The Portland daily press., 1873-12-22
WASHINGTON.
Financial.

WASHINGTON, Dec 20.-During the week
ending to-day there has been shipped from the
treasury $2.035, 900 in notes. and 1864, 900 cur
rency; receipts of fractional currency from the
printing division. 1913, 100. The Treasurer holds
in trust for the national banks S303, Al 900 to
secure circulation, and $16 200 for public de-
posits. National bank currency outstanding to
day S34S.581 ,729. Receipts of internal revenue
to-day S218,252; for the month, S., BOG, 076; for
the fiscal year, $45.119,567.
Treasury Balances.
The following are the Treasury balances to-
legal tenders for redemption of certificates of
deposit 1871 900; coin, S85, 970, 40, Including
coin certificates $50, 037 800; outstanding legal
tenders, 1875, 9O3,21
Ocean Mail Service.
- The Postmaster-General after hearing the
representations of all the steamship lines to day
announced that he would not make apy con-
tenn by which European mails will be despatch
ed from New York four times a week on the
steamers sailing on any given Tuesday, Wedn-
eSday or Friday, which according tn its past
record. best fultils three conditions, viz: Speed,
security and certainty.
The Baukrups Bill.
1t is believed majority of the Senate will
not agree with the House in the total repeal of
the bankruptcy act, but will favor amending it
so as to guard the debtor from actions by a
small minority Of his creditors, leaving the
question of involuntary bankruptcy to be de-
termned by those who are largely interested.
The Senate judiciary will consider the subject
before the recess.
The Estimates.
The estimates of the several departments
will be examined next week to see what reduc
ton can be made in them. Estimates for the
running expenses of each department cannot
be reduced but those for work upon public
buildings throughout the country. Erection of
light houses will be cut down fir I'M ten to three
millions, Upon public buildings in course ofcon-
structiOn some appropriation will be necessa-
ry to continue work, but no n1w W ork will be
commenced. The estimates for improvements
on rivers, barbors and Notifications, will prob
ably be reduced from 21,000,000 to half that
amount. The expenses of the War Depart
ment proper, Secretary Belknap states cannot
be reduced. There will be probably small re
duction in estimates for the government of In
dams, and of pay superintendent.
Condemned stores.
During the past fiscal year, the total amount
of money covered into the treasury from the
plies and other public property was $5,637, 283,
Notice to seamen.
The light house board gives notice that a
first class spar buoy:.with red and black hori-
zontal stripes has been placed in Is fathoms of
water, to mark the position of wreck In the
track of vessels bound in TO New York CITY
from the eastward The Fire Island light
house bears northeast by north, distant about
10 miles from Sandy Hook light ship, West
Highland Lights west half south bearing mag
hectic.
The virginius No Right to the American
Flag.
WASHINGTON, Dec 21.-It has been known
for some days that the Spanish government has
furnished evidence with regard to the Virein-
ious and her claim to the right to bear the
flag of the United States, and that the Presi-
dent has submitted the evidence to the Attor-
ney General for his opinion thereon. 1t seems
now to be understood in official circles that the
Attorney General has given the opinion thatIthe
vessel had forfeited the right to bear the flag of
the United States and at the time of her capture
was carrying it without right and improperly.
In view of this opinion our government will
in accordance with the terms of the protocol,
institute an inquiry and adopt proceedings
against the persons who may appear to have
been guilty of illegal acts in connection there-
with. As Spain has proven tn the satisfac-
ton of the United States according to the At
torney Generals opinion, that the Virginius
was, at the time, carrying the United States
flag without right and improperly, the salute to
the flag on the 25th of December will be dis
pensed with, as it is not now necessarily re-
durable, but the United States will expect a
disclaimer of the intent of indignity to its flag
in the act which was committed. From the
proofs submitted by Spain it appears that the
clearance papers of the Virglnius were obtained
by perjury.
Not Credited.
The report from Madrid that the Spanish
government have decided to make demand
upon the United States for the return of the
Virgins and passengers and crew, is not cred
tied here for the reason that they were deliver
ed to the United States by virture of the proto-
col between the two countries, subject to judi
cial proceedings.