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THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE: "WASHINGTON", D. C, MARCH 25, 1882.
WHAT CONGRESS IS DOING.
The feature of the week's legislation in Con
press was the passage by the House on Thurs
day of the Chinese anti-immigration bill. It
will he recollected that the bill had previously
passed the Senate; consequently it now only
requiies the .signatuic of the President before
becoming a law. Its features have already
been given in the news columns of The Na
tional Tribune. Upon the receipt of the
bill in the House strong opposition to it was
manifested without regard to party lines,
the arguments advanced against its passage
being based principally upon the expressed
belief that it conflicted with the pro
visions of our ticaty with China. It
was urged with' great force, and no less
truth, however, ,t)at tin- influx of cheap Chi
nese labor was operating most disastrously
upon the interests of the workinumon, espe
cially on the Pacific slope, and that if Chinese
immigiatiou were permitted to continue, it
would only be a question of time before- tho
Eastern States would also be swarming with
celestials to the serious detriment of labor
throughout the entire country. The passage
of the bill may be regarded as asolution of one
of the most difficult political problems that
Congress has had to deal with for a long time.
Senate.
Th6 Senate wns not in session on Saturday,
having adjourned over from Friday until
Monday.
In the Senate on Monday tho Military
Academy and diplomatic and consular bills
were reported from the Appropriation Com
mittee. A bill was reported for tho admission
of Dakota as a State. A resolution was adopted
allowing Senators Butler and Kellogg $3,500
and 9,500 for expenses incurred in vindicating
their rights to scats. Tho House bill to pro
mote the efficiency of tho Life Saving Service
was debated at some length. The tariff com
mission bill was taken up and discussed by
Senator Deck in reply to Mr. Morrill and others.
Mr. Morrill replied briefly.
On Tuesday in the Senate a resolution was
adopted railing on the President for the in
structions given our Minister to China in 1S30
in regard to Chinese immigration. Tho Life
Saving Service was further debated and
amended. Tlo Military Academy appropria
tion bill was passed. Consideration was given
to the tariff commission bill, Mr. Morgan urg
ing the necessity for prompt tariff" revision in
preference to tho appointment of a commission
of revision. Tho bill to remedy the defects
in the law for the salo of Otoe and Missouri
reservations in Kansas was passed.
On Wednesday the bill to equalize the pay
of officers of the navy .was reported adversely.
Bills were introduced appropriating $20,000,000
to incorporate the Mississippi River Canal Com
pany, tho route to bo from tho St. Mary's River,
in Georgia, through tho Okefenoko swamps
westward to St. Marks, Florida, and thence
along the Gulf coasts. Mr. Anthony introduced
a bill to establish the office of Assistant Secre
tary of tho Navy. It provides for the ap
pointment and confirmation of a line officer
of Vac navy, not below tho grade of Rear-Admiral,
whether active or on the retired list,
who shall perform such duties as may be pro
scribed by the Secretary of the Navy or re
quired by law; shall act as Secretary in the
absence of that officer, and shall receivo the
highest rate of pay allowed to his grade.
Consideration of the Life Saving Service bill
occupied the Senate until 2 p. m. Several
amendments were adopted. The tariff com
mission bill was laid aside owing to tho sud
den illness of Mr. Garland. The consular and
diplomatic bill was passed. A bill was re
ported from the sekct committee to prevent
the introduction of contagious diseases into
the United States.
On Thursday in the Senate a memorial from
15,000 Good Templars of Illinois "Was presented
for tho prohibition of the manufacture and
sale of 'alcoholic liquor, in the United States.
The Senate bills in relation to the Venezuela
award wero indefinitely postponed. A bill was
introduced to constitute the Department of
Agriculture an executive department and to
enlarge its powers. The resolution declaring
for a reciprocity treaty with Mexico was re
ferred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
The tariff commission bill was then discussed
until the hour of adjournment.
House.
In the House on Saturday debate was con
tinued 'on the Chinese bill. Speeches were
made in favor of its passage by Messrs. Spccr,
Deustcr, Gucnther, Bloom, and Flower, and in
opposition by Messrs. Moore, Carpenter, Wil
liams, and Skinner. Mr. Flower, a wealthy
Now York banker, and who, by tho way, is
assuming the lead on the Democratic side, in
his speech advocating the passage of the bill,
said that the question was simply whether
Congress should afford protection to capital
only and not to labor. Coolie labor was brought
to this conntry by capital to increase the. profits
of capital; it was a wages-saving, labor-robbing
machine bought and worked in the in
terests of capital. The Chinarnau was the
passive instrument in the hands of the masters;
lie refused citizenship and declined a grayc in
this land of liberty. There were no other
machines for cheapening products that the
Government invited to come in duty free. Ho
favored the bill' in the interest of labor.
On Monday in tho House certain amend
ments to the bill appropriating $150,000 to tho
Mississippi flood sufferers wero receded from
and the bill finally passed. Among tho bills
introduced were the following: 'Appropriating
$500,000 for tho relief of the sufferers in tho
overflowed districts: to prevent a contraction
of the currency; to abolish tho stamp act on
bank checks, &c; appropriating $5,000 for tho
erection of a monument over the grave of
Tii onus Jefferson.
Mr. Atkins introduced a bill amending soo
tion 4715 of the Revised Statutes providing
that the prohibition upon the payment of a
pension to any one who engaged in or aided or
abetted tho late rebellion shall not apply to
officers or soldiers who served in the war with
Mexico or their widows or children.
In tho House on Tuesday the Geneva award
bill was made the special order for April 11.
Debate on tho Chinese bill was resumed, Mr.
Hooker opposing its passage in a speech of con
siderable length. He regarded the bill as a
violation of our existing treaty with China.
A minority report was received from the Com-
miltce oi Territories in opposition to tho ad
mission of Dakota as a State.
In the House on Wednesday almost tho
entire session wns devoted to tho consideration
of the Chinese bill, speeches being made by
Messrs. Washburn, McLane, Kasson, aud
Tucker.
In the House on Thursday, after some pre
liminary business, the Chinese immigration bill"
was taken up. Speeches were made by Messrs.
Wise, Mflrsc, Joyce, Dunncll, OrtH, and others,
aud the bill was finally passed by a vote of 177
to as.
It is said that a bill will soon be reported by
tho House Committee to repay Maryland and
Virginia for moneys advanced in 1700 to assist
in the erection of public, buildings in Washington.
CAPITOL AND DEPARTMENT NOTES.
Tho McGarrahan land claim will, it is un
derstood, bo reported favorably by the House
Committee on Claims.
A bill has been introduced into tho House
increasing the salary of the chief clerk of the
State Department from $2,500 to $3,500 per
annum.
The Judiciary Committee of the House will
report favorably on tho admission of Samuel
Major as contingent delegate from Nebraska.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has agreed
to report a bill creating a court of nine judges,
subordinate to the Supremo Court, to dispose
of many of the ca uses which now, accumulate
for the determination of the highest tribunal.
General Superintendent Thompson, of the
railway mail service, has issued an order to
division superintendents for information as to
whether any matter is now admitted to tho
mails which is liable to damage mail matter or
barm persons employed in the postal scrviJc.
In repby to an inquiry addressed to General
Meigs as to the practicability of a proposed plan
for raising the dome of the capitol fifty feet in
order to secure additional space in and near the
rotunda for the library, he strongly discounte
nances the idea. The walls ho thinks would be
unablo to bear the additional pressure put upon
them by such a change
The Hoard of Regents of tho Smithsonian
Institute have petitioned Congress for an ap
propriation of $50,000 to make the cast wing of
the building fire-proof. In caso of fire at pres
ent all the valuable collections in it would bo
destroyed.
A joint resolution introduced in the House
by Representative Urncr embodies a resolution
of the General Assembly of Maryland urging
an appropriation sufficient to erect at Frederick,
Maryland, a suitable monument to the memory
of Francis Scott Key, the author of "The Star
Spangled Banner."
Secretary Hunt has recovered sufficiently
from his recent indisposition to resumo his
duties at the Navy Department.
President Arthur will hold his first public
reception at the Whito House on Tuesday, tho
2Sth instant. It will bo followed by regular
weekly receptions.
General Thomas A. Nelson has returned to
Washington after several weeks' absence in
New York and tho West.
Ex-Senator Dorsey left Washington on Sun
day to visit his ranch o in New Mexico.
Miss Lillian Carpenter, daughter of the late
ex-Senator Carpenter, is iccovering from a
serious attack of illness at New Orleans.
Postmaster-General Howe, while on a visit
to Boston, was given a reception by tho Mas
sachusetts Senate and House.
Among the President's recent callers were
Senators Allison, Miller, Kellogg, Rollins, Mc
Dill, Sawyer, Farley, Cameron, and Hale, Rcp
seutatives Darrell, Pcttigrew, Hawk, Aldrich,
Farwcll, Robinson, Van Horn, Russel, Pierce,
Wadsworth, Hubbs, Judge Corbin of South
Carolina, and Sergcant-at-Arms Hooker.
Ex-Gov. and Mr3. Morgan, of New York, will
visit the President next week.
Information has been received at the War
Department that General Sherman and party
are now traveling between San Antonio and
El Paso.
. John Russell Young, Henry Woodruff, W. S..
Schermorhorn, William H. Sherman, and
Judge Roger A. Pryor of New York, A. D. Maya
of Boston, Prof. John W. Aikers of Des Moines,
and Paymayster Stevenson of tho Army are in
Washington.
The Washington Police Court has decided
that tho purchase of tho pay of clerks in the
Departments, or of certificates for pay due, but
awaiting an appropriation by Congress, docs
not constitute a "broker," and that a prosecu
tion for engaging in business jis a broker with
out obtaining license cannot be sustained upon
evidence of transactions of this character. All
prosecutions pending growing out of the pur
chase of Census Office certificates have been
abandoned.
The Commissioner of Internal Revenue has
been notified of the death, at Gainesville, Fla.,
of James Ashton, formerly collector of the port
at Philadelphia.
Senator Vest who has been indisposed for
some days is rapidly recovering.
CAPITAL TOPICS,
Col.Hinton, editor of the Washington Sunday
Gazelle, is on the war path seeking to take the
scalp of Mr. Sherman. It appears that in his
testimony before tho committee that investi
gated tho contingent fund expenditures in tho
Treasury Department Mr. Sherman alluded to
Col. Hinton as a "dead beat," and compared
him to a man of the "Guiteau type, but with
out his courage to do murder." Col. Hinton,
through his paper, replies sharply, alludes to
tho great wealth acquired by Mr. Sherman
since he entered public life, and declares that
if Mr. Sherman dares to make his comparison
about Guiteau to his face that he will receive
but one answer a blow. lb is intimated that
a personal scene or collision may result, as
Col. Hinton is represented as a man of fiery
and impulsive temperament.
Tho colored politicians are actively engaged
in their efforts to sccuro tho appointment for
theLiberian mission, made vacant by tho death
of Dr. Garnett. Among the candidates is a son
of Frederick Douglass. The American Coloni
zation Society, however, wishes to recommend
a man, and has notified the Secretary of State
to that effect.
Mr. Scoville has firmly expressed his inten
tion to retire from the Guiteau case immedi
ately after tho bill of exceptions has been
signed.
The National Rifles' fair at the Masonic Tem
ple continues to attract largo numbers of visit
ors. On Monday evening the Union Veteran
Corps were escorted to the hall by tho National
Rifles and were formally welcomed in a pleas
ant speech by Col. Burnside, to which Captain
Tomasson responded. The members of the
Light Guard visited the fair on Tuesday night.
They were escorted by the Rifles, headed by a
portion of tho Marino band.
Gen. U. S. Grant and Mrs. Grant, who arrived
in Washington a day or two ago, were enter
tained at dinner on Tuesday evening by Secre
tary of State and Mrs. Frelinghuyscu. Among
tho guests were President Arthur, Hon. David
Davis, Mr. Justice Bradlej', Mr. Justice Gray,
Secretary Folgcr, Hon. Hamilton Fish, Mrs.
Bigelow Lawrence, Hon. George B. Loring and
Mrs. Loring, Miss Chapman, Hon. J. C. B.
DavU, Gen. and Mrs. Bcale, Admiral and Mrs.
C. E. P. Rodgers, and Thomas T. King, of
Newark, N. J.
Col. H. T. Crosby chief clerk of the War De
partment, tendered his resignation to take
effect on 1st of July. Secretary Lincoln ac
cepted it and gavo Col. Crosby leave of absence
until July 1st. Mr. Jno. Tweedalc succeds
him. The latter entered tho Departmentas an
enlisted man and has steadily worked his way
up. Tho pay is $2,500 per annum.
BELLIGERENT VIRGINIANS.
A fight occurred in the Virginia Houso of
Delegates on Wednesday between Messrs. Fra
zier, of Rockbridge, and Honeker, of Wand.
The latter charged Mr. Frazier with having
gone over to tho Funders and called him a
liar, when Frazier struck him in the face, and
a lively scuffle followed. They were separated
and brought up to tho bar ofthe House, where
they apologized and shook hands.
REVIEW OF THE WEEK.
A measure of more than ordinary interest,
especially to ex-soldiers, has been reported to
the House of Representatives by the Committee
on Military Affairs. The cfl'cct of its passage will
be to entitle thousands of men now debarred
from pay, pensions, and bounties, to recover
their claims for such against tho Government.
By the provisions of the bill, the charge of de
sertion is removed from all soldiers of the late
waf who served until the expiration of their
term of enlistment, or until May 1, 16G5, but
who, by reason of absence from their command
at the time it was mustered out, failed to re
ceivo an honorable discharge; also from all
soldiers charged with desertion or with absence
without leave, but who voluntarily returned
to their command and served in the lino of
duty until mustered out of service, and receiv
ing a certificate of honorablo discharge. The
bill is intended primarily to cover the cases of
thousands of soldiers who, after the surrender
of Lee, believing tiic war to bo over, and im
patient of long absence from their families, loft
their commands and went homo without being
mustered out; .also of another largo class who
had enlisted for a number of years, or "during
the war,'" and who, after the cessation of hos
tilities, considering that their terms of enlist
ment nad expired, also left without waiting to
bo mustered out. The provision of the bill re
lieving from the charge of desertion soldiers
who, after absenting themselves without lcavo,
returned aud served out their full term of en
listment, will also apply to a considerable
number.'
The following Republican congressional
campaign committco was selected in caucus on
Tkuesday:
Alabama, Contestant J. Q. Smith ; California,
Representative II. F. Page; Connecticut, Rep
resentative John T. Wait; Florida, Repre
sentative Horatio Bisbee; Illinois, Rcpre'nta
tive Gcorgo R. Davis; Indiana, Representative
W. H. Calkins; Iowa, Senator Wm. B. Allison;
Kansas, Representative Thomas Ryan; Ken
tucky, Representative John D. White; Maine,
Senator Eugene Halo; Maryland, Represen
tative M. G. Urncr; Massachusetts, Rep
resentative William A. Russell; Michigan, Rep
resentative Jay A. Hubbell ; Minnesota, Repre
sentative Wm. D. Washburno; Mississippi, Con
testant James R. Lynch : Missouri, Represen
tative R. T. Van Horn : Nevada, Senator John
P. Jones; New Hampshire, Representative J. F.
llriggs; New Jersey, Representative G.M.Robe
son; Now York, Reprcscntativ6 Frank His
cock; North Carolina, Representative Orlando
Hubbs; Ohio, Representative Wm. McKinly,
Jr.; Oregon, Representative M. C. George;
Pennsylvania, Representative II. G. Fisher;
Rhode Island, Senator N. W. Aldrich; South
Carolina, Contestant E. W. M.Mackey; Tennes
see, Representative L. C. Houk ; Virginia, Repre
sentative John F. Dezendorf ; Wisconsin, Rep
resentative T. C. Pound.
Mr. Plait has introduced a bill in tho Sen
ato to amend the statutes in relation to patents,
by providing that no person shall bo debarred
from receiving a patent for his invention, nor
any patent issuedsubsequent to March 2, 1561,
be declared invalid, by reason of its having
been first patented in a foreign country upon
tho invention of the same person, unless the
same has been introduced into public uso in
the United States for more than two years prior
to the application. The bill also provides that
all patents for inventions first patented in a
foreign country which have not expired at the
date of passago of this act shall remain in forco
for 17 years.
The House Committee on Ways and Means
hasb3-a vote of G to 5 instructed the sub
committee having chargo of internal revenue
matters to report a bill abolishing internal reve
nue taxes, except the tax on distilled liquors, malt
liquors, manufactured tobacco, bank circula
tion and alcoholic medicines, and leaving a
reduction of tho tax on cigars and tho special
taxes on dealers, manufacturers, etc., to tho
discretion of the sub-committee. An amend
ment to tho resolution exempting the sale of
leaf tobacco from taxation was rejected.
The findings and sentence of the court
martial in the case of Cadet J. C. Whitakcr,
tried on tho charge of mutilating his own car,
have been set aside by the President, on account
of technical informalities and irregularities,
but he will nevertheless be dismissed from the
military service because he has been found to
be deficient in his studies.
A dispatch from Wilmington, N. C, states
that a young woman named Gracio Mills,
living near the South Carolina line, on Sunday
night attacked and killed a girl named Jane
Jackson, who had accepted the addresses of a
young farmer who had been rejected by Miss
Mills.
Mit. John Russell Young, our newly-appointed
Minister to China, will, it is said, soon
marry Miss Julia E. Coleman, a niece of ex
Governor Jewell, of Connecticut.
Chauncey Flowers, of Detroit, has been
appointed to take tho deposition of Georgo and
Victor Christiancy, sons of tho ex-Senator, in
the famous divorce case. It is intimated that
this evidenco will be damaging to the character
of Mrs. Christiancy, in that it will endeavor to
prove that during her sojourn in South Amer
ica .she was accompanied by George E. Ilaight,
and that while sojourning at various hotels
Mrs. Christiancy and Ilaight occupied adjoin
ing rooms with connecting doors, although
Georgo Christiancy protested against such con
duct on tho ground of its impropriety.,
Mrs. Susan Edson, who nursed President
Garfield during his last illness, makes an in
dignant donial of tho insinuation that she was
paid for furnishing information to stock specu
lators as to tho President's condition.
Reports from Memphis and other places in
the South state that the Mississippi River is
falling slowly at all points. Tho Government
officers arc busily engaged relioving tho thou
sands of sufferers by the great floods in tho
valloy.
The ship Screamer foundered at sea a few
days ago. Thrco men perished, and tho cap
tain and fourteen of tho crew narrowly cscajed
tho same fate.
Great excitemout still prevails in New Jer
sey over tho railroad, and land corporations'
rapacity in endeavoring to steal tho water
fronts of the State. The governor is to be ap
pealed to, and tho Democrats who voted in
favor of the measure arc threatened with a loss
of their scats in the Legislature.
Mr. Dawes in tho Senate has procured the
insertion of an amendment into tho military
fortifications bill, authorizing the loan of heavy
caunon for ono of the Massachusetts militia
regiments, in order that they may acquire skill
in such service as would be useful in tho man
ning of our sea coast defences in caso of war.
Miss Emma Key, daughter of the cx-Post-master-Gencral,
was thrown from a buggy re
cently, at her homo in Chattanooga, Tenn.,
and severely, if not fatally, injured.
Representative Page, of California, who
was entrusted as a sub-committee to audit tho
expenses attending the illness and death of
President Garfield, including tho cost of tho
-uneral train, states that he collected tho bills
in one account, and then destroyed them in
order to prevent tho items from being made
the subject of idle gossip or possible scandal.
Tho total expenditures on account of the
funeral train were, it is said, about $5,000.
Mr. Louis Schade, of Washington, has
written a letter to the Wilmington (Del.) Every
Erenhg, in which he quotes at length the para
graph referred to in the recent letter of Dr.
Babcock, in reference to Senator Bayard's al
leged efforts to defeat tho passage of a local
option bill by the Delaware Legislature. Mr.
Schade shows that his appeals wero not con
fined to Senator Bayard, but wero made to
other members of Congress also, and wero re
sponded to on the same principle of opposition
to sumptuary laws which induced Mr. Bayard
to act. Mr. Schade indignantly denies that he
brought any "corrupt influences" to bear upon
Senator Bayard, and declares that if Mr. Bab
cock persists in his charges he shall tell him
that he "shamefully lies, just as he did lie," in
his recent letter.
TnE case of Sergeant Mason has aroused the
sympathy of all classes, and judging from the
contributions that are being received for bis
destitute wife and child, there is every indica
tion that several thousand dollars will bo re
alized, as the aggregate of small sums contrib
uted throughout tho country. Models of
tho Mason bullet, which flattened against tho
wall above Guileau's head into a profilo some
what resembling that of the assassin, are being
sold for tho benefit of Mason's family. Peti
tions for Executivo clemency increase every
day, and Mr. Bigelow, his counsel, is working
earnestly in order to secure the setting aside
of the court-martial proceedings. Among tho
petitions forwarded to Washington in Mason's
behalf, was ono from Chicago 2,-100 feet long,
and said to contain 120,000 signatures. It is
intimated, however, that tho President will
not entertain the question of Executive clem
ency for at least a period of six months, aud in
tho meantime it is to be hoped that tho wide
spread sympathy for the prisoner's family will
continue to manifest itself in substantial shape.
Judge Advocate General Swaim, in his report
to the Secretary of War, recommends a modifi
cation of tho sentence on the ground that Gui
tean's position in tho cell was such that he
could not possibly have boon killed by Mason's
bullet.
Jacob R. SniriiERD appeared boforo the
nousc Committee on Foreign Affairs, which
has in chargo the investigation of the Peru
Chilian correspondence, and produced all the
letters except one addressed to President Gar
field, whieh had been mislaid.
Mr. ShiphGrd gavo au account of an inter
view which ho had with Minister Hurlbut
at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New Norlc, before
his departure for Peru, at which the Peruvian
claim was discussed. General Hurlbut told
him that tho President regarded his claim as
strong in law and equity, but ho would consent
to nothing that would subject Peru to hardship,
and if any scheme was to be pressed it must be
remedial in its nature, aud enable Peru to pay
her indemnity end get out of trouble with
Chili. Mr. Shiphcrd disclaimed any intention
of buying General Hurlbut; his object was
merely to prevent him from setting "viciously
and determinedly ' against tho claim.
Mr. Shipherd had an interview with Secre
tary Blaino at his rcsidonco in Washington on
the dvening of July 25, and on tho following
morning. A United States Senator was prcs
pnf, who was acting as attorney for Mr. Ship
hcrd, and tho interview was brought about by
the Senator. Mr. Shipherd gavo Mr. Blaine a
full statement of the claims of tho Peruvian
company. Mr. Blaine listened with something
moro than courteous attention, and, when Mr.
Shiphord had concluded, bo inquired, " Now,
what do you want mo to do?" Mr. Shiphcrd
responded in effect that ho wanted tho Govern
ment to officially notify both Peru and Chili
that an American title to the guano is asserted,
and Mr. Blaino promised that such notification
should be made. In responso to a question by
Mr. Belmont, tho witness said his recollection
of tho exact phrase used by General Hurlbut
was, "The President regards your claim as
valid." The investigation is still m progress.
Senator Gormau, of Maryland, has resigned
tho presidency of tho Chesapcako and Ohio
Canal Company. Action on tho resignation
has been deferred until Juno. Tho office is
worth $G,000 per annum.
m
Dr. Harriot, a dentist of Indianapolis, al
lows himself to be intcrviewd by tho Times of
that city, and makes tho statement that Father
Edelin, a Catholic priest, while living in Zancs
villo, Ohio, during tho war, showed him a letter
from Bishop Rosccrans, in which tho good
bishop deplored the fact that his brother, the
General, had become convinced that the rebels
never could be whipped, and favoring the Gov
ernment making terms with them. By a sin
gular coincidence Father Edelin is stationed at
St. Dominic's Church, in this city, and denies
soriatem every statement made by the Indian
apolis dentist. 1st. He did not livo in Zancs
ville duriug the war; ho lived in Memphis.
2d. Ho never know the dentist until 1873. 3d.
He never received a letter from Bishop Rosc
crans, nor heard him utter a word relating to
the war.
The Secretary of War has ordered 300,000
rations to be issued at New Orleans for tho
bencfitof Louisiana; 200,000at Memphis, Tcnn.,
for tho State of Mississippi ; 50,000 at Helena,
for Arkansas, and 10,000 each at Charles
ton, New Madrid, and Gayoso, for tho State
of Arkansas. These are the firsb rations issued
to tho overflowed districts under the appropri
ation of $150,000. The Secretary has also is
sued instructions for the transportation of ono
hundred' hospital tonts from Philadelphia to
Vieksburg, Miss., for the uso of sufferers. These
tents will each givo shelter to from 25 to 30
porsona.
The President has signed tho resolution
granting tho uso of army tents for the soldiers'
Reunion at Grand Island, Neb., August, 1SS2,
and tho Grand Army Encampment at Gettys
burg, in July next.
Horace A. Kimball, of Providence, has
been nominated by the Rhode Island Demo
cratic Convention for Governor.
WHAT IS GOING ON ABROAD.
Tho spirit of unrest continues to prevail in
Europo growing out of the complications in
Eastern affair, and while trouble may be
averted through the efforts of diplomats, yet
there are serious apprebonsions that the pend
ing troubles may culminato in war. The in
ternal troubles of Russia add to the gravity of
tho situation, but it is intimated strongly that
if Russia should enter upon a war ostensibly
for the liberation of tho Sclav population in
Bosnia and Herzegovina, and require Austria
to fall back within her old boundaries, that it
would bo supported by the old Russian party
and go far towards quieting tho dissatisfied
element in the Czar's dominions. On the other
hand, the belief is expressed that such a war
with Russia on ono side and Germany and
Austria on tho other would result "in tho de
feat of Russia unless Franco should seize upon
tho opportunity to reclaim by forco of arms her
lost provinces of Alsaco and Lorraine wrested
from her during tho lato Franco-Prussian war.
The pivot on tho political chess-board ap
pears to turn upon the part that Franco would
play without regard to tho attitude of Groat
Britain. Austrian possession of Bosnia and
Herzegovina checkmates Russia in her aspira
tions to make Constantinople her seat of em
pire, whilv. I4, operates as a restraint on the
Sclav population with whom Russia professes
to sympathize on national and religious
grounds. Recent developments indicate that
General Skobclcff voiced tho sentiments of tho
Russian Government in his lato bold utterances,
notwithstanding tho reported censure of the
Czar.
While descending a stairway Emperor Wil
liam missed his footing aud fell, injuring him
self, but not seriously. Tho Crystal Palace
Theatre at Marseilles, tho Theatre National at
Algiers, and tho Winter Liyidia Theatre at St.
Petersburg were burned on Saturday night.
Efforts aro being made at Madrid to in
duce the Spanish government to carry out the
liberal reforms. Ex-United States Minister
Wallace dined with the Sultan at Constanti
nople on Saturday. Disastrous floods prevail
in Brazil. Serious disturbances have broken
out on the southwest border of tho Transvaal.
Five "suspects" have been liberated from
the jail at Limerick. A forty clays' cam
paign has been projected by tho French com
mander in Tunis for tho purpose of crushing
out the insurgent Arabs who arc still commit
ting depredations oa the Tripoli tan frontier.
Tho International Exposition at Buenos
Ayrcs has been opened. Queen Victoria has
called Parliament to make the usual financial
provision for Princo Leopold hi view of his
approaching marriage. Emperor William's
birthday was celebrated on Wednesday by a
grand state dinner. It is rumored that the
Sultan contemplates a visit to tho Czar.
Thrco persons have been fatally shot in Ire
land. Commuuists celebrated the anni
versary of tho establishment of the Paris Com
mune. It is reported that Don Phillipe de
Bourbon, secoud son of Count D'Aquilla of
Paris, is about to marry Miss Mackay, daughter
of tho American mining millionaire. Mar
shal Bazino is bringing out his history of the
siege and capitulation of Mete. Eight hun
dred Jews were recently expelled from Moscow
for not having proper passports. The Bulga
rian government has ordered tho disarmament
of militia because 6f local disorders.
OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA,
Tho following statement has appeared in tho
columns of local Washington papers, and has
been telegraphed from this city:
A gentleman in intimato relations with the
Embassy at Washington of tho Chinese Empire,
said yesterday, that in case the ponding anti
Chinese bill passed tho House, tho Chinese
Minister would remove the legation to Spain
(to which country ho is tho accredited repre
sentative), and that official intercourse between
the United States and China would be virtually
broken off. Mr. Bartlctr, the American Secre
tary of the legation, is said to be in hearty ac
cord with the proposed action. A member of
the Chinese Legation, who is a relative of tho
Emperor, said, when the pending bill recently
passed tho Senate, that, notwithstanding the
treaty, tho policy of the United States Govern
ment as denoted by tho Senate's action was not
in keeping with the amicable relations which
should exist between nations. Ho further said,
that while the leaders in the Chineso Empire
were aware that the crowded condition of the
population was prolific of vice and poverty, aud
that, notwithstanding these facts, wholesale
immigration would seriously affect the auton
omy of the empire, still they deprecate any
unjust discrimination on the part of tho
United States that would virtually ostracize
tho natives of China. He also said that while
not desirous of being regarded as making threats,
ho had no doubt that tho present commercial
advantages which the United States reaps in
her Chinese trade, would be directed into other
channels, and that such manifestoes would be
issued by tho imperial government as would
preclude American citizens from securing any
beneficial results from commercial intercourse
with China, and this, as is intimated, by par
tics connected with tho Chinese legation, might
lead to most serious international complica
tions, somewhat similar to tho controversy
years ago between England and Japan.
IN MEMORIAM.
Spccail Correspondence National Tribune. .
Leavenworth, Kans., March 15. Depart
ment Commander J. C. Walkinshaw, of Kansas,
has issued a memorial order announcing the
death of s'everal members of the Grand Army
in this State, namely: Comrades G. W. Birch,
of McPher3on Post, No. 4, died December 19,
1S51; J. Brodorick, of Lincoln Post. No. 1, died
December 23, 1S31 ; Andrew J. Day, of William
H. Lyttlo Post, No 32, died January 2G, 1SS2,
and A. n. Deppe, of Trego Post, died February
21, 1S32. In making tho announcement tho
Commander says:
Comrades: It is our painful duty to an
nounce tho departuro of other comrades for
"Fame's eternal camping-ground." Thus are
wo rapidly passing away, not only our members,
but forever the material for this organization,
whoso objects aro tho grandest of all associa
tions tho exemplification in daily life of tho
Golden Rule. As wo meet at our Reunions,
gather around our mimic Camp-fires, or bow
our heads together about our altars, and listen
to prayer to tho Great Father of us all, we see
the weight of years and the heavy hand of
time upon us, wo are admonished that we, too,
soon will pass away. We thoreforo command
"That ye lovo one another."
.
A PLEASANT SURPRISE,
Special Correspondence Xntionnl Tribune.
Providence, R. I., March 21. Last Mon
day evening the William A. Strccter Post, G.
A. R., held its regular meeting at the Post
room. As tho session was about to closo the
members of tho Post wero greatly surprised at
the invasion of the room by a large party of
mcu, women, and children. Thrco ladies ad
vanced to Commander E. II. Rhodes's chair,
bearing a handsomely framed picture of Gar
field, which was presented to the Post by Mrs.
William II. Wade. The Commander responded
with a few well ehoscn words, and closed the
Ye?. Two hours of social intercourse, inter
spersed with music, refreshments, and remarks
by the Rev. W. A. Spaulding and others, were
enjoyed. The occasion will long be remem
bered b' the members of tho Post as one of the
ploasantcst sinco its organization.
ANNIVERSARY OF ALLEMTOWN.
Special Corre.nondeiec National Tribune.
Allentown, Pa., March IS. Tho meeting
on .Monday evening of Post 5 furnished ample
material for tho observance of its first anni
versary. Everything had been done by tho
Entertainment Committc to make it a grand
success, which, indeed it was. The audience,
consisting of members of tho G. A. and friends of
tho Camp, was unexpectedly large and the spa
cious hall wns well filled. Captain Henry F. Mil
ler opened tho meeting by introducing Sergeant
Wm. H. Smith, who delivered the opening ad
dress, welcoming the visitorsand dwelling brief
ly upon tho principles and object of the Order.
Comrade Levi Mover, of Post 57, delivered an
address on tho appropriateness of the Order.
Sergeant Wm. II. Smith read a history of tho
Camp for its first year, which showed it to have
becu unexpectedly prosporous. Organized with
23 members it commenced its second year with
G3, and its treasury in a very satisfactory condi
tion. Tho declamations by Wm. Baker, " Sher
idan's Ride" and "Independence Bell," were
greatly enjoyed as was also "Sixty-four and Sixty-five"
by Chas. Harris. Walter O. Butz, on be
half of tho mombors of tho Camp, presented Judge
Advocato George J. Klino with a gold badgo
as a token of appreciation for his services while
Captain. Tho present was a surpriso to Mr.
Kline, but ho responded with suitable words of
thauks.
THE SOLDIER'S VOICE.
Communications from cx-soldicrs are invited for
this department of The Trihuxe. Personalities
must be avoided, nml letters prepared as concisely
as possible. Ed. Tkihcxe.
LET JUSTICE BE DONE.
Editor National Trirune:
Nothing since the close of the war has done
as much to allay sectional feeling between
North aud South as the honorablo and manly
course of the Southern members in both Houses
of Congress regarding the payment of pensions
due Union soldiers. .There yet remains an act
to bo performed before the bill is complete.
Under act of Jan., '79, pensions are paid from
date of discharge, if filed prior to July 1, 'SO;
! if after, that date, only from date of filing.
This is unjust, and should be remedied. Jus
tice should be meted out alike, and no distinc
tion in the payment of pensions to our soldiers
ought to bo tolerated, they having fought
under the samo flag and for the same cause.
For instance : The writer knows of two worthy
soldiers, both totally disabled from wounds and
disease, the one having filed his claim before
July 1, 'SO, was paid at tho rate of $20 per
month from discharge; tho other filing his
claim since, and, if allowed, can only be paid
from date of filing, both beiug disabled and.
helpless. Is there a man in Congress who
would make a distinction in tho payment of
their pensions? Tho bill already introduced
extending tho act of Jan., '79, ought to bo
passed, in order that all honest and deserving
claimants may bo treated alike. The Govern
ment can afford to be generous, but not unjust.
Tho soldiers of the country will look to, and
expect of such men as Ingalls, Vest, Garland,
Butler, Maxey, Voorhces, Call, Teller, Brown,
Plumb, McPhjjrson, Cameron, Allison, Windom,
and others, in the Senate, and Representatives
Curtin, Bingham, Rosccrans, Browne, Le Fevre,
Houck, Bragg, O'Neill, Deering, Harmer, Barr,
Everett, and others, in the House, that proper
measures are taken before the closo of the ses
sion ; that the bill extending the time for fil
ing claims under act of Jan., '79, is extended
and pushed to a successful completion. Jus
tice demands it. "Every soldier," says a
writer, "who served faithfully, and was hon
orably discharged, is entitled to all the Gov
ernment, through Congress, has promised to
givo him." Money cannot restore health or
limbs, or the father to the wife and children,
but it can, by a simple act of justice on tho
part of CongTcss, ameliorate the suflerings of
many, who, through neglect, are now debarred
from tho benefits of the original arrearage act.
Let it bo extended to Jan. or July, 'S3, that all
may be treated aliko. Who will see that it is
done ? Anttetajl,
A WORD FOR TnE NINE MONTHS' MEN.
To the Editor National Tribune:
It appears that all ex-soldiers of the late war
are favorably legislated for from the three
months to the three years' enlistments, but in
all these legislative enactments the nine
months' men (drafters and substitutes) aro
entirely ignored. There were quite a number
of these in the war of the rebellion, and while
they were in the service their fare was the
same as that of the three, six, twelve, twenty
four, or thirty-six month men. They endured
the same fatiguing marches, were in the same
engagements with the very same foe, were
alike killed, crippled, mangled, or disabled,
and suffered equally with the others in all
these particulars; theu why these unjust dis
criminations against their interests in nearly
everything that'is done for the deserving con
servators of our Nation? Arc not the equal
ization of bounty bill and the bill granting 1G0
acres of the public domain, equally applicable
to their cases; or ought they not to be? The
writer is ouo of the niHe months' recruits, and
knows that his sufferings are as severe, and
life aud health as dear, as though he had been
in the service three mouths or three years.
Wooster, O., March 20. G. W. B.
EVERY SOLDIER SHOULD SUBSCRIBE.
To the Editor National Tribune:
I received a copy of your valuable paper,
which I deem a most valuable journal for tho
soldier. It speaks boldly in defense of our
brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in de
fense of our Government. Thousands of sol
diers have never received the equalization of
bounty which is to-day justly due them. Your
paper is the only paper I have seen that has
the manly courage to come to their (the sol
dier's) support. I feel as though every soldier
ought to tako your paper and help to aid you
in the good work you have so nobly begun. If
Congress don't do something before long to
equalize our bounty they will not expect much
support at our hands at the,polls.
Respectfully, J. W. Middleton,
Late Priv. Co. E, 59th Ind. Vols.
Worthington, Ind., March 20th.
what a non-pensioner iias to say.
To the Editor National Tribune :
I am a subscriber to The Tribune but I am
not a pensioner, but I rejoice to hear of the old
soldiers getting their just claims and their
justly earned money, and I am happy to hear
our Congressmen raise their voices for the old
soldier. Would to God that they were all liko
Voorhces and John A. Logan. May they take
tho lead and lead on to victory, that niauy
thousand may get their poor nieagro mito for
their blood that flowed for liberty.
Yours truly, Backwoods.
GO TnOU AND DO LIKEWISE.
To tho Editor National Tribune :
Inclosed please find check for $2. Please
send The National Tribune for ono year
from date to the address of Captain John Mc
Geehau, East New York, L. I., N. Y., County of
Kings. Also to Mr. C. H. Fitzgerall, No. 123
West Twentieth street, New York City, N. Y
Very truly yours,
Geo. II. Lawrence.
East New York, L. I., March 20.
ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN.
To tho Editor National Tribune:
Hero is my dollar to help drive another nail
in tho coffin of national ingratitude. Please
send The Tribune to begin with tho 4th of
March. Respectfullj-, D. S. Hecker.
Galesburg, III, March IS, 1S32.
BOUNTY AND PENSION ACTS,
The Wisconsin Grand Army of tho Republic
recently adopted the following:
Kaalccd, That the Equalization Bounty Bill,
introduced by Hon. J. A. Logan in tho U. S.
Senate at tho extra session of 1579, is but an
act of justice to the early soldier of the war,
and that wo will use every influence in our
power to secure its passage.
Iietolred, That soldiers disabled by diseaso
before serving two years are equally entitled to
bounty as those who were discharged for
wounds or injury; men discharged for diseaso
were seldom curable, and on the average arc
less ablo to earn a living thau those discharged
for wounds or injury.
liesolred, That tho pension of widows ($3
per month) is entirely inadequate to their
needs, and that justice demands that it should
be materially increased ; aud we will uso every
reasonable means to securo such action of Con
gress in their favor.
Kesolved, That tho bill recently introduced
into Congress by Senator Plumb, of Kansas,
removing the disabilities of soldiers who had
served honorably until tho actual closo of hos
tilities, and then returned homo without proper
discharge papers, meets our approval.
