davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
National Republican., 1883-05-02
Si9,l59.iol 3
The Transit OF Venus.

Tho work of the scientists at the Naval OBJ
servatory, upon the calculations from the OBJ
servations of the transit of Venus, is being
delayed by the lack of funds to pay for print
ing the necessary blank forms. A great many
such forms will be required, and the Navy de-
partment will have no funds to meet the ex-
pense of printing them until the appropria-
tion for the next fiscal year becomes available
after July /. The records and photographs Of
all the distant stations have been received at
the Naval observatory. Those Of Lieut.. Very,
of the Patagonia station, tho last to come,
were received few days ago. The work
is carried forward as we'll as possible in
the absence of the needed stationery !;
but at present the computations have
only been commenced. The first step
will be to determine the exact geographical
positions Of the various stations. In the cases
this can be determined only by deductions
from chronomotrical observations. Lieut.
Very made four journeys between his Pata-
gonia station and Montevideo. The astrono-
mers at tho naval observatory are about to
begin measuring the photographs of tho
transit by means of machine devised for the
purpose. They have about one thousand
negatives taken by the parties sent out by the
observatory and four large boxes of negatives
taken at Princeton with an apparatus similar
to the one used here. In addition to these il
is expected that largo number of negatives
taken at the Lick observatory, in California
will be sent here. All of these contributions
of volunteer observers will be made use of
whenever possible. Under tho most favorable
circumstances the calculations cannot bo COM
pleted in less than four years, and 1T is possi-
Bile that five or six years will elapse before
the final result will be reached.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
A Picture OF Rossa.

I took my first look at ODonovan Rosa.
This gentleman was of marked appearance, better
dressed than most Of the convention, a well
kneaded, broad, but not heavy, elastic treading
man, OF pale, white livered skin, and rather
worried, nervous temperament and apparently
neglected by the gathering. Hewas not much OBJ.
served when he came in, and not at all applauded.
He wore a nearly white spring overcoat and black
cloth suit. He was attended by large, dark
giant looking man. Mr.. kossa, whose real
name Is said TO be oDonoyan, had not one
of the candid, CHEEKY, self easy faces Of
nearly all the regular delegates. Conspiracy has
left its wrinkles and witches HisIbrown hair Is
brushed back from his temples; HIS eyes seem ia
be hollow and in pain; the Irish expression camo
and then went at various times. His hair is thin.
ming yet but little gray. Reddish brown mus
tache and goatee inclose not very shapey
mouth. am told that this man was chained fol
years TO pillar in Dartmoor prison, and made "a
kneel forward on his knees and eat with his mouth
out of a dish poked under the door by the jailor
The world is governed by personal feelings. Mr.
Rosa resembles in figure and face Col. William h
Roberts, late Fenian merchant and congressman
National Republican., 1883-05-02
AntI-Dcmocrniic nInryInnd.

Prior to 1861 Maryland in national poll
tics-that is, upon all questions of national
policy, such as the tariff, finance, internal i'm
provements, &c.-was decidedly anti-demo-
cratic. 1t only succumbed to the democracy
under the divisions created by the slavery
issue. During the rebellion the republicans,
or unionists, obtained supremacy in the state
and held it by large majorities They ratified
the thirteenth amendment. They purged the
state of slavery, and in 1864 gave Mr.. Lincoln
majority of 7,414.
In 1868 Thomas Swami was elected gov
ernor by the republicans or unionists; but in
pursuit of his ambition to serve in the United
States senate, an ambition which he ascer-
tanned he could not crafty through the re-
publicans, he conspired with the democracy
to overthrow republican supremacy in the
state. Under the laws tho returned confed-
crates were disfranchised, and were rigor-
ously excluded from the polls by the regis
tration. As Governor Swami was invested
tration and elections, he appointed ma
jority of them from the democrats. Thus
the registration was thrown open to the con-
federates, They promptly seized upon the
situation. Swann's democratic appointeos
manipulated the registry in favor of the con-
federates and against the republicans. The
confederates swarmed at the polls with a
menacing front, and succeeded in carrying
the state. They chose legislature wholly
in their interest.
Having. thus seized upon the legislature
and election machinery of the state, the con-
federate democracy hastened to seize as we'll
upon tho executive government. They car
ried convention for revision Of tho state
constitution. They enfranchised the returned
confederates, and at the governors election
in 1867 they swept the state, choosing Bowie
as governor by majority of 4l,712, and
elected a legislature entirely democratic.
Now, at the previous presidential election
in 1864 the republican vote was 40,l53 and
the democratic vote only 32,739. Here, in
1867, the republican vote dwindled to q SOC
and the democratic vote increased to 63,6O2-
to majority in the state of 41,7l2--a ma,
jority greater than their previous aggregate
vote.
Certainly this was most extraordinary
result 1t was probably natural, under any
circumstances, that the democratic vote
should increase But why should not the
| republican vote also increase? Why should
the republican vote actually decrease nearly
one half2 Is not the answer patentS suci
result was only accomplished by fraudu
lent manipulation of the registry, by tissu,
ballots and ballot box stuffing, intimidation
of voters, and false counting; and by suci
agencies only have the democracy since hell
the state by the throat.
But Light ia breaking, We are encouraged
National Republican., 1883-05-02
-N-
ThOman and Kein1.

Judge Thoman, of the civil service COM
mission, said to reporter last night that
some of the newspapers of the country, in
commenting upon the selection Of Mr.. Keim
as chief civil service examiner, had thrown
all the responsibility for it upon him and had
asserted that he virtually made the nomina-
ton at the suggestion Of Senator Pendleton,
Of Ohio. This, Judge Thoman says, is not in
accordance with the facts. The selection of
chief examiner was discussed frequently by
all of the commissioners, and when, on the
seventh of April, he started for Ohio it was
understood and agreed that one of two names
(Keim's and another) should be sent to the
President. Messrs. Eaton and Gregory were
to satisfy themselves and the person whom
they found to be on the whole most satis-
factory was to have his Judge Thoman's)
approval. Upon his return to Washington,
April 16, the name of Mr.. Keim was unani-
mously agreed upon by the commission and
was sent to the President. Judge Thoman
says that Senator Pendleton never wrote a
letter to him, to tho commission, or to Keim /;
that he (Pendleton) neither directly nor in
directly suggested Keim's fitness for the
place, and that all statements that Keim was
appointed at the request of Pendleton or upon
his (Thoman's) solicitation are absolutely
false.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
Mr. Nrurch Is Not pleased.

Representative Murch sent the following
letter to Secretary Folger yesterday:
DEAR SIR: had hoped before this TO have re
piled 10 suggestions embodied In your letter TO
me Of the twenty seventh ultimo, but the absence
nom the city of parties interested with me in the
pending Investigations of the supervising archi
tects Office and the Importance OF the suggestions
you submit have compelled me 10 take more time
than otherwise would have taken. and am not
yet ready to reply fully, but hope to do so in a
day or two.
Twin, however, say in this writing that as the
suggestion TO place Mr.. ID. T. Alexander on the
committee is coupled with the condition to grant
him leave of fabsence for ten or twelve days which
will delay the investigation that length Of time,
and as tho ffth auditor of the treasury IS a sub.
ordinate of MIR. French, the assistant secretary,
part of whose division 1t is proposed to investi-
gate. would most respectfully suggest, with the
knowledge and consent of the proponents to sub
stltute the name of Hon. Kenneth Raynor So
lictor of the treasury, in the place Of Mr. Aexan-
der, fifth auditor. believe that committee thus
constituted will be eminently satisfactory to all
concerned.
Very respectfully yours t. II. MURcH.
The points in the letter of Secretary Folger
to which Mr.. Murch refers, but does not reply
in this communication, relate to tho employ
ment Of counsel and the payment of tho fees
and travelling expenses of witnesses Mr..
Murch wishes to be represented by counsel be-
fore the committee, and he also desires some
provision made for the payment Of the ex-
penses of witnesses.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
Tho Owners Rights I'm n Forced Sale


The case Of Lawton, of South Carolina, VS..
the United States, argued in the court OF
claims yesterday, presents a very interesting
point. The claimants land In Beaufort, S. c.,
was sold for direct taxes during the war, and
the statute authorized the tax commits
sioners to bid not exceeding two-thirds the
assessed value of the lands, and the
price bid for this exceeded the taxes and all
charges by several hundred dollars. The
court has heretofore decided in case that
where the land was bid Off by citizen the
original owner was entitled to this balance,
but in the present case the government, being
the bidder, claims that the land was forfeited
for non-payment of the taxes, and 1t being
the purchaser was not bound to pay.
On behalf of the claimant it was strenuously
urged that under the statutes as construed
by the supreme court IL the land was stricken
of to the government for anything beyond
the tax and charges, the government became
purchaser just as an individual. and that
the claimant was entitled to the balance from
the government in the same way.
1t was stated in argument that nearly
$500, 900 of land, at a very low assessed valu-
alton, had been bid off by the government for
$4,000 to pay taxes on charge amounting
to only 1900; and that from resales the
government had already realized over $780,
600, besides having several thousand acres Of
land, Mr.. John L. Blair represented the gov
ernment and Mr.. William E. Earle the claim
ant,
National Republican., 1883-05-02
EarIy Crop Reports.

Although the May reports of the country
correspondents of the agricultural bureau
we're not mailed until yesterday, several en-
terprising newspapers in New York, Chicago,
and elsewhere have been telling their readers
what the May crop bulletin would contain
for the past week, and stock and grain brok-
ers and operators have known all about it for
a much longer period. They began illumi-
mating the popular mind on the subject as
long ago as the middle of April. 1t is quite
evident that the gentlemen who have
information concerning the contents of
bulletin from ten days to q month in
advance of the men who prepare it, and
fully week before the data upon which the
estimates in the bulletin are based reaches
the hands of the statistician, must be gifted
with prescience. Nothing better illustrates
the genius Of American institutions than the
wonderful fund of early information in the
possession of grain and stock sharps and
breezy correspondents as to the color, sex, and
grade of the unborn crop babe. There is
nothing like it.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
uRANCH OFFICES.

The following Is list of the branch onices In
Washington. Others will be added hereafter
W,s. RoosR's News Stands at the ARLINGTON
1toT,r. NnLARDs HOTEL, and METROPOLITAN
IloTEi.
RoosE & QUEENS News stand, NATIONAL HOTEL
BE-. QUEEN, ST. JAMES HOTEL
RIoos HOUSE News Stand.
EBBITT HOUSE News Stand.
AMERICAN HOUSE News Stand.
WIS. THoMrsoS's Drug Store.
CHI. FlcKLISG's Drug Store, Georgetown.
J.BRApLEY ADAMss Book Stores
n. puFouR Druggist, 1878 Fourteenth street.
II. B. FERGUSON, Druggist, corner Second and
Pennsylvania avenues. e.
Sc. LEWIS, Druggist, corner Fourteenth and
streets.
G.G, c. snp,s Druggist. corner Fourteenth and
New York avenue.
W.T.. SCALA, Druggist, 500 East Capitol street.
H. JOHNSTON, druggist, corner Tenth and
streets northwest
S. sLArER's Cigar Store, corner H and First
streets northwest.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
REPUBLICAN VOTE FOR GOVERNOR.

These counties in 1881, for comptroller of
the state, polled republican vote of 1857. A
like increase throughout the state is shown
in the vote for president. In 1868 Grants
vote was only 3O,43s. In 1872 Grants vote
moro than doubled; II reached 66,76O. In
1876 Hayes's vote was 71,770 and in 1880
Garfeld's vote was 7s,515-tbat, too, under q
registration and count by the democracy.
We rejoice, therefore, at these unmistakable
evidences of revolt. We arc sure that the
old anti-dcmocratic element in the state is
sufficiently strong and that it is composed of
men of social standing, of character, an
ability, and address to command legal
registration and an honest count--all that is
necessary to rescue tho state from It's present
democratic rule.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
Goodby, Gas.

The report of the inspector of gas, n synop-
sis of which is printed this morning contains
n number of statements that will interest
both the public and the gas company. While
it shows the number of days upon which the
gas has fallen below the standard to be much
smaller than consumers had supposed,
it still points out that there were
many such days; and what is more
to the purpose of improvement, it reveals
some of the reasons why the gas furnished is
of so miserably inferior character. The
company use naphtha as an "onricher," and
tho fixed gas into which this is converted Is
united with the gas obtained from COAL Not
only is tho gas thus produced in
forior, smoky, and malodorous, but it
is run into tho mains under de-
fcient pressure, so that its worst quail
ties manifest themselves at the burners. One
trouble pointed out by the inspector lies in
the law itself. Tho law calls for a weak
illuminator. In other cities the gas Of
an illuminating power much greater
than ours is compelled by law; !;
and even in the weakest cases the tests show
light from twenty-five to fifty per centum
greater. Thus it appears that the Washing
ton company, whose prices rule as high as
those charged where illuminating gas of q
vastly better quality is supplied, is not
satisfied with tho profits allowed it
under an insufficient law, but pushes its greed
even farther, and corrupts even the poor stuff
the law permits it to supply. The case of a
merchant who, having monopoly of the trade
in his town, should compel his customers to
buy calico and pay for it the price of silk
would be no more flagrantly oxtortionate.
The public prosecutor will find much in the
inspectors report to fortify his case withal-
enough, indeed to make case of. That he
will push proceedings is matter of course.
While it does not lie within his
power to compel tho company to
furnish gas as good as they
charge for, he can beyond any question force
them to disgorge at least part of the trc-
mendous amount of money they have wrung
from the people Of the district. And while
he is engaged in that work. it might be
we'll to SGT about the business of get
ting ready to throw the burden off, 1t
is not worth while to make much of fight
for law raising the standard of gas, because
by the time such a law could be passed the city
will be ready for an electric system of lighting.
People might as we'll prepare themselves
for this relief and change. Tho time
is very close at hand when gas light will be
as little thought of as candle light is now.
A company to introduce electric lights for
both street and house illumination would
find ready welcome and a profitable
field in Washington, and this is an
advantageous time to invite the formation of
one. We have been ruled and squeezed by
the gas company long enough. Let us kick
it overheard, and go in for something better
and more in keeping with these modern days.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
DEPARTMENT. DOTS.

+. L. Freeman, principal examiner in the
patent Office, in charge of electrical inven-
tions, has resigned to engage In private busi-
ness in this city.
The receipts from internal revenue yes
terday were $236,6i0, and from customs,
$64i,117. The national bank notes received
for redemption amounted to $272,000.
The secretary of the treasury has suspended
Galen Il. Green, special agent at jackson,
Tenn, pending, the Investigation of the
charges preferred against him Of official mis-
conduct.
The committee appointed to select n site
for the proposed public building at Scranton,
Pa, have reported in favor of the property on
the corner Of Washington avenue and Lin
coin street, in that city. The price asked for
il is $4,000,
The President has appointed William w.
Henry TO be marshal Of the United States for
tho district of Vermont; Jefferson p. Kidder,
TO be associate justice of the supreme court
for the territory of Dakota; Benjamin Il.
Martin, to be melter and rehner of the assay
oficeat New York city.
An order was issued at the Postoftice de-
partment yesterday, declaring that @. Lester
alias Il. Lester, of No. 20 New Church street,
New York, is engaged in defrauding the pub.
lie by means of false representations and
promises, and forbidding the delivery to him
of money orders or registered packages.
The committee appointed TO examine the
property offered for sale as site for the new
court house and postoflice at Brooklyn, N. Y,
has submitted a report recommending the
selection of the property bounded by WASH
ington street, Myrtle avenue, and Adams
street at cost of $5O0,00O. This lot is 241i
| by 2l0 feet.
Secretary Folger has appointed Messrs. C.
r. Coon, w. ID. O'Connor and ]. l.. Harley
of the Treasury department., committee TO
open proposals and examine the samples sub
mitted Herewith under an advertisement foI
car fastenings and package seals for the use OF
the Treasury department. The committee is
instructed to give full and careful examina-
tion to the merits of each article presented
and select those two which best combine
security aud economy. These car fastenings
are locks and lead seals used on cars trans
porting dutiable goods throughout the coun'
try.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
Tho President AOcnnts.

Gen. A. A. Humphreys, Gen. Horatio G..
Wright, and Maj, John NJ. Carson, represent
ing the society of the Army Of the Potomac,
called on the President yesterday and in
vited him to take part in the annual reunion
of the society to be held here on the sixteenth
instant. The invitation was accepted, Sew
eral members of the cabinet have also signifed
their intention to be present. The reduction
made III railway rates by the trunk lines from
all points and the acceptance of invitations by
the most distinguished officers of the Army OF
the Potomac lead to the belief that the at
tendance at tho coming reunion will exceed
that usual upon such occasions.
National Republican., 1883-05-02

WHEN the correspondent of the New York
Tribune finds the business of news gathering
irksome or improbable, he seems to get con-
ISOLATION in reviewing and rearranging an in
terview with Capt. Edward o'Meagher Con-
don, which appeared in The REPUBLICAN
some weeks ago. His latest combination
makes Mr., Condor an advocate of dynamite,
and it may be found possible to so distort the
interview as to make him favor all the crimes
in the calendar.
National Republican., 1883-05-02

"HANDY" SMTTHE, of the Philadelphia
Press, cannot got over his disappointment
lie expected to be appointed examiner for
the civil service commission. As the reader
of machine resolutions in New York conven-
tions for years, he reasoned that ho was
entitled to the place. But the committee
weighed Handy" smithe and then re-poighed
him and found him sadly wanting as re-
former. As between Handy" smithe and
Keim the commission was solid for De b..
Randolph. Hence Handy" Smithes tears.
National Republican., 1883-05-02

THE news of the retirement of Mr.. A. NJ.
Palmer from the management of the Union
Square theater in New'York will be received
with regret by all who have been interested
i'll the productions at that house dur
ing the last twelve years. Mr.. Palmer
was distinct power in the dramatic
field. His influence was felt far beyond the
limits of his own city, To his faultless taste
and sound judgment the public of the whole
country has been indebted for some
of the finest, highest and best dra-
matte entertainments ever offered on
this side of the Atlantic. His policy
was progressive, broad and bold enough to
have raised the Union Square theater from
very modest position to place
among the first theaters Of the world. His
National Republican., 1883-05-02

successor, Mr.. James w. Collier, has
been associated with him for several
seasons past. Mr.. Collier is himself man of
liberal and artistic tastcs 1t is to be hoped
he will hold the house up to the level to which
Mr.. Palmer advanced IL, and that under his
management it will continue to exert upon
the American theater as an institution as good
and as refining an influence as before.
National Republican., 1883-05-02

by palpable evidences of revolt against the
tyranny and corruption of such rule. Tho
republican vote in many Of the counties has
for years steadily advanced. The old anti
bourbons are manifestly rallying to the con-
aict In illustration, we give, in the following
table, the republican vote in certain counties
for governor since 1867.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
IIaIf-Breed wit.

So Corporal Frank Hatton has been 'consid-
oring" the civil service rules, has he2 Wen, that's
bad-for the rules. Until he has given an opinion
upon them the country will be kind enough 10
bear in mind that civil service reform is still
hanging in the balance. Corporal Hatton knows
fully much about civil service reform Little
Neck clam knows about Greek art; and II he goes
against the rules then Dormant b. Eaton's COM
mission might just as well retire from the reform
movement and enter the ahad business.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
Patenfa Iasued,

Four hundred and twenty-six patents and
designs were issued to citizens of the United
States at the patent office yesterday, as fol-
lows: New York, 1903; Pennsylvania ,4s; Illi-
nois, a.; Massachusetts,, 40 Ohio, 81; Mis-
souri,, 90; New Jersey,21. There were issued
to citizens of foreign countries 81 patents and
designs, as follows: England, 12; Germany,
III France and Canada, 3 each, and Austria
and Belgium, each.
National Republican., 1883-05-02

BETWEEN Jane Gray Swishelm and Senator
Voorhees,, Carter Harrison will probably be
hauled out alive from under the ruins Of
the Iroquois dinner. 1t might be remarked
in this connection that no such havoc has
been done with similar weapon to that used
by Carter since Samson knocked out his ten
thousand Phillistnes.
National Republican., 1883-05-02
Reports of Inspectors OF Foreign Vessels

Supervising Inspector General Dumont has
received the April report from the special
inspectors of foreign passenger steam vessels
for the port of New York. The report shows
that eighty-seven steamers were visited, ten
only Of which were granted certificates of in
spection. OF those not receiving certificates
some were steamers clearing without passen-
gers, therefore not requiring inspection.
Those clearing with passengers but without
certificates were found deficient in some of
the minor details of the requirements of the
law, but were cleared by permission of the
secretary of the treasury, with the under
standing that all deficiencies would be made
good before the vessel could clear on a SUBJ
sequent voyage. Gen. Dumont says that the
agents of all the passenger lines of steamers
have shown a commendable desire to comply
with the new law, and have only asked delay
in its enforcement in cases where it was
found mechanically impossible to comply with
all its details in the short time allowed each
vessel in port