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THE NATIONAL TJUBUIfE: WASHINGTON, D. 0., THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 1883. THE NEWS OF THE WEEK. Loss of Life by the Milwaukee and St. Louis Firos. SENATORIAL ELECTIONS. Events at the Capital and in . the Departments. The Senate Military Committeo last Friday morning considered ami ordered to bo favorably reported the Logan bill to increase tlio effi ciency of the army. The bill provides that in time of peace offenders noapunishablo by regi mental or garrison court-martials shall be tried by a summary court consising solely of tho officer second in command, whoso sentence shall bo subject to review by his next superior officer. The number of enlisted men in tho army, including an engineer battalion of 520 men, hospital stewards and 1,000 Indian scouts, is fixed at 30,000. The pay of a private in tho three arms of the service is increased from $13 to $16 per month, and of other men inferior to commissioned officers in proportion. Commis sioned officers at military posts apart from settlements may each employ one soldier as a Bcrvant, provided tho soldier's consent be ob tained and his pay bo charged against such officer. Provisions aro also mado that officers on duty as judge-advocates of courts-martial Ehall receive an extra allowance of $2.50 per day ; that tho secretary may employ civilians in place of general servico clerks at military division headquarters ; that the governor of tho military prison at Fort Leavenworth shall rank as a colonel; that officers' of tho lino on duty as acting assistant quartermasters shall bo allowed 10 extra per mouth; that any person ruptured in tho army or navy shall bo supplied with a truss ; that the statute forbid ding payineut of mileage over land-grant roads bo repealed, and that the Secretary of War bo authorized to employ 150 instructors for post schools, to have rank and pay of commissary Eergeauts. The naval appropriation bill rcpoitod to tho House Monday appropriates $15,200,100 for tho support of tho navy for the fiscal yer ending Juno 30, 1&?4. Tho bill provides that when any commodoro shall reach tho age of GO years, Eny captain tho age of 55 years, any commander tho age of 47 years, or any lieutenant tho ago of 45 years, he shall bo retired by tho Presi dent from active service, and shall go upon tho retired list of the navy as of the grade held by him at the date of his retirement. The bill appropriates $1,300,000 to bo used in building tho new steel vessels recommended by the Ad visory Board. Mr. Hoar introduced a bill in tho Senate on Saturday, by request, providing that hereafter in all elections for presidential electors and Representatives in Congress tho ballots bo deposited in the Carey voting machine. Tho Attorney-General is authorized to contract for supplying one machine to each voting precinct in tho United States. Tho bill con tains specific directious for using tho machine. The ballots aro pasted together and wound on a spool in a continuous strip. According to a statement made by the Secre tary of War, the number of condemned cannon on hand in his Department is 652, aggregating 4,693,730 pounds register in weight, estimated to be worth an average of lj cents per pound. Of this number 191 cannons have been donated 'jy acts of Congress, covering a period of twelve years, to forty-nine towns and associations for monumental purposes, but still remain on hand, no provision having been made for transporta tion to their destination. Tho Supremo Court, on Monday, dismissed the suit in which Admiral Porter and the offi cers and men of the North Atlantic sqnadron claimed prize-money for the capture of several Confederate iron-clads in tho James river, just before tho fall of Richmond. The court held that a claim for prize-money cannot be main tained for captures on inland waters, or where captures are made by the joint action of tho navy and army. There were 105 clerks discharged from tho Census Office last week. It is understood that they will be taken back if Congress makes the appropriation that was asked for. There arc 150 clerks remaining in the office, and there is money enough left to pay their salaries for thirty days. If by that timo the appropriation is not made the entiro office will be closed, and the work suspended until June 1. Ex-Senator Dorscy, Secretary of the National Republican Committee, has sent a letter of resignation to Hon. Marshall Jewell, chairman. He asks to be relieved on the ground of press ing engagements and an affliction of the eyes, which compels him to spend much of his timo in a darkened room. A board of naval officers, on the 11th inst.; concluded a series of experiments at the navy yard to test the efficiency of a new food for Iho Gatlling gun. Altogether 6,000 rounds wcro fired. A. great advantage of the now feed is its adaptability to any angle of discharge, where the gravitation feed operates reliably only with in a limited scope. The most important change proposed by the Senate Committee on Appropriations in tho postoflieo appropriation bill is an amendment fixing July 1, 16S3, as the date when tho re duction of tho rate of letter postage from 3 cents to 2 cents shall go into effect instead of January 1, 18S-1, as proposed by the House. Tho Senate Committo on Post-Offices and Post-Roads last Friday, favorably considered the House bill passed July 21, ultimo, providing for the issuanco of postal notes for tho trans mission in the mails of sums less than $5, a fee of three cents to bo charged for each note issued. A bill was introduced in the Senate on Mon day granting a pension of $50 a month to tho widow of the late General Sidney Uurbank, and a similar bill, by Mr. Edmunds, pensioning the widow of the late Admiral John C. Beaumont at the rate of $50 per month. The sub-committees of the Senate and Houso on public buildings have agreed to recommend that the house iu which Abraham Lincoln died bo purchased for $15,000, which is $5,000 less than is asked for it. Secretary Chandler estimates the cost of cora pleling and arming the monitor Puritan as 41,668,726; the Amphilrite, $1,29 1,220; the Ter ror, $1,291,220, and tho Monadnoek, $1,431,439. President Arthur yesterday signed the civil service reform bill. chimks and casuaities. The alleged abduction, last Saturday week, of a young lady of St. Louis,, named Miss Zeralda Garrison, attracted a wide and absorbing inter est. Upon her return home, a few days ago, the told a story of having been accosted by a larjje man with light hair, whose advances she repulsed and eudeavored to escajK' by flight. He pursued her, however, and applied a hand kerchief saturated with chloroform to her face, after which she lost consciousness. When sho recovered she found herself a prisoner in a house on Washington street, from which sho was permitted to escape by a woman in charge. The statement made by a Mrs. Levi, at whoso house Mis6 Garrison was, is entirely different, being to the effect that sho came thereof her own accord, accompanied by a young man who represented her as his wife. Edward Tay, of New York, agod 26, a shirt cutter, made a desperate effort to commit sui cide last Friday. He lived with his mother in Last Twelfth street, and became despondent from lack of work, He became morose and sullen, and more than once threatened to kill himself. On Friday he cut his throat. His mother's screams brought an officor, who, frightened at the suicide's actions, ran from the room. Tay theu inflicted about twenty stab wounds in his side and breast, and, open ing a window, sprang out four stories below. He landed in a snow drift, unhurt by the fall. He was nicked up unconscious aud taken to Bellevue Hospital. Tweddle Hall, Albany, was destroyed by fire Monday. It was a six-btory building, the main hall being fitted up with stage for dramatic en tertainments. The building was owned by Mrs. II. W. Telliughasl, and was valued at $250,000. The ground floor was occupied by stores, all of winch were destroyed. The loss will reach $5'jO,000. Erastus Coming's residence, adjoiu ing, was on fire a number of times, but it was fcacd, and with it a large number of valuable lamily pictures and relics. Edward E. Shaw, cashier of the broken City Bank, Jersey City, N. J., to whose alleged pecu lations and overdrawing of his account tho Jersey City Bank troubles aro mainly due, was arrested at his home in Orange Valley, N. J., on tho 11th hist. Garrett S. Boice, president of tho City Bank and treasurer and secretary of tho Fifth Ward Savings Bank, has been arrested, charged with misappropriating $21, 500 in bouds, and admitted to bail in tho sum of $10)00. A vrcik has elapsed since tho frightful fire at tho Newhall House, Milwaukee, yet the full extent oi tho disaster remains unknown. Up to noon on Tuesday, thirty-one bodies had been recovered from tho ruins. Tho remains of three girls', lying 6ido by side, were found in the laundr.r-rooui. Eight bodies, those of ser vant girls, havo been found aloug tho west foundation wall. Ninety-six persons are known to bo safe, ot't of tho i77 in tho hotel at tho lime. John Gilbert, tho actor, ono of tho suf ferers, is reported better. On Tuesday, Gcorgo Schellcr, lessee of tho bar-room, was arrested on suspicion of naving set tho hotel on fire. About eleven o'clock on tho night of tho 11th inst. a fire broke out in Couigisky's notions and plunder store, Dt Moines, Iowa, and before midnight tho store was gutted. Tho flames spread to Clapp's block, which is 132 feet square, containing J'lasonic Hall, the Citizens' National Bank, and many fine stores and nu merous offices, including the Western Union Telegraph office. Tho estimafo of tho total loss is $160,000, half i usurcd. No lives wero lost, and no ono was set Aously injured. Scarcely had the country recovered from tho shock caused by tho terrible Milwaukee fire, when tho news cauio'of tin burning of another hotel ; this time in St. Lo."jis. About 5 a. m., last Saturday, tho Planters' Hotel in that city was discovered to be on fire, und so rapidly did tho flames spread that Dennis Eaponti and Rc bolo Carlo, Italians, employees of tho house, lost their lives. Several casuulities wcro also reported. Dainago to tho hotel, $20,000. Reports concerning tho northwestern bliz zard in Dakota. Minnesota, Northern Wiscon sin, and Iowa say that a number of people havo been frozen to death and lost in tho snow storms and that rail travels is much delayed. Tho largest and most perfect ice bridgo that ever bridged tho chasm below Niagara Falls formed on Sunday night. It is over u mile in length, and will probably remain during tho rest of the winter. An accident occurred on tho Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad'on Sunday near the Chari ton River, about 150 miles cast of Kansas City. An east-bound freight train was on a side track. As a west-bound passenger trail went by at full speed a broken rail threw tho smoker oiftho track, and the car crashed into the cab of tho freight engine, killing tho engineer of tho freight train. Tho passengers wcro not injured. Mrs. Hcttie Cunningham, a widow, on tho 12th inst. threw her three-year-old boy front tho suspension bridgo at Fairmont into the Monongahela River, a distance of fifty-two feet, and then jumped in herself. Both wcro rescued after 'floating over tho dam below tho bridgo and with difficulty resuscitated. No cause is assigned for tho act. A bag of gold coin, containing $50,000 and weighing about 200 pounds, which had been shipped at tho sub-treasury, New York, to be sent to tho U. S. fleet on the Pacific, was stolen at Panama on January 1st from the Panama Railroad Company's vault where it had been deposited for sato keeping. Several arrests have been made. On Monday night tho nail factory at Cum niing, South 'Chicago, was burned. Tho firo was .incendiary. The nail factory was ono of the largest and best furnished mills in tho United States. Tho warehouse contained a stock of nails amounting to at least 15,000 kegs, and probably a far greater number. It is now reported, on tho authority of tho captain of the Goldfinder, which was towed in the Delaware Breakwater with only the captain and mate on board, that, tho four sailors died from " Russian fever." The mato says the dis ease was yellow fever. None of them was frozen to death, as was at first stated. A snow slido occurred on Friday on Mus quito Mountain, fifteen miles from Leadvillc, Col. Two miners were caught in tho avalancho and hurled down a distance of a hundred yards, and although still alivo when found, their recovery is doubtful. Marshall T. Polk, tho fugitive ex-treasurer of Tennessee, reached Nashvillo on Saturday and was lodged iu jail. Tho grand jury of Davidson county has found two bills of indict ment against him, charging him with tho em bezzlement and larceny of $180,000. POLITICAL. Hon. Robert E. Pattisou was inaugurated Governor of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg last Tuesday. The inaugural procession numbered about 1,000 men. The oath of ollico was admin istered by Justico Trunkey, of the Supremo Court of the State, after which ho delivered his inaugural address. The subjects of needed re form, as demonstrated by Governor Pattisou, were: Tho abolition of needless offices; tho fix ing of official salaries at sums commensurate with the services rendered; a rigid accounta bility in tho cxpendituro of public moneys; a public performance of official trusts, and tlio raising of the efficiency of tho civil service by making fitness and integrity alono tho tests for appointment. Tho following United States Senators were re-elected on Tuesday: IJ on. Isham G. Harris, of Tennessee; Hon. M. W. Ransom, of North Carolina; Hon. A. II. Garland, of Arkansas; Hon. Wm. P. Fxye, of Maine, and Hon. Eli Saulsbury, of Di'Jawarc. The Democratic cau cus of tlio West Virginia Legislature, on Tues day night, nominated for Senator Hon. John E. Kenna, in tho place of Hon. Henry G. Davis, who declined a muomination. The action of tho caucus will bo ratified at tho election next Tuesday. Ballot inz for Senator without result took place on Tuesday iu tho Legislatures of Massachusetts, lllinws, Michigan, Colorado, and Nebraska. James H. Berry wrs inaugurated Governor of Arkanstis on Saturday. In his inaugural message ho devotes considerable) space to tho disputed thirteen million bonds, ten millions of which the State Supreme Court has declared not binding on the State.. He suys if the people do not owe this money no tax should bo im posed ui)on them to pay it, and no dishonor can attach to them for refusing to pay unjust claims. He desires tho whole matter with drawn from tho General Assembly and sub mitted directly to tho people, and, therefore, urges tho submission at tho next general election of a constitutional amendment for ever prohibiting tho levy of a tax to pay the same. Tho Democratic m embers of" tho Massachu setts Legislature held a caucus cm Monday and unanimously nominated Samuel W. Bowormnn for United States Senator. Mr. LVwerman was the candidato for Lieutenant-Governor on tho Butler ticket. Gov. Butler authorizes the an nouncement that under no circumstances will he bo a candidato for tho United States Senator ship. Charles C. Stockley, tho newly-elected Gov ernor of Delaware, was inaugurated at Dover last Tuesday. Roger S. Green, of Washington Territory, was yesterday appointed chief justico of the Terri tory by tho President. PERSONAL. Hon. William M. Evarts was elected presi dent of the Union League Club, New York, on tho 11th inst. Among tho passengers who arrived at New York on tho 12th inst. by the steamer Pavonia, from Liverpool, aro Ernest Gyo and Madamo Albaui Gye and tho Bishop of Nassau. Rev. Dr. Wm. N. Pendleton, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington, Va., and chief of artillery of the Confederate army of Northern Virginia, died ilonday night, in tho 73d year of his age. The commission appointed by tho Ohio Legis lature to award tho contract for tho Garfield memorial statue in that State havo selected as tho artibt Mr. Charles. 11. Mehaus, of Cincin nati. Mr. Niehans is only twenty-seven years oi ape, but has htudied abroad and done work that is regarded as remarkably good. The suit of Mis? Mary Alice Alwood Living Eton against Mr. Henry Fleming for breach of promise and seduction, which had been on trial in tho circuit court of Brooklyn, N. Y., for some time past, was concluded on the 11th inst. by lliejury bringing in a verdict giving $75,000 damages. A motion has been made for a Dew trial. Mr. Wm. Bucknell, of Philadelphia, a gen erous supporter of many public institutions, yesterday handed to the board of trustees of tho University at Lowisburg, Pu., (a Baptist theological seminary,) his check for $100,000, including his own subscription of $50,000, which was mado on condition that $50,000 more should bo secured. TJio Marquis of Lorno and Princess Louise reached Richmond, Va., on Monday night, and occupied the same suite of rooms at the Ballard Houso as tlio Prince of Wales in his trip in 1S60. On Tuesday tho mayor and prominent city officials wero received. Her Majesty's ship Dido has arrived at Charleston, S. C, whero sho remains subject to tho Princess' orders. Mr. Joseph Sailor, for many ycarrs financial editor of tho Philadelphia Public Ledger, died in that city last Monday. Ho was in his seventy-fourth year. From IS 10 to 1S77 ho continued his editorial labors without inter rupt ion, and in tho latter year reluctantly took his first holiday a week at Saratoga. Mr. Sailer was considered one of the leading finan cial authorities of tho country. Ho left an estate valued at $300,000. Gen. Sherman wrolo, on tho Sth inst., to an inquiring person as follows: "Please do not ask mo to write any more on tho subject of tho Presidency. It gives mo a twinge of pain every timo I sco my namo in print on any subject other than my puro official work. I am not, and never will be, a candidato for any offiec, aud think I can look ahead with somo composure to passing tho evening of life in comparative ease and repose at St. Louis, Mo. Surely in this land of freedom that much can bo conceded to an old soldier." Miss Virginia Cameron, daughter of Senator Cameron, of Pennsylvania, was married on tho 11th inst., at her father's residence in this city, to Lieut. Alexander Rodgers of tho United States Army. Tho ceremony was performed by tho Rev. John R. Pax ton, pastor of tho West Presbyterian church of New York City. Tho wedding reception was attended by President Arthur, nearly all the mem bore of tlio Cabinet, witli their wives and daughters, a largo repre sentation of tho Supreme Court, Scnalo and House of Representatives, William M. Evarts, Gen. Sherman, and many others. Clark Mills, tho sculptor, died at his resi denco in this city on tho 11th inst., in tho seventy-third year of his age. Ho was born in Onondago county, N. Y., and learned tho trado of plasterer, which ho followed for nine yea re in Charleston, S. C. Til IS 16 ho produced a niatblo bust of John C. Calhoun, and in 1852 completed tho equestrian statue of Gen. Jack son for Lafayette square, Washington. Mr. Mills' next great work was tho casting of tho colossal statue of Liberty, from a design by Crawford, which now crowns tho dome of tho Capitol. Tho last work on which ho was engaged was tho model of Guitcau's head, produced by him self and son whilo the trial of tho assassin was in progress. Ho leaves a widow,' two sons (both sculptors), and a stepdaughter, Miss Eva Mills, the well-known singer. THE OLD WORLD. Something About What is Going on In Other Lands Than Ours. A dispatch from St. Petersburg, Russia, givc3 an account of tho burning of a cireus in Beidot sobelf, Russian Poland, last Saturday, in whieh over 150 persons lost their lives. The fire broke out towards the end of a performance, and was caused by tho careless handling of fireworks on the stage. From tho curtain tho flames spread rapidly to tho walls and roof. Tho audience, which numbered about S00, mado a-rush for tho main door, which, however, opening inward, was rendered useless, and the windows became tho only means of egress. Tho orchestra wero the first to fall victims. The horses and prop erties wero destroyed. Edwin Booth, tho famous American actor, made a highly success ful appearance iu Berlin last Thursday. Emperor William has increased his contribu tion for tho relief of sullerers by the floods in Germany to 600.000 marks. Mr. Pigott charges that $100,000 of tho land league funds aro unaccounted for. Famino is threatened in tho flooded districts of Hungary. Tho city of Grau, on tho Danube, is flooded. Tho re mains of Gambutta havo been interred at Nice. Patrick Higgius, one of the murderers of tho Huddys, was hanged at Gnlway on Mon day. A statue of tho late Prince Imperial of Franco was unveiled at tho military academy at Woolwich by tho Prince of Wales on Satur day. Tho Roman police havo arrested 125 sympathizers with the lato Ovcrdauk. Tho mussclmans in Eastern Roumelia havo re- volted. -Tho Journal des Debats of Paris says that England has practically taken posses sion of Egypt. A manifesto issued by Prineo Napoleon, (Plon Ploi,) criticising the present situation and claiming tho Napoleonic inherit ance, was placarded in Paris last Tuesday. During tho afternoon tho Prince was taken into custody and 1'igaro seized by tho author ities. THE MAGAZINES. Harper's Magazine for February is quite up to tho usual high standard. Tim frontispiece is an engraving irom Geo. H. Boughton's Royal Academy picture, "Tho Frozen Fountain." Mr. Wirt Slices, in a paper effectively illus trated, describes tho wild Welsh coast, after which comes the second part of Geo. If. Bough ton's "Artist Strolls in Holland," also profusely illustrated by Boughton and Abbay. Prof. Herbert Tuttlo discusses tho German Parlia ment under tho title of "German Political Leaders," and Geo. M. White contributes "Load Associations of Whittier's Poems." Black's "Shandon Bells," and Miss Woolsou's "For tho Major" aro continued, and there aro also poems by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps and Julia C Dorr, a sketch by Ernest Ingersoll.au essay by Phil Robinson, and other article?. Mr. Gcorgo William Curtis makes the "Easy Chair" as enteitaining a3 usual. Tho February number of tho North American Beriew opens with tho second article on tho Revision of Creeds, to "which Rev. Drs. Henry C. Potter, Howard Crosbv, J. B. Thomas. J. O. Peck, G. F. Krotel, aud T. W. Chambers aro contributors. Tho experiment of Universal Suffrage is discussed by Prof. A. Winchell, and tlio Decoy of Protestantism, by Bishop B. J. McQuaid. 1'orhaps tho most important paper of tho number in that on the Political Situa tion, contributed by Horaf io Seymour and Geo. S. Boutwell, and of scarcely less interest, in that it touches tho monopoly question, is Sen ator J. N. Camden's aud John (3. Welch's dis cussion of Tho Standard Oil Company. Dr. D. A. Sargent's treatise on Physical Educa tion in Colleges will also bo read with interest. DeworcsVa Monthly Magazine for February contains the usual complement of bright and entertaining literature. It contains, among other articles, " Proposals of Marria-je," " A Visit to the Home of Paul Hayne," "J low We Live in New York," by Jennie June, "Society at tho Capital," French Weddings," " Artistic Dressing," and "The Young Hero of Fashion." Several short stories appear in tho department of fiction, and another installment of Airs. Alexander's serial, "Tho Admiral's Ward," is given. Tho "Poet's Corner" and "Current Topics" will also bo found iuteivsting depart ments. Tho illustrations aro numerous and artistic. Tito Michigan Union PrfeouoiV Association. The annual meeting of the Union Prisoners of War Association of Michigan occurred Jan uary 0 at Detroit. Tho following officers were elected: President, C. G. Hampton, Detroit; First Vice-President. C. W. Wnkemnu, G rattan ; Second Vice-President, J. F. Wojtrin;', Ogdcn; 'Secretary, B. R. Finlayson, Detroit; Treasurer, E. (). Hodge, Detroit; Chaplain, Rev. Jos. E. Preston, Lyons. Much interest was evinced in the organization, thcro being representatives from nearly every section of the State. The National Tuiuune was heartily indorsed, and its course in the interest of Union prisoners highly commended. The annual Reunion oc curs in Juno in tho ce.ntral or western part of tho State, of which due notice will bo given. Every Union prisoner in the State is requested to apply for membership. ..I.. 1m i. .. - Congress Should Act on this Huggo-stlon. From the Nclifh (Nd.) Jtopulilicnn. Commissioner Dudley advises such a revision of tho pension law as will givo the. same amount of p-nsion for the sume wound or disability regardless of rank. The suggestion should bo acted on and the revision made. There is no reason why ono man should bo treated better, or enjoy privileges that are withheld from another, in a republic. Tho man who fought on foot with a musket should receive .'is much for !iio loss of a leg as hu who wore gilt buttons, rude a line horse and flour ished a cheese-knife. lUieuiinitlsm 1'osltivcly Ourcd. Write for free -10-page pamphlet to R. K. Tlelphenstino, Druggist and Chemist, Wash ington, D. C. THE WORK OF CONGRESS. Eighty-Six Millions Voted for Pensions by the House. FITZ-JOHN PORTER'S CASE. Tne Mexican "Veteran Pension Bill to "be Considered. In tho Senate, on Thursday, tho 11th inst., tho bill for tho relief of Fitz-Johu Porter was taken up. The amendment reported from the Committeo on Military Affairs providing that Porter shall receive no pay or allowanco prior to his reinstatement in the army was agreed to. Mr. Conger moved to indefinitely postpono the bill. The motion to jiostponc tho bill indefinitely was lost ayes 24 noes 31. Tho bill was then passed yeas 33, nays 27: Yeas Messrs. Barrow, Ueclc, Brown, Butler, Call, Camden, Cameron Pn.). Coekrcll, Coke, Davis (W .Va.), Fnrlcy,Giirl.snil,Gcorgc, Gorman, Groome, Hampton, Hoar, Jackson, Jonas, Jones (Fla.), La mar, Maxey, IMorg.m, Pendleton, Pugh, Ransom, iSunlsbury, fciewell, Slater, Vance, Vest, Voorheca, and Walker 33. Nays Messrs. Alriridi, Anthony, Blnir, Cameron (Wis.), Clulcott, Conger, Davis (111.), Dawes, Kd inmids, Frye, Hale, Harrison, Hawlcy, ilill, In gulUs, Kellogg, Logan, iVJebill, McMillan, Miller (Cal.), Miller iNr. Y.), Morrill, Plntt, Plumb, Rollins, Sawyer, and Winclom 1!7. Three Republican Senators Hoar (Mass.), Scwell (N. J.), and Cameron (Pa.), voted with fho Democrats in tho affirmative. Senator Mahono (Va.) did not vote. Tho bill as passed authorized tho President to uominate, uudwith tho advice and cousent of tho Senate, to ajipoint Fitz-John Porter, lato a major-general of United States volunteers and a brevet brigadier-general and colonel of the army, to thepositiou of colonel in the army of fho United States, of tho samo grade and rank held by him at tho time of his dismissal, and, in his discretion, to place him on the re tired list of tho army as of that grade, tho re tired list being thereby increased in number to that extent; provided that said Fitz-John Por ter shall receive no pay, compensation, or al lowanco whatsoever prior to his appointment under this act. Among tho bills introduced was ono by Mr. Plumb (Kan.) to revive and extend the timo to January 1, lb75, for the prosecution of claims for pension of persons, not enlisted soldiers in tho army, serving for the timo being as mem bers of tho militia of any State under orders of an officer of tho United States. Tho limit fixed by the act of March 3, le73, was July 4 1S74. Tho resolution offered by Mr. Ingalls direct-' ing tho Committeo on tho Judiciary to inquiro what legislation is necessary to provido for as certaining tho existence and tho termination of presidential " inability," and to report by bill or otherwise, was agreed to. Tho remainder of tho session was dovoted to the consideration of tho tariff bill. ficiday's proceedings. In the Senate, on Friday, tho 12th inst., Mr. Ingalls (111.) introduced a bill to provido for determining the existence aud the removal of tho inability of tho President of tho United States to discharge tho powers and duties of his ollico. The bill provides that whenever two heads of Departments shall state iu writing to the Chief Justice of tho Supreme Court thatf tho President is.unablo to dischargo the powers and duties of his ollico, if the Court be not then sitting, tho Chief Justico shall, within ten days, convene it to hear and determine sum marily the question of tho alleged inability, and if, upon said hearing, it shall appear to said Court that such inability exists, they shall certify their decision to tho Vice-President, who shall thereupon dischargo tho powers and duties of tho ollico of President. Tho second section makes a similar provision for determin ing the removal of the inability, and provides that upon tho ascertainment of tuch removal tho President shall resumo tho dischargo of tho powers and duties of his office. 'fho bill to suppress gaming in tho District of Columbia was amended aud passed. SATURDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. In' tho Senate, on Saturday, tho 13th inst., tho session was devoted to a discussion of tho bill providing that the farmers of tho country bo represented in the Cabinet by a Secretary of Agriculture. Speeches in favor of tho bill wero mado by Messrs. Plumb, Williams and George. It was urged that tho farmers wero suffering from tho operations of middlemen and speculators; that no agricultural interest, except sugar and rice, had been fostered by tho Government; that the transportation interests of tho country had been dealt with as though the only peoplo to bo consulted wero the men of Wall street. It was said that tho leading countries of Europe all fostered agriculture. The debate was not concluded. Mr. Ingalls (111.) introduced a bill providing for tho appointment of a commission to con sider the subject of railroad transportation. It provides that tho President, with tho ad vice of tho Senate, shall appoint seven omniis sioners from civil life, whoso dulv it shall be to investigate tho subject of railroad trans portation in relation to the agricultural, com mercial and industrial interests of tho country. Tho commission is to inquire generally into tho grounds of complaint against the railroads resulting from unjust discrimination, exorbi tant or unequal rates, insufficient facilities for trallic or unlawful combination, and in what manner existing evils can be remedied by legis lation, and to report to Congress not later than , the first Monday of December next. Tho com pensation of tho commissioners is to bo $10 per day and reasonable expenses, and they may v'ait such portions of the country as they deem advisable. TJio bill was laid on tho table. MONDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. In Iho Senate, on Monday, tho loth inst., Mr. Voorbees (lud.) presented a petition, signed, ho said, by many of tho most eminent men in Indiana, including ex-Governors Raker and llondri'-ks, in favor of legislation putting an end to the monopoly of medical employments under lio Government by tho "regular school," and making all qualified physicians equal be fore the I.iw in the. Government servico. Mr. Davis (W. Va.) spoko in favor of tho passage of tho bill to enlarge tho powers and duties of tko Agricultural Department. Tho prosperity ur.d, indeed, the life of a country de pended largely upon its industrial pursuits, tho chief of whieh wero agriculture, mining, manu facturing and commerce, and it was necessary that there should be a separate departmonc of the Government vo care for tho greatest of these, agriculture. Mr. Davis embodied in his speech several in teresting tables. One of these showed, ho said, that about fc() per ceut. of our exports is derived from agriculture. Another showed that the average duty on articles used by the fanners of the country was about 40 per cent. From an other it appeared thai the value of our corn, hay and cotton crop alor.'o for a single year was one billion four hundred million dollars, and, according to tho estimate of the Rureau of Agri culture, the entire farm products in 18dl wero worth about three and ouv-'ialf billions moro than our entire national debt. Tho lemaiuderof tho session was occupied with the consideration of tho tariff bill. TUESDAY'S I'liOCREVtNGS. In the Senate, on Tuesday, tho Ifith inst., Mr. Logan (III.), from tho Mili'ary Committee, reported favorably, with an amendment, tho bill to authorize the sale of tho liaton Rougo arsenal and grounds. At tho clo.-;e of tho morning business tho Senate, on motion of Mr. Jones (Vev.), re sumed the consideration of tho bill for the ro liefof Ren. Ilolliday. Mr. Cockrell (Mo.) moved to reduce the amount named in tho bill from $330,000 to $10').0()0. Lost yesis 21, nays 31. At the closo of tho morning hour tho bill went over. The Senate theu resumed the consideration of the tarill' oill. Tho pending question was on tho amendment offered by Mr. Gorman (Md.). to make the duty on bichromate of pot ash ."i cents per pound. A long debate ensued, in which Messrs. Reck (Ky.), Sherman (O.), Morgan (Ala.), and others participated, in whieh tlio merits of specific and ad va'orem taxes figured largely. Mr. Gorman's amendment, was then rejected. WEDNESDAY'S IMtOCEEDINGS. In the Senate, on Wednesday, the 17th inst., the postollico appropriation bill was discussed. Tho amendment striking out tho Houso pro vision relating to the compensation to be paid to tho Pacific railroads for mail service was agreed to. The Senate then proceeded to the considera tion of the tarill' bill. HOUSE. THURSDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. In the House, on Thursday, the 11th inst., tho shipping bill was again taken up, the section under discussion being tho "drawback" sec tion, for which tho committee substitute is I pending, limiting tho amount of " drawback " to tho amount of tonnage collected. Io this substitute Mr. Candler's free-ship amendment is pending. Mr. Uolman (Ind.) offered an amendment to tho original section providing that fifty per cent, of tho drawback received by any ship owner shall t)e paid to the artisans employed in the construction or repair of a vessel. Tho debate on the eighteenth section was then closed, and tho House proceeded to tho vote upon the amendment. Tho first amendment was that offered to tho original section by Mr. Holmau, and which provides that fifty per cent, of tho drawback shall be paid to the laborers employed in tho construction of any vessel. It was rejected yeas 101, nays 128. The question then recurred on Mr. Candler's (Mass.) free-ship amendment to tho proposed substitute, and it was agreed to yeas 12G, nays 101. Mr. Cox(N. Y.) then offered to substitute his freo material amendment, limiting it, however, to materials to bo used in tho construction of tho vessels for tho foreign trade, and it was agreed to yeas 123, nays 10G. The House then, without coming to a vote on the substitute, adjourned. FRIDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. In tho House, on Friday, tho 12th inst, the consideration of the shipping bill was resumed, and tho committee's substitute limitiug the amount of drawback to tho tonnage tax col lected in any one year aud providing for freo ships aud freo materials was adopted yeas 131, nays StJ. The section exempting vessels engaged in tho foreign carrying trado from State taxation haying been reached, 3Ir. Page moved to strike it from tho bill. The motion was agree to. Mr. Reed moved to strike out sections IS, 19 aud 20 of the bill, which contain the freo ship and freo material provisions, and tho machinery for carrying out tho.ic provisions. The motion was agree to yeas lo9, nays 51. The bill was then passed. SATURDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. In the House on Saturday, the 13th inst., tho session was mainly devoted to the consideration of pension bills. The regular pension appro priation bill was laktm up and after being amended by adding "3,000,000 to the amount appropriated for any pensions, w;is passed yeas 17G, nays 3. It appropriates in round num bers $30,000,000, making with tho $13,000,000 which the Commissioner estimates will remain unexpended at tho end of the present fiscal year, a total of $101,000,000 for tho next fiscal year. The fortifications bill was also passed. It ap propriates $173,000 for tho n pair aud $100,000 lor tho armament of fortifications, aud $30,000 for torpedoes for harbor defenses; total, $325,000. The Houso then proceeded to the consid eration of the following bill relating to the ad judication of Pensions: Be it enacted, 0c, That tlio Secretary of tho In terior be, and is hereby, authorized and directed in the adjudication of all claims tor pensions now pendinjj or hereafter tiled to treat the declarations that have been verified before any officer or officers authorized to administer oaths as if the same had been verified before a court of tecord, or before some officer thereof having custody of its seal, as provided by section 4714 of the .Revised Statutes; and t hat the said section is hereby amended accord ingly. Mr. Joyce (Vt.) in explanation of the bill said : "Tho subject was brought to the attention of tho Commissioner of Pensions when he began to executo the arrears of pension law. It was then found that in a great many cases men who wero honestly entitled to arrearages of pensions had made their declarations before a justice of the peace or a notary public or somo oflicer-of that character, aud not before an officer of a court of record, and of course when tho papers come to io examined they had to bo thrown out, and uho man by this means was deprived of his arrears of pension. "This b,'ll is intended to cover and correot that difficulty. It provides that tho declaratioa of an applicant for pension may bo sworn to before a notary public or a justico of tho peace: and tho amendment provides that the official character of this officer, whether a notary pub lic or a justico of tlio peace, must bo certified by an officer of a court of record who has a seal." After somo discussion it was passed. Mr. Joyce then called up tho following bill : Br. it enacted, &c, That the provisions of an act entitled "An net to revise and consolidate the stat utes of the United in force December 1st, lS7u," ap proved June -'2, J87S, be, and the tame are hereby, no amended that from and after the passage of this net every person entitled Irj law to a less pension than hereinafter cpeeiiied, w?io, whilo in the mili tary or naval service of tlio 'United States, nnd in tho line of duty, by di.ease. contracted or injury received, shall have loft tho si.ht of ono eye, bhall bo entitled to leecivea pension of $12 per month; and in cases in which the injury to the ono eyo manifestly affects injuriously thv sight of the other eye he shall be entitled to nn equitable increase in his pension, not to exceed, in tue whole amount, Simper month; and all thoe who, under like cir eumstr.necs, have lost the sijihtof tyie eye, the sight of the other having been proviomly lost, shall bo entitled to a pension of $r0 per monlSi; and all those who, while in the military or naval service of tho United Mates, in tho line ot duty, by nijnry received or disease contracted, shall have lost the hearing of both cars, shall be entitled to receive a pension of SUo per month ; and for any loss of hearing less than total deafness, iu one or both ears, they phull receivo an equable portion of the full pension. It was debated at somo length, hut finally passed yeas 127, nays 35. Tho next bill called up was ono to extend for two years from July 4, 1S74, tho time allowed for filiug claims of Stato militia or non-enlisted men for pensious. After considerable discussion it was .rejected. MONDAY S PROCEEDINGS. In the House, on Monday, tho 15tl;t inst., Mr. Rragg OVis.) asked that tho Fitz-Johu Porter bill bo taken from the Speaker's table for tho purpose of reference, but Messrs. Taylor and Dawes (Ohio) objected. Among the bills introduced wero tho follow ing: Ky Mr. Relford, (Colo.,) to authorize vtho-Sec-rotary of War to loan tents to the Craml Army of tho Republic for use during tho'Natioial En campment at Denver, which was read a first and second time, referred to the Committeo on Military Allaire, and ordered to be printed. By Mr. Spaulding, (Mich.,) to donate four condemned cast-iron cannon to tho Phil Mc Kcruan Post, iso.p, (.'rand Army of tho Re public, of Mason, Mich.; which was read a first and second time, referred to the Committso on Military Affairs, and ordered to bo printed. Ry Mr. White, (Ky.,) a resolution roeLting allegations that a well-urganized lobby rushed tho bonded whiskey extension bill through tho House on April 3, lbS2, and calling on tho Secretary of the Treasury for his views as; to tho effect which the passage of that billf as amended by the Senate, would have on tho public revenue. By Mr. Gibson, (La.,) to convene tho Forty eighth CougreS on the first Monday in March, 18H3. Ry Mr. Xeal, (O.,) devolving the duties of tho chief justice of the Supremo Court of the Dis trict of Columbia on the second associate jus tico in case of the absouco of the chief justice. Ry Mr. Barn, (Pa.,) a resolution calling on. tho Commissioners of the District of Columbia'. for information as to the names and number of' men now on the police force, the various du ties assigned to each man, whether tho force has been reduced by suspensions, dismissals or discharges, and whether any men aro employed who were not honorably discharged from the j army or navy. Mr, Sherwin, (111.,) from the Committeo on Education and Labor, moved to suspend this rules and adopt tho resolution makiug tho bill for tho support of commou schools a special order for the 20th inst. After debate the resolution was agreed to 12!) to 20. Mr. Rice, (Mo.,) from tho Committeo on Pen sions, moved to suspend the rules aud adopt a ns ilution making tho bill granting pensions to the survivors of the Mexican and certain Indian wars a special order for the first Tues day in February. Agreed to yeas 137, nays 01. TUESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. In tho House, on Tuesday, tho lGth inst., Mr. Kusson (la.), from the Committee on For eign Affairs, icportcd the joint resolution pro viding conditionally lor the termination of the treaty of tbo United States with tho Hawaium government, signed .Fune 3, Ls75. Mr. Rico (Mo.), chairman of the committee on additional accommodations for the Congres sional library, reported a Trill on that subject, and it was ordered printed and recommitted. It provides for the erection of a fire-proof building on any of the Government reserva tions in Washington which may be selected by a commission, and provides that the cntir cost of tho building shall not exceed $1,500,000 of which $300,000 is appropriated by tho bill. Tho Houso then proceeded to the consider ation of tho special order, being Mr. Culber son's bill amending tho act regulating tho removal of causes from State to Federal courts, which was passed, after debate, by a vote of 134 to G7. Mr. Kelley (Pa.) reported the tariff bill from the Committeo on Ways and Means, and it was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Ho then, under direction of his committee, offered a resolution declaring that in view of the pro longed discussion of tho tariff at the first ses sion of this Congress, tho brief period remain ing of the present session, and the public anxie ty touching the probable action of Congress on tho subject, which was deranging the ordinary course of trade, general debate bo limited to one day, and that the Houso proceed on Tues day, 23d of January, to consider the bill. Mr. Tucker (Va.) said that the Committeo on Ways and Means had called upon tho Secretary of tho Treasury for certain information, and until that was obtained it would be impossible for tho minority to present their views. Ho was, therefore, constrained to object to the resolution. Tho House then went into Committeo of tho Wholo (Mr. Ryan, of Kansas, in the chair) on the state of tho Union. Tho first bill on the calendar was one appro priating $230,100 to reimburse the Stato of Massachusetts for certain expenditures for coast defense during the late war. After debate, Mr. Bragg (Wis.) moved to re port tho bill back with a recommendation that tho enacting clause bo stricken out. This was agreed to yeas 05, nays 53. Mr. Hammond f Ga.) from the Committeo on tho Judiciary, submitted a Report on tho mat ter of the contingent member from Nebraska. WEDNESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. In tho House, on Wednesday, tho 17th inst., Mr. Rico (Mo.) called up the special order being tho joint resolution providing for a new mixed commission in accordance with the treaty of April 25, 15GG, with tho United States of Venezuela, and spoko at length in regard to it. Mr. Brown (Ind.) presented the credentials of Charles T. Doxey as Representative from tho 9th Indiana district to succeed the late G. S. Orth, aud Mr. Doxey appeared at the bar of the House and took the oath of office. Mr. Pettibone (Tcrni.;, from the Committc on Elections, submitted the unanimous report of that committee in favor of the claim of J. T. Cain, to ho admitted as a delegate from tho Territory of Utah, and Mr. Cain appeared at tho bar of tho House and took the oath. THE HUE AND CRY. Another Collection of Newsjiapcr Attacks on tho Soldier. Another Suspicious Editor. From the Bloomington (III.) Leader. It will soon cost tho Government more to support tho pensioners than it did to maintain its armies during tho war. There is a suspi cion that extensive frauds upon the good-will of tho people towards its a eterans are being perpetrated. Tho cure is to publish a list of pensioners in tho newspapers. Honorable wounds are meritorious, and the man who receives a stipend for disabilities actually in curred in the service is not a pauper, but simply receiving a tithe of his just dues. Tho Treasury should be protected from false pretenders, how ever, and when it is known who they are their punishment will he swift. 3y aU means pub lish tho pension list. Tho Arrears Bill a Political SIh. From the X. 11 Evening Post. When the arrears bill wa3 passed many Be publicans undoubtedly thought that theii party could not afford to oppose a measura which, as they thought, had tho "soldier ele ment " behind it. Whatha3 been the result? Has the Arrears bill in any way served to save tho Republican party from defeat at the lata elections? On tho contrary, tho Arrears bill, for which tho Republicans wero in a great measure held responsible, was one of tho most prominent items in the eataloguo of Republican cins. Tho people aro in a sober and inquiring mood about theso things. The old catchwords will no longer justify wholesale depletions of the public treasury. Even tho demagogues in. Congress, if they are shrewd, must have found out that they can no longer make anything for themselves by serving the claim agents. TTants Eentley Dsclc. From the Bratllcboro ( Vt.) Eeformer. Tho colossal mistake of President Garfield in removing an honest and painstaking Commis tiioner of Pensions liko Bentlcy to make room for a mero politician from Indiana, Dudley, had its full proof in tho report which the latter worthy mado public last Saturday. Our pen sion list is now the largest in the world; noth ing like it was ever heard of before. The num ber of ex-volunteers who now draw or havo applied for pensions under tho demagogic act of ,lo3 is put by Secretary Folger at 453,553; the number of pensionable relatives of soldiers now dead at 297,566. In other words, moro than three-quarters of a million persons repre senting nearly c ue-third of the soldiers who ever enlisted or fought in the Union army have applied for support. It needs no argument to prove ithat thero cannot he such an enormous number of claimants, .that those who are al ready drawing pensions fraudulently or unde servingly must be numbered by tens and per haps by hundreds of thousands." Is This JIalico or Stupidity. From the A". Y. Witness. The neighbors of many of tho claimants know quite well about tho frauds going on, but aro not willing to volunteer information, and Commissioner Dudley (that unfortunato nomination of President Garfield's) wanted a law to punish those who gave falsa (?) evidence against pension claimants, as if any one could have any interest but that of the public in giv ing information against a claimant. Claim agents ami pension brokers are masftrs of the situation. Tliny incite, direct, and hep claim ants, real aud pretended : manufacture public opinion in their favor, and virtually control Congress aud the Pension Bureau. It is doubt less in anticipation to admit finally tho soHiers of the rebel armies to pensions, in order to ton tinue the revenues of the claim agents. Hundreds and Thousands of Frauds. From the Cleveland leader. It is difficult to imagino why objection should be mado to a publication of the Government pension lists. If the country is interested in rewarding the deserving among its defenders it is equally interested in the prevention of frauds upon the public purse. There arc nearly three hundred thousand pensioners now drawing money from the Treasury, while tho iucreaso in the number of applications is simply enor mous. It is seriously alleged that thero aro hundreds and thousands drawing pensions who were never in the army iu any capacity, people who have been forced upmi the lists by mem bers of Congress who combine to vote their favorites money under false pretenses. Whether this charge against Congressmen bo true or false there can bono uncertainty as to tho great impositions being practiced upon tho Govern ment through tho Pension Office. Thero aro not a few men who, whether having served in i ho army or not. aro taking money to which they are not entitled. They are hale, hearty fellows, quite able to maintain themselves with out Government assistance. An .Utack on tho Right of Petition. Fromthe Philadelphia Times, Ind. It is proposed to increase tho rate of a largo class of pensious, and to effect this tho old method of circtriating petitions, first resorted to successfully in theurrcarsbjll.has been brought into operation. These petitions arc aliko iu form and substance and had their origin, it is said, with thy disreputable order of claim agents who infest Washington. They havo been scut broadcast over tho country with the request to fill them up and forwiurd them to members of Congress. This is a vary familiar game and was carried out so successfully in tho an oars act that the country wUl pay at Ipast iivo hundred million dollars as the singlo tangible result of its experience. Tbo country is now bound for as large a sum in pensions as can justly be asked of it, and its ability to pay i- taxed almost to the limit, lfc will be well if this is recognized before it is" asked to enter upon any new and blind obligations.