The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-12-12
WASHINGTON.

Gibson's Report oh the Star Route Mat
ter.
WASHINGTON, Dec 10--A. M. Gibson has
taken The oath as a special assistant attorney,
and his report on star route matters has been
furnished TO Acting Attorney General Phillips,
who will transmit It to the Postmaster General.
The Case of Capt. Howgate.
In the Circuit Court this morning a motion
was argued to quash the attachment proceed
ings against Henry Howgate on the ground
that the pleading did not set forth good cause
Of action. and further that it was not sustain
cd by the affidavits. William A. Cook repre-
sented the Government and Messrs. Wilson
and Cuffy the defendant. Judge Macarthur
denied the motion, and the defence gave notice
that they would demur to the declaration.
House Appointments.
Mr.. Mcpherson, the Clerk Of the House Of
representatives, has to-day promoted John
Bailey, late Discussing Clerk to be Chief Clerk
in his Office. He also to-day appointed A. H.
Lloyd of Pennsylvania (son Of the former
Chief Clerk) and Aaron Russell (colored) to be
messengers.
Virginia Politicians Call on the President
Tine Republican Caucus Committee of the
,"i. legislature called upon
tive Dezendorf, and a general interchange of
opinion was had in regard to the Senatorial
contest in that State. The President declined
TO take any part in the matter or express any
was question for the Legislature alone to de-
termine, and that he had so informed the friends
of Senator Malone as well as the Republicans
who had called upon him in that regard. He
was always in favor of the election of Re-
publican on general principles, but the coali-
ton formed in Virginia changed the state of
affairs there and he declined to take sany part
one way or the other.
Financial.
The internal revenue receipts to-day were
$3.50 89l So, and the customs receipts S621, :
$50 80.
The receipts of national bank notes for re-
demption to-day were $272,0 900.
Republican Caucus.
A Republican caucus will be held Monday
morning to receive the reports of the commit
tee appointed to revise the Republican MEM
bcrship OF the Senate committees. The eau
Gus committee, besides providing for Window 3
appointment as chairman of the committee on
Foreign Relations, will recommend he be made
q member also Of the committees OF Patents,
Education and Labor, and transportation routes
to the sesboard.
Suit for SANDER.
Lucy Fowler to-day instituted suit against
VIM. T. Crump, steward at the Executive
Mansion, for $4,000 damage for SANDER. She
was employed as cook at the White House in
July last, and alleges she was discharged be-
cause Crump told Mrs. Garfield she was thief
and stole meats and other things from the Exc
cutive manelon. one CLAIMS ner reputation
has been injured to the extent of damages
claimed.
Congressional Work.
The number of bills introduced in the Sen
ate during its four day session this week is $50
which Is nearly ss many as were introduced in
that body during the entire 3rd session of the
last Congress- One Senator alone has intro
duced 80 bills since last Monday. Most of the
measures thus far are copies of private relief
bills that have hereto, failed to receive final
sction. A bill was introduced in the Senate
by Mr.. Vest for the Improvement of the Mis-.
sissippi and Missouri rivers. Provides for the
expenditure Of ten million dollars underline d.
rection of the engineer corps of the army. one
half the amount upon the Mississippi and the
same upon the Missouri, in accordance with
plans already recommended by the Mississippi
River Commission. The bill also authorizes
the Attorney General to institute proper pro-
ceedings in the United States courts having
jurisdiction for the appropriation of land and
material necessary for the prosecution of the
work, the land and lmaterial, SO appropriated
to be duly appraised and paid for.
The Committees.
The Sunday Herald says that Speaker Keif-
or informed Senator that he should not an
nounce the committees of the House until after
the holidays