The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-03-10
FROM WASHINGTON.
Mr.. Edmunds' Speaks on His Reso-
iutions Censuring the Aftor-
ney General.
The Presidents Reception Closes
the Social Season.
Senator Wilson'S Postage Bill Meets
With Much Opposition.
Maine Must Pay for the Beacon
Light on Moosehead Lake
Especial to the Press.l

son ended here this evening with the closing
reception by the President to Congress,
which was fully attended. Considerable
talk has been made over the manner of ex-
tending the invitations to these Congress
sional receptions, the President having usu-
ally printed in the daily papers general
invitation to the members of Congress to
attend them, without sending cards to each
individual. This general way of doing busi-
ness has caused considerable otfense to some
of the Congressman, who think they should
be treated as well as the army and navy of1-
GERS and the diplomatic corps. Consequently
che invitations for the evening were sent to
each Senator and Representative in person,
and the offended dignity was thus appeased.
The newspaper correspondents who are adj
mitted to the press galleries of the Senate
and House were also invited to be present.
The season which closes tonight has been
an unusually long one, but has not been par
ticularly distinguished for its brilliancy, the
receptions of Secretary Whitney being the
only one to attract much attention. During
Lent, while of course all public receptions
close, there will nevertheless be many in
formal and quiet gatherings which will be
fully as enjoyable as the more formal ones
of the regular society season.
Senator Edmund's Resolution.
WASHINGTON, March 9-The debate ON
Mr. Edmunds resolution was opened today.
Senator Edmunds speaking two and one-half
hours in support of the resolution. His argu-
ment is considered very strong one and
his opponents will find it difficult to answer
it, Immense crowds filled the galleries from
before noon until the conclusion Of the
speech. Mr.. Pugh obtained the floor to
reply but owing to the lateness of the hour
he yielded to a motion for an executive ses-
sion. He will probably occupy all the time
tomorrow.
Postage on Fourth Glass Matter.
The bill introduced by Senator Wilson
proposing to double the rate of postage on
fourth class matter is calling forth storm
of protests on all Sides Its passage would
very materially interfere with the shopping
by mail which is such prominent feature
with all the great dry goods dealers of the
large cities, and would also greatly injure
the seed business There is not, however
the slightest chance of its passage by either
branch of Congress.
More Petitions from the Knights of
Labor.
The Knights of Labor assemblies of the
country are now deluging Congress with pc
titions praying for liberal appropriations for
internal improvements, and especially for
the construction of the Hennepin Canal
Their idea is, that the distribution of large
sums of money in this manner among the
laborers of the country will be an advantage
to thewhole country.
The Education Bill.
Fears are expressed that the Blair educa-
ton bill may never reach the House. but
will be smothered in the committee on edu-
cation, the Democratic majority of which is
claimed to be hostile to it. Should it, how
ever, reach the House there is considered to
be a favorable outlook for its passage.
The Moosehead Lake Beacon.
Adverse reports have been made by the
House commerce committee on the bill max
ing an appropriation for a beacon light in
Moosehead Lake, Me-, on the ground that
the lake being entirely within the border of
the State should be provided for by the
State.
New Postmasters for Maine.
The following have been appointed post
masters in Maine:
At-Dresden Mills-B. Carney in place of Wilbur
f. Cate, who has been removed.
At Littleton-J. Logan, in place of G. f. Weed,
who has resigned
At North Searsmont-J. Thompson, in place of
G. A. jackson, who has been removed.
To Prevent Monopoly of Telegraph
Facilities.
The House post office committee this morn
ing began the investigation ordered by the
House into matters embodied in the Ander-
son resolution, which provided for an lnQul-
ry as to whether additional legislation is
needed to prevent monopoly OF telegraph
facilities west of the Missouri river and to
protect the people of the United States
against unreasonable charges for telegraph
service. Mr.. Anderson of Kansas was pres
ent, and charged that the collection and sale
of elections and such important matters
as Presidents message are sought TO pc
monopolized by the Western Union Tele-
graph Company and that barefaced attempts
had been made by the Western Union to CO.
erce newspapers into making exclusive con-
tracts to transact all their business by its
wires. d. H. Bates, president Of the Baltl-
more & Ohio Telegraph Company was pres
ent and was examined.
Cen. Grants Funeral Expenses.
Among the items which the Senate COM
mittee on appropriations have agreed to re-
port favorably as an amendment to the ur-
gent deficiency appropriation bill is one OF
$50, 900 for payment of the funeral expenses
of Gen. Grant. The miscellaneous items for
the Senate exclusive of labor for the year
1885, aggregate $4,000.