davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.

CARELESS AND LAUNDERING LEGISLATION.
WASHINGTON, Thursday, May 7, 1874
Mr. Anthony directed the attention of the Senate
today to a most absurd habit of Congress of legs
lating in such blind way that not even the most
skillful LAWYERS can find out what the meaning of
a statute is. The Senate passed yesterday q House
bill to facilitate the expectation of distilled spirits,
&c. An examination of the act shows
that it proposes further to amend Section
55 Of the act of Jdly 20, 1868, as
amended by the act of June o, 1872
and by the act of March g. 1873" by striking out the
words "such bonds where they first occur in
the section, and inserting in lien thereof the
words transportation bond;' by inserting in the
second provso of the section after the word given"
and before the word "for" the words to the Col
lector of the Port and after the words bill
of ladinpD &C. &c. Now, it is doubtful if a
single Senator who voted for this bill, except men,
bers of the Committee, knew what it meant, and
not half of them would be able after the bill passed
to find ont from the statutes at large what Its force
weuld be. Yet this is the way in which nearly all
the legislation relating to the internal revenue has
been framed. Mr.. Conklng, who warmly sec
onded Mr. Anthony in his attempt to reform
the practice of Congress, related an Incident
from his own experience. In attempting TO unraVe
the mystery of of these laws he first attempted
TO gain the information from the compilation of the
found that imperfect. He then took the statutes
and spent hours of hard study before he was able to
learn what the law was; and this was a in
which the law was not nearly SO ambiguous III its
terms as the act passed yesterday
DECISIONS OF THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Yhe Treasury Department has made the following
decisions Goods imported into an interior port,
under act of July IA, 1870 not subject to ad-
ditiona duty Of ten per cent if withdrawn for con-
sumption within year from date of arrival at
such port. Peanuts held to he duitable fruits
at the rate of cent per pound. Article 334
of the customs regulations is amended follows
Wherever it may be necessary to require importer
to give bond for the production of a consular in
voice of free goods such bond will be taken in the
penal SUN of $l00 Article 24O of the Customs Regu-
latons of 1874 is to be construed allowing
lar sealed cars containing free goods arriving from
foreign contiguous territory, to forward to dest
| inspection and entry of the goods, at the
first port of arrival Mohair wOIsted serges which
are used for lining coats, &C. not being III any view
of the case womens and childrens dress goods, nor
real or imitation Italian cloths, cannot be classified
under the provision for such merchandise, but
should as they are not otherwise provided for be
classified under the provision in the second section
OF the act Of March 1861 and pay duty at the rates
therein prescribed, less 10 per cent, according to
| their value per pound weight.
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08

apply to the gentlemen who appeared before the
Ways and Means Committee during the Jayne IN
vestgaton and made argument. Mr.. Schultz ana
Mr. Eaton. and those who accompanied them, and
the gentlemen from Boston, greatly advanced the
cause they came here to plead. They understood
that to secure any reform they needed help from
every quarter whence it could come. But some OF
their successors seem TO have been more interested
in keeping Democrats quiet until the Administra-
ton measures could be perfected, and in so shaping
the business that the Republican party should re-
ceve injury, than in advocating the reform they
are nominally here to promote. If they had done
little less of working out" of the delegations the
men who by their enthusiasm and energy were
rapidly creating opinion in Congress that
would surely have resulted in the passage of
radical measure of reform, and directed their inhu-
ence upon halting Administration Senators and
Representatives, the prospects would now be much
brighter If nobody but New-York Administration
politicians to be allowed to take prominet part
in working for the reform so much needed. the
result will be very much like the reform of the
Republican party within itself about which the
country heard SO much two years ago.
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
FOREIGN NOTES 4.

The British bark Carin Craig, with cargo OF
coals from Troon lost on the INh OF April wbio
going into Santiago de Cuba.t
The third session of the Nova Scotia Legis-
ature was closed by Lieut-Gov Archibald yesterday
afternoon with the usual ceremonies
A telegram from London received yesterday
oreri,g savs: The fre on the American steamship
Ohio has been extiugushed. Her cargo is much daw-
aged"
Captain General Concha gave farewell
dinner last night to ChiuLanPn the Chinese Commis-
soner In Cuba The heads Of the various departments
and other distinguished persons were present.
Sir Lambton Lorraine, in q communication TO
The Pail Mall Gazette says: The reported interview with
myself published IN New-York paper is fictitious. 1
never said that blood was thicker than water that tho
people Of England have strong affection sfor their
AmerIcan cousins, and that it would give mo great
nleasure 10 receive silver brick Whatever may DC my
oDnons am no adnirer OF those Engiishmen who are
given TO fawning upon their American cousins ~ the
expense OF their own self-respect"
The Diario de Manila tells Of terrible
disaster which occurred the 2sth Of January IN tho
town Of Laoag Q4ocos Norte). Philippine Islands. Two
children left to themselves set house on fire. inc COZ"
aagraon extended rapidly that in the course OF lou.
hours half OF the houses In the townneary lVUme.o
destroyed Not fruit tree remained; thousands VI r
ing frames were destroyed, and multitudes OF cituo
shed What is still worse fifteen persons hoiuu"s GA
children, were burned 10 death.
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
. sTrpREME COURT DECISION.

ror-p or THE 1--WE JUDGES DECIDE THE CASE OF
BROOKS AGAINST THE STATE AUDIroR-A WRIT
or MANDAMUS AWARDED AGAINST THE LATTER.
LITTLE Rock, Ark, May 27.-FOur Of the
line this morning and delivered the following opinion
IN the case Joseph Brooks against Henry Page State
Treasurer, being an application for mandamus. The
opinion was delivered by Chief-Justicc Mcclure:
The 18th section Of Chapter oA of Goulds Digest reads
follows: , ~ -
further Of sjOOOJ shall be ami the
same hereby aud placed the disposal OF the Goveuor
- xn fgom he nude. warrants fon tho auditor be
% on the requou Of Governor for the specified In
,bs uree,dng sectloa and for 10 other purpose.
he fourth section, to which the above reference Is
made. rs as follows:
tend be done by this that
ev conducted aud 10 that the
aud negiy enforced throughout the
the laws be enforced by ord-
- hereby mae the Gaty Of the GNerlor,
a. o A. nav appear order organise enroll
this Stale ~ the relre, and Nth
Q! the codnty, ali ekDc theeom
sss od hing 10 dorsan1 distd.ctel persons
al snch By force until orler IL restored
md he OF Afkaasas nowledssl aud observed
From tae pleadngs appears that tho relaor Joseph
Brookg gty!ug himself Governor OF Arkansas. made u
requstiOn $1,000 on the appropriation made by the
twelfth section the act referred TO- and that the Audi
tor iu obedience sad rcqusti0n, drew his warrant
on the Treasurer for the amount specified therein.
aud that the said Treasurer refused TO pay odch
warrant or Issue Treasurer certificate therefor.
To tIe prayer ot the petitioner the Treas
ur.l admits refusal ~ said warrant, and submits
that lie 10 bound " do 90 oeeausc Esha BAXTER was
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
THE POLITICIANS SURPRISED.

HENRY SMITHS SUCCESSOR NAMED.
ABRAHAM DIsBECKER APPOINTED POLICE coMMis-
sIoNER UNDER THE NEW LAw-EvERY ONE
AsToNIsHED-THE MAYORS PoLCY-THE CANpi-
DATES FOR COURTHOUSE COMMISSIONERS Az
POINTED.
The Mayor has fulfilled the promise made Oh
Wednesday evening, and appointed Police Com
missioner to fill the vacancy caused by tho death VI
Henry Smith; and in doing 80 he has caused more
surprise than by any of his previous appointments
The names of Judge Rowland and OF Johh o.
Morris had been freely mentioned as the
most likely to be the Mayors choice; and Tor some
days past the latter has been believed to have the
Office within his hands if he chose to accept It, Inc
man finally selected was who it seems has never
been mentioned for the Office except within very
small circle Of the Mayors personal party advisers
According to Mayor Havemeyer's own statement 10
reporter he had consulted with one in reference
to the matter; but as the Legislature had
given him, despite his protest, the sole re-
sponsibility of making the appointment
he had accepted it, and selected a
man whom, from personal intercourse and carefni
study he believed to be the best fitted to serve the
interests of the city, The politicians are nearly
unanimous in the view that the appointment has
greater significance. The Mayor has also appointed
as Commissioners OF the new Courthouse, Smith IL
Shaw. Thomas b. Tappan, Willis Blackstone. and
John p Cummins whose names had been before the
Board Of Aldermen for confirmation since May IT,
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
THE MAYORS PLEA,

RESPONSIBILITY HAS BEEN GIVEN HIN AND HE HAS
ASSUMED Ir-A PERSONAL AND NOT A POLITICAL
APPOINTMENT.
Early in the day Mayor IIavemeyer had an
pounced through his private Secretary that he would
not be seen by any member OF the press during the day
but about p he came for a few moments into his
outer Office and stood conempatiyey before the open
fire. TRIBUNE reporter approached him aud the fol-
lowing conversation ensued:
Reporter-well, MI Havemeyer, 1t seems you have
kept your word, and made the appointment this
mOrningi
The Mayor Cslowly)-Yog I've made it.
A. When had you decided upon the appointment
A. Not definitely until yesterday afternoon, few
moments before / saw you.
O. The appointment virtually made at that time '
A. Yes. But as told You, there were reasons why /
preferred not to make 1t public at once The pubic
seem to be asonished. suppose there will be general
howl tomorrow l shall probably be the best abused
man in New-York. like that. like TO be abused.
never feel better than when raise a howl. don't
want be praised, for then think am beneftng one
party to the injury Of another consult only the public
good.
@ What the special reasons which caused you TO
make the appointment A. wanted TO please myself
and benefit the public. land thought had found the
right man. have seen a good deal OF him here as
superintendent of The city Record He has gone in and
out many times day, and like his way OF doing bus
lie Is prompt, alert, and accurate. believe he
will remain 80, and will serve the public In his new
position well he has served 1t IN the old sit here
and listen 10 good many men VINO are very roma OF
talking; form my opinions bur, unfortunately Tor
them, don't tell them what think. 1 have formed
my opinion OF each OF the candidates who has Deen
pressed for the place. and have selected my own man.
q. Whar will Mr. Green say OF thisl A. mt know
and do MT mans claims are based on the
fact that he is Green another on the claim that
he is Kelly man. Now have MT appointed MT DIS
becker because he Ia Havemeyer man. but because ne
will best my Interests III yiniicatiDg my good
Judgment IN appointing him. by being faithful ohcer
O. But have been told that be was a Tweed man,
aud obtained his first start political life through ms
influence. A. Oh don't for that He's soou he
publican now , ,,,...,..
O. But he has been Democratic Inspector OF Election
IN district Tor yearsf A. Ii doesn't maze any
difference what name he went by. III NC was an iu
spector, guess he was good one. -
q WHAT do the old Commissioners say OF thef new
associated A. | don't know and don't care have
neither consulted with them nor with anybody else on
the sub ubject have acted my own Judgment, aud II
Ihsye made mistake shall have 10 bear the brunt OF!
H. The people will howl for WHILE lsupposc but tney
will fnd out their mistake, and that have made good
choice At any rate it my bu-ness to make such
an thought best Tor the public inter
est aud done it and viii bear tue conseq
Here friend en- tered the room with whom ne retired
into the inner room.
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
PRICE -FOUR CENTS.

declared duly elected Governor that he took the oath
OF office, &c and that in fact, the said Baxter Gov
enor OF tho State OF Arkansas. and not the rcator.
Joseph Brooks.
To the response the relator fles replication anesns
he was adudged the Office OF Governor, that he took
oath OF ONCE &C. and entered upon the discharge OF
To the replication a demurrer is fled. the grounAs
being that such judgment Is not sufficient Ia law N
maintain an action The only question that We deem u
necessary TO notice is Did tho Circuit Court have
jurisdiction to render judgment in the case OF Brooks
agt BaxterP We feel some delicaoy about expressing
an opinion upon the question propounded but under
pleadings 1t has be passed upon incidentally, II NOT
absolutely, in determining whether tho relator IL en-.
Titled 70 the relief asked for His right 70 the ohice' "
tho Circuit Court OF Pulaski County. We
are OF the opinion that the Circuit Court
appears TO be regular and valid Having arrived at
these conclusions the demurrer IA overruled and wrt
OF mandamus will be awarded as prayed for.
JSo. MCCLURE, Chief Justice
~ + If / s srsSSSs,as Associate Justices
No lawyers present except those who remain in-
side OF the camp at the state-House. On Oct last,
when full bench present, the Court had the same
question up and decided as follows:
Under the Constitution, the determination OF ques
tiOn to whether person exercising tho Office OF
Governor has been duly elected or not s rested exen
whether this other State Court has jurisdiction
20 try suit In relation TO such contest be the mode or
era in relation OF claimant through him. or by an
individual alone, claiming right TO office; such issue
duty to decide and no other tribunal can determne
that question.
NJ. !. GREGo.
NJ. L. sTEPHgSsos
T.. q. SEARLE.
The Baxeres claim that the decision to-day amounts
nothing; first, because legal court is composed OF
full bench second that the question Of the Governor
ship is one for the Legislature alone 10 determine.
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
FOREIGN NEWS.
THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT
A GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR TO COME TO AMERICA
TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF THs ERIE
RALRoAD-DIPLoMATIC RELATIONS WITH MEX
Ico-THE "THREE RULES" CLAUSE OF THE
TREATY OF WASHINGTON.
LONDON, Thursday, May 7,'is7L
In the House Of Commons to-day. in reply 10 an
inquiry from Mr.. Julian Goldsmid, Sir c. b. Adery,
President of the Board Of Trade, stated that Mr..
Tyler o Government Inspector attached to tho
Board of eTrade, going to America on two
years leave Of absence examine into tho affairs
of the Erie Railroad; but the arrangement was q
private one, of which the Government was not
officially cognizant. Mr.. Goldsmid gave notice that
he would call the attention of tine House 10 the
matter.
In reply to Mr.. George Anderson, member for
Glasgow, the Hon. Robert Bourke, Under Secretary
for the Foreign Department said the Government
desires the resumption of diplomatic relations with
Mexico, and is ready to receive Oyertures to that
end but none such have as yet been received.
Mr. Bourke also in reply to Sir Henry Wolf, said
that the present Government had not considered
itself Obliged to take steps to carry into execution
the sixth clause OF tue Treaty Of Washington.
The sixth article of the Treaty OF Washing
ton, which reference is made in the foregoing tee
gram was the one which established the three rules
which were to be applicable in enabling the Geneva ar
brators 20 come to decision in regard to the liabiity
OF Crest Britain for depredatons tho Alabama Tho
last paragraph OF tho article provides that fhe msh
contracting powers agree to observe these rules as De-
between themselves future and 10 bring them 10 tho
knowledge other maritime powers. and TO invite
them accede them" IL is In connection with this
paragraph especially that the above statement in tho
House Of Commons is 10 be TAKEN
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
THE CARLIST WAR.

MARSHAL sERRANo CoSGRATULATED BY SENIOR CAS-
TELAR-pROCLAMATIoN BY DON CARLOS.
MADRID Thursday, May 7, 1874
SeNor Castel2g has rendered his congratulations 70
Marshal Serrano on his success in the North OF
Spain.
Replying to the congratulations OF provincial
deputation Marshal Serrano said that the Cariist
movement was only shaken, no. vanquished en-
tirely.
Don Carlos has issued proclamation TO his foi-
lowers expressing confidence that his cause Will
eventually triumph.
After the capture of Bilbao by Marshal Serrano.
the Spanish Government again applied to Germany
for recognition of the Republic
Detached bands of Carlists continue to barrass
the neighborhood Of Bilbao.
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
WASHINGTON NOTES.

WARRINGTON. Thursday May 7, 1874
EThe following Is the fun text OF the bill which passed
the Senate to-day and awaits action OF the House
eaed r. That the Secretary Treasury nav from time
to time transfer 70 me Once Of The Assistant Ken
from bullion fund of the Assay NeWYofk anl soI
bearing Usie states Of weight ami ysus or lar,
Of foreign gold bsoa equal or
above ths Of the Uaet states and s, The redem
serEca ID ercharge
par sobje u sueh regulations ss be Vresenbt
The House COmInIttce on Appropriations today. the
sundry Civil Expenses Dill being nuder discussion
Heard Prof Bard on the subject OF Esh culture He
n owed that is practicable 10 Introduce shad IN the
waters of the Mississippi, and asks an apprJ pm for
thai purpose senator Kelly OF Oregon was also heard
an aayO Ocacy of appropriation OF s25OO0 for new
NJ veupe cutter foI that section OF the country.
lgr REQ ar Horf o ConPrtssoai frOofags THIRD fec,
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
THE SWING HEREsY TRIAL

CHICAGO, May I'm the Swing heresy triai
tosv the examination OF H. F. Waite, an elder III Prof.
swings church, was concluded His testimony was in
re,,;on 20 preached by Prof Swing during tho
mas, x wears and was all TO the effect that he had al
wavs upheld Presbyterian doctrine, not only in tho
pulpit but in the prayermeetinss OF the church and IN
,ra,e conversation with the witness. Upon the con-
,nion OF the testimony Prof. Patton made series OF
o,,ons 10 strike out various portions OF Mr. waites
testimony all OF which motions were rejected, where
unon prof Patton entered protest which was referred
~ n Committoe consisting OF the Rev. Mr.. Johnson DIR.
Paterson and Elder Riddle. The Presbyte adjourned
until tomorrow when the trial VIII probably end.
"A large posse of State cOnstabes gathered at
Worc, Ma. yesterday ard paid Simultaneous ~ Of
pr ue pal beer sslosss sci0gE stset wv keGA
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
CUSTOMS REFORM

NATURE or THE OPPOSITION TO THE PENToN BILL
EDMUNDs AND CoNKLKG THINK THINGS ARE
NOT AS BAD THEY sEEM-PARTIsAN IN
FLUENCEs INTERFERING WITH TIE CAUSE OF
REFORM.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE.l
WAsHISGToN May THE importing merchants
OF the country, who so justly complain of the op-
preSsions Of bad Customs laws and worse admins
trstion Of them will have an opportunity to learn,
before the present session of Congress closes who
in the Senate and House of Representatives
are their friends, and who are willing that
the present outrageous abuses shall continue
30 long as they furnish the means for
keeping party machinery in motion. The opposition
to the FentOn bill, or the one prepared by Mr. Rob
,er,s of the House, viii not show itself openly Re-
publican Senators and Representatives will not
make speeches against the enactment of some laws
but they viii find 30 many mperfections IN every
bill that is presented, and viii be unwilling TO
propose any remedies for these mperfections, that
these much needed measures of reform will be
amended TO death or postponed until it is too late
20 act upon them.
The disposition to kill the Fenton bin by indirec-
tion was plainly manifested in the Senate to-day
MI Edmunds opposed the immediate considera-
tion Of the BILL and in this lac was understood to
set as the representative Of Mr.. Conkling, who,
while he took no part III the debate, assented visiby
to what Mr. Edmunds said He called attention TO
some OF the provisions of the bill that may or may
not be imperfect. This was Of course en-
tirely proper, and might have been done
by Senator friendly 10 the leading
features Of the bill but Mr. Edmunds showed the
spiIlt Of bis criticisms by remarkng incidentally
that The reports in regard TO abuses in the Customs
service were greatly exaggerated aud chiefly origi
mated with dishonest merchants who have been de-
irff
Irregularities they arose from the fact that some
dishonest man had got INTO the service and not gen
orally IRON nDpeTfec hons IN the laws The bill WAS
nhuy reiefed 10 the Committee Oh Finance
"blch VIII ma Keep II two years before reporting it,
The cause % Instom-house reform is not as strong
at the Capitol asNt would be were ali tho represent
huyes, sent here 10y the importing merchants who
desire the reform tss partisan politicians and more
devoted TO the work Ii hand This Ieuark docs not
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
THE SITUATION AT LITTLE ROCK.

THE SITUATION AL LILLE KUN.
ACTIVITY IN THE CAMPs-LARGE RE-ENFORCEM ENTa
ARRIVING FOR BAXIER-KXrESsIoN OF BRooKs's
LINES.
LITTLE Rock, May There has been little
more activity in botA camps to-day than there was
Yesterday After taking of the Memphis train squad Of
% Brookstes at Lonoke last night and disarming them,
n company of Baxter got on board, and have como
to this city to reinforce Baxter.
Yesterday, at Spadra, in johnson County, Gen. Lee
Thomson and Col Bizzoar Of the Brooks forces took
forcibe possession Of the steamer Robert Semple The
owner Gen A. II. Myer. got writ OF replevin and the
Sheriff served on the parties capturing BrEzolar aud
norton OF bis men. Thompson escaped.
Baxter received one company OF recruits from Hemp
stead County this evening, and expects more Tonight
The Brooks party have extended their fortlcaons TO-
day around the Benz iamin block.
As the time for the Legislature to meet draws near
men are coming from all sections of the State, mostly
az reinforcemens for Baxter though Brooks received
few men yesterday.
Brooks mas organic cd cavalry company to DO scont-
ing duty lie has pIckets tonight out on Capitol Hi
nearly one mile the S.atehoue. Beyond TINS the'e
is no change in the position Of the various forces Ine
guards are doubled again tonight around the baxter
camp,
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
STRIKES IN CANADA.

ST. CATHARINE's, Ont, May 7.-The strike
among the canal aborers still continues. The have
driven of teams teamsters and threaten TO break
the machines IL work is not stopped. The machines
have been removed and all work suspended.
ST. JOHN n. b. May THE dispute between tho
milowners and operatives still remains unsettled, bus
there has been no collision as yet.
New-York tribune., 1874-05-08
VoL.XXXlV.. No. ,320.
WASHINGTON.
THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
srcRETARY RICHARDsoN's PRopABLK KLI LIIII"'-''

grCRFTARY RICHARDSON'S PKUBhbI'N M
EFFORTS TO SELECT HIS SUCCESSOR
,nY TrIEeRArH TO TRIBUSE.l
WASHINGTON. May THE SecEetaryshlp Oh 'ne
Treasury soon to pass into new hands' Is suu!eo'
receiving general comment and speculation mere
That Mr. Richardson is soon to retire has not Deen
denied by the President OF any member OF MS oac-
met for week or more but the selection Oh us
,uccessor continues to be matter OF anxiety on al
s,des. There is little doubt that dlree' onvi W
the Treasury keys was made to Minister ""'n
burne, but he peremptorily decilneo 'ho nv iV"o.
within forty hours. That the once wln ~
haaa;ng as the English mission did few years ago.
ems NOT improbable and it is suggested that the
ono selected for foreign honors then may be CHOSEN
for higher favor now.