The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-03
Extravaganza of the Depart
ments of Government.
Mismanagement of the Finances
of the Indian Bureau.
CONGRESSIONAL PROFLIGACY.
A Committee Of Investigation for the
District of Columbia.
THE FINANCIAL QUESTION.

ILL + LIN xx4VO4x1 XOA104 4O4Vs
WASHINGTON, Feb. q 1874.
Tho Opposition In the Senate to u New
Election In LOuisiana-The Howard
Court OF Inquiry Ordered.
In the Senate resumption OF the argument OF
Senator Morton in reply to Senator Carpenter
commenced the business Of the day, and, verifying
the axiom that the calm succeeds the Storm Sena-
tor Morton was remarkably cool and equipolsed in
his utterances delivered from manuscript, which
were strikingly In contrast with the indignant
tone ana aroused temper with which he opened
upon Carpenter. His remarks, though carefully
selected, were for the most part so monotonous in
the delivery that not many OF the Senators paid
especial attention to them. except occasionally
when one of the lawyers would catch point on
which legal question turned, and then the usual
''Win the gentleman allow me to interrupt him 2n
occurred, and Morton would amiably acquiesce and
then 60 on with his speech. In it he made a full
review Of Carpenters logic, conceived in moderate
vein, and he took strong ground against the idea
OF o new election. to sustain which he adduced
some convincing reasons, which IN the after de-
bate appeared to find an echo In some OF the more
prominent members of the body, as demonstrated
by their subsequent remarks. He showed himself
sticker for State rights all through, and seemed
to think that, to meet this requirement, the cleo
ton to be held next November would settle the
case. 1t is the alternative in the current order,
and, as the temper Of other Senators showed, was
believed to be the best way TO meet the proposed
working Of Carpenters motion. senator FIRE.
hnghuysen followed Morton with reference
TO the constitution. sustaining the Presi-
dents action earnestly, at which he said
the people rejOiced, and quoted legal
authorities in support Of his views as to the Kellogg
Legislature. Though he did not believe that either
the government OF Kellogg or that Of McEnery was
the de jttre government, and he would not take the
credentials Of either Legislature, yet he would let
the present government remain in power until
next November and argued that to give new
election now under federal control, whether the
people want it or not, would be taking away from
them republican form OF government Stew
art followed brieny, contending that the will
of the people was republican government, and be-
yond this nothing OF much Importance was said by
him.
Senator Sargent then urged consideration of the
Naval Appropriation bili which was re-
sisted by Senator Edmunds, claiming pre-
Cedence for the Bankruptcy bill, which,
after some interlocutory pleadings by Sherman
and Morton Tor an early final disposition
OF the financial question, was taken up and read
by sections. Pending its consideration the House
joint resolution for the appointment Of court
Of inquiry, to consist OF five officers to be
selected by the President for the purpose of in
vestigating General Howard's case, was taken up
and excited much comment, ostensibly on account
Of the increase OF the number OF officers to COM
pose the board beyond three, as heretofore pro-
vided by the law. After considerable rakng Of
the Christian statesman and soldier. the resolu-
ton passed, when the Senate took up the Bank
hill again which Wn 10
adjourned.
The House Appoint O Committee or In
vcstigatiOn for the District OF CoIum-
bia-The Franking Privilege Again.
This being Indigo Monday, the usual stock of
bills was offered for reference under the call of
States after which various resolutions were
offered for passage under suspension OF the rules
which requires two-third vote. Nblack Of In
diana, offered one instrucung the Committee OF
Ways and Means to report new tariff BILL but it
came to grief. the republicans going solid against
It. The affairs OF the unfortunate District Of
Columbia were again placed upon the Con-
eressionai griddle, for another and warmer
toastlng than any they have received heretofore.
MIR. Wilson, OF Indiana, presented several petit
tions to the House, asking for an investigation
into its arars under the present regime. He said
ne presented the papers and made the request
the people of the District but did not
desire to express any opinion on the merits
oil the case. A running debate took place upon the
resolutions, chiefly in favor of their passage. They
were adopted without division.
The OLD gentleman so much endeared 10 Of1icial
life in Washington, and known as "Franking Priv
ilege," stalked into the House today all smiles
and bows, and met with most cordial reception
from his old and new friends. He did not come
however, to remain; only to offer a resolution in
structing one Of the House committees to report
whether it would be proper to restore his auto
graph to all matter printed by Congress, and, In
order to make it pleasant to the country press, to
permit weekly papers to pass through the mails in
the county in which they are published free Of
postage. On q call OF theyeas and nays the resou-
tions were passed by large majority. So the
public may look out for the restoration ofthe frank
ing privilege ere many weeks expire, and, as O
consequence, plenty OF work for the Congressional
printers and no retrenchment.
The Claimed Indebtedness of the United
States to the District Of Columbia.
The government Of the District OF Columbia
claims that the United States government owes 1t
about 500 600 for Improvement Of streets in the
vicinity OF the public buildings and reservations
The unpaid contractors and employees have been
expecting the realization of this sum through an
appropriation by Congress, but, owing to the delay
OF such appropriation, contractors and others
are selling Improvement, water and sewor certif-
Gates at sacrifice to meet their respective obiga.
mons. the investigation Just ordered into the
analrs OF the District government will probably
ne OF long continuance, ana the subject Of the
United States indebtedness to the District Will not
be considered until tho investigation shall have
been concluded. Meantime not only the Distric.
government and those to whom 1t is indebted will
be damaged by the delay. but the business OF the
citizens at large unfavoraply affected.
The Financial Question.
The Banking bill reported by the Committee on
Banking and Currency is in the Committee of the
Whole on the State OF the Union, and the bill
limiting the circulation OF legal tenders TO
$500, 900 and such other financial schemes "a
may be reported by the Committee OF Ways and
Means will be considered in connection with It
and oil Kin dred propositions NJ one ventures 10