New-York tribune., 1875-02-03
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.

THE DEMOCRATS IN TIE HOUSE INDIGNANT.
WASHINGTON Feb. 2-1he resignation of Messrs
Cox and Randall from the Committee on Rules
owing to the Speakers ruling yesterday and the
manner in which the majority in the House have
dsported during the past two days, is likely to oc-
cason some embarrassment. and perhaps a proce-
dent IN the next House, which will be Democratic
by probably 20 majority 1t is said tonight that
one Of the vacancies, nat of Mr.. Randall was ten
dered to Nh Speer of Pennsylvania, but that he re-
fused it. 1t is also said that Mr.. Wood was offered
the place Of Mr.. Cox. aud that he also declined with
thanks The facts would give color to the report
that the Democrats in the House so indignant at
the proceedings Of yesterday and Today that they
will refuse 10 be represented on the Committee.
HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.
Another caucus was held tonight by the Repubi-
can members of the House, lasting about three
hours. Mr.. Maynard was Chairman and Mr..
Guuckel Secretary. The Caucus was conspicuous
for its absentees. Among those who did not attend
were Me.rs. Foster Burlington, Roberts, Phelps,
Poland Farwell, Kasson. and many others.
Speeches were made, most Of them of short dura-
ton, by Messrs Dawes. Garfield, Hale (Me.), Con-
ger, Whitley, White, Tremain, BieEy, and others.
Messrs J. G.. Smith. Tremain, and Biery offered
propositions regarding Southern matters, all tending
by different methods to lead to the same
result, which was to have united ac-
ton with reference to Southern legislation.
The practice of each member presenting separate
propositions for tie action OF the House was opposed
and discouraged, and their resolutions looked 10
the appointment Of a caucus committee TO
consider all bills resolutions, or suggestions re-
pardiug legislation for the South, that the
uros proposed might be perfected and agreed upon
by the whole party, and before presentation 10 the
House. This course, IT was Thought, would make
united party AID bring to the ppOrt OF all needed
legislation big majority, that would stand to the
snea5dres without debate. The caucus directed It's
Committee to confer with the various committees
of the House the subjects considered, aud 10 re-
port TO future caucus
PROVIDING FOR JUDICIAL EXPENsEG IN UTAH.
Among the amendments made by the Senate to
the Legislative Executive and judicial Appropria-
ton bill was the following relating TO the Territory
of Utah:
For legislative expenses, namely, for compensation
and mileage the menbers of the legislative Assembly,
once cerKs, and Others s21+OOOi and TINS apprOpr
tiOn be used under tue direction oi the Depart
eut Justice. TO deray the Judicial expenses OF the
Supreme and District Courts or said TerritOry aud the
amount used shall be Reimbursed TO SAID appropra-
ton the treasury OF said Territory and uniI said
reimbursement shall be fully made no member or
officer OF said Legislative Assembly shall be emitted to
any compensation or allowance Of any moneys OF the
United States.
This amendment needs word of explanation.
The United States judges for the Territory of Utah
have dual jurisdiction. During the first six days
of term Of court they sit as United States judges
to try cases arising under the laws of the United
States; during the remainder of the term they sit
as Territorial judges, and try arising under
the laws of the Territory. Before the passage of
the Poland bill, at the last session of Con-
gress these courts had two sets OF officers. When
United States cases were tried the prosecution
conducted by the United States District-AttOrney
and witnesses summoned and processes served by
the United States Marshal, but when the jurisdc-
ton of the Court was over Territorial cases
the District-Attorney of the Territory and
the Territorial Marshal acted. The Poland
bill gave to the judges the power 10 continue
this arrangement or to direct tie United
States District-AttOrney and Marshal to act when
cases arising under the laws of the Territory were
tried as well as when United States cases were up
for consideration. Judge Mexican. who holds court
in the District in which Salt Lake City is situated.
has caused the United States officers TO act in all
cases. OF course the people of the Ter
ritory do not like this arrangement.
They have nothing TO do with the
selection or appointment of these men, and have no
bonds from them for the honest performance Of
their duties and they think that it is rather hard to
be forced to pay them III accordance with Uuited
States feebu instead OF by their Territorial fse-