National Republican., 1883-02-27
ON THE AVENUE.
Small Talk About Men and Measure.

The resolution offered yesterday by Repre-
sentative Townshend, of Illinois, to prohibit
the importation of German wines is q retail
atory measure provoked by the action of the
German government in forbidding the further
introduction of American meats into the
markets Of that country. 1t is not likely
anything will come of the Townshend reso-
luton, but it may suggest plans Of retaliation
which will put stop to the reckless issu-
ance Of further arbitrary orders from foreign
governments against American meats.
These orders have invariably been made in
obedience TO u clamOr from spectators and
traders who are jealous of the growing popu-
larity of American meats among the working
classes of Europe Our packers have found
a great market for their cheap meats in tho
crowded communities of the old world Their
goods are far superior In every respect to the
meat the European consumers of small means
can obtain from their local butchers, beside
being much cheaper. The drive and enter
prise of Yankee dealers in pushing their
products into foreign markets has alarmed
their foreign rivals, and as a result of their
Vaccinations American meats are in
n great measure debarred from sale
in large portion Of Europe to the great det-
riment of the laboring classes, and to the en-
riChment of those who have thus been en-
abled to keep up the price of meats to a point
beyond the reach of the wage getters. 1t
has been suggested that the best way to bring
the effete monarchies of Europe to q sense of
their shortsighted selishness is to put an
absolutely prohibitory duty on wines, silks,
and hundred other luxuries which are now
admitted to American ports on the payment
of moderate tax. "This," said promi-
nent western senator, "would put stop
to further foolishness, Tho cry of dis
cased meats, which is the excuse set up by
France and Germany for the embargo
they have placed on American meats, is all
CANNON. The government officers had to
have an excuse, and this was adopted for the
double purpose of giving them ground to
stand on and to excite an ignorant prejudice
against the property they were trying to
drive out of their home market" This mat
ter is one of peculiar interest to the entire
west, where hogs and corn and cattle are
raised. 1t is very probable that this question
will come up prominently before the next
congress.
@"a
The fight against Robert G. Dyenforth,
who has been nominated assistant commits
sioner of patents, has been transferred to the
senate committee on patents. The committee
held special meeting yesterday to listen to
complaints made against Dyenforth and give
those who are fighting him an opportunity to
substantiate the charges of official misconduct
that have been set afoat. 1t is said that the
opposition to his confirmation comes from
Commissioner Marble, who wants Robert
Mason, young Tennessean, appointed to the
place, 1t is customary for heads ofbureaus to
have the naming of the men who to consti-
tute their personal stats, but in this case Sec
retary Teller has taken the matter in his
own hands and in the face Of protest from
Marble recommended a man of his own
choice. The charges against Dyenforth are
of a serious character, but as he is personally
backed by Senator Logan and the secretary
of the interior he is confident he will be con-
firmed. The patent Office is in ferment Of
excitement over the quarrel, and tongues are
running with great freedom. Employees and
those who have business with the bureau arc
taking sides and talking right out in meeting,
This Office has for years been prolific source
Of small but malignant scandal touching the
official integrity of some of the attaches and
the management of some of the important
divisions. 1t has been openly charged that
Edison and other inventors of wealth,
position, and influence have tunnels
for the transmission of Office Secrets which