The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-12
FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT.

WASHINGTON Dec. IL. 1873.
THE CASE OF CONGRESSMAN sMnLs-wRrT OF
ERROR GRANTED BY THE UNITED STATES su-
DECIDED.
Chief Justice Waite, OF the United States Supreme
Court DAY granted the petition for writ Of error
70 the Supreme Court of the state Of South Carolina
hled by Mcssrs. " A. Cooke and C. 6. Cole OF coun-
sci for Congressman Robert Smails OF South Caro-
lima Mr.. Smalls who is colored mani. il will be
membc red tried and convicted on the charge Of
bribery and corruption. and sentenced to term Of
Imprisonment in the Pententiary OF South Carolina.
He made application under section Gal for removal
Of his trial the United Court on the
ground that he could not have justice under the
law guaranteeing equal civil rights to all citizens
of the United States. The criminal court denied
his motion and the appealed TO the State SUI
preme Court. which likewise denied the motion and
affirmed the action Of the lower court. Chief Justice
Waite received the petition of Mr. smalls counsel.
and after carefully considering the same consul
tation with the associate justices granted the mo.
ton, which is made returnable without delay. This
writ il 70 determine the true meaning Of
the constitutional amendments in relation 10 civil
rights wei the Congressional acts in support Of
civil rights measures, and whether the United States
courts Jurisdiction Of state criminal trials The
importance this action may be Judged by the fact
that similar motions have been denied in the State
courts Of Delaware and North Carolina in the
Of federal officers who have been indicted for
criminal offences alleged 10 have been committed
IN the discharge Of their duties as revenue officers
The writ Of granted this involves the
whole question, which has been mooted one for
many years. Mr. smalls' term in Congress expires
the ith q March. but he will not return South
Carolina. preferring await the result % the hearing
OF the before the supreme Court.
EUGENE HALES POLITICAL ADVANCEMENT
GRAMME As LAID DOWN By NEW ENGLAND
DEMOCRATS
1t is said by New England democrats that in case
Of vacancy In the Cabinet 10 be occasioned by the
resignation 81 Attorney General Dcvens the vacsn,
position will not bo sought by Mr.. Eugene Hale.
The they give for his Discrimination
70 enter the Cabinet H. the agreement upon a pro-
gramme of Maine republicans TO nominate and run
Ar Hale for Of the State ai the next cleo
tion. preliminary to hs election to the United
States senate the successor of Mr.. Hamiin.
RAILWAY mail CAR SERVICE
Postmaster James Il in Washington. and win have
interview with Postmaster General hey tomorrow
tho subject q The proposed withdrawal Of postal
cars. number ~ Journalists are hero
on the same business and to protest against
hlfasuft NhhH VIII uf great pHbnc inconvenience
and win seriously cfnbarrass the carrying and dis
trhuton 81 the mails Mr. James had an interview
this evening with several members Of the Appropris
tions Committee the subject
THE PRICE or STAMPED ENVELOPES MAxrrAc-
TuEEgs Dissatisfied.
delegation from tho New York and Philadelphia
envelope manufacturing companies called on Posi-.
master General Key to-day and urged him TO adopt
higher rates than those ~ which the government sold
stamped envelopes. They stated that the present
price makes the government monopoly against
which private companies cannot compete, aud wish
restoration Of at least the old standard OF selling prices
which thirty per cent higher than the present.
A the rates adopted fixed by law any
change il desired advisable cannot DO made.
The manifest advantage to the private purchaser by
tho present system Is doomed by the department
apparent that the companies are believed to have no
ground Tor hope that tho law DC changed. This
law requires that the department shall sell envelopes
ut the lowest price at which they be procured.