The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-31

The quarterly statement of the values OF
foreign coins issued by the director OF the
mint shows that during the last three
months the value OF silver has decreased
.11s cent per ounce and the value of for
eign silver coins has decreased accordingly.
These figures will be followed in estimating
the value of all foreign merchandise ex-
ported to the United States on and after
Jan. /. 1900 -
The calendar year 1900 will be marked by
the statutory retirement of a number Of
prominent officers in the army and navy,
and incurs equal promotions in both
branches Of the military service. Natural
ly, because of it's greater numerical
strength. the changes will be much more
numerous in the army than in the navy
Among the retirements for age in the army
are those of Major General Wesley Merritt
and B-igadier General L. NJ. Anderson.
None OF the officers of the highest grade
In the navy will retire on account OF age
during the coming year. This Is somewhat
unprecedented, as it is usual for from one
to four rear admirals to reach the retiring
age every year. The next rear admiral to
retire will be Rear Admiral f. V. McNair.
who relinquishes active duty Jan. l3. 1901.
The Secretary of War has modified the
requirements as to physical proportions Of
candidates for enlistment in the army. In
an order just issued he says:
ut is not necessary that the applicant
should conform exactly to the figures indi-
Gated in Paragraph 179. A variation not
/ exceeding in foI,+
inches in chest measurement (at expira-
tion) below the standard given in the table
is admissible. when the applicant for en-
listment is active. has firm muscles and is
evidently vigorous and healthy.
The Chinese minister. Mr.. WI Ting Fang.
has received a dispatch from China, stat
ing the Ii Hung Chang has been appointed
south OF China, adjacent to Canton. The
minister says this is a marked distinction
to the venerable Chinese statesman, as the
provinces are among the most populous
and commercially important in the en-
pire. Mr.. Wu's dispatch clears up a mis-
appearance of Ii Hung Chang at the head
fetal dispatch. stating that Earl Ii would
be made viceroy of the province. that OF
Canton, and that this would be followed
by a degradation. On the contrary, the
minister's advices show that the double
viceroyship is an unusual honor. said TO be
analogous to that OF viceroy Of India Tne
appearance Of Ii Hung Chang at the head
of affairs in southern China, 1t is believed
will have an important influence in that
quarter where the French sphere OF in
fluence'' Is supposed to be located.
Thomas NJ. Rees. corps OF engineers, who
was recently called to account by the War
Department for visiting o. NJ. Carter. for
merly of the army. in his cell at Governors
island. in contravention of the articles OF
war, has been relieved from duty AZ Fort
Totten, n. Y. and ordered 10 take station
at Tampa, Fla. relieving Captain Henry
Jervey corps of engineers, who is assigned
to Captain Reess former duties at Fort
Totten.
Representative Tayler. Of Ohio. chairman
of the special committee which is investi-
eating the case of Brigham II. Roberts,
says the case will not come up for action
in the House before the middle OF Janu-
ary. The arguments will begin Jan. 4.
When they are finished the committee will
form its conclusions. Then the report must
be written. AS it will be exhaustive. the
greatest care will be required in its prepa-
ration. and although 1t Is the intention OF
the committee to proceed as rapidly as pos
sible. Mr.. Tayler does not think the case
viii reach the House before the middle of
the month. sss
In order to correct q misapprehension e.
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