The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-03

chusetts District-the papers are 30 volumin-
ous that the Election Committee can never
hope to read them all. They weigh over half
ton, and it required ak men to carry the box
containing them into the Capitol.
Gen. Benet, Chief of the Ordnance Bureau,
in his annual report, urges an increase OF the
annual appropriation for arming and equipping
the militia The sum expended for this pur-
pose is to-day no larger than it was in 1908,
when the population was 10000 900. He gives
the following as the aggregate strength Of the
militia of the United States Organized, "a, 724;
unorganized, 3,70l,977. Gen. Benet makes a
plea for improved small arms and more
Of them. He thinks our arsenals should
be well stocked with large reserve supply of
the best rifles and carbines. He also refers to
our inferior artillery, and says "rifle guns of
a size, endurance, and power to enable us to
meet on fair and equal terms foreign foe
must be provided while we have the time, and
it is certainly not the part of wisdom to delay
making such provision until the enemy invades
our shores"
The report of Secretary Bristow, it is said,
will be very pronounced in favor OF hard
money. The Secretary will sustain the policy
of the act of last January, providing for the
redemption of United States notes in gold in
1879 and urge its retention. The Secretary is
of the opinion that additional legislation will
be necessary to render other portions of the
law practicable and he will probably recon-
mend d bill for the funding Of greenbacks i'm
medately into gold bonds bearing or Az per
cent. interest, and having long time to run.
The Secretary thinks that the resumption law
| is entirely reasonable, and that it can be car
ried out with entire safety to the Government
and the business of the country.
1t is said that new bill will be introduced
early in the session of Congress, providing some
more efficient way of guarding against the
Offices of President and Vice-President being
made vacant by death.
The expenses of the Postoffice Department
for the last fiscal year were $35 000 900, and the
receipts $27, OOO,O 900.
The Postmaster General had conference last
week with several publishers, and informally
discussed the question of the repeal Of the law
imposing double rate of postage on third
class matter. He told them he would consider
the matter, and give his opinion respecting it
in a communication which he was preparing
for Congress.
Washington telegram of Nov. 26 says
1.-The mysterious naval activity continues.
Three more officers were to-day ordered to one
of the ironclads that are at the rendezvous at
Norfolk. Their orders direct them to report
there Dec. 4. The curious thing about all
these orders il, that while a large number of
| vessels have been ordered into commission and
furnished with a complement of officers, no
naval stores or stores of any kind have been
sent to the vessels nor have orders for the sup
ply of any stores been made"
Commissioner Pratt declines to consider the
appeals for a reconsideration of the cases of
officers displaced by the recent executive order
consolidating internal revenue districts, the
question is one for the Presidents ultimate
decision.
The mysterious naval preparations are still
in progress. 1t is reported from Washington
that the entire Mediterranean squadron has
been ordered home.
Mr.. Clapp, the Congressional Printer, in his
annual report says the actual expenses for
printing and binding for the year ending Sept.
&c. 1875, are Public printing, S695,09S; pa
per- 1887, All +; binding, SAT-, s57 Autograph
ing and engraving for Congress :12, 766 map
ping for the Supreme Court of the United
States, S725 for salaries, etc., in the Office OF
the Congressional Printer, s16,617; Congress
sional Record, $ss, $50.
A rumor comes from Washington OF an i'm
pending difficulty between Spain and Guate-
mala, which may involve the United States.
Captain General Valnaseda some time age
demanded that Guatemala revoke heI
recognition of the belligerent rights OF
the Cubans, threatening the vengeance
of Spain if it should not be DONE
This she refuses to do, and has notified the
other South American powers, who are pledg-
ing their support. AS the United States un.
der the Monroe doctrine, cannot permit Spain
to dictate to Guatemala or any other power on
the American continent, this affair is given AZ
an explanation of the naval preparations now
going on at Washington.
The report of the Controller Of the Currency
while defending the present system Of National
Bank currency and recommending its continu.
ance, suggests various important amendments
to the Banking law.
L. S. Tobey, of Boston, declines the Commits
sionership of Indian Affairs, rendered him by
the President.
Judge-Advocate-G General Joseph Holt of the
Army, has been retired, upon his own applica
tion and Assistant Judge Advocate-G Genera
William Mckee Dunn has been appointed to ill
the vacancy.
The Secretary of the Navy has issued orders
to recruiting officers TO enlist all available mel
for the naval service
Political.
The President pro tempore of the Senate
Hon. Thomas w. Ferry, of Michiga1 becomes
Acting Vice-President of the United States
through the death of president Wilson
Mr.. Ferry is a native of Michigan is fifty years
of age, and has served in Congress number
of years.
The Republican State Central Committee OF
Indiana have issued call for a State Conven
ton of the party at indianapolis, on the 22t
of February next, to nominate candidate fol
Governor and other State offices.
The Governor of Connecticut has appointed