New-York tribune., 1874-12-02
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
TIE RUSSIAN MISSION.

WASHINGTON, tuesday Dec l. 1874.
report current about the city today that Col
John W. Forney would be rendered Russian Mission.
and as this report a matter of comment at the
White House after the adjournment of the Cabinet, it
found many believers, especially when iit was coupled
with statement that his Pennsylvania friends had
urged appointment in consequence of Col Forneys
course IN connection with The Press There is the
thOry OF three Members of the Cabinet for the statement
that his name, in that connection has never been con-
silered by President and therefore had never been
before the Cabinet CoForney STANDS possible chance
Since the decnatiOn OF James Russell Lowell the names
of Ralph Waldo Emerson AMI Oliver Wendell Holmes,
have considered by the President and Secretary
Fish, probable that either VIII be rendered
allied positions, not only III the Republican party but
the State aud National Governments OF great wealth
aud high commercial ana social standing Dut not res
ident of NewYOrk viii he be next offered the place,
and should he decline the Office may be rendered to Sec
Ieary Robson or some other person OF purely potlcal
prominence.
PROGRESS OF THE CUsTOMHOUSE INVESTIGA-
TIONS.
The systematic and thorough overhauling Of the
tom-houses OF the country being made under the
direction Of the Commissioner OF Customs is likely
greatly to disarrange those institutions political
chimes proposition TO cut off superhuous offices and
administer affairs In the custOm-houses economi
cay when made under the present management OF the
Treasury Department. will II is feared by the politi
Clans, amount 10 than it has under any previous
Secretary OF Grants Administration. After Baltimore
and Philadelphia have been disposed Of as they proba-
bly, will be this week. the Custom-house at New York
will be taken in hand and there il widespread lm-
that this will be the most fruitful field for
reform that has yet been entered by Gen. Bristow
THE PREPAYMENT OF NEWSPAPER POsTAGN
The Commissioners appointed by the Post
to prepare instructions to postmssters
concerning the law requiring the of postage
on newspapers and periodicals after the st Of January
next performed that duty but the report has not
come under,the review Of the Postmaster General 1t
sustains the recommendations OF Thlrd Assistant
Barber, TO the plan for carrying
out the law in the most convenient and simple
Instead OF placing stamps on separate perod
papers, the packages containing them ac-
cordng 10 weight the forms, as already printed snow
current account with the publisher, and after the
stamps IS posted the form aud receipt given to the
rubsher his agent at the time Of mailing the credit
after the manner OF a check-b00k.
ARCHITECT MULLErT AND REPORTS REGARDING
HIS PROBABLE SUCCESSOR
The published that Architect Mullett would
remain permanently in his old position In the Treasury
Department does injustice both to that gentleman and
Secretary Bristow. Mr. Mulett does not desire TO
remain in office. at least he he does not and 1t Is
certain that Mr.. Brstow has desire TO have him
main. Applications for the succession continue
In by the DOZENS with the most verbose recommends
tons and Endorsements. The secrersfy intends TO
eide upon q successor this week. Among q ,se who
have applied for the place s Mr. Weleh. tho lead
ing architects OF St. Louis who Is now IN Washington
urging his claims for the place. He is Understood
have the support Of several Of the most influential
Republicans In that city.
PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MAILS
BETWEEN EEW.YORK AND WARRINGTON.
The PostOnice Department has made formal appl
cation 10 the three railroad compapies forming the
<AsesGe has fSpm this city 70 NevyoEk 70 csry mail