Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-07-24
From Washington
Especial Correspondence Of the Alexs. GAZETTE
WASHINGTON. D. c., July "a, 1855.

WASHINGTON, ~. ", July 81 Aooo'
In reply to the resolution introduced in
the Houss bv General Lee calling upon the
Secretary OF the Interior for information 10
respect of the refusal of the Interior Depart
ment to graft pensions, under the Mexican
nepsions bill, to ex Confederates, Secretary
Villas has sent communication to the House
in which he says the matter is before him on
appeal, that the question involved is one OF
interpretation, that it devolves upon Con
gress to make that Interpretation, and that
az the matter has now been brought to the
attention of Congress he shall do nothing
with it until such interpretation shall be
made. Now, the truth OF the matter is that
the case is not now on appeal. 1t was on
anpesl to the law officer of the Interior De-
partment, who declared that the pensions
bureau was wrong 10 refusing such peneions,
and that,they should be granted, and Secre'
tsry Villas approved that decision but, ow-
ing to the influence of Com missioner Black
of the G. A. r.. he revoked that approval,
suspended proceedings in all such cases
more than year ago, and, short time ago,
Informed Representative Browne, in dis
e,urteors manner, to say the least, that be
BIZ d no time to reopen them now and
did not intend to 90 30. Neither ia
the question involved one OF interpre,
tation, ss Mr. Villas says, for the law
has been submitted to the U. 8. Supreme
Court. which high tribunal has supplied all
the Interpretation that can possibly De re.
ouired or desired, and decided that the
granting Ct such pensions as those referred
to is compulsory. Mr.. Villas attempts to
make General Lees resolution an excuse Tor
postponng iDdt initely any further action In
the matter, as be thinks the press OF bust
oess now before Congress is 80 great that
there will be no time for additional legisla-
ton on the subject during theremainder OF
the so. sion. Mr.. Villas loses no opportuni-
ty for showing his animosity towards ex.
Co 1federates.
After the call of committees for reports,
IN the House to day, the first time for sever
al weeks the House took up the bill for assign
ing U. S. army officers to duty at certain
State schools In the Senate resolution
to print the Presidents veto message IN the
case of the bill to pension the widow Dough
erty brought On debate, during which MIR.
Davs, Of Minnesota. advocated the Justice OF
the claiu, and said the character OF the Claim
ant was endorses BY such distinguished man
as George Bancroft This provoked smiles
among the knowing ones, who knew that
the signature referred to Was not that OF the
historian, but of q pension claim agent N
this city.
There was meeting of the Senate FL
Dance Committee this morning. No definite
action was determined upon with regard to
the Mills bill, but the understanding was
that the republican maj ority of the commit
tee would get together and see if an agree
ment could be reached in respect to meas
I'D ophatitnfa for tho
Mills bill. II successful in this, the measure
is likely to be laid before republican eau
Gus and when shaped to meet any conflict.
ing views which may be developed there. it
will be laid before the democrats of the Fi-
nance Committee and by them before
democratic caucus for the consideration of a
line of policy on their part With 30 many
elements of uncertainty no one feels like
yenturipp guess as to the kind of measure
if any. which may be submitted, or the
length of the session. But it is expected
that the present week will determine pretty
clearly the course OF future events. The
prevailing impression on the subject is that
the committee will report bill IN about two
weeks. and then move that it be recon-
mitted1ior future action next December, and
that in the meantime the committee be au
thorized to hear the views of all parties to
DE affected by any change that may be made
in the tariff.
From an inspection of Mr.. Harrison's course on
the Blair BILL as reported in the Congregational RI.
cord it appears that while he voted for the bill
on it's passsge, he really opposed it, moved to
amend it, and asserted that the South was una
Bile to raise and distribute the amount required
by it, and that the bill was strictly in the in
terest of the negroes.~
From the annual report of the commissioner of
the internal revenu issued to-day, it appears that
the receipts for the past year from the End. the
Richmond district, were 81 ,846.379, and from
the 9th, the Alex sndria district, 81 ,4O6, 7S6.
Among the bills reported favorsbly in the
House to-day was one to prohibit discrimination
in the sale of books, newspapers and periodicals
on steamboats, and railroads, and at the wharves
and depots thereof.
A WONDERFUL SHIP-The new Inman
Line steamer City of New York started on
/ - t-;oI t-in on Gsfprdav from tho Clyds to