New-York tribune., 1880-01-14

RAID on IHE SEAT OF MR.. OEIlI-LANDS AND
THE HAuwAYs-PUBIIC BUILDINGs-IHE UTEs
PAPER AWARDS.
GENERAL PRESS DIsPATCH.l
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13-The regular weekly
meeting of the Senate Finance Committee this morning
was wholly devoted To the consideration ef executive
business. A large number Of nominations were passed
unon TO be reported back the Senate. Neither the
Bayard resolution any other public measure was
brought up oday
The House Committee Commerce listened this
morning to an argument by c. ii. Blanchard, repre-
senting the Erie Railway IN opposition To the Reagan
interstate Commerce bill Mr.. Blanchard took strong
grounds against positive legislation by Congress affect
ing the different interests involved. He favored the
appointment OF Commission OF Five TO suggest lcgis-
lation on the subject. Mr. Chaunccy NJ Depew and e1
Senator Scott representing the NewYOrk and Pennsyl
yania Railroad Companies. both present at the
meeting to-day and will probably be heard by the com
mlttee tomorrow.
The Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections cx-
amned five witnesses for Senator Kellogg to-day. Their
testimony in further rebItta Of testimony taken
before the subcommittee at New-Orleans.
The House Committee Elections met this morning,
and took up the McCabe against Orth from the
Indiana District. The pending motion was to dismiss
the appea OF the contestant. After discussion
vote TAKEN resulting yeas q, nays o. Representative
Phiser then moved grant the petition OF the contest
ant and permit him 20 and take testimony. Rep
resentave Keller ocred'a substitute tnat Commit
tee of Investigation Ave members be appointed by the
Speaker OF the House." After further discussion the
committee adjourned till next Puctday at 1890
without taking any action upon either the motion or the
substitute Mr. Donnellv Will make the closing argu-
| ment Tomorrow evening against Washbun
| The senate Comm ttee Public Lands took up for
consideration to-day Mr. Plumbs bill providing that
where grant Of public lands has been made aid In
the construction OF any railroad and oad has
been completed within the time prescribed by law. the
lands granted such quantity thereof mad not been
patented certified 20 such company TO any State
or Territory for benefit prior the expiration Of the
time fixed for the completion OF the road shall revert
TO the United States and shal be open TO settlement
are other public lands" The bill discussed, but
! without reaching any action.
The House Naval Committee agreed this morning TO
| report iayOiably Representative Whtlornes bill to
purchase a site for a new Naval Observatory. The bill
provides for commission consisting OF Senator,
member OF the House, and the superintendent Of the
Observatory who shall select the site and report their
action 10 the President who shall direct the Secretary
of the Navy make the purchase Of such SITE l. ap
propriates $4,000 for the purpose. The Committee
also agreed to report avorably the bill TO appoint
from the retired list to be governor Of the
United States Naval Asylum at Philadelphia" Repre-
sentative whithorne given permission to have his
report on the Howgate Expedition printed. The com
mittee also agreed report fayorably the bill authorz
ing The President appoint Judge Advocate General
for the Navy.
The Senate Military Committee failed 70 obtain
quorum to-day. owing to the occupation OF several o.