The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-01-22
WASHINGTON.
THE DICKENS FEVER.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21.-Applicants for tick
cts to Dickens readings began to congregate
long before daV in front of Philip & SolOmOn's
bookstore, and were.formed in line. The doors
of the store were opened at nine, and for two
hours there was a constant succession of pur-
chasers each of whom had to buy tickets for
the course of four lectures, as single tickets
were sold.
IMPORTANT ACTION OF THE SUPREME COURT
THE MARBLE CASE BROUGHT FORWARD.
In the United States Supreme Court to-day
Chief Justice Chase announced majority of
the Court being Of the opinion that the
McArdle case should be advanced on the cal
endar, it is ordered that it be set for hearing ON
the first Monday of March next.
SPEECH BY HON. HENRY wILsoN-REvIEw OF
THE POLITICAL SITUATION.
The Soldiers and Sailors Union League
held a well attended meeting last evening, at
which Senator Wilson made speech, in which
he said he desired to show what and who are
responsible for all the trials and suferings
of the past seven years. He believed that the
loyal negroes will reconstruct the ten South
ern States in less than six months and that in
the grand struggle Of this year he was san
guine they would come out of it with a great
er triumph than in the contest of 1860. He
remarked that the elections of'this year would
be more important than those in the last Pres
idential campaign. He would immediate him
self to secure the triumph of the great princi-
pies for which the Republican party strug-
gled, and when universal equality is estab-
llshed, he was indifferent as to who managed
the affairs of the country. In regard to the
national debt, he considered the generation
had done enough. 1t was sufficient for it to
pay the interest, and let posterity pay the
principal. In conclusion, he was of opinion
that in the Presidential contest the Republic
can party would carry thirty States Of the
Union. He was willing to surrender Ken
lucky. Maryland and Delaware, but he was
sure of seven of the Southern States, with a
good chance in the remaining three. The
Senate would be for a long time radical, and
the House of Representatives would, he hoped
for as long a period boast majority of one
hundred.
THE APPOINTMENT OF CLERKS.
NEW YORK. Jan. 21.-Gen. Logan will en-
deavor to introduce bill equaliZing the APP
pointment of clerks among the States. A
statement shows that among the Government
clerks employed there are from Maine III,
Massachusetts 1874, Vermont 81, New Hamp-
shire So, Rhode Island 10, Connecticut 70, New
York 487.
ILLNESS OF CHIEF JUSTICE CHASE.
Judge Chase is i'll.
ROLAND FOR THE PRESIDENTS OLIVER.
Mr.. Stanton will not recognize the Presi-
dent until the latter officially recognizes him.
DECISION OF THE KENTUCKY ELECTION CASE.
The House Election Committee will report
three Neutrality-suspicious., declaring Brown dis
qualified on account of disloyal acts and en-
couragement given to rebels; second, declar-
ing Smith not entitled to the seat; third, that
the Speaker of the House notify the Governor
of Kentucky that there is a vacancy in the
second Congressional district of that State.
FINANCIAL.
1t is understood the House Ways and Means
committee are nearly unanimous 10 favor of
paRlhg the Internal Revenue Department an
independent Bureau. The reduction of the
whiskey tax will not be considered by the
Committee until they determine upon what
articles are to be relieved from taxation.
GHE GETTYSBURG LOTTERY SCHEME.
The report of the Hon. G. H. Van Wvc,, ON
the Gettysburg lottery scheme, which will be
presented to the House In atew days, will con
tain some interesting facts relative to the con-
nection of one or two of the New York papers
with that pretended patriotic and charitable
enterprise.
Information has been received here an
nouncing the death Of Col. A. B. Norton, Su
perintendent Of Indian Affairs in New Next
ico Kit Carson, the Indian scout, is recon-
mended for the vacant post,
RUMoRs ABOUT GEORGE FRANCIS TRAIN
BosToN, Jan. 21-According to a Washing
ton rumor, the British Legation claim to have
positive knowledge that George Francis Train
was sent to ireland by certain persons In tbi,
country, with the understanding and expecta
non that he weuld there be arrested on sus
pielon OF being Fenian; in which event hi,
case was 10 De made test between England
and the United States in deciding whether til,
former possesses the right to arrest American,
and hold them responsible for language no
used within the bounds of the British domin
ions.