Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-08-24
WASHINGTON NEWS NOTES.
Opinion in the Vicksburg Post-Ofice
Case-Other Items.
[Rv tolnrrnnn 10 the plsnatch.l


WASHINGTON, d. G., August 23.-The At
torney-General has gwen an opinion in the
case of Hill, Vicksburg's postmaster, TO the
effect that he remains in charge OF and re-
sponsible for the office until his successor
is appointed. This Is a reversal of the old
practice
The case of Hill arose out of the fac {
that the Senate failed 20 act on his noml-
nation, ana his commission expires with
the session. thus creating "a vacancy. Mr.;
Wanamaker asked the Attorney-General
If the responsibilities Of the suretleS on
Hills bond would continue for sixty days,
as is the case with pOstmasters whose
terms have expired, provided the vacancy Is
not supplied IN the meantime, and If the
suretes can lawfully assume the posses
sion of the Office until "A successor is ap-
pointed. The Attorney-General answered
both questions affirmatively. The expira-
tion of Mr.. Hill's commission, 1t IS
held, does not put HIM or his sure
ties in any different relation to the gov
eminent than Is occupied by postmaster
and his sureties where the commission tor
lie was as fully go as il he had been con-
| firmed by the Senate, the only difference
being in the tenure OF the office. The
President has the same power TO commis-
sion him or arT other person he may
| choose until the end of the next session OF
the Senate, as was exercised originally IN
his case. Until some action IS taken by
the President or Postmester-Generai
1t is not 10 be supposed that the
duties of the office are TO remain
undlscharged and the public service to be
brought to standstill. II may be said
that this construction enables the Presl-
dent to fill this and similar offices con-
tnuously without the advice and consent
of the Senate. | think not, 1t is not to
be presumed that the duty enloned
upon the President OF filling such va
cancv without delay will be neglected
longer than is necessary TO enable HIM
TO make O proper selection, or that he
will seek 10 assume power which be-
longs to him generally in conjunction
with the Senate"
There have been O number of similar
cases, but heretofore n new man has al
ways been appointed few days after ad-
Journment, or a post-otiice inspector put
in charge Of the post-ottice.
Don Antonio VI. Flores, recently Presi.
dent of Ecuador. has been accepted and
confirmed as the Minister PlenIpotentiary
OF that country to the United states.
The discrimination by Costa Rica against
the vessels and trade of the United States
arising from the rebate allowed heretofore
by Costa Rica of per centum Of customs
duties in favor of certain foreign vessels
having been discontinued by repeal, tne
ground OF the complaint of this govern
ment has been removed, and the vessels OF
that country will hereafter be admitted to
United States ports without the exaction
of discriminating duties.
The officials here have no knowledge OK
and doubt the accuracy of the Chicago
story that China will test the exclusion
act in the courts of the United States. The
story referred to IS as follows: Sam Moy,
prominent in the Chinese colony here, has
surprised government officials by inform
ing them that orders have been received
from China not to obey the law requiring
Chinese residents to take out certificates
of residence. He saws the government OF
China has sent an official TO fight the law
IN the courts"