The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-07-12
WASHINGTON.
The Blaine Investigation Postponed for
the Session.

The Blaine Investigation Postponed for
the Session.
WASHINGTON, July 1.-THE House judiciary
committee met to day to continue their investi-
cation into the Fort Smith and Little Rock
Railroad bonds, etc but postponed it so far as
Mr.. Blaine's connection with it is concerned on
account of receiving two dispatches from
Blaine's physician in Augusta stating that
perfect quiet is desirable and perhaps necessary
to ensure hisrecOvery.
Fisher and Mu)ligan were discharged from
further attendance until next session of Con-
gress, this action of the committee being
unanimous.
The Post.ofiice Investigation.
Postmaster General Jewell testified to-day
before the Post-office committee that he had
removed postmasters, clerks and contractors
for all Irregularities, and whenever the good OF
the service required their removal. He bad
turned over violations of law to the Attorney
General He had offered to furnish special
counsel to prosecute offenders, but they had
been declined. He was disappointed at the
small results of prosecutions, but was power
less. He was asked if any member of the Cab
met had talked with him In relation to the res
ignatioa of certain clerks, who were asked to
resign. He replied if any one of the Cabinet
had asked him about the removal of certain
clerks, he should refuse to tell the committee,
and he refused to tell why he removed certain
clerks beyond general reasons that were entire
ly satisfactory to himself
Near the close of Mr.. JEWELS examination
he was asked "Was your resignation forced or
voluntary?'
Answer-Well, the President notified me
that my resignation would be accepted and
rendered it.
Question-Were any charges preferred
against you?
Answer-No, sir, not that am aware of.
The Silver Bill.
The committee of conference ON the so-called
silver bill, held long meeting this afternoon
and practically agreed upon report. The re-
port will recommend the passage of measure
substantially the same as the Randall bill pro-
viding for the purchase of silver bullion to the
amount of $20000.000 with any money in the
treasury and its coinage and issue in the shape
Of subsiding coiD, providing that no more than
100000 worth shall be purchased at any one
time.
Alabama Claims.
The following are among the awards made
to-day by the Alabama claims commission
John Bates, Boston, 81, 100 40; Chas A. Stone,
wick, Me-, $47S IS; Gilman B. Tibbets, Bristol,
| Me-, $500; Lemers M Pickett, Portland, Me-,
| $500 Is; VIM. III. and Stillman FL. Wallace,
| Millbridge, Me-, $51S-interest at 4 per cent
| from date of loss.
| Resignation of G. mm issioner Pratt.
| Mr.. Pratt has rendered his resignation as
| commissioner of internal revenue and will re-
| tire from that Office on the LIST of August. Ii
| has been known for some time that the Presi.
| dent has in repeated instances ordered the
removal Of internal revenue officers, prospect
| i've of the recommendation or sanction of the
| commissioner of internal revenue, who is held
individually responsible for the proper conduct
| of his office.
| Several days ago the commissioner expressed
! the hope that on the incoming of Secretary
| Morrill, there would be satisfactory arrange
| ment SO that his business could be done more
| harmoniously, but in the absence of which self
| propriety would compel him to resign. The
| President, however, having intimated to him
| his desire to make change of commissl onel
| Mr.. Pratt resigned