New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-01-05
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
WINDING UP BANKRUPT BANKS.


The statement was recently published that
the winding up of the affairs of bankrupt Nationa!
banks very expensive process, and 1t was inti-
mated that the likely to he investigated Con
troer Knox says that there was 80 inexpensive
n system for winding up affairs Of failed banks as that in
use by the Government and the officers OF the bureau
take pride in it, Occasionally there proractcd law
suits which entail expense. but that s unavoidable in
closing up banks of any kind. The attorneys charges
are closely scrutinzed at the Department and no cx
orbitAnt fees allowed. 1t has recently been
stated that the affairs Of failed National banks
have the use all money they can get from the
sets of bank long az IT. affairs are IN liquidation
This iL entirely wrong Receivers OF National banks are
compelled TO send their collections 10 thr treasury De
partment as fast as they are MADE ana an dItuenS 10
creditors OF the banks are PAID from the Department
ELECTRIC LIGHTS FOR HE'LL GATE.
Congressman Crapo, of Massachusetts, pro-
poses to introduce bill for the lighting up of Hell Gate
at night by electric ghts 1t is estimated that 100000
vessels pass through that channel between Newfork
harbor and Long Island Sound every year Sail
ing vessels approaching IL at night are compelled TO an
chor till morning The result that at dsybreak. when
the large Sound in the barbor, tho chan
mel is usually filed with sailing craft 1t is believed
that two strong electric lights properly placed will make
navigation possible any hour of the night Mr. Crapo
has called the attention of the officials of the Light House
Board to the proposition and they heartily favor it.
of the necessary machinery at $4,000 II is proposed
to have two electro-dynamic machines construct %
each of sufficient capacity 10 light the channel so mat IN
Of accident to one machine the other may be avail
able.
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SMALLPOX.
DR.. James A. Cabell, president, and DIR.
Thomas j. Turner secretary of the National Board OF
Health and DR. H. Bailhace, of the United States Ma
rine Hospital Service had short conference with the
President in the afternoon in reference to the best
methods to employed in guarding against epidemic
from smallpox, which contagiOn has shown itself In
different parts of the country They presented An ad-
dress urging action by the President and Congress-
if necessary to enforce the recommendations Of the
National Health Congress- which met here several months
ago touching that subject The President said ne would
sahiect of special message Congress calling aten
on tho alarming prevalence OF Ihe smallpox ana inc
necessity for Immediate lessa uoh looking 10 s sup
preston.
COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH MEXICO.
The Northern States of Mexico have recently
united in a demand upon the Federal Government Of
Mexico that the Zona Libra or Free Belt snail be e1-
tended 10 the Pacific, covering the entire border OF
the United States II now extends from the Gulf OF
Mexico along the Rio Grande, about half way TO the
Pacific Coast When this proposal came TO the knowl-
edge of the United States Government Minister Morgan
was instructed 10 protest against the ground that
the Zoua Libra made smuggling easy IL Is under.oOd
tbSt Mr. Ro1nero ia or soon viii be- upon his way to
Washn gton with authority 10 enter upon negotiations
for a reciprocity treaty with Mexico. III euch treaty
consunmated, Il is believed that one of Its important
features Will be the aboishment OF the Zona Libra.
FRENCH AND AMERICAN CLAIMS COMMISSION.
The French and American Claims Commits
sion met to day The French counsel asked and OBJ
taned leave file brief in reply upon the subject OF
the interest to allowed claimants The counsel for
the United States presented statement in reference to
the motion Of the French Government to strike out the
tes,1rony of certain witnesses in the OF Jean
Chanel The counsel for France stated that he would
arsoe orally the case OF Roman The United States
',norrow gt 10 o'clock. This Is OF the two cases
nendng before the Commission which involve the ones
the pecunary interested In the claim The Com
Mission then adjourned until January D, 1882, at IL
O'Clock H.
THE TREASURY INyEsTIGATIoN
The Senate Committee investigating the
contingent fund expenditures in the Treasury depart
partment to-day examined Judge Tarbe, Deputy First
controller through office the accounts OF the Cus
todans Office finally pass MT Meine chairman Of the
Commission appointed by Secretary Window 10 OK
.nIne and report contingent fund expenses, was
Y smned at considerable length concerning tho testi
,ony taken before the Commission. Mr. Pltney, ex-
1st1dau and Mr. Hessler foreman OF the cabinet shop,
wero also recalled and examined briefly.
DECREASE IN THE PUBLIC DEBT.
The following is statement of the decrease
Of the public debt for the year ending December 81.