St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1881-10-15
TOPICS OF THE DAY.
News from Everywhere.
PERSONAL AND POLITICAL.

PERSONAL AND POLITICAL.
The prosecution of the Star-route
cases was formally begun on the 31st, by the
filing of information in the Supreme Court
of the District of Columbia against Thomas
j. Brady, John l.. French, VIM. H. Turner
George l.. McDonough and Samuel 2.
Brown for conspiracy to defraud the United
States. Counsel for the Government took
this somewhat unusual mode of procedure,
instead of the ordinary one of presenting
the cases to the Grand Jury, for the
reason that one at least of the counts
upon which they expect to convict
would have been barred by the statute OF
Limitation had the cases gone over until the
Sd, to which time the Grand Jury stood ad-
journed. Another, and equally potent rea-
son, it is minated, was the apprehension
that some Of the members OF the Grand Jury
might be so strongly in sympathy with the
accused as to render their action uncertain;
cused have openly boosted of having got
'a corner'' on the Grand Jury.
These proceedings will be followed up
by filing information against others
implicated in the alleged frauds.
A number of the minor benefciaries
Of the ring have turned States evidence.
Solomon Starr, whom President Arthur re-
moved as Postmaster at Deadwood, Dakota,
has made a written confession. declaring
that for several years past he has made out
false certificates of star service on route
hot nd ~
which Gilmer, Salisbury & Co. are con-
tractors. Starts confession exposes the
rascality ofthe Star-route ring in the North
west. President Arthur, it is stated, is
heartily in accord with Postmaster General
James in enforcing the prosecutions. The
removal of Tyner, First Assistant Postmas-
terGeneral, is believed to be foregone
conclusion.
MAYOR MEANS, of Cincinnati, has is
sued an order peremptorily forbidding men,
hers Of the police force to take any active
part in politics.
KING KALAKAUA made an informal
call upon President Arthur on the 18th. The
Secretary of the Navy has placed a Govern
ment vessel at the disposal of his Majesty for
trip to Yorktown and Fortress Monroe.
A "GRANDMA GARFIELD" fund has
been started in New York.
AMONG the multitude of Cabinet ru-
mors afloat is one that Arthur has rendered
a place in his Cabinet to Judge Lapham, the
new Senator from New York. This would
leave to Governor Cornell the opportunity
to call special session to elect Senator,
onapjno rUor for NoplyI;pcr
ELECTIONS for State officers will be
held this fall in Iowa and Ohio on the 18th Of
October, and in Maryland, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New
York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wiscon-
sin on the Sth Of November. Iowa, Ohio,
Minnesota, Mississippi. Virginia and Wis
consin will elect Governors, and the other
States named will elect minor State officers.
Legislatures are to be chosen in all these
States. United States Scholarships will
depend upon the results of the Legislative
contests in Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi and
Virginia.
SENATOR PLATT, of Connecticut, is
suffering from cancer in the breast, and
will not be able to attend the forthcoming
that he will never take his seat in the Senate
Chamber again. He is paired with Senator
Fair. Senator Ben Hill, who is in hospital
at Philadelphia, expresses his determination
to be present at the organization of the SEN
ate. Senator Hill has lost about a quarter
OF his tongue, and the throat and parotid
gland have been subjected to surgical ope-
ration. His general health is reported to be
good. .,..,..s,..... ,,,..,s..,,y,,. 80.
PRESIDENT ARTHUR, accompanied by
several members Of the Cabinet, has left
Washington for New York City. The Pres
ident is to attend to the. winding up of his
law and other private business. The mem
bers of the Cabinet are to finish up their va
cations, which were cut short by the death
of President Garfield.
IL GEORGE Scov1LLE, ESQ.,, of Harlan,
Wis, whose wife is aicousin of Guiteau's,
will appear as counsel for the ASSASSINATION
in his trial. Insanity will be the only de-
Tense attempted. ~s n
The Wisconsin Prohibitionists have
nominated State ticket. T. D. Kanauz is
the candidate for Governor.
L. 1. " SONNEn, a pioiulucuG Lduu
Lacquer, is coming to the United States on
lecturing tour under the auspices Of the
League.
Hon. GEORGE w. FOSTER, Minister
to Russia, now home on visit, has rendered
his resignation. MFR. Foster is an ardent
Blaine man.
THE Marquis of Lorne and suite have
invaded United States territory, being re-
ported at Helena, Mont, on the LIST. They
will return to Ontario via Omaha.
THE Board of Managers of the Ma
tional Temperance Society have adopted an
address to President Arthur, earnestly be-
seeching him that in dispensing official hos
pitality at the White House, in his appoint
ments to the public service, and in all pub
liz m NJ GRO ho I7ca his great onnortunitv tn