The Portland daily press., 1874-12-07
WASHINGTON.
Go Clear.

Go Clear.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5-Owing to to days de-
cisiOn of the Court Harrington, Williams and
Whitley cannot again be put on trial, but Net
tleship. Benton and CuDz can be again indicted
an put on trial, not having pleaded to the for
mer Indictment.
Illegal Jury.
The full bench of judges Of this district to.
day decided that the late grand Jury which in
dcted the safe burglars was illegally chosen
and therefore the safe burglary trial and all
others under indictments found by that grand
jury are utilities.
The matter came up on Huff, who was found
guilty OF stealing horse and carriage. His
counsel appealed and the case was decided
against tie Legality of the grand jury.
Printers Trial.
The printers tournament took place to-day.
There were eight entries in the first class, type
nonpareil; time three hours. The first prize. a
solid gold composing stick, was won by S. N.
Benneman, who set.5,070 GEMS" The second
prize, solid silver composing stick, full news
paper size was won by r. A. Mclean, who set
1913 "ems" The third prize was won by w.
class. time one hour and thirty minutes; w.
w. Malloney was awarded silver composing
stick, newspaper size, having set 2,278 ''ems"
frank A. McGilager, silver composing stick,
full size, $3.50 ems. The long primmei class,
time one hour and Thirty minutes; J. r. Nc.
Bride was awarded first prize, a solid gold COM
posing stick, baeastpin size, having set 2,128
ems; G. S. Hunnicutt, second prize, setting
2037 ''ems"; FL. G. Turleton, third, 1888
"ems."
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-The report of the Dis
trct of Columbia has been made to the Presi-
dent. The debt is less than has generally been
supposed. The condition of the District is con-
sidered so good that the commits siOners will ask
no appropriation from Congress toward defray-
ing the current expenses of the government for
the present fiscal year. With the amount on
hand and estimated receipts there will be money
enough to pay all expenses within that time,
including interest on the debt to July next, in
elusive. 1t is understood the District debt is
ascertained to lie about S17, 100000 K
Congress.
A majority of the members of both Houses
to-day and others will reach Washington to-
morrow morning.
The Newspaper Law.
In regard to the question as to where news.
papers and other printed matter must be weigh
ed for payment of postage under the new law.
on and after January l. 1875, it may be stated
by authority of the Post Office Department
that the general rule requiring the weighing to
take place at the post office where the matter
is mailed, will be modified for the convenience
of publishers in any locality where it is shown
to be desirable that weighing should be per-
United elsewhere than at the post Office. 1t is
understood the New York newspaper publish
ers prefer the weighing done at the post office,
while in Chicago and some other cities it is de-
sired to have printed matter received and weigh.
ed at the railway depot. Each application for
the modification of the rule will be decided on
its individual merits.
What the President is Expected to Saw.
Although no one has seen or heard the Bres-
ident's message, except his Cabinet, the wise
ones predict with certainty the position he
will take on leading questions. Among other
things, it is said that he will express dissatis-
faction at the course pursued by Spain, and
that the disturbed condition of Cuba cannot
long continue without o. her nations interfering
to end it.
The position of the Presidents on the fnan-
cial question is as follows:
Notwithstanding the former speculations of
those who spoke without authority, he desires
and will recommend the resumption of specie
payments at the earliest practicable day, but he
does not believe this can be reached as soon as
the first day of January 1876
He alludes to the civil service reform, saying
IT has been as closely adhered to as the oppo-
slton manifested against it permitted Its re.
suits have been beneficial, huving elevated the
capacity and tone of appointments in the sever
al departments of the government, but it wonld
be impossible to continue the reform without
the direct support of Congress, sanctioned by
the people.