Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 June 1885 — WASHINGTON. [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON.

Attorney General Garland has delivered an opinion to the effect that the per capita tax levied under the immigration act must be collected every time an alien passenger comes to this country. Tho tax has heretofore been levied only on the first arrival of immigrants. Commissioner Sparks says he has incurred the enmity of the Land Office attorneys, becauso he has interfered with many of their schemes, but that they can accomplish nothing by organizing against him. He says ho will treat the railroads fairly, but does not intend to permit them to control the Land Office. Land Office Commissioner Sparks has declared that, in his judgment, the original Maxwell Grant did not exceed 100,000 acres; that by fraud it was Increased to more than 1,000,000 acres; and that suits will be brought in Colorado, New Mexico, and elsewhere against the parties whom tho Commissioner believes to be responsible for the swindle. The system of drawbacks on customs duties is to receive the immediate attention of the Treasury Department at Washington. At present things are so grossly mismanaged as to set a premium onfraud, the whole business being practically under the control of the exporter and the transportation company. The existing regulations are found to bo wholly inadequate to protect the revenue. Lightning-rods are to be placed on the Washington monument. The Government Entomologist says the periodical locusts are duo this year in not less than twenty-five States of tho Union. Secretary Manning denies that he is contemplating a plan for tho abolition of the Sub-Treasuries. Postmaster General Yilas says that that the department will not embarrass itself with any orders from employes to others, nor collect debts against tho clerks.