Year: 1870

WASHINGTON, May ia delegation of
wholesale liquor dealers from New York
was before the Ways and Means Commit
tee to-day praying that all tax on dis
titled spirits be concentrated and collected
at the distillery. This question has al
ready been considered by the committee
and decided upon adversely. The theory
OF the committee Is that the tax is better
collected by having checks and balances.


IL is said that the friends of the North
srn Pacific Railroad have now got enough
votes to pass the bill without amend
ments. This accounts for the delay of
the Pacific Railroad Committee in re-
porting bill.


The Senate Postal Committee to-day
agreed to report bill granting subsidy
of 5000 for the round trip TO the New
York and Mexican Steamship Company
plying between New York and Vera
Cruz. They will probably report in favor
of granting subsidy, and establish
line from New York to the western coast
of South America. --


The evidence in the Georgia corruption
case shows that an attempt was made TO
bribe the two Senators-Carpenter and
Tipton-to to vote against Binghani's
amendment. The evidence goes TO show
that money was paid to Forney's paper
for advertising and other purposes The
excessive evidence and report is very
damaging. r-.-


The Secretary of War, at the request of
the superintendent of the West Point
Academy, will distribute diplomas this
year to the graduating class. 1t IS ex-
pected that the President and several
members of the Cabinet will be present.


The Government viii not allDW muni-
tions of war at Fort Abercrombie 70 be
shipped to the Red River country.


The House Committee on Foreign Az
~ II r..
before them. The recent Outragas of the
Spanish authorities have produced a
marked change ia tne views of both the
Senate and House committees, and the
discussion of Cuban matters was not so
unfavorable.


The Senate Foreign Relations Commit
tee had long discussion again to-day on
the China Cable bill, but were unable to
agree concerning the amount of subsidy.


The Senate Commerce Committee dis
oussed at great length to-day the question
of granting subsidies to establish steam
ship lines generally. The Committee
favor the principle, but are not disposed
to aid any but first class ships.


The House Foreign Affairs Committee
TO day heard an argument on and in be-
half of the enZgela claims, who stated
that In the statement of the same, injus-
tics was done to the claimants. de asked
that the cpmmittee take action and set
aside decision. The committee also had
under consideration the bill to establish
line of steamships between San Francisco
and Australia.


In connection with this subject, Ar.
Bee, who represented the Chamber
of Commerce of San Francisco, was heard,
ana stated that whilst the bill had been
sleeping IN the committee room,
English capitalists had been thinking
faVorablV of the line TO be established
between said places, with tirst-class steam
vessels, to ply between Liverpool and
Australia, touching at San francisco.
Mr. Bee stated that if the bill was not
soon faVOrably acted on, the commerce of
Australia and the adjacent islands would
revert to Liverpool, by way of the United
States, and would cripple our commerce
and business interests. The committee
agreed 10 hear him further on the sub
;ect.


Phe Senate Committee on Patents took
up the House bill providing for the revi-
sion of the existing United States patent
laws, which has already passed the House.
The bill is very lengthy, but the commit
tee finished their action ON twenty-nine
sections, and viii hold a special meeting
on Saturday for further consideration.


The House Military Committee to-
day agreed 20 report adversely upon
the bill providing hat claimants
for damages TO property destroyed
during the late war by the Union armies
shall receive compensation therefor, but
will recommend that such claims shall
be allowed in each instance where the
claimant can bring proof that he has
serVC in the Union army.