New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-09
ST. LOUIS.
THE POSTMASTERSHIP CONSPIRACY
TRIALS-MISS HOUSTON.

[PRoM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT THE TRIBUSEl
ST. LOUIS, Dec GA lively interest Is taken
here the race for the St. Louis Postmasteshp TO be
vacant by the resignation of Samuel Hays. Inc
supply OF asprants is large. strong effort Is being
made by G. Z. Bennett the eK-assistant postmaster
whom Hays discharged last Saturday suspicion that
something to do with reporting Washington his
superor's embarTassments and Irregularities. Mr. Ben
nett has large following, and his friends make the point
that II there is anything In Civil Service Reform, he
should be allowed to reap the benefit OF sixteen years
faithful service In the Post Office. Chauncey Ftey
the Republican boss Of Missouri who was Hayss pre-
decesso also to be his successor and has secured
strong petition in his own behalf he Is
member OF the Republican National Central COMMITTEE
which meets in Washington December H. and f.
leved that his claim will be strengthened by T.
port Of his colleagues In that body. George W. "k
a veteran journalist and OF considerable h,
has also an influential following Nathan Cole, an ox-
Mayor of st. Louis and ex-COngressman, IS named as
possible applicant but hitherto he has objected to being
considered Among other applicants who are work
Ing hard Rodney d. Wells W. K. Patrick and II. L.
Rogers, well-mown professional and business gentle
men.
An effort Is now being made to revive the Lumbermen's
Association which out Of existence few years
and e1ertions will not be RENTED until st. Louis Lum-
Der Exchange is placed among the citys valuable COM
mercial institutions. This city stands second In the
country general misunderstanding centre, and its
trade in hard woods is asserted to be larger than that OF
any other city Thrty1 firms engaged in the lum-
Der business here their places of business scat
tered OF action has always been difficult OF
attainment determined to overcome all obstacles
and combine for the good Of the trade AS soon
az this is done the evil OF freight determinations agaS
st. Louis will receive attention. 1t is said to be true C
Chicago all Missouri and Kansas and obtain
lower or as for lumber feghts st. Louis and
that Southern often shipped right by St. Louis for
the rates that asked from shippers to this point
The monthly excursions Of the Gould Southwestern
System are well patroniEed by land hunters from all over
the West The Wednesday morning trains brought In
delegations from Ohio Indiana Illinois and Michigan, TO
the number OF foryaye The Wabash train from Chicago,
Detroit and Toledo added fifty TO the number, and the
scene at the depot the evening when the body OF
excursonlsts started their Southwestern Journey was
an interesting enc. They enthusiastic over the
prospect Of finding homes In Arkansas and Texas and
probable that large proportion OF them viii make
purchases there and settle.
As had been anticipated, the indicted officials were
acquitted Of Criminal Correction on Thurs
day. the presiding Judge insructing the jury that ao
cordng to the evidence produced by the prosecution
there was no against the defendants The result Is
generally considered be due the suppression under
Courts ruling. OF the very testimony which had led
to the finding Of the ndlcments-that witch related to
proposed change In police administration which would
have placed the power to regulate gambling IN this city
In the hands OF new Chief OF Detectives VINO Is gen,
orally believed ~ be quite unit 70 be gwen SO
grave "A trust The Law and Order party. who employed
al great expense high legal talent to prosecute the con-
spiracy cases. have received severe setback Dut are
ready 10 help again In legal efforts 10 punish persons VINO
NAV be indicted for connection with tue gambling ring or
whose existence and power the public has 10 douDI "ha
Theatre goers are greatly interested the recent an
nounccmeut that while Miss Lillian spencer has been alb
sent from the stage her serious illness IN Louisville
last November her place has been filled by Miss Edith
Houston young society lady OF this city, who has SO
acCcpably replaced the star Whose name has been re
taincd on the bills that the substitution has been Kept
secret and the newcomer has received unsned praise
Already ST. LOuisans declaring that she Will prove
dangerous rival OF LOusyes dramatic daughter, and
Miss HOustOn's engagement here In January next VIII
arouse great interest The young artist has not az yet
undergone the ordeal or "A critical audience IN large
cy and there Will be time enough yet to decide upon heE
actual merits actress.