The New York herald., 1879-02-05

tchairmsn,. Springer. stengcr. Hiscock and Reed.
will therefore leave Washington this even
ing and win commence the investiga-
ton Of tho Florida aud South Carolina
dispatches at twelve O'Clock tomorrow. Owing to
the room in the Post Once building which was pre-
viously used by the Potter Committee being occu-
pied by the Davenport committee. rooms have been
engaged at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and there the
meetings Of the subcommittee will be held. Mr..
Smith Weed will DO the first witness called. and no
will be followed by Messrs. Pelton and Marble
Whether Governor Tildcn win be called has not yet
been decided.
Tho rest of the COMMITTEES will meet here at eleven
O'Clock tomorrow and continue the st. Martin
branch OF the investigation, with Maddox as the first
witness. Judge Southwood. 1t Is said. will not be
called. but he has not yet been dismissed from at
tendance.
THE NAVAL INvEsTTGATIoN-m. wHrrrHoRNE's
REPORT.
Representative whitthorne. chairman Of the House
Committee Naval Affairs. to-day read the report
prepared by him for the signatures Of the
majority Of tho committee. relative to tho
investigation of the Navy Department under
tho administration of cx-secretary Robson.
which has just been concluded. Tho report charges
that under Mr. Robcson's administration the Navy
Department was greatly mismanaged. and calls the
attention OF the President to this fact and leaves fur
ther procedure in the affair to his discretion. The
minority report will DO completed by Thursday.
THE INDIAN TERRITORY FAVORABLE REPORT
ON OPENING UP THE COUNTRY TO SETTLE
MENr.
The Senate committee who have had under consd-
GRAFTON tho matter Of opening the Indian Territory
met this evening and agreed unanimously upon an
affirmative report. A subcommittee appointed
to report bill embracing the following points,
F1st-To establish United States Court within
the Indian Territory for tho better protection of life
and property. with the same powers and jurisdiction
of other United States courts.
S,cond-That each of tho five civilized nations be
allowed to send delegate to Congress
Third-That the lands now held in common by the
tribes be divided in severaty among the Indians.
1t is understood that all the members Of the COM
mittee in favor Of opening all government lands.
both in the Indian Territory and elsewhere pro-
emption and settlement and that general measure
to that effect will be reported at the next meeting Of
the committee.
VALUE OF ALAsKA.-REPoRr OF SPECIAL AGENT
WILLIAM GoUvERNEuR MORRIS.
report on Alaska just made by Major william
Gouverneur Norris special agent of the Treasury
Department was received by the Senate from tho
Secretary Of the Treasury to-day and ordered to be
printed. 1t is lengthy document, comprising at
least thousapd pages Of manuscript, and is copi-
ousy illustrated with maps and sketches of the
try. The report is very comprehensive aud presents
agreat number of details regarding the of
Territory. tending to show that it is very far from
worthless country. Major Morris reports that there
is ample evidence of the existence Of rich mines Of
gold silver and copper in Alaska talhough their pre-
description of the valuable fisheries and timber
sources of tho Territory
Considerable space Is devoted to the subject of the
disputed boundary line between Alaska and British
Columbia, and after reporting Of information
the subject the suggestion is made that Congress
should take the necessary steps to settle the dispute
with Great Britain by means of joint commission
The present chaotic condition of affairs in Alaska
is fully set forth, the establishment of sort
Of civil government for the Territory earnestly ad
vocated. Figures are presented to show that the
United States government now receives annually
from the Alaska Commercial Company an
amount equal to more than four per cent upon the
original cost Of the territory which was 200 OoO
The conduct of affairs by this company is in general
terms, commended, and in the absence of specific
proof it is acquitted of any organized attempt to re-
tard settlement and development of the territory
! The cost Of maintaining the customs service in
Alaska since it first established is shown to have
been only fifty per cent more than the receipts and
the customs district created for purposes of
general protection. and not of local revenue, the
| proposition for its discontnuance is pronounced
| unwise.
| Major Morris urges the construction of new
vessel for revenue marine service on the Pacific
const. there being at present not which is
adapted for extended cruises In Alaskan waters.
Many interesting facts given concerning the
Indian tribes of the coast and interior. As regards
the former opinion is expressed that they should
be kept under control, not by the military. but by
means Of gunboats. of which they stand in great
dread. In conclusion. Major Morris warmly eulo-
gizes the efforts Of the Board OF Presbyterian Home
Missions to introduce schools and teachers in the
Territory and Congress is urged aid in this laud-
able and Christian enterprise.
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSITS
Tho Senate Committee on Finance to-day agreed
to recommend the passage of the House bill author
zing the issuance of government certificates of de-
posts in Of $40 and upward to bear interest at
three per cent aud to be cxchapgcabe for four per
cent bonds, with amendment to increase tho rate
of interest to 1855 per cent.
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
SENATE.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 4. 1879.