Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1878-11-28

COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS.

ItGCGlpGS to-day 3lO, W.
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS. l..
Says a Washington telegram under
date of Nov. 23d: A quorum of the
house committee on appropriations
being in attendance to-day, the work of
preparing the annual appropriation
bills was formally commenced. The
general impression seems to be that
the department estimates cannot be
very materially reduced without detri-
ment to the public service.
THE HALIFAX AWARD PAID.
Says a Washington telegram of Nov
'21st: In pursuance of instructions from
the secretary of state, the American
minister in London-Mr. .Welch-to-day
rendered the British government in per-
son to Lord Salisbury, the sum of So
100000 in gold, accompanying the pay
ment with the following communication.
The receipt for. payment was acknowl-
edged by Lord Salisbury in due form.
LEG ALTON OF UNITED STATES,
.a r@-- IL eEH .tsLoNDoE, Nov. 2t 1878.
My LoRD:--I have been instructed by the pres-
dent Oft the United States to tenderto her esty
government the sum Of s5.500,000 i'll gold coin,
this being the sum named by two conCurring
members of the fisheries commission, lately Sit
ting at Halifax under authority impaired thereto
by the treaty of Washington to be paid by the
government of the United States to the govern
ment of her Brittanic majesty. am also instructed
by the president to say that such payment is
made upon the ground that the government of
the United States desires to maintain good faith
in the treaties and the security and value of ar
bitration between the nations above all question
in its relations with her Briltanic majesty's gov
ernment as with all other governments Under
this motive, the government of the Unite States
decides 10 suspend the question of Withholding
the payment from considerations touching the
obligation of this payment, which have been pre-
sented to her majesty government III the cores
pondence, and which it re-erVeS and insists upon
l am, besides Instructed by the president to say
that the government of the United States deems
it OF great Importance to the common and friend
ly interests of the two governments in ali future
treatment of questions relating to North Ameri-
can fisheries, that her Brittanic nlaesty'S govern
ment should be distinctly advised that the gov
ernment of the United states cannot accept the
result of the Halifax commission as furnishing
any just measure OF value OF participation by
citizens in inshore fisheries Of the British prov
1nces, andits protest against the actual payment
how maae being considered by her majesty'S
government as in any sense an acquiesence in
such measure or as warranting any inference to
that effect. have the honor to be
. Your obedient servant,
RI .[sigpedl (. JOHN WEIGH. {
+ eas .--.@ OUR NAVY.
The estimates for the support of the
| navy for the next fiscal year are about
the same as the sum appropriated dur
ing the last session of congress, for the
year ending June next, namely, about
$14OO0,o0O. sa Ai
The report of, the secretary will show
that appropriations have not only been
confined within their proper limits, but
there Is a small balance to the credit of
! the naval academy and marine corps.
! Unless congress shall order the build
ing of new vessels, the secretary, with
the means asked, can render these.
Our navy is in a much better condition
than itwas a year ago, and well adapted
to peace establishments; but even in
case of war with foreign powers, 80 yes
sells for hostile purposes could at once
be supplied. These include 10 moni-
tors and six frigates for coast defense,
together with two torpedo boats 81
...--.i THE NEXT HOUSE. -...-,
/ Says Washington special Of Nov.
| DIST: The committee on elections in the
next house will have great deal OF
work to do. 1t is already known that
contests will be made from nine states.
In vie W of the remarkably close vote
in number of districts, and the In
formality of certificates, the clerk ol
the house will have a very responsible
duty In making up the roll of the next
| house of representatives.