The Somerset reporter., 1889-10-03
The American Congress.

The delegates to the International
American Congress took possession Mon
day of the large private mansion rented
for their official use, sud were introduced
to each other Tuesday the American
delegates met the Secretary of State, and
on "Wednesday there was a meeting of all
the delegates in the diplomatic room at
the State Department, where the creden-
tials of the foreigners were presented.
The party was then received by the Pres
dent. In the evening a reception and
dinner was given by Secretary Blaine.
The great trip through the country begins
to-day, and will last forty days. For some
time past under the direction of Secre-
tary Blaine, statistics and data concern
ing the commerce and trade of the three
Americans have been in course of prepa-
ration by special agents selected by Mr..
Blaine for the use of the congress. This
Information, which is perhaps the most
comprehensive ever formulated in one
volume touching the commerce OF Amer
lea.
Gen. Henderson will be Chairman of
the American delegates by virtue of his
designation as first on the list by the Pres
ident, and he has been nominated as such
by Secretary Blaine. Mr.. Blaine will be
President of the congress, and the fitness
of such a move Is recognized by every
one. First, the scheme Is his, and, next,
his official position would make 1t most
appropriate that he should be selected to
preside. Senior Romero, the Mexican
Minister, is, after Mr.. Blaine, more talked
of than any of the delegates His long
and intimate acquaintance with our affairs
aud his knowledge of all the languages
which will he spoken, are qualifications
which few Others in the congress possess
Chief Justice Peters.
Hon. John A. Peters, Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court of Maine, CAUSES the publ
cation of the following explanatory letter:
DovRR, (at Court
September %, 1881
10 the Editor Of the Wing and Courier:
DDAR SIR-The notice which the news
papers have taken of me respecting Il ply
steal inhrlnity, which | had not intended
to have known to the public quito as soon
rs this, seems to make 1t advisable for me
to make a statement about it at this time
which | ask to do in your columns. The
disease OF cataract is undoubtedly forming
upon both of my eyes, but much more rap
idly upon one eye than the other. have
been aware of the presence of the disease
for about two years though l can now
perceive that it has been upon me for
much longer period. 1 can still perform
all Judicial duties with tolerable comforta-
bleness to myself, and have no doubt
shall be able to do SO for at least months to
come. But the disease, i'll its natural char
acter, is 80 eccentric that the rapidity Of it's
advancement can not be even approximately
foretold.
| am encouraged, by my professional ad-
wiser, with the hope that an operation on
the eye most diseased may give relief be-
fore the other eye sucoumbs to the malady.
can sec better, a popularity Of the catar-
act in subdued or dull light, or by an
artificial light than by the bright light OF
day. My greatest embarr assment is in rec.
ognizing persons at any distance on the
street, and where the conditions Of vision
are not suited to me. Having received let
tiers asking if intended to resign my office,
think it not improper to add in this note
that do not contemplate such step 80
long as I am able to,perform my duties
without detriment to the State on account
Of physical disabilities.
Very truly yours,
(Slgned), JOHN A. PETERS,