Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-05-13
FROM WASHINGTON.

Washington, II. rencontre occurred
this evening in front of the Imperial Hotel
between Gen. Jones of West Virginia ant
Col. Calvin Sayre of Alabama. Jones, who
was standing on the hotel steps, was attacked
by Sayre with heavy cane Blows were
exchanged and Jones had his left wrist bro.
ken. Jones then wrested the cane from
Sayne and with his right hand returned the
blows. Col. johnson, friend of both, sep
arated the parties for short time, bat no one
else assisting, he was unable 10 keep them
apart and they renewed me contest with
pocket knives. Jones received a severe cut
across the forehead and several on the face
Sayre received a severe cash across the
throat and slabs in the abdomen. During
the fight they threw each other repeatedly
They were finally separated, both in an ex.
hausted condition. Jones being too weak to
reach home, was taken to a chamber in the ho-
tel. Sayne was carried home. Both imme-
diately received surgical attendance 1t is
understood that the fight ensued out of an
old grudge.
Senator Stevenson has presented grounds
for his dissent from the report of the Senate
arms investigation committee. He says that
the testimony showed that the sales of arms
and ordinances in question, violated the stat
ute of July 20, 1868. Arms and ordinances
were sold without proper advertisement
Ordnance stores were sold which were not in
possession of the government at the time of
passage of said act, and arms sold which
were not damaged or otherwise unsuited for
military service. He cited various transac-
tons, which he claimed were wholly unwar.
ranted by the statue of 1868. Considering
the question whether the arms sold were of
such quantity as 70 impair the defensive ca
pacity of the country, the Senator says
Prudence and wise policy, alike dictate that
large supply of breech leaders is essential.
1t was important that those kept on hand by
Gen. Dyer should not have been diminished,
lest the defensive capacity Of the country
should be reduced, and the government
forced in case of emergency to private man
ufacturers. With the sales of arms to the
Remingtons agents and the exchange OF
Gattling guns with the Colts Arms Company,
the Senator finds himself constrained to the
conclusion that had there been no personal
contract or understanding between the Off
GERS Of the ordnance bureau and Remington
and his agents, the least degree of vigilance
would have made the former aware of the
character of the proceedings taking place,
especially as it was notorious that large guam
titles of arms and munitions were being
shipped to France. Mr. Stevenson conclud-
ed by generating any Senator or other citi-
zen from completely in any Illicit transaction
in this connection.
The President was at the Capitol to-day,
where he passed some time in consultation
with various Senators.
The recent decision of the United States
Supreme court, giving 20 per cent. addition
al compensation to certain employees of the
government, affects at least 1900 cases on
the docket Of the Court of Claims.
Ten or twelve republican Senators had a
consultation with the President last night at
the executive mansion.
The Secretary of War has recommended
the appropriation of $4,000 for the cree
ton of a military post at Beaver city, Utah.
200 miles south of Salt Lake city.
The House committee on District of Co.
lumbia, approve the bill appropriating $780,.
900 for completion of the Washington monu.
ment. $230,000 have already been expended
upon the work and 100000 will be needed
to complete the shaft, while the cost of the
whole work, including shaft and pantheon on
the base, is estimated at 81 ,220, 900.
The Congressional committee recently APP
pointed to investigate the affairs at New
Orleans, have just handed their printed re-
port to he President, and he has had an OPP
portunity for the first time to examine it
critically. In consequence of this examina-
ton he has requested Mr.. Casey to resign,
and also his deputy, Mr.. Herring. There is
nothing in this report to show that these gen.
tlemen were not honest and efficient in the dis
chargeof their duties as custom house off
Gals, but owing to the character of certain
portions of the testimony, it was thought that
change in these offices might promote the
nan al ;ptaroots of ba eory;oo