The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-12-22

Snecie Payments?; Religious Intelligence;
The Darien Canal John Bright; The La
noble Valley Railroad; Items.
SPANISH TONNAGE DuEs.--The foliowlng re-
solve, recently introduced in the house ny
Hon. John Lynch, Is attracting much at'en
ton on account of its great Importance ~ All
interested In mercantile pursuits:
Whereas. Vessels of the United states are
in ports OF the Spanish "est lnu'i is'sI I'd
sTbiect TO discriminating tonnage dues ana
mort charges, amounting 10 nearly douDie INC
rates charged to the vessels OF 6reat bfitAin
and some other European naIlons. Ahu,
whereas. the commerce of the United States
with said Islands is very extensive and OF great
importance; therefore, sesl sa 3|
Resolved, That the Committee on Foreign
AffAiIs be directed to inquire and report to this
House what action should be taken by our
government to place vessels OF the United
States on an. equal footing with those of the
most favored nations.
The United States are In an unfavorable po-
s'tion with respect to Spanish commerce. De-
Cause of the discrimination against the VesSels
of that country on the part of our government.
Our statutes on this subject were originally
enacted as a retaliatory measure, Spain having
imposed diff.rential duties on goods not i'm
ported in Spanish bottoms. The Spanish gov
lev in favor of all nations that dc not discrimi-
nate against Spanish vessels. France and the
North German Confederation have already
awaited themselves of this concession, and
Great Britain will do SO as quick as the proper
steps can be taken at Madrid Mr.. Lynch
would have the American government take the
same course, and thus restore to the United
States branch of her commerce that was
formerly one Of the most important and yalua-
BILE. Like nearly all of Mr.. Lyneh's projects
this is a practical business matter in which his
constituents and the whole country have the
deepest interest, aud he is winning for himself
golden opinions from all GLASSES by The good
sense and sound judgment that guide him in
selecting topics for legislation. .- Luz, &.
Mr. REvERDY JOHNSON still continues to be
afflicted with that unfortunate fur de bouche
which has troubled him ever since he went to
England. If he only could be induced not to
talk there might be some chance OF his retain
ing degree Of respect from his own country
men and from the people 10 whose government
he Is accredited But unhappily he cannot
hold his tongue, and each time that he speaks
only makes his case worse. His latest utter
ance to the workingmen of London, in which
he sscribes the censures passed upon him by
tha American Press to "secret dislike for
peaceful relations between the two countries, :"
10 about the most foolish thing he has done
yet ..s....u Il ~. .....-.l ...-....sg ...-- ID.
"THR EAsrERS QUESTION" again looms up
formdabIy, threatening the peace of Europe
Though the first telegraphic reports which
bad <<7 roSa7 :;
greatly exaggerated, it is yet eviden that an
outbreak of hostilties' between Greece and
Turkey is likely to occur at any time. Wheth-
er, In such case, it would be possible to pre-
vent the confagration of war from spreading
into Western Europe is a question which no
one Is now wise enough to answer. The So
called Great Powers seem extremely apathetic
In regard to the matter, notwithstanding the
statement that they continue to urge concil-
iation." The "sck man" of Europe is very
unwilling to die, and has evidently enough
strength left to do great deal of mischief
Mr. EDMUNDs' BILL for Remaining Georgia
to provisional form OF government is already
exciting warm discussion. That this very
sweeping measure does not express the senti-
meDt OF the Senate Committee on tho Judi
ciary is now understood. The Tribune's cor
respondent seems to think, however, that it
will be strongly supported.
"HKARTH AND HoME"-We have received
the first number Of new pictorial weekly.
bearing the above title, and published in New
York by Pettingill, Bates s. Co. 81 Park Row.
1t is handsome sixteen page sheet, devoted
to the Preside, the garden and the farm, and
edited by Donald g. Mitchell and Mrs. Harri-
ct Beecher Stowe, assisted by Joseph B. Ly-
man and Mary E. Dodge. Under such man.
agement it can hardly fail to be a success
The number before us contains articles by
each Of the, editors, besides contributions by
DR.. o. w. Holmes, VIM. Cullen Bryant, J.
T. Trowbridge, Grace Greenwood, and others.
There is a; Christmas cartoon by Mast; two
drawings illustrating different ways of laying
out suburban place; and a number of other
designs well executed, AS a rural and family
paper we hardly see how the Hearth and
Home could be improved; and we are sure it
will be welcome visitor at every freside
where 1t is found. ....-
TEE SAFE BUSINESS The American team
Fire Proof Safe Company are now filling
large orders from the Government and from
the Boston and Albany and Fitchburg Rail-
roads. 1t is stated that this Company employ
more men in their factory in this city than are
employed in any other safe establishment in
the country, and have now untitled orders
amounting to over s35,OO0.-Boston Jov,nak |
..s l
a NEW PAPER.-The Western World will
be iouraal of popular literature, employing
the best available talent as authors and editors
Aoai.zx. h....,