The New York herald., 1879-02-04

unanimously agreed to that an amendment for the
purpose above stated should be offered in the House.
THE POTTER SUBCOMMITTEE TO VISIT NEW YORK
Although considerable pressure has been brought
to bear upon Representative Mcmahon with view
to inducing him to as chairman of the Potter
subcommittee, who are to visit New York city.
that gentleman said this afternoon that it
would be utterly impossible for him to
act. A change the republican side has
also been effected. Mr.. Reed. of Maine
having been substituted for Governor Cox the latter
desiring to be relieved from the duty owing to the
pressure of other business. This arrangement
made by the republican members of the committee,
and. although meeting has been held. it is under
stood the change is acquiesced in by all of the
members.
LoUIsIANA--EFFoRT TO KEEP OUT THE BLAINE
INVESTIGATION.
In the Senate to-day Mr.. Teller. chairman of the
Rlane Investigating Committee. presented lengthy
petition signed by c. c. Antoine. E. 7. Fisher and
hfty-fve other colored people of Louisiana. COM
planning that they share the burdens of taxation and
although the recent amendments to the constitution
have given them political equality. that at the last
Congressional election they were met by armed
and hostile white who, for months
prior to tho election. combined together in
companies known democratic clubs. The pc
titioners complain of intimidation the part of
these clubs state that many innocent men and par
ties innocent of any crime whipped and cruelty
beaten political clubs broken up and the right
to organize among the republicans denied. AS
the time for the election approached
greater acts of violence were committed.
Murder. by hanging and the Winchester
rife was the eliminating result of an organized po-
litical conspiracy to control the election They de-
clare that their history shows that they
peaceful, not rcvengeful. they assassns. In
conclusion they invoke the power of the federal gov
ernment to protect them in their rights The petit
ton having been read at length at the request of Mr.
Teller referred to the special committee of which
he is chairman.
GRAND JuRY--LooKING AFTER REPORTERS
SOURCE OF INFORMATION.
The Grand Jury to-day resumed the consideration
Of the charges against General Hunton for chaleng
ing Columbus Alexander. Captain +. G. Sheppcrd
and F. E. Alexander were examined. The sub
pnna for Colonel Stewart postmaster of the
House, was returned est Subpunas for
several other witnesses were issued. among them
being one for Mr.. James McNsbb. Jr., a newspaper
reporter who Is required to state where he obtained
certain information relative to the Grand Jury pro-
ceedings which have been published in certain
New York papers The publication of the proceed
ngs of the jury in this has created considerable
feeling among the members of the jury the article
in question purports to be interview with juror.
THE SEWARD INVESTIGATION.
The House Committee on Expenditures in the State
Department. investigating the charges preferred
against Minister George F. Seward, met this morning
pursuant to adjournment. Mr.. Seward was asked if
he ready to produce the books called for in
the subpoena duces tcum, and in reply said he would
answer all such interrogatories through his counsel
1t was not decided at the meeting this morning
whether not he should be reported to the House.
The prosecution gave notice that they had
closed their side Of the case and counsel for the
defence announced that they would now proceed to
close, and that Messrs Talbot, Olyphant and A. A.
Hayes Jr., of New York city, would be prepared to
give testimony on Thursday next, and on Saturday
John Fogg Twombly, of W. H. Fogg & Co.. Of New
York, and others will appear.
The committee desire that the testimony be closed
and the case given them on February 13. in order
that they may submit their report before the
adjournment. The committee will meet again on
Wednesday,
CONGRESSIONAL NOTES.
The majority of the Teller Committee intended to
have meeting to-day. but in Difference to the con-
venience of some Of the members who were engaged
on other committees it was postponed until to-
morrow, when the testimony Of Judge Mackay, OF
South Carolina, will be taken.
The Vice President laid before the Senate to-day the
credentials Of Mr. Daniel w. Voorhees, elected United
States Senator to fill the unexpired term of Mr.. O. P.
Morton, deceased. ending the 4th of March next;
also his credentials United States Senator
for the term of six years from the 4th of
March, 1879. Mr.. Voorhees, who has had the seat by
appointment from the Governor of the State since
the death OF Mr.. Morton. advanced to the Vice Pres
idents table and took the oath Of office under his
new credentials.
Mr.. McCreery, Of Kentucky, presented to the
Senate to-day bin to transfer the Office of Indian
affairs from the Interior to the War Department. 1t
was laid the table at the request of Mr. McCreery
who gave notice that he would call it up hereafter
for the purpose of submitting remarks thereon.