New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-12-08
CURRENT TOPICS AT TIE CAPITAL.
HE PItOI OrED RhPLAh OF IlIE thI,5o Gao
LAN.'
WAsn.ScToS, Monday, Dec. 7, ETH

LAM"
NAsnSCTOS, Monday, Dec. 7, 1874.
Tho only danger of debating tho amend ueut
proposed to the Gag law by III. Phelps Of Kew
Jerscy lies III conflict between those WHO th. 10
goes TOO far and those who think it does not 90 :,
enough. Gen. BUilcr and members OF hls folloyy-
ing are hostile to any change. The General
has gone SO far as 10 say in a
private discussion of the measure, that ho would
vote for the amendment exc, Dting actions FOR libel
only when supplemented win al amendment tidt
should allow an outraged legislator TO shoot a re-
porter and not be gully of murder. Diners take
the position Of Mr.. GcosTo /. Noar, that a careful
selection Of cases should DO made and
claSsed with libel in the exemption Ile object Of
the amendment, proposed by Nr. Phcip5 Is simply
TO leave The rights Oh citizens vi tn District IN the
matter of ADel, just as they weio from tie
beginning Of tho century, and purposes 10
take iron them u'w right only chl0Ycd
since the POI OF last Jane, 10 summon a0d blHy
10 trial IN this District any citizen OF the United
STATES whose pub.shrtI criticism they may 5.n
hbelOus. Ii tne people OF tnc District have lived
century IN moderate enjoyment oil tins ll-dt 70
reputation it would seem unnecessary ut tin5 lac
day to otier fresh guarantees dangerous 20 tie
freedom OF the press.
! UNU5UAL INDUSTRY OF TIE COMauTTEE on
APPROPRIATIONS.
| Five of the regular annual appropriation bills
were introduced to-day all ready for the immediate
action of the House. Old members say that such an
occurrence on the FIRST day of the session is un-
preccdcntci. No single one of these bii.j
was ever prepared before in advance of tho
meeting Of Congress. The Sariields Committee re-
Ceves good deal of meTitcd praise for their indus
| try in coming 10 Washington a month in advance
and preparing the work Some disposed 10
find some political significance in the tying
down of the House to routine work, which viii
result from making appropriation bills spe-
cial orders from Tuesday of next week. as was
done. Thinking it may be q shrewd device of the
Republican leaders to keep their fellows from wrang-
ling over the causes of their defeat There was no
such purpose however. Mr.. Garfield always drives
his Committe hard. This year no and they agreed
that t would be a desirable reform on old customs,
if the House could be got to work the neces-
sary legislation ut first. and dispose Of 1t early so
that there would be no occasion for rushing through
appropriation bills involving millions, during the
tnmut and excitement Of tine closing days OF inc
Session SO the Committee met early in November
and completed the bills introduced to-day. The first
of these, the vouminous Executive, Legislative. and
Judicial bill. will be taken up on tuesday of next
week.
THE SAFE BUGLARY CASE.
The Criminal Court term for December began to-
day. Judge Arthur presiding. Alluson was made to
the decision of the Court in General Term Satur'
day. declaring the Grand Jury illegal, and the .lIdgo
discharged the jury from further attendayice. Har
rington, in the absence of his counsel
desired to withdraw the pleas "a abatement filed
in the safe burglary case and by the plea of mot
guilty" to the general issue to waive any techni-
calitIcs whatever and, 1t the Court would send ior
| Mr. Riddle, he would like further to move that as
early day possible be fixed for the trial OF the
| case The proceedings We're postponed till TO-
morrow, when all the counsel Will be called to ap
| pear in court.
| ANOTHER RAILROAD IN TROUBLE.
Within few days the Commissioner of Internal
Revenue has received ntimation Of important facts
| in regard to a leading railroad company. The
accounts presented show SGOO,OOO due the Gov
eminent. Immediate steps will be taken By the
officials TO verify the accounts, land proceed to col
| lect them.
lfor Regular Report Of Congregational Preed,ngs Fvh PssI