The Portland daily press., 1883-09-29
WASHINGTON.
No More Three-Cen. stamps.

WASHINGTON, Sept 28.-- The supply of
three-cent postage stamps in the hands of the
contractors became exhausted yesterday, and
unless imperative orders are received from
some of the prominent offices tomorrow no
more will be printed. The new two-ce Mt and
four-cent stamps have been supplied to nearly
all the larger offices, and it is expected that on
the 1st proximo nearly all the three-cent
stamps now held by postmasters will be OK
halsted. All issues of obsolete design will,
however continue to be received in payment
of postage except the issues of 1847 and 1851,
which were declared OF no value during the
war, when numbers of postmasters in the Sc
ceding States holding stamps of those issues
had failed to make good their accounts, and IN
order to prevent their improper use Congress
nullfied their value.
Naval Matters.
Secretary Chandler has approved the recon-
mendation of the Naval Advisory Board that
the Kuustadter screw steering apparatus be
tried on the iron tug Nina, now at Newport,
r. l., with view to its adoption in the naval
service. 1t is also probable that the apparatus
will be introduced in the coast survey.
There is no indication that the United States
steamer Tennessee was injured by grounding
at Portsmouth, but is deemed advisable to dock
her before allowing her to proceed on an ex-
tended cruise
New Rules for the Government of the In-
dians.
The rules recently formulated by the Com
missioner of Indian Affairs for the govern
ment of Indians, has given rise to some ad-
verse criticism in relation particularly to the
provisions which prohibit the sun dance, the
scalp dance and plural marriages. The inter-
probation given to the latter rule in some
quarters forms the basis of the hostile criticism
1t is taken for granted that it has retroactive
force.
The rnleitself, however. prohibits ''any pu-
raj marriage be hereafter contracted, and does
not propose to abolish sucn relations already
existing. 1t is believed that the dances above
referred to demoralize the young of the tribe
and incite them to warlke measures, and in
ether respects their influence is prejndicial to
good order. The custom of having more than
one wife was not so general when the Indian
was dependent upon the chase for his liviag;
but since they have been receiving govern
ment rations, the more numerous the family
the greater the number of rations allowed.
These rules have been in operation since
March last, and it is stated at the Indian Bu-
reau that not single complaint has been re-
ceived from the Indians in regard to the en-
forcement of the rules.
Postal Telegraph and Postal Savings
Banks.
There are several indications that POST
master General Gresham contemplates recon-
mending both the establishment of postal
telegraph system and of postal savings bank,
although he has not authorized any one TO
make such statement. He recently sent to
Canada for a report on the operations of the
postal savings bank system there, and has re.
ceived the report, which shows that the sys-
tenn is in successful operation.
The War ON Lotteries.
Judge Ray, the Law Clerk of the Post Office
Department, has rendered his resignation.
This is said to be due to difference of opinion
between Judge Ray and his official superior,
Assistant Attorney General Freeman, on the
lottery question Judge Ray prepared the
opinion of Postmaster General Howe, which
permitted the lotteries the use of the mails.
Judge Freeman was hostile to this opinion,
and supports Judge Gresham in his present
| war on the lotteries.
The Organization of the Senate.
The Democratic officials do not expect any
change in the organization in the Senate at
theopening of the next session. They base
their hopes, in great measure, upon rumors
that there is disagreement as to patronage
between the Virginia Senators, Malone and
Riddleberger, who hold the balance of power.
1t is believed that these reported disagree
ments do not exist. George Gorham, Ma
homes candidate for secretary of the Senate,
| certainly expects that a reorganization will be-
attempted. The Senate at preseut consists of
| thirty-eight Republicans. thirty-5ix Demo-
| Gratis and two Readjusters.
Illegal Commissions of Army Officers.
The Second Comptroller of the Treasury
| has renderd his decision as to the legality Of
| the commissions of certain army officers, and
| uo uuuS tudt bu0 lUliUWluS OuC6rS are not
| legally on the rolls: General Daniel Sickles,
| Adam Badeau, Benjamin Runkle, Surgeon
| Pope, and number of others of minor note.
| The Comptroller refuses to pass their pay ac-
| counts. Sickles and Badeau are held to be
| out of the army because they accepted dplo-
matte positions; Runkle because he was inn
properly restored by President Hayes. A Gu
rious fact is that Runkle after his restoration
received $4,000 back pay.
Miscellaneous.
| The Secretary of the Navy says he proposes
| to make thorough investigation into the case
of Commodore Mayo, in command of Norfolk
! navy yard, with special reference to the
charges preferred against him by ex-Repre-
| sentative Dezendorf.
| Sanitary Inspector Burgess OF the marine
| hospital service, at Havana, reports the sailing
| for New York, on the 18th, of the American
bark Antonio Sala, with one sailor sick with
| yellow fever, and the steward suffering from
the same disease. The vessel was twelve days
| at Havana, and had several cases OF the dis
ease on board while there.
The President is expected to return to
| Washington about the middle of next week.
The executive mansion is being put in readi-
| ness for his return.