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About Oregon City enterprise. (Oregon City, Or.) 1871-188? | View Entire Issue (Jan. 19, 1872)
B3"335SE9 O O (Ei)clUcciiln (Enterprise. OFFICIAL PAPER FO CLACKAMAS COUNTY. Oregon City, Grog on , Friday Jan. 19, 1872. Salem "Statesman'' on Grant. In the issue of the Statesman of the ICth inst., the editor indulges in a long and somewhat " open " article on the prospects of the next Presidential nomination. He evi dently has been reading some "dis affected Republican " documents, lie says in the outset that it "is a fact very plainly developed that President Grant has bitter enemies inside the Republican party, and Ave can count among them some in Congress who have ranked and still rank as its leaders." The leaders of the Republican party, he argues, are opposed to Grant. Why ? "There's the rub." Would men who are now, and have been for years, the leaders of that party which has been s signally triumph ant for the past ten years, now turn in opposition to a candidate who, to most Republicans, is the strong est man in the party, without some positive, well grounded reasons for such action ? We think not. Rut the Statesman will enlighten us again. It says, and we can but admire its forced candor, that "no candid man will shut his eves to the necessity of reform in our gov ernment affairs not because they are not administered as well now as heretofore, but because they are not administered, and have never been, as well as the best interests of the people demand." Why are they not administered as well as the " best interests of the people demand?" We were not prepared for such an admission from a Re publican journal. Hut, no doubt, the poor fellow who has thus re lieved himself of an approach to truth, now breathes more freely. He however, does not stop here, but goes on to say that lie has "faith that Grant is an honest and capable man, and if he is not, the people should know it. The Re publican party has faith in him, but if by any chance it is nrsplaced, we have no reason to make a sacri fice of principle to sustain his for tunes." He has, it would seem, just awakened to the conviction that there is a bare 2ossibility that Grant's load will prove too heavy for him to carry, and the Republi can party may have to abandon the "Great American Smokist," and find some other man with whom to ride into the White House in 1872. The fact is, that many of the best Republicans have arrived at the firm conclusion that the tla gitious and glaring actions of this .Administration have rendered the re-election of Grant an impossibil ity. When Radical journals come down from singing peans to his praise, and go so far as to admit that he is not immaculate, it is fully time for those who really desire the welfare of the nation to hope that a reaction is taking place in the minds of the American people. The people have long ago seen and felt the outrageous, usurping and dis graceful character of the present incumbent of the White House, and nothing but a venal press, kept alive, in many instances, by money stolen from the honest tax-payers of our country, has been for the last few months endeavoring to fuist the miserable abortion upon the people for another four year's term. Rut the last act in the u,rand drama is well nigh closed, and next fall the curtain will drop forever upon one of the most corrupt, ignorant and worthless personages that ever occupied the Presidential chair. Rkai It. We some time since endeavored to show our readers that George S. Routwell was either an iirnorant ass or dishonest, and totally unlit for the position which he holds. The latter charge is mdoubtedlythe true one, as will be seen from a lengthy expose of the corruption in his department, published in this issue. Let our patrons read it and pass it around. Yashixgtox Lettek. We this week publish the first of our regu lar Washington letters. These let ters are written expressly for the ExTEnrnisE, by a reliable gentle- man, wno nas large experience at Washington, and who is also familiar with the wants of our State. These letters willhnvn m- cial interest uunni: the session of Congress. The Xew York 8.m sayg that on Mon day, the 11th of December, 4 the Presi dent nominated for commander a naval officer who has prolwbly t o', d irnwn a so- ber breath in ten je.tr"-." The P. o.w.t . . - - '-'' Murder of James Fisk, Jr. Elsewhere will be found a synop sis of the telegraphic dispatches concerning the murder of James Fisk, Jr., of New York, who was shot by Edward S. Stokes, with I whom Fisk has had considerable trouble during. the past few years. This man, reckless, eccentric, and, perhaps, unprincipled, as he was, had many generous, noble, redeem ing traits in his character, which, taken in connection with the cow ardly manner in which he was at tacked, and the coolness and forti tude which he displayed while lingering in the most intense agony, have aroused for him a sympathy in the hearts of many who, while he lived, had not the least feeling in common with the man We are disposed to let the mantle of chari ty fall over his foibles, and endeav or to remember alone his good deeds, during a brief, erratic life. His death was as sudden as his life had been meteoric, lie rose like a brilliant comet, shot across a checkered, dazzling sky, and fell like a rocket, to rise no more. IJy his will he leaves the major portion of his property to his wife. Election Frauds- We give the following, clipped from a Xew York dispatch, under date of January 4th. It explains itself: In the Custom House investigation to day John P. Lindsay testified that part, of frequent assessments for electioneering purposes were -always two per cent, of annual salaries, and extended to every of ficer ; he knows that Collector Grinnei! p. lid S7 001) Iroin his own pocket to save poorer subordinates ; part of the control of the general order of business was given by Grinnell to Leet when Grant became President ; Leet came here from Pennsylvania and brought from the Pres ident and Secretary of State letters recom mandiig Lee (for aay thing good, and on witness" advice Grinnell grave Leet the general order of business ; Leet was not a citizen of this Commonwealth; ex-Mayor Wood of Brooklyn and Mr. Squires gut other portions, and Leet arranged to do Ptxley s portion of the general order of business for a certain sum, and by direc tion of Grinnell a portion of the business was directed to Bix'ey's store; Leet was guaranteed about is 10.000 annually; Leet was then in the War Department; Bixley is a merchant; Grinnell was known to be oppossed to the political assessments of the Custom House employes: he was threatened with removal by Leet if he could could not. get what he wanted. The Statesman is beginning to show signs of disaffection and ex pects to be bought up again to the support of the Radical cause. It is always open to the highest bid der about nomination time. Four years ago the concern was bought with the job of publishing the IT. S. laws. Since that time, the sick ly little editor's nerves have been sadly disorganized by a pistol ball which he imagined was going to hit him, and as he expects to get several thousand dollars from that source, the Radicals will not have to pay much for him this time. Pooii Max. The Gazette editor thusly goes after a man who re cently engaged in the saloon busi ness : We are always sorry to see any person thus throw himself away, and say. by his acts, that he -cares not for public senti medt." Put we are especially pained when we see a man of intelligence, cul ture, social position: and surrounded by an interesting and happy family, so far disregard all these ties as to enter into a business which is brutaliizing to the per son engaged in it, demoralizing in its ef fects upon the community, and upon which rests the curse of the Almighty : Wo onto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makesl him drunken also' If that quotation don't up-end him, the business never will. A Y Eii v "Gai.e." The Umjy- pia Uns't'jn, of Roseburg, says the Democrats all over the nation are seriously talking of runnning Horace Greeley for President, and Fred Douglass for Yice President, in order to capture the negro vote! How long shall such a truthful and enterprising journalist as this be compelled to occupy an obscure hamlet like Rosebunr ? A Goon Indian. An Indian named Jim got drunk on Oregon City whisky the other night, went home, cut his wiie up with a hatchet, beat the earth with his baby, and then killed another siwash who was impudent enough to interfere. Jim was captured, shot in the arm, and put in the jail, but he busied out. and at last ac counts was still a tree child of the I wrest. It is not stated whether an attempt was made to pray with hhn. Orejonian. Nothing in the above is true ex cept the Indian, and he would not be so if he were not locked up. The New York Herald generally ex hibits the faculty of speaking to the'noiot on i'opics of the tlmc. Oregonian,' lGtk Yerv well, tide headed Now read the ar " Startling Disclos ures," in an other column of this paper. Goli ix Yekmoxt. An island in White River, Yermont, is now beinix mined by a large number of gold seekers. The ore they take out assays at about 2,000 to the ton. Deceased. W. F. Roelofsoa, a gentle man largely connected with railroad in- ' Crests on this coast, died nt P.nri. . i to, vijLiitJ Otb ulL Our Special Washington Letter- Washington-. Dec. 20, 1871. Editor Enteui'iii.se. As I indicated in my last not received yet, the debate in the Senate cn Judge Trumbull's resolu tion for a Committee on Retrenchment and .Investigation, has loomed up to such di- metisions as to become a question of dis cussion in all parts of the nation, and is. unquestionably, the opening of the Presi dential campaign for 1872. Before this reaches Oregon, you will have seen the comments of the press, both Republican and Democratic, in which there is general astonishment that the peculiar friends of Gen. Graut resisted investigation, and the belief is general throughout the country that there is something rotten in Den mark. :' A leading Republican Senator in his "place, said the Administration was 'reeking in corruption," and the constant development of frauds and peculations in the Treasury and other DepartraanU of the Government prove that in no Admin istration which has preceded President Grant's, has there been so many and heavy defalcations, and if a proper com mittee to investigate, with sufficient pow ers, had been formed by the Senate, this fact would have been rnaniftst to the country. But the debate in the Senate has aroused the people, and men of all parties are demanding a thorough over hauling of the doings of this corrupt ad ministration, and Grant and his followers are trembling in their boots. Never since Grant's election in 18(18, has there been so much danger to his success, as since this remarkable debate, and it is now con sidered extremely donbtlul if he gets the nomination. The hopes of the Democrats have been greatly revived, and fresh courage seems to pervade the besom ot every Democratic member of Congiess, and as Congress takes a recess to-morrow till the 8Lh of January, 1872, the Demo crats return to their constituents to urge them to organization and preparation for the canvass of 172. They begin to feci that ail that is needed for success is confi di nee and earnest work. They are con vinced that a majority of the American people are opposed to Grant and the man ner in which the government is adminis tered by him. No sensible man will dis pute the lact. that the policy of the Re publican party is to make the "rich richer and the poor poorer ;"' that the bondhold er pays none ot the taxes of the country, and on the tiller of the soil and the me chanic rest the burdens of government. The results of Grant's policy ali inure to the advantage ot capital, which concen trates in the National Banks, wherein they are permitted to draw interest tiom ihe Government on bonds deposited. whilM at the same time, they extort ruinous in let est from those to whom they loan money furnished them by the Govern ment. It has been a matter of astonish ment to me, that the sensible men ol the country could not see and feel the pernici ous consequences of the legislation of Congress sinee'the Republicans have come into power, resulting in the collection of millions of dollars as taxes on almost, every conceivable production and nianu lioture. If the Democrats shall enter up on the canvass with vigor, and present a clear and concise statement of the condi tion of affairs, the true character and ef fect of the measures of the Republican party, surely the people will not longer submit to be governed by them, but will seek relief from the galling yoke and heavy burdens laid on them now by Graut and his followers. You may depend upon it, the Democra cy mean to organize, and the organization will be early and thorough. Let meetings lake place at once. It is peculiarly ap propriate that the Democrats of Oregon should do so at an early day, as your elec tion will be the tirst to be held in any of t ie States in lfe72, and the Democracy should make a good showing, as it. will encourage your Irieuds elsewhere. But I am convinced your people need no stir ring up. lor they feel the importance of tht-ir position and will come up to the work manfully. As Congress takes a recess, nothing in the way of legislation will be dune till their return ; but in the mean time, mem bers who remain here will be industrious ly engaged in the preparation of measures in which their cotsiituenls are deeply in terested. As the Senators and Repreen tative from your State will remain i:i the city, they will be enabled to complete the preparation of the bills lhey are in terested in. so that they can receive the early attention ol Congress. The " bill to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from Great Sail Lake to Portland' is now complete in all its de tails, and has been introduced into the .Senate by Senator Corbet t. As it is highly probably the Republicans will force an adjournment on the 1st of .May. your Sen iors and Representative. Hon. James II. Slater, are anxious to get a good start for the Railroad Bill, so as to insure its pass age at the earliest posssible moment, and in this they are ably seconded by Col. Chapman, the President, of ihe Road. The presence of Col. Chapman at the Capitol at this lime is a very propitious circum stance in favor of the Railroad Bill. His earnestness and great fund of necessary information in reference to the country through which the road is to pass, and the facts he presents, showing its necessity and national importance, impresses, all who come in contact with him. He is an able advocate ot the measure, and is -the right man in the right place.' He inspires confidence, because he is himself con vinced of .he great advantage of the road, a'ud no one is better calculated by h suavity of manners, enlarged intelligence and Irauk honesty, to remve objections. Ana these very traits so commendable in Col. Chapman, characterize the course of your Representative, who adds to these a commendable modesty, so appropriate to a new member, and width commends him to the high respect and esteem of his asso ciates. . There will be a strong effort to repeal the income 1 ;x : but it will meet with de termined opposition, for many argue that this is the only tax by which the heavy "bondholders can be reached ; but as Con gress has lor the last ten years legislated tor the interest of that class I would not be surprised to see it repealed. Senator Sumner, when Congress reas sembles, will introduce an amendment to the Constitution, limiting the Presidential term to one ot four years, on which it U thought Le will indulge in an extended review of all the abuses of power aud patrenage practice. 1 by Gen. Grast since he ha-? been in office. The public may look for a rich expose, for the Senator wid be tuiiy posted aud prepared. He. as well as his friends, are gathering material, and it is very abundant. Sumner attri butes all his recent political woes to the agency of Grant, and believes it was through the President he was degraded in the case of the Chairmanship ot Foreign Affairs in the Senate. 'A'e say, 'Lay on Macduff.'7 In this nalit we have liie same feeling Use woman i d. in the set to between the bear and her husband. l i.e i osrlns.er General has desired a codification of the Postal laws into one act. and ihe Cunmitu-e on Postufiiceo arid and Post Roads, reported the bill pre sented to them by Gen. Cressweli. It leaked out yesterday, that the main ob ject he had in desiring the new law. was to give him absolute power over all con tracts for carrying the mails, virtually do ing away with the time-honored practice ot advertising for bids. He wauted the power to make all the contracts himself and with whom he pleased, thus having it i:i his power to enrich himself and friends, and at the same time increase his patron age, and centralize that Department, and make it subservient in all respects to po litical machinations. "Like master, like man.' Grant is lor centralization, and Cresswell favors it too. The fact is. the people are fast losing all control of their own officers, and there has been more usurpation practiced in the last five years than in the whole previous history of our country. Cressweil will doubtless get his bid through, as Congress, as at present constituted, believes in strengthening the hands of the Executive Departments, and go for all manner of jobbing. They are in the jobbing business themselves and observe the golden rule, '"Do unto others as you would hare them do to you." The citizens of Washington are making many improvements of the streets and sidewalks, and are determined to make it a desirable point for the seat of Govern ment, and prevent its removal west. The proposition to take the Capital to St. Louis has stirred the city authorities of Washington to the importar.ee of making the place more comfortable and attractive. and they deserve much for their exertions in that direction, and as President Grant has brought the matter to the favorable consideration of Congress. I have no doubt that body will indulge in liberal appropriations to the District of Columbia to help the authorities to pay some of the heavy bills incurred in the work done on the streets, etc. If Congress does not come to the aid of the District. I cannot tell where else the money is to come from, for the expenditures made since the erri toiial organization, are on as extravagant scale, as those iu New York under Tweed. The Territorial Legislature authorizes the issue of millions o: bonds; they are sold, and about three-fourths of the money sticks to the fingers of the officials, and the other fourth goes to the laborers, so ns'to m ike a show of providing employ ment for the ignorant negroes, who placed these men into power by their votes. When a full exhibit is made of these pecu lations of the officials of the Territory of Columbia and the City of Washington, the country will find another exhibition of the peculiar tactics of Radicals where they govern and have control of the people's money, as has been disclosed of Radical rule in the Southern States, wherein Gov ernors Bullock of Georgia, Holden of North Carolina, and now Scott of South Carolina. 4t is bred in the Radical bone to peculate and rob the people, and an honest administration of the government and of States seems to be impossible in a Radical incumbent. PlBLtCUrf. Apportionment. Following is the apportionment of Dele gates to which each county is entitled in the Democratic State Convention, which meets at the Dalles, on April lOih : Baker . Benton ". Clackamas Clatsop Columbia Coos Currv Douglas Grant Jackson Josephine Lane Linn Marion Multnomah Folk Tillamook Umatilla Union Washington Wasco s . , Yamhill .0 . . 7 .1 .2 .3 . 1 .8 .4 .8 .2 .8 12 11 10 . 7 .1 . 5 .4 .4 . 3 -C Death ok a Noted Divine. The tele graph announced to us last week the death, at Danville Ky.. of Robert J. Breck inridge. No clergyman in the United States, truly remarks an exchange, has filled a more prominent place as a theolo gian and controversial writer, than the de: ceased. For more than thirty-five years, his learning, ability and industry made him the most prominent divine among Protestant denominations, and his wait ings arc well known to our Catholic pop ulation. The controversy that he held with Fattier John Hughes, then Roman Catholic paslor in Philadelphia, gave ibe latter such a prominence th;U he was chos en Coadjutor Bishop of New York, then became Bishop, and subsequently Arch bishop of New York. The discussion end ed; each party satisfied that, its champion had gained the victory. The debate was published, and occupies a very large vol ume, entitled the Hughes and Breckin ridge Controversy. The deceased was uncle of John C. Breckimidgo. He was born at Cabell's. Ky., March 8. 1800. stTnl studied in Princeton, Yale and Union Colleges, graduating at 1!). He practiced law in Kentuckey for eight years, from 1823 to 1831. and was several times a member of the State Legislature. In 1832 he was ordained pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, and retained the position for 13 year.. He was afterward President of Jefferson Col lege. Pennsylvania : la'ter was Superin tendent of Instruction of Kentucky. In 18.53 he was elected President ot the Dan ville Seminary, which position he held till the time of his death. The Porri.AU Wish. Senator Sumner's proposition to abolish the Internal Reve nue bureau, with all the array of collect ors, assesors, inspectors and deputies, pre cisely meets the popular wish at this time, lemaiks the New York Eceniivi Pout, and bids fair to be supported by a strong pressure of public opinion on Congress. The country demands relief from taxation; and first of all from that taxation which supports the supernumerary office-holders. It is much to be wished that our Custom houses might be thrown open to the pub lic gaze as widely as the International Revenue office. Caftaix Kei.i.-"s Flxf.cal.. The re mains of Capt. Kelly arrived at Portland, by the Orifiamme, on Saturday last. They were removed to the armory of the Wash ington Guard, where they lay iu state, guarded by members of the Emmet and Washington Guards and the Hibernian Benevoient Society, until Suuday, wht-n It ey were sent to Vancouver, where the last sad riles were performed by the mili tary aud Masonic Fraternity. Incokrect. We see a notice going the rounds ot ihe press to the effect that John C. Breckinridge died on the 27th ult., at Danville. We presume this is an error, His uucle, Rev. Robert J. Breckinridge, died at the date aud place given, which prouably led to the error iu names. Fostfoned. Owing to the delay in re ceiving returns from the East, caused by the heavy snow3 on the line of the Union Pacific Railroad, the Cosmopolitan Benev olent Society have been compelled to postpone their drawing. It has probably couie off by this time. STARTLING DISCLOSURES ! Frauds in the I nil id States Trcag. ury Department. Imittach Hunt Talked Ot : Frcrn the New York IlendXJ Wasiiixgtox. December 18, 1871. Secretary Bout well is becoming serious ly alarmed at the strong indications of ef forts for. his impeachment, and, in view of the proposed report of the Ways and Means Committee. giving a full account oT his syndicate operations, is preparing to answer the demands of the Committee in reference to that matter. It is frankly admitted by high officials at the Treasury Department" that, iu order to put the loan upon the maiket at home or abroad, the Secretary did step outside of the law, ami violate the terms of the acts of Congress, approved July 14. 1870, and January 20, lsl, which " expressly forbid any increase of our bonded debt or the payment of more than one-hall of one per cent, commission to agents or the sale of bonds for less than their par value in coin, in the following words : But nothing in this act. or any other law now in force, shall be construed to authorize any increase whatever of the bonded debt of the United States. "Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Treasury is here by authorized to sell and dispose of any of the bonds issued under this act, at not less than their par value lor coin, and to apply the proceeds thereof to the redemp tion of any of the bonds of the United States outstanding and known as five twenty bonds, at their par value, or he may exchange the same for such five twenty bonds, par lor par; but the bonds hereby authorized .shall be used for no other purpose whatsoever. And a stun not exceeding one-half of one per cent, of the bonds herein authorized is hereby appropriated to pay the expense of pie paring, issuing, advertising aud disposing ot iLe same." Mil. llOtTWEI.ls VIOLATIONS Of I..UV. It is absolutely necessury here to recap itulate the most flagrant of Mr. BoutwelTs violations of law. though the Herald read ers must be familiar with the larger por tion of them, but not with the essential particulars, which will be found further on. Two hundred million dollars of the new bonds, a little over one-eighth of the sum authorized by Congress, have been put upou the market and disposed of; but at what cost? The answer is given in Mr. Bout well's own organ ia the following words : Mr. Boutwcll's plan of funding the na tional debt has had a pretty fair trial. The sum and substance of the Secretary's suc cess is the funding of S200.o;)0,00U at five per cent, on the payment of a bonus of one and a half per cent to the syndicate of foreign bankers, who have agreed to take the loan. Add to the bonus ($3,000, 000) $1,000,000 more for the aggregate cost of printing the new bonds, advertis ing, explaining and commending the loan, aud the entire co.,l of funding ihe $200. 000,000 at five per cent,, is 55 1.000. 000. ,; It taust be born in mind that this S4. 000.000 has been paid out by Mr. Bout well, not for negotiating for $200,000,000 of bonds sold for coin, but mainly to pav favorites for handling one set of bond's over their counters and taking back an other. At this rate $30,000,000 will be ex pended in converting the amount author ized by Congiess. At this rate S30.0J0. 000 will be expended in "explaining, ad vertising, commending" and p-iyiug a ''bonus'' to favorites, before the entire loan can be converted; for conversion is all there is of it. THE I'IKST VIOLATION. Congress appropriated a sum not to ex ceed one million dollars to pay the entire expense of convening the $200,000,000 five per cents put upon the market last spring. It is admitted that Mr. Boutwell has expended lull tour times the maxi mum allowed by law. Herein has be vio lated both the letter and the spirit of the law. Congiess- expressly provided that half the amount saved by reduction of in terest the first year .should cover the cost of conversion. It is admitted that Mr. Boutwell h;vs expended more than he can save in two years. Congress expressly provided that the expenses of the conversion should not in crease the tax payers" burden a sittgU cent. 1 lie burden imposed by Mr. Bout well's syndicate operations is just two million dobais greater than it would have been if he had let the business entirely alone I THE SECOXD VIOLATION. The l-aw of Congress expressly forbids any increase whatever of the bonded debt of the nation. It is notorious that Secre tary Boutwell issued $200,000,000 of the five per cent bonds before, months before, ca.ltng n a like amount of six per cents I nder the Head ot "debt bearing interest in coin" in the last monthly debt state ment, the Secretary gives 55(52 7911.400 as the total amount of new five per cents outstanding, when it is notorious that full $200,000,000 have been bearing interest for months. THE THIU!) VIOLATION. Congress has provided by law that (be new five per cents shall not be disposed of for less than their coin par value. It is notorious that the syndicate, by hook and crook, actually obtained the new bonds from Secretary Boutwell for much less than their par value in coin. THE FOCKTH VIOLATION" A KINO JOB. The Secretary of the Tieasury is au thorized only to exchange the new bonds tor old bonds, or sell them for coin. It is notorious that Mr. Boutwell has taken millions upon millions of dollars of na tional bank certificates of deposit in ex change for new bonds. On the 1 1th of September last the Treas ury Department held $2!),0'J8.400 of these national bank certificates of deposit, re ceived in exchange lor the new bonds. Twenty-six million four hundred and eighty-four thousand and lour hundred dollars of these certificates of deposits of coin were issued by the First National Bank of Washington, of which Mr. II. D. Cooke, of the firm of Jay Cooke it Co., is President. I do not find anyone who even pretends there were $20,000,000 of coin in the First National Bi'.nk of Washington at any time during the month of September. Thai in stitution, nevertheless, found no trouble in getting Secretary Boutwell to take that amount of its certificates of deposit, bear ing no interest, in exchange for United Slates bonds, bearing live per cent, in terest. It was understood at the Treasury De partment that Secretary B un well would hold the certificates three months; and, at the end ot that tune, if the bank was not ready to take them up. either by turning in old bonds or paving coin, an ex'eusion would not be refused. The transaction was both safe and profitable for the bank managers, but terribly severe on the tax pavers. But the worst feature of this transaction is its palpable violation of the law of Con ress. which requires the new bonds to be exchanged for the old or sold at not less than their par value IN' coin. Certain it is that national bank certifi cates are not coin in the meaning of ihe law. It' Congress had intended lhat Sec retary Boutwell should exchange the new five per cents for national bank certificates of deposit a provision to that effect would have been inserted in ihe law for funding the national debt. Oril TREASURY CLERKS IX EUROPE. The Committee of Ways and Means will also inquire how and by what authority of law Secretary Boutwell gave some thirty-three Treasury clerks a leave ol ab- sense that enabled them to make a lengthy tour in Europe, last summer and fall, at G o v e r n m e n t e x p e i i s e . Many of these clerks hold responsible positions in the department, the duties of which during their absence in Europe were performed by inexperienced and. in some cases, incompetent subordinates. The general looseness of department bus ness. as shown by the recent startling do tal eat ions, is the natural result. The answer, that it was necessary to send these flirty three clerks to Europe to carry bonds to the syndicate, is no re ply at all. The bonds "if stolen or lost, would have been, in the hands of unau thorized persons, quite valuelessnot worth the paper ihey were printed upon o that the responsibility was really very small. A contract could have read ily been made with a responsible steam ship or express company to transport the bonds as safely and cheaply as, by the plan adopted, and the services of the clerks thereby retained iu the department where needed. The present demoralization and recent defalcations in the Treasury Department must be charged mainly to Mr. Boutwell 's syndicate account. .SECRETARY I!OUTWELL3 DEFENCE. Mr. Routwell 's friends are compelled to admit that in order to put a small por tion of the new loan upon the market abroad, he went outside the limits of the law and violated the plain provisions of the act authorizing the funding of the na tional debt. They hope, however, that the country will sustain his action in these particulars, inasmuch as he saves to the Government one per cent interest on the bonds thus converted. They ignore the fact that the expense of the conversion is greater than the amount saved during the next two years, and that the immediate effect of the transactions in question is to greatly increase the burden of the Gov ernment, "WILL NOT HOLD WaTEU. Whether Mr. Bou! well's defence meets favor with the committee of Ways and Means and with Congress in general re mains to be seen. It is hardly probable that the dangerous precedent of allow ing a Secretary of the Treasury to set aside the laws of Congress at pleasure will be established. It might have been done during the great rebellion, but it is too late now. There is no occasion for the exercise ot an- such power. WILL SEC'Y liOUTWELI. F.K 1MFKACHKD? Four months ago Mr. Boutwell could laugh at the idea of impeachment as safely and serenely as Mr. Tweed might have smiled at the sugges tion of an airest up on a charge of felony. The people are now, however, getting into the dangerous habits of smashing rings The Tammany Ring has been very nearly broken. Its great prototype, the Treasury Ping at Washington, must be the next to meet the same fate. Considerations of party expediency may postpone Mr. Boutwell's impeachment un til he resigns or is dismissed by the Pres ident. It is not easy to see what else can save him. The Herald's exposures of his syndicate operations are having a power ful effect upon public opinion that politi cians are not slow lo observe. The Treasury Ring the greatest, most powerful and most dangerous of till rings will make a terrible fight to save him, for he has been a supple tool from the first. But rings have had their day. The cry is now, Down with the Treasury Ring.'' Rout.'H ox Sr. Louis. A dispatch from St. Louis to the Cinnicati Gazelle, dated Dec. 29:h, says : "Grave fears are felt that the channel of the river will be turn ed from the Missouri to the Illinois shore, opposi'e the city. When the ice gorged above the bridge piers, it grounded in the shallow water in front of the elevator, and when the recent, rise came down, the current striking the lodged ice was direct ed across the river, and has since been running like a mill race down the Illinois shore. It has also impinged the bank at th. head of Bloody Island, and has cut its way to within some fifty or sixty yards of the Chicago and Alton Railroad tiack. If this is not checked, the current may cut through to Cat'nokia creek, in which case the channel of the river would seek i's old timed course .behind the island, and leave St. Louis with a huge bar before it. Goon Time Coming. The Civil Service Reform bill provides that candidates for positions under the Federal Government shall undergo a rigid examination as re gards capacity, industry and moral char acter. No one, says the S. F. Ecanvncr, under this text, will be excluded, if pro perly carried out, on account of politi cal preferences. Under these circumstan ces we expect to see large numbers of Democrats uniting all the qualities re quired by this Act. called to fill high po sitions under an Administration whose principles they may disapprove, politi cally, but which they can assist to keep from being regarded as dishonest, to ihe "extent of their ability, by their efforts to perform faithfully the duties entrusted to them. Fort Washington:. The S. F. Emminer says that nominations of the Hon. Mrs. A. A. Sargent and Mrs. Laun De Force Gor don, made by the National Woman Suf frage Committee at Washington, D. C, having been seconded by the Woman Suffragists of the state, and having elected them to represent California in the effort to induce Congre.-s to pass a declaratory act to the effect that women are already citizens, aud have the right to vote under the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, these ladies in company with representa tives from other portions of the coast, left on the train of the 2d inst., to join at Reno Susan B. Anthony, on their way to the National Capital. The Terminus. A Portland paper says it is reported at Olympia that the manage ment of the N. P. R. R. intend ob'aining from Congress an extension of the time in which they are required to complete the road between the Columbia river and its final terminus on Puget Sound. It is said that they desire, after connecting their road with Budd's Inlet, to use steam boat navigation on the Sound for the piesent, and to be relieved from building for the next five or ten years the forty miles each year, on this year, as is re quired by the Joint Resolution passed about a couple of years ago. Grant and His Chances. The New York Sun. a Republican journal with anti Grant proclivities, in discussing Grant and his chances for a re-nomination aud re-election, indulges in the following lan guage : -But though Grant may be re notniaafed, he will not be re-elected ! and moreover, he wiii be defeated by Pitch an alliance aud under such circumstances that it will give the finishing blow to the Republican organization."' severe ox Ui ysses. Theodore Tilfon, in the Gohhn Age, says the President's message reads like the "monthly record of current events in an old magazine.'" and likens it to a "bundle of items put together like a bundle of citrars.' and then winds up by savins that not nz the work of a statesman it is not dUnp- pointed at fiudiDg no statesmanship iu it, The Shooting of James Fisk, Jr. Following is a synopsis of the telegraph dispatches relating to the killing of James Fisk, Jr., by Edward S". Stokes: tue shooting. At half past four P. M. Fisk's carriage stopped at the entrance of the Grand Central Hotel. It contained Fisk and a companion. The former alighted and entered the hotel for the purpose cf pro ceeding to his rooms. As he ascended the first step Edward S. Stokes came out of an adjoining passage-way, unperceived by Fisk. unbuttoned bis coat, drew out a "revolver and rapidly discharged three shots at Fisk. The first lodged in Fiskrs shoulder ; the second whistled close by his head ; the third, with a more fatal di rection, took effect in his abdomen, inflict ing a mortal wound. Fisk at once staggered and fell, while Stokes cast a look of hatred on the pros trate form of his victim, and said, iu sav age tones : "1 have done for the son of a b this time." Fisk evidently recogniz ed his assailant before" tailing, but made no, remark. Immediately after the shots were fired ihe hotel employes rushed to the rescue ; while some cired for the wound ed man, others seized Stokes, who, seeing escape was impossible, made no resist ance, and was promptly handed over to the police. Fisk was quickly conveyed to his room, where the surgeon of the ho tel was soon in attendance upon him. FISK'S TTATEMENT. Fisk's statement to the Coroner is lo the etfect that be had come to the hotel and made inquries as to whether Miss Morse was in, and being answered in the irfirmative. he proceeded up the stairs. He had no suspicion that any one intended to harm him. When about the tirst landing he saw a flash and felt something -nrike him upon the sibdomen. Before falling he recognized Stokes as his assailant, lie did not again see fctokes until he was brought before him to identify him. DEATH OF K1SK DYING .SCENES. New York. January 7. A few minutes before 11 o'clock this morning Jas. Fisk, Jr., expired. All that unremitting medi cal skill and attention could do, had been done, but of no avail. Jay Gould was in attendance at an ear ly hour this morning. His face wore, while there was a hope of his friend's re covery, its usual calm expression ; but no sooner had Fisk expired, however, lhari Gould's fortitude gave wtiy, aud his grief lound vent in tears. The news of Fisk's death spread rapid I3. and every where produced a profound sensation of deep regret. Ail aspersions that bis enemies had heaped upon bis character were in a mo ment forgotten, and only his noble quali ties of bead and heart were remembered his frankness, his generosity and his char ity. The scene in and around the room where the body lay wa.s touching in the extrrme. It became necessary to admit up stairs only those who came at first, on business ; notwithstanding this, a very large number ot the friends of Fisk and guests of the hotel viewed the body. Many ladies were among them. Later iu the afternoon, prior K the removal of the body to Fi.-k's late residence, the general public were admitted to view the remains. MRS. FISK AT THE BEDSIDE OF HER 1IUSHAND- At a quarter past seven Mrs. Fisk arriv ed. She was admitted at first into the ante room, and soon afterwards into the bed room. Mrs. Fisk was terribly agitat ed at the bed-side of her husband. This scene was the most heart rending that had yet taken place, and those present could not suppress their emotion. The doctors were applied to by the wife to give souie little hope, but they gently indicated that they dare not say there was any chance of recovery. Fisk was not much moved at this moment when he was cognizant of his surroundings, but seemed never de serted by that coolness aud fortitude which he displayed when first shot. THE DEATH-RED SCENE. After this the rapidity of the decline showed itself more strongly than ever be fore. At ten o'clock there was eager, suppressed whispering, as it was told in every ear that the end was sorely draw ing nigh. At half-past ten he lay scarcely knowing that there were any persons ministering to him. He tinned his face to the wall, noticed no one, and ceased breathing at a quarter to eleven. PROVISIONS OF FISK'S "WILL. New York, January 7. Following aro the provisions ol Colonel Fisk's will : Mrs. Hooker (his sister) $100,000 in Nar ragansett Steamship Company shares ; his lather and mother. So. 000 a year each. To each of the two Misses Morse he be queathed $2,000 a year. To the Ninth Regiment he gave $11,000. This gift was made a week ago. but was legalized last night. To his wife he bequeathed the balance of his property of all kinds. CI tOIVDS JtUSII TO SEE THE COKPSK. New Yuik, January S. Some fifty thousand people visited the remain of Fisk before their removal from the Opera House. The body was dressed in the uniform of a Coionel. The face wore a slight expiession of pain, but otherwise was natural. His cap and sword lay on (lie top of the casket. A large number of prominent citizens joined the immense, assemblage which viewed the remains. THE TESTIMONY I'.EFoRE THE CORONER. The Coroner then called John G. Red mond, door boy of the Grand Central Hotel, who testified to the arrival of Fisk at the hotel, and his asking for Miss Morse. The boy said that he would see if she was in ; Fisk went up a few steps ahead of him when the first shot was fired; Fisk fell, saving. - Oh;" Fisk then-rose, and a second shot was fired. Fisk falling and sliding down tou.e six feet ; he then got up, and, after looking to see if Stokes was there, walked up stairs; he was taken to the reception-room ; saw Stokes with one arm on the balustrade ; bad some thing in his hand ; could not see what ; Stokes went to the hotel ten minutes be fore Fisk ; did not see any of the parlies again till Fisk recognized Stokes after xv aid. Thomas Hart, another door boy of the Grand Central Hotel, testified lhat as Fisk was going up stairs he saw Stokes coming along the ball from the first par lor ; he was alone ; walked stealthily, as if he wanted to come on some one; heard' him say, "Now 1 have you.'' or some such word' ; then heard the firing id" two shots Fisk was on the third step, and when the first shot was fired said "Oh. don't' Stokes put his hand in bis rij-.ht pocket afterward saw him throw something into the parlor ; Stokes said, "lhere isa wan shot ;"' witness said. "Yes you ave the man that shot him ;'' witness then saw Stokes arrested by Patrick McGovern, who was going toward the barber shop; witness did not assist Fisk ; he followed Stokes ; did not lose sight of him uulil he was arrested. COMMENTS OF THE PRESS. New Yot'K. January 7. Journals com ment as follows upon the Fisk murder : The ILrald says that the cowardliness of the act has reaped ihe first fruits in the public mind by awakening for Fisk a wide-ielt sympathy and there is nothing iu the ease to distinguish it from murder, for whijh death on ihe gallows is the penaav if convicted- The" World .says that in the act may be seen, i 1 its mot accurate type, the spirit of those marital murders which disgrace our pre elisions it oivilization ; ' and whatever miserable results this wretched busine.-s in y have, it will have beneficent results ii it e ambles men who cannot us e thtt murder is murder, when perpetrated u d r the specious plea of lmtmlrttr.. iv -"a 10,11 S of marriage, to appreciate the . - -" V 'v'(5 .uw i nie ciitne when perpetnted with the i view of consecrating concubinage. . : -