/ASHINGTON. Tmml)nirs Civil Service Cleans ing Process Further Bis cussed in the Senate. An Unsatisfactory Compromise Finally Agreed Upon. The Matter to he Farther Consid ered in the Senate To-Day. «Hrnse Debate on a Bill Authorizing the Appointment of a Labor Commission. Akerman’s Prospective Retire ment Authoritatively Announced. The Chicago Custom House Land I Bill Introduced in the Senate. Special Despatch to The Chicago Tribune. THE CUBAN QUESTION. Washington, D. C., Deo. 13.—There is a grow ing speculation in political circles as to the pos fciblefuture complications with Spain, growing out of the Cuban question. At the State Depart ment there are no fears on this score, but in other departments of the government thjq sanguine •view of things is not entertained. There has always been a powerful lobby in existence here •who have never been satisfied with Secretary Fish’s policy in Cuban matters, and this lobby is at present actively intriguing either to bring about the Secretary’s removal, or to have our government adopt a more positive policy in t>>»q respect. THE SPECIAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTEE held a meeting this morning, and made pro visions for dividing the work assigned them to ■various sub-committees. The committee have ported on noth sides of tho house. SPECIE PAYMENT DILL. Several members of the Banking and Currency Committee have announced themselves in favor of Dynch’s Specie Payment bill. SCHENCK. It is denied at the "White House that any word lias been yetrceeived from General Schenck, our Minister to England, which would indicate that he desires to come here. There are late advices fre.m him atthe State Department,but nothing of a personal character. THE REASON WUV. Senator Morton, in an expression used to-night, gave the key to the proceedings of tho Senate to day and yesterday. He said that he regarded Trumbull's resolution, providing for the appoint ment of a Retrenchment Committee, as an attack upon the administration. v ANOTHER SENATE CAUCUS. Tho difference of opinion among Bepublican Senators as to the advisability of appointing tbe committee mcntionedabove,led to another caucus Ibis morning, which far from settled the question. In this caucus, which Lasted two hours, and was characterized hy hitter personal igs, taunts, and retorts, a resolution was n Tee(l to providing for tho appoint ment i* a Retrenchment Committee ■to which 6^ould referred all matters arising u uption in tbe public service. This reso irom con r Eequc-nuyone. onep read by the Mr> ao fitted as an amendment thereto his —Tuininul fiur utioni BO mewhat modified,but which original rc^ e committee power to investigate al rntill gavcjgg 0 j t6 OTm mo tion; also, authority to leged a\ j verso Dg and papers, and to sit during the eiJ 9ss. With the question thus put squirelybe rCre it, the Senate at once plunged into acrimoni. *;us debate. The administration Senators, under the lead of Anthony, Conkllng and Morton, la bored to show that tho present administra tion was so honest that it needed no investigation. Schurz took the report of the Re trenchment Committee made last spring for his text, and exposed frauds and abuses which had grown up in Now York under tho general order system. During his remarks, and in replying to a question from Senator Pattcrson,formerly of that Committee, it came out that Secretary Boutweil wrote a letter last winter strongly condemning the general order system, which letter was sent, with other papers to tho government printing office; but which was not printed with tho bal ance of tli c committee’s report- In explanation of this omission. Senator Patterson signifl cantly stated that it might have been mislaid or lost, but what exactly became of It he old not know. Conkhng, as usual, whenever the Custom House is alluded to. went into a defence •of its administration, and also drew largely upon •tne report for his defence of this institution. I was Ihq. intention of the administration Senators I to sit out the debate on this question to-day, but a motion to adjourn was finally adopted on tho distinct understanding that there should be a vote taken to-morrow, when Wii soa and Trum bull are booked for speeches. Th e vole of tho Senate on the question of appointing this com mittee, stands about 25 to 32 in favor of Anthony’s compromise proposition. [To the Associated Press NOTICE TO DISTILLERS. "WASinsr.TON, Dec. lA—The Commissioner of Internal Revenue states that no assessment will be made against distillers for Christmas day, uro vided work is suspended on that day. The Republican Senators were again in caucus this morning for three hours. The result of their deliberation® was that a committee of retrench ment be appointed the same as the other commit tees, but not jointly with the House, nor with powers as contemplated in Senator Trumbull’s resolution. nominations. The following nominations were sent to the Senate to-day; Assessors of Internal Revenue— VOLUME 25. A. B. Carroll. Second District of Missouri; J. H Boss. Firth District of Indiana. Postmasters—! 8. Pollock, Little Rock, Ark.; C. P. Coffin, Madi son, Ind. S. H. Alban. Register of tho Land Of fice at Stevens’ Point, Wis; D. L. Quan, Receiver in the Land Office at Stevens’ Point, Wis. COLFAX. Dec. 13.—A special, to the Time.?, from Washington, says that Vice President Colfax has informed many prominent Republicans who have questioned him on the subject, that he can not withdraw his refusal to be considered a can didate for renomlnatlon. GOVERNOR PALMER STILL UNSATISFIED, A representative from Governor Palmer, of Illi nois, who is in Washington endeavoring to secure the removal of the Government troops from Chi cago, says that the Governor Is anxious for this, and if it is not done, he will fulminate another proclamation. THE ANGLO-AMERICAN CLAIMS COMMISSION. The United States and British Commission re sumed their session to-day. In the case of John Holmes Hanna vs. the United States, the Com missioners decide that tho United States cannot be held liable for the injuries caused by acts of rebels. APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDED. Tbc Commissioner of Internal Revenue has recommended to tbc President tho appointment of Benjamin J. Sweet, of TUitaois. now Supervisor of that State, to he First Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue. CONGKES SIGNAL. SENATE. Washington, Dec. 13. LAND FOB THE CHICAGO CUSTOM HOUSE. A bill was introduced by Mr. TRUMBULL, providing for the condemnation or purchase, un der tho statute of Illinois, of the remainder of the Custom House Block in Chicago, or a block within two squares thereof, on which to erect a new government building, at the total cost of five millions, two millions of which the bill proposes to appropriate immedi ately. CENSUS EXPENSES. The House bill appropriating moneys for tak ing the last census passed. THE RETRENCHMENT QUESTION. Mr. ANTHONY offered a resolution providing for a standing Committee of Investigation and Retrenchment, to consist of seven members, to be elected by the Senate and have power to in vestigate and report upon such subjects os may be committed to it by tbo Senate. Mr. TRUMBULL moved to amend by a pro vision directing the committee to inquire into tbo expenditures In all branches of the government service: whether any, and also what, offices ought to bo abollshed,and what salaries or allow ances ought to bo reduced, ito.; also giving it power to sit daring the recess of Congress. Mr. SHERMAN favored the original resolution. If any Senator knew of any abuses ho could easily have them referred to the committee, Mr. WILSON favored both propositions. Mr. THURMAN favored tno amendment, and said that the committee which should have pow er to investigate only such charges as might be referred to it by the Senate would bo useless as a means of reforming the public service. Mr. TRUMBULL said if Senators were earnest in their desire to correct abuses in the public ser vice, they would not hesitate to create a com mitttee with sufficient powers. Mr. EDMUNDS said that, considering the number of persons employed in the public ser vice, and tbeir duties, the administration of the government for the last three years would com pare favorably for efficiency and purity with any previous administration whatever, even that of George Washington himself. There was, then, no more need for a committee with extraordinary powers. Mr. THURMAN said there were many persons throughout the country who would not take the round and whitewashing statement of Mr. Ed munds for the purity and efficiency of the public service, but would require further evidence. The Senate might either pass a resolution, which would Indicate a real desire to discover and ex pose abuses, or it might pass the pending resolu tion of Mr. Anthony, winch would show the peo ple that defects and corruptions in the govern ment service were to be whitewashed and cov ered up. The country would bold tbo party of tbcmaioritv responsible. Mr. CASSEELY contended that the committee proposed by Mr. Anthony would bo a mere nul lity, having no power to originate Investigations. He had heard of a transaction connected with one of the highest departments, and a fit subject for investigation, but would not take upon him self to move an investigation unless there were a committee like that proposed by Mr. Trumbull, with power to originate the investigation. Mr. BCHUBZ remarked that this was not by any means a new proposition. It was merely a prop osition on the part of Mr. Trumbull to revive the old Committee on Retrenchment, armed with powers that made the old committee so useful and efficient. The Senator from Vermont (Mr. Edmunds) bad told the Senate that the civil ser vice had improved greatly under the existing ad ministration, and undoubtedly it had, yet iu the whole history of the country it would be difficult or impossible to find four consecutive months during which so many defalcations and embezzlements by public servants have been brought to light as iu the last four months. Most of these cases had been discovered, too, without careful starch or investigation—had been almost stumbled upon, and therefore it was fair to infer that careful investigation would expose a great many now bidden. Now, gentlemen, I tell you whatever may be said of the Improvements that have taken place, the people of the United States ore startled at the frequency and enormity of the disclosures which are made from day to day. Do not give yourselves up to any delusions on the subject. The commercial people are on the point of demanding an honest government, and they want to have all means used for that object that are compatible with the laws of tlie country. They demand the exposure and overthrow of corruption, regardless of the interests of any partv or any person. It seems to me we are standing at the threshhold of a moral revolution that'bids fair to go beyond the overthrow of Tammany Hall,and in that revolution the science ‘how not to do it’ will bo of very little avail. Neither will cheap declamation against corruption in the abstract or against the sinfulness of sin in general avail much. We have had enough; ana the people will not much longer take that worthless curren cy as legal tender. If we wish to serve the coun try and to command its confidence, we have to make clear to the country that we hate no party, more than we hate corruption, and that wo love nb partv more than we love good government.” Mr. C*ONKLING. The question before the Sen ate is whether a committee about to be created shall be created in the ordinary way, or shall.be given powers of an extraordinary character. It is no credit to the Republican party or to any member of it, to profess to oo willing to investigate its administration of affairs, and .to purify whatever is found to need purification, for I undertake to say that never m American history was there a party that had less to deter from rigid investigation, and more to tempt it to go forward. The strength of the Republican party lies largely in the fact that it is able and willing to purify and purge itself. He referred to the Hodge case as evidence tnat the Republican party means to hold public servants to strict accountability. Mr. MORTON declared himself in favor of Mr. Anthony's resolution, because it was broader than Mr. Trumbell’s, and embraced all matters relating to retrenchment. Ho also spoke of the extraordinary purity of the present administra tion, and its promptness in punishing dereliction of duty in its officers, and cited the case of Hodge us an illustration. Mr. CASSERLY asked whether the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Morton) could mention any other case of prompt punishment of a defaulter. Mr. MORTON said he did not remember any at this moment, but he would venture tho assertion that wherever there had been a defalcation brought to the Knowledge of the administration, the defaulter had been punished. Mr. CASSERLY. How about Pension Agent Lawrence, and Collector Bailey 1 Mr. MORTON. They ran away before they were found out. Mr. CASSERLY; Is it an evidence of vigi lance for the government to let its rascals get away The Democrats of New Y’ork .did not let Tweed run away. Mr. MORTON called attention to the fact tnat men who committed defalcations .generally were not of a class that could bo weeded out by any system of civil service reform, because they were intelligent, accomplished men, who could under go any examination successfully. ADJOURNMENT. Without reaching a vote, tho Senate adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. COMMITTEE REPORTS, ETC. •oljbu, ynnrtcd a bill appropriating Claims Commission. Referred to tho Committee of the Whole. Mr. HOOPER, of Utah, introduced hills grant ing various laud privileges to Utah. Referred. Mr. HALSEY', from the Committee on Public Buildings, rex>orted u Dill appropriating $2,000,030 fov the erection of public buildings in Chicago. Referred to tho Committee on Appropriations. Mr. WELLS, from tho same committee, reported a bill appropriating $250,000 for like purposes in St. Louis, which was also similarly referred. AITOnnONMENT DILL. The House then commenced to discuss the Ap propriation bill; but after a long discussion in Committee of the Whole, of no public interest or importance, the committee rose without taking action on it. RULES. Mr. RANDALL, from the Committee on Rules, rex>orted a rule thatthe Speaker appoint on Terri torial Delegate on theJCommittee on Territories, and the Delegate from the District ot Columbia on tbe Committee for tho District of Columbia, such however, not to have tho right of voting in the committee. Tho rule was agreed to. The SPEAKER thereupon appointed Mr. Chaf fee. of Colorado, as a member on the Committee on Territories, and Mr. Chapman as a member of tho Committee for the District of Columbia. THE LABOR QUESTION. Mr HOAR, from the Committee on Education and Labor, reported a bill for the appointment by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate of a commission of three persons, to hold ofllce for two years, unless their duties shall have been sooner accomplished, -who are to investigate the subject of wages and hours of labor, and cap ital between laborer and capitalist, and the social. educational,and sanitary condition of the laboring classes of the United States, and show how the same are affected by the existing laws regulating the commerce, finance and the currency. The pommiesioners are to receive a salary of So,boo each, and may employ a clerk, and they shall re port the result of their investigations to the Preai- Scnt to be by him transmitted to Congress. Mr HOAR moved to mako the bill the special order for Wednesday, the 10th of January, and from dav to dav until disposed of. Mr GARFIELD objected to the continuity of a special order, but was willing to have one day as -61 modified his motion accordingly. The SPEAKER said that the proposition was that the bill should be made the o 6 order to the exclusion of all other orders for ednes day, January 10. Mr. WOOD—I object to that. Mr, KERR—So do I. M Mr. HOAR—Very well, them I move to put the its passage now. r having been read by the Clerk, Mr. K J“}'R moved to lay it on the table, i ho Speaker suited that the gentleman from tlt (Mrs Hoar) had the floor. ROAR then proceeded to explain and ad ci?™* e tdlL He was Quite sure that the moa understood, would receive the almost unanimous approbation of the House. It was veil known that from all parts of the country and of tho civilized world there went up a cry of dis content from the laboring classes. In this country the laboring classes were tho State itself. Congress ought not to be afraid of light. •Lettne sick bo brought into the sunlight, and they would get welL He did not place the bill on the judgment or recommendation of tho Com mittee alone. Tho slight expenditure proposed was duo to tho Judgment of laboring men thorn selves. Tho labor party of his own State, last summer, hod recommended the passage of this very bill, and had, although politically opposed to the Republican party, expressed its gratification and respect for that party in conse quence of its giving attention to this matter. Tho grand International Association of Workingmen, an organization which pervaded Europe, and which was making Its voice heard and its power felt everywhere, bad also asked of Congress this special measure. He was not competent to ex press an opinion on the interesting historical question of the Commune—of the events which took place in Paris last summer. The othersideof the story had not been heard; but one thing was known, that there was a cause in existence and an object in view which had led those working people in Paris, young men and young women, in tho morning of Itfo, not merely from Che Ignorant or oppressed classes, hut from the classes of cul ture, of family ties, la some cases of wealth, to go down to their deaths calmly, heroically, and as cheerfully as over a bridegroom went to his mar riage feast; and he did not believe that the causoQ which had inspired such heroism was a cause which was not entitled to the respect of Americans everywhere. The In ternational Association of European and Ameri can Workingmen had a title to respect for having established a relationship and recognized a kin dred among men of all nations. Mr. DAWES expressed surprise that Messrs. Kerr and Wood should have raised objections to tho bill, and that they had not had their attention called to the fact that no subject was looming up la the near future that demanded more care from legis lators than the question of reconciliation of labor and capital. Ho hoped that his friend’from Indi ana (Mr. Kerr) would withdraw the motion to lay the bill on the table, and either consent to having a single day sot apart for its consideration, or else permit its passage at this time. Mr. KELLY, of Pennsylvania, thought that Congress should authorize the appointment of tho proposed commission. This government could not afford to permit tho laboring people of any portion of the country to fall into tho condition of tho labor ing people of England, France, Austria, or Belgium. Congress should look to it that they -whose skill ana toil open mines and coal banks, and convert the ores into metals and into all forms of utility and beauty; those who shear sheep and wash wool, and spin and weave it; those who convert the apparently arid field Into cotton and all its useful and beautiful fabrics, shall not live in ignorance nor die in want. Their toil and resources are capital quite enough to banish poverty from the land, except as a re sult of intemperance. Tho morning hour having expired, the bill went over. FOREIGN. latest Bulletins Concerning the Prince of Wales’ Condition. Great Britain. New York, Dec. 13.—At noon, says the Lon don Times, the Prinoo of Wales was still living, with no change for tbo bettor. London, Dec. 13,2 p. m.—The official bulletins to-day are os follows: Sandringham, 8 a. m.—The Prince passed a restless night. There is no improvement in his condition.” Noon— The condition of the Prince at this hour Is unchanged.” London, Dec. 13,3 p. m.—The Times' extra con. tains the following: King’s Lynn, Near Sandringham.— ln the case of the Prince, there has been no alteration to the first stages of eonvalesenco as every one had a right to expect.” A telegram to the Echo says: Delirium is con stant, but not violent. He docs not rave, but mutters incoherently, hour after hour, without cessation.” A Herald special from London, dated 12, noon, says; The recovery of the Prince appears to be impossible. In the case of his death, a Council of Regency will probably bo created, composed of the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Unburgb, the Princess of Wales, and perhaps others. This is likely to take place immediately, and be follow ed by a discussion upon the power of the present Parliament to continue its sessions, or whether it is necessary to the country as an extraordinary occasion.” London, Dec. 13.— The latest bulletins this afternoon say that tbo Prince Las been very un-4 quiet all the afternoon, and tbo gravity of hla symptoms remains unabated. London, Dec. 13.— There Is ;a feeling in some circles that the official bulletins bavo represented the case of tbe Prince of Wales to be worse than it really is, in order to arouse sympathy for tbe Prince, and make him popular. London, Dec. 13—11 p. m.—A bulletin issued from Sandringham at 10 p. m., by the physicians In attendance on the Prince of Wales, says His Royal Highness has passed a less unquiet even ing. Unofficial despatches from Sandringham, however, are unfavorable. The lung symptoms are reported to bo most distressing. Bombay, Deo. 13.—The Parseos of this city have offered prayers for the restoration of the health ot the Prince of Wales. London, Dec. 13.—Tho British Foreign Otfiee has sent instructions to all its agents abroad to investigate the organization .of the various branches of the International Society in tho coun tries to which they are respectively accredited, and report thereon to the government. The strike of the telegraph employes is dying out. The men are returning to work in all tho principal cities without accomplishing their ob ject. and the movement has proved a failure. London, Dec. 13.—Tho party of observers of tbe total eclipse of tho sun in the Southern hem ispheres, report that the photographs of the cor ona obtained are perfect, and the result must bo conclusive of several points regarded by modern astronomers as needing more thorough demon stration. France. Pahis, Dec. 13.—An accident, caused by a col lision, occurred to-day to the Boulougne tidd train on tho Northern Railway, near SurvllUera. Seven persons were injured, and the locomotive destroyed. Spain. Madrid, Dec. 13.—There is a rumor that a Min isterial crisis is approaching, and that a dissolu lion of the Cortes is imminent. Canada. Toronto, Deo. 13.—The debate in tho Ontario Legislature on the address in reply to tho Lieu tenant Governor's speech occupied Monday and Tuesday, and will be continued to-day. On a motion coming from the government side for adjournment last evening, tho government were defeated by a vote of 33 to 35. It is questionable whether tho government will bo aolo to carry tho address, Blake, tho leader of tho opposition, having moved an amendment. There is a good deal of excitement, and tbo House is crowded every evening. West Indies, New Y’ork, Deo. 13.—Arrivals from the West Indies state vessels passing Turk’s Island have been boarded from there with a request to bring cargoes in free of duty, os the inhabitants were Starving. Havana, Deo. 13.—Reports received from tho sugar district relative to the now crox> are very favorable. The canc is yielding well. A document has been Issued by prominent In surgents, who hare lately surrendered to the gov ernment, and which is signed by Recclos Sandlvi ar, several Aqueros, throe Horros, Betancourt, Melchor Bernal, twoVaronas, and over thirty two hundred others of lesser importance. It is dated Puerto Principe, and says: “In the future we will adhere to the throne of Spain, and are DflVo aid the government. Wo the country failed to support us, and foreigners failed to send us aid. The Government of Spain is now sufficiently strong to maintain the integ rity of the territory.” Not a house is left stand ing in the whole country between Los Turos and Moron, and the desolation that prevails is terrible. All the hopes of the insurgents of succeeding politically have been given up, and the destruc tion ef the country has been rapidly going on. Fifteen thousand insurgents have surrendered during the past year iu tho Central Department, and state, individually aud collectively, that they are ready to perform whatever duty may be re quired of them as good and honest Sx>aniards. Russia. London, Dec. 13.—A special from St. Peters burg states that yesterdaj-the Czaro witch Alex ander, in a quarrel, assaulted Prince Dcrcuss, the German Minister. Friends interfered, aud tho parties were separated. The incident caused an excitement, although there la no reason to appre hend any interruption of the good relations be tween Russia and Germany, as the quarrel is be lieved to be wholly personal. Mexico. New Y'ork, Dec. 13. —A Matamoraa special says that merchants and foreigners there have re fused to respond to the call for a loan of $i0.003. General Cortina is believed to bo acting secretly with tho revolutionists. There are no funds in the Government Treasury at Matamoras, and it is believed that the road to the City of Mexico will soon be closed by the revolutionists, and a body of revolutionists from Monterey and Saltillo is believed to bo marching on Mata moraa. r Union League of America. Philadelphia, Dec. 13. —The National Execu tive Committee of the Union League of America met to-aay. An able address was delivered by Governor Geary, in which he particularly warn ed .the Republican party against the passive policy now proclaimed by the Democrats, de nouncing it as a snare. The national officers were re-elected for the next year, a series of resolutions was adopted, heartily endorsing the administration of General Grant aud pledging the Union League to sustain the Republican nominee, whoever he may be, for President in 1872. The Sonih Carolina Kn-Klox Trials. Columbia, S. C., Dec. 13.—1n the Ku-Klux court to-day, a witness confessed that he was a member of the Klun,which,he said,was formed in 1868 for self-defence and to prevent incendiarism. The town of Yorkvillo was threatened to bo de stroyed by negroes, and many gin-houses had already been burned. The defence produced witnesses to show the urgent need of an organization for defensive pur poses. CHICAGO, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1871. STATE LEGISLATURE. The Temperance Bill Ordered to a Third Reading in the Honse. House Progress on the Eminent Domain Bill. The Principle of Special Benefits Meets with Much Opposition. EdEoll’s Incorporation Bill—Amendments in the Interest of Municipal Keform. Special Despatch to The Chicago Tribune. THE CREDIT FONCIER DILL. Springfield Deo. 13.—The bill prepared by Mr. Greencbanm was reported back to tho House •this-morning In tho form of a substitute which was much larger than tho. original, hut does not differ from it materially. There is a slight but vexatious opposition to it in tho Cook County del egation. FEES OF COOK. COUNTY OFFICERS. Two or three persons have. boon for some time working on members in behalf of officers in Cook County, whose fees it is attempted to reduoo. They have not attempted to take the ground that tho Cook County Recorder’s fees were uncon. stitutional, for that is not tenable, owing to the fact that Cook County occupies a special position; but they assert that tho productive power of tho fees has been greatly overrated. This has natur ally had considerable effect, and has diminished the interest, never very great, which members took in the subject. THE REVENUE DILI, will come up to-morrow noon, after tbe Mayor’s bill. There is a growing fooling among the far mers that it will be a good thing for them to al low of the deduction of debts, for then, when they have gotten cattlo and have not paid for them, they can deduct the debt from the value of the cattle, but to this there arc serious objections. Tbe Senate Revenue Committee will probably decide to allow tbe deduction of debts in listing credits. Their bill should be reported to the Senate this week. EMINENT DOMAIN. The long discussion to-day on tho Eminent Do main bill, or rather tho point whether benefits shall he allowed, did not so strongly indicate tho gains which have been made by those opposed to that doctrine as do tbe private statements of members. These declarations of persons who last summer fought Nelson’s bill, that they now approve of its principles, are tho strongest evi dence that tho lower house will not pass a bill which has in it tho principle of special benefit. Some of these members who have thus changed front have been influenced by recent decisions of tbo Supreme Court on this subject, and arguments then made, or by more thorough investigation, while others profess they have seen groat injus tice done under tho operations of the old system. Mr. Nelson and those who agree with him feel groat confidence of success, and those who are opposed to him are by no means as sure ns they were hist spring. It is therefore very likely that power to make local improvements iu Chicago by special taxation will not bo given, in view of the fact that whatever bill is passed, this question will inevitably come before the courts. Mr. Short proposed simply to enact tho language of the constitution, and leavo the matter to tho courts, without any attempt on the part of tho Legislature to define what just compensation should or wouldnot consist in. It was, however, lost, being voted against by those most warmly opposed to benefits. The question will bo re sumed to-morrow morning just before tho May ors’ bill comes up, and may crowd it out. INCORPORATION RILL. The Senate has decided to work away at Ed sall’s incorporation bill forclties until It gets done with it, and spent much of to-day on it, tho most important thing being the adoption of Wood ward’s amendment, by which the size of wards is Increased, six aldermen chosen from each one, and three men elected yearly by free vote. This is a compromise between those who want tho board elected by a vote of tbe whole city and those who want two boards. It was adopted by a decided vote, although It was objected to by those who ars opposed to tho minority plan and some who want two boards. Those who voted in tho negative were Crawford, Donahue, Eddy, Edsall, Hampton, Hunter, Kerr, Langley, Little, Nicholson, Benter, Solomon, Strovall. All the Chicago Senators present supported it. To moke the bill harmonious the numberof Aider men to which Chicago will be entitled was fixed at thirty-six. Then, with but little opposition, tho provision requiring tho concurrence of tho Council in tho removal by the Mayor of officers appointed by him, was put out. It beiug felt to bo untenable. The provisions in regard to tho as sessment of taxes, which are not altogether satis factory, so far as Chicago is concerned, were stricken out, leaving that matter to be regulated In tho Revenue bill. Tho consideration of tho measure will be continued to-morrow. ACCIDENT TO A SENATOR. Senator Eplcr fell down a stairway loading to his olllce last night, and was badly Injured. It is understood that his skull was fractured. LEGISLATIVE. SENATE. Springfield, Deo. 13. Met at 10 a. m., Senator FULLER presiding. ABSENTEES. f The absentees were Messrs. Boyd, Epler, and Jewett. the temperance bill. Consideration of Senate bill No. 298 (Temper auco bill) was resumed, tho question being upon the amendment of Mr. Bungs, to require a bond of $15,000 of liquor dealers. Aiter some considerable discussion the amend ment was withdrawn. Mr. HARLAN moved to reconsider the vote by which the.Senato refused to strike out Section 4. This section makes it unlawful to get drunk, and imposes a fine of $5 and costs for Intoxication. The section was stricken out—yeas,27 nays,l6. Mr. "WHITING offered an amcndmeutprovidlng that the provisions of tho bill shall not apply to ale, beer, native wine, or cider. The amendment was favoredby Messrs. KERR, BISHOP, CARTER, DOKE, and MAR3II. and opposed by Messrs. LANGLEY, WOODARD, HAMPTON. EDDY, and LITTLE. Mr. CARTER moved to amend tho amendment by providing that such liquors shall not by sold without a license. Mr. Carter’s amendment was adopted—yeas, 23; nays, 22. The question recurring upon the amended amendment, It was rejected—yeas, 14; nays, 31. Mr. CRAWFORD moved to amend by providing that the fines might bo collected separately from the penalty of imprisonment. Lost, decidedly. Mr. BTKEVELL offered an amendment provid ing for a bond of $3,000, conditioned to pay all damages arising from the sale of intoxicating liquors. Mr. LANGLEY moved to strike out $3,000 in tho amendment, and insert SIO,OOO. Lost—yeas, 2; nays, 38. The question recurring on Mr. StrovoU’s amend ment, it was adopted—yeas, 21: nays, 20. Mr. HARLAN moved to amend by inserting drugstoresamongthoplaces named where liquors shall not bo used without a license. Adopted- Mr, LANDRIGAN moved to strike out tho pro visions allowing $2 per day to tho party taking care of any intoxicated person. Lost. Tho bill was ordered to a third reading under the pressure of the previous question. INCORPORATION OF CITIES AND VILLAGES. The special order, being Senate bill 178, to pro vide for tho Incorporation of cities and villages, tiii oflar.TaotSoifißU'itfui'steai' WrsSr?*S; tho committee so much as struck out of the bill the provision authorizing City Councils to license and regulate the selling of intoxicating liquors. It was ordered that Bill 178 be continued from day to day until disposed of. NEW DILLS. In the afternoon Blr. MICHELSON introduced a mil to fix the compensation of members of tho next General Assembly. It repeals the present constitutional provisions. Mr. BUSH introduced a bill to promote recla mation of swamps and overflowed lands. __ INCORPORATION BILL. 1 The consideration of the Incorporation bill was resumed. Mr. Holcomb’s motion was adopted, leaving the bill as it was—yeas, 39; nays. 3. r e P° rt was concurred in. Mr. WOODARD offered tho following amend ment to Section 4, Article 4; “Thatin cities con taining a population exceeding 100.000, tho City Council shall, from time to time, divide the city into one-sixth as many wards as the total number i 3. uen t0 which the city is entitled, and three Aldermen shall annually no elected in and for each ward, to hold their office for two years, and until a successor is elected and qualified. In all elections for Aldermen each voter may cast as many votes for one candidate as there are Alder men to be elected, or may distribute tho same, or equal parts thereof among the candidates as he shall see fit, and candidates highest in votes shall be declared elected.” Blr. CRAWFORD was of opinion that half of the Aldermen should bo elected from wards, and the remainder upon a general ticket. Blr. LANGLEY favored the idea advanced by Mr. Crawford, but even that did not go far enough. Ho was in favor of electing all Alder men on a general ticket. He wanted to do this to get ridof a contemptible class of politicians called "ward-bummers,” which, as a general thing, controlled all city and town elections. Mr. BORE preferred the bill now in tbo House, creating an additional legislative body in cities exceeding one hundred thousand. Mr. EDSALL did not think, it advisable to go further with a minority representation than is now provided. Blr. WOODARD argued that his proposition would prevent all cliques, caucus combinations, press nominations and fire-proof tickets, from any and all of which no good results will ensue. Blr. STREYELL maintained that tho allitera tion of party lines would not cure tho evils com plained of by the Senator from Cook. Tho major ity must rule. Tho true way is to sot one party to watch another. Bllncrity representation network well in Chicago. The principle to. Now York, and witness the result. It would be just so in Chicago. Minority representation placed power in tho hands 6f bad men, and ho was or opinion that the system would work disastrously. Blr. DORE took occasion to say that ho was op posed to minority representation, but was anxious to see It In operation, especially in tho municipal affairs of Chicago. The amendment was adopted—yeas, 23; nays, 13. Mr, WOODARD moved fo further amend the bill by providing that in all cities exceeding 100,- 000 population thirty-six Aldermen' should .bo elected. Adopted. Mr. WJLKINSON moved to amend by striking from the roll all relating to assessment and col lection 6f taxes. This may be termed a regular sweeper, as it strikes out nearly clghtpages of the printed bill. The effect of tins amendment is to prevent duplication of the offices of Assessor ana Collector. Adopted. Mr. KERR moved to amend by providing that Mayors shall ho citizens of the United States,and reside within the city limits. Adopted. Also to amend by providing that tho Mayor shall have power to remove any officer of his own appoint ment without requiring tho approval of two thirds of the* City Council/ Mr. CRAWFORD was of opinion that such re moval should be approved bv a majority of the Council, and offered an amendment to-Mr. Kerr’s motion to that effect. Mr. ALEXANDER made a point of order that Mr. Crawford’s motion went to tho hill, and not to Mr. Kerr’s amendment. Sustained. The question recurring upon Mr. Kerr’s motion, it was adopted. Mr. CRAWFORD moved to strike oat tho provi sion authorizingthe committal of children to the reform school for non-payment of fines for viola tion of city ordinaiiceS. Adopted. Mr. ST ARNE moved an amendment providing that any city may supply out-lying •Tillages, or manufactories outside. Their limits with water from tho: Waterworks, contracts to ho made for not more than five-years at one time. /-Adopted. Tho hill was recommitted to Mr. Edsall ror re vision. Adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 1 MUNICIPAL LEGISLATURES. Mr. CAMPBELL tried to get his bill to estab lish tho legislative authorities of cities made a special order for Friday morning, but the rules were not suspended. REVENUE RILL. The Revenue bill was made a special order for to-morrow forenoon. THE CREDIT FONCIER BILL. The Committee on Corporations reported hack a substitute for Henry Greonehaum’s bill, with the recommendation that it bo adopted. It is not essentially changed from its original form, ex cept that tho minimum of capital is lowered to $300,00©, and tho limit of tho life of tho corpora tion Is twenty-five years, at which time, however, it cau renew Its existence for another term. TAX BILL. Tho Senate bill for the collection of taxes In cities and incorporated towns," was read for tho first time, and sent to tho Committee on Revenue. ASKS TO BE EXCUSED. Colonel MORRISON, of Monroe, asked to bo re lieved from duty on tho Committee on Burnt Records. H§ understood they would have to go to Chicago for information, and he had no time to go to Chicago to find a lobby. There was one hero. No action was taken on it. EMINENT DOMAIN. Mr. HAINES said the Senate was out of work, and suggested to take up House bills on a third rending instead of the Eminent Domain bill. The motion failed. Tbe House went into Committee of the Whole on the subject of eminent domain, having before It several bills, tbo real question at issue, how ever, being on allowing special benefits. Messrs. SANFORD and ROOT thought it wise lo dlscusshnd pass on the general principle in volved before going to work on details. Finally they decided to take up what is known as Nelson’s bill, which docs not recognize special benefits, and the first section of which says that compensation shall not bo made in benefits. Mr. SPRINGER offered an amendment to the first section, providing that cities, towns, and villages shall have power to make local improve ment by special assessment or special taxation of contiguous property or otherwise. In such man ner as may bo prescribed by law. Mr. Springer thought it almost Impossible to build up a city without special assessments. Mr. SHORT moved, as a substitute, that they simply enact the language of the constitution on the subject, and leave it to the courts to decide as to tho mutter of benefits. 3fr. WAITE favored air. Springer’s amendment, nnd thought it unjust not to charge special bene fits when a man's property was increased in value. Ho spoke at length m opposition to the principle of Nelson’s bill, when applied to cities. Without special assessments they could have no equal taxation, and poor men would be oppressed. Special assessments had made cities grow, and the number of those who complained was very email. Tbo committee rose. RAILROAD RILL. In tho afternoon, Sir. DWIGHT offered a bill to authorize railroad companies whoso road was located to change intermediate points. EMINENT DOMAIN. The House went into Committee of tho Whole on tho Eminent Domain bill. Mr. SHAW made an able speech, opposing special benefits, and reviewing the course of de cisions of tbo Supreme Coart on the subject, which was listened to very attentively. Mr. CASEY, of Jefferson, favored Mr. Short’s proposition, and rather seemed to lean to special assessments. Mr. NELSON followed on his side of tho case and spoko-at length, and was attentively hoard by tbo House. Ho opposed Mr. Short's proposi tion and wanted the House to decide tho matter, and not leave It to the courts or to a jury to de cide. Sir. HAINES opposed Mr. Springer's amend ment, since it was irrelevant to tho bill, and also opposed Mr. Short’s motion, sinco it left the mat ter to a jury. His remarks were strongly in op position to special benollts, making a very telling speech. He denied that the adoption of the sys tem would check the making necessary public improvements, Mr. SHORT’S amendment was lost. Mr. KEKRICK offered an amendment to tho amendment providing that when any city deter mined to make any public improvement, or con struct any public work whereby private property was taken or damaged, tho jury sworn to assess the damages should take into consideration the special benefits accruing to the owner of tho pro perty taken. He drew a distinction between the taking of land by railroad or by municipal cor porations. If theydld not adopt his amendment, tho growth of the cities of Illinois was at an end. Mr. CAVAN moved to proceed to vote. Mr. CAMPBELL moved that the committee rise- Agreed to—ayes, 70; noes, 61. Adjourned. anssoußi. St. Lons, Dec. 13.—Tho ItSpnhlican’s Jefferson City special says tho Liberal Republican caucus to-night was attended by 13 members of tho House. A meeting of the State Liberal Commit tee will be held on Friday night. The resolutions provided for presentation to tho caucus were therefore deferred, speeches were made by Lieutenant Governor and others, all of whom avowed their determination to adhere to principles enunciated by the Liberal party tills fall, and denounced tho centralizing military pol icy of General Grant. Lieutenant Governor Gravelly said ho heartily endorsed the principles upon which Governor Brown was elected, and expected to act with tho Liberal Republicans. He was opposed to uniting with the Democrats or tho Republican party unless they endorsed his principles. Mr. Frost said he would co-operate with that party which puts forward tho candidate lie thinks most likely to succeed. Olherepeakers accorded with these views, and were in favor of tho Missouri policy. Tho caucus adjourned, to meet again on Friday evening. MICHIGAN. The Commercial Convention—Temporary Organization Adjournment—'The De troit A* Bar City Railroad Under Con tract —An Honorable Discharge* Detroit, Dec. 33.—The Commercial Conven tion, to consider tho question of cheap transpor tation between the Northwest and tho seaboard, met bore at 10 o’clock In the Board of Trade rooms. There was a largo attendance of dele gates. Governor Baldwin, of this State, was made temporary Chairman, and delivered the ad dress of welcome. Tho usual preliminary com mittees were appointed, and tho convention ad journed till after dinner. The projected Detroit Bay City Railroad is certain to be built, the contract for its construc tion having been let to H. H. Smith, who has just completed tho Detroit, Lansing Lake Michigan Road. Tho company are to complete taeir sub scriptions in this city and along the route, and secure tho right of way as far as Vassar. When thCBO con.Utlono aro complied with, Mr. Smith Is to immediately commence the work and complete the same within one year thereafter. The north ern terminus of the road has not been fully de termined upon, but it will bo at some point on the Saginaw River. Dennis Carroll, arrested on suspicion of being the murderer of Mr. Miller, in Greenfield, Mich., bos proven an alibi and been honorably dis charged. Telegraphic Brevities. —A Burlington paper reports that Dr. S. C. Thompson, Treasurer of Decatur County, lowa, Ims absconded with SI,BOO of tho county funds. Ho was last heard of in Chicago, from which place bo wrote to his friends that ho was going to commit suicide. —The reception of Alexis, at Toronto, by his own request will be incognito, and the-proposed bail will not be given on account of the illness of the Prince of Wales. —Abraham P. Grant, of Oswego, mot his death on Tuesday morning last, by falling down a flight of stairs at tho residence of Mr. Allen, his brother-in-law. Mr. Grant was the oldest mem ber of the Oswego bar, and has for many years been actively identified with the business inter ests of the city. —The schooner Take Forest, which has been ice-bound for some time, has been towed Into port at Buffalo This is the lost of tho lake fleet to come in there. —Hon. Wm. Cox Ellis, ox-member of Congress,, a prominent Mason and the oldest member of tho Lycoming County (Pa.) bar, died at Muncy, Pa., yesterday. v —David T, Sberman. an oldjand well-known resi dent of Springfield, 111., for manv years connect ed with tho public works of that city, and ono of the first contractors on the Chicago Altou Railroad, died yesterday. —Edwin Foster, an inmate of the Insane Insti tute at Hartford, Conn., escaped on Tuesday evening and was run over by the cars and in stantly killed. Ho belonged to Grand Rapids, Bllch. —The Tennessee Legislature has enacted a law fixing tho rate of taxation at 40 cents on the one hundred dollars worth of property, and has sub jected many things to taxation hitherto untaxed. The revenue raised under tho now law will prob ably bo enough to pay the expenses of tho State, leaving tho interest on tho bonded debt unpro vided for. —A Columbia, S. C., despatch states that the government witnesses against Legann, Foster, and fiiitchcll, charged with conspiracy against tho government, have divulged tho full secrets of the Ku-Klnx of South Carolina, and gave accounts of seven differentraids with their concomitants of rapine, whipping, and disgusting brutality. —Tbo vote m the California Republican Legis lative caucus stood for Senator: Sargent, 54: Cole, 13; Felton, 3; Phelps, 1; Hale, 1. Sargent’s friends are rejoicing greatly, as the nomination la equivalent to an election. NEW YORK. Collapse of Anotliar 11 Ring Bank in New York City. The Government Bank EtauP liter Seriously Implicated. Daily Review of the Leading Markets. Special Despatch to Tho Chicago Trflratss ANOTHER BANK FAILURE. New York, Dec. 13. —To-day another Ring bank, the Eighth National, failed and went Into the hands of a Receiver. Tho immediate caugo*of the failure was tho refusal of tho Butchers’ tad Drovers’ Bank, through which it cleared at the Clearing House, to act for it longer. Among the Directors are Charles G. Cornell, one of the Tam-*- many Sachems, and Henry Smith, President of the Police Board. There are rumors afloat about (lie Tenth National Bank, which Is also identified with the members of the late ring. Among tho banks which wore weak in resources, accord ing to the bank statement of December 9, were the Eleventh Ward Germania, Bull’s Head Dry Goods, and Second National. The statements about Mr. Collcnder, tho Bank Examiner, arc not at all creditable to him. It is charged that he covered up tho condition of tho Ocean Bank be cause it was lending him money on his memoran dum check. The New York Clearing House As sociation, at the meeting yesterday, passed the following resolutions: Scsolzai, That it is tho deliberate and matured opin ion of the bank officers hero present that thoineum beutof the office of Government Examiucrof Banka for this city lias ceased to command tho confidence of the banks of this city. Hesolval, That the President of the Clearing House Association be requested to address a letter to the Conpttollerof the Currency, asking that ho be re moved, and a competent person appointed in his place. THE MONEY MARKET was active early at 7 per cent currency to 7 per cenf gold, and 1-16 per cent was paid for turning stocks; but toward tbo close tbe supply became abundant at 6 to 7 per cent, with exceptions at 5 per cent. The Broadway Bank is calling in loans to prepare for disbursements on Friday for ac count of tiio city government the government bond market was strong and advanced. At tbo Assistant Treasurer’s the proposals for government bonds amount to only $323,700, at prices ranging between 109 C 2-100 and 109 22-100. The awards amounted to $43,700, at 109 24-100 to 199 22-100. The Assistant Treasurer paid out to-day, for redemption of 5-20 bonds. $480,000, making tne total to dato $18,580,- 000. Union Pacific first mortgage bonds closed at Plo9l 1-4; land grants, 78 l-2a78 7-8; incomes 81 a 83 1-2 ;"stock, 27 l-8a27 3-8, and Central Pacific gold bonds, loaaios 3-4. the foreign exchange market was quiet. Prime bankers’ 69 days’ sterling bills arc quoted at 109 to 1091-3. THE COLD MARKET whs firmer. The price opened at 1091-2, advanced to 109 5-8, declined to 1091-4, and closed at 3p. m. at 109 3-8. The rates payed for carrying were 7 per cent gold, .6 1-2. C, 7, and 5 per cent. After the hoard adjourned the quotations were 1091-4 to 109 3-8. THE STOCK MARKET was heavy, and declined in the morning, and in tho afternoon became strong, and advanced from 1-4 to 1 3-4 per cent. Lake Shore, Western Union, and Pacific Mail wore the most active. Pacific Mail advanced 13-1 per cent, and Western Union 1 per cent. breadstuffs. The heavy rain storm of to-day interfered with business at the Produce Exchange. Tho flour market was dull; most holders declined to yield to sell. Choice family, and all Minnesota extras were firm and in fair demand. At the close tho market was irregular and tame for low grades, but very firm for better qualities. The wheat market was dull, but firm. There was vqry little doing. Choice, amber white were held with much confidence. Corn was less active and heavy, but most sellers declined to yield. (To tbe Associated Press.} the dank suspensions. The Eighth National Bank, which is not a regu lar member of tho Associated Banks, to-day was refused further clearing accommodations by tbe Butchers’ and Drovers’ Bank. The last statement of the Eight National was Assets, $153,900; lia bilities, $584,400. Confidence seems to bo shaken in the outside banks by disclosures showing that Bank Exam iner Callender has been using the money of the Ocean Bank to build the Portage Canal. There is a rumor that two other banka are In difficulty, but the atorv is not verified- Later.—The suspension of the Eighth National Bunk is announced. It is stated that an investigation of the affairs of the Ocean National Bank shows that the only assets in the bank were $90,000, of which $75,000 were cheeks of thelTnlted Stated Bank Examin er. Callender’s claim is covered by notes of min ing, canal, and other miscellaneous stocks at the West, entirely unknown in this market, and com paratively worthless. The $75,000 advanced to Callender were used to build a canal in Michigan. The Receiver promises a statement to-day. Tho statement of tho Receiver of tho Ocean Bank to-day, shows tho liabilities to be $1,316,000. Assets, $2,600,000, of the latter, $1,630,000 are good, tho rest doubtful. Stock of the Ocean Bank sold at 20 per cent to-day, against 80, two daysago. At noon to-day a report obtained circulation on Wall street that the Eighth National Bank was in difficulty. On inquiry at tho Clearing House, it was ascertained that this bank is not a member of tho association, but did it-* clearances through the Butchers’ and Drovers* Bank. Inquiry among tho Wall street banks showed that there was good foundation for the rumor that tho Butchers’ and Drovers’ Bank had this morning discontinued its accommodations to the Eighth National Bank. The statement of tho Eighth National on Satur day showed tho following: Assets—Legal tenders, 165,906. Liabilities—Deposits, $154,400; olreula lon, $260,000. Since the disclosures-in tho Ocoin Bank case, where among the assets was included a $70,000 check of Callendar, tho Bank Examiner, on the' Portage Canal Security, confidence has been shaken in the wceklj* statements of the banks, and a close investigation is being made Into their true character. Itisrumored on the Stock Board that two other banks are in difficulty, but tho report is denied in well informed circles, and it la not to be fully credited. GOVERNOR HOFFMAN AND THE INTERNATIONALS. Governor Hoffman to-day informed tbs com mittee of Internationals that he could not deter mine what course he should pursue in regard to the contemplated parade until he heard from the police authorities. PROPOSED REFORMS. At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the State Council, at Albany, a political reform reso lution was adopted, to the effect that tho New York officials implicated in frauds be prosecuted criminally and civilly, and that tho Legislature amend the constitution by prohi jiting all sectari an appropriations. ERIE RAILWAY MATTERS. At a meeting of the Erie stockholders,-"W. B. Clarke, President of the Now York Stock Ex change, Reuben Marley, and A. D. Williams were appointed a committee to confer with the Ameri can stockholders opposed to the present manage ment. John Swan was present on behalf of the English shareholders. A future meeting is to be called. At 2 p. m. to-day the Erie Railway Company restored $50,000 shares of Erie stock claimed by tho English bondholders. Tho certificates were handed to Commissioner White, who transferred them to the conssel for the defence. Tho remain ing 10,650 shares, claimed by Gould and Fisk as tbelr personal property, are still hold subject to reference to decide tho ownership. PERSONAL. Eev. Robert Collyor, of Chicago, will lecture in Brooklyn, on Tuesday night, on “Robert Burns.'' TUE FENIANS. A leading Fenian states that there Is no truth in tho reported movements of the Fenians in Eng land, in case of tho Prince of Wales” death. DISTRESSED LABORERS. A number of unpaid laborers yesterday made threats against Comptroller Green and Paymas ter Cady, on account of tho non-payment of their wages. The laborers allege that their families are suffering for fuel and food. Thocanso of tho trouble is that the pay-rolls are withheld at Tweed’s department. HARBOR ABUSES. Tho joint committee of the Ship-Owners’ Asso ciation, on the subject of harbor abases, report that the amount of blackmail levied upon the shipping ig not less than $200,00P annually by a single Harbor-Master. Tho total tax upon tho commerce of tho port for tho mere berthing and mooring of vessels by the aid of Harbor-Masters Is moderately estimated at §1,000.000 a year. Not one tenth of this amount is legal. Tho Su premo Court of the United States has, in two in stances, decided that all tonnage tax on shipping by State authority is unconstitutional, notwith standing which these fees are regularly collected through the Custom House, solely because a commission is allowed for the collection. The committee suggest tho total abolition of the system of Harbor Blasters as illegal and unnecessary, and recommend that tho entire control of docks and movements of vessels be placed under the direction of tho Dock Commis sion, and remain free from expense to shipping, and that tho co-operntlou of the Committee of Seventy has been asked to favor this reform. TO BE REVOKEp. It is reported that the Police Commissioners will revoke theorder forbidding the International parade. MINISTER BCIIENCK. A Washington special says General Sebenck our Minister to England.Jhavlng accomplished his purpose with reference to the Treaty of Washington, and regarding his personal interest hero as imperative, has requested the President to name lus successor, and call him home. The Wharton Itlarder Cate, Assatolis, Dec. 13.-In tho Wharton trial, P®Ptor Marshal Frey testified that the prisoner told him, July 7, the circumstances of Ketohum’s Illness that she purchased tartar emotio during that time; that she intended to go to Europe, but would not till the matte? was cleared up- She NUMBER 128. offered him a roll of money as a present, which ho declined- In a subsequent conversation with Mrs. 'Wharton, witness questioned her closely about the purchase of the tartar emetic, and whether It was kept where tho servants had ac cess to it. Sho stated it was purcharodjby her self, kept in her pocket, and the servants could not get it. During these conversations; which occurred four or five times, Mrs. Whajton said that the old gentleman (Ketchum) was peculiarly in the habit of drugging himself, end he might have taken tartar emetic by mistake; In a conversation between Friday* night and Ssfeday sho again insisted on giving him money. Atrthls time the note was spread oat. It was a twstty r dollar hill she offered, telßng him to huy himself a present. il. D. Loney testified to prisoner making Ketch* urn a sangaree of brown stout on Tuesday after ternoon, and that she said he took it. nxnroiSv 7 Amriual Ittming of the State* ZSorticaltn* ral Society or jracksenTirW. Special Despatch to The Chicago ■Tribune. Jacksonville, Dec. 12.— The flffeenCa annual meeting of the Dlinois State Horticultural So ciety began in tbhrclty at U'a.ra.,Arthur Bryant, of Princeton, President of tho society, called the meeting to- order. Tho meeting: was opened -With prayer. The President' then de livered his opening address, which ,wa» re plete with good suggestions an 9 sotsnd advice, Mr. Hoggins,the Treasurer of the society, submitted)his report, showing'a balaccolnSTie treasury of-$709. Thc'Sfccrctarj*; Mr. O. B." Ga2u v sha, read his anUnal report, showing a mosc’ilutrr rfahiug condition of fhe society. The report? 'were referred to the Auditing Committee, and'tfe- address to especial committee. Prof. J. B. Turner delivered an address of WOP- Dome, on bebuff of the claims of Jacksonville; to* the members of the Society; The' learned ’PrCP fsssor expressed tho hope that the Athens of the' which contained so rtony deaf, and daisb: bLUd, insane, caff idiotic, ndfcht derive light and' reason from thtesession of the society. Comißunicatlcns were read from the Superin tendents of tho charitnMe instittv tlons'located here. addressed to the Society, in viticg’its members to visit srid institutions dur ing the week. The invitation* was accepted, add Friday afternoon fixed as tho tune for the visit. At the afternoon' session lC*tof. Price, of St. Louis, read an essay on meteorology, recom mending observations under the control ot the government of the State of the weather for the- special bcnseflfc of farmers and horticulturalists similar to l3bse now ib ope ration by jlie War Department. Mr. Perriam read an'cxhauativc- essay showing by facts nad figures the great effect of the whole sale destruction of northern foresto upon the cli mate. The Vico Presidents'Of 'the Society, Egbert Douglass and Samuel Edwards, made their re ports during, the afternoon session, Indicating much progress'in the great matter of horticul ture in the First and Second Districts. This evening's session was occupied In hearing a lecture delivered by Prof. J. El Turner, ot Jacksonville, on Btats-C»n> vention. Coxcord, N. Y., Deo. 13.—The Democratic-State Convention met here to-day. Pending the organ ization, aplatform of reaoiutifdia was prepared. The resolutions declare lirat, that the party is pledged to the perpetuity, of tho Union, a strict obedience to the- Con stitution, and honest enforcement of the laws. Second, protection to the rights-of every citizen, in accordance with .the fundamental law. Third, opposition to every species ot corruption, in nil departments of municipal. State and na tional government. privileged class es and no privileged capital. Filth, a. tariff that. will raise money for the necessary expenses of tho federal government—not for the benelit of monopolists. The resolutions further dcneanco the eatal lishment of martial law at the South r.&-ancons’ d tutional and atrocious; advocate reforms. In t he civil service of the government, and read! cm tho coatldencc of tho party in Governor West on, pledging him its support for rn-election James A. Weston was renominated for Gc .vcr nor by aoclamation. Henry Calory, of 10 »ene, was nominated for railroad Commissioner. Hon. IHtclps, of ITliMNcnrl.. the Passive., Policy.. St. Locis, Dec, 13.—John 8. Phelps, for many years a member of Congress- from, She South western part ot this State, and for a loi jg time Chairman of the Ways and. Means- Cer umistee, has written a letter on the passive poll' ,y which will be published iu the Times- of this-cit y to-mor iow. Mr. Phelps says; I have opposed tho passive policy from the outset. It is an abandonment ot pxit ciplo, and* will bo destructive to. tho organisa lion of the Democratic p irty. What can.be gain* jd by thoso whubelievoln the strict eonstmctiia of the com stitutlom—who have opposed a. coahr alization of power in tho government of the Islr dted States; who have resisted the attempted! c .verthrow of the rights of States; who have opp* JS ed the trial of citizens by military cummissuv n who have resisted the deprivation of tUtt citizen of the right of trial by jury—by this, a doption of this new heresy, ana tho support at: men who have fought ns relentiessly oe a U these questions 1 There is no-Litea X party ia this State. Whatever there waa-otr a lue in the Lib eral movement in Missouri in* 7 §7O was derived from the principles, ot the- S3 emocratio party. The-dury ui Democrats is-to jr d pare for the coin ing contest. General Gnxnt. not the leader of Sarty. Ho adopts whojfc*r iT policy the party ■r» dictate, and findiagett i m ready to be cov eined, they desire his rend munition. Let the Democratic party reafescrfcjj staudardprinciples, declare their aequmsencfe to the Constitutional Amendments. £esolv ec. 13.— A meeting' of officers of quite a nuQilx jr of Western railroads was held here yesterday to modify the evils of the free pass system, it was decided that the usual re ciprocal amr jal passes between officers of con necting lined should be given. Passes to travel ling agents 0 r employes of other roads shall bo granted on ,y on a letter from tbe President. Snpennten' dent, or other general managing officer for each particular case, and oolv for bush jess purposes. Half-fare t *o!SR to clergy men shall be issued only to 1 thorn 1-% SL nt «i f or other general remds and Southern rail /.»1°; January 16, next, for the purpose t,.. ol >A UUi^an association of such officers for the udv&flceiuent of railroad management aud nteres a thronghout the West and M&NESOTA. Actideul lo a Railroad Excursion Party —Several Gentlemen Seriously Woanded —Denlh by Poison—mercantile Failarc. Minneapolis, Minn, Dec. 12.*-A box car of gentlemen of the Northern Pacific it Northwest ern Construction Company'overturned, bottom up. off the track, twenty miles west of Detroit Lake, while returning east from the out of the Pacific Road, on Sunday night, while the train was backing. D. C. Shepard, Manager of the construction company, a former Superintendent of the Milwaukee A St. Paul Rtfilaoad, bad bis arm dislocated. shoulder not broken- Gterge A x Eraefcott, Alderman, Ra wed nn vTharsday by fresh northwest winds and cloud** weather in the Middle and Eastern Rt'tfes (f*jn dr weather wlllcontinno’on the Gulf roast P ty* cloudy weather and risme tem perotdtoiut& &tcrWr of the Gulf and Scdthern States. als continue at Capo May;' Now 'X Sales. To the Sdt!cr of The 0. '“‘“ffo Tribune Sm: In tonßcqnettrt of the destruction of 150 public records of tai b“V -3 1 llava that 14" publishing a descriptor V ?3to the lots and lands against which I hold Cvxdt e<^3 or taxcertiftcateor I wonld be coßTcrring a* fan *rupon all persons in terested. AceordingJy,- f ave Polished a phmphlot containing a filll of the property hejdby me. anrt’have deposit ‘‘l with tho County Clerk and City Comptroller A 163 thereof, for the use of the public. A~I lit* “ade ®b, cll ar rangements as will render iflmov nvement for mo to longer invest irrtarcertiflcaCA or titles,! pro pose to sell all mr intcrcaf in' 0 same beioro January 3.1872. when I enter'iipo'® m uew> busi ness. I will tbererbro closa* up* A T interest on very favorable terms if opplietrfc*. at my office, at the southeast conn?* of “fata and Madison streets. Ycdra respCfctfnll'J. Jbmri ORsrniE. Chicago, Dec. 12. Apollo Commander? Hlectiw* From the imposing arrfty of Past’ Ccma landers. Active, and Fast Grand officers iadlca&rt below, it is evident that tho eli 's CommcndhTy of tho TVest, of national reputatioo;althoagh:BJttta bed by* calamity, has* a flre-procf” combteat&n fully equal to the emergency of the hour. At' an nual Conclave of Apollo Con.'mand ery; 3*o. I, Anights Templar, the following offfeexs were elected for tho ensuing year'and duly mod December 12, 18<3 T r Sir James Hose H-ile i *..Comtn.'-ftder. Sir Goo. Rcdnelc Chittenden, ffenaralisrimo.' Em. sir C’lias. Homan Brower, CUpfaiu Ofcner&lL* Em. Sir Thoo. Tr.nltlT Gurney .'^relate: Em Sir Eugene Lnrrttf Myers 'Scirfor Wardeir- Jifght Em. Sir HcXiV Collfngs Htmney, JimtOr-VTAr «M/. SirTtcmy Winanta'Bigcldw, Trramirer. Sirßi-nj. B. W. Locke; Recorder. SlfJoslma Luther -Uki'sh. StaudAnl Beared- Em. Sir J. Adams Aden, Sword Iwixer. Wry Em. sir Viuceaf-Limibanl Httrltmt, WarfletC. TPhen those highest in l the order oF Kaighthoody iDMSt'apon taking indfeotea a corps d* esprit among the Sir -tnighta mcGff common (table. Chicago Nsmzal School! TtiSTegnlar semi-annual examination 1 farad-*- jnlssioa to the Normal School of this city w!tVT«t 1-eld tpon Thursday andHi«fi y, December 2raai 21?, at 5 the Normal School Biiiidirg, on Monro©' st ree «;near Halsted, comnren& ng att> a. m. Can didates must be at lea'st iGyeana of age.and must' present? certificates of coo-Jrclc trader from some responsible-persons. Thoscrwho have passed ex amination for admission KJ -tiho Chicago High.* School will be examined upon iFriday inalgebnS.- physical *geograpby, p-bysiolosq*, and 4 outlines of gcnercKilstory. All oth era vrtJl «e examtaedaporr* Thursday* in arithmetic, grammar, geography;- United States- history, n ’adunr and orthography; and upon Friday with th e other classes. Ladled 4 not residents of the city are eligible fcroxamlna—- lion. EVEircre pbov isirar b-taed. CinCi vgo,-J>oc. 13—lop.m.> Sales—2Bo§ brla- mess p orkj seller December, $13.23; I,OOteslard,seller February,9 -Wo:* on»- car green haras averaging 16 Ibe, 7c; iW' boxaa short rib taiddleo-at 63-So. I?6W Orleans Maa»k«tw NEW OEaBANS* Dec. 13. -BR3ADSTUFFS—FIour quiet and -superfine, $6. S7 p NX, S7.3OXXX. $7.50a7.G21-2. Cora scarce at. 85c. Oats scarce ami firmer at Ka3Bo. Provisions—Pork firmer t i nd: held at S 15.23. Bacon clear rib at 7 3s «c; solas of clear at 7 3-4 aßc; hams dull and noa ainxlj old, Italic: now, 14a16c. Lard—Choice sc aroaud firm r poor" dull; tierco,-9a!Oor keg, 101-8; vio 3-20. Groceries—Sugar in fair de and firm;- in ferior, 6 l-2a«-4> 40 r common,; a7l-4; good com mon, 7 l-2a',.740; fair to fully 1 uir. Ba9 1-4; prime. 9 l-2a9 3-4. Molhsaes active anc I firmer; inferior, 20n30o; common, 31a350r fair. SSa&lo-; prime to choice. 42a-yo.- Coffee, IS l-2a2o* J. VIIISKEV—9ScarI.OS. Monetary—Sterling, iiy>4; 8 discount. Gold, 109 Cotton—auletr. salesc,sos hah ?3 rood ordinary,. 18 3-8o; low middling, 19- r-te; t nld:Clng,.i9 3-4 c. Receipts, S.I2C baits. Exports- lo.oil bales Hamburg, 2,233' boles. stock, 118,640« bales. Kaaaa»-€Sif Livo-jß»cli Ipttdiet Special Despatch toTh&Cbicas ;o Tribune. Kansas Cm 3, Deo. is.—Cattle- —Received, 11(7 bead r shipped!. 118 hood to St. I .ons, Total ro— ceipts for the- week, airhead; t3 tal. shipments. 421 bead; total 1 sales, 200; head, Joed,butchers’"- stock finih-quick sale fta» prici Quotations s2.2sr.natives, 15 :.0C to $3.50. Hof s— Eacehred at stock yards, I.3CE- head; at packing houses, 1.144 head. Shipp ed »St-Louis, 50baud; slaughtered,. 3*3?rf head; tcAI rcoeipta-- for the week at housen, head: total safes).' 326 headi.-total slaughtsred, 12,743 head.. change in price. 3JJSD. B Madlsoa, Ind, in tin year of his age,. 3 ictor K ing, father of John of this city. r This -rocerahle man. although since ths veer isiGac- lively identified with tile business and sbchd life of I tadiscn.iWM more naiod for his Ufe-Ibng. religions 'character and woiia He was nearly; fifty.. years an elder in tlve Presbyterian Church, and t jols aa active in all the of. that organization. Ha was one of the founders andliaerotpatrons oi: .Hanover CoUcga,, and also 01. the TUeelogical Seminary ot Hanover*, afterwards-, tranelerredtoNew Albany, Ind, and now the Theo logical Seminary of Northwest, at.Chicago. He. was irreproachable, au exemplary (Cb-issian, and an honest? man. GUDIEN—Near Lee’s Summit. consump tion.. Orr>n Chidden, of this city, aged H-yeais.; “Gazette,” Canada Ease,please copy. HAMILTON—In Denver City, Cci„- Dec. 5, lill; oC coßsamiition. James C. Hamilton, formerly of, Chic ago. aged 35 years. ry City papers please cory. SOCIETY MEETINGS. b. o. of o^r i The members of Duane Lodge. No. 11,1. O. of 0..F.. are-requested to-attend a regular.meeting thA-Thurs day evening at 7J o’clock, in Eclipse Hall, zorncrof Thirtieth and Stnte-ats. Tlie above Lodge will meet every Thursday evening at tho same place until i further notice. FraternaUv, GEO. BBA HAM, N. O- Jflasonic. The regular convention of Illinois Council of p. op :J„ will be lic-id at the hall of Home Lodge, corner oC Cottage Grove-av. and Twenty-third sts., this (Thurs day) evening at 7} o’clock. A full attendance oPtho members are requested. Hr order of the S: P. G. M«. JAMES H. MILES. O.eec/y. Jflasonic. Regain? Convocation of UNION PARK CHAPTER: No. I ts, R. A. M at thair hall, CTU and 681 West Lake et,this,Thursday, evaning, at 7! o'clock. Visiting' Companions cordially Invited to attend. GEO. F. LETZ, H. P. Jflasonic. Thqs. J. Tnmr Lodge 409-, F» and A. Iff* Bognlar meeting this. Thursday, eveningat the Ma sonic Building comer Hoisted and Randolph-sts. It is hoped every number will be present. By order of theW. M. LISLE BUBNaM. Sec. Jflasonic. Annual Communication LINCOLN PARK LODGE No. 611, A. F. and A. M.. Dec. 15,1871, at 197 Lincoln av„ for tho election of officers and payment of dues. By order W. 31. J. H. CLYBOURN, Sec, pro tom. Jflasonic. The annual communication of Wanbansia Lodge, No. ICP, F. &A.M.. for the election of officers and such other business as may be preoented. will be held at Pleiades Hall, corner Twelfth and Clinton-ats., Chi cago, Dec. is, 1871. Every member is earnestly re quested to be present. J. E. CHURCH, W. M. E. ST. JO HN. Secretary, PROFESSIONAL. MRS. DR. GROSS’ WEST SIDE OFFICE. To accommodate her patients, MRS. GROSS lias opened an office at 315 "West Monroe-st. Office hours from 2A tosp. m., Tuesdays and Satur days. South Side Office at her residence, 706 Michi gan-av. J. 17. 3. Blasts?, Analytical and Consulting Chemist. Special attention paid to restoration of Charred Pa pers BS.sState .Ht. comer Elglitrcmh. UISCIXLANEOVS, NOTICE. Aftertlils date all applications for assistance from the A T. Stewart Fumi. for relief of and single women, will he made to the undersigned hv letjor. Applicants will give former residence (if bunu out prcM-nt residence, general circumstances wants Sr »Pnrf sSTiSS DOt re^>^rlyre C ei “ng f?om ‘’l"undbic I stlV^ S!, dlI l us{ b ““lowed bj-tmr, K, 1 citizens who know the statements to bo M.milanl Ball. Pec. It. 1371. N S Bot7Tos HOLIDAY GOODS. CHRISTMAS GOODS at W. R. VALENTINE’S Seed Store. 99S Wabaah-av. Christmas Trimmings. in Wreaths, Crosses, etc.; Gold Fish. Birds* and Aquarium. Fresh Flowers and Plants a specialty. DISSOLUTION NOTICES. DISSOLUTION. The partneraliip heretofore existing under the lame and firm of Blx