Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-02-17
WASHINGTON NEWS,
Committee Report on Mr.. Blaad's BILL
statement OF Mr.. Garland-Nomina.
hoas Confirmed-Manning ON the Re.
vision of the Tariff,
WAsHINGroN, Feb. l6.

WASHINGTON, Feb. l6.
The report upon the silver question, sub.
mitted to the House by Representative James
to-day, IN accordance with vote of the coin.
age committee yesterday, upon Representa-
tive Bland's bill. simply says: The commit
tee report that they have carefully consid-
cred the same, and the majority is of the
opinion that the passage of such a bill would
be injurious to the public interest, and with
the expression of their unqualified condcmna-
uon they report the same adversely, aud ask
that it be placed upon the calendar.
Attorney General Garland TODAY said TO
the agent OF the associated press that he had
nothing new TO say concerning the manner in
which he became interested in the Pan Elec.
tric telephone or of the circumstances under
which the suit at Memphis against the Bell
company was instituted by the direction of
the solicitor general last autumn, For"
he added, my published statement to the
President last October said everything |
knew about these matters and my attitude in
regard to them has not been changed in the
least since then. Besides this it now appears
that an investigation covering the whole
question is to be had by the House of Rep
resentstives and am glad of it and hope it
will be thorough and complete and that all
there is of 1t will be revealed and made pub.
lie. In the advance OF this investigation
which | heartily welcome, feel disinclined
to go out into the subject in detail But l
will say this, however. 1t is asserted bv
some persons that am a member of a rival
company to the Bell company and the gov
erment is now prosecuting suit against the
Bell telephone patent. This suit may result
to my benefit or advantage and that too while
am at the head of the department of justice,
through the solicitor general, Of which the
suit is to be carried, and thaqtherefore some
thing should be done by me to relieve myself
and the administration from the apparently
delicate situation indicated. l have consid-
cred this suggestion in all its broad bearings
as far as am able and recognize the fact
that there is much in it worthy of
thought. l have discussed in my mind most
thoroughly what could and ought to do in
view of this state of the case, and have
determined to take steps to meet this in a
way that will, l think, receive the
appreciation of all people who really de-
sire to be satisfied. This would be at once
contaminated, but as the investigation by the
House is now to proceed, l don't think it
right for me to do anything or explain what
intend to do until the investigation is con-
cluded, as my motives, in view of this inves-
tigation, might be misconstrued. But what
ever the result of the Investigation may be, |
will carry out and execute the determination
have reached, and of which l have already
spoken, and more than this hope you do
not expect me to say or indicate"
Question Mr.. Attorney General,
will you allow me to inquire whether this
foreshadows your resignation from the Cabi-
net?"
Answer-"No, it does not
The Senate in executive session on Thurs
day, the 10th inst, confirmed a large num-
Der of nominations but determined not to
notify the President or to make them public
until after the following executive session, in
order to give an opportunity for reconsidera-
ton. The combinations made yesterday are
still under the injunction of secrecy. The
following Maine postmasters were confirmed: !:
l.. b. Fowler, Augusta; A. j. Rowe, Nor
way; W. S. Hager, Richmond; 7. A. Carr,
Thomaston w. X. Hurley, Rockland.
Secretary Manning today sent the speaker
of the House a long letter upon the revision
of the tariff, in which he says: In my annual
report alluded to an invitation conveyed in
some 2000 circular letters to our manufac-
turers and merchants requesting their united
cooperation in the improvement of our fiscal
policy. have asked the permission of those
whose communications seem to throw some
light upon the subject in a legislative sense
and transmit herewith the opinions of the
manufacturers and merchants who have given
me authority to do so. My opinion in regard
to our existing tariff law is clear, positive and
is confirmed more and more by every days
experience in the administration of this de-
partment. Soon after | entered thereon, less
than year ago, / became convinced that an
investigation into the condition of the Gus
toms service which had been begun by my
predecessor, Mr.. McCulloch, we're of press
ing Importance and continued them with
energy. The result up to the meeting of
Congress is contained in my annual report.
Since that date the need of additional leg
islation becomes more imperative. Two
courses are open to Congress. One is the
enlargement of the free list, reduction of
the number of dutiabe articles, tine prudent
substitution Of specific for ad valorem rates
and the thorough revision and change of
existing rates and system. The other is
partially indicated by the recent Senate bill
No. 1853, introduced last month by Sena-
tor Aldrich. now before me, and is in the
direction of deterrent legislation, which shall
by more stringent rules and new con-
trivances in the form Of fines and pun
as to induce them to present truthful in
voices and make on entry correct declara
ton of the foreign value. These two cour'
ses are not necessarily alternative. Both
NAV be pursued together" Mr.. Manning
goes on to say $50 long as the disposi
ton of Congress shall be to continue tc
levy high war duties upon some1 Thousands
of imported articles rather than low duties
upon few, the general application of spe
| cifc rates would be impossible without in
| ficting still further hardship and injustice
upon wage receiving classes in the commun-
ity and those who are constrained to live or
small incomes. Specific rates levied on al
| imported articles and especially on all arti
cles of clothing, would for them be highly
oppressive, unequal and unjust"
Among the bills introduced in the Senate
to-day was one by Senator Frye, to consoii
date the departments of the army. 1t pro
vides that from and after July l, next, thu
business of the war department shall be dis
tributed by the secretary of war among three
departments, 10 be known respectively as tht
departments of personnel, of material and o
supplies and accounts. The chiefs Of th'
personnel aud of the supplies and accounts Il
| be appointed from the active list of officers o
the army, and for the personnel departmen
from a grade not below Lieut.. Col. Tn
chief Of the department of material may b
appointed from civil life, or from the activ
list of officers. and if appointed from civi
| life shall have the highest pay Of Brig
| General.
Frozen to Death.