The New York herald., 1873-12-17


and Abandoned Lands. resolution was adopted
instructing the chairman to issue notices to Gen.
ersl Howard, Secretary Belknap and General VIM
cent TO appear before them tomorrow morning
with view to begin a preliminary investigation
OF the subject, and to guide the committee In
recommending what definite action should be
taken upon the letter OF the Secretary OF War sub
mitted to Congress.
Druggists' Complaint or an Extension or
the stamp Tax.
Edward II. Hance and Alexander Fl. Jones, OF the
Drug Exchange Of Philadelphia and representing
the drug trade OF the United States, with Leonard
Myers, had bearing before the Committee OF Ways
and Means this morning. and urged that the stamp
tax on medicinal preparations should be limited to
patent or proprietary medicines. as contemplated
by schedule O. Of the act OF 1866. They claim that this
law had worked smoothly until few months ago,
when, for the first time since Its passage, the
Commissioner held that every medicinal prepara-
tion Labelled and prepared in advance OF the call
for 1t, Is "put up in style or manner similar to
patent or proprietary medicines" Against this
construction The druggists and people largely pro-
test, and legislation Is asked that will prevent It,
The Ways and Means Committee took decided in
terest In the case az presented. and on Friday
morning will hear what Mr.. Douglass has to say on
the subject.
The Finance Committee or the Senate also gave
these gentlemen full hearing.
No Cabinet Meeting Yesterday.
owing to the death at late hour last night OF
Colonel Frederick Dent father OF Mrs. Grant,
there was no formal meeting OF the Cabinet to-
day nor were any visitors received by the Presi-
dent.
Inc Disposition OF the Geneva Awards.
The House Committee on Judiciary to-day heard
an argument delivered by Judge Metcal, OF Maine
with regard to the disposition Of the Geneva
awards. He favored
FrsNPayment to the shipping interest of the
country. which lost vessels by reason Of capture by
Confederate cruisers.
Seco'd-The indemniacation of insurance COM
panies and those who took war risks.
The committee decided TO invite arguments on
the subject with view to prepare a bill making
an equitable award Of the amount paid by Great
Britain under the Treaty OF washington.
The Memory of Justice Nelson.
The House Judiciary Committee agreed to-day to
report for adoption by the House a resolution OF
respect for the memory OF the late Justice Nelson
OF the United States Supreme Court
The Massachusetts Clique at Work.
The Massachusetts clique is fairly at work against
the administration, In revenge for the part taken
last ia by the federal officers in that State against
Ben Butler and TO advance the prospects OF MIR.
Sumner. Mr.. Dawes is in position where he can
cause much annoyance, II not positive harm, and
his speech OF Monday is only forerunner OF what
is to come.
Tit for Tat.
Mr.. Nesmith, once Senator, but now Represent
ative from oregon, was nominated by Andy John
son as Minister to AUSTRIA but Judge Williams,
then Senator from oregon, prevented the con.
irmation. Mr.. Nesmith is now quietly chuckhng
over the obstacles which he has adroty put in the
way Of his old opponent.
Two Pension Agencies for Massachusetts,.
The President has directed the division OF Massa-
chusetts into two pension districts, and General
Kimbal, formerly Adutant General of the State.
will be the additional Pension Agent.
Shepherd Safe So Far.
The Senate, in executive session to-day, after
debate refused to reconsider the vote by which
Alexander r. Shepherd was some days ago. con-
firmed as Governor for the District OF Columbia
The New Mexican Vice Consul for San
Francisco.
The President has recognized lgnacio Alvarado
as Vice Consul OF Mexico at San Francisco Cal.
Declined With Feeling.
Mr.. James Lyons, Richmond, Va, who was
the President OF the Louisville Democratic Con-
vention, which nominated Mr.. O'Conor for the Pre-
sidency, was recently rendered the appointment of
United States Attorney for the Eastern District OF
virginia. His letter declining the appointment
very plainly intlmated that he could not think OF
accepting the position when the President had the
power to have rendered him the higher place OF
United States District Judge, which had become
vacant by the recent death OF Judge Underwood.
Bonded Distilleries.
The Committee OF Ways and Means has agreed to
report bill recommended by the Commissioner OF
Internal Revenue, relating to certain details OF
minor importance connected with bonded distie-
ries.