The New York herald., 1879-02-11
WASHINGTON.
Proceedings at the Democratic Cau-
Gus Last Night.
ELECTION LAWS OPPOSED.
Secretary Schurz on the Pen.
sion Bill.
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

tKOM OuR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.
WASHINGTON Feb. 10. 1879.
UNEXPECTED ACTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC
cAUcUs-REPEAL OF THE FEDERAL ELECTION
LAWS DEMANDED.
The democratic caucus tonight fully attended
and the discussion which took place developed con-
siderable differences Of opinion among those present
on one Of tho two questions which were considered
Concerning the repeal Of the Test Oath law there
no difference Of opinion Section $40 has already
been repealed by the Senate and the Senate resolu
ton to that effect is now before the House. This
section. it appears. has business in the Revised
Statutes. having got there by Section s2l,
however. was repealed and the democrats will
ask its repeal now. and it is generally understood
that the republicans will offer no opposition; that
question therefore. may be regarded settled, and
the men who have been arrested and who are pres
entity to be tried in Of the Southern States for
violations of the federal election laws will not there
fore be debarred from having proper juries.
On the motion to demand the repeal also OF the
body of federal election laws appointing and prescrb
ing the duties of supervisors and defining and pun
lshng intimidation and various other Offences and to
place the repeating clause the Legislative. Excu
tive and Judicial Appropriation BILL there was it is
said, lively discussion. 1t is known that this
measure was disapproved by a number Of the most
prominent Senators and Representatives on the
ground that election is to be held this fall except
that in California that before the elections Of 1880
come on the next Congress will have had abundant
opportunity to repeal these laws. and that
sity exists therefore. ut this time for precipitate
action at the close of the sessionrisking the call Of
an extra session. 1t is said however, that public
opinion has been carefully manufactured for
some time in different parts of the coun-
try. and the pressure Of party newspapers
has been brought to bear Representatives to urge
them to force the repeal The action Of the Federal
Supervisors in Cincinnati and othern Northern cities
last fall. the Davenport troubles in New York and
other circumstances appear to have created deep
resentment in Northern localities and demand for
the repeal at this session.
1t is not known whether and how far tho repub-
licans will oppose the repeal of these laws. The
action OF the tonight is unexpected It was
not generally believed in democratic circles to-day
that the proposition would carry in the caucus. If
the republicans shrewd they will allow these laws
now to be repealed for they may not find the demo-
Gratis so ready hereafter to repeal them.
THE SENATE RAILROAD TELEGRAPH BILL.
There is good deal of quiet excitement here about
che Senate Railroad Telegraph bill. which Senator
Matthews gave notice to-day he would call up next
tempt to recommit It, and it is possible they may
succeed but the friends of the bill have determined
that this shall not be donc without previous dis
cussion of the subject. The committee which has it
In charge will hear the friends and opponents of the
measure ON Wednesday and Thursday. md it is re-
ported that General Butler will appear before the
ecmmittee ON behalf of those vino desire the bill to
becoue alsw. Little doubt IL felt that the clause
rsistins to and covering the subject. which on Gen
eral Buffers motion was placed in the Army BILL will
pass the Senate.
THE TEN DOLLAR CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
ACTION OF THE SENATE.
In passing the House bill authorizing the Treasury
to issue interest bearing certificates deposit of the
amount Of $40. and multiples of that sum- to be ex
changed for four per cent bonds in sums Of $780, the
Senate to-day, on motion Of Senator Herman raised
the rate of interest to be paid on such
certificates from three per cent. % it stood
in the House bill. to fou- per cent. Such
certificates will. therefore. earn four Dor cent
which brings the Treasury into direct competition
with the savings banks, which for the most part nav
four per cent also. 1t should be understood by the
public when the bill becomes law, az it undoubt.
edly will that the interest earned by the certificates
of deposit will not be paid until these arc turned into
four per cent bonds; that is to say persons holding
only the certificates will not be able to draw the In.
tercst due on them but 1t will be allowed when the
certificates presented to be exchanged for four
per cents. They will differ but slightly therefore
from the interest bearing greenbacks which were
issued at one time In the early part Of the and
which also exchangeable into bonds and which.
~ they gained in value by the interest rapidly
went out of circulation