Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-04-03
ITO the Associated Press.D'

THE LETTER OF EARL GRANVILLE
Vas read at the cabinet meeting to-day, occupy
ing nearly all Of the two hours session. Partic-
ularS OF the letter cannot be ascertaincd for the
reason that the cabinet members decline to
converse upon the subject, seeming to have a
general understanding that it would be improper
to furnish anything concerning it for publication
| pending the correspondence on the subject of
| the Alabama claims and differences of interpre-
tation of the United States and Great Britain
| respectively 1t is known, however, from a re-
Liable source, that the letter is in the character
| of IA elaborate argument against the claim of
| the United States for indirect damages. 1t is
| hrm, yet friendly in tone, and expresses the
hope that both nations will be able to come to
| an understanding which will eventually carry
| out the treaty of Washington according to what
| the British government believes its true intent
| and meaning.
The letter is in accord with recent utterances
OF the British press. The secretary of state will
| not reply to Earl Granville for some days. as
| some time will be required for consideration of
| the points and arguments of this unusually
| long diplomatic letter. From intimations in
| high quarters, the government will adhere to its
| position of submitting its entire case "claims
| for indirect or consequential damages included
with a willingness to abide by the decision OF
those designated by the treaty 10 effect the adj
Jusment OF the differences between the two
countries. All the members of the cabinet were
present ut the session.
Previous to the meeting the British minister,
accompanying Vice Admiral Fanshawe of the
British navy, called at the White house and were
met by Secretary Fish, who introduced the dis
tlnsulshed visitor to the president
COMMITTEES.
The committee on ways and means have
agreed to report in favor of a specific duty on
books instead OF an ad valorem duty. They have
also determined to amend the law imposing du-
ties on crockery ware, SO that it be levied on the
ware alone, and not upon crate, straw etc.. as
heretofore.
The house committee on appropriations has
agreed TO report in favor Of an appropriation of
S275O00 for the signal service bureau. The APP
preparation last year was 100000 and tie
amount asked for this year S25O,OO0.
The house committee on foreign affairs have
agreed TO report adversely upon the bill to per-
NIT Minister belong to act also as representa-
tive of the Hawaiian Island at Japan.
TREASURY BUSINESS.
The payments from the treasury by warrants
during March, were war S8,26S,OO9; navy
81 1904 ,4j3; Indians and pensions S2749,711;
civil and miscellaneous S5,7O5121; total S13,-
227 ,249. The payments on account of interest
and principal OF the public debt not included.
The secretary of the treasury has decided that
the Income tax on the salary of the president of
the United States and judges of the supreme
court OF the United States IS unconstitutional,
and that the same must be refunded and not
hereafter imposed.
THE NAVAL INVESTIGATION.
The naval investigation committees time was
mostly occupied in taking testimony from Hans
comb, chief of the bureau OF construction and
repairs, concerning the purchase of iron, build
| ing Of engines, letting of contracts, etc.
COMPTROLLER HULBURD
| Has received thirty days leave of absence from
his duties as comptroller of currency. During
that PERIOD Mr.. John j. Knox, deputy comp
troller, is by law acting comptroller. Hulburd's
| resignation has been at the disposal of the pres
| ident since the day the committee OF the house
introduced the resolution recommending a
| change in the office.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Several members Of the Japanese embassy
| were shown through the treasury office to-day.
| Jules GOlay, assistant chief of the bureau of
engraving aud printing in the treasury depart
ment, has resigned, to take effect May list.