New-York tribune., 1875-01-27
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
THE AFFAIRS OF THE FREEDaEN'5 BANK.

WASHINGTON. Tuesday, Jan. &C. 1873.
The bill prepared in the Committee on Banking
aud Currency, to amend the charter OF the Freed
mems Bank by providing for one Commissioner ln-
stead Of three to wind up the affairs OF the institu-
ton and directing him to bring suit against the late
trustees and managers If it shall appear that there
has been dishonesty rmismanagemeDt, was reported
TO the House to-day during the morning hour, and
went over until the next morning hour as unbn-
ished business. The feature OF the bref DEBATE
which took place to-day was short speech Dy lSah
dali in defense of Robert Puryis of Philadelphia
colored man and one of the present Commissioners
of the bank whom the passage of this bill would 70
eav the least mik,lv censure Randall said that he
had known Robert Puryis all his life aud that he
smoke the sentiments OF the people OF Fniaheipna
when he said that more upright ana nonest nah
did not live The cOored people OF TINS country naJ
confidence in him. aud no bill ought to pass winch
would remove him from tho commission 10 retort
TO remark made by some member on tue othcr siue
Randall said that the only thing white people bad
had to do with this bank to draw out tho money
and keep it. AS Durham, who has schaige OF Tue OIL
seemed anxious that every one VINO DESIRED snouu
have chance to speak upon 1T or offer amendments
it possible shat 1t may occupy the hoor tor se'ern
morning hours.
THE POWERS OF CONGRESS IN CONTEMPT CASES.
In the Supreme Court of the District yesterday
the cases of Joseph B. Stewart against James d'
Blaine and Joseph B. Stewart against N. u. ord
way came up. when a stipulation was filed, amend
ing the replication of the plaintiff, and therenpon
the motions of both parties csses were submitted to
the court without further argument, with the sug-
eestion Oh the part OF the plaintiff that the demur-
rers be sustained, with view of getting the whole
question before the Supreme Court Of the United
States as speedily as possible which was
assented to by the Attorney General on
the part of tue defendants Blaine and Ordway.
his will dispose Of the cases until the whole qnes
gress to declare persons in contempt for acts not
committed in their presence or in yihaton OF the
privileges Of either House or its members: ana aisC
as 10 whether either House of Congress can ask
questions as to relations between counsel and cnent
which would not be allowed in court
justice or by nnlo %a Of aw REFUSAL arc Of the
person to answer such questions, either House OF
Congress can impress the person during it's pleasure
aud the question Will also be decided ss 10 Tnat en
beyond the control OF, and In dealing wtn lts OVID
members Each of these important questions Is IN
volved and will be discussed and adjndicateG npon
i'm the cases by the supreme Court OF the united
States on the appeal that Will be TAKEN
RAILROADS SEEKING GOVERNMENT ADJ
The best Judges of business ia the House do not
believe that the Texas and Pacific Railroad bill can
possibly get before the House this session except as
a Senate amendment to some House bilL The de-
feat of the rule yesterday by the votes OF the
best Republicans in the House probable insured also
the defeat OF this job lhe l0DDy Interested IN inc
Central Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad Is now
urging upon the Judiciary Committee OF the House
bill allowing that Company to 60 to the Court OF
Claims One bill for the relief of this Company has
already been reported, but was sent to the Com
mittee of tho Whole on point OF order, where 1t
will sleep the sleep that knows no waking.
ARREsTING WITNESSES IN Washington.
Jndoe HoaI,s Committee on Privileges, TO inquire
whether the rights of the House had been infringed
by the arrest of the Editor Of The TRIBUNE while
witness before a Committee of the House. held
another meeting to-day. Judge Dnrant of counsel
for Mr. Reid Was present during the sitting and
aided the Committee in citing precedents, &c. ihe
miffee but this much in known, that they have
agreed 10 report bill for the protection OF w.t.
nesses hereafter.
IIer Rsaser ReSr senAl Rrsse1as ~ 6eeeee (al