The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1871-03-02
WASHINGTON MATTERS.

WASHINGTON Feb. % Nearly all the members
of the next House are in town. Those who have
been elected for the first time are quite gene rally
in favor of brief session, but they state that the
older members believe that it will last until the
middle of April, or the first of May, and that the
annexation of san Domingo will be the most impor-
tant question to be considered.
The political complexion of the next House as
figured up by the credentials presented. shows
that there are 139 Republicans and 104 Democrats.
This difference destroys the operation OF the two
thirds rule in favor of the Republicans for the first
time in SIX years.
THE ANGLO AMERICAN COMMISSION.
There will probably be a preliminary organza-
ton of the Joint High Commission to morrow, al
though Sir John Mcdonald and Sir Stafford North
cote have not arrived All the American Commits
sloners Secretary Fish. Justice Nelson, Gen.
Schenck. Senator Williams and Judge Iioar, are
here New propositions constantly arising for
the consideration of the commission 1t is now said
that in the basis disagreement twas stated that all
claims arising out of the late war should be consd
cred. and that therefore, Great Britain Will submit
the claims of such OF its citizens rs will hold good
against the Confederate authorities.
LOOKING OUT FOR OFFICES.
Outgoing Congressman are TO a considerable eX-
tent looking out for offices. The President is be-
eieged on every Aand. Thus far he has made only
one appointment in that line by nominating Repre-
sentative Witcher of West Virginia to be Collector
of internal Revenue.
MR.. SUMNER 10 MAKE ANOTHER SPEECH.
The political sensation of the week will be d
speech from Mr. sumner in the Senate on Tuesday
in which he will assail the President even more
bitterly than he did in his San Domingo effort. II
Is understood that he will charge him with nepOt
ism and with having accepting presents. Republic
can Senators say that if the speech of the charac
ter intimated, Mr. Sumner will certainly he remoV
ed from the craftsmanship of the Foreign Relations
Committee, and otherwise ostraclSed.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE on THE PACIFIC RAIL.
ROADS.
The Senate Committee on the Pacific Railroads
report an annual saving OF s. 900 900 to the Gov
eminent in the cost of transportation and frnights
of mails to the Pacific coast since the completion
tcrest of the Government that these roads should
remain in their present hands. If the present com
pany should be crushed, one of two results mus
happen either the roads must pass into the hands
of the first mortgage bond holders, with whom the
Government has less favorable contracts or the
Government must take the roads and pay the first
mortgage. 1t would, therefore. seem that the best
interests OF the United States would be served by
patronizing the roads to the full extent of public
business. aud that trng difference IN The terms
offered by other routes should be allowed to divert
the business from the Pacific Railroads.
FINANCIAL.
Secretary Boutwell, will sell seven mi Hons OF
gold and purchase ten millions of bonds in March.
THE MILITARY Election BILL
which passed the Senate viii be submitted on Mon
day to the President for his signature. General
Bar's speech on the bill. in announcement of the
carpetbaggers creates Il good deal of feeling among
them, especially with Senator AmeS. who was
charged with electng himself by his own troops.
and signing the credentials of his own election to
fhe Senate.