The New York herald., 1869-01-01
Grave Aspect OF Affairs i'm the
Orient.
Turkey Gives Greece Her Ultimatum
and Prepares for the GraveSt
Emergencies.
The American Minister at COnstan-
tin0ple to be Recalled.
Attempt to Revive the
Surratt Case.

SuIEAGC NuScs
WASHINGTON, Dec. 81, 1868.
The Difficulties Between Turkey and Greece.
News from C0nstantinople has just been received
here by high official which states that the Turkish
government stands firm In regard to the quarrel
with Greece, and will not abate one iota Of its ut
matum to the government OF Greece, no matter how
many nations may oppose through sympathy with
Greece or Crete. The Turkish government, 1t Is
stated feels that the matters at issue m the present
mbroglio involve principles which it must maintain
at every hazard and the most energetic prepara
tons are in progress to meet the gavest emergencies
The American Minister 10 Turkey to be Re-
called.
A paragraph appeared In several newspapers o
few days since the effect that there was prob
biity Of the recall of our Minister to Turkey E. Joy
Morris, and stating the reason for the adoption OF
such course that Mr.. Morris was engaged In a
serious quarrel with the Chief Dragoman Of the
Sublime Porte. This statement has only par
tal foundation In truth. The facts In the case
are simply these: Our Minister in Turkey has
occasion for transacting any official busi-
ness with the Chief Dragoman OF the Empire.
He can have no official relations with
that officer, and can, therefore, have misunder-
standing with him. 1t Is true, however, that MIR.
Norris relations with the Turkish government are
not at all Of pleasant character, and it is also true
that he Is involved In quarrel with his own drago-
man. who fills the Office OF Secretary Of Legation as
well as chief Interpreter TO the Minister. AS these
misunderstanding have materially impaired Mr..
Norris usefulness representative at Constan-
tinople 1t is than likely that nomination will
be made to the Senate during the present session OF
q successor to Mr.. Morris. Several influential indi-
.axst4.
ton for tame.
New Years Day at the National Capital.
The officers Of the army this city will assemble
In uniform at the War Department tomorrow at
quarter-past eleven O'Clock A. NJ, when they will
proceed in body to pay their respects to the Pres-
dent OF the United States. They will form by corps
ana regiments in the order designated in the Army
Register. The senior officers Of each corps will pre-
sent his own officers 10 the President. The above is
issued in o circular from the Adutant Generals
Office.
The officers Of the naval and marine corps win as
semble at the Navy Department at eleven O'Clock A.
NJ, and proceed In body to pay their respects to
the President.
The Treasury Department employees were dis
missed at one o. clock p. M. to-day.
Preparations are being mace ut the White House
for reception tomorrow.
All Inc PROMINENT OlIlCdls anu large NUMBER OI
private citizens win receive their friends tomorrow
All the public buildings win be closed tomorrow,
consequently no business will be transacted.
The March session Of Congress-.
1t is believed that but two States will be unrepre-
sented in the Forty Congress should it organize
on the 4th OF March--Sew Hampshire and Connecti-
cut. These States hold their elections for Congress-
men few weeks later in the spring. 1t is not
thought, however, that this will have any influence
In securing repeal OF the law providing for the
meeting OF Congress on the 4th Of March.
The Western Union Telegraph Monopoly.
The Western Union Telegraph monopoly are en-
deavoring to take unfair advantage OF the members
OF the House Committee on Post Ofces and Post
Roads, and also OF the friends OF Mr.. Washburne's
bill, to get the latter measure defeated When Mr..
Orton here he professed to have but copy OF
the printed argument he read before the COMMITTEE
but promised TO send copies OF II to the members Of
the committee and also to Mr. L. b. washburne.
Thus far. however, he has failed TO comply
with his promise. He need not hope by this
means to defeat the proposition Of building
telegraph line from this city 70 New York. for it is
the intention OF Mr.. washburne to give the matter
his personal attention before the committe well as
in the House. Orton Is expected here soon after
Congress rcassembles when, in connection with his
lobby here, pressure win be brought TO bear upon
the committee to postpone Washburne's bill inde1-
nitey.
Confirmation Of Judge Busteed,s Case.
The subcommittee OF the House Judiciary Com
mittee held another meeting to-day 20 investigate
the Judge Busteed case. But two members, Messrs.
Woodbridge and Eldridge, were present. The only
witness examined was w. T. Chiffon, ex-United
States Judge. He was cross-examned at great
length by Judge Busteed, the proceeding being In
terspersed with q good deal OF merrment. The
committee adjourned until Monday. Judge Bus
teed 1t appears earnestly desires that the utmost
publicity be given to the evidence ne feels salts
ned It's exposure would be fatal to Its vitality.
Nlemcnto for the President.
President Johnson was presented to-day with Q
fine hickory cane cut from Lookout Mountain. 1t
has gold head, appropriately inscribed. The donor
Is an old personal friend OF the President.
The ssrrau Case Revived.
During the past few days several witnesses for the
United states have been before the Grand Jury at
the instance ofthe District Attorney for the purpose
OF giving evidence on which TO base q new lndict-
ment against John II. surratt. Among the witnesses
examined were Brooke Stabler ana the colored wo-
man, Susan Ann Jackson.
Important Revcuuc Decision.
The subjoined important decision by the Internal
Revenue Department will relieve the minds of
assessors throughout the country as to the course
they should adopt In instances like the following
Homer Franklin assessor OF the Ninth district Of
New York was notified q week ago by the proprie-
tor OF large dstillery in his district that owing
to an accident having occurred to the boiler aud
work being suspended, he desired, In accordance
with the law. TO have the premises closed up. THIS
was accordingly done, but next day application was
made to have an entrance opened that workmen
might 20 inside and repair the boiler The Assessor
went In person to comply with this request and dis
covered there were seven tubs OF mash on hand,
which, In compliance with the law, should be run OF
In case the distillery regularly suspended. The As
sessor however recognizing the injustice OF taking
such a course and destroying over $1,000 worth Of
property for wholly unforeseen and unintentional
breach OF the statute, decided to come to Washing
ton and take the opinion OF the Revenue Department
To-day Assistant Commissioner Harland rendered
the following declsion:--