The Portland daily press., 1876-12-02
NASHINGI'Ok.
he Pension Bill.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-The House Commit
| tee on Appropriations met today and authoriz-
| ed Representative Atkins to report the annual
| pension appropriation bill on the assembling of
| Congress 1t conforms strictly to the estimate
| calling for $40, 1000.
The Suit Against ClaAin & Co,
In the United States Circuit Court today
Chief Justice johnson delivered an opinion in
| the great suit of United States against FL. B.
Cafin & Co., fof $1,5000O0 Suit was for the
recovery of duties for alleged struggled goods
Justice johnson affirms the decision of the
| lower court, which was in favor of defendant
Resignation.
Charles 2, Clinch, the 1st Assistant Collector
of the port of New York. aud long one of the
oldest officers in the United States customs ser
| vice, has resigned his position. His official
career ended today.
South Carolina Matters Considered at the
Cabinet Meeting-Rumored Disagree
ment.
There was full meeting of the Cabinet to-
day, and the session as continued for more
than three hours. The principal questions dis
cussed related 10 events now occurring at the
capitol OF South Carolina, based on telegram
received today from Gen. Ruger, Of which the
following is an extract:
COLUMBIA, S. c., Dec. /.
Gen. W. Z. Sherman or the Secretary of Var,
Washington.
have carefully abstaned from interfering
WIN tu6 OTSaHlZdtiOu Oh GD6 House from the
first. On application of the Governor and nv
own belief for the necessity therefor, for the
preservation of the peace L placed troops in the
State House but not in the rooms of the assem-
bly, OF either of the houses on the day of the
meeting. lit came about that for a time sol
ders were placed on either side of the door of
the entrance Of the Hall OF Representatives,
under the following circumstances: A person
at the door of the House, and who claimed au-
thorlty 10 examine the certificates of those
Claiming to be members prior to their admission
to the ball, but who, think, had 10 legal au-
thority for SO doing, applied TO the officer in
command OF the troops placed in the corridor
for the preservation of peace and for assistance
on the ground that he was being pressed upon
and could not perform bis duty. The soldiers
We're placed as stated. As soon as was fully
informed of the circumstances | ordered ths
soldiers Withdrawn, as had previously inform
ed Gov Chamberlain that should e0nfine my
action to the preservation of the peace, and
should do nothing with reference to keeping
the doors of the rooms of the meeting of both
houses or the rooms themselves unless it be-
comes necessary because OF the breach of the
peace which the civil officers of both houses
should be unable TO restore. No act was done
by the soldiers except that of their presence as
stated. but whilst they were present persons
claiming the right OF entrance under the certif
cate of the clerk of the Supreme Court vera re
fused admission.
(Signed) THos. H. RUGER,
Commanding Department
Alter the adjournment of the Cabinet meet
ing iaqury was made of the several members
to ascertain the result of their deliberations
but they declined to make any communications
whatever upon the subject. 1t is known, how
ever, that additional instructions of an Import
ant character have been sent to Gen Ruger.
Reports prevail of disagreement in the Cab
met concerning South Carolina affairs, occa-
sloning much earnestness of expression, partc-
ularly it is said by Secretary Fish, opposing the
Administrations policy in the state, aud rumor
goes SO far as to state the Secretary contsm-
plates resignation OF his Office. The truth of
the rumors cannot be authenticated, and the
last mentioned is not generally believed.
Contest for the Speakership
The Speakership contest is being waged to-
night with very great animation. There are
not sufficient number of Democratic members
OF the House yet here to allow the formation
decided opinion as to who will be agreed un-
on in caucus tomorrow night, if indeed the can.
Gus shall so early reach a decision. Mr.. Rao-
dals friends are now working vigorously, but
not with more earness than the supporters of
MIR. Sayier who declare that additional arrivals
OF Democratic Congressman will give him a
decided increase of strength, and they ex-
press great confidence in result favorable to
that gentleman. Those interested in Messrs
Cox and Morrison show no lack of zeal in ad-
vocatiDg the claims of their respective friends
SO that at present there is great room for specu.
lation as to what will bs the determination of
the question.