New-York tribune., 1873-07-28
WASHINGTON.
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
IMPROVED CONDITION OF MEXICO.

WASHINGTON, july 20 lo'o' .
The Hon. Edward L. Plumb was in Washington seVera
days ago He stated 10 friends that there IS no uoup
the Mexican Congress will ratify the contract made be-
tween the President of Mexico and himself, granuns
certain franchises to the international Railway Oor
pany, which will open communication between the
United States and the city of Mexico and between to
Pacific coast OF Mexico and this country, tho ente u
tance being 1,6OO miles. IL Ia proposed 10 COM
mence operations during the Spring OF next year
Mr. Plumb says that from his knowledge OF Mexico lor
period OF 10 years-he having been Charge dAalrs ~
that Repubhc-there Is now much better poiitS,l s
social condition OF affairs than heretofore ana WIN .
Improvement the people generally are dreeIue % a.
attention such measures VIII promote nalloal
well as individual welfare They look on the lepe ,ve
more intimate commercial relations with them. Tne
granting OF the railroad franchise, to whiGh W s
above made, is mentioned as one OF the e'Iue0' O ~"
fact.
FREE MAIL MATTER ABOLISHED WITH CANADA.
For several years past there has been an agreement
between our postal authorities and those OF Canada 'n'
mail matter franked here and destined Tor Cahaua W
delivered there free aud such matter properly rahAeu
in Canada and destined for this country would DC ue'
cred here free There clause in the postal treaty
with that country providing for such an arrangemeh
but the matter was of reciprocity between inc wv"
Departments Now that the franking privilege
is abolished in the United States and postage
must be collected on all mail matter, the Postmaster
General has notified the Canadian auth0rlteS t@uat @ y
arrangement on the grounds above mentioned. III na'
alsO been customary with the POstOhce DepITthcli,r
ages Of some of the foreign ministers and transmit them
between this city and New-York; but thus Arrangement
has also been terminated by reason or the Ia" IequAs
that postage be collected on all mail matter.
THE MEXICAN AND SPANISH COMMISSIONS.
Mr. Wadsworth the American Commissioner has IN
reply to the of the Department OF state tee
graphed that he will be in Washington next week 70
meet the new Mexican Commissioner, when arrange
meuts will be made for resuming the business OF ths
American and Mexican Claims Commission. Tho Amer
can and Spanish Claims Commission has adjourned I'M
Ill the 1st OF September. This Commission was organized
more than two years ago. and several eases have been
decided adverse 10 spaulards VINO haVe deeireu lne
intention to become American citizens. These claims
were ruled out not coming within the terms Oh tne
treaty, the umpire deciding that only iul Amenc9a ~
citizens can he recognized. There Is much ulcItF
obtaining evidence owing TO the unsettled condition OI
the Island of Cuba.
THE MoRTUARY STATISTICS OF THE CENSUS.
Gen Walker has written to q friend contradictng the
statement that the mortality statistics were omitted IN
advertently from the compendium OF the census They
were omitted because they are, in the nature of the
case not susceptible OF condensation; and If inserted
weud have crowded out other classes OF statistics Of far
more popular interest The tables OF mortality have
been published at full length, IN an edition Of 1000
real students OF mOrtuary statistics In the united slle
Only about oncquarter OF Tue matters Oh lne i'ai
volumes could be admitted into The cOmPehlluhi anu
those portions which deemed most deserving OF
wide distribution were accordingly selected.
TIE VACANT CHIEF-JUsrIcEsHIP.
The result Of careful inquiry Is that President Grant
has not yet decided upon the selection OF ChefJustice
While newspaper notices in favor Of certain gentlemen
have been carefully brought his attention. no political
friends have venlurcd upon direct recommendations.
The President will make his selection indepen-
denty Of newspaper or personal suggestions II Is said
he has recently reported that ne is in hurry TO do
there being public necessity Tor SUCH action
He will make the appointment until 1t can he acted
by Senate, and in the meantime he VIII enleaYOr
~ select ChieJustice VINO viii be acceptable TO the
entire country.
THE PROPOSED NEW CIGAR BOX
Tho Commissioner Of Internal Revenue viii take no
present action the patent cigar box question. He
will leave the city the 1st August to be absent
eral weeks Determined that more stringent measures
shall be taken to prevent frauds he has asked the deal
ers to consider and suggest 10 him plan by which
the revenue strictly be collected and his sub
ordinate officers the bureau have been instructed 10
glye their attention 20 the subject that having the
of both sides he may come 10 an intelligent con
cluslOn during the coming month.