The Portland daily press., 1878-12-04
WASHINGTO TON.


The Pro Osei Tiansfer of the Indian Bu-
reau.
WASHINGTON, Dec. The Joint commission
on the transfer OF the Indian Bureau to the
War Department heard the views of Gen.
Sherman on the subject. He submitted in tes-
timony number Of official documents verify
ing in detail his previous statement regarding
the advisa bilits of the transfer. H. also read
letter of Nov. Doth from Secretary Schurz re.
questIDg Gen Sheridan to make good certain
assertions made by him regarding the manage
ment of the Indian Bureau. Sherman saia
this document would be forwarded to Sheridan
In due course for his action. Toe General de-
scribed at length the sufferngs of the Indians
under the present managem snt and said the
army should either be transferred to the Interior
Department or the Indian Bureau transferred
to the War Department. He also said it was
bis opinioo that the idea of arming young
bucks as soldiers or policemen was una advisable
as 1t was simply arming bitter enemy.
Gen. Meiggs presented briefly his views in
favor OF the proposed transfer
The Co nmsson will hear Gen. Lyon Of the
Indian Peace Commission tomorrow
Schurz Expects TO offer his vie vs. Friday
The Pacific RaiiI DAD Casss.
The first of the Pacific railroad cases, that Of
the Union Pacific Co. against the United States
was argued today in the u. S. Supreme Court.
Together with the similar cases set for argu-
maut on the II h Inst, it involves nearly S. =
600 600. 1t was originally suit brought in the
court of claims TO recover compensation to the
amount of Sl 600 for transportation services
rendered by the company to the government
A counter claim was set up, however. By the
United States under the 9th section Of the act
OF iS62 for per cent. Of the net earnings of
the railroad since its completion in 1869.
To this counter claim the company demurred,
but the demurrer was overruled and iado
rnent rendered directing that one-half of the
sum claimed should be retained In the
Treasury to be applied to the pay ment of bonds
of the United States issued to the railroad, an l
the other half 100000 paid to the company,
UniGed States. From this jadg nent the
Union Pacific Railroad Company appealed on
the GROUNDS that half the total com pensation
should be paid to it clear Of all offsets aud
counter claims.
Among the questions raised by this casa is
one which is new aud which will bs of general
interest to railroad corporations namely, what
legally constitute net earnings. The oase is
argued by Bartlett for the appellant and By the
Attorney GsDeral aad j. X. McCannon for
the U nited States.
The Cont of Claims.
A large amount OF business was transacted
in the Court of Claims the past year. A few
claims only were allowed for Captured cotton
aid ab )ur 700 were dismissed. a claimant for
s92 900 for Carrying the mails received ony
81, l66.
miscellaneous,
Inc DILL introduced IL the House today by
Mr.. Harris of Massachusetts increases the
pension of wholly disabled soldiers or sailors
from $50 to $72 per month.
The Cabinet talked over the financial situa-
ton yesterday, and it was agreed that every
thing was 10 excellent shsps for the resumption
January LIST.
The Secretary Of the navy is improving in
health.
The pension bill will be ready for the full
committee tomorrow. and Representiye ely.
mer will complete the naval appropr iaton bill
the present week.
The Senate did nothing in executive session
but refer the nominations to the proper COM
miLteae.