New-York tribune., 1874-05-29
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
TARIFF TINKERING IN THE HOUSE.

WAsHISGTON, InurSOay, May 70, 1874.
The operation of tariff tinkerng was resumed in
the House tonight with indications that the bill,
if persevered with, will be so changed from its
original form that its authors the members of the
Committee of Ways and Meansl will not be able to
recognize their offspring. The first hour was con-
sumed in discussion of the question of jute butts.
Mr.. Kelley of Pennsylvania discoursed most elO-
quently of that material which he says Is utilized
for making those beautiful switches of back hair
that are waving in the wind from the back OF
ladies' necks as they sail up aud down the avenue"
Mr. Hawley of Connecticut expressed a sad longing
for tariff policy that would last for even five years.
Mr. Dawes satirized Mr.. Kelley for his patriotic sacri-
fee on "A tons of jue per year. And thus the five
minute debate went on until the House had enough
of it and consented TO a vote The vote resulted in
putting duty of So ton on jute butts, and in
admitting free of duty for two Years machinery
adapted TO the manufacture of the ramie plant
except such machinery is made in this coun
try Among the other questions that were discussed
at some length that of striking out of the free
list extract of hemOck bark, the affirmative
being held by Mr. COnger of Michigan, and the
negative by Mr. Butler of Massachusetts,. But
the numbering interest proved to be stronger
than that of the Lynn shoemakers. and extract of
hemlOck bark was struck off the Tree list and re-
mitted its present condition of 70 cents duty An
effort by Mr.. Merriam of New-York to strike quick
argument in opposition. motion TO put salt on the
free list had majority IN its favor, but In the
absence of quorum decision couId not DE arrived
at. and the Committee rose. The House adjourned
with the general convection that the only chance for
the bill is the very slight one of passing 1t on Monday
under suspension OF the rules.
PROPOSED REGULATIONS FOR CONGRESSIONAL
ELECTIONS
Representative IremaIu of New-York reported
from the Committee on Judiciary to-day, in order
that il might be printed, bill prescribing certain
regulations in relation to the election of Senator's
REPRESENTATIVES, and delegates in Congress- 1t pro-
vides that tally sheets, lists of voters and all other
papers cast at election for Senators, Representa-
tives or Delegates i'll Congress shall be kept by the
lawful custodian of the same until after the ADJOURN
ment of the first session of the Congress next there
after to be affected by said election. In case OF any
allegation of fraud by either party to contest such
lists and papers may be produced on proper sub
penas and shall be carefully examined. Any custo-
dian refusing to keep such papers. or to produce
them when called for, shall be liable TO a tine OF
$1,000 at the suit of the party asking for the pro-
ductiOn of the papers. All votes shall he counted
at the close of the day of election and II the officers
and managers decline to make such count they
shall be liable to fine and imprisonment one sec
tion prohibits the sale or gift OF ylnous, malt or
spirituOus liquors to any voter at an election 1or
REPRESENTATIVE or Delegate i'll Congress, and any
person violating the provision OF tins section shall
be liable to the punishment of line OF not less than
500 nor more than $500, and imprisonment Tor not
less than six months nor more than TWO years. ANY
use of firearms threats to use firearms at sucn
election shall be punished by fine and lmprison-
ment ADy city, county, town or parish having 50
voters may have an election Precinct estapnSSheu
upOn petition to the Circuit Judge, If there snail be
no precinct within SIX miles. Ihe Dill Will De re-
ported for action when the Committee next obtains
the floor.
THE WHEELER EXPLORING EXPEDITION.
One part of Lieut.. Wheelers expedition Will soon
start for the field, proceeding TO Arizona by way OF
Denver and Santa F6 in continuation of geo.
graphical and geological explorations and surveys
west of the one hundredth meridian. Their purpose
is to accomplish hygrometric work and fill up gaps
in our knowledge of the geographical distribution
of plants animals, birds, reptiles, &c. The plan
has been adopted after consultation with
some of the leading scientists and covers
a field promising great and most interesting
results The party will consist of DR.. j. L. Roth
rock H. w. Henshaw, and James IL Rutter names
well known in scientific circles. Every facility has
been afforded by the War department, which nas
always shown a commendabl desire To advance the
interests OF science and develop the vast resources
of our Western States and Territories. III IS ex-
pected that large additions Will be made 10 tne VA
tienal Museum, and geographical knowledge III
creased by the labOrs of these gentlemen.
SECRETARY RICHARDSON'S PROBABLE sue
CESsOR
The rumor that Mr. Bristow of Kentucky will be
the successor of Mr. Richardson Secretary OF the
Treasury is tonight strengthened in official and
Con circles 1t is said the President has
formally rendered the position to Mr.. Brlstow and
IL waiting for his response Mr.. Richardson's only
reply to the ing uires is that he will resign
at his own convenience. report gained credence
TO- gbt that the PresideDI late this afternoon sent
10 the Senate the name of Nr. Richardson's sncces-
sor bat this il untrue, message of any char
acter was transmitted by the President 10 the
Senate.
WASHINGTON NOTES.
WARRINGTON. Thursday May 1874