The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-01-20
mittees. There are, however, two bills be.
fore the Senate committee. one Of which
was offered by Mr.. Conkline, and three
bills before the House committee.

was offered by Mr.. Conkling, and TIRE
bills before the House committee.
PERSONAL NEWS ITEMS.
Captain Phelps was before the specia
committee Of the House to-day on the inter
oceanic canal, aud spoke in favor OF th,
American scheme. A large number Of per
sons from the North have written for cope,
Of the Planter and Farmer containing Sena
tor Johnston's article on Virginia. Tboma,
n. Latham, OF Virginia, is at the Metro
pol,an. Pay-lnspector George L. Davis,
OF the United States navy, has been
placed on the retired list. Western
men say Allison will be Secretary Of the
Treasury. The President has reduced the
punishment OF Surgeon f. S. Mathews,
United States navy, to suspension from rank
and pay for twelve months. Ex.Secretary
Creswel and Judge Warden had very sharp
words in the House Foreign Affairs Com
mittee to-day, where they appeared as conn
sci. Major A. d. Banks was about the
same to-day.
Mr.. c0NKLING AFTER THE SUPERINTENDENT
OF THE CENSUS.
Mr.. Conkling created some stir to-day by
offering resolution OF inquiry in regard to
the Census Bureau. lie called for informa-
ton in detail in regard TO the number OF
clerks, laborers, messengers, special agents,
supervisors, enumerators, &C., employed by
the Superintendent. with the pay OF the
same; also, as to the present force In every
department Of the Bureau. He further
wanted to know in regard to the buildings
rented and those now occupied. This action
looks as il the distinguished New York
Senator means 10 make fierce war upon
General Walker and his force.
THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE THE MINERALS.
Mr.. Teller, Of Colorado, made a lengthy
speech to-day in opposition to the bill re-
ported by Mr.. Edmunds, which in the To-
cation Of land.warrants reserves the min
eral lands to the Government.
CAPTAIN COOKE CONFIRMED.
The Senate in executive session this eve
ming confirmed Captain Cooke as collector
of customs at Richmond. Both Virginia
senators were for him.
BRIEF NEWS ITEMS.
There was meeting OF the regents OF the
Smithsonian Institute to-day -Chief-Juslice
Waite presiding. Senator Witbers was
present. Only routine business was trans.
acted.
BY invitation Grand Master Coles and
Grand Secretary Isaacs will appear before
the Yorktown Committee tomorrow to give
its members the benefit OF their experience
in regard to the Masonic part OF the pro-
gramme for the laying Of the cornerstone
Of the Yorktown monument. Secretary
Isaacs had preliminary conference with
the chairman this evening.
The Senate Indian Committee to-day dis
crssed bill to naturaIize Indians, and it
met with good deal OF favor.
The House Commerce Committee will to-
morrow vote on the proposition TO appro-
pirate $500 000< for the Improvement OF
the Mississippi river.
Government receipts to-day: Internal
revenue, S249,66S; customs, S959,7S9.
DR.. Mills was at the Capitol to-day. He
claims that his term does not expire until
February 23d.
Associated Press dispatches by telegraph to the
Dispatcb.J
CONSUL AT NAPLES.
WASHINGTON, January 19.-The Senate
in executive session, to-day confirmed Ed.
win II. Smith, OF Virginia, to be United
States consul at Naples.