The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-09-22
LATEST NE w s
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE
PORTLAND DAILY PRESS.
tuesday Morning, September %, 1868,
WASHINGTON.
TIE suRRArr TRIAL.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21.-The Surratt case
was called in the Criminal Court, before Judge
Wyle, this morning, this being the first day Of
special term. Counsel on both sides remain as
they we've at the last term-Surratt being ac-
companied by Bradley, ST., aud Junior, the
former as advisory counsel, and Mr.. Merrick
while Darlington, assisted by Biddle and Will
son, were present. on part of the Government.
The District Attorney sta ed his readiness to
proceed with the trial ON the second indict-
ment, charging conspiracy, having decided to
enter nolle prosequ if it met with the appro.
baton of the Court in the FIRST charging Sur
raft with murder. He filed a letter from Act
ing Attorney General Browning, in vindica-
ton of his course in this respect, the commu-
nication prese nting no advice in the premises
butleaving it to the discretion of the District
Attorney. The Court allowed the motion for
nolie proSequi, which was accordingly entered
The case WAS then called on the second indict-
lrprise
prose-
Court
ted
Ter to
nesty
ence.
Sarratt dld on the former OCCASION plead not
guilty to the conspiracy Indictment, but it was
at a time when his counsel had represented
their unwllingness to engage upon trial under
new charge, as that OF murder was sill held.
He was then, they assert, acting without coun-
sci, and they now desire to Withdraw that plea
and enter a formal plea tomorrow.
After a short argument the Court said the
request seemed reasonable, as they only asked
for one day, and he would grant it.
The number OF spectators in Court was not
large q "a sAtt>a s#E - & III ss
THE POST OFFICE DEFALCATIoN.
The Post Office authorities were to-day in
gesugatlDg the defalcation of dSbursing clerk
Olmstead The amount unaceountcd for on
the books is $4,000. Olmstead has not yet
been arrested. -
GEN. GRANT. - .a- .ss.;
Gen. Rawlings TO Gay received letter from
GET. Grant, who is still at Galeua, aud will
not probably visit Washington before the mid
die of October. 10
MEETING OF THE COMMITTEES ON RETRENCH-
ia MENT. so ~ st ... '.E
The Committee on Retrenchment had a
meeting and determined to Investigate the rea-
son why thu Supervisors ordered by Congress
have not yet bsen appointed; also what are the
character and extent OF the frauds charged by
Mr.. Binckley and others, as having been COM
united on the Revenue Department, and if the
charges were not true why they have been
made, and the names of the persons WHO in
stigate them. A Subcommittee was appoint
ed consisting of Messrs. Van Wyck, Benton
Halsey, Jeneks and Edmunds. The commit
tee will commence its Investigations to-mor- /
row. yep p. ~ &n-'. +&@
~ soUTHERNERs AIMING.
NEW YORK, Sept, 21.--The Times Washing
ton dispatch has been received from reliable
scources by the Secretary of the Union Con
gressional Com. ittee, announcing the arrival
in South Carolina of several stands OF arms as
signed to prominent southern gentlemen in
Charleston and elsewhere. They consist of re-
peating rifles and other arms used by cavalry
and infart try during The war. The discovery
occasiened great excitement in Charleston
ald.fears were entertained that they would be
used in arming political organizations. Many
white citizens of Charleston when the recent
bogns conspiracy by blacks to usurp control of
the city was alleged to-bave been discovered,
announced ther intention of arming them
selves for defence against anticipated attacks.
These arms are supposed to have been procur-
ed for that purpose.