The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-12-16
WASHINGTON.
Slow Bids for the Star Ro,,tes

Slow Bids for the Star Routes.
WASHINGTON, Dec 15.-Though contracts will
be entsre into january next for the star service
$4,000 miles of routes, principally west and
south, up to the present time not over 100 bids
have been received by the contractors office of he
Post Ofice De. arment. Such backwardness in the
reception of bids never before known. 1t is
accounted for The Department on the theory that
there is not as much money in star route con-
tracts as formerly.
The Jeanette Inquiry.
The examination of Newcomb, in the Jeanette
case, was concluded today. and Tong Sing Chinese
steward, was examined He was examined in be-
trouble between Melville and Collins.
Answer-Oollins did not like DeLong or Melville.
The judge advocate did not desire 10 examine the
witness any further.
he court then adjoured to tomorrow morning
when it is expected that Seaman Wilson will be ex-
amined. 1t will be remembered he was left behind
with a search par on account of illness. His re-
tan to lew York was announced to the Navy De-
partment this morning and orders were sent for
him to proceed here.
Cabinet Meeting.
The Cabinet meeti today lasted about half an
hour. No questions of Importance were considered
Ali the members were present.
Improvements of the Mississippi.
The special committee Improvements of the
Mississippi river this morning examined Col. j. G.
Park of the Engineer Corps. His testimony was in
the main corroboratiye of that given by Gen.
Wright.
The Post Office Department.
In speech at the dinner of the alumni of Hamil
ton College in his city last night, Assistant Post
master General Elmer said: On June 80 the Post
Office had 81 ,OOO, ,0uO to spare On 30th of next
June it will have $5,oo0,0O0. The reduction in
postage can be made practical. The railway mail
service is nea ly perfect and one of the best
pies of the carrying out of the principles of civil
service reform.
Increasing the Star Route Appropriation.
The House committee appropriations decided
the post office appropriations bill before the
House by adding S240,000 to the amount to be ap-
propriated tor star routes.
The Dickson investigation.
In the Dickson case today Brewster Cameron's
examination concerning his relations with Bowen
I continued he sad the conversation in which
The 8 8 900 demand was fist mentioned occurr,
down stairs in Hoover's Witness was not so much
wanted $3.50 1t only confirmed him in the
OPT. ion that ickson was commercial witness.
He emphaIicaly denied understanding exist
ed that if Bowen could arrange an interview be-
tween sswitnass'' and Dickson, with Hoover's help
Bowen should receive his appointment and Hoover
After some further examination the defense stat
ed that they subs andally through with the
witness, and the court ad Iourned to Tuesday.
Tariff Revision.
The committee on ways and means today contin-
ued work upon the Tariff Commissions report.
Schedule Bear henware and glassware-was
cou pleted, though all items under the head of
glassware passed for future inquiry. The commit
tee also made beginning in schedule C-metals.
The Alabama Claims.
The bill introduced in the House on NJ onday by
Mr. Crapo, extending he time for claimants to file
their claims under the act of June 8, 1882 re-es-
tablishiDg the Court of Commissioners of Alabam a
Claim, and for the distribution of the unappropri-
ated mt neys of the Geneva award, provides that it
shall be the duty of the Court of Commissioners to
receive examine and pass upon all claims admissible
under tn, act referred to which may be presented
and filed before noon on May Ia, 1888, in the
and filed within six months from the organic alton
of said court.
The House Judiciary Comu ittee has decided to
report favorably upon the Grape bill.