The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1872-12-12
Washington Matters.

The Herald's Washington special states that
the Credit Mobilier investigation will show that
several Congressman for time accepted enor-
nous dividends from that concern, which they
devoted to charitable and political purposes.
They will show they were not identified with
the management of the concern or with the
le%is alton for it. Attempts are being made to
hush up the investigation, but it is reported that
startling developments will be made from an
unexpected quarter.
THE NAVAL BILL.
1t is stated that the naval bill for the building
OF vessels of war, will certainly be returned
from the Senate amended to retain the original
number of ten. and that the House committee
of Ways and Means, and especially one of its
ablest members, Ellis H. Roberts. faNors this
course. Mr.. Bouker states that under GarIeld's
amendment. if carried, the construction of the
vessels would be postponed indefinitely. as
nothing could be done until the estimates and
plans were submitted to and adopted by Con
eres-. and subsequent appropriations be passed
therefor The naval appropriation bill as
agreed upon by the committee, provides for
SlS.100 900.
THE CoLoRED MANS RIGHT TO TAKE A DRINK
AT A WHITE MANS BAR.
The colored people have been defeated in their
attempts to eat and drink in hotels and restall-
rants. In several cases on appeal, j dge
Arthur said, in order to make a keeper of a
restaurant liable under the statute it is neces-
sary 10 prove that the refusal TO wait ON a we'll
behaved person was on account of race. color,
or previous condition of serviude. This was
the %ist Of the offence and the substantial part
OF the statute. and it was therefore absolutely
necessary that the information should contain
an ayerment to that effect. In the course of the
trial he remarked that in some States it was
maze 4 miSdemeanor to sell liquor at all, but
here it appeared to be Il mis.lemeanor not to
sell
NAVAL RECONSTRUCrION.
The act winch passed the House, authorizing
the construction of six steam sloops-ot- wal, will
probably be restored by the Senate to its org-
nal terms, allowing the construction of ter and
providing for the building of the same in the
government wards. Then the bin will he sent
to conference committee and an acceptable
compromise arrived 1T. The change in number
and conditions of construction is regarded by
the Secretary of the Navy as greatly iniurng
the aim of the original bill. The Navy
Department claims that there are no private
yards IN the country fit to construct vessels of
war that they have not the appliances and cam
not build proper vessels. In emergencies the
department might get along with their work
but afterwards, As in the case of the recent civil
war. they would have to dispose of the vessels.
Wooden war vessels cannot be constructed I'M
les, the government supply the timber. as all
live oak is reserved for the use of the navy. In
the construction of iron vessels there are not six
government yards are we'll equipped and pre-
pan ed TO do the work. so far rs hul~ and fitting.
better than any private party could. There may
he a question rs to the engines needed, but it is
claimed for the Washington Navy Yard that no
better engines are in use than those there made.
The intention of the department in the pend
ing act was TO provide 70: the construction OF
lght-dratt, swift cruisers. OF from 800 to 1900
ions capacity, outside of engines, which are to
be compound and 50 arranged as to take up but
comparatively small space. Most Of the vessels
are 10 be of iron, though there may be. if the
ten asked for are authorized. three OF wood.
They will be built on models designed for speed,
under sail or steam. This is in accordance with
the ideas presented in the report of the Secre
tary of the Navy on the proper character Of 4
reconstructed navy, which is that the best guns
and high speed are, for ocean service. of more
Importance than urmored vessels and heavy
aud that for coast and harbor service,
floating batteries and torpedoes are the reliance.