Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-02-20
General News.
WEBsTER's HOMESTEAD BURNED

A Marshfield, Mass, dispatch under
date of February 18th, saws that the
loss by the burning of the Webster
mansion is $4,000: insurance S15 OOO
Mrs. Fletcher Webster and her son, the
occupants, saved a quantity of silver
plate, pictures and other priceless me-
mentoes. Webster's library was re-
moved some time ago.
GIDEON WELLEs FUNERAL.
A Hartford, Conn, dispatch under
date Of February 18th, says that the
funeral of Hon. Gideon Welles, ex-sec-
rotary of the navy was attended at St
Johns church this afternoon, ceremo-
MES being simply the burial services
of the Episcopal church. conducted
by Bishop Wells, Rev. Dr. f. R. Wash
burne, Cavalry church, New York; and
MIR. Miller, rector of St. Johns church.
The casket was of solid oak, and rs
Mr.. Welles had during his life express
ed a dislike for profuse floral decora-
tons, there were by request, no floral
offerings, the family and one or two
intimate friends, only placing upon the
casket q wreath with a sheaf of wheat
and a cross. The pail bearers were:
Hon. e. Fox and Hon. VIM. Faxon,
both assistant secretaries of the navy
under Mr.. Welles, Gov. Hubbard, ex-
Gov. j. r. Hawley, M. F. Merratt
Stamford, A. E. Burr, H. K. Morgan.
of this city, and Col. J. B. Roome, of
the u. S. marine corps. Among those
present were Mrs Admiral Farragut
and her son. The burial was at Cedar
Hill cemetary.
ANDERsON's CASE.
A New Orleans dispatch Of the 18th,
says when the motion for a new trial in
the Anderson case came up, the de-
Tense filed additional grounds that the
accused could prove by Littlefeld that
he never had any connection whatever
with forgery, and the uttering of forged
returns, to which fact Littlefield had al
ready testified before the congressional
committee in Washington; that Little
field, after years absence, had clan
destinely returned and hidden himself
until after the evidence had closed and
argument opened, thereby depriving
the accused of his testimony. The ac-
cused can also prove by Col. Zacharie
(democrat) that he was not present at
the opening of the returns from Vernon
parish; that the democratic clerks often
made errors IN the returns, for which
they could also have been made to an
sWer criminal charge. The incorrect
ness Of the report of the returning board
proceedings by Collins, the stenograph-
er, was often referred TO during the pro-
ceedings. The motion was continued
till Friday
RISE IN SILKS.
Advices from New York of Feb. 18th
state that the manufacturers of sewing
silks and twists. claiming that they have
been doins business alta loss, yesterday
resolved that, in view Of the high rep
utatlon of American sewing silks and
twist for strength and purity, it would
be unwise to depreciate the present
standard Of excellence, and that the
only alternative open to the trade is to
make a moderate advance in the cost
of goods to the consumers.
r AN UNWORTHY SHIP.
A dispatch from Washington under
date of Feb. 18th states that Captain
Merviam of the revenue marine SER
vice, having been ordered by the sec
rotary Of the treasury to investigate the
wreck of the Metropolis, reports that the
fragm ents Of the wreck are unusually
small, and her rottenness is so appar-
ent that there was but one opinion as
to her unseaWOrthines s.
CHEAP JOHN
| Deadwood, Dakota territory advices
of the 18th state that five hundred
| hn ~
west, in the employ of Californians who
are constructing a fifteen-nile ditch
from Spearfish river to supply Dead
wood gulch with water. Their arrival
| is looked upon as sure to provoke
serious trouble with the miners, who
are earnestly discussing the immigra-
ton.
| A DEAD PATRIOT
Cuban advices from Havana of the
14th inst, state that the insurgent
Gen. Jesus Perez has been killed in an
action with the Spanish troops under
| Col. Miret, and DR.. Brovo, member of
the insurgent congress-, taken prisoner.
1t is reported that Vicente Garcio and
other insurgent chiefs have resigned
their commands.
| THE PENSION BUREAU.
A Washington dispatch of the 18th
says there is now under consideration
by the committee on pensions in the
house, a bill to reoganize the entire
pension system of the government, and
provide for the appointment of COM
mission of three persons, two Of whom
shall be surgeons in each of sixty pen
sion districts into which the United
States shall be divided, which shall
make investigations of claims for pen
sions, make surgical examinations, and
have power to administer the oath, and
compel the attendance of witnesses.
This is recommended by the commits
sioner, as the government in granting
pensions now acts conclusively upon
er-po,te evidence furnished by the claim
ant. 1t is also proposed to have every
pensioner in what are known as invalid
cases examined once in two years, so
that if the invalidity for which the pen
sion was granted, as is often the case.
shall cease to exist, the pensioner may