Newspaper Page Text
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON, D. C, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1882.
THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.
ffliat is Going on at the Scat of
Government.
-.
CRIMES AND CASUALTIES.
A Summary of Recent Events
all Over tlie "World.
In response to the resolution of the Ilonse of
;epresentativcs adopted on the 12th instant,
jy -which the Secretary of War is directed to
furnish the House tho following information,
viz: what action has been taken, under the act
cf August 7, 16S2, "to relievo certain soldiers
of the late war from tho charge of desertion,"
what changes in the former law have been de
cided by tho War Department to have been
made by said act, and what classes of soldiers
charged with desertion have been considered
by the War Department to be embraced by tho
said act, and, further, what additional legisla
tion is deemed necessary to euablo him to carry
out tho provisions of the first and second sec
tions of said act, the Secretary of War has trans
mitted a communication, in which lie says that
" theact was so changed, as finally passed by Con
gress, so that instoad of authorizing, as it did
when it first passed the House, certain action in
a particular chiss of cases for which authority
did not before exist, it directly prohibited such
action. No other conclusion has seemed to me
possible without ascribing to the crime of de
sertion, as referred to in this act, some element,
as yet undefined, in addition to those which
have so long, without question, been held to
complete the ofTcnso. 1 find no authority in
the act for so doing."
Representative Rice, of Missouri, has been
instructed by the Committee on Invalid Pen
sions to report to the House, as a substitute for
all pending bills of tho same character, a bill
which has been adopted by the committo to
grant pensions for service in the Mexican and
sundry Indian wars. Tho bill provides for a
pension of eight dollars per month, as follows:
To all soldiers of the Mexican, Black Hawk,
and Florida wars, who served not less than
thirty days, or who, in connection with their
service, have been mentioned by name by Con
gress, widows of soldiers, who have not since
married, provided that they were married at
the time of the service of the soldier through
whom they may claim pension. The bill pro
vides for equalizing this class of pensions by
increasing to eight dollars those which aTe now
of less amount. The only persons excluded
from the benefits of tho bill by reason of hav
ing taken part in tho war of tho rebellion, are
those who have since failed to take advantage
of theact of Congress providing for. pardons,
or who are by that act expressly excluded.
Mr. Bice was instructed to ask suspension of
the rules for tho passage of the bill on- tho next
"committee suspension day."
The joint select congressional committee
on American shipping has adopted a propo
sition prepared by the San Francisco Board
of Trade,, which Is embodied in a bill in
troduced in the House to-day by Mr. Page.
It is to tho effect that tho builders of a vessel
for the foreign trado of materials produced in
the United States shall receive from the Gov
ernment a sura equal to tho duty that would
lave been collected if tho materials had been
imported from foreign countries. Should this
oecome a law the bounty on an iron ship of
i,000 tons would be about $18,000 or $50,000.
The President has sen tho following nomi
nations to tho Senate: Robert C. Campbell, of
Louisiana, to be United States consul at Mon
terey ; Henry II. Jessup, of New York, to bo
charge d' affaires and consul-general of the
United States at Teheran, Persia ; James Hun
ter to be surveyor of customs at St. Joseph,
lib. ; Green C. Chandler, to be United States
attorney for the northern district of Mississippi ;
Samuel J. Hilbern to be United States attorney
& for California, and Thomas II. Medford to bo
P postmaster at Cambridge, Md.
The Canadian postal department has in
formed the Postmaster-General that at the last
Session of the Dominion parliament, an act was
passed exempting from postage all newspapers
mailed from the office of publication in Canada,
addressed to subscribers in that country, under
the terms of the postal convention of 1875.
This exemption extends to newspapers mailed
from Canada and addressed to subscribers in
jhe United States.
About 240 of the Southern matrimonial and
Jatal associations have been placed upon tho
lack list of the Post-Office Department by or
Xer of the Postmaster-General and the post
masters at the places where these societies
xist have been instructed to return to tho
)enders money orders addressed to the associa
tions. The order is based upon a number of
Inspectors' reports showing the associations to
e fraudulent institutions.
The bill introduced in the House by Mr.
oyce to protect the interests of pensioners
broviSes that in each case in which a fee is
charged by a pension attorney the amount to
be charged shall be such as the Commissioner
directs, not to exceed $25, and not to exceed $10
If the claim originated prior to March 4th, 1SG1.
Xhe bill also provides a form for articles of
agreement, to be signed by the claimant and
the attorney, and to be filed at the ollicc of the
Commissioner of Pensious.
A decision was . rendered by the Supreme
Court on Monday, In the case of Major N. M.
Curtis, who, while a special agent of tho
Treasury, received contributions for political
purposes from employees of the Government,
in violation of the act of August 15, 1676.
The question at issue was whether the act of
August 15rflS76, is constitutional. Chief Justico
IVaite delivered the opinion of the Court, sus
taining the constitutionality of the law.
The President will spend the Christmas holi
days at the Soldiers' Home with his family.
He has virtually given up his proposed visit
to New York at that time. The White House
will not be ready for the President until a day
or two before New Year's Day. The deco
rative work in the Blue, Greenland Red par
lors, the state dining-room, and the main vesti
bule is nearly completed.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, which has
been considering the resolution of Mr. Ed
munds relative to acquiring a proper and
legal litle'to the Arlington estate, will, it is
understood, report in favor of appropriating a
reasonable sum to pay for the same, provided a
satisfactorj understanding can be arrived at
with General Custis Lee.
The Finance Committee of the Senate do not
expect to be ready to report a tariff bill before
the middle of January. They are holding
daily meetings generally both morning and
afternoon and are making good progress in
the general discussion and analysis of the
schedules proposed by the tariff commission.
From the expressions of members of Ihe
Committee on Ways and Means with reference
to the tariff, it may be regarded as tolerably
well settled that the committee will adhere
closely to tho recommendations of the tariff
commission in framing their bill.
At Bellaire, Ohio, on Monday, the Democratic
Congressional convention of the Seventeenth
district nominated Rom J. Alexander for the
vacancy in the Forty-seventh ami Forty-eighth
Congresses, caused by the death of the Hon. J.
T. UpdegrafT.
The jury in the star route trial was com
pleted last week, ahd Mr. Bliss finished, on
Tuesday, the opening argument for the Gov
ernment. Tho taking of testimony will begin
thisweuk.
The casa of William Dickson, foreman of tho
N fetar route jury, is still on Jrial. The Govern
ment concluded its examination of witnesses
on Tucsdaj, and the defense is now proceeding.
The army bill, as reported to the House, re
duces the number of aides-de-camp from thii ty
scven to twenty-five. The whole amount ap
propriated is $24,fiil.700, being uearley $4,000,
000 less than the estimates.
The President on Monday appointed John F.
Olmstead, a leading real estata man of Wash
ington, as District Commissioner, vice Major
Thomas P. Morgan, whose term has expired.
General Sherman will give up the command
of ie army next fall, alter making his annual
report. He intends to leave everything in
good shape for his successor, Lieutenaut-Gcu-eral
Sheridan. He will resido in St. Louis.
Under tho compulsory retirement act he need
not leave the army until the spring oflSSl.
The Executive Mansion was thrown open to
tho public yesterday for the first time since
August last, and thePresident received a large
number of visitors who had called to pay their
respects. The President will hold his first pub
lic reception for tho coming season on New
Year's day.
CRIMES AND CASUALTIES.
A dispatch from St. John's, N. F., of tho 10th
iust., says: "Tho schooner Mary Jane, which
arrived this morning from Twillingate, reports
that tho greatest storm of fifty years was ex
perienced on Tuesday. Monday w:is fine, but
that night the wind began to blow with great
violence, accompanied by heavy snow drifts,
which continued over forty-eight hours, at
tini'S increasing to a perfect hurricane.
Tv entv-two vessels of different sizes were to
tally wro ked in Green Bay. At Little Harbor
the'sthoon -r Remusant was wrecked. Wharves,
stages, and flukes wore swept away. The
schoonci Isla id Home, owned by Mr. Garland,
of Island l ovo was lost during the gale at Ket
tle Cove, Conception Bay. The storm raged
with such fury that it was scarcely possible to
do anything to prevout tho craft from drifting
upon the rocks.
Georgo J. Rice, ex-president of the Utica,
Ithica and Elmira Railroad, charged with the
fraudulent hypothecation of tho bonds and
stocks of the" company, had a hearing at the
Toombs Police Court in New York last Satur
day. He placed O.GO shares of stock at the
Third National Bank of New York, which, as
is alleged, ought to have been cancelled. Coun
sel for Rice claimed that the loan was obtained
in good faith for tho benefit of the railroad
company and with the assent of the directors.
The case was continued. It is alleged that
Rice's defalcation will reach $50,000.
Through an appropriation of tho funds of tho
City Bank of Rochester by i(s president, C. E.
Upton, to carry on oil speculations, tiie appro
priation, amounting to about $350,000, the
bank vesterday morning closed its doors. The
amount of deposits is stated at $500,000 and
the amount of paper held by the bank at
$500,000. Upton was treasurer of tho Western
New York Episcopal diocese and had its funds
in tho bank. The savings' banks of tho city
had large sums on deposit in tho bank.
The Hall block, situated at the corner of -St.
Clair and Jefferson streets, at Toledo, O., and
the finest business block in the city, was totally
destroyed by fire Friday morning. Tho total
loss was $650,000, and the total insurance is
about $500,000, which is divided among nearly
all the prominent companies having agencies
in tho city, with policies ranging from $20,000
down.
Mts. Charles Pope, of San Francisco, was
found on Saturday shot through the head, in a
dying condition, at the house of a friend, where
she was stopping, having quarreled with and
left her husband. Pope himself was found dead
also, shot through the head, in a yard a few
blocks away, a revolver lyiug beside him. Two
chambers were discharged. Mrs. Popo died
without speaking.
A man walked into the storo of P. L. Miles,
manufacturing jeweler, in Cleland, on Thurs
day last, and asked tho proprietor to put a new
spring into a cheap watch. While Mr. Miles
was repairing the watch the stranger walked
off with a bag containing $10,000 worth of unset
diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, opals,
cat's eyes, and pearls.
Goneral Crook informs the War Department
that Lieutenant A, R. Jordan, of the third cav
alry, wandered from his tent in an aberration
of mind on the night of tho 11th inst., while
absent on a hunt about twenty-fivo miles from
Camp Verde, Arizona. After an exhaustive
search of three days his body was found. It is
not known how he met his death.
There was a great fire at Canton, China, on
November 7th and Sth. Eight hundrod houses
were destroyed and many lives lost, including
firemen, who were burned to death. Tho
viceroy visited the scene with a body of sol
diers to prevent robberies, and fierce fights
occurred between tho thieves and citizens.
At Canton, 111., on Saturday morning, two
boilers in the Parlin and Oreudorff Company's
extension to their agricultural implement
works exploded, killing eight persons, com
pletely demolishing tho brick engine-house,
and tearing out considerable of the south wall
of the building.
The extensive depot and wharf, together
with sixty cars and ten locomotives of the Man
hatten Beach (Coney Island; Railroad Com
pany, at Bay Ridge, just south of the Brooklyn
city lino on the Upper bay, were destroyed by
fire last Thursday morning. Less, $500,000.
Dr. W. S. Forbes, of Jefferson Medical Col
lege, at Philadelphia, was on Saturday held in
$5,000 bail to answer a charge of being acces
sory to the recent grave robberies at Lebanon
Cemetery.
A dispatch reports much excitement in Stokes
county, N. C, over the discovery of tho sale of
Mrs. Alfred Jenkins to Noah Glidewcll, a neigh
bor of her husband, for $500.
A fire at Grand Forks, Dakota Territory, on
the night of the 18th inst., destroyed $100,000
worth of property in the business section of the
town.
The total loss by the Kingston (Jamaica) fire
is now estimated at $15,000,000. Five persons
perished in tho flames.
An earthquake shock was felt in parts of
New Hampshire Monday.
' ' -I.. ..
POLITICAL.
E. J. Doolittle, jr., Republican, has been re
elected mayor of Mcriden, Connecticut, by 211
majority.
The National Republican Committee will
meet in this city on January 17th to consider
the subject of district representation.
The Ohio legislative bribery eases were finally
disposed of at Columbus Monday. Representa
tive Wright was acquitted, and a nolle prosequi
entered in the case of Representative Block.
The Court. of Appeals of Virginia has ren
dered a decision in favor of all tho ofiicers
elected by the Readjuster council of Peters
burg, Va., and arrangements are being made by
the Democrats for surrendering the station
houses, fire department, and other departments
of the city to the Readjustee.
" General Newton Martin Curtis, convicted of
violation of the United Slates statute in col
lecting assessments from office-holders for po
litical purposes, and sentenced by Judge Bene
dict, of the United States Circuit Court, to pay
a fine of $1,000, through his counsel, appeared
in Now York yesterday and paid the $1,000 by
certified check in open court. Judgo Benedict
thereupon directed the entry of an order dis
charging the General from custody.
The official election returns of Montana show
that at tho recent election 23,312 votes wero
cast."1 In 1SS0 tho total vote was only 14,000
and the census revealed 'a population of 40,000.
It is believed that the population now amounts
to 75,000, and that by the close of 1833 there
will be 100,000 persons residing in the Terri
tory. The Legislature, which has a majority
of Democratic members, will draw up a petition
the present winter for the admission of the
Territory as a State.
Tho Ohio State Hoard of Canvassers on tho
14th instant closed their report on tho vote for
Congressmen, deciding the doubtful districts
in favor of Murray in tho Third, Morey in the
Seventh, Warner in the Fifteenth, and Me
Kinloy in the Eighteenth. The Supreme
Court, in tho case of Campbell, Morey's oppo
nent in tho Seventh district, for an order to
issue a certificate to him, continued the case
until January, after which the canvassers
closed their report. In caso a mandamus is
allowed Morey's certificate becomes u nullity.
Hon. Godlovc S. Orfh, member of Congress
from tho Ninth district of Indiana, died at his
homo at Lafayetl Ind., on Saturday night
from lilood-poihoning, superinduced by cancer.
Mr. Orth was bora near Lebanon, Pa., April 22,
lol7. He was educated at Pennsylvania Col
lege, at Gettysburg, studied law, and on his ad
mission to the bar in 1830 removed to Indiana.
He was a member of the Indiana State Senate
from 1813 to 1850, and was elected presidont of
that body in 115. He was a member of tho
Peace Conference in 1SG1. After the outbreak
of tho war he was made a captain in the
Seventy-sixth Indiana volunteers, and was
placed in command of the United States gun
boat Hornet and nbsigntd to duty on the Ohio
River. He was elected to the Thirty-eighth,
Thirty-ninth, Fortieth and Forty-first Con
gresses, and was Congressman-at-large from
Indiana in tho Forty-third Congress. At tho
expiration of his term he was appointed United
States minister to Vienna. He was elected to
the Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh Congresses,
and was defeated at tho lato election for the
Forty-eighth Congress.
The Legislatures of the following States will
elect United States Senators this winter to suc
ceed the Senators named, whose terms of office
expire March 3, l8S3f
Arkansas Augustus II. Garland, Democrat.
Colorado George M. Chilcott, Republican.
Delaware Eli Saulsbury, Democrat.
Illinois David Davis, Democrat and inde
pendent. Kansas P. B. Plumb, Republican.
Maine W. P. Frye, Republican.
Massachusetts Georgo F. Hoar, Republican.
Michigan Thomas W. Ferry, Republican.
Minnesota William Wiudom, Republican.
Nebraska Alvin Saunders, Republican.
New Hampshire Edward II. Rollins, Re
publican. New Jersey John II. McPherson, Democrat.
North Carolina Matt. W. Ransom, Democrat.
Tennessee Isham G. Harris, Democrat.
Texas Richard Coke, Democrat.
West Virginia Henry G. Davis, Democrat.
Tho Legislatures of Alabama, Georgia, Ken
tucky, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon,
Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia
havo elected Senators, whoso terms will not
expire until March 3, 1SS9.
TERSONAL.
General W. T. Sherman, accompanied by his
daughter Rachel, paid a visit to Gen. Hancock
on Governor's Island on Tuesday last.
Colonel Schuyler Crosby, lato United States
Consul at Florence, has started for his new post
of duty as Governor of Montana.
Trcnor W. Park died of paralysis, December
15th, on a steamer bound for Aspinwall. His
body was embalmed, and will bo returned from
Aspinwall on tho steamer San Bias, which is
due hero about January 1st.
Tho case of Mrs. Scoville, who was recently
adjudged insane at Chicago, and then granted
a new trial, has been stricken from the docket
by agreement. It is reported that tho unhappy
couple are reunited.
Mr. W. W. Story's statue of Chief-Justice
Marshall, to be placed in the Capitol grounds at
Washington, will be of heroic size, representing
the great justice seated, and upon a pedestal
richly carved with scenes of note in his career.
It will bo cast in bronze at Rome or Munich,
tfnd will bo finished in about four years.
His Royal Highness Prince Arisongava, of
Japan, has arrived in New York from London.
The Princo is uncle of tho Emperor of Japan,
and is completing a six months' tour of Europe.
Mr. Takahasi, the Japanese Consul; His Excel
lency Manarnori Serashima, the Japanese Min
ister at Washington, and his secretary, Mr.
Takahiva, met tho Princo at tho pier.
Last Sunday was tho seventy-fifth anniver
sary of tho birth of tho poet John Greenleaf
Whitticr. Ho spent tho day quietly in his
room at tho Hotel Winthrop in Boston and
received numerous callers. Ho had received a
communication from his fellow-citizens in
Amcsbury asking that ho pass tho day at homo
and hold a reception, but ho was obliged to
decline on account of a cold. Many beautiful
floral tributes wore sent in during the day by
friends.
A public reception to non. Hannibal Hamlin
was held at Bangor, Maine, on Monday night
in tho city hall. The assemblage was largo, and
included many distinguished people. Mr.
Hamlin warmly thanked tho audience for its
warm reception. Ho said he returned home
with a closer love for Ins own country and a
more thorough appreciation of its institutions.
Ho had come homo to stay, and could conceive
of no emergency which could tako him away
from his fireside.
Robert Ould, one of tho most prominent
lawyers of Richmaud, Va., died in that city on
the 15th inst., in tho sixty-second year of his
age. Mr. Ould was a native of Georgetown,
D. C. He studied law at William and Mary
College and practiced in the District of Colum
bia until the breaking out of tho war. He was
appointed by President Pierco one of two
members of the bar to codify tho laws of the
District. On the death of Philip Barton Key,
ho was appointed United States District-Attorney
for the District of Columbia, in which
office one of his first duties was to prosecute
Daniel E. Sickels for killing Mr. Key. In the
beginning of tho war ho was assistant secre
tary of war under the confederate govern
ment, and subsequently, under the cartel of
exchange, he was appointed confederate agent
of exchange, which position ho held until tho
close of the war. Upon tho occupation of
Richmond bj' the Federal troops ho offered his
parole to General Grant, who declined to tako
it, saying he did not consider an officer of the
exchange bureau subject to capture, and ac
cordingly gave him a passport and escort to his
home. After the war ho resumed the practice
of law in Richmond.
THE OLD WORLD.
Something About What is doing 011 iu Other Lauds
Thun Ours.
Early on Thursday morning last flames were
discovered issuing from tho front windows of
Hampton Court, the royal palace at Hampton,
fifteen miles from London. Some historical
paintings have been destroyed, and it is be
lieved that many have been injured. Tho fire
broke out in a suite of private apartments in
tho cloister. The local tiro brigade worked for
three hours, and succeeded in preventing tho
flames from extending. A quantity of valuable
property was removed in time to save it. A
woman was suffocated by the smoke. Twelve
rooms situated in the east quadrangle of Hamp
ton Court were scorched by the lire; two vk.ro
actually burned. Tho damage by the fire is
estimated at 30,000. Mr. Gladstone hits
resigned the chancellorship of the exchequer,
and Secretary of War Hugh C. Childers has
been appointed to succeed him. Tho Earl of
Derby has been appointed to tho Indian office.
Earl Spencer lias issued three new proclama
tions offering rewards for information relative
to tho Phoenix Park murders. Westgate, the
self-accused assassin, has arrived in Dublin.
Over 1,000 applications for assistance to emi
grate have been made to the Wcstport Poor
Law Union in county Mayo. It is reported
that Karl Spencer will probably resign the Lord
Lieutentcy of Ireland. The British tiu-phitu
business is paralyzed by tho recent failures.
Tho Dean of Carl islo is dead. Letters havo
been received at the homo office in London
threatening that tho government ofiicers are to
1)0 blown up in revenge for tho execution of
tho three men at Gahvay on Friday. Lord
Duflerin has submitted to the Egyptian gov
ernment a scheme to reform tho native courts
of justico. Tho United States diplomatic
agent has presented his credentials to the Khe
dive. ft is announced that France will re
fuse to accept the presidency of the Egyptian
debt commission. Fravtce has decided not to
abandon tho expedition to Tonquin. Tho
Sultan has denied tho roports of disson
sions in tho government, and lie says he
doesn't fear conspiiacies against himself.
The Chinese havo plundered Russian biihjccts
on tho frontier and havo attacked Chinese
troops marching against the French. Prince
Bismarck is suffering from neuialgia. Tho
terms of the Austio-Gerinau alliance aro said
to bo that if either empire is attacked from two
sides tho other shall ivndcr assistance. A
London correspondent, says that the mental
derangement of the Sultan is becoming more
apparent daily. Five hundred prisoners,
charged with incendiarism and massacre at
Alexandria have been released, owing to in
sufficient evidence. The Mexican Congress
has adjourned until April 1st. Before adjourn
ing the President was authorized to grant per
mission for the establishment of banks through
out the country. The. Senate ratified the
treaty of commerce, navigation and amity con
cluded between Mexico and Germany. The
date for commencing work on General Grant's
Mexican Southern Railroad lias been extended
six months. Mr. .lames R. Keene has changed
the trainer of his race-horses in England.
The council general of the Seine havo urged
the French government to proceed with tho
Siinplon tunnel sehemo as a rival to tho St.
Gochard tunnel. Gaiubelta is ill. The
storm on the coast of Scotland continued Tues
day, and the crews of threo wrecked vessels
were drowned. The unsettled relations be
tween Russia and Germany have caused a panic
on Ihe Berlin bourse, depressing Russian ex
change. The Austro-German alliance is ap
proved bj" tho German press. It is semi-
oilicially announced that tho relations of France
and China aro excellent. The political pris
oners at D.imiottH have been released. The
French budget committeo has decided fo voto
23,000,000 francs for tho maintenance of the
army of occupation in Tunis,
THE WORK OF CONGRESS.
A. Holiday Recess to be Taken
After All.
APPROPRIATION BILLS,
i
Two-cent Postage a Certainty
in the JN"ear Future.
' In the Senate, on Thursday, the 14th inst.,
the consideration of the bill to promote the
efficiency of army chaplains, by increasing
their salaries, was resumed, and after some de
bate the bill was rejected yeas, 20; nays, 3-1.
Mr. Saunders (Neb.), who presented, on the
5th instant, a memorial from tho governor
and citizens of Yankton county, Dakota, ask
ing Congress to authorize them to issue new
bonds, bearing a reasonable rato of interest, to
liquidato all adjudicated indebtedness of the
county, presented the draft of a bill, and asked
that it bo printed for tho examination of the
Committeo on Territories, to which committee
he moved its reference. Tho motion was
agreed to.
The Senate then look up the Pendleton civil
service bill, and debate on that measure occu
pied the remainder of the session.
Friday's proceedings.
In tho Senate, on Friday, tho 15th inst., tho
French spoliations claims bill was taken up.
Messrs. Hoar (Mass.) and Bayard (Del.) spoke
in its favor and Mr. Sherman (O.) in opposition
to it.
And amendment offered by Mr. Harrison
(Rep. Ind.) was adopted providing that the re
port of the Court of Claims shall bo merely
advisory as to the law and tho facts.
The bill as amended was passed.
The civil service bill was then taken up and
debated at length.
On motion of Mr. Pendleton (O.) tho first
section of tho bill was amended so as to require
the civil service commissioners to be confirmed
by tho Senate.
Mr. Morgan (Ala.) offered two amendments,
which were ordered printed. One of them
provides that no advice or recommendation of
any application for examination or appoint
ment given by a Senator or Representative
shall bo received or considered by the examin
ers unless it shall havo been previously asked
in writing by 0110 or more of them. The other
authorizes tho commission to designate in each
State five examiners not in the service of tho
United States, and not more than three of them
bolonging to the samo partj', who shall examine
applicants residing in the State.
Saturday's proceedings.
In tho Senate on Saturday, tho 16th inst., Mr.
Voorhecs (Ind.) submitted a substitute for tho
library bill, which, liko its predecessor, pro
vides for tho erection of a fire-proof building,
to be built east of the Capitol, between B street
north and East Capitol street and First street
cast and Second street east, to be built accord
ing to the plan of Architect F. Smithnicycr.
The. sum of $500,000 is appropriated to com
mence the construction of the building.
Tho Senate then took up the civil service
bill, and Mr. Allison (la.) modified his amend
ment so as-to mako it mandatory upon the
President to appoint tho commissioners under
the bill. His amendment provides for the ap
pointment of three commissioners, to constitute
the United States civil service commission, to
hold office two, four, and six years, respectively,
their successors to hold oflico six years, at a
salary of $4 ,500.
Mr. Voorhecs, opposing tho bill, thought that
tho best possiblo reform would result from a
thorough change in tho personnel of tho ser
vice occasionally.
Speeches were made for tho bill by Messrs.
Hoar (Mass.), Hawlcy (Conn.), and Jones
(Nov.); against tho bill by Messrs. Ingalls
(111.), Voorhecs (Ind.), Plumb (Kan.), and
Maxey (Tex.)
On motion of Mr. Hawley, the Senato ad
journed at six p. m., in spite of the protest of
Mr. Edmunds that to adjourn then would bo
substantially the destruction of the bill.
MONDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
In tho Senate, on Monday, the lSth inst., Mr.
Logan (111.) presented the petition of citizens
of Eureka Springs, Ark., praying for the estab
lishment of a Soldiers' Home at that place.
Mr. Sherman (O.), from the Finance Com
mittee, reported tho bill prepared at tho Treas
ury Department and recommended by the Sec
retary, to extend for two years the period
within which persons having whisky in bond
must pay tho internal revonuc taxes thereon.
House bill to amend tho act to repeal dis
criminating duties ou goods produced east of
the Cape of Good Hope was passed.
Mr. Pugh offered an amondment to the pend-idgcivil-servicc
bill, and it was ordered printed.
It provides that persons now in the service
shall bo subject, like other citizen, to the ope
ration of the laws ; it provides that tho ofiicers
shall bo apportioned among the States and Ter
ritories and the District of Columbia according
to the population, and directs tho heads of De
partments to divide the persons now in oflico
into three classes : First, those who can be sub
jected at once, without injury to tho public
service, to examination in competition with
other applicants for the offices which they now
occupy; second, those who can be subjected
to such competitive examination within six
months from the passage of the act without in
jury to tho service; third, those who can be
submitted to examination within twelve
months. The officers being apportioned geo
graphically, each to be given to one of tho throe
persons standing highest in tho competitive
examination, without rcferenco to political
opinions or affiliations ; and the whole forco is
to be reduced to the actual requirements of the
public service.
The Indian appropriation bill was then taken
up and discussed but without conclusion.
Mr. J lour (Mass.), from the Committeo on the
Judiciary, reported, with amendments, the
bankruptcy bill, which was recommitted to that
committee last week.
Tho House resolutions in relation to the death
of Representative Orth were received, and out
of respect to his memory tho Senate adjourned.
TUESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
In tho Senate, on Tuesday, the 19th inst,
Mr. Piatt (Conn.), from the Committeo on Pen
sions, reported a bill declaring " that nothing
contained in the act entitled 'An act to amend
section 4702, title 57, Revised Statutes of the
United States, and for other purposes,' approved
August 7tn, 18:52, shall bc'conslrucd or operate
to change the date of the commencement of
widows' pensions, as provided in tho second
section of the act of March 3d, lb!)."
Tho act, the construction of which tho bill
reported by Mr. Piatt is to define, provides that
in caso of tho death or disability of a soldier,
his widow or children shall be entitled to tho
samo pension as ho would have been ontitled
to, dating from his death or disability. Tho
act which this latter act amends provides that
unless the application for such pension shall bo
made prior to tho first of July, 18S0, it shall
date with tho application, and not with tho
death or disability of the person on whoso ac
count the pension is granted. There aro ex
cepted from this limitation claims in behalf of
insane persons and children undorsixtecn years
of age. Widows aro now proposed by Mr.
Piatt's bill to be also included within tho ex
ceptions. The bill was placed on the calondar.
Mr. Logan (111.) introduced a bill for tho
regulation of telegraphic and cable companies.
At the close of the morning hour tho Indian
appropriation bill was called up.
Mr. Plumb (Kan.) offered an amendment
providing that the appropriation for tho educa
tion of Indians at Carlisle shall cover also the
cost of their transportation. Agreed to.
Mr. Call (FJa.) offered an amendment, which
was agreed to, providing that tho Seminolcs
still remaining in Florida shall recoivo their
share of tho money appropriated to pay tho
interest duo that tribe under treaty stipula
tions. The bill was then passed, and tho unfinished
business, tho civil service bill, came up, but Mr.
Sherman obtained unanimous consent to lay it
aside in order to take tho bill extending tho
time for tho withdrawal of distilled spirits in
bonded warehouses.
Mr. Ingalls (111.) moved to amend tho bill,
adding a provision that from and after the ex
piration of thrco years from tho entry of any
distilled spirits now in warehouses five per
cent, interest shall bo collected upon such spir-'
its, to be computed down to tho timo of with
drawal. Agreed to yeas 39, nays 17.
Mr. Edmunds (Vt.) here called for the reg
ular order, the civil service bill.
Mr. Sherman (O.) moved to postpone the reg
ular order, so as to proceed with the consider
ation of the pending bill. Lost yeas 16, nay3
30.
Then, with the civil service bill before it, the
Senate adjourned.
WEDNESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
In the Senate, on Wednesday, the 20th inst.,
among tho bills introduced was ono by Mr.
Logan (HI.) to increase tho efficiency of the
army of tho United States. Referred to tho
Committee on Military Affairs.
By Mr. Saunders (Neb.), to authorize the con
struction of a bridge across the Missouri, di
rectly between Omaha and Council Bluffs, and
to establish tho same as a post road; referred to
the Committee on Commerce. Also (by re
quest), for tho admissionof Utah into the Union
on an equal footing with the original States.
Referred to the Committee on Territories.
At the close of tho morning hour, Mr. Allison
(la.) called up the consular and diplomatic ap
propriation bill, and it was passed.
On motion of Mr. Pendleton, the Senate then
took up the civil service bill. Mr. Pendleton
(O.) offered an amondment striking out the
provision that entrance to tho public service
shall be at tho lowest grade, and providing
that appointments in the Departments shall bo
apportioned as nearly as possiblo among tho
States and Territories and tho District of Co
lumbia upon tho basis of population.
HOUSE.
THURSDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
In tho House, on Thursday, tho 14th inst.,
Mr. Pound (Wis.),chairman of tho Committee
on Public Lands, reported back the resolution
calling on tho Secretary of the Interior for
information as to whether any of the lands
heretofore granted by Congress to any railroad
company to aid in the construction of its road,
and to which such company was not entitled to
patents at tho time that the period expired
within which such railroad was required to be
completed, havo been patented to such com
pany since the expiration of that period, and
by what authority such patents were issued.
Adopted.
The House then proceeded to the considera
tion of the post-office appropriation bill.
Mr. Caswell (Wis.) explained in detail the pro
visions of the bill; the total amountappropriatcd
$13,948,520, being $2,792,591 less than the esti
mate, and $695,330 less than tho appropriation
for the current year.
A long debato then ensued on the omission
from the bill of all estimates for fast mail facil
ities, representatives from New England con
tendidg that the appropriation for special mail
facilities should be continued, while several
Western members contended that it should be
discontinued, for the reason that only New
England and a fewMiddlo States wero benefited
by it.
Mr. Bingham (Pa.) delivered an exhanstiveand
forcible speech on the subject of the reduction
of the rate of postage. It bristled with figures,
and gave a detailed history of tho administra
tion of tho Post-Ollice Department on that sub
ject. He believed that the time was auspicious
for a reduction of postage.
Mr. Flower (N.Y.) spoke in advocacy of hisjoint
resolution authorizing the President to veto
specific items in appropriation bills,whilo giving
his sanction to the remaining portions.
Mr. Reagan (Tex.) entered his protest against
tho reduction in the rate of postage. Ho believed
it to bo a mistake, and based that belief on tho
fact that postal cards furnished all tho needful
facilities for cheap postage.
FRIDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
Mr. Kasson (la.), from tho Committee on
Ways and Means, reported back the bill amend
ing the act to repeal discriminating duties on
goods produced east of the Cape of Good Hope,
and it was passed. The bill relieves from the
payinout of duty such goods as may be in
bonded warehouses or on ship-board on the
1st of January, 1353, the date when tho general
relief goes into effect.
Mr. Reid (Me.), presented as a question of
privilege a memorial of James H. McLean,
claiming to have been elected to succeed the
lato TI103. Allen, as Representative from the
Second Congressional district of Missouri to tho
Forty-seventh Congress.
After some discussion the question was put
as to whether the claimant should be sworn in,
and it was decided in the affirmative (144 to
15), and Mr. McLean appeared at the bar of the
House and took the oath of office.
Tho House went into Committee of the
Whole, Mr. Calkins (Ind.) in the chair, on tho
post-oilice appropriation bill, all general debate
being limited to two hours.
Mr. Caswell (Wis.), on behalf of the Commit
teo on Appropriations, offered an amendment
increasing tho appropriation for "star" service
from $5,000,000 to $5,250,000.
Mr. Caswell's amendment was adopted.
Pending action the committee rose.
SATURDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
In the House on Saturday, the 16th instant,
on motion of Mr. Thompson (Ky.), tho bill
authorizing tho board of commissioners of the
Soldiers' Home at Harrodsburg, Ky., to sell the
Harrodsburg Springs property at public sale
to tho highest bidder was taken up and passed.
Tho House then took up the post-office appro
priation bill. After debate Mr. Robinson's
amondment appropriating $600,000 for special
mail facilities, and Mr. Hiscock's amendment
reducing that sum to $200,000, were both voted
down. The bill makes no provision at all for
special mail facilities.
Mr. Murch (Me.) moved to amend the clause
reducing letter postage to two cents by fixing
the rate at three cents for the first half ounce
and at two cents for every additional half
onnco. Lost.
Mr. Atkins (Tenn.) moved to strike out tho
clause reducing the rate of postage. Lost.
On motion of Mr. Dunn (Ark.) a paragraph
was added to the bill providing that if the rev
enue of the Department should be insufficient
to meet the appropriations, a sum equal to the
deficit should bo taken from any moneys in the
Treasjiry.
The timo for filing claimsbeforo the court of
the commissioners of Alabama claims was ox
tended until May 14, 1S33.
MONDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
Mr. Butterworth (O.) offered a resolution de
claring it to be the sense of the IIouso that in
case tho internal revenue laws be amended so
as to reduce or abolish tho internal revenue tax
on tobacco, provision shall be made for allow
ing a rebate of tho tax paid on stock on hand
at the time such law goes into efiect, provided
that such stock is stamped and in unbroken
packages.
Mr. Kelly (Pa.) said it was his purpose to re
lievo the tobacco trado of this agitation by
haviug action on the question at tho earliest
moment.
Tho resolution was referred to the Committee
on Ways and Means.
Mr. Page, (Cal.,) chairman of the Committee
on Commerce, favorably reported back the bill
of the joint shipping committee, and it was
placed 011 tho House calondar and mado the
special order for Wednesday, tho 3d of Januaay,
1SS3.
Mr. Kclley, chairman of tho Committo on
Ways and Means, reported back without re
commendation a resolution for a holiday recess
from December 22 to January 3.
Mr. Hiscock (N. Y.) inquired whether tho
business of the Way3 and Means Committeo
would bo facilitated if the House should romqim.
in session during tho holidays?
Mr. Kelly replied that both tho business of
the country and of the Ways and Means Com
mittee would be facilitated.
After a long debate the resolution for a holi
day recess was defeated yeas, 105; nays, 123.
Mr. Robeson (X. J.) offered a resolution find
ing every membor absent without leavo from
the 22d of Dccombor to the 3d of January $50 for
each day's absence, and it was adopted yeas,
111; nays, 102.
Mr. Browne (Ind.) announced tho death of
the Hon. Godlovo S. Orth, of Indiana, and in
respect to tho memory of tho deceased tho
House adjourned.
TUESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
In tho House, on Tuesday, the 19th inst., Mr.
Rutterworth (O.) reported the army appropria
tion bill.
Mr. Townshond (111.), bv unanimous consent,
introduced a bill (H. R. 70S3) amending tho
laws granting pensions to soldiers and sailors
of the war of 1312, Ac, so as to grant pensions
to soldiers and sailors of previous Indian wars,
and their widows; which was read a first and
second time, referred to the Select Committeo
on tho Payment of Pensions, Bounty, and Back
Pay, and ordored to be printed.
Mr. Joyce (Vt.) introduced a bill for tho regu
lation of telegraph and cable companies; also
limiting the number of licensed liquor saloon
in the District of Columbia to 200.
Mr. Robeson (N. J.) offered a resolution for a
reces3 from the 22d of December, 1S32, until
the 2d of January, 1S33.
The resolution for a recess was adopted
yeas 127, nays 101.
Mr. Williams (Wis.), from tho Committee on
Foreign Affairs, reported a joint resolution re
citing that the government of France proposes
to establish at Tunis a judicial system common
among Christian nations, so that the courts ii
that country shall be fully opened for tho pro
tection of citizens of the United States in theii
person, property and rights; and authorizing
tho President to declare by proclamation that
the right on the part of the United States and
its citizens to claim extra territorial jurisdiction
within said territory of Tunis has ceased and
will no longer be claimed or exercised. Passed.
Mr. Dezendorf (Va.) introduced a bill to pre
vent Federal office-holders from interfering
with the freedom of elections.
Mr. Neal (O.) offered a resolution instructing
tho Garfield board of audit to report to tho
Houso a schedule of all the claims presented to
and allowed by it. Adopted.
The House then went into Committee of the
Whole on the postoffico appropriation bill, tho
pending amendment being that offered by Mr.
Robeson, providing that railroad companies
which have received bond subsidies in addition
to grants of public lands shall receive as com
pensation for carrying tho mails 50 per cent, of
tho amount now allowed to them by tho law
for that service.
A long debate hero ensued, and, without
reaching a voto on Mr. Robeson's amendment,
tho House adjourned.
WEDNESDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
In the House, on Wednesday, the 20th inst.,
Mr. Browne (Ind.) called up a motion to re
consider the vote by which the bill permitting
retired army officers to hold civil offices in th
Territories was indefinitely postponed. Tht
motion prevailed, and the motion to postpone
was withdrawn.
Mr. Townshend (111.) offered an amendment
providing that when a retired army office!
shall accept a Territorial office his retired pay
shall be covered into the Treasury. This gavo
rise to a discussion between Mr. Haskell (Kan.)
and Mr. Townshend as to whether the amend
ment discriminated against worthy veterans.
Mr. Reagan (Tex.) opposed the bill as tend
ing to build up a moneyed aristocracy.
Mr. Dunncll (Minn.) favored the bill, hold
ing that a retired officer stood in the same posi
tion as a pensioner.
GRAND ARMY ORDERS.
Circular.
Headquarters G. A. R., Union Block,
(Cor. Fifteenth and Farnamsts.,)
Omaha, Neb., Dec. 16, 16S2.
I. The unprecedented growth of the Grand
Army of the Republic since I assumed command
fully justifies the belief that tho present ad
ministration will have the crowning glory of
the greatest gains in tho history of the Or
der. I fully realize that the efforts of Past
Commanders-in-Chief Wagner and Merrill
aided largely in preparing tho field for
this abundant harvest. A new year is at
hand. New officers of Departments and
Posts will be installed. If the comrades called
to these positions work as faithfully as those
just closing their terms, the growth of the Order
from June until June will be fully one hundred
thousand comrades. We must accomplish this
work. We have abundant cause for rejoicing,
yet much remains to be done to make thdw-ork
permanent. The continuous changing of ad
ministrations is right and proper, yet I am
satisfied that the prosperity and discipline of
the Departments of Pennsylvania and Massa
chusetts is due largely to two reasons 1st,
each had the faithful services of one Assistant
Adjutant-General for several years; 2d, tho
fact that they were uniformed Departments.
I believe it to be for the best interests of the
Order to secure tho very best comrades for
Assistant Adjutant-Generals and Assistant
Quartermaster-Generals, and to retain them.
The annual change of these officers is detri
mental to the interests of the Order.
II. I earnestly desire each comrade desig
nated to install ofiicers of Posts to nso tho
strongest language possible in impressing upon
them tho sacred duties they assume, and that
an acceptance of the position, and the obliga
tion taken, makes it their sworn duty to for
ward all reports at the times stated in Rules
and Regulations. I trust that at the first meet
ing after reports are due the comrades will see
to it that the officers of the Post have per
formed this importont duty. At this date the
reports of seventeen Departments for tb third
quarter are on file at the Adjutant-General's
office.
I believe it to be for tho interest of the Order
that as many public meetings should be held as
possible. The more the people see the work
ings of the Grand Army of the Republic tho
more it meets with popular favor. Installa
tions and Camp-fires held with open doors aro
sources of great and lasting good to tho Order.
III. The organization of Ladies' Aid and
Auxiliary Societies are of the greatest help to
the Posts. I know of no Post having such an
organization that is not strong and prosperous
These societies have performed a great work,
and each Post should see to it that one is or
ganized at once. Information will be furnished
by Mrs. Sawyer, Portland, Me.. Mrs. Sherwood,
Toledo, Ohio, or Mrs. E. T. Charles, Washing
ton, D. C.
1 earnestly urge all comrades to uniform.
Department and Post Commanders will take
active steps m this direction at once.
IV. I trust that each officer and comrade of
the Grand Army of tho Republic will stand on
guard to see that no soldier or sailor not enti
tled to a peusion is placed upon the pension
rolls. I trust also that each comrade will bo
equally vigilant in seeing that each soldier or
sailor justly entitled shall receive justice.
V. Tho extraordinary domands upon tho
time of the Commander-in-Chief have been
cheerfully met. Tho cordial greetings and
courtesies given him everywhere will never be
forgotten. It lightens the labor and lessees
tho fatigue to meet with such warm-heartsl
greetings. Many of the entertainments in his
honor have been expensive. He hopes hero
after that the ceremonies attendant upon his
reception be as simple as possible, and that
money set apart for such a purpose be given to
poor and distressed comrades.
VI. Now, at ever- Department Encampment
let each officer-elect pledge his most zealous
efforts to recruiting. Let each delegate and
visiting comrade pledge hearty co-operation.
At each Post installation let each officer and
comrade vow incessant work during the coming
year, the closest adherence to Rules and Regu
lations and all ritualistic forms, and the most
untiring devotion to the principles of our
Order.
YII. Tho National Encampment at Denver,
Col., will be a memornble one. Low rates will
be given from all points. A large attendance
is desired from all parts of tho country. You
will bo kindly treated. Ample and cheap ac
commodations will be provided for all. Let us
all march forward, gathering in worthy soldiers
at every advance we make. Let us recruit all
along the line, and meet at Denver 200,000
strong.
By command of
Paul Van Dervoort,
Commander-in-Chief.
F. E. Brown,
Adjutant-General.
Headquarters Department ok Vermont,
Grand Army of the Republic.
Bennington, Vt., Nov. 23, 1SS2.
General Order, No. 13.
I take tho liberty of calling the attention of
comrades of the Department of Vermont. G. A.
R., to the kindred organization of the "Sons of
Veterans."
In other Departments great interest is mani
fested in this new order, not only among the
sons, but bv their veteran fathers as well.
Tho Grand Army of the Republic will soon
pass awav, and it is fitting that our children
and children's children should unite in an order
similar in its features, and for like objects.
It occurs to me that the subject will commend
itself to all comrades, and that our organization
will be strengthened by the growth of that of
our sons, and that by encouraging them in this
work we help to perpetuate that spirit of pa
triotism which crushed the great rebellion and
made us a united Nation.
Information concerning tho organization of
the "Sons of Veterans" can be obtained by cor
respondence with Comrade I. S. Bangs, Junior
Vico Commander-in-Chief Cr. A. R., Waterville,
Maine, who has charge of tho provisional or
ganization for tho New England States.
Any particulars relating to this order, known
at these headquarters, will bo cheerfully fur
nished. A. B. Valentine.
Com., Dep't of Vt., G. A.'K
C. C. Kinsman,
Ass't Adj't Gen't
