Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-02-29
WASHINGTON.
Government Humbuggcd.

New York, February IS. A Washington spe-
cial says that investigation shows that the gov
eminent has been annually paying large sums for
the use OF an alleged patent for signing papers
and currency, which was entirely useless. The
investig ation made by scientific commission
last year, and its report is to be given to con-
gressional committee which is examining into the
action Of the bureau of engraving and printing.
Financial.
Washington, February 20. The secretary of
treasury has directed the retirement of 1925, 14S
in United States notes, that being so per cent. of
the new national bank currency issued this month.
This will leave the outstanding legal tender circu
ang until further orders $50 1882.
Babcock and Luckey.
Gen. Babcock and Mr. Luckey resumed their
duties at the Executive Mansion this morning
usual. Gen. Babcock says prior to his return here
yesterday he gave no intimation to any one as to
his future course, and uttered no word to justify
the various contradictory reports and speculations
in the newspapers.
Presidents Salary.
The bill reported favorablv from the senate COM
mittee on civil service and retrenchment to-day in
regard to the Presidents salary provides that from
and after the 4h of March, 1915 1t shall be fixed
at $4,000 per AMMAN.
Investigation.
The committee on Foreign Affairs to-day heard
the testimony of James K. Lyon of Racine, Wis,
concerning the Emma mine speculation. Wit
ness originally owned one-third interest in the
Monitor lode, which afterwards became the Emma
mine and an interest in which was purchased by
Henry III. Baxter and Trevor W. Park. Suits
arose and the witness employed as counsel ex-
Senator Stewart of Nev. and Gen. Hitler. Scna-
tor Morton was retained for 900 and an un-
successful effort was made to remove Judge Nc
kean of Utah, because he large share
folGer in similar mining company. The other
justices were joint partners in the Emma mine,
in which the marshal of the territory also in
terested. A party in san Francisco organized the
Emma Co. with $40, 900 900 capital.
Decision Rendered.
The court of claims to-day rendered decision
in regard to the famous Charpenning claim. 1t
was contended that the reference of this claim by
Congress to the Postmaster General and his decl
sion that between four and five hundred thousand
dollars were due to the claimant, constituted an
award binding on the government. The court
now sustains a demurrer to this assertion and
holds that the acton above stated WAS not binding
upon the government. An appeal VIII be taken
, TO the supreme Court.
Fiilibustermg.
| motion for the adjournment Of the House i'm
meda,cly after the call of States for bills was
| made by MIR. Morrison of Illinois, to prevent a
vote on a motion which Mr.. Holman of Indiana
intended to offer favoring the repeal of the specie
resumption law of last year. Dust before the close
| of the roll call the motion to adjourn was appar-
| emily lost, but the result was changed by Messrs.
Foster of Ohio, Hale of Maine, Townsend of New
York, and Blaine of Maine, announcing that their
votes were in the affirmative.