The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-01-25
WASHINGTON.
The neau.FieId syoutess.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.-The hearing in the
contested election of Dean VS.. Field, of Massa-
chusetts, was concluded before the sub-com nit
tee OF the Committee on Elections. One of the
two Democrats on the subcommittee, which
consists of three members, agrees with the Re-
publican member in favor of Field. This is
considered an indication of favorable report
of the full committee in Fields favor.
The Pacific Railroad Cases
The Pacific Railroad had hearing before the
Railroad Committee of the Senate on the bill
to provide sinking fund to cancel the indebt-
edness on account of bonds issued in aid of con-
struction. Messrs. Shellabarger and Wilson
appeared for the Union Pacific and James H.
Storrs for the Central Pacific Companies. 1t is
contended that so much time has been consum-
ed since the companies first proposed settle
ment that 1T will be necessary to grant them
either an extension of time beyond the maturi.
ty of the bonds in 1900, or take back the unsold
bonds OF the companies in part satisfaction of
the claim. II is understood that the companies
and the government approach each other near
Ell than at the last session.
The Whiskey Cases,
The attorneys for Role, Junker & Co., and
other whiskey firms in Chicago, involved in the
ring frauds who have been here some time
pressing on the President an application for
their pardon, leave for home in the morning
without having accomplished their purpose.
The consideration of the pardon is indefinitely
postponed to give time for hearing of civil cases
against these and other parties, involving large
sums for damages, forfeitures and taxes. In
structions have been issued by the ATTORNEY
General to the District ATTORNEY at Chicago to
push the suits, and this is done without preju-
dice to the application for pardon, which may
be taken up hereafter. The application for the
release of 400 barrels of spirits known as mer-
cean spirits, amounting to about $4,000, has
beeh refused and the case will 60 to trial. The
second batch of cases, involving about $446, 900
of taxes assessessed, will also 60 to trial.
Reception 10 ex-secretary Bristow.
The President entertained ex-Secretary Bris-
tow and a number OF distinguished acouain.
tances at the Executive Mansion tonight The
dinner WIS elegant though not ceremonious.
There were present besides the President and
Mrs. Hayes, Gen. Bristow, Chief Justice and
Mrs. Waite, Secretary and Mrs. Evarts, Secre-
tary and Mrs. Sherman. Secretary Schurz SEN
stor and Mrs. Edmunds, and Mrs. David Da-
Wis Senators Hoar and Beck. Webb @. Hayes,
Misses Schurz, Platt and Smith of Chicago,
Miss Deyens of Boston, and Miss Cook of Chill
licothe, o. After dinner number of friends
called informally and joined the invited guests
The affair had no political significance, every
shade of opinion was expressed.
Various Matters.
New York Congressional delegation agreed
today to support the immigration bill and act
together on all matters in which the interests of
that state are concerned. The delegation ap-
pointed committee of two Democrats and two
Republicans to call a meeting whenever consid-
cred necessary.
The House Judiciary tomorrow will present.
report in the case of Congressman Smalls of
South Carolina. The conclusion reacehd is in
effect that Smalls' privileges as member of
the House do not shield him from custody of
his state under charge of felony.
House COMMITTEES on Military Affairs today
appointed Messrs. Marsh, Williams and White
sub committee to take into consideration bill
providing for the transfer of the Indian Bureau
to the War Department..
House Committee on Military Affairs have
agreed on bill authorizing review of the
case of ex-Surgeon General Hammond, who
was dismissed from the service in 1864 and dis
qualified from holding Office. In the event of
restoration he is to be placed on the retired list
without pay for past, present or future.
120 signatures have been obtained to reso-
luton in favor of silver league.
A new counterfeit SIS note on the farmers
National Bank Of Virginia, Ill.,, has appeared.
The charter number on the counterfeit is 1O47.
and on the genuine 1471.
The President has determined hereafter in
making appointments for pension agencies in
cases where old incumbents are not retained to
appoint soldiers who had meritorious records
in the Union army.
The House COMMITTEES on Expenditures in
the department of justice today agreed to re-
port formally on bill limiting the annual salary
of United States Marshals.