The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-03-08
WASHINGTON WAITS.

WASHINGTON, D. c., March Sit is
stated quite positively to-day that the Pre-
sdent has rendered the supreme Judge ap-
pointment to Senator Edmunds and he
declined it. Edmunds said to several sen
ators in conversation yesterday, when it
was suggested that he might be offered this
appointment, that he would accept it.
1t is said upon good authority that soon
after receiving Conkling's declination, the
President decided to offer the appointment
to Senator Edmunds, and desired to send
his name to senate Immediately; that the
offer of appointment was made to Edmunds
Yesterday afternoon or evening and prompt
" declined. A prominent senator in speak
ing of the matter said he believed that
Edmunds would have accepted if the APP
pointment had been originally rendered him.
The impression now seems to be that
Judge Blatchford, of New York, will be
appointed.
munds has declined.
Representative Harris has completed the
report on the bill for the construction OF
new war vessels. The report urges the
work of reconstruction to be commenced
and pushed vigorously and recommends
that steel be used in the construction of
new vessels. The bill authorizing the con-
struction of vessels of war, navy and other
purposes, which this report is to accom-
pany, has been amended by the committee
since published by the addition Of the folio
wing:
SEC. 0. The Secretary of the Navy is
hereby authorized to cause to be construct
ed q vessel to be used for the defense
of our commerce upon the northwestern
lakes, of not more than 1 200 tons displace-
ment the same to be built of steel and
armed with guns Of approved character Tor
that service; said vessel TO be constructed
so as to be able to pass over the shoals in
Lake ST. Clair and Detroit and ST. Claire
rivers, and to have all the speed possible
without too great sacrifice to other neces-
sary qualities, at cost not exceeding
S400 600; the same TO be constructed out
of any fund which may hereafter be made
available for such purpose.
The House Appropriation Committee
will probably tomorrow report in favor of
granting $3.50, 900 more in aid of the suf-
ferers of the Mississippi valley, to be ex-
pended under the direction of the Secretary
of War. Members from the thirty seven
flooded districts will urge that double that
amount will do more to alleviate the i'm
mediate want and q measure is now being
prepared to provide for Immediate govern
ment aid in rebuilding the broken levees.
This would be independent of general legis-
lation asking for the improvement OF the
Mississippi river There is great conf
dence felt in the success of the general bill.
But what is absolutely necessary now ID
money to repair the damages of the pres
ent flood as to render it possible for the
people to plant crops this season. Thirty
counties in Louisiana now under water are
the richest cotton lands in the world, and
If they are not rescued the cotton crop of
the coming year will be decreased at least
1,000 900 bales.
Romers, special Envoy'of the Mexican
government, has arranged fora conference
with the Secretary of State Thursday and
Friday next, with view of entering into
negotiations for a treaty of reciprocity be-
tween Mexico and this government.
Governor CulioEl felegraphs that the
County Board of Po1aski county estimates
the number needing assistance at 5000, and