New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-01-08
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
TRYING TO PERPETUATE A WRONG.

WASHINGTON Friday, Jan. z, 1881
For some days past it is understood Senator Cali'
of Florida had been labOring among Democrats III
the House of Representatives to induce them 10 pre-
vent the unseatng of Hull. who occupies the seat I'D
that body which rightfully belongs to Mr. Bisuee'
Senator Calls activity in this matter IS nsprea Dy
Mr. Hull who has to belleveth onelf NOT '"o
of the Democratic members of the subcommittee
which has charge of the contested case of Bisbee
against Hull has become convinced that Mr BlsDec
was elected and that SIR. Hull not, although he
has been drawing pay IA Congressman Ior wv
years lacking two months. There Is hOl ~, lluCn ~,
doubt that if the case considered by the en-
tire Election Committee majority report VIII pe
made i'll Mr.. BIsbces favor
COLORED CABINET OFFICER.
"What do you think of the movement to secure
an appointment for Senator Bruce i'll General Gar-
fields Cabinet r. asked TRIBUNE correspondent
of Representatives Singleton OF Mississippi to-day
81 am heartily in favor of it," was the prompt re-
ply " consider Senator Bruce.a gentleman ana a
man of excellent practical sense. lie Is a goou
Senator. and | shoulh much rather see hm in the
Cabinet than some white Republicans l know IN
the South. Besides, | think he represents race
that is entitled to such recognition now. am not
Joking about this, and believe all the MISSISSIPPI
representatives feel as do that senator bruce Is u
very we'll -beha ved man, and would be glad TO See
hlm promoted"
THE PONCAs SAID TO BE HAPPY
The Commission named by the President at the
request of the Ponca Committee in Boston, TO IN
aure into the condition and desires of the Ponca
tribe arrived at the Ponca Agency on Tuesday. Jam
uary L. and one of Its members tclegraphed to the
President on January & as follows: " Council en-
Enthusiastically and unanimously indOred agree
mrnt of lOnca delegation when IN Washing
ton Leave to morrow for Dakota" The agreement
referred Ia IS the paper signed by the POnca chieis
when present IN Washington requesting that their
lands IN Dakota lee Sold and that they be permitted
10 remain in the Indian Territory and make the lands
at present occupied by them their permanent home
CITIZENS AND THE CONSTITUTION
The first of the annual appropriation bills. namely
the Consular and Diplomatic hlll was taken up and
nas,cd by the S.natc to-day An extended discus
sion wa, brOnght abont by Senator Carpenter, upon
a'moton to strike on The clauses making provision
for the maintenance oi an American prison in China
senator Carpenter held that under the CONSTITUTION
no American could b" legally tried Tor crime eXcep'
hy a regularly constituted court. The majority OF
the senate believed that the Constitution was made
for the citizen and not the citizen for the C0nstl
tnn Oa.y eight Senators voted with Senator Car
pcnt"r.
RETIREMENT OF ARMY OFFICERS.
The bill introduced in the House Wednesday by
REPRESENTATIVE Townshend, of Illinois. to amend thC
statutes relative to he retirement of Army officers
uropose5 TO change the law to read as follows
- When auv officer has served fifty years as a com
misloned officer or Is seventy years old, he may bC
rctIed from service AT the discretion OF the
President" The bill ierreI TO the Commit tee
on Military Affairs.