The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-01-12

! AT IssUE-pROP0SED REDUCTION IN THE
TAX-THE CLAIM OF WILLIAM AND MARY
CoLLEGE-THE woMAS's SUFFRAGE AMEND
MENT-THE FRAUDS OF THE DEPARTMENTS
TO BE INvESTIGATED-THE RICHMOND GAS
CONTROVERSY, &C., &C.
lFrom Our Regular Correspondence
WASHINGTON, January 1.-THE tobacco
men were reinforced to-day by Messrs. Z.
T. Lacy, G. w. Smith, w. III. Lloyd, and
j. NJ. Booker, OF LynchDurg, and J. NJ.
Mathews, w. s. Graves, and J. S. Sale, of
Liberty. The western men will be here to-
morrow. The Virginia delegates called on
Judge John t. Harris, OF Virginia, who
represents the largest whiskey-manufactu
ring district in his State, and one that is also
largely interested in the production OF to-
bacco. Judge Harris expressed himself as
thoroughly in accord with the movement for
the reductions Of the tax on both tobacco
and whiskey, and gave a clear and Interest
| ing history OF the legislation OF Congress
discriminating against both. When he
came to the Forty-second Congress the
tax on tobacco was tllirty-tWo cents
and on whiskey one dollar per gallon. He
actively coUperated with the friends Of a just
system 81 taxation, and did his part in re-
ducing the tax OH tobacco and whiskey.
The South was then weak in representation,
and had the whole organization OF the in
ternal-revenue system against her interests.
In fact, since the war all the legislation OF
Congress has been against the leading pro-
ducts Of the South. The money-power Of
the country, he said, is continuously and
vigilantly represented here by intelligent
agents, who impress their views upon Con-
gresS, while labor is always ct dis
advantage. Tobacco and whskey have
BEEN treated as luXuries and taxed
eXorbitantly as such, while they are pro-
ducts which give employment to many
thousands OF industrious people. The
present system of taxation keeps o large
number OF persons out of profitable en-
ployment, and he believed il the tax on
tobacco could be reduced to twelve cents
per pound, and that on whiskey to fifty
cents per gallon OF less, it would not only
give ample revenue to the Government,
but stimulate the whole trade of the coun-
try. The delegates were very much pleased
with their reception by Judge Harris, and
glad to find that he was in accord with
them. ar. J1rgensen, in a conference
with some OF the delegation at the House
to-day, avowed himself as earnestly in favor
of Colonel Cabelps bill, and stated that he
knew OF number Of Republican members
OF Congress from the North who favor the
drawback provision.
THE POINT AT ISSUE.
All OF the tobacco and whiskey-men bere
favor separate bill for the reduction OF the
tax on these articles, and yet Dir. Tucker,
who would like to carry out their views, is
evidently of the opinion that it is best to
put them on the same footing as other taxa
BILE articles, and embrace them in the
"tariff reform BILL" The most influential
northwestern Democrat in the House to-
dav, in an interview, said that his people
were so much in favor of q reduction in
the tariff that he. would be forced to, vote
for recommitment of special tobacco
neutrality-suspicious. bill to the Commit
tee of Ways and Means in the event that
committee reported such special bill in
advance OF the general bill.
WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE.
While in Committee OF the Whole today
the House came near reaching the claim Of
William and Mary College for sixty-odd
thousand dollars. Mr.. Goode was ready
with evidence to show the Justice OF the.
claim.
THE WOMEE'S AMENDMENT.
The north entrance to the House was at
noon to-day blocked up by the advocates OF
women's rights, who had conference with
MIR. Kelly, OF Pennsylvania, in regard to
the movement they mean to.inaugurate, il
possible, next week in favor Of an amend
ment to the Constitution giving females the
right to vote and hold Office. Mr.. Kelly
was evidently nervous, but eYinced can
dor that threw cold water on the movement.
He did not think, although number OF
Republicans favor the amendment, that
there is anything to be hoped from the;
present Congress, and did not encourage
the idea that petition, il presented on
Monday next, would be treated with con-
sideration.
SWEEPING ISVESTIG ATOMS.
To the relief OF Democrats the House to-
day adopted substantially all the dominant
party in that body have asked in regard to
investigations. So that now committee in
looking into the frauds Of the Departments,
&C., can, without asking the consent OF the
House, send for persons and papers.
Messrs. Hale Of Maine and Garfield OF
Ohio fought it with ability and tact. Early
in the day it was feared the Democrats had
not strength enough, owing to absentees,
to carry the proposition, but it was finally
developed that they had a majority Of six;
hence the victory. ,g
THE RICHMOND GAS CONTROVERSY.
Mr.. Kelley had long interviews to-day
with Chief Clerk Upton, Assistant-secre-
tary-oi -the-T Treasury Hawley, and finally at
this afternoon with Secretary Sherman
himself. He satisfied the Department that
there had been misund erstanding respect
Ing the position Of the gas committee and
the Council in regard to the Government
gas, and all expressed willingness to arrest
proposed action il the Government could do
it without loss. Finally Mr. Sherman told
Mr.. Kelley to have the gas turned on Il it