Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-03-04
WASHINGTON.
Matters at the Capital.

MATTERS al the Capltal.
WASHINGTON, March 3. Attorney General
Devens has decided that "A white man cannot
legally be enlisted in a coored regiment.
The assistant treasurer at New York is
directed to receive proposals for the pur
chase. On the eth inst, of $1,000, 900 of ) or
6 per cent bonds of either called or uncalled.
Amendments 10 the deficiency appropria-
ton were reported from the Senate committee
on appropriations, increasing it upwards
of $500, 900.
The President, to-day, approved the legis-
lative appropriation bill, agricultural appro-
priation bill, the bill appropriating money
towards the expense to be incurred in the
centennial celebration of the battle on
Grafton Heights, also the river and harbor
and Notifications bills. The apportonment
bill, as it passed the House this afternoon,
fixing the representation upon the basis of
$40 members, gives the following representa-
ton to the several States:
Alabama, s: Arkansas, ); California, Is:
Colorado. l; Connecticut. 1: Delaware, /;
Florida, - Georgia. Illinois, 20: Indiana.
10: Iowa, 10; Kansas, 6; Kentucky. IL:
Louisiana, 6; Maine. 1 Maryland, 6; Mas
sachusetts II; Michi gan, IL; Minnesota, 5:
Mississippi, I; Missouri, IA; Nebraska, 3;
Nevada, l; New Hampshire, =; New Jersey,
new i OTk. NOTtIl SdTOllna y. onlO,
u: Oregon. ]; Pennsylvania, %; Rhode
Island, =; South Carolina. 6; Tennessee, 10;
Texas, 10; Vermont. - Virginia, 10; West
Virginia. 4; Wisconsin, s.
BY this apportionment the North gains Ii
and loses B; the South gains - and loses
none.
A special cabinet meeting was held to-day,
which was the last of the present administra-
ton. and was devoted principally to con-
sidera,on of unfinished business.
This afternoon all of the family vacated the
executive mansion excepting the President
and Mrs. Hayes. They will remain till to-
morrow.
The following is the text of the resignation
of Secretary Sherman, which was accepted bv
the President. to-day:
WASHINGTON. ID. c., March 3. 1881.
To Hon. r b. HAYES, President of the
United States.
NV dear sir--Ilaving been elected a men,
Der of the Senate of the United States. have
the honor to resign the office of Secretary of
the Treasury. to take effect this day. In thus
severing our official relations | avail myself
of this opportunity to express my grateful
appreciation and heartfelt thanks for the sup
port and assistance you have uniformly given
me in the discharge of the duties of that
Office. | shall ever cherish what pleasant
memories my friendly association with you
as member of your Cabinet. and shall follow
YOU in your retirement from your great
Office with the best wishes and highest re-
CARDS. Very truly your friend,
JonN SHERMAN.
The Secretary took leave of the officers
and employees of the department, to-day, at
o'clock. Upon their assembling in his
room assistant Secretary French made an adj
dress which the Secretary responded to with
much feeling. lie complimcnted his subor
dinate upon the faithful discharge of the
duties which resulted in placing this country
upon a sound financial basis, and said that in
many instances it would be more difficult to
find suitable successors for them than for the
head Of the departm mt
According to custom the heads of several
of the executive departments will tender their
respective resIgnatiODs to the President elect
after his inauguration. The Executive de-
partments will all be closed tomorrow
Inauguration day, it being legal holiday in
the District os Columbia.
The Senate census committee this evening
decided to report back 10 the House the ap-
portionment bill to the Senate. tonight. W it'll
out recommendation. One objection is suf-
ficient to prevent the consideration of any
bill by the senate on the same legislative day
that it is reported from a committee, and
there is, therefore, very slight prospect OF
final action upon this measure during the
short remainder of the present session.
Preparing for the Inauguration.
The city is rapidly filling up with visitors.
Numerous civic and military organizations
arrived tonight. some of the latter being
quartered in public buildings.
Immense crowds are in the city. A dis
agreeable sleet and snow storm prevails.
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the
weather Pennsylvania Avenue presents an ex-
traerdinary lively appearance. There are
ecric and calcium lights and Examinations
of all descriptions. and upon the arrival OF
distinguished persons the scene becomes a
particularly brilliant one. The explosion OF
colored fire balls are giving novel
effect to the decorated buildings and
snow covered streets. General Foster
and staff arrived at noon TODAY.
On the train were the Governors Guards OF
Columbus, Ohio, and Champion City Guards
of Springfield. Gen. Hancock arrived this
evening. and was escorted from the depot t.
his hotel by the Washington Light Infantry
He was received at the depot by special
committee appointed for the purpose Vari
Gus committees are at the railroad depot.
awaiting the arrival of persons of distinction
who are expected during the night.