davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

binatons and speculations for affecting tho
money market. and particularly the prac-
tice of the New York banks in issuing
certified checks to Wall street operators.
He remarks:-sT aking the call loans and
the certified checks together, the somewhat
startling fact is developed that the New York
national banks furnish daily seventy million
dollars Of capital and one hundred and twelve
million dollars Of credit for speculation" He
urges the establishment of central redeem
ing agency, by means of which the national
bank notes shall be redeemed and made con-
vertible into the lawful money of the country.
whether it be paper or gold, at the principal
centre Of trade. To prevent panics and specu-
lators locking up tic currency and to supply
a sufficient and equable circulating medium no
recommends that the Treasury Of the United
States shall hold in reserve a certain amount
Of legal tender notes in excess of the amount
in regular circulation, as source of relief.
and to be let out in times Of stringency, some
thing in the same way that the British Chan
cellor Of the Exohequer authorizes at times the
Bank Of England to issue more notes than 10
strictly prescribed by its charter. OF course
the Comptroller urges return to specie pay
ments, but does not tell US when this can be
brought about, and prudenty intimates that
we must be careful what steps are taken to
That end. In fact he sensibly leaves that TO
the people. He favors free banking as soon
"a the rpgfrictiona imnosad uNon the i3aue or
circulating notes by national banks may be
safely removed. Mr.. Hurlbut's report, on the
whole, is respectable one, though he errs iu
some Of his financial ideas. He concludes in
a sensible manner by saying that with regard
to the currency and banking the business pub
lie of the United States is the only competent
judge.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

ocean postage, on the other hand, belongs to
the order of practical measures; nor do we
suppose any mischief can result from the adop-
ton Of his resolution recommending the pro-
visional government Of Spain to abolish slsa
very throughout the Spanish dominions with
out further loss Of time, as we are now in
position to. make the recommendation with
good face.
After several more propositions for the
amendment Of the constitution on suffrage
and the naturalization laws, proposition to
furnish arms to the reconstructed States, &C.,
the Senate adjourned. the budget of the work
cut out being somewhat remarkable for the
first day Of the session.
In the House of Representatives Mr.. Bout
well, of Massachusetts, introduced bill pro-
viding that all male citizens Of the United States
not less than twenty -one years Of age shall be
Representatives to Congress- halfway adop-
ton of Senator Summers proposition. Mr..
Boutwell, also offered a suggestive resolution
Of inquiry in reference to the three unrecon-
structed States of Virginia, Mississippi and
Texas.
Mr.. Lynch, Of Maine, introduced bill to
provide against undue expansions and con-
fractions of the currency-a most excellent
thing and very much needed to prepare the
the way for specie payments. Mr.. Pike, of
Maine, however, proposed to settle this ques-
ton forthwith by bill providing for the imple-
date redemption of greenbacks in gold but
Mr.. Pike has not told us who is to provide the
gold. The Secretary of the Treasury is not
equal to the task just at present, beyond a
hundred millions.
Mr.. Wood, of New York, offered resolu-
ton requesting from the President the instruc-
tons to Reverdy johnson, our Minister to
England, in relation to the Alabama claims,
and we guess that this inquiry will result in
throwing some light on Mr.. Reverdy Johnson's
extraordinary sayings and doings on the other
side of the water and in putting an end to his
folly. This is doubtless the purpose of the
House, as indicated in the adoption of
Mr.. Woods resolution. We dare say, too,
that in the resolution of Mr. Morrell,
of Pennsylvania, proposing the recall Of Mr..
Johnson, the prevailing sentiment of Congress
is expressed, although the proposition was
referred to tho Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Mr.. johnson has been eating too many English
dinners to do justice to his subject.
From the various bills or resolutions sub
mitted in regard to the naturalization laws, the
State Of Georgia, the Ku Klux Khan and such
things it is evident that they will be among
the foremost measures of the present
session. The programme from the first
days foreshadowings in both houses will be
a constitutional amendment for universal
suffrage, new law on naturalization TO guard
against election frauds, a general overhauling
of Reverdy Johnson and of Georgia, Louisi-
ana and the unreconstructed Southern States,
and vast amount Of tinkering of the cur
rency looking to specie payments, but precious
little effective work in the suppression of
whiskey frauds, the lessening of our taxes or
the burden of the national debt.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08
Report Of the Postmaster General.

The annual report of Postmaster General
Randall, which we publish this morning, Is
interesting, although the leading facts have
been anticipated. The ordinary revenue for
the year ending June 30 slightly exceeded
sixteen and quarter millions of dollars while
the expenditures amounted to nearly twenty
two and three-quarters millions, thus leaving
deficiency of over six millions. Congress
sional appropriations, however, reduce these
figures to deficiency Of not quite three-quar-
ters Of million Of dollars, If it even does not
do away with the admitted fact that the ex-
penses of the Post Office Department are about
one dollar and forty cents to every dollar re-
ceived. Mr.. Randall does not believe that the
postal service can or should be made self
sustaining for fifty years to come. He esti-
mates that ten years hence the expenses will
be forty millions and the receipts only thirty
millions, but he expresses the faith that when
the country is fully developed there will be no
deficiencies for Congress to supply. On the
past years business of the department., the
recommendations and suggestions, the report
is quite full and interesting.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

Our SPANISH NEws.-t appears from all
our latest letters and dispatches from Spain
that the situation, so far from improving, is
becoming more complicated than ever. The
delay in the elections is working a world of
mischief. If it be true, as some think, that
Prm aud Serrano dread the result of the cleo
tons, they are not actually improving matters
by putting them off, The ARRAY which has
taken place in Madrid can only be understood
If it is regarded as an expression of popular
discomfort. The people, formerly so unanimous
and orderly, are now becoming impatient and
difficult of control. Nothing can save Spain
from anarchy now but the elections. If these
are not to come off until January it may be
impossible for the present government to main
tain their hold on the army. If the army
becomes mutinous we may look for chaos.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

Turkey AND GEEEoE. relations Of the
Greek government and that Of the Ottoman
Porte have at last reached a crisis. The
Sultan has sent his ultimatum 10 King George.
The Turkish Ambassador at the Court Of Athens
has been recalled and the Greek Ambassador in
Constantinople has received his passports
The next thing naturally would be proclama-
ton of war. Late advices say that Russia has
interfered with friendly counsel. 1t remains to
be seen whether Russia will be able to prevent
hostilities. The presumption is that we shall
have fresh council Of all the great Powers on
this vexed Eastern question. 1t is not for a
moment to be doubted that Greece is to blame
Her conduct for some time past has been
simply intolerable. II she will not yield to
reason and take friendly advice she will lose
the sympathy of Europe and the world. The
patience of the Ottoman government has been
long-cnduring. No one who knows the facts
can blame the Sultan for the course he has
taken. We have sympathy with the oppressed
wherever they are, but we must not forget to
be just.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

Our LITTLE SANTANA BAY JoB.-Whcn
people have a little job on hand for which it is
necessary to get government appropriation it
is wise to prepare the public mind in advance.
We do not mean to indicate that the honorable
President and Secretary of State of the
United States would interest themselves in any
little private purchasing job; but 1t is strange
that in che Presidents Message it is indicated
that ''the government has failed, so far, in its
negotiations for the purchase of naval station
i'm the West Indies, and learns that the French
are trying to get the Bay Of SANTANA from tho
Dominican government" This little Wall street
dodge looks very undgnided for the chief
officer Of a great nation. We suggest that il it
il desirable to shove the SANTANA Bay job
through il be done in IN ADLER aud loftier
styl..
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08
Report Of the Commissioner Of Internal
Kcvenuc.

Report Of the Commissioner of Internal
All the important parts of this document will
be found in another column. It will be seen
that in the fiscal year ending June 80, 1868,
the sum of one hundred and ninety one million
, dollars was collected from internal revenue,
the expense Of collecting which was five per
cent. The heavy items in this account are the
taxes paid on the indulgence Of popular appe-
tite. The amount received, for instance, from
the tax on chewing and smoking tobacco was,
in round numbers, fifteen million dollars. All
the railroads paid together less than seven
millions, the insurance companies less than
two millions, and the telegraph and express
companies not a million between them, so that
chewing and smoking tobacco--our small
things" in the Commissioner report than all
the railroads, teegraphs or express and insu-
rance companies in the United States taken
together. The number of cigars taxed was
six hundred millions. The tax on distilled
spirits and brandy netted fourteen millions,
and other liquors run the total of the figure on
stimulants to fully twenty millions. 1t is
estimated by the Commissioner that the in
come from internal revenue for the next fiscal
year will reach one hundred and forty-tive mil
lion dollars. Some important Recommended
tions arc made in the report-among them one
urging the erection of this portion of the
Treasury Department into . department by
itself.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

adoption; or lower scale OF charges but also on
despatch. England therefore, had the bsacSt "p Of
their experience and the Opposition to government
absorption could not claim that the proposed measure
rered upon tho public were facts that could not be
disputed. very decided opposition to government
investigation that the opposition emanated entirely
from the telegraph companies, wh0 fearful that the
monopoly they had 80 long enjoyed was about to be
defeat the bill. At the same time very decided
public sentiment was expressed In favor Of govern
nent absorption.
The same arguments that prevailed in
Europe to induce the govern ments to become
the owners of the telegraph can be urged with
more force in favor of similar policy in the
United States. They are, ind eed, so conclu-
sive that the monopolsts who at present hold
control Of that powerful engine, hopeless OF
refnting them, have resorted to the expedient
of proposing compromise in the shape of 0
patchwork arrangement by which company
is nominally to be organized to transmit mes
sages for the Post Office Department, as the
railroads carry mail matter, for stipulated
sum. This is simply fraud, designed to head
off the movement in favor of government
control of the business. II means, in plain
terms, contract with the existing tele-
graph monopoly by which its present
power would be confirmed and increased
under the prestige Of government contract.
It would in no respect benefit the public or re-
move a single evil at present pressing so
heavily aud unjustly upon the people. The
truth is our government should take the bust
ness of the telegraph wholly into its own hands
as part of the Post Office system Of the coun-
try, and should build new lines to every post
town in the United States. 1t could do 30 at
cost of Gfteen million dollars, and secure better
wires, posts installations and equipments than
can be found on any portion Of the Western
Union route Last year ring Of managers in
that corporation endeavored to sell the whole
concern ont to the United States for sixty mil
lion dollars, but this was a preposterous at
tempt at imposition. Let the government
build new and improved lines at fair price,
and messages can be sent from New York to
New Orleans at very little more cost than the
postage on a letter. 1t is only by such grand
and comprehensive policy that the country can
expect to realize the full benefit of the greatest
engine Of civilization and progress at present
known to the world.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08
Report Of the Comptroller of the Currency

Report cf the Comptroller of the Currency.
The Comptroller Of the Currency, in his
annual report to the Secretary Of the Treasury,
shows that there are 500 national banks in
active operation, with . circulation within 4
fraction mp to the legal limit Of three hundred
millions Twelve national banks have been
organized since the last annual report five
Of which are now associations. Fourteen
national banks have failed 10 redeem their cir
culating notes and were put into the hands of
receivers. The loans and discounts made BY
the national banking associations amount to
$3,35l ,00i.6G5. The Comptroller recommends
several reforms In the national banks. One is
an amendment to the act creating these assoc
Citations, authorizing the Comptroller to call
upon the banks for five detailed statements or
reports during each year, fixing upon some
day that Is past for the date Of the report. He
argues that the day FOR the specified quarterly
reports being known in advance, the banks
prepare for them by process of operations
which do not represent their actual working
condition. And here he takes occasion TO con-
demn tho banks for lending themselves to com
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

Report of the Secretary Of the Interior.
In another column we print the report of the
Secretary of the Interior. The report on the
whole will be admitted to be satisfactory. 1t
appears that $50, 742. so acres of public lands
have been disposed of, thus leaving still in the
hands of the government 1,405, 1866, 67S acres.
One Revolutionary soldier is still living.
During the last fiscal year there was paid to
invalid military soldiers and dependent rela-
tives the sum of 1913, 65S, 500 and to navy
invalids the sum of 1852, 1883. That part of
the report which refers to the Pacific Railroad
will be found at once interesting and instruc-
tive. 1t has already cost large sum Of money
to the nation, but the result will be one of the
triumphs of the age. To United States mar
shals has been paid $l, 337, O42 and to district
attorneys, assistants, &C., and United States
commissioners the aggregate amount of
81, 1917 The Secretary breads deficit
unless the fines be increased The closing part
Of the report which treats OF residences for the
President and Vice President and the heads Of
the executive departments, will be read by all
with interest, by some with approval and by
others with doubt. We may have more to say
of the report on another day. Meanwhile we
commend the report to public attention.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

TIKI REVOLUTION IN CUBA-A PITCHED
BATTLE. The accounts we publish this morn
ing by Cuban cable from Havana furnish brief
particulars OF pitched battle which occurred
at the foot Of Mount Alta Gracia between the
loyaists under Balmsscda and large force of
rcvolutionists. Tho reports are contradictory
az to final results, both parties claiming vic
tory. There has also been fighting at other
points, and, whatever the results. the facts
reported aro sufficient to show the formidable
character Of The revolutionary movement.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

THg NEGRO RIOT IN SAVANNAH. The ne
groes of Georgia appear to be in = somewhat
rampant condition. They have been making
such frequent raids of late upon the whites in
the vicinity Of Savannah that the Mayor Of
that city found It necessary to commission
special police force for patrol duty on the out
skirts Of the city. party of These police,
principally composed of German farmers, who
were protecting their property, under orders
Of the Mayor. on Saturday night were fred
upon by band Of about forty negroes lying
in ambush. and the chief of the police was
killed and three of his posse wounded. Is it
not time that the white citizens of the South
were protected from the brutality of their
negro masters Does not the present system
of reconstruction require to be remodelled?
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

FRENCH THEATRE Fourteenth street and Sixth ave
nus.-GENRvTEyE DE BgABASr.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08
Loss Of the Steamship Hibernia ant
Thirty -thrce Lives.

AaHtysturco AdsCos
We scarcely cease chronicling terrible
steamboat disaster upon our own waters when
another report reaches us by the Atlantic cable
OF the loss OF an ocean steamship on the Irish
coast. The iron steamship Hibernia, bound
from this port to Glasgow, foundered off that
coast on the 18th of November last, and one
Of the steamers boats containing thirty-three
persons was lost. The captain and ffty-one
passengers are reported to have been saved.
The first mste was drowned Two Of the
ships boats are still missing, and much
anxiety is folt in regard to the safety Of their
passengers. This is the first account of the
loss of an ocean steamer bound from this port
to Europe that has reached us since the present
stormy season commenced, and in the absence
Of details we cannot Understandings comment
upon the causes that led to the disaster. Most
of the lines Of ocean steamers between New
York and Europe are well governed and have
for long time enjoyed comparative immu-
nifty from serious accidents. But as Congress
is now in session we hope some legislation will
be had Immediately looking to the prevention
Of similar catastrophes in the future, 80 far as
human care and sagacity can prevent their
occurrence.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

PIXIES OPERA HOUSE, OF Eighth avenue and
93d street-GEAsD DUoHEssE-BARnE BLEUF.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08
Prominent Arrivals in the City.
The Forticth Consrcss-rirst Day Of IN
Closing Session.

The Forticth ConSrcss-I'irst Day OF the
Closing Session.
The two houses of Congress yesterday. with
ont standing on ceremony in regard to the
Presidents annual Message (Which is promised
on Wednesday,, proceeded TO business ham
mer and tongs. II is probable that neither
house expects much enlightenment or en-
enlargement from ANDY Johnson. and that
both are Indifferent as to his policy aud bis
recommendations
In the Senate, after prayer Wy the Chap
lain, the President, Mr. Wade. announced .
communication from the Governor of Georgia.
and next Mr.. Sherman. of Ohio. presented the
credentials for Senator elect from Georgia.
Of Mr.. Hill, whereupon a conversation followed
in reference 20 the recent doings OF the Georgia
Legislature from which we infer that that
reconstructed State will be reconstructed over
Mr.. Hill. and for the present his papers have
been laid upon the tablc-an ominouS proceed
ing.
Mr.. Sumner introduced his bill providing for
the establishment throughout the United States
Of universal or manhood suffrage including
all races and colors, resting his authority for
the measure upon the late amendments OF The
constitution. This lie shorter cut than the
new amendment advocated by General Grant
but Mr.. Sumner will most probably fail to gel
his scheme even to third reading IN the
Senate. We fear too, that the same may be
said Of the other hill which he has introduced
providing for specie payments by the 4th
of July next. We do not agree with the
learned Senator that anything and everything
can be done by act Of Congress. regardless OF
the laws of gravtation or the laws OF trade.
His third bill yesterday. providing for cheau
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08
ADJUSTMENTS THIS EVENING.

NEW YORK THEATRE Broadway. -auoa ADo ABOUT
NOTHING. re~-~.,--as
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

OLYMPIC THEATRE. Brosdway.-HUxrry DuNr1
WITH NRw FEATURES.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-08

BROADWAY THEATRE. BroAdway.-Tur EarEA
The Portland daily press., 1868-12-25
Portland & Kennebec r. r.
Winter Arrangement, Dec. \, 1865.

Passenger Trains leave Portland daily
Vat Ito. P. NJ for stations on this line,
and for Bangor, Newport, Dexter and Stations on
Maine Central railroad; Also for Lewiston, Farm
ington and stations on the Androscoggin II. r.
Passengers for Bangor, Newport, Dexter and sta
tons on the Maine Central R. r., will change cars at
Kendsls Mills; the fare Is the same by this route
as via the Maine Central Road
Leave Portland for Bath, and intermediate sta
tons daily, except Saturdays, at $50 PM,
Leave Portland for Bath and Augusta on Satur-
days at s.15 P. NJ.
Passenger trains are due at Portland from Show
hogan, Bangor and Augusta daily at LIB p. NJ, and
from Bath daily at $50 A. M,
Fare as low by this route to Lewiston, Waterville,
Kendalps Mills and Bangor as by the Maine Central
road, and tickets purchased in Boston for Maine
Central Stations are good for passage on this line.
Passengers from Bangor, Newport Dexter, &c., will
purchase tickets to Kendalls Mills only, and after
taking the cars on this road the Conductor will fur
nish tickets and make the fare the same through to
Portland or Boston as via the Maine Central road.
Stages for Rockland connect at Bath; and for Bel
fast at Augusta leaving daily arrival of train from
Boston, leaving at 80 A. M; and for Scion, Ans0Y
Norridgew0ck, Athens and Moose Head Lake It
SkOwhegan, and for China, East and North Vassa-
bore at Vassalboro'; for Unity st Kendals Mills,
and for Canaan at Pishons Ferry.
w. HATCH, superintendent.
Augusta, Nov. 20, 1868. dec3-dtf
The Portland daily press., 1868-12-25
P0RTLAKD& RQCHESTERR.R.
FALL ARRANGEMENT.

EHH6zXHIJ On and after Wednesday. Nov. T.
44@Y 1888 trains will run So followa:
Passenger trains leave Saco River for Portland at
$50 and 800 A. NJ. and $40 P. M. Leave Portlsnd
tor Saco River lib A. NJ, 200 and $50 P. M.
Freight trains eavs Saco River &C., M; Portland
12.15 P. NJ.
The Dummy connects at Saco River with the
7l6 A M and P N tram for Center Waterborough
South Marlborough and Alfred.
Stages ooonscs 81 ao-ham for West 6orhsn I,
esandish, Steep Falls, Baldwin, Denmark, Sebage !,
Bridgton, LOWELL, Hiram, BrownHsld, Fryeburg,
Conway, Bartlett, jackson, Limngtcn, Cornish Pors
tsr, Freedom, Madison, and Eaton, NJ h.
At Buxton Center for West Buxton, Bonny- Eagle,
y,uth Limington, Huntington, Limerick, NsH9sld,
PArscnsasld and 0ssipes.
AtssocassPpa Ger South Windhsa, Windhsm Eli
aad North Windhsm, daily.
Portland, Nov. Q, 1868. dtt