Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1878 — NEWS SUMMARY [ARTICLE]

NEWS SUMMARY

FOREIGN NEWS. The Duke of Connaught, third son of Queen Victoria, ri to wed the Princess Louise, daughter of Prince Frederick Charles, of Prussia. In accordance with the programme, the (formal opening of the Paris Exhibition by ■President MacMahon occurred on the Ist of "May, the inaugural ceremonies being attended by crowds of people too vast to be enumerated even by estimate. A distinguished company of foreign Princes and nobles were present. A St. Petersburg dispatch announces that Russia and England have agreed upon a basis for negotiations, and that tlio latter’s protest will be formally and amicably discussed. The great famine in China is expected to last at least six months longer. The Turks stubbornly refuse to evacuate the fortresses of Varna, Bhumla and Batoum. Gortschakoff is seriously ill of gout. Reports are current respecting the withdrawal of the Russian troops beyond tne ncuitral zone. Gen? Todleben is very desirous of taking up a strong defensive position, which ■the present disposition of his force does not ■afford. The English are in high spirits over the report that Bismarck has onco more declared Germany’s intention to remain neutral if war occurs between Russia and England. The report that Turkey will also maintain a neutral attitude, and has collected forces sufficient to prevent the occupation of her territory by the British, is less encouraging to the latter. A Constantinople dispatch says that a part of the Russian forces at San Stefano have been withdrawn. The move is probably designed to givo effect to Todelben’s idea that the army ehould occupy a stronger defensive position than that taken by the Grand Duke Nicholas. The inquiry into the murder of the late Lord Leitrim has resulted in the removal of the prisoners. On articles of clothing found in some of the prisoners’ houses blood stains were found. Tho County Inspector of Constabulary said he had received information connecting every one of the prisoners with the murder.

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

East. Boston has the champion failure of tho season, that of Nathan Mathews, real-estate speculator. Ilis debts amount to about $5,000,000. Something of a sensation has boon caused by the appearance, on the' coast of Maine, of a merchant vessel, the Cimbria, lately belonging to the Hamburg lino, which is under tho command of an officer of tho Russian navy, and is, as it may be supposed, tho beginning of the privateer floct that lias been talked of so much. The Gilbert elevated railway, intended to promote rapid transit, has been completed and formally oponed to travel in Now York city, and is pronounced a great success. John M.orrissoy, the well-known New York politician and ex-prizc-flghter, died suddenly at Hara’toga, N. Y., on the Ist inst. He was a nativo of Ireland, and was 47 years old. The Illinois Republican Central Committee lias issued a call for the meeting of the State Convention at Springfield on tho 29th of June. E. Remington & Sons, the manufacturers of llie well-known Remington rifle, having extensive shop) at Ilion, N. Y., havo compromised with their creditors. Their liabilities are stated at $1,000,000, and assets $4,000,000. A New York db patch says the members of the Syndicate have decided to take an additional $5,000,000 of the bonds, making the total amount thus far taken under their second contract, $20,000,000. The Fenians in tho Eastern States are actively preparing for an invasion of Canada as soon as England becomes involved in a war wi h Russia.

South. Advices from Northwestern Texas report anher mail carrier killed by Indians between Forts Davis and StoektoD, making tbe sixth person killed in tha; f locality within a few days. A wagon train was attacked between Stockton and Fort Davis. The mountains are said to be full of hostile savages. 8. E. Cummings, who has furnished tho revenuo officers with information, was shot, a few nights ago, by unknown persons at his houso in Baldwin county, Ga. Tho tow boat Warner, hound from New Orleans io St. Louis with a tow of barges, exploded her boilers opposite Memphis the other day. Of ihe crew of twenty-five people, scarcely any escaped without injury. Three of thorn wore killed, and it is thought others will die of their injuries. Goii. Old telegraphs from Ringgold Barracks, on the Rio Grande, that 300 Mexican revolutionists had crossed from Texas into Mexico, and were attacked by Diaz’s troops and dispersed. He also reports that a revolution has broken out in Durango, and that there is much excitement along the Rio Grande. The terdoists seem to be gaining strength.

West. Tho office of the Detroit Free Press was almost totally destroyed by fire on the morning of tho 29. h ult. Loss about SIOO,OOO. The fire was caused by the explosion of a gas main. Thcro was very little delay in the publication of any of the editions of the Free Press, the other papprs in the city generously offering their assistance. At Indianapolis, one day last week, in the presence of a company of 200 or 300 of the more immediate friends of the family and relatives, the remains of the late Senator Morton were removed from the chapel in Crown Hill Cemetery and buried. The body was borne from the chapel by eight prominent citizens, among the l Gen. J. A. Ekin and ex-Gov. Baker. Tho services were beautiful and impressive. The city of Minneapolis, Minn., the great milling metropolis, has been the scene of a terribly destructive conflagration, accompanied by a shocking loss of life. On the evening of the 2d inst. the city was shaken as by an earthquake by a terrific explosion, which was promptly traced to the groups of great flouring mills in what is known as.“ The Platform,” just above St. Anthony falls, where the entire flouring district of the city is concentrated. The explosion came from the great Washburn Mill,* from which a column of flame was seen to shoot up several hundred feet, followed by a crash which crushed the immense structure like an eggshell. Secondary explosions instantly destroyed the Thompson & Hoyt and the Humboldt Mills, and flames immediately burst out, communicating to the Galaxy Mills tho»e of Pettit, Bol>inson & Co., Cahill, Ankeny & Co., L. Day & Sons, Day & Rollins, Buell, Newton & Co., Gorton, Hayward & Co., the Washburn “A” and “B” mills, and lesser structures down the bank of the river. The destruction from the shock of the explosion extended much further, glass being wrecked for Several squares, and buildings shaken throughout tin city. So rapidly did (lie flames extend that many of the employes in the mills were unable to escape, and about fifteen unfortunate people lost their lives. The loss of property is estimated at about $1,09'>,000, one-half of which falls upon the polling interest,

Sitting Bull at last sends word to the Great Father that he will consider any terms of capitulation he may choose to offer. Advices to that effect have been received at Gen. Sheridan’s headquarters in Chicago. The facts are communicated by Gen. Nelson A. Miles, commanding the district of the Yellowstone. The schooner St. Lawrence was recently burned in Lake Michigan, thirty miles off Milwaukee. The Captain and a passenger named i'ieplow, from Gifford, LI., lost their lives. Intelligence of a wholesale slaughter comes to us from Western Nebraska. Herman Allen and two brothers named Luther, who were trapping on the Dismal river, had not been heard of for two months until recently, when their dead bodies were discovered, all of them with bulletrholes through the head. One of the suspected parties has been arrested. Chicago amusements: Boucicault's great sensational drama, “After Dark,” holds the boards at McVicker’s Theater this week. It is said to be among the finest of modern plays. It is produced with the full strength of the regular company, and is mounted in handsome style. Following is the valuation of the mills destroyed by the Minneapolis fire: Washburn, “A,” six-story stone building, $300,000; Humboldt, $60,000; Diamond, $50,000; Galaxy, $85,000; Zenith $60,000; Petit A Robinson, $125,000. Eighteen lives aro now known to have been lost. The mill owners are preparing to rebuild. Gov. Washburne, it is said, will erect the largest and finest flouring *n the world.

WASHINGTON NOTES.

The President has nominated Norman Buck to be United States Attorney in Idaho Territory, and E. S. Chase, of Wisconsin, to be United States Marshal of Idaho Territory. The coinage of the new silver dollars from this time forward will be nearly $3,000,000 monthly. An order has been issued at the Treasury Department directing that the new silver dollar may be paid out in exchange for greenbacks. Hitherto the Secretary has . / tisted that silver dollars could only be obtain Jd with gold. According to advices received at the War Department, an Indian war is pretty sure to pleasantly diversify the events of the summer. Following is the public-debt statement for May: Six per cent, bonds $ 738,619,000 Five per cent, bonds 703;266,659 Four and a half per cent, bonds 210,000,000 Four per cent bonds 83,850,000 Total coin bonds $1,735,735,650 Lawful money debt $ 14,000,000 Matured debt: $ 6,831,850 Legal tenders * 346,743,358 Certificates of deposit 28,315,000 Fractional currency 16,805,414 Coin certificates 55,044,500 Total without interest $ 446,908,273 Total debt ‘52,203,475,773 Total interest . 28,747,253 Caßh in treasury—com $ 156,037,230 Cash in treasury—currency 1,103,140 Currency held for redemption of fractional currency 10,000,000 Special deposits held for redemption of certificates of deposit „ 28,315,000 Total in treasury ■$ 195,515,377 Debt less caßh in treasury $2,036,707,648 Decrease of debt during April 3,015,865 Decrease since June 30, 1877 23,450,574 Bonds issued to Pacific F.ailroad Companies, Interest payable in lawful money; principal outstanding 64.023,512 Interest accrued and not yet oaid 1,292,470 Interest paid by the United States 37,890,334 Interest repaid by transportation of mails, etc 9,162,852 Balance of interest paid by tho United States 28,733,482 The Senate has confirmed George L. Smith as Collector of the port of New Orleans. Orders have boon sent to tho various mints and sub -treasuries not to pay out the 20-cent silver pieces. There is $250,000 in these coins outstanding.

POLITICAL POINTS.

Testmaster General Key, in a published interview, says that ho does got beliove Congress will take any steps toward the investigation of President Hayes’ title. He believes now that Hayes was honestly elected, although ho did not think so in November, 1876. “It is said by prominent Democrats that a resolution will soon be introduced in the House directing the Committee on the Judiciary to investigate the alleged Florida frauds, and authorize them to send for persons and papers. This would include the statements of McLin and Dennis, and other proofs in that connection. The investigation will be made with a view of ascertaining all the facts, and not to interfere with the present position of President Hayes.” So says an Associated Press telegram from Washington. “The President’s friends.” says a Washington dispatch to a Western newspaper, “ declare that the civil-service policy is not abandoned, and that the civil-service order will be rigidly enforced. They say that while officeholders may be permitted to speak oj write in favor of their party, yet they cannot take part in caucuses or conventions, or be compelled to contribute to campaign funds.”

MISCELLANEOUS GLEANINGS.

The bitter feud existing in Montreal between Orangemen and Catholics has culminated in more bloodshed. A few nights ago, as a party of Orangemen, who had attended a concert in the suburb of Griffintown, were going home in a body, they were ambushed by a party of Catholic Unionists. One man was shot dead, another seriously wounded, and a woman received three bullets in one of her legs. There is much excitement in Montreal over the affair, and it is feared more serious disturbances will occur. Mr. James Henderson Duff, of Toronto, Canada, started May 1 to walk the distance of the circumference of the earth. He proposes to walk forty miles each working day for two years, which will give him a day over what he requires to accomplish the 25,000 miles. He is to receive the sum of SIO,OOO if he accomplishes the task. Alarmed at the determination of the Russians to buy merchant ships, turn them into armed cruisers, and play the Alabama business upon the British commerce, the English naval authorities have selected a large number of first-class steamers, which are to be commissioned and employed to run down the improvised Russian fleet. A San Francisco dispatch announces the death of W. S. O’Brien, one of the great Bonanza silver kings. John Morrissey left an estate of $30,000.

FORTY-FOURTH CONGRESS.

Monday, April 29.— Senate. —Mr. McCreery, of Kentucky, presented the credentials of his successor in the Senate, John 8. Williams.... Mr. McCreery presented a petition signed by a large muabCr influential citizens, regardless of party, asking that RaDhael Semmes be assigned to a position 5? tut* 6 . ex P e<iitio u. ..Bills introduced: By Mr. Plumb, to further define the right of preemption entries within railroad limits; by Mr Cockrell (by request), to provide for asccrtaining and reporting the expense incurred by the Territory of Idaho in defending themselves against the Nez-Perce Indians ; by Mr. Chrißtiancv to amend section 5,147, Revised Statutes, in regard to assaults upon or interference with the internal revenue or customs officers ; also, to amend section 0,407, Revised Statutes, in regard to embezzlements by internal-revenue officers.... Bills passed - House bill making an appropriation of SIO,OOO for pier-lights at the entrance of the jetties to toe Souto pass of toe Mississippi nver; Sen-

ate bill for the relief of Bcttlers on public lands within the double minimum limits of railroad grants, afterward thrown out of the double minimum limits by reason of a change in *he route cf the roads; House joint resolution appropriating $5 000 f-r erecting a monument over the grave of Thomas Jefferson; Senate bill granting lands to tho State of Minnesota in lien of certain lands heretofore granted ; House bill to extend the provisions of section 3,297, Revised Statutes, to other institutions of learning. House. —Bills introduced: By Mr. Clark, to prevent the insolvency of railroad companies; by Mr. Turner, to prevent assessments for political pu»poses; by Mr. Phillips, setting aside the contract entered into between the Secretary of the Treasury and the Syndicate; by Mr. Ackliu, repealing the iron-clad oath for jurors; by Mr. Williams, of Michigan. for the erection of a statue of Gen. Custer, by Mr. Aldrich, to establish a branch mint at Chicago ; by Mr. Wilson, repealing the act entitled “An act to strengthen the public credit," approved March, 1870, pledging payment in gold of all bonds theretofore payable in lawful money of the United Stales.... A bill introduced by Mr. Fort, forbidding the further retirement of greenbacks, and providing for the reissue of legal tenders redeemed, was passed under a suspension of the rules, by a vote of 177 yeas to 33 nays. Tuesday, April 30, —Senate. —The Senate devoted the entire day to the consideration of the bill to repeal the Bankrupt law. House. —The House consumed the day in discussing the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropriation bill. Wednesday, May I.—Senate.—The Senate devoted another day to the discussion of the bill to repeal the Bankrupt law, and finally referred it to the Judiciary Committee, with the understanding that it be reported back without delay.... There was an interesting debate upon the subject of the tariff, growiDg out of an attempt by Mr. Blaine toca'l up bis resolution declaring any radical chaDge in our tariff at this time to be inopportune. Objection was made to the calling up of the resolution.... Mr. Garland introduced a bill providing for a commission to examine into the subject of tbe tariff, with a view to facilitating legislation relative thereto. Referred. House,— Mr. Chittenden introduced a bill providing for the exchange of fractional silver coin for United States notes. Ref erred,... Mr. Robertson, Chairman of the Committee on the Mississippi Levees, reported a bill appropriating $3,871,674 for closing crevasses and strengthening the levees on the Mississippi river. Printed and recommitted. .... Mr. Vance, Chairman of the Committee on Patents, reported a bill amending the Patent laws. Pouted and recommitted... .Mr. Throckmorton introduced a bill limiting the rates for transportation, freight and passengers over the Pacific railroad bridge at Omaha. Referred.... The Legislative, Executive and J udicial Appropriation bill was discussed. Thursday, May 2.—Senat*. —Mr, Thurman, from tne Judiciary Committee, reported back the bill to repeal the Bankrupt law, with an amendment providing that the repeal of the law shall take effect Jan. 1,1879. Laid over for one day.. ..Mr. Ferry called up the House bill to repeal tho Specie Ropumption act, and addressed the Senate in advocacy of the measure. He declared that the result of the Silver bill was beneficial, and that the repeal of the Resumption act would infuse new vigor into the national industries, securing resumption IODg before tho time fixed by the law. He was followed by Mr. Voorhees, who argued in favor of repealing the Resumption law. He portrayed the evils inflicted upon the laboring classes by contraction. The House, he said, had obeyed the popular will, and had repealed the odious Resumption act, but the Senate had hesitated, thereby entailing great financial distress upon (he country. House.—Mr. Reagan, from the Committee on Commerce, reported a bill to regulate inter-State commerce... .The remainder of the session was de voted to consideration of the Legislative 'Appropriation bill. Friday, May 3.— Senate. —Not in session. HousE.--The House devoted the day to the consideration of (he Legislative Appropriation bill, which was completed in committee of the whole. There was a long debate over the amendment increasing the salary of the Commissioner of Agriculture from $3,000 to $4,600. The amendment was finally adopted... .Mr. Cutler introduced a bill relative to the transportation of animals, and Mr. Whitthorne presented one to encourage shipping. Saiurday, May 4.—Senate. —Not in session. House.— Mr. Stephens, from the Committee on Coinage, reported a biil to retire the 5 and 3-cent silver pieces, and to stop their further coinage; also, providing that fractional or subsidiary silver coin shall bo a legal tender to tho amount of S2O, and shall be exchangeab'e at tho treasury for other legal-tender money when presented in sums of $lO or over. Ordered printed and recommitted.... The House completed and passed the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropriation bill. As it came from the committee of the whole the appropriations recommended by the Appropriation Committee were increased by over $97,000. As the bill finally passed the House these wefe increased by $221 028, making the aggregate appropriation contained in the bill amount to sl4 950,098. In ihe amount of increase is included an additional appropriation of $173,138 for reopening the Now Orleans mint.... A number of personal pension bills were passed. Among them were pensions to the widows of Gen. Robert Anderson, Gen. Charles 1,. Lovell, and Admiral Charles Wilkes.