The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-07-25
WASHINGTON.
Democratic Caucus.

WASHINGTON, July A.-The Democratic
Sanators held caucus this morning and re-
solved to insist upon full discussion OF all
amendments to the tax bill and to oppose any
attempt to reach final vote unless such ample
opportunity shall have been afforded.
The drift of the discussion was that demo-
Gratis should oppose the proposed reduction on
perfumery, cosmetics, patent medicines &c,
and insist upon a substantial reduction of tax
alton which will directly affect and benefit
the masses of the people, and by securing full
discussion compel the two parties to put them
selves squarely upon the record. The caucus
also determined to support the Beck amend
ment f'that all taxes and custom dues now en-
forced for collection of duties on imports from
foreign countries shall be subject to discount
of ten per cent after January 1st, and to dis
count Of an additional 10 Per centum July LIST,
1888.
Sergeant Mason's Case.
Secretary Chandler who is acting as Secre-
tary of War says he will take no action on
Judge advocate general Swaim's supplemental
report on the case of Sergeant Mason as hs
does not wish to interfere in any way with the
official duties of Secretary Lincoln who is ex-
pected to return Wednesday next.
The New National Bank Notes.
Ths new national bank notes to be issned by
the national banks that have had their chart
ers extended are now being printed by the
Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Their
backs are printed in brown instead OK the
usual INK. In6y Will DS kuOWu DIS DFOWH-
backs" which will indicate money issued by
banks whose original charter has expired and
been extended. In every other respect they
are like the ordinary bank notes.
Straw Bids on Mail Contracts.
The House has repealed the section of the
postal law which was intended to prevent sic
titious or straw" bids for mail contracts. This
section makes it necessary for all bidders on
contracts for mail transportation, where the
annual compensation exceeds $4,000, to accom-
pany their bids with a certificate for o sum not
less than five per cent of the annual pay of the
route bThis check is forfeited If the bidder does
not take the route and do the work, in case
the contract is awarded to him, but the law
has not prevented straw bids, and it has been
bar TO honest bidders whose bank credit was
insufficient to enable them to procure certifi-
cation of their checks, afl the professional
contractors have found not 4ficulty in evading
it.
Report on the Loss OF the Rodgers.
The naval court of inquiry appointed by the
secretary of the navy to inquire into the burn
ing of the United States ship Rodgers in ST.
Lawrence bay on Nov. 80, 1881. has made re-
port acquitting the Officers and crew Of all
blame in the matter, and commencing them
for their efforts to save the vessel. The origin
of the fire is unknown, and the report suggests
spontaneous combustion of some of the articles
stored in the hold in the absence OF any evl-
dence as to the probable cause.
The Texas Pacific Land Grants.
The House judiciary committee today re-
scinded it's action whereby hearing was to
have been given j. J. P. Newell tomorrow in
connection with the Texas Pacific land grant
bill and postponed the hearing indefinitely.
Members of the committee say that during
consideration of the bill if it becomes advisa-
Bile Newell will be called upon for any infor-
nation in his possession.
Miscellaneous.
Secretary Folger has not yet received an an
swer to his letter to supervising inspector
Tower of New York, calling for his resignation.
The secretary has agreed to accept Towers res
ignation to take effect upon the appointment
and qualification of his successor. 1t is ex-
pected that a nomination for this Office will be
made very soon, probably this week, and Geo.
H. Starbuck Of Troy, N. Y. is mentioned as
most likely to get the place.