davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION.
EVIDENCE AS TO HUMPHREYS.
ONLY ONE WITNESS ON EACH SIDE.


WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-The Electoral Com
at IL The journal Of yesterdays pro-
ceedngs read and approved. The Presiding Justice
announced that the Commission ready To proceed
with the case subject the orders issued yesterday OF
which counsel had been advised. Mr. Merrlck for the
Democratic side then called George T. Rancy, the At
torneyGeneral Of Florida, and asked whether the wit
had any knowledge 10 the service of the writ Of
quo ,oarranto on the Hayes electors Dec. 9, 1875
To this question Mr. Evarts for the Republican side
objected on the ground that II did not within the
limits " the order of the Commission, which related only
To the eligibility OF Mr. HUMPHREYS
The objection sustained, and the witness with
drawn.
Mr. Green then called James E. YOnge, who testified
that he practcing lawyer in Pensacola Fla that
he knew Frederick G. HUMPHREYS, whose present bust
ness ia agent for express company but who had begin
United States Shipping Commissioner
Mr. Evarts interpOsed the objection that II official
position is TO proved by authority communicated
from the Government, the Official appointment should
in the absence Of some Ia the c,ntrary-
M Green stated that the testimony gwen evidence
OF the Of the office.
MI Eyars-Ay objection Is that is not sufficient In
a matter depending upon authority
The Presiding Justiee-Let the Official appointment be
produced w save objections.
Mr. Green then produced aud read IN evidence the or
Ger OF the United States Circuit Court for the Northern
District OF Florida, December term. 1872, appointing
Frederick O. HUMPHREYS OF Pensacola Shipping Comms
s,oner for thai port To this order s attached
Humphriess acceptance snd official oath, and certn-
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
MINOR NOTES.
CUSTODY OF THE VOTES PARTY oPINIoN-THE
NEXT ATTACK.


NEXT ATTACK.
WASHINGTON, Feb S.-The certificates Of electoral
votes thus far acted on by the two Houses in joint
session are in charge Of the ters and those not yet
opened are in custody of the President pro TEN. of
the Senate. These certificates carefully guarded
by the respective parties against all possible danger
The doors OF the Supreme Court room, in which
the Electoral Commission is sitting, were thrOnged
with persons to-day anxiously awaiting results III
the Florida case. Many members of Congress. and
Others admitted by privilege remained throughout
the proceedings. The subject before the Commits
sion is all-absOrbing and continues TO be generally
discussed.
The Commission viii take the into private
consideration early tomorrow morning, and 1t Is ex
pected they will reach decision during the day.
The Democrats have little hope of anything more
favorable to them than the throwing out of Hum
phries's electoral vote
The next contest-that in the Louisiana case-will
be over the legality of the Returning Board. 1t will
be made on the ground that the law calls for five
members and the four members who acted refused
TO fill the vacancy. 1t will be claimed that there
has been of the votes and that electors
have been appointed
Prominent Democrats claim that the Commission
has adopted time of procedure that must throw
out the vote OF Watts, the Oregon postmaster.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
LOUISIANA INVESTIGATION.

IT'LL IN THE PRoCEEDINGs-oNLY ONE WITNESS.
GENERAL PRESS DIsPATcHi
WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-Tbe Senate sub-Com-
,,se on louisiana Senator Howe presiding questioned
Iude Davis one of clerks OF the Returning Board
today In regard To the rejection of returns senator
Mcdonald asked WHY certain poll, when gave iarge
Tamocratie majority which was ordered to he complied,
was afterwards rejected The witness could give no eh
nsnation except that the werd voted had not been
written opposite the names OF the voters py 'e
ioners thereby giving opportunity for repeating the
po was rejected In the secret session OF the Ooru III
Vernon Parish polls seven and ten were te9eetd
because original return had been DESTROYER ny mr.
tt.neId: there was way Of accounting for the aI
pearance OF I7s votes on the hpuohchn SIDE these
votes were the votes which Ltteneld testified that he
had transferred from the Democratic side to the Repub
ncan side and the board decided that II was clerical
error the error OF transportation by Lttehed has never
Nm corrected and stands now. Adjourned until TO
morrow at 10 a. m
The Committee on the Powers, Privileg>e, and Duties
N, the House In counting the eecor vote held meet
ing this afternoon but ausaccd no business except 70
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
CRIMES AND CAsUALriEs-BY TELEGRAPH.

MIpDIFTOwN \. Y, Feb. s.-John Gay, age 80,
farmer killed by the al Monroe last night while
intoxicated.
CINCINNATI. Feb s-Ihe steamer BostOna struck
ugboat this morning $cotnvile aud SUNK 10 her
upper No lives lost she was the largest uver
steamer running
HAMILTON Ont. Feb. s.-Intellg ence reached
herr this the eject that VIM Cook o. Beverly Town
slp his daughter - Years, auu h'eINHu pcN
his brains out
BENNINGTON. VI, Feb. s.-Iwo brothers named
Ba ron aarrele yesterday and coming W blows one o
re-, thrN ,toye r1lGdle =. the uLer hich struck small
child OF the same family and fatally Injured H.
LAWRENCE Mass, Feb. s.-JOhn W. Richards Of
Dixn,ouuL today md will probably be
held tr causing the death Of Lyman Cro1oru al D1oun
Ga fan 80 Cro1ios from The injuries he received
a .ad e. be- impossible
ToLEDo, Feb. S.--Charles kruck. age 10 years
while standing Greek Bridge IN tins ely AZ noon To-
day with companions suddenly sptang over The railing
ana .tIuek below With his he causing Instant 0esth
NE whole party somewhat Intoxicated
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
SOUTHERN DIsTILLERY BRIGANDs.
r1JFy CAPTr-RE AJNL-rROOPs ORDERED UP

fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUNEl
WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-lnternal Revenue Col
lector Mott telegraphs the Commissioner OF Internal
Revenue that three Illicit disers arrested by Gov
eminent officers and lodged in jail at Wnksboro NJ
IN await trial have been released by an armed MOD
The boIdness with which the Illicit distiliefs M
the mountain region OF North ana south 'aro
i,pa carry on their business, aud the utter
,,ao,n, shawn for the laws. has induced the
ceneral Government detail considerable number oi
raglar soldiers under the command OF experienced ON
- 20 aid the reveuu. officials in breaking up let us
tiInrion and capturing, possible those VINO caILy on
tbe nusiness Revenue Agent wagner on duty ~ Norh
1 soutb Carolina has been busily engaged Tor some
e. mast in securing sufficient NUMBER OF horses 20
mount the troops ana when this If done grand r'iiu
- he made All through the mountains III IL the ue
nstion Of the authorities 20 begin vigorous cfiin
G rosartiou against offenders fast az they are
and In all of conviction 10 send the paitee
70 some safe penlteDtary.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
BOyORS TO GRIND DUKE ALEXIS.

THE NAVAL BALL GIvgN BY THE OFFICERS STA
TONED Ar NORFOLK.
NORFOLK, Va, Feb. S.-The ball given by
the naval officers station in honor OF the Grand
Duke Alexis and the Russian naval officers is in pr gress
tonight Extensive preparations have been made and
neither expense has been spared IN endeayor
ing 70 have this the most brilliant affair occurring in
naval circles for many years. Eleven hundred invita-
tons were issued and many distinguished persons are
here from New-York. Baltimore Washington, Richmond,
and other cities The hotels crowded with strangers,
and 1t is with difficulty that accommodations can be OBJ
tanned for them. The ballroom improyised for the
sion il the saio IN the navy yard and is deliberately
decorated The banquet hall Is over the main entrance
Ia the ward long tables spread with decacles
prepared by accomplished caterer. The music FOR the
occason l. furnished by the post band from Fortress
Monrne and the band OF the flagship Hartford making
total OF 30 pieces
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09

first important auestiop decided by the Commission
should divide that Tribunal by party lines. BenJa-
min H. Hill in speaking ON this subject to-day, said
that he had supposed when the Compromise Dill was
passed that we we're writing of the grandest
chapters in American history; but it turns out that
the members of the Commission are governed py
their partisan prejudice, and even the judges Oh to
Supreme Court cannot rise above party considera-
tions. it will be matter greatly to be re-
GREETED II the Commission should continue
to divide by party lines, he fears that
the confidence and respect which the people
feel for the Supreme Court will be greatly shaken.
Mr.. Springer, one of the members of the committee
which framed the Compromise bill, says that IL the
Tribunal find the same law for the Republicans that
ii has for the Democrats the same principle which
will give Florida to Hayes will give one vote IN
Oregon to Tiden at least decide that there were
only two electors. Mr.. Springer is confident that
the main reliance of the Democrats is III LOUISIANA
He denies the right of the Returning Board even 10
canvass the votes Of the electors There are, besides
he SAYS. two cases of ineligible electors
the proof of whose ineligibility is very much
more complete for the Democrats than that OF
the Florida eector. As to Illinois, Mr. Springer
insists that Chaffee is United States ComInis
sioner in Judge Treats court and was at the time OF
the election. He says that if he has time he will
documents have not yet been received here, ana II
the Joint Convention shall be had on Saturday, IS
now seems probable, it will be too late TO present
this evidence as without objection Illinois viii be
counted on the next call in JOINT Convention.
Illinois can IN no case go to the Electoral Tribunal
under the law, and the only purpose In presenting
an objection is TO consume time, or a. Mr. Springer
puts it, to show the people that there God In
Israel.
Mr. Lamar to his confidential friends, says With
ont reserve that be has now little expectation that
the Tribunal will secure Mr. Tildens election. The
greater part of the representatives from the cotton
States share this opinion. Mr.. Mills of Texas who
opposed the bill from the first feels that on party
ground he was fully justified in his opposition. lie
anticipates the election of Gov Hayes and says that
this result would not be an undivided evil for the
South. He hopes that the successful candidate,
whoever he is, will endeavOr TO provide govern
ment That what the people want. In the event OF
the election of Gov Hayes he thinks that the dis
cipline in the Democratic party will not be as strict
as it has BEEN and that many Democrats would act
independently of party affiliations. There is no
concealment among very many of the Southern
Democrats of belief that the of Hayes will
result in a very considerable diiintegrauOn OF the
Democratic party South This il especially true OF
the representatives from the cotton States.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
THE PRISONERS AT THE CAPITOL.
COMPLAINTS OF EX-GOv. wELLs-A HOT DEBATE IN
TIE HOUSE.
fpy TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE,

lBY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUSEl
WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-A warm partisan dis
cusson occurred House to-day over the treatment
OF Gov Wells and en. Anderson. members Of the Lou
isana Returning Board. MI Hale brought the question
10 the attention OF the House matter Of privilege
and caused 10 be read letter from j. Madison Wells in
which IL WAS asserted that air sunlight could get
into the room in which they confined and That Wells
il to-day on bed Of sickness. Yesterday the Speaker
ordered them into a better and to-day they nave
been again transferred to their old quarcrs They asked
10 be placed where their health will not be
put in Jeopardy. Tie discussion which followed the
readiag of this letter almost Immediately drifted into
partisan wrange in which the actual condition OF the
two prisoners was sight Of Some of the Democrats
who opposed secondng the previous question on the reso
luton introduced by Mr. Hale acted as though they sup
nosed that Tldens defeat entirely due to the dongs
% te-e two members OF the Louisiana Returning Board
and that thew therefore desired 10 punish them Tor ~
Tho facts NJ the that Wells ana AnderS". are
confined IN the IN the basement Story Oh tt
Capo occupied by WOOlley. Joseph stewart ana DINERS
yho have committed by the House lof contempt
The room H. very dry one. and the WINDOWS oI
omen upon an area which The sunlight does NOT Peu,
trait. The quarters nov as uncOmIOltlDt as HOS' III
The old iail of 'he District OF Columbia, IN WINCH
pIchard T. Irwin was confined. but are pToDhW!
more unhealtnful than the cells in the New DlstTcV
Hail where kilDOurn was kept soNeIt NceAS 49, 800
The room is not a dungeon rs II was descrioru ny SUM
NJ Republican speakers nor ~ III ~ cohlot aS
one OF the committee rooms III the upper part o the
Capol would he. During the confinement ul the Ipuls
Returning Board lis members nave Dt ch
tom dav Ia dsy before the committees OF me House
and re1Iirri testify various SUBJECTS lHs II mo-
In accordance with precedens heretofore h ,
witnesses committed fOr contempt nave hoL pyn P'S
upon the stand until they have purged themaeFes oil
oh
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
WORK AT THE MINIS.
YEAR TO FINISH THE FIFTY MILLIONS OF DOL
LARS OF CHANGE MONEY-A LOOK AHEAD.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUNE.l

LARS OF CHANGE MONEY-A LOOK AHEAD.
[BY TELEGRAPH THE rRBUSEl
WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-The minis Of the
United States have recently been able coin trade
dollars rapidly they have been wanted by bullion
and exchange dealers. During the month OF January
last the San Francisco Mint coined $40 in trade
dollars, but the monthly deposits still in Of
the coming capacity. Deposits of bullion for these
coins have been declined for some months past at the
Philadelphia and Carson mnts DepositOrs pay coinage
charge for trade dollars OF liz per cent advance Of
per cent having recently been made. The moneys
crung this charge paid without deduction into
United States Treasury. About s21 100000 of the
$5O,OO0,00O change money authorized by law to be
issued remain be coined, which, allowing month
for the annual settlement and repairs will occupy the
minis until about February, 1873 After shat it will be
necessary begin the coinage of half and quarter eagles
TO meet the requirements Of the country and after
January 1879 the time fixed by law for resumption.
Nearly all the gold and silver bullion purchased in
the United States ut the present time and for
some months past finds it, way the minis and the in
dcatOns considerable amounts OF foreign bull
lion will be imported and deposited for coinage ehOud
Congress authorize the coinage OF silver dollar during
session, which il not probable, WOud De
necessary reduce the rate OF silver change coinage al
the Philadelphia mint in order 10 manufacture dollar
pieces and That would materially prolong the time for
completing the coinage Of the silver cnange money;
should the coinage OF silver dollar not be authorized
during the present the OF trade dollars
will increased II shall he found pfacJUaDc
% relax the production OF subsidiary coins.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
GENERAL FOREIGN NEWS.
ORIENTAL AFFAIRS.

sERvIAy NEGOTIATIONS TO BE COMMUNICATES
PRINCE OF MONTENEGRO WILLING TO TREAT
FOR PEACE.
LONDON Thursday, Feb. g. 1877.
A Vienna telegram says the new Grand
vizer has express instructions to the Turkish En-
bassador at Vienna the preliminary negotia-
tons with servia.
The Prince OF Montenegro says he willing TO treat for
peace on the basis which existed prior to the war; his
claim territory to be also considered lie ue-
sires to conduct the negotiations with the Turkish
Minister ut Vienna $500
ATHENS, Thursday, Feb. 8, 1877.
Two Greek journals published at Trieste, which are
accused OF being in pay OF Russia, were publicly
burned hore last night.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
MR. BELKNAP DISCHARGED.
A NoLLE PRosEQUI ENTERED IN THE DISTRICT
COURTs.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRrBUyg.1


BY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE
WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-The Belknap case
was finally disposed Of in the Criminal Court Of the
District Of Columbia to-day. The exsecretarys trial for
bribery had been postponed from time TO time for nearly
year until recently his counsel demanded that the
case should be called Immediately One two definite
postponements have lately been made. but to-day the
DistricAttorney entered nolle prOsequi saying that
he did so by direction Of the Attorney General The At
torneytIeneras report, which filed IN the
tanned Endorsement by the Preside Mt approving this
course. giving as reasons the improbabty OF
conviction, the long suffering of the exsecretary,
and the great expense 10 which he has been subjected
Since this has passed out OF the public mind many
OF exSecretary Belknaps old friends have felt deep
sympathy for him. which they did not manifest the
time OF his impeachment, and the dismissal OF the
to-day will undoubtedly be gratifying many people,
whatever their Judgment may be of the wisdom of the
proceeding The popular belief that trial in the
OF this District would undoubtedly result disagree
ment OF the jury and that under circumstances would
conviction be probable whatever might he the outcome
OF tra, should 1t take place else where. gives
force To the Presidents suggestion, that it is hardly de-
sirable To subject Gen. Beknap TO further expense in
connection with the affair.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
COUNTING THE VOTE.
THE FINAL ARGUMENTS ON FLORIDA.

THE FINAL ARGUMENTS ON FLORIDA.
HuMPHRIEs's INEIIGIBILITY THE MAIN POINT OF
pisCUssIoN-JUDGE BRADLEYs VOTE ALL I'M
PoRrANT-LoUIsIANA NEXT.
Mr.. HUMPHREYS, the Florida elector alleged
20 be ineligible. and his opponent, Mr.. Young,
testified before the Electoral Commission yes
terday as to the formers eligibility. Argu-
ment was made on the same subject by Messrs
Merrick and Green for the Democrats and by
Messrs. Shelabarger and Evarts for the Re-
pubicans. The Commission adjourned until 10
q. m. to-day. The Democrats Will next attack
Louisiana. They Will deny that the Returning
Board was a legal body on account OF the va
cancy in the Board, and they will challenge
two of the electors as ineligible. Republicans
in Congress are confident of a victory. Demo-
Gratis are Respondent.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
JUDGE BRADLEY THE UMPIRE.
THE ELECTION ADMITTED TO BIC IN HIS HANDS.
Icy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.


BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
WASHINGTON, Feb. Sit il quite discouraging to
people who imagined that the high character and
function of the Commission would lead its members
TO rise above the common levels of partisan politics
to find that even upon simple a question as that
of adjournment party feeling sways every man OF
them except the odd judge. He is in fact the court,
and the II other commissioners are only party
make-weights to balance each other. Judge
Bradley is the modern Warwick He will make
the President just effectually as if he were
the sole arbitrator of the controversy. Whether
HAYES or Tilden is to fill the Executive office after
the 4th of March depends solely and absolutely upon
his decision The arguments Of counsel are adj
dressed TO him. His vote is waited for with bated
breath. For the moment he is the most powerful
man in America. Underlying and causing the decl-
sion on the question of adjournment to-day was the
feeling on the part of the Republicans that the
sooner they get 10 a final vote the better. They
knew that the weight of the arguments had been
heavily III their favor, and felt confident that Judge
Bradley would vote to have the four Hayes votes
from Florida counted. On the other side the Demo-
Gratis without consultation. for they did not leave
their seats felt instinctively that their only hope
would be ia gaining "A Mi gifts delay.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC EXTENDING IT'S BUsI-
NESe

Information was obtained IN this city yes
teray that formal notice had beeu served
ayers OF the Western Union Telegraph Company the
baltimore and Railroad Company that the charter
of the Western Telegraph Company which for .
number OF years past has owned the line along the Bs
more aud Ohio Hailr'1d, had expired by limitation. and
that all between the railroad and the telegraph
company were therefore at end The Western rele-
gr,ph Company under lease a. the Western Union
Company. An arrangement has been made betwesn tie
Ralfimnrr aud Ohio Company and the Atlantic aud
Pacific Telegraph Company by which the latter COMPANY
agrees all the telegraph business along Vie line of
l6e railroad and IL numerous hrAneheA
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
WASHINGTON.
FRAGMENTS OF PUBLIC BUSINESS.

FRAGMENTS OF PUBLIC BUSINESS.
BELKNAPs RELEAsE-CoISAGE IN ARREARs-Ex-Go
WELLS ASKS FOR A CHANGE OF QUARTERS -
SOUTHERN BRIGANDs.
A nolle prosequ has been entered against Mr..
Belknap. by order of the Attorney General, and
with Gen. Grants approval 1t will take until Feb
ruary, 1878, to coin the whole of the $50, 900 900
silver change authorized by law. A partisan debate
took place in the House in regard to the room eX-
Gov. Wells is confined in, and about the Returning
Board IN general Southern distillers have broken
open jail and released several prisoners. Mr.. Ste
phens was worse last night. Mr.. Morrill, was little
easier.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09

The Republicans wanted to have night session and
come to a decision on Florida that the joint con-
vention could reassemble tomorrow and proceed
with the count. Judge Brsdley's action is attrib-
uted TO desire to have time to examine the numer-
GUS authorities referred to on both sides and give TO
cision of the Tribunals much appearance of Judi
cial elaboration as possible.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
RIAL TELEGRAPH COMPANIES.

DECISION IN FAVOR OF THE WESTERN UNION.
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. SIN the United States
Court in the OF the Western Union Telegraph
Company against the Atlantic aud Pacific Telegraph
Company, motion Il dissolve the injunction hereto
fore granted. restraining the latter company from erect
ing a line Of telegraph along the ONO and Mississippi
Railway Judge Drunmond to-day gave his decision con-
unuing the injunction.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
THE LONDON SILVER MARKET.

LJNDON
The Financier says it thinks it probable that
in view OF the forthcoming Indian lOan the drawing OF
India Council bills may SOON be suspended in which case
the price of silver would improve. Large amounts OF
silver are now held in London but holders do not care
tn press sales until the intentions OF the Indian Govern
menr are Only very small amount OF bills was
allotted yesterday.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09

LONDON, Feb. s.-The famous shOrt-hOrn
cow Tenth Duchess OF Geneva, is dead. This animal
WAS bought by Lord Beehive at NewYOrk Mills 10 the
State OF New-Yor i'll 1873 for over $4,000.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09

direct F. Barnes Manager OF the Western Union Tee-
graph Office at NewOrleans, TO produce certain teie
grams - r,..
A number OF witnesses present from baltimore:
and will heard affecting the characbr oi
Maddox, the witness against Gov. Wells.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.
QUEEN vICTORIA,s SPEECH.

PARLIAMENT OPENED BY HER MAJESTY ~ PERSON
SHE SPEAKS OF THE EASTERN QUESTION In
GUARDED TERMS AND EXPRESSES HOPES OF
SETTLEMENT.