The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-09

BREACH OF PROMISE AGhENST The HON.
SIMON CAMERoN-wELI.s AND ANDERSON
COMPLAINING OF THEIR QUARTERS
BANK DEFICIEECY--THE NAVAL BALL AT
NORFOLK LAST NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
FOR THE JAMES RIVER IMPROVEMENT
oBTTUARY-DEATH OF A NOTED SHORT
HORN cow
THE FEELING AMONG POLITICIANS SINCE THE
RULING OF THE COMMISSION.
From Our Regular Correspondent
WASHINGTON, February S.-The feeling
among politicians is more quiet since the
ruling Of the Commission has become better
understood, but among tho Democrats
there is 4 considerable number who think
the chance for the success Of Tilden in the
presidential race Is very slim, and there is
very general dread that the tribunal may
yet continue its former ruling so as to prac-
tically exclude from consideration much Of
the evidence the Democrats submitted in
joint convention through the president Of
the Senate. s..rG ..sE !. ..a-@s@.
Morton and Garfield look more cheerful
than they have for week. Thurman says
the Democrats have gained great victory
in the preliminary skirmsh. Jencks Dem
ocrat,, OF Pennsylvania, considers the
orders not unfavorable. Terry, Of Virginia,
says eight can't beat seven. Foster Qte-
publican), OF Ohio, says God and good luck
are with Hayes. Rusk (Republican). of
| Wisconsin,, says it's all right. Ben.
| Hill deprecates the apparent division
by party. Senator Dennis Democrat), OF
Missouri, gives up the case. Chief-Justice
Waite says the question decided is merely
preliminary. divesting the case Of much
matter unnecessary to be considered, and it
is victory for neither party. Senator Wal
lace Demoerat), Of Pennsylvania, does not
think Tiiden's chance ieopardzed, though
the decision is somewhat unfavorable.
Walker, OF Virginia. thinks Tilden's chance
as good as ever. .-..
THE COMMISSION WAS ENGAGED TODAY
in hearing argument upon the Florida ques-
tons, but principally upon the eligibility OF
| HUMPHREYS. He admitted that he had held
the office of United States shipping COM
missioner at Pensacola, put produced let
ter from United States Circuit Judge Wood
accepting his resignation, and directing
him to turn over all funds and papers rcla-
ting to the Office to another person. No
proof was introduced to show that he eX-
erciscd the duties Of shipping commissioner
on or after clection-day, the Democrats
taking the position that Judge Wood
{1,n 1o
vacation, and HUMPHREYS could not
divest himself OF the Office by his
own act. Judge Hoadey argued this ques-
ton particularly, Messrs. Merrick, Green,
Erarts, and Shellabarger discussing the va
lidity of the rival electoral certificates. At
4:45 the argument closed. and Edmunds
proposed recess for hali-hour; but the
Commission decided, by vote OF to I, to
adjourn until 10 O'Clock tomorrow, Justice
Bradley voting With the Democrats.
ALLEGED CRUELTY TO WELLS AND ANDERSON.
Mr.. Hale lead Republican attack upon
Scrgeant.at-Arm Thompson for alleged
cruelty to Wells and Anderson, for the pur-
pose of creating false public sympathy
for them and make political capital. Will
son, Hale, and Conger charged that Wells
and Anderson were confined in a dark,
damp room, and Wells's health bad broken
down from the effect OF his Imprisonment.
Mr.. Cox replied that the prisoners were
kept in n room fitted by Ordway,
formerly Republican Sergeant-at-Arms,
for the express purpose Of confinement
OF prisoners, and in it the Repub-
lican majority had shut up several
contumacious witnesses. The apartment,
he said, is now we'll warmed, lighted, aud
ventilated, and has three attendants. The
prisoners eat all they want at the House
restaurant and promenade around the Capt.
tol building every evening, smoking cigars
at Government expense, and, in his opinion,
il they ever die it will be OF repletion.
When the Republicans had the power they
ordered Pat. Woods to Jail for twelve
months on bread and water fer thrashing
a congressman away down in Richmond;
but now, when these grand opponents OF
Republicanism, who have committed the
magnificent larceny OF the vote Of State,
are confined in comfortable room and
we'll fed, those same Republican leaders
hold up their hands in humane horror.
Mr.. Banks disspproyed Of bad treatment
Of the prisoners, but reminded the extreme
men on his side Of the House that their acts
were coming back to them. j.. +
Mr.. Clymer denied the charges OF bad
treatment, but said he did not have much
sympathy with men by whose unlawful acts
many hundreds Of people had been brought
to want and misery.
The resolution OF Mr.. Hale ordering the
removal of Wells and Anderson to COM
mittee-room was finally referred to the
Louisiana Committee, with instructions to
examine the condition Of the prisoners and
to report as soon as practicable.
JAMES RIVER IMPROVEMENT.
An item of $4,000 for the improvement
Of James river, which was inserted in the
river and harbor appropriation bill by the
efforts of Governor Walker, was reported
by the committee to-day, and the bill re-
committed to be printed.
TUE ELECTORAL COMMISSION.
Associated Press Report by telegraph to the
$3.50. Dispatch.I
The commission convened in open ses-