New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-12-20
TO FACILITATE CUSTOMS DECISIONS.

tBY TELEGRAPH TO The TEiBJSEI
WAsHINGToY, Dee. 10.-The bill introduced in
the Senate to-day by Mr. Sherman to facilitate de-
cisions of controverted questions in tie customs
revenue cases is the first step toward the accom-
plishment of the recommendation made by
Secretary Folger in his annual report. The
resolution submitted at the same time by
Mr. Sherman calling upon the Secretary Of
the Treasury to communicate any information IN the
Treasury Department respecting the organization of
Special Court for the trial of customs for
transferring any such to the Court of Claims
and also his opinions upon the eXpedcncy OF such
a measure, is result of conferences between
Secretary Folger and Senator Sherman. The latter
is informed of the fact that the Secretary Of the
Treasury has received in response to his requests
expressions of opinion with reference to the above
subjects from numerous distinguished gentlemen
who can speak as experts Among the latter are
Secretaries of the Treasury Boutwell, Richardson
and Sherman This correspondence viii all be
transmitted to the Senate response to the reSou
ton of to-day.
The bill introduced by Mr. Sherman provides that
the appeals authorized by sections 1881 and 1882
of the Revised Statutes, may be made by the appel
liant at his election either to the Secretary Of the
Treasury or to the Court of Claims, to be disposed
of as suits against the United States and repeas
much of said sections as relates TO the bringing Of
for the or duties alleged 10 nave been
enormously or illegally eXacted. 1t also empowers
the Secretary of the Treasury 10 transfer to the Court
of Claims without his decision thereon, any such
appeals made TO him to be there prosecuted in the
same manner ii they had been made directly to
the Court OF Claims.
The bill further provides that hereafter no action
shall be brought aganst any collector or other Off
GERS of the customs in any matter IN which an ap-
peal is allowed by the act to the Secretary OF the
Treasury 10 the Court OF Claims.
THE GUITEAU TRIAL INTERRUPTED.
THE WIFE OF JURYMAN HOBBS DIES, AND THE
BEREAVED MAS is SUFFERED TO GO TO HIS
HOME FOR TWO DAYS.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.-It was very gene
rally known in and around the City Hall tins morning
that the wife OF the jurors In the Guiteau case
had died some previously, and that consequently
there was little or probability Of the trials being pro-
ceeded with to-day. Nevertheless, the crowd waiting
Tor the opening of the doors as large as usual and
the courtroom soon after the doors opened was
filed TO oyerfiOwing.
Mr. Williams, the deputy-marshal. made an announce
men by authority Of Judge Cox that there would be no
session OF to-day; that probably the prisoner
would not be brought in and that those who desired to
leave the might do 20 at once But the nforna
ton was not acted on and all the spectators kept their
places When the jurors took their seats there was one
vacant chair in the jury box IL was near IL O'Clock
when the formally opened and the prisoner
was escorted to his seat Ills appearance greatly
changed by having his face closely shaved Mr.. Hobbs,
the bereayed Juror into court Immediately after
Judge Cox took his seat and had whispered communi-
cation with the Judge followed by consultation be-
| tween the Judge and the District-AttOrney.
Subsequently the Distrct-Attorney rose, and in ap-
propriate terms referred to the calamity which had
fallen on the juror, aud said that the instincts OF h
manty required that the Juror be allowed an oppor-
tun,ty OF paying proper respect to the memory OF his
deceased wife He therefore, proposed with the assent
of the prisoner counsel that Mr.. Hobbs be
| mitJed to go home.
Mr. scovile expressed his tu the pro posi-
ton and suggested that the juror should not even be en-
numbered by the presence Of ba. At the same time
he asked the Court admonsha the jurors not 70 have
any communication or conversation Win OUTSIDE per-
sons In regard TO the case 80 -, -,
Judge Cox said that the bais in charge OF the jury
were aware OF the rule and enforced IT, and that the
1 Jurors themselves also understood II.
prisoner said he had entire confidence III the honOr
1 and integrity OF the Jurors. - -
Judge Cox repeated his admOnition 20 the jurors 70
communication with any person outside in refer
Mr. scovilie stipulated that the warning should also
apply the daily papers, and that they should not Do
/ read by the jurors. a.,
questions 5Irs. Wilson and Mrs DuDmire, and asked
| that they be not allowed TO leave the city.
The order permitting Mr. Hobbs 70 go home was then
duly made and entered, and the court adjourned till
6uIteau as he was leaving thecourtroom, stopped at
the DistrictAttorneys desk, and said "Corkhill
have had model taken from my mead Tor Dust VIII
be great man Lyet, COrkhill, II you let me aiOne ,
Interference TO statements published this morning that
leave Guiteaus case IN charge OF
Mr Reed, account OF the illness OF ms moher ana
scoyie said to-day TO Star reporter that neither state
ment was correct He said he had fair faith that the
| jury viii at least disagree. He has held