The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-31
GENERAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 80, 1879.
THE HARLEM RIVER IMPRovEMENT-REPoRT OF
LIEUTENANT COLONEL NEWTON TO GENERAL
HuMPHnExs-THE QUESTION OF REMUNER-
ALTON FOR LANDS
The following the full text Of the report of Lieu
tenant Colonel John Newton. Corps of Engineers to
General Humphreys, Chief of Engineers relative to
the improvement OF Harlem River. transmitted by
the Secretary of War to the Senate and House to-day
UNITED STATES ESG1NEER's OFFIcE,l
NEW York, Jan. Is, 1879 I
have respectfully to report that on the 18th of
December. ult.. sent out sxtytwo circulars to
ers Of property along the Harlem River; also along
the proposed cuts from the Harlem River to the
Hudson-namely. by way of Sherman's Creek and
Tubby Hook. and by. way Of Dyckmans
Greek and Spuyten Duyvil. Much time, care and
labor wero expended upon ascertaning position.
boundaries and ownership Of the property affected
in anywisc by. tho proposed improvement 1t will
be that the route by way Of Kingsbridge was
left ont OF the circulars for good reasons the prin-
cipa being it's greater estimated cost over the others
Along the Harlem River three owners have already
declined give tho right of way to the United States.
These refusals block both routes. Along the cut by
not accepted ie the invitation. Along the cut by
way of Dyckman's Creek and Spnyten Duyvil
seven owners have declined. Few replies. compare
lively, to the circulars sent ont have been re-
ceivcd. Naturally owners will refuse as long as
there remains chance for remuneration. Some of
the property held in trust and cannot be alienated
except BY condemnation. AS the proposed improve
ment viii greatly benefit the city of New York an
the owners Of neighboring property generally there
property entirely swallowed by the improve
ment is held in trust should not DO left
to those benefited to settle, and l entertain
the opinion that where it is ascerainel that the gov
crnment will not reimburse these owners some other
parties will be found who will l recommend that
thing for the right OF way and II the Improvement
Of the Harlem, be not of sufficient moment to the
great State and city Of New York to insure gift Of
the right of way then let it go by default
In the meantime 1t would be well to continue to
appropriate as il everything were ready commenc-
ing the work. for after the adjournment of Congress
do not consider it impossible that the proper con-
cession will be made.
tions made in my report OF December IA. ult.
cannot conclude this paper without expressing the
opinion that 1T would . be most unfortunate innate
should be doubt or hesitation concerning the pro-
priety Of the government refusing to purchase the
right of way, all or in part, because do not believe
that the country ut large would sustain the policy of
purchase but on the contrary, would reject an i'm
provsmSnt coupled with such conditions Very re-
Lieutenant Colonel Of Engineers
THE NEW YORK NOMINATIONS IN DEMOCRATIC
CAUCUS.
A caucus Of democratic Senators was held at the
Cspitol TO- might There were very few present and
the entire time was devoted to an interchange
of views concerning tho New York Custom
House nominations. It was not the pur-
pose to tako any action that would be binding when
the final vote for confirmation should be reached.
but merely to discuss the general situation in order
that the views Of each Senator might be understood
fully by the others. The subject was discussed
very generally by the few Senators present
but not q resolution 9 sugges-
ton was offered that would tend to bind
tho vote of any one On the contrary. it was under
stood that each and every member should vote
the number present and the contrarety of the opin
ions expressed Invested the proceedings of any
special significance an index to the course which
will be pursued by the majority of the democratic
Senators by any considerable number of them.
THE FISHERIES cIAUsE--AcTIoN OF THE HOUSE
COMMITTEE.
Tho House Committee ON Foreign Affairs this
morning instructed Mr.. Grape to report favorably
to the House the Senate concurrent resolution
that. in the Judgment Of the houses. tho prov
sions of articles IS and 81 of the Treaty of WASH
ington rclating to the shcres) ought to be termi-
mated at the earliest period consistent with the pro-
visions of article 33 of the same treaty, with an
amendment suggested by Representative Loring
striking out the words consistent with the pro-
visions OF article 80 Of the same treaty.. and sub
shutting for the same the word possible" The
action Of the committee was unanimous.
THE NEwl4pANrsH MINISTER
Sehor Don Mendez, the Spanish Minister, ar
rived here yesterday He has not yet officially CON-
municated with tho Department of State. His official
presentation 10 the President and Cabinet will prob
ably take place on one Of the Cabinet daye next
week.
REVISION OF THE PATENT LAWS.
The House Committee on Patents this morning
agreed report the Senate bill to revise the laws re-
latipg to patents without amendment