The Portland daily press., 1877-10-22
WASHINGTON.


WASHINGTON, Oct. 20.-James ranuer COM
mapder OF the Grand Army of the Republic of
New York, bad a lengthy interview with the
the President to-day ID relation to the New
York customs appointments, aud particularly
with reference to the mention of the name of
Major General John 9. Robinson in connection
with the naval office. The President explicitly
stated that the creeping of Gen Robinson's
name for naval officer had no connection what
ever win certain statements rejecting or Gen
RGblns0Ds acts as Lieut.. Governor of New
York; that he never Jaw the % and would not
have believed anything corrupt of Gen. Robin
son; but Tor reasons of public policy he did not
deem it expedient TO appoint him. MI. Tanper
claims that the veteran soldiers If New York
who have ;es' ed he mettle of the South on The
bttte field are among the most conscientious
supporters 1T the policy of pacifcation, aud Tor
this reason, as we'll as theiI services 10 the field
Their claims shonld receive recognition in one
OF the leading officers. TIE President cheer
fully conceed.d tbs and announced bis deter
minaton to appolut veteran soldier to the DO
sition Of naval officer. rhe name of General
Chas. IL, Graham was favorably spoken of by
him. Gen. Graham has not been an applicant
for the position.
The Tax ON Spanish Vessels.
With reference to the differential duty of 30
cents per TIM row collected from Spanish yes
sells 10 the Uoiied States, it is ascertaned at
the Treasury Department that all that is need
ed for its removal is an assurance to our gov
ernment rom the government of Spain that no
discriminating duties Tor tonnage are now lev
led on our vessels in any part of Spain or of the
Spanish colonies. Whenever such an author
itative assurance shall b. given Though the
Spanish minister, or otheawise, tue President
viii nk doubtedly Ky proclamation remove the
additional tax complalled of.
The Mexican Border Troubles,
The State Department today received official
cor 1rmation of the press despatch Announcing
that the Mexican local authorities at M4tamo.
ras bad released, the four remaining raiders
upon the Rio Grande Jail. Official reports state
that this action was taken upon the plea that
the prisoners are Mexican subjects and are
therefore not liable to extradition, notwith
standing the Mexican general govern ,nent had
ordered them TO be surrendered to our autnori-
ties, regardless Of their nationality General
Canales, in command Of the Diaz forces at
Matamoras, found the pressure Of local senti-
ment SO strong that be resigned rather than ex-
ecute the Older. Further news as to the power
AID intention of the Dsz government to main
tain its position on this subject is now awaited
with interest.
The Trade Do!iar.
There being no demand for trade dollars for
export, their coinage for the present has been
suspended By order of the Secretary Of the
Treasury.
The District Debt.
A meeting of the citizeus committee of one
hundred was held Tonight The debt of the
District is between 1923 600, 600 and S24. 600, eco
The assessable property OF the citizens is
$o2. 100000, aud the amount of taxes collected
is 81 200 000 The expenses of the District
government is twice this amount Congress is
to be asked TO pay 80 per cent of the expenses.
Emigration Scheme.
Senator John w. johnson of Virginia re-
turned FROM his trip to Pennsylvania in the
interest of immigration 10 Virginia At York
and Harrisburg he had large and Interested
audiences. de is so much encouraged as to
mako arrangements !or more extended tour
later in the season.