Rensselaer Union, Volume 10, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 December 1877 — General News Summary. [ARTICLE]

General News Summary.

HMM WABMimiTMf. Hom. Jsmu B. turn. (Dm.) waa, -on the 10th, admitted to the United States Senate, *" Senator tram Lmitetana, by a vote of 49 to 8. Tn PnaUteat, on the 18th, nominated J. C. Bancroft Davit, of Now Yark, to be Judge of the United State. Court of Claim*, vice G. E. Loring resigned, the change to take piece Jan. 1. lx Executive eeaaion, on the 12th, the "naafin rejected the President’s nomlnatloui for the New York Custom* office* by a vote of SI to M The Republican Senator* who stood by the Preaident were Messrs. Burnside, Chrta’"tiancy, Conover, Dawes, Hoar and Mathews. Mb. Patterson, the Democratic claimant, was, on the 18th, admitted to a seat in the National Hoose of Representative* as Conrreewnan from Colorado. The vote stood 116 to HR Skvemai. nomination* by the President were confirmed by the United States Senate, in Executive session, on the 18th. -j The Chinese question was the leading subject of attention at the Cabinet meeting, in Washington, on the 14th, and the view* of some of the members seemed to ba that some modification of the treaty relation, between China and the United States might be made In order 0. limit the importation of Chinese. It was thought not unlikely that the President would, at some future time, make this question the subject of a special message to one or both houses of Congress.

THE EAST. Kitxenbbbobk Bros., dry-goods merchants of New York City, failed on the Bth. Liabilities, 8138,000; the assets amount in value to 857, 000. At Baltimore, Md., a few days ago, thirteen July rioter, were sentenced to six to eight months’ imprisonment in Jail. Forty others were awaiting trial. Pant B. Swsaxrr, on the 10th, paid the last Installment of the 8400.000 and interest which he agreed to pay the City of New York in settlement of the Tweed Ring suits against him. This settlement, Sweeney’s friends declare, strips him entirely of his real estate, and leaves him to begin anew the struggle for a fortune. He has resumed the profession of the law. At the recent election in Boston, Pierce (Rep.) was elected .Mayor by 2,151 majority. A large number of saloon-keepers have been recently arrested in New York City for violating the local License laws, and hundreds of the saloons have been closed. Tub Newark (N. J.) Savings Institute, the largest in the State, was taken in charge by the Chancellor, on the 12th. The assets are nominally *12.000,000 and the deposits 811,000,000. Tub Taunton (Mass.) Savings Bank failed, on the 12th. It was believed that depositors would be paid in fulL The National Council of the Union League of America met at Philadelphia, on the 12th, and re-elected all its old officers. Sherman Broadwell. President of the Clafrmont Savings Bank, of New York City, was arrested, on the night of the 14th, on an indictment found against him by the Grand Jury for fraud. Gold closed in New York, on Dec. 14th, at . 103J£. The following were the closing quotations for produce: No. 2 Chicago Spring Wheat, No. 2 Milwaukee, *1.34%@1.34%. Oats, Western and State, 35@41c. Corn, Western Mixed, 64%@65c. Pork, Mess, 813.37 - Lard, 88.40. Flour, Good to Choice, *5.80(26.00; Winter Wheat, *[email protected]. Cattle, *8.75(311.00 for Good to Extra. Sheep, *[email protected]. Hogs, *4.60 (34.65. At East Liberty, Pa., on Dec. 14th, Cattle brought: Best, *[email protected]; Medium, *4-50(3 4.90; Common, *4.00(34.25. Hogs sold— Yorkers, *[email protected]; Philadelphias, 84.10® 4.20. Sheep' brought *3.so(3s.3o—according to quality. At Baltimore, Md.. on Dec. 14th. Cattle brought: Best, *[email protected]%; Medium, 83.00®4.00. Hogs sold at »5.62%(36.25 for Good. Sheep were quoted at 84.00®5.25 for Good.

WEST AND SOUTH. Thebe were received in Chicago, on the 11th, over 55.000 live hogs—the largest day’s receipts since Chicago became a live-stock market The municipal election in Charleston, 8. C., on the 11th, resulted in the success of the Democratic ticket by a heavy majority. W. W. Sole was the Democratic candidate for Mayor, and D. F. Fleming the Independent candidate. Both houses of the California Legislature have adopted resolutions asking Congress to levy a per capita tai of <250 on Chinese immigrants. At the meeting of the Base-Ball League, composed of the professional base-ball players of the country, recently bald at Cleveland, it from playing on the Sabbath, under penalty of expulsion. The German-American Savings Bank, of Chicago, suspended, on ths 11th. Liabilities, <175,000. It was believed that depositors would be paid in full The State Grange of Michigan assembled at Lansing, on the 11th. About 300 delegates were present, comprising some of the most prominent agriculturists of the State. According to the Master’s address and the Secretary’s report, the Granges throughout the State are in a healthy, growing condition, and harmonious in their work. Rev. Mr. Rabbis, Rector of St. James Church, in Chicago, has been elected Bishop of the new Episcopal Diocese of Quincy, 111. The citizens of Chicago in favor of the remonetization of silver assembled in mass meeting al the Tabernacle, on the evening of the 13th. The meeting was largely composed of the leading business men. of the city, mid waX presided over by the Hon. Chas. B. Lawrence, ex-Chief-Just ce of Illinois. After speeches by prominent citizens, a series of resolutions was adopted denouncing the alleged secret and unfair manner which the Demonetizing act was passed in Congress, and demanding that the present Congress restore silver coin to its tom er place as a legal-tender The firm of J. D. Laster A Co., of Chicago, manufacturers of agricultural implements, has failed, with liabilities of over <1,000,000. Ballard, Fast A Go., of Canton, Ohio, reaper, mower, saw-knife and spring manufacturers, have also failed, fa consequence, it is said, of their intimate business relations with the firstnamed firm. lx Chicago, on Dec. 14th, Spring Wheat No. 3 closed at <LO6®LOBX cash. Cash jom dosed at for No. 2. Cash oats No. 3 sold at and seller January. Rye No. 2. i dr- Bar,.. 2, MWtflkc. Cash Mom Fork dosed at <11.85 Lard, 97.90. Beeves—Extra brought <[email protected]; Choice, «[email protected]; Good, S 4 [email protected]; Medium Grades, <[email protected]; Butchers’ Stock, <[email protected]; Stock Cattle, etc., <[email protected]. Hogs brought [email protected] tor Good to Choice. Sheep smd at <B-00@4-87X for Poor to Choice. rwiKfifi nrmudwrct Atm aMvere ennmnent. laaUnar dnrfng the 9th, and during which Osman Pasha was jevarelywoandod, foe Turkish forces at Plevna

made an unconditional surrender, and, on' the 10th, the Russo-Roumanian Army took possession of the famous stronghold The Turkish Amy wm very much weakened by cold and hunger, but they made a dreperate attempt to cut through the Russian environment and reach Widln, and failed. There was great excitement throughout Europe over the news, and the BritAh press, on the morning of the 11th, united In expressing the opinion that the time for British mediation and Intervention had arrived. A Constantinople telegram of the 10th say* the Council of State had determined that Christians should thereafter be eligible to Governorships and other administrative functions of the Turkish Province*. Bbnob Estbada, the President of the Cuban Republic, has reached Spain, and been confined In the fortress at Barcelona. It was officially announced, on the 10th, that the Russian losses, from the beginning of the war to Nov. 17, aggregated 74,858 men. Host. John Welsh, the United States Minister to the Court of St James, reached Liverpool, on the 11th. He was received with distinguished honors. Thb details of the Battle of Plevna had not been received up to the morning of the 13th, but it was estimated that the Russians captured 40,000 prisoners and 400 cannon, beside the 20,000 sick and wounded Turks in the hospitals. The Russian losses were Inconsiderable compared with the result attained. The fall of Plevna was officially announced, at Constantinople, on the 11th, and great excitement was caused. Half a dozen factions came to the front and demanded each a different line of policy. There was believed to be imminent danger of local revolution, and it was reported that the British fleet had been telegraphed for to protect the Christians from the threatened uprising of the fanatical Mussulmen. Axattempt was recently made to assassinate the Prince of Montenegro. The house he occupied a* headquarters, near Antivari, owned by a Mahointnedan Bey, was mined and blown up, and one of his body-guard killed and six injured. The Prince was out of the house at the time, and escaped injury. The news of the fall Of Plevna occasioned great rejoicing at Bt. Petersburg and other Russian cities. A solemn Te Drum was sung at Bucharest. A Constantinople telegram of the 12th says that a great council bad been held there that day, at which it was unanimously resolved to continue the war to the last extremity. According to Athens (Greece) telegrams of the 12th, the fall of Plevna had revived the warlike demonstrations of the Greeks, and the Cabinet were deliberating upon the proper course to be pursued for redressing the alleged grievances she had agaiust Turkey. According to Vienna dispatches of the 12th, the Porte was greatly astounded at the fall of Plevna, as it was hoped to the last that Suleiman Pasha would be able to relieve Osman Pasha. There was some talk o: unfurling the green flag of the Prophet, but it was believed at Vienna that cooler counsels would prevail, and that an attempt would speedily be made to negotiate a peace direct with the Czar, without the intervention or mediation of any European Power. The Russian losses in the battle preceding the capture of Plevna are officially stated to have been 192 killed and 1,252 wounded. The Turks lost 4,000 killed and wounded. The further reinforcement of the Russian Army in Bulgaria has been countermanded, the Czar believing that he has men enough to complete the conquest of Turkey. - Bi’chahest dispatches of the 13th say the Russians had just achieved another brilliant success in the vicinity of Elena. Over 12,000 Turks are reported captured. Details were wanting.

Ax Englishman was arrested at Berlin, on the 13th, for treason to the Empire. He had in his possession plans of Metz and other German fortresses. The troubles in France over the selection of a Cabinet have ended for the present. The President has abandoned the policy of resistance to the will, and consented to the formation of a Ministry under the Presidency of M. Dufaure. There was still some trouble about the budget, on the 13th, but It was thought not to be serious. A London dispatch of the 13th says the Russian authorities had announced the following as the conditions of peace with Turkey: The independence of Roumania and Bervia; the autonomy of Bulgaria under a foreign Prince; the free passage of the Dardanelles; the surrender of the Turkish fleet as a war indemnity, and the cession of a large portion of Armenia. It was believed that, should Russia insist upon these conditions, England would send a fleet to Constantinople and occupy GalIlpbli. A’man-of-war had already been sent to Besika Bay. Another Insurrection has broken out in the Island of Crete, and troops have been sent bv the Governor to suppress it. The Turkish families have taken refuge in the fortress. According to a Bucharest telegram of the 14th, it had been found necessary to amputate Osman Pasha’s, foot. A Berlin dispatch of the 14th says the estimates for 1878 show a deficiency of over 89,000,000. On the 14th. the Servian Government, amid salvos of artillery, issued a proclamation of war, and that the Servian Army ?iail Oi-eii urifemi to crotwrfife ruikiSn ironfier’;" A state of siege was declared, and Prince Milan took up his quarters at Alexinatz. The Servian Agent at Constantinople delivered the formal declaration rtb the Porte and left for home. In anticipation of an immediate attack, the British Consulate has been removed from Erze roum. According to a London dispatch of the 14th, the Porte had issued a circular, addressed to the various European Powers, asking their mediation to moderate the demands of Russia and stop the effusion of blood. At the same time the circular states that Turkey is not yet at the end of her resources, and is ready to sacrifice all to maintain her independence and territorial integrity.

FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. Bills were inimduced,ni the Senate., on the 10th—to declare certain lands, heretofore granted to railroad companies, forfeited, and to open the same for settlement; to provide for chaitenges to jurors in trials for bigamy and polygamy in the Territory of Utah ...The resolution declaring J. B. Eustis entitled to a seat as Senator from Louisiana from Jan. 12, 1876, for term ending March 3, 1879, was agreed to—49 to B—and SB. Eustis was sworn in.... At their own requests. Mr. McDonald was excused from further service on the Committee on Territories and Mr. Jones I Fla. >. from the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, and Mr. Eustis was appointed a member of those comm ittees ... Mr. Matthews’ concurrent resolution, declaring the right of the Government to pay the principal and interest of the bonds in silver dollais containing 4124 grains standard silver, was debated. Mr. Matthews making a lengthy argument in its favor. Messrs. Morrill. Conkling, Thurman and Edmunds participating in the discussion. Among the bills introduced in the House were the following: Adjusting the salaries of Postmasters on the basis of the number of stami* canceled, instead of the number sold; for a tax on incomes; proposing a Constitutional amendment providing for the election of Senators by a direct vote of the people; also an amendment providing that the term of office of the President be six years.... A resolution was adopted distributing the subjects treated of in the President’s annual message among the various committees. Among the sutuects referred to the Committee on Foreigp Relations was that relative to Mexican affairs and the Rio Grande border, an amendment being offered by Mr. Hewitt, debated and agreed to, instructing the committee to take into immediate consideration the beat means at removing existing and impending cauces of difficulty between Mexico and the United States, and have leave to report result of deliberations, by resolution or otherwise, to the House at the earliest practicable day. Petitions from all parts of the country were presented IB the Senate, on tbeßth,u»

favor of an amendment to the OonsUtution *o a* to prohibit States from disfranchising citizen* on aoroont of sex.. Among the bill* introduced were■ --to ratablish * Couft of Appeal*: to provide for aaoextainin* lo .retained l>y <iUwn. of the United State* by reason of Indian calendar making an appropriation for the erection of suitable post* for the protection of the Rio Grande frontier Mr. Matthews' ffilvor resolution was further discussed. Merer*. Dec and Wallace advocating its adoption, and Mr. Kernan opposing it. In the House, the Deficiency Appropriation bill wm reported from committee, with the Senate amendments, several of which were concurred in and other* rejected. the Mil going Imck to the Senate... The Speaker made the following appointment* on committee*: On Naval Affaire, Crittenden; War Claim*. Martin; Territories Craven*; Invalid Penaion*. Metcalfe; Pacific Railroad. Hewitt (N. Y.); Civil-Service Reform. Potter; Revision of Law*. Hunt; Private Land Claim* BicknelL A resolution was agreed to in the the Senate, on the 12th, authorizing a select committee to take into consideration the state of the law respecting the ascertaining and declaration of the results of elections of President and Vice-President of the United States, and also to consider and report on the best manner of electing those officem, and as to the duration of their terms of office.... Senate bill* were passed—to K-gulut, expenditures in the Navy; authorizing a general account of the advances for Naval appropriations The Senate amendments to the Deficiency Appropriation bill were insisted upon, and a Committee of Conference waa appointed ... Mr. Chaffee offered a substitute for the Matthews Silver resolution, declaring that all bonds of the United State* issued or authorized under the act* of Congress heretofore recited are payable, principal and interest, at the option of the Government, in coin of cold or silver of the standard value when mi<£ bonds were issued, and that to restore to ita coinage such silver coin, as a legaltender co-equal with gold, is not in violation of public faith, nor in derogation of the rights of public creditor*. Mr. Morgan then read a lengthy legal argument in favor of Mr. Mathews' resolution, Mr. Christiancy following him in opposition thereto. In the House, Mr. Morrison called in question the right of the Speaker to fill vacancies on committee* caused by the resignation of member* who luui not been excused bv the House. The Speaker stated that it had been the uniform practice to excuse gentlemen who did not wish to serve ...A bill was introduced and referred, repealing the iron-clad oath which has to be taken by applicants for pensions.... Mr. Cox (Ohio>. of the Election Committee, submitted a third report on the Colorado election cane, declaring that there had been no valid election. Arguments were presented in favor of the majority and minority reports previously submitted.... A (Conference Committee was appointed on the Deficiency bill. A petition was presented and referred in the Senate, on the 18th, from Mr. Corbin, of South Carolina, asking that his claim to, a seat from that State be inquired into and decided on its merits.... A bill was introduced and referred to authorize and equip an expedition to the Arctic Sea . . . The Ann usd Post-Route bill was reported from committee, with amendments. .... A resolution was agreed to calling on the Secretary of War for information in regard to the organization, arming and equipping of the militia of the several States... Mr. Matthews’ Silver bill was further debated. Merer*. Bayard, Hill and Dawe* opposing, and Merer*. Allison and Beck favoring, the resolution.

In the House, the Colorado contested election case was discussed at considerable length, after which the minority report, declaring that Belford was entitled to the seat, was reject-ed-yeas, 110; nay*, 128—by a strict party vote. The next vote was on the reeoution declaring that there had been no valid election, which was also rejected—yeas, 116; nay*. 117—the following Democrat* voting with the Republican*, in the affirmative: Cutler, Stenger, Williams (DeL), Potter and "Willi* (N. Y.) A vote was then taken upon the majority resolution, declaring Patterson entitled to the seat and it was agreed to—ll 6to 110. Mr. Patterson was then sworn in as the Representative from Colorado. In the Senate, on the 14th, the House joint resolution relative to reservoir* to promote the navigation of the Mississippi River was passed... .The Conference Committee’s report on the Deficiency bill was agreed to, and the bill wag passed.. . .The Vice-President announced as the committee to inquire into the practicability co. and maintaining peace on the Rio Grande frontier, Messrs. Conkling, Hamlin, Howe, Jone* (Ncv.k Cameron (Pa.),Eaton and Maxey.... The Post-Route bin was amended and passed.... The House bill relative to the burial of officers and others who perished by the wreck of the steamer Huron was passed... The Matthews Silver bill was further debated. In the House, a number of bills were introduced and ref erred.... The report of the Conference Committee on the Deficiency Appropriation bill was agreed to.. ..The Senate amendments to the French Exposition bill were agreed to. ...A resolution was offered by Mr. Wood, Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, and read, instructing the several committees having in charge matters relating to Indian, Naval or Military Affairs, Postoffices. Public Lands, etc., to inquire into any errors, abuses or frauds in the administration of the laws affecting such branches of the public service, with power to send for persons or papers. Merer*. Hale and Garfield objected to the clause authorizing the sending for persons and papers, and the Republicans, by filibustering tactics, succeeded in preventing action on the resolution.