wisconsin-that is the other
Senator not Mr. Howe-tod story about the plea
Of lawyer in behalf OF q man accused OF stealing
horse, which was so eloquent that the jury acquit-
ted the prisoner without leaving the box After
the triumph the counsel went to the man and asked
him II he did steal the horse, and the answer was,
''well before heard you talk I thought I was
guilty; but since heard your reasons why could
not be guilty am quite sure ! didn't steal that
horse.n 1 suppose that was the way with my
friends after listening TO Mr.. Chandler's argument.
tell you there Is nothing like eoquence, especially
II a man is poor and his constituents find fault
with him on account Of his back pay grab.
The Senate Chaplain Cheated.
Having disposed Of Carpenter, Senators to-day
reminded the Vice President that Chaplain Sunder-
lands prayers were altogether too long for the
exigencles OF the occasion. Some OF the Senators
are in tho habit OF standing during prayer, but,
with the exception OF senators Chandler and sum-
ner, none were able to stand it out. The chaplain
was reminded by the Vice President that he would
grow popular in proportion to the brevity OF his
rnvocations and he would please the Senate II he
would talk q little faster.
| secretary Robcson Before tho Committec
ON Appropriations.
The Secretary OF the Navy was for several hours
before the Committee on Appropriations to-day,
explaining fully the needs OF the navy and It's gen.
eral condition as to efficiency. He was Intercepted
regarding the question now pending between the
United States and spain and frec to say he did
not think there would be war between the two
countries, although It was, IN his opinion, neces.
sary 70 strengthen the navy, as The best means Of