Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1875-02-27

cal topics, in regard to the revolution estab-
lished by the late election. He says the great
stumbling block which injured the Republi
can party more than anything else, and which
will destroy it unless 1t is done away with, is
the third tern aspirations of Gen. Grant and
the timid attitude of the party leaders 10 rela-
ton to them. He distinctly charges Grant with
the responsibility of allowing the defeat OF
the party rather than to disavow these aspira-
tions. lie believes the resumption of specie
payment is entirely practicable within reson-
able time ana without serious injury to the
industries of the country. He says it is not
so much that specie is required for. general
use or circulation as that the people should
be assured that specie can be obtained when
actually needed. A general determination
to resume would 60 NOR than half way toward
its accomplishment. The New York gold
exchange, he thinks, the heaviest drag in the
way of resumption. He favors gradual con-
traction, though he is doubtful of its expo
diency in the present condition of trade in
the country. He thinks the great need OF
the day is statesmen of pure character, and
that too much of the time of congress has
been consumed by the civil rights bill, Il bill
in its general scope and purpose of question
able wisdom. All has been done by cOnsti
tutional amendments and congressional en-
actments that are necessary to place freed
men upon perfect equality with our race. In
regard to the next Presidency he is not so
sanguine of Republican success, and says
81 would prefer the election of an enlight-
ened and honest Democrat as President to
the election OF an ire lpab,e Republican Of
honest and enlightened Democrat l have in
my mind some sue h man as Gen. Hancock
or Gen. Ward, at one time minister to China,
from Georgia, or as far as l have been able
to form an opinion of his ability and char
acter, Gov. Newton Booth, newly elected
Senator from California.
Great Connagratlon.
New YORK. Feb. 19.-The steamer Alps
arrived to day. She brings particulars OF a
great fire at Port au Prince, West Indies, on
the night of the 18th. Damages estimated at
g., OO0, 900. Two thirds of the city is de-
stroyed and 600 or 700 families are homeless.
The fire originated in an explosion of bar
rel of kerosene. 1t was still burning when
the Alps left.
An Interesting Point and Verdict.
A verdict was given yesterday against the
New York and New Haven railroad COM
pany for about $4,000 in favor of man
who was robbed of that amount while travel
ing Oh the road. The court held that the
company must protect its patrons.
A dispatch received here last night states
that the second comptroller of the treasury
decided yesterday that the bridge between
Council Bluffs and Omaha is a part of the
Union Pacific railroad, and instructed that
Government freight shall be paid for pro rata
per mile over it the same as over any other
portion of the road.
Death OF an Eminent Journalist.
CHICAGO, Feb. 2O.-Evc1ett Chamberlin, a
we'll known and eminent journalist of this
city, died yesterday at Jacksonville, Fla,
where he was temporarily residing for his
health.
DarIan Ship Canal survey.
PANAMA, Feb. 21.-The survey for canal
rout, across this part of the isthmus is pro-
crossing favorably, under the direction of
Captain Lull A much lower summit level
than that of the railroad has been found.
Funeral of Gen. Sibley.
CHICAGO, Feb. 22.-The funeral of Gen.
Caleb G. Sibley, L. s. A., retired list, who
died here Saturday, takes place today.
Successful observations Of the Transit
of Venus.
NEW York, Feb 22.-Prof Hardness, in
a letter in to.morrow's Times, gives an &C.
count of the successful landing of the five
American parties appointed TO observe the
err Swatara. When their task was completed
the Swatara went to Auckland Islands to
hunt up the German party, about which
some anxiety was felt at Melbourne. 1t found
them oil right. They had succeeded in get
ting observations of the transit. 1t was
cloudy in half an hour after the first contact
but clear thereafter, and lis photographs, 6
sets of measures with liliometers and oh.
servations of third and fourth contacts were
toA thot ho
rived at Port Chalmers, New Zealand, Dec.
81, and compared chronometers and results
with DR.. Peters, at Queenstown. While the
Swatara was lying at Chambers the French
observers from Campbell Island arrived and
reported failure at their station in conse-
quence of clouds. Mr.. Smith and his party
at Chatham Island, had cloudy weather dur.
ing most of the transit, and obtained only
Is photographs and number of nicrometri
cal measurements.
Defeat OF the Texas Pacific Bill Com
WASHINGTON. Feb. 22.-The refusal of the
House to-day set the time for considering the
Texas Pacific Railroad bill may be consid.
cred conclusive of its chances this season.
SCOTS friends generally concede this, but
say it will pass next winter when Congress
men will be less timid. Senator Stewart says
he had intended to call an extra meeting of
tue rdilrOuu COUlutlttt0 10 HOFFOW 10 act on
the bill, but now considers its evidently uses
less. ~
Lawrence and sheridan Ruled Nm.
The House Committee ON Elections to day
decided six against five in favor of Lawrence
and Sheridan, of Louisiana, the former con.
testing the seat of Sypher and the latter that
of Pinchback, as representative of the State
| at large.
Report of the Judiciary Committee ON
the Pacific Mail Contract.
WASHINGTON Feb. 23.-The reports of the
Senate judiciary committee as to the legal OBJ.
| legation Of the government to carry into ef.
| feet the contract with the Pacific Mail Steam.
ship Company for semi,monthly China mail
service, Is signed by Senators Edmonds, Car.
penter, Wright and Stevenson. After recit-
proposals and contract made In accordance
| Herewith, they say an order to provide for
the performance of this contract on the part