Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1878-07-18
SOME APPOINTMENTS

SOME APPOINTMENTS.
An associated press dispatch from
Washington under date of the 18th
inst, says the president has appointed
Alex. Reed of Ohio, receiver of public
moneys at Walla Walla, Washington
territory; E. G. Jewett, Missouri, COM
missioner to Paris international exposi-
ton; Caspar H. Seybolt, Iowa, consul
at Campeachy, Mexico; Eugene Schuy-
Ter, consul at Birmingham. England.
THE MEXICAN BORDER.
Washington advices under date of
July 18th, state that Gen. Ord has start
ed for San Antonio. He declined to
give the points of the conference he
has been holding here with the secre-
tary OF state, secretary of war, and the
president in regard to the Mexican
border troubles. He does give the in
formation that he asked for 10000
men to protect the border and follow
raiders into Mexico. This request was
not granted. Gen. Ord says that the
people OF Texas are eager for fight,
and that it Is with difficulty that the
feeling has been repressed. He thinks
that when he returns and it is made
known that the government does not
intend to revoke the present orders as
to pursuing the marauders into Mexico,
that the Texas people will be in for a
general rush across the Rio Grande at
the first case of stealing.
INDIAN CONTRACTS.
Washington advices say it appears
from an official statement furnished by
the Indian officers in reply to the criti-
cisms that have recently appeared on
the subject of purchases of beef for Red
Cloud and Spotted Tail, and other ST.
ouX agencies, that the new contracts
were made at exceptionally low rates,
no bid so low having been offered the
preceding year, and are clear saving
to the government of $240,000 over the
contracts of last year, even irrespective
of the stipulations far more favorable
to the government.
THE EIGHT HOUR LAW.
Washington advices of July 10th give
the following as the substance of the
opinion of the encouragement on the
eight hour law.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
WASHINGTON, July Sth
To Hon. r. ". Thompson, Secretuy of the
Mary;
SIR:-By circular issued from the
navy department under date Of March
81, 1878, it is announced that the
department will contract for labor of
mechanics, foremen, leading men and
laborers on basis of eight hours for a
days work, but that all workmen elect
ing to labor ten hours day will receive
proportionate increase of their wages.
The inquiry really suggested by you is
whether this circular accorded with the
meaning and intent of section 1878,
revised statutes, which declares that
eight hours shall constitute a days
work for all laborers, workmen and
mechanics who may be employed by
or in behalf Of the government of the
United States. In view of the decision
of the supreme court, / am Of the
opinion that the circular of the navy
department of March q, 1873, is in ac-
cordance with section 1878, revised
statutes, which embodies what is com
monty known as the eight hour law.
Very respectfully,
Your obediant servant,
CHAs. DEvENs,
Attorney General.
POSTAL MATTERS. Il.
During the twelve months ending
June 80, 1877. the issues of ordinary
postage stamps by the postofice depart
ment amounted to Is, ,456,518 as against
1871, ,676 the preceding year. Issues
of newspaper stamps increased from
l 1,OOO,6O5 to l 1,O93, ,845: issues Of stamped