The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-01-28
WASHINGTON.


Z WASHINGTON, Jun. 27.-The House Commit
the on judiciary have under Consideration the
resolution introduced by Gen. Butler instruct
ing it to enquire and report whether under ex-
listing laws the courts of the United States
have adequate authority and jurisdiction to
prevent and punish the improper use of the
flag and the national character of the United
States on board merchant vessels upon the high
seas or in foreign pOrtS-and furthermore to
inquire and report if any, and if SO what add
tional legisl atIcn by Congress is expedient or
necessary to punish persons who fraudently
obtain OF illeg ally use marine document Gre
ating vessels of the United States, add to pun
sh officers of the government who carelessly or
corruptly issue such documents, and also to in
quire and report if any and what legislation is
needed to enable military, naval, or consular
officers of this government to seize on the high
seas or in foreign ports vessels illegally assum-
ing the American national ebaracte and to
send them within the judicial district for adju-
dcation.
Treasury Balances.
The following are the Treasury balances to-
day:~Currency, 1852, 1853; special deposit of
legal tenders for redemption of certificates of
coin certificates $40, 4o9, tUU; outstanding legal
tenders, 1881 ,910.73. q ~
The Seal Lock.
1t is stated that the Treasury Department
will continue to use the American seal lock,
that being the only safe. lock known, the Chill! :
er lock being an Infringement upon another pa
tent and its owner not being able to construct it
to the satisfaction of the Department.
DIR. Kelley.
The Committee on Ways aud Means, to-day,
by an almost unanimous vote, disagreed 10
Judge Kelley's bill providing for convertible
bonds. The subject, however, will be present.
ed to the House.
The Presidents NIessa re.
The minister at Berlin writes that the for
eign portion of the Presidents MESSAGE met
with universal approval there. He SAYS that
the non-return to specie payment by the Unit
ed States has initiated somewhat AGAINST the
credit of American securities and American en-
terprises. w.
The French spoliation Bill.
The French spoliation bill reported favorably
Dy MI. Cameron from the Committee on For
e'gh Relations is the one introduced by Mr.
sumner on the fist day of the session. 1t pro-
vides for an adjustment by board of three
commissioners, to be appointed by the Presi-
oeht who shall report to Congress on the valid
Ivy and amount of all claims presented within
three years from the time of their first meeting
ana the awards SO made shall be pro rata to an
amount not to exceed $780, 900, whenever Con-
eress snail make an appropriation therefor. No
Chains, however, are to be admitted which did
not accrue prior to July 81, 1901. The bill spe-
clhcally excludes all claims embraced in the
treaty with France in April, 1905, and all snch
as were allowed in whole or in part under the
treaty OF Feb 1919 with Spain and the treaty
OF July 1881 with France.
Other Bills.
Mr.. Logan, from the Committee on Military,
reported with amendments, the House JOINT
resolution authorizing the Secretary OF war W
detail medical officers of the army to inqu!Ie
into and report upon the causes of epideme
cholera. Also without amendment, Senator
Buckingham bill in relation to bounties, pro-
yiding that every volunteer accepted oy inc
i lamation of Nav 3. 1861, shall be paid the full
bounty of 800 provided thereby.
The weather at Philadelphia Tuesday, was
the coolest for thirty years, being IL degrees
below zero.