The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-12-31

WASHINGTON.
THE FOURTEENTH CONSTITUTIONAL AMEND
MEST ENDANGERED.

THE FOURTEENTH CONSTITUTIONAL AMEND
MENT ENDANGERED.
NEW YORK, Dec 30.-A Washington special
says movement is on foot to prevent the leg
islatures of those States which have ratified
the Constitutional amendment, and which
Legislatures have since obtained au anti-Re-
publican majority, from repeating their reso-
lutions of ratification. 1t is claimed that if
New Jersey, Ohio and California should re-
peal their resolutions the effect would be to
prevent the proposed amendment from becom-
ing part of the Constitution.
RELIEF FOR THE SOUTH.
Gen. Howard proposes to meet the cases of
distress in the South by liberal application
of the surplus funds under his control as head
of the Freednen's Bureau. AL unexpended
balance of over S8000,000 still remains in the
excbequer of the Bureau. In the case of some
South Carolina planters, who had no mouey
to commence operations for raising cotton last
year, Gen. Howard, though not legally author
AGED to make such disposition OF the Bureau
funds, advanced sum of eight thousand dol
lars, taking lien on the crops for the repay
ment of the money when the planters sold
their crops. The entire amount has been Ii
quidated, and Gen. Towards benefcent course
was gratefully appreciated
In the case Of the Mississippi planters who
lost every thing by the river foundations, it is
proposed to adopt similar plan of action, and
to relieve immediate distress among the work.
ing people, it is suggested to establish depots
in which the greatest want prevails.
Gen. Gillem has received assurances from
the President and Gen. Grant that whatever
scheme he adopted to give immediate relief to
the sufferers in the South would receive their
appreciation.
STATE EQUIPMENT OF TROOPS.
Secretary McCulloch has had prepared a
statement showing the amount OF money fur
nished by the several States for equipment of
troops, Sc, during the war. From this state
ment it appears $40.000,000 were advanced by
the States, that claims for about S3O,OoO,0OO
have been adjusted, and that of the remaining
$1O,800O00 claimed, about seventy per cent.
will be allowed by the United States.
THE WHISKY FRAUDS.
The statistics elected by the Ways and
Means Committee in its investigation of the
whisky frauds shows that the Government has
collected only eighteen cents instead of two
dollars per gallon. 1t is probable that the de-
tailed statement of the amount of revenue de-
rived from this source called for by the House
will show that less than nine cents per gallon
have been collected during the present fiscal
year.
Stood lG THE MARYLAND sENAToRsHIP.
The Maryland Legislature will cleo, Sena-
tor on the 14th OF January. The prominent
candidates are Revedy johnson, who now &C.
cupies the seat, Gov. Swami and w. 7. Ham
ilton.
REVIVAL OF THE CUBAN SLAVE TRADE.
The Government has received advlCeS IRON
Cuba of preparations by the old slave dealers
for a revival of their infamous traffic. and sew
eral steamers will be sent TO prevent it.
PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF SAN DOMINGO.
Baez is again at the head of affairs in st
Domingo, and has sent Mr.. Pujoi here as
special Commissioner some say to propose an
nexation to the United States.
o. s. SUPREME COURT.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.-In the United State
Supreme Court to-day the Chief Justice an
nouDced the adoption of the following rule:
Ordered, That upon the filing OF transcript
of records brought up by writ OF error or ap
peal the appreance of counsel for the plaintiff
in error or appellant shall be entered, and M
motion to dismiss, except on special assign
ment by the Court, shall be heard, unless the
previous motion has been given to the adverse
party or counsel or attorney of such party.
PATENTS.
The whole number of patents issued from
the Patent Office during the past year i
1905. an increase of 3,515 over the the mum
Der Of last year, which was 8 800. For tn
week ending January 7th. 265 patents will b.
issued During the past week 400 application
and so caveats were filed.
THE FOURTH MILITARY DISTRICT.
Brevet Major Gen. A. G. Gillem, recent
appointed commander of the fourth militar
district until the arrival of Gen. Mcdowell
from California left early this afternoon to re
ieve Gen. Ord and assume command of tn
fourth district, headquarters at Jackson, Mis-
sissippi