The sun., 1894-12-27
LIVE WASHINGTON TOPICS.
INTERBsTING PoSsIBILITIBs ron
FRAUD ON The RETEHUE.

Attorrsy-ee-er.i Oiney Asked 20 Decide
whether stsmp Collectors Have ths
Right 60 Print sua Sen Fac-si-iies of
Postage st.mp.-A. Amdsvit Required
20 Get = Medal or Honor for Life ssvi.s.
wAsHINoToN. Dec 2e.-oEv Of the most
delicate and intricate questions ever sub
mittcd for a legal opinion TO tho Depart
ment of Justice has been asked Of Attor-
ney-Goneral Olney by the Treasury Depart
ment. II is whether stamp collectors have the
right TO print and sell fac-similes OF United
States and foreign postage stamps. Tho bust
ness has attained considerable proportions, and
with the increase of trade the stamps turned out
have gradually reached a perfection in artistic
finish and coloring that makes them hardly dis
tinguishable from tho genuine. The best en-
Rravers and printers are employed in this work.
and while Chief Hazen OF the secret SER
vice does not charge that any such
stamps, either foreign or domestic, are
used Illegally, he contends that the
possibilities for fraud on the revenue are start
ling. In INSCRIPTIONS hands such stamps and
dies could be utilized for wholesale frauds As
to foreign stamps, the United States. by its
treaties with the various powers, is committed
TO prevent the counterfetinE OF obligations Of
foreign nations Of any kind. and stamps by law
are held to be obligations, so that the question
assumes international Importance. Philatolists
contend that by printing fac-simllcs Of stamps
they are serving as educators Of youth and pre-
vent imposition. Until the question is decided
by the Attorney-General the Treasury Depart
ment will continc its efforts to securing posses
sion Of dangerous stamp dies, but will not
undertake to conhscate the large stock OF stamp
albums in the hands OF booksellers and others.
A lifc-saving medal issued by the United
States III the future will be indeed medal Of
honor, because Of the difficulty in obtaining It
in recognition of heroism. The new restrictions
Superintendent Kimbsll with the approval OF
Secretary. Carlisle. The circular, following the
iife-savinr medals can be awarded TO those only
who save life on the high seas IN waters
United States have Jurisdiction. When
life is saved in waters wholly within
tho state ssvssSe P% NOT Waters fSPs tS. pGE pEs,sd %
States OF in small inland streams ponds pools,
s aSs rS 9 e1ed ny o Is
made, 1t must be in the form of afiidavits
made by eyewitnesses Of good repute and stand
an award is sought imperiled his life. or made
vit must set forth in detail all facts and occur
rcnces tending to show clearly in what manner
signal al exertions were made so that the depart
ment may judge for itself as to the degree Of
merit involved.
A caucus Of the House Democrats to consider
the pending banking bill will probably be
held Immediately after the reassembline
OF Congress on Jan. 3. Mr.. Springer Of
Illinois, the Chairman Of the Commit
day that he would strongly favor the, sus-
gestion Of having party caucus; While the
the general effect would be good, and II would
be better, he said. that the merits demerits Of
the bill should be fully discussed in private be-
fore IL Is brought to a vote. Mr.. Springer said
he had no doubt that the substitute reported by
him last week will pass In the House by q fair
majority.
Acting Secretary Hamlin and Superintendent
Stump of the Treasury Department will be un-
able to go TO New York, as they intended, to
hear further argument as TO whether diamond
cutting Ia a new industry. The hearing will be
continued before them at the Treasury Depart
ment tomorrow morning, and Mr.. stump will
leave for New York on Thursday night.
The President to-day at O'Clock. in the East
Room OF the White House. shook hands with
about one hundred delegates attending the bl-
ennial Convention of the Alpha Tau Omega Col
lege Fraternity, now in session here.