Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-11-14

San Francisco yesterday from Panama. She
will he the flag ship of the North Pacific feet,
Rear Admiral Pennock commanding.
BRIG. GENERAL PHILIP ST. GEORGE COOKE,
now commanding the Department OF the Lakes,
will probably be retired soon, a he is over
sixty two years Of age, and has been in the army
more than :orty-tve wears.
NAVAL OFFICERS ON LEAvE.-The Navy
department has heretofore and will in the
future pay the transportation expenses of Off
GERS who are ordered from one point to another,
but has promulgated a rule that their expenses
VIII not be paid when they leave their duties on
leave.
The SOUTHERN CLAIMS COMMISSION yesterday
heard the claims OF Thomas Gaskins and Susan
Gaskins of Manassas, Va, for 81 ,6S5: Warner
Stokes, Manassas, Va, for s4JG; Mary Ives
Fairfax county, Va, for S42i, and Charles
Rees, of Lincoln count y, Kansas, for property
taken by Union sOldi ers in Prince william
county, Va, valued at s1,750.
SENATOR MoRToN's RE ELECTION ASSURED.
The Indiana legislature met at Indiana polls
yesterday, and VIM. X. Edwards was elected
speaker of the house, and s. w. Fried ly presi-
dent OF the senate. All the republican caucus
nominees were chosen in both houses. The re-
publican caucus last night unanimously nomi-
mated Senator Morton for reelection.
No EXPANSION OF THE CURRENCY. In
answer to a telegram forwarded by VIM. Gray,
chairman of the Boston relief committee, yes
terday, demonstrating against any expansion of
the currency for their benefit, Secretary Bout
well sent an answer cOngratuating the citizens
OF Boston on their spirited action, and conciding
with them in their determination.
A PLEASANT CHANGE OF NETGHBoRs.-The
Capital publishing company have bought out
the Patriot printing establishment-type, Hoe
press and all-and will move at once into their
new quarters. 1t is one of the roOmiest and best
provided newspaper establishments in the cOun-
try, and Col. Pratt says he can &C commodate
the entire liberal party on his premises-that is
II they're not afraid of being lost. l. will be
odd to see bright, pungent sheet like the Capt
tai emanating from that temple of pOnderosity
but the change will be rather pleasant.
THE MASSACHUSETTS SENAToRsHrP.-The
Ee1c Bsdford (Hass.) Mercury says: The persistent
insinuations OF certain republican Journals III At
Hon. Benjamin +. Butler is candidate for the
United States SenatOrship are without the
sShtss: foundation. We have the best authori-
ty for stating that Gen. Butler has not been,
and Is not, an aSpirSnt to the place. He has
teen, and Is now, warmly in favor of the cleo
ton of Hon. George 5. Boutwell,, who is an
noun ced as a candidate. and whose pre-eminent
fitness for the place cannot fa.l to secure his
choice by the legislature.
TIE VACANT MAJOR GENERALsHIP.-There
l. quite diversity Of opinion as TO the power OF
y
Brigadier Generals 1T making the appointment
to I'LL the vacant major generalship caused by
the death of General Meade. There is no law
bearing directly on the subject and the Presi-
dent undoubtedly has the right to appoint any
one he pesses. No matter whether he be in the
army or not, being vested with that power by
the Constitution. At the breaking out OF the
rebellion in 1861, MIR. Lincoln appointed General
Halleck and General Fremont to the grade of
major general ill the army from civil life,
but there is not an instance on record
from civil life during the time OF peace
The law i'll relation to major and brigaIie
generals, passed July 18th, 1s50, is as follows
THAT no appointment to the grade of majo
general shall be made until the number 0
officers OF that grade is reduced below tGree
after which the number of major generals shat
not exceed three. That 10 appointment to the
grade of brigadier general shall be made unit!
the number of officers OF that grade is reduced
below six, after which the number OF briga.ier
generals shall not exceed SIX
II was clearly the intention of Congress By the
above act to reduce the number of both m tjoT
ard brigadier generals but that red lctiOn cOIli
only be made by casualties. as the number then
exceeded the figures named in the act and the
PRESIDENT would only be carrying out the inten-
ton or Congress by appointing the new major
general from the grade below and thus reduce
the number He has already had the claims of
runored that he has referred the
whole matter to General Sherman,
ald will be guided by the opinion OF that Off GER.
a. 10 Saiu lnat NCucEdi a e. Duruslue, OF NnO lie
Island, is one Of the prominent applicants. and
is backed by Vice-President elect Wilson
1t is stated, al.o, that Assistant Quartermast, n
General Rufus ingalls, sndother prominent off,
GERS are urging the appointment: of General
Meigs to the position. Brig. Generals 0. O.
Howard, E. X. 5. Candy, and A. h.
Terry are also mentioned in connection
with the position. 1t is also whispered that
the name of Secretary Belknap has been pre-
sented to the President, but that officer has
said no'hing about il himself, his claim being
hav l,at< ho
test IS narrowed down to Seer etary Beknap
and General Burnside.