The Portland daily press., 1874-03-11
WASHINGTON.


Oranges v. Patents.
WASHINGTON, March 1O.-Thc Representa-
tives identified with the Grange movement are
endeavoring to secure unity of action as re-
CARDS serious modification of the patent laws
They claim that one of the greatest burdens
upon farmers is the patent monopoly. The
nearest agreement is a proposition to limit the
exclusive control of patents by the inventor to
five years.
Treasury Balances.
The following are the Treasury balances To-
day:~Currency, $3337 All; special deposit of
legal tenders for redemption of certificates of
deposit, SOL AGO. 000 coin, $685. 1876 567, including
coin certificates $41, 251 ,OOOi outstanding legal
tenders, $685., 100000.
In the Committee of Ways and Means to-day
a despatch was received from the Collector of
New Orleans, requesting that special agent
LOhdell be sent for
Mr.. Moulton, of the New York firm of
Woodruff, Robinson & Co., made statement
relative to the examination of their offices,
Of rumOrs prevalent in the newspapers. Mr.
Moulton continued at great length 10 give de-
tails OF his case, which have been heretofore
published. He stated that finally some little
irregularities in the delivery of goods at their
warehouses were found which involved the
forfeiture of four million dollars. They paid.
however, $4,000 as the easiest way to settle
the affair.
During his testimony Mr. Moulton said the
article which was published was sent him in a
instance as indictive of an effort to backmail
him by an editor. He compared Jhe spies and
informers to Florida buzzards and believed the
civilization Of the world was better than dead
alligators for such buzzards to prey upon. He
said his firm had no difficulty with the Treas
ury Department The difficulty was with the
outsiders.
Jayne was then called and explained the
laws relating to invoices, and read an argl-
ment in support of the constitutionality Of thp
laws allowing the seizure of papers and books
of mercantile firms and in support of the mole
ty system.
The District of Columbia Investigation.
The District Investigating Committee to-day
examined Win. o. Syplax, formerly Superin-
tendent of the colored schools OF Washington
in regard to the condition of affairs when be
went out of office July 1, 1871. He testified all
debts of the colored schools were paid and the
balance OF $500 is to their credit ia the Treas
The counsel for the memoriaists handed in
document, making specific charges. They re-
late to alleged collision between the Board of
Public Works and outside rings contractors, by
means of which it is charged contracts were
extravagantly and fraudulently awarded. The
committee will give the Board of Public
Works an opportunity to make written re-
ply.
The Case of Gen Howard.
The Howard court of inquiry was to-day or
ganized. The session was mainly devoted to
hearing the correspondence of the War Depart
ment relating to the alleged Irregularities
The Bankrupt Bill.
The House Committee on Judiciary to day
directed Gen Butler to report the bankrupt
bill to the House with the Recommendation of
the Senate, amendments to be non-concurred
in, and that a committee of conference be ask
ed.
Various Matters.
800, 342.