The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-11-19

field said recently that the statement which
has appeared in several newspapers, that I'M
der the rules Of the Postoflice Department
almost any private letter could be opened and
read, and that the United States mails were no
more sacred than the Russian mails, so far as
Government espionage was concerned, is GRO
noous As a matter Of fact no right is con-
ferred upon any Postoflice official in this coun-
try, and no right is assumed by any 70 break
| open mail, unless it was addressed TO the
official or he was authorized TO open it, and if
any information was furnished the Postoflice
Department that one Of its officials opened any
letter not addressed TO himself without au-
thorty, the Department would Immediately
take steps so cause his arrest and prosecution,
the penalty Of such oIcnsc being fine Of not
more than $500 or Imprisonment for not more
than one year, or both.
-
A controversy recently arose between
Director Of the Mint Loech and Mr.. Drum
mond Chief of the Secret Service of the
Treasury, over the action Of the former in sup
! plying the newspapers with photographs Of the
new designs for silver coins. Mr.. Drummond
thought that printing these designs might be
construed rs violation Of the law against
counterfeiting TO which Director Leeoh did not
agree, saying that no possible harm could result
from his action, tho law applying only against
pbotographing paper-money and other Govern
ment securities. Secretary Foster took hand
in the matter, and directed that the contro-
yersy be dropped, which settled the difficulty.
80
/ The sensation Of the past week in Washing
ton was the announcement in the Supreme
Court that treaty had been concluded with
! England which covered all the points at issue
in regard to the Boring Sea. There had pre-
yiousy been no hint that negotiations 20 that
end were in progress, and everybody outside
Of the narrowest possible official circle was
taken completely by surprise. There is much
| speculation as 10 the exact terms Of the treaty,
/ but tho State Department maintains its old
/ reputation for retcence, and will not allow
/ syllable of the terms TO become known until
after the treaty has been submitted 20 the Sem
ate for consideration. 1t is known, however,
that the treaty has not yet received the sigma
lures Of the representatives Of the two coun-
tries, but they have agreed upon every point
except the manner Of conducting the Rrbitra-
ton. 1t is believed that the United States
favors the plan adopted for the Geneva arbi-
tration-that is, each country TO choose one
! Commissioner, aud the two then to select three
Others, making the court consist OF five. Great
Britain does not oppose this plan, but may sug-
/ gest a modification Of il.
sSs
The British Minister and Sir Neville Lub-
book were callers upon Secretary Blaine &C the
! State Department one day last week. They
had long talk, after meeting the Secretary Of
| State, with Gen. John w. Foster Special Pleni-
potentiary, who is conducting reciprocity ne
Foliations in behalf Of the United States Sir
Neville is the Commissioner 10 represent Brit
ish Guiana and all the British possessions in
Central America and the West Indies Except
Jamaica and Barbadoes) in such negotiations.
lie will, however be joined shortly by Commits
sioners from the two excepted countries. Sir
Neville has been in Washington before in tho
same interests he Is now representing. In 1858
he was Commissioner. and was here for the
same purpose and the negotiations at that time
resulted ia a draft Of a commercial treaty under
which, in return for free admission Of sugar
from British Guiana, Honduras, aud the Brit
ISL West Indies. this country was to receive
concessions in regard TO products exported to
those countries which were not enjoyed by any
other country, not even excepting England.
This proposed treaty was not approved by the
English Government for that very reason, and
was consequently not ratified by the United
States Senate. Sir Neville says that bis mis-
sion is to show the United States that the Brit
ish West Indies do not impose upon their inn
l a.
when compared with the tariff imposed upon
the imports Of other c0untres that they will
give articles imported from the United States
the same privileges aud advantages that are
afforded goods imported from Great Britain.
IN case no agreement is reached, Sir Neville
says that they will find market for their
sugar in the United Kingdom; that at present
all their sugar is sent % this country, eXccp,
the fancy grade called Demerara, which goes "a
England. DE has no hesitation in saying that
they would like 10 continue their trade with
this country, as tho present relations are very
pleasant and that during the past few years
they have greatly increased the imports Of
American goods, and now use the Gour Of tao
United States exclusively, besides taking a
large amount Of lumber aud petroleum, which,
with the linen and cotton goods that come from
England. are the largest importations II,
hopes that negotiations will result favorably Il
both countries. An examination Of the tariff
Of British Guiana aud the British West Indie
shows that the products Of the United State
are Disseminated against, and It will tax,
something more than the word Of Sir Nevill,
Lubbock 10 convince the State Department I,
tho contrary. They will have TO make NOR
liberal concessions before We admit their i'm
ports free Of duty.
The old kitchen Of Gen. Jackson's time a
. the White House is now used as an elevate
engiue-room. But the old-fashioned ovens an
still there, and the niche 10 the wall remain
where the big crane was suspended in the oil,
a days Of primitive hospitality at the Executive
! Mansion.
q ."s
4 IN re1tting the Capitol building for the Fifty
second Congress, which has been going steadil,
along for some time, considerable attention ha
r been paid 10 the Vice. Presidents room. Tn
y furniture has been newly upholstered, tn
e mirrors have been regildod, and much-noed
2 coat Of varnish has been put on all the ma
G hogauy. When Congress assemblies eyerythin
= will be in shipshape order for the solons