The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-03-16
WASHINGTON.
Sergeant Mason's Case.


WASHINGTON, March 15.-J. Bigelow, attor-
ney of Sergeant Mason, has prepared petit
ton for writ of hdbeds corpus on the ground
that the court marshal had no jurisdiction in a
time of peace; that even if the court had luris-
diction it exceeded its powers in imposing the
sentence aforesaid as the sentence is in excess
of any punishment authorized by law and void
on that account. The petition recites that the
statute authorizes imprisonment alone, while
this sentence is both fine and imprisonment be-
sides dishonorable discharge from the mill
tary service of the United States. The relator
therefore prays the writ to issue that the
matters and things herein set forth may be in
CURED into and the law administered where
the crime was committed
Bigelow, Mason's counsel, this afternoon
made a formal application to Judge Wylie for
a writ Judge Wylie rendered his
decision denying the prayer but after
ward allowed Bigelow to withdraw
the papers to present them to the court in banc
tomorrow. In the meantime Mason has been
sent IN irons to Albany penitentiary under a
guard of four soldiers. Sergt Mason says in
q card addressed to the Critics. IT do not want
to be pardoned by no Guiteau President All
ask is for my darling wife and baby TO be
placed beyond want"
Nominations Confirmed.
The Senate in executive session to-day con-
frmed the following nominations: John Rus
sell Young of New York, Minister to China;
G. A. Logan of Illinois, Minister to Chill.
The Democratic Campaign Committee.
Immediately after the adjournment of the
House, meeting of members OF the Demo
cratic Congressional Campaign Committee was
held for the purpose OF selecting an executive
committee of seven to cooperate with SINH
lar committee already selected by the Demo-
cratic members of the Senate. Gen. Rose
Grams was elected chairman of the general com
mittee, and also of thu executive committee.
On motion of Representative Flower of New
York was selected as a member of the execu-
tive committee, and the chairman and Mr..
Flower were authorized to designate the other
five members.
1.-THE Imprisoned Americans.
The Department of State sent to the commit
tee on foreign affairs yesterday copies of the tel
egraphic correspondence which has recently
taken place between the department and our
legation at London respecting imprisonment of
Americans in ireland unner the coercion act
The cases of McSweeney and Hart were es-
pecially alluded 10. In his negotiations regard
irs the former, Minister Lowell failed to oh-
tain from the British government any inform
alton beyond that contained in the warrant OF
arrest. but was assured by Lord Granville that
McSweeneys conduct had brought him under
the coercion act 9nd he could not be released.
Harris reputation is bad and he will not prom
Use to behave better if set at liberty Mr.. Low
ell does not believe either OF the two more inno-
cent than the majority of persons who have
instructions to waive for the present all discus
sion of the justifableness of these arbitrary i'm
prisonments, but to press for the early trials of
various American subjects Mr.. Lowell
states Her Majestys government has promised
to give the matter immediate attention. Com
plete collection of the correspondence of our
legation at London is being prepared and will
be submitted to the comm ittee shortly.
Republican Caucus.
A caucus of Republican Representatives was
held this evening for the purpose of discussing
the proposed reduction in revenue taxes. At
ter q long discussion resolution was adopted
without dissent to the effect that any legisla-
ton at the present time looking to reduction
of internal revenue taxes upon whisky, tobacco
and cigars is unwise and inexpedient. The
subject of the proposed change in rules of the
House was taken up and discussed but no eau
Gus action was taken.
Assigned for Duty.
WASHINGTON, March Is Ensign A. w.
Grant, Surgeon J. w Ross, Passed Assistant
Paymaster James E. Cram, Passed Assistant
Engineer Harris Webster, and Assistant En-
gineer q. e. Kleckner, and Assistant En-
gineer j. d. Sloane, have been detached from
the navy yard at Portsmouth and ordered to
the Tallapoosa.
Miscellaneous.
Representative Allen is little easier to-day.
Representative Blacks condition is un-
changed.
The President gave a state dinner tonight
to the justices of the Supreme Court, all of
whom were present with their wives
Secretary and Miss Folger, Attorney General
Brewster and Mrs. Brewster and Senator and
Mrs. Edmunds were also present.