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ES = THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY, Except Sunday, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, Pennsylvania Avenue, Corner 11th Street, by The Evening Star Newspaper Comvanv GEORGE W. ADAMS, Pres't, ne Evantne Stan is served to subscribers in the cari their own account, st 10 cents Poe or cents per month. at the ‘. nts each. By a a prepaid— gue year, $6: six months, 3. Wi gitered at the Post Office at Wi 3B. 0. as second class -) : Warxt? STan—publishedson Friday—$2 & cay, pounce prevald, Bix Tomtbo gi 10 copies / f or 820. ‘Ail roall subscriptions ranst be paid im #0- no paper sent 10" eer than : Wiiatee of advertir™g sieho known on application. — The Evening Star, V%, 55—N®. -8.395. WASHINGTON, D. C.. TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1880. TWO CENTS. a | SUICIDE OF A HOMELESS MAN. ‘The Nephew of Com. 8: ton Himself Because of ne Pores New York, March 2—A St. Louts to aChicago paper states that the body ot EC. Stockton, a nephew of Commodore Stockton and cousin of Senator Stockton, was found tn his room at the Eutaw House, and an Jovesiga- Uon showed that it was a case of suicide og, “I die because Th morphine. He left a note sa) I have got no home to go has held many ofices of dis South Carolinian by birth, and Naval Academy «inated at the . He was with Commodore Perry in the Japan expedition. and at the out- break of the civil war resigned the position of commander in the United States navy to join the confederate navy, in which he was a cap- tain, afterward becoming a colonel of the land forces. Betore the war Stockton had avery large plantation in South Carolina and a sum- mer residence in Newport. — He leaves a widow ————— SPECIAL NOTICES. F JACKSON DEMOCRATIC ASSOCTA. | sth and E sis. n., WEDS ine at MiOHN E. NORRIS, President. mibers of CAPITAL LODGE. xh Oi Mee Meiieated to be present at, the lan meeting TO-MORROW (Wednesday) Nig : tance will be consia- MITH, Secretary. communication of No. 15. F.A.AM, le on THIS (Tues- MASONIC A B. B. FRENCH t the Ma ENING, Ma of the be. Gay) EV oaRy order 7. M W. H. LEMON, Secretary. NOTICE. —T he authorize J. H NEUHAUS, form 1 w., Tow at 1724 Penni #i1 payments on account roar2-6t* 174 Penna. avenue n. “== ATTENTION, KNIGHTS OF 8ST. PAT- ("RICKY A special meeting of, the Comma dery will be held at hall at 7:39 THIS P. M. (Tes Gey), to make arransements for the funeral of Sit es ES 2 y order 0! Boight JANES BAVAMES RAGAN, Commander. = SEQ UITABLE CO-OPERATIVE TS BUILDING ASsOOTATION will hold its 5th rewular monthly meeting, {¢ and making advances, WE! jue Me. WILLIAM SIESR, ment of dues DNESDAY, Mure 3d, aa DNE! Yelock p.m., Marini's Hall, B st ALT O'CIOCE Pe Re BAVIELE, Presiden INO. JOY EDSON, See's, 711 G st. nw. mai CP gictan Lose Non BALA Quested to meet at Masonic Hall, 11th st., 2.0" ii., for the purpose of r late beloved brother, P. By order of the W. Mi. GEORGE M. WEBSTER, G>>, THE OFFICERS AND MEMBE (2 ne GhaND COMMANDERY of K. 1 Sir Knights, a tte I. eretary. RS OF 8. JOHN | | . for the purp 18 beloved frater, T tl femes Cantw financial se. Thy on HORIGA marl- ERSITY at 1 | 7.30 p, sit WATER RENTS takers are hereby notified that th rent for 1880 can be had by parties callin t the offic the Water Department 3 © MsRcH, as no bills will be sent out, and that if the bills are not paid within thirty days from that date the water will be cut off and the charge of 82 additional will be added tothe | bill, ured by law. THOS. O. COX, Water Revistrar. | THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE | STOCKHOLDERS OF THE NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, for the election of Direc- tors of said company for the ensuing year, will be held at the office of the Company, 401 9th street north corner D, en TUESDAY, March 9, 1880, at 10 o'clock a. mi. f 2t Sec’ ANNUAL ELEOTION. Orrick or THE OOLUMBIA Rattwax Co. ‘The annual election will be held at the BOARD OF TRADE ROOMS TUESDAY, March 9th prox- imo, between the hours of 2 and’4 p. m., for seven directors, to serve the ensuing year. W. H. CLAGETT, feb23-14t tary Col. R. . R. Go. NATURAL MINERAL WATERS. Bet Bedford. Blue Lick, Congress, Dsep s a , Rockbridge Alum, Geyser, Rock, Buifalo, Lithia, Rockbridge Alum, Geyser, Bathorn, ysburg, ic] inaris, Pullna, White Sulphur. Janos, Apoliinaris Be feb19 1429 THE ANNUAL ELECTION FOR DI- rectors of NORTHERN LIBERTY MARKET COMPANY will be held at the office of MARCH 8, 1880. Polls open from 1 ‘ransfer book closed February 27th, GEO. W. KING, Sec'y. (ee TRE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS of the NORTHERN LIBERTY MARKET COMPANY will be held at the office of said Company MARCH 3, 1880, 12 m. At which meeting the agreement of’ January 29, 1880, entered into between the Bondholders ani the Company will be submitted for ratification. febS-4w GEO. W. KING, Sec’y. | ae BOLLINGER OHAMPAGNE. ' Extra Quaizy Dar. BOLLINGER CHAMPAGNE. | Extpa Quatity Dey. THE MOST DELICIOUS DRY WINE IN THE MAREET. For SLE BY jan6 THOMAS RUSSELL, 1213 Penna. AVENUB. [a SPECIAL NOTICE. OONGRESS WATER. aul us be known by an acid after-taste. dec8- GP poke Nonwecian “OdD LIVEN’ of NORWEGIAN ‘00D. Liven’ off REW'S comer and Penneyi- ta. per full pint bottle. ooth JENE GAS FIXTURES, SLATE MANTELS, LATROBES, RANGES AND FURNACES. A Fine Selection of above Goods always on hand. We have in our pley none but the best mechan- ¢ in wiving estimates for | ‘A specialty of altering | ctive Plum bins. HAMILTON & SHEDD, marl-Im,Ip 821 D st., ¥. M. 0. A. Building. o————— LUMBER! LUMBER! Vy defe OUR IMMENSE TRADE SHOW WHAT LOW PRICES WILL DO. WILLET & LIBBEY, COR. SIXTH ST. AND NEW YORK AVE. N.W., Wit Sriu 100 FEET OF VIRGINIA BOARDS, 12 FEET LONG, FOR............. 400 FEET OF VIRGINIA BOARDS, FEET LONG, FOR...... a 200 FEET OF VIRGINIA BOARDS, 16 FEET LONG, FOR...... - $L25 THESE BOARDS ARE THE VERY BEST THAT ARE MANUPACTURED. We Aso SELL Common feb24 WILLET & LIBBEY. DS heed HUTCHINSON, B17 Ninth street n.w., Give special attention to BEMODELING, TE ESD ERNIZING DEFEO- | tary Thompson to-day received the | was rejected because the nomine | is even wi y | elected president of the United States Express Ke | J.S. Brisbin, THE EVENING STAR. Washington News and Gossip. Internal rev- GOVERNMENT RECEIPTS TO-DA’ nue, $205,393.32; customs, $7: . AN Juuicrr Sti. Carrcrep.—The following dispatch was received to-day by Commissioner Raum from Collector Young, at Raleigh,.N. C. “Deputies Moore and Hampsen captured Ulich distillery and four hundred gallons beer las night in this count ApvERsE Rerorts.—The House committee on war claims, at their meeting yesterday, decided toreport adversely on twenty-five claims, aggre- gating $500,000, ATE to confirm Col. ‘THE NEGLECT OF THE S R. M. Wallace as marshal of South Carolina has necessitated his appointment by Chief Justice Waite to-day, inasmuch as his commission ex- pires on the 5th inst. Ware Hovsk CaLLgrs.—Secretary_ Evarts, Attorney General Devens, Senators Paddock, Burnside and Saunders, and Representat! Valentine, Garfield, Miller, Butterworth, White and Urner were among the President's callers to-day. DEATH OF EX-SURGEON GENERAL Woop.—The Navy department 1s informed of the death of ex-Surgeon General William Maxwell Wood, ef the navy. He died at his residence in Baltimore | county, a few miles from Baltimore, Sunday morning, after an {Illness of several months, in the 72d year of his age. THE YELLOW FEVER ON THE MARIO’ —Secre- following cable message from Montevideo Im regard to the yellow fever on the Marion: * Wike died on the h instant; sick improving; no new cas ‘This death makes three of the Marion’s officers v that have fallen by the fever, the other Lieutenant Wallis and Apprentice Wike” 1s Cadet Midshipman Harvey He was a native of Tilinois, and was ap- pointed tothe Naval Academy from that state September 16th. First Lect. W. A. Dixwrppre, 24 cavalry, hasbeen ordered from duty at the Illinois In- dustrial University, Champaign, IIL, and will join his regiment SENATOR LoGaN spoke upon the Fitz John Por ter case, in the Senate this afternoon, in reply to the speech of Senator Mr. Logan spoke in support of his minority re- port against the reinstatement of Porter. He dwelt With special force upon the legal points of the case, holding that the finding of the court-martial was final, and that there was no legal way to reverse It Two NOMINATIONS DEMOCRATS DO NOT LIK The Louisiana members of Congress are loudly expressing their indignation at the nomination of Mr. Joubert to be census supervisor at New Orleans. The first nomination for the position ee was consid- ered too much of a republican partizan_ by the democrats, but the latter say now that Joubert in that respect than the former nominee. Joubert isa colored man. The Lou- islana members are insisting that the Senate shall reject the nomination, and as it will be left to Senator Jonas \to determine, there is little doubt but that “\4bert will be rejected. ‘The democratic Congre .«hen from Virginia are also full of indignation because of a nomination ee made for census supervisor. Robert Boll- Ing, of Petersburg, Va., was nominated by the ‘ident and rejected by the Senate. Now the President sends in his name again for super- visor, and democrats say this is an “insult.” PINCHBACK’S NOMINATION WITHDRAWN. — A message was received yesterday afiernoon by the Senate from the President withdrawing the nomination of Pinchback to be naval officer at New Orleans. No reason is assigned in the message for the withdrawal. It simply says: “| withdraw the nomination sent to the Senate on February 2ith, 1880, of Percy B.S. Pinch- back,” etc. A telegram from Private Secretary Rogers sent to Lewis, the present Incumbent, announced that the nomination of Pinchvack was a mistake and that is all that has emanated trom the White House by way of explanation. The withdrawal is a subject of general gossip about the Capitol, and a citizen of New Orleans said to-day 1t was caused by Pinchback’s having come out for Grant in bis paper. This gentle- man said, that when Pinchback left here for New Orleans be considered his application for the office as rejected, and immediately after his. arrival home he hoisted Grant's name at the head of the paper he conducts. ‘The next day Pre | his name was sent to the Senate, but it was too late for him to recall his public declaration for Grant. This is given merely as a sample of the gossip concerning this matter, the truth being ho doubt, as telegraphed by Mr. Rogers, that the nomination was made by mistake. PERSONAL.—Minister Lowell has presented his letters of recall to the King of Spain, and will leave for England to-day or to-morrow.—Mr. W. W. Nevin, of the Philadelphia Press, who has been in Europe for some time past, re- turned home last week.—Mr. Duncan, the artist, whose pictures of the famous English beauties are on exhibition at the Riggs House, returned from New York this morning, and will remain here for some time yet.— Mrs. Hicks- Lord is going back to Europe soon.—T. G. Appleton, the author-artist of Boston, is at the Riggs House.—. le Lesseps is to be the guest in Chicago of Minister Washburne, and hopes there to meet Gen. Grant.—Kurg von Sc r, German minister to the United States, and Victor Drummond, secretary legation here, are in ‘New Yor sentative Platt, of New York, was Hoe, of New York, and Gen. A., are at the Ebbitt.—A complimentary ‘dinner was given Capt. F, H. Mason, of the Cleveland Leader, Saturday, on the eve of his departure for his consulate in Switzerland. AGatnst TaRIFF REVIsIoN.—The House com- mittee of ways and means at their meeting this morning virtually decided against any revision of the tariff laws during the present. Session of Congress, as will be seen by the following de- tailed statement of thelr votes upon the more important features affecting the tariff that have as yet been referred to them. The first vote taken was upon the adoption of Representative Gibson’s (La.) bill “to secure the more untform collection of duties on imported sugar,” and re- sulted: Yeas—Kepresentatives Gibson (La.), Felton (Ga.), Garfield (0.), Kelley (Pa.), Conger (Mich.), and Wood (N.¥.)—six. Nays: Repre- sentatives Tucker (Va.), Phelps (Conn.), Morri- ‘son, (Ill), Mills (Tex.), Carlisle (Ky.), Frye (Me), and Dunnell (Minn.)—7. Representative Gibson then moved “‘to indefinitely postpone considera- tion of the sugar question, and the motion was adopted. Yeas—Representatives Gibson, Phelps, Felton, Garfield, Kelley, Conger, and Wood. ays—Representatives Tucker, Morrison, Mills, rlisle, Frye, and Dunnell. Mr. Frye (Me.) then moved to lay the “steel rail” bill upon the table. (This is Representative Covert’s (N.Y.) bill, pro- viding that on and after the passage of the act the import duty on steel is shall be $10 per ton of 2,240 pounds, and repealing all laws in- consistent with the act,) The motion was adopted. Yeas—Representatives Gibson, Phelps, Felton, ‘Garfield, Kelley, Conger and Frye—i. Nays—Representative ‘ucker, Morrison, Mills, Carlisle. Dunnell and Wood—6." Representative Garfeld then moved to indefinitely postpone Kepresentative Morrison's bill, which provides that on and after July ist, 18s), no duty Shall be levied, assessed ana collected on mer- chandise Imported into the United States in ex- cess of 50 per centum advalorem, on any article embraced in certain schedules of’ section 2504 of the Revised Statutes and not subject to tax un- der the internal revenue laws. The motion was also adopted. Yeas—Representatives Gib- son, Phelps, Felton, Garfteld, Kelley, Conger Frye— phy Speer y rg Tucker, rrison, Mills, Carlisle, Dunnell and Wood—6. Representative Gibson then offered a resolu- Uon “that a committee of five members be ap- pointed to take into consideration—with the view to its revision—the entire revenue system, both internal and tariff duties, and that they shall submit their report and recommendations at the opening of the next session of Congress.” On motion of Representative Morrison this preposition was also laid upon the table. Yeas— lessrs. Morrison, Mills, Garfield, Kelley, Con- ger, Frye and Wood; i Nays fessrs. Tucker, Gibson, Phetps, Carlisle, Felton and Dunnell; 6, compan: THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS were engaged this morning in perfecting the Special deficiency bill and agreed to incorporate in it the Item of $100,000 to complete the Chica- custom house. - The deficiencies In icles In the at- Keeney general once tr. 8 and for DISTRICT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. The Commissioners and the Issue of ‘Wax Lien Certificates. TREASURER GILFILLAN WRITES TO THE SUB-COM- MITTEE OF THE HOUSE DISTRICT COMMITTEE. Treasurer Gilfillan has written the following letter to Hon. Nelson W. Aldrich, of the District committee: TREASURY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, Feb- ruary 28, 1Ss0—Sir:—As the officer charged by law With the custody of all tax lien certificates issued on account of special assessments in the District of Columbia subsequent to May 29, 1sv3, and of all payments thereon, I deem it my duty to call attention to certain erroneous state- ments in the recent letter of the Commissioners of the District in answer to inquiries made by you on behalf of the House committee on the District of Columbia. The Commissioners allege that in May, 1876, the late board of com- missioners finding gross errors to exist in nearly allof the assessments made by the board of public works, stopped the Issue of tax Ilen cer- ificates on the ground that the issue of such certificates woula unjustly encumber the prop- erty of citizens for taxes which they did not owe;” and their whole reply is based on the assumed injustice of enforcing these erroneous assessments. Now, the fact is, as the record of this office and the reports of the Commissioners abundantly show, that tax llen certificates were issued for every assessment made by the board of public works within six months after the abolition of that board, and that all of the tax lien certificates issued from November, isi4, to May, 1876, were for assessments made by the Commissioners themselves. The Commissioners had for _ seventeen months been issuing tax lien certificates against their own assessments, When they stopped the issue of such certificates, on account, as they now allege, of the gross érrors of the’ board of public works. What reason the discovery of errors In the assessments of the board of public works—for all of which tax lien certificates had been issued a year and a half previousiy—fur- nishes for stopping the Issue of certificates against their own assessments, with which the board had nothing to do, fs lett for the commit. tee to guess. It would naturally be supposed that as scop as the Commissioners discovered Uiat their mode of computing the essessments Was erroneous they would have corrected it, and that thenceforth ihe assessments would have been made and the tax lien certifleates iss for the correct amounts. What the errors could be ‘which, although known to exist, were not gross enough to pre- vent making the assessments, but were sui- ficient to cause the withholding during: a series of the tax len certificates for these ments, deties comprehension. Any one Would suppose that an error which would war- . Which the ued against and where non-issue, if 13 the delinquent tax-payer from tever. would require the with- holding ot the assessment itself. But the Com- missioners adopted a different view of their duty, and, as their reports show, continued fo: y special a ments containing errors quite as gross as any Of those ior the board of public ‘Their report for 1S78 (pp. 244-246) shows that there had been received to that time, under the act of June 19, 1875, assessments of the board of public works amounting to $1,140,ssi.44, and assessments of the Commissioners amounting to 640,36. ‘The errors found on revision in the nents of the board of public works were or less than 18% per cent of the sessments; while the errors found in = ments of the Commissioners were $279,047.32, or nearly 28 per cent of the original assessments, The change in the form of gov- ernment, it appears, instead of correcting the errors of the former administration, really in- creased them about 50 per cent. The repores of the Commissioners show that they deliberately adopted the erroneous methods of the board of public works, and levied assess- ments under them for 2; years without discov- ering their defects. In this sense alone is the board of public works responsible for the errors in the assessments for which the Commissioners have failed to issue tax len certificates, On August 26th, 1874, the assistant attorney of the District. in an off-hand opinion contained In less than four printed lines, advised that “the existing rules” governing the mode of assess- ments “be followed by the engineer.” (Report isv8, p. 170.) The assessments of the Commissioners were ad made in conformity to these rules of the board ot public works, and would appes have continued to be so made until January, Isi7, when the Commissioners discovered ap- arently for the first Ume, that such errors had en made as to devolve upon them “the duty of so modifying the rules of assessment as to bring them within the requirements of the law.” (Report, 1877, pp. 8. 37, 142.) On January 18th, Isiv. an order Was accordingly issued making certain modifications In the rules of assess- ments previously in force. It is now alleged that the issue of tax lien certificates was stopped in May, because of the errors of the board of public works, but why assessments continued to be made for eight months there- after under rules known to be erroneous is no- where explained. There is not a word in the report of the Commissioners for 1579 to indicate ae ey oor had a discovered in the method of levying special assessments, or Teference to the stoppage of the issue oF the tax len certificates. On the contrary the report of the engineer shows (p. 46,) that the rules of the board of public works was_ still being applied on November 30, 1876, and there is no intimation that they had been found otherwise than completely satisfactory. The order of January 1th, 1877, does not, however, appear to have had the desired effect of pre venting the errors which after that date were as goss aS aby that the board of public works had committed. To the date of the report for 1875 the Commissioners had revised assessments levied after the adoptiou of the amended rules amounting to $45,007.32. The errors found there- in amounted to $22,450.15, or nearly 47 per cent. of the original assessments. The errors made by the Commissioners in the assessment made by themselves after their attempt to correct the erroneous methods of the board of punlic works, were therefore more than two and a half times as great as the average errors discovered in the assessments “of that board. ‘The very latest assessment of the Commissioners revised by them prior to their report of 187s, which assess- ment was made three years after the abolition of the board of public works and six months atter the attempted correction of the erroneous rules of that board was reduced from $19,608.07 to $3,028.24, or more than St per cent (Report 1875, p. 245), and yet the claim is now put for- ward in a formal communication to acommittee of Congress that tax lein certificates have not been issued against these assessments on ac- count of the errors made by the board of publte works. Moreover, the replies of the Commts- sioner to the urgent and repeated demands of this office for the delivery of the remainder of the tax Hen certifleates dis- tinctly admit that the errors were made by the former Commissioners, of whom the present Commissioners after, having issued a number of assessments in persuance of the rules adopted by their predecessors, (the board of public works), became satisfied that these rules did not comply entirely with the law of assessments; and that certain work done by the surveyor in preparing assessments were done under an erroneous interpretation of these Tules;” that Is to say, they not only adopted the rant the withholding of certitic lav imperatively requires to. be the essment. ny penalty wh erroneous rules of the board of public works, but pes an erroneous interpretation upon them, y which the errors tu the assessments were sul further increased. Jt is singular, too, that a board, the chairman of which was an active member of the former board, and which had in its possession all of the records of that boar should require to be “informed” of the acts o its predecessors. ‘The assessments thus made under an erroneous interpretation of erroneous rules, and vaguely spoken of as %‘a number of assessments,” were S3 in number, and covered expenditures amounting to more than tive mil- Hons of dollars, (report 1876, p. 147). This letter further says that “the commissioners in con- Sequence suspended a further issue of as sessment certificates unti! vision of all assessments could be made.” Now the issue of certificates was stopped. as the Commissioners declare in May, 1876, while. the rules of fed, The assumption of the Commissioners tl the issue of the tax lien certificates would anjust, ly encumber the property of citizens for taxes Which Bey aia. not owe Is effectually disposed of 2 Seana ey rena whether the tax lien fact there is of revenue which it ought rightfully to have | received. Very ectrully, . ‘AMES GILFILLAN, ‘Treasurer United States. Answer of the District Commission- erNe In reply to the above letter the following has been received by the District Committee: OFFICE OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON, March 1, 1550. Hon, Eppa Huntgn, Chairman of the D. Of Cw The letter of the Treasurer of the United States, read before your committee Ys makes it proper forthe Commissioners to say that the reference in their letter of February 19th to the suspension in May, 1876, by the late Board of Commissioners of the issue of tax lien certificates was intended merely to exhibit more clearly the reasons which influenced the action of the present board in continuing that sus- pension. It is entirely immaterial to fhe issue raised by the Treasurer that the Commissioners inadvertently confined their statement to errors in assessments made by the board of public works when it should have applied equally to those made by the late Commissioners. The material fact remained that the existence of these errors paving, been brought fully to the knowledge of the late Commissioners in 15 more than two years before the present board Was Created, they suspended the issue of these certificates to await the revision and correction of these errors, which is now in pt ss under authority of the act of 19th June, 1878, passed almost simultaneously with the act creating the present board. By order of the board. Very respectfully, | J. DENT, President. ‘Khe Investigation To-day. The House committee on the District of Co- lumbia to-day commenced the investigation of the charges made against the District Commis- sioners by Treasurer Gilfillan. There was pres- ent of the Commissioners Judge Dent and Maj. Twining. Attorney Riddle was also present. The only spectator was Columbus Alexander, cs¢ by Mr. Aldrich, He exp posed upon him by luw connection with Distr custodian of tts rund onits debt, ce. He under the law only @ portion of th yhich should have been 1s: deposited with hima, and that he had demanded that the bal- ancé should be so deposited. MR. GILFILLAN'S FORMAT. CHANGES. fillan then made the following formal charges against the Commisstoners:—Firs’. Tae District authorities have not issued and deliv- red to the sinking fund office ail the ten per rtificates required by the ct of May 29, 1873. 5 have not demanded, and do not now demand or -ollect, any interest Whatever upon tax-lien cer- es not delivered a ve. Third, They have since October 1, 1879, in collecting assess- ments covered by tax-leh certificates in the sinking fund office, demanded but six per cent interest to that date, and for the time subs quent to that date have demanded no interest whatever. Fourth. They have revised assess- ments, paid and unpaid, for special improve- ments prepared under the act of August 10, 1871, though such assessments have not been com: Jained Of as erroneous or excessive, as required y the act of Congress of June 19, 1s75, and dune 2%, 1879, by the Owner of the property or his authorized agent. Fist, ‘They have revised assessments for improvements under an act of the corporation of Washington, dated long prior to the assembly act of August 10, 1871, referred to in the acts ot Congress conferring upon the Dis- trict, Commissioners authority to revise assess- ments and tssue drawbacks. "Siri? The draw- - back certificates issued under their revision are excessive and illegal. All the correspondence had between the ‘Treasurer and the District Commissioners was then read. (Ithas heretofore beer printed in ‘THE STaR.} with reference to his government as the ee of the inter MR. GILFILLAN SAID that-he had no direct information of the amount Of loss to the District by the non-collection of interest. on the tax lien certificates, but his estimate was that it would approximate $450,000; that there were two million 5 per cent certificates issued, and that there 1s still out- standing between $800,000 and $900,000. He has no means of knowing, and does not know, who holds them. The certificates were used to 4 contractors. Witness said he thought he had now tn his custody, as Treasurer, halt a million of 8 per cent certificates. He surrenders these certificates to the Commissioners when they notify him that the taxes which they represent upon property have been paid, or a tax lien cer- titicate deposited with him in place of the $ per cent certificate. All told, there had been de- livered to witness about one million dollars of tax lien certificates. In reply to a question by Mr. Neal, witness said that only a portion of the taxes due for special improvements by the citizens of Wash- ington had been paid, and that the action of the Commissioners had put the burden upon such tax-payers as hai promptly paid their taxes. Witness said as to the charge that the Commissioners had not collected interest on tax-lien certificates, that the only evidence he had on the’subject was the accounts of the Commissioners, rendered to his office, from ene he would furnish an extract to the com- mittee. Judge Dent was asked if the Commissioners denied or conceded the charge? Judge Dent.—We deny it. Major Twining said the charge made was one of detail, and the Commissioners required a specific charge in each case. Touching the fourth charge, that the Com- missioners had revised assessments which were not complained of as erroneous and excessive, witness said that it was a question which couk only be settled by witnesses, and he would fur- nish a lst of witnesses who would testify on this point. All he knew was what had been told him, Major Twining said the Commissioners desired that the charge be accompanied with specitic an Gilfillan said he would furnish the wit- nessesif the committee desired them. Witness read two drawback certificates as samples—one numbered 10,361, which was orl- ginally for $83.12, had been revised and reduced to $9.04, and that a drawback certificate had been given for $136.43; the drawback fs 62 per cent. More than the original assessment; he made the point that the law didn’t contemplate the revision of the assessment at all, and hence its revision was in his judgment illegal, becau it did not come under the act of August, 1S7I. He also read certificate 10,140. ‘The assessment was for $144.22; it was reduced to $4.74 and a drawback certificate issued for $165.14. This also le claimed was not under the act of August, isi], and was therefore ille; Witness said he produced these two certificates merely as samples, but that he had at least 100 similar ones in his oftice, which he would produce it the committee desired them. ‘The committee adjourned until to-morrow at 10% o’clock, meanwhile Mr. Gilfillan is to fur- nish a list of witnesses to make good his fourth charge. COLOR LINE DECISIONS IN THE U. S. SUPREME CourT.—The United States Supreme Court yes- terday decided the petition for a mandamus from Virginia upon United States Ju Riv of the western district of that state, oe the re storation of certain colored prisoners to the state court, in favor of the petitioner. The pe- ution, however, to bring before the Supreme Court the case of Judge Cowles, indicted in the federal court of the same district for excluding all colored citizens from the jury lists, was de- nied. The West Vi ia case, involving the constitutionality of the state law excluding col- ored citizens from jury service, was decided against the coustitutionality of the law in ques- ion, IMPORTANCE OP THE SILVER QUESTION, -See- retary Sherman called the attention of’ the Cabinet to-day to the fact that so many stand- mstances the United Si a be forced into a single silver standard. ie silver certificates are tly in his way. People to whom silver is will demand cer- cates lately, anc n- cisco and the west. ir alee Tevcaneas an ga Company, a ipreme was, FORTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. ‘TUESDAY, March 2 SENATE.—Mr. Burnside, from the committee on military affairs, reported adversely on the bill fixing compensation of enlisted men in the Signal service. Indefinitely postponed. Mr. Hoar submitted the following resolution: “Resolved, That the committee on the judiciary be instructed to inquire and report whether any American citizen has been arrested and_impris- oned for the exercise o: their constitutional right tates ition this body concerning a matter of gran pupils Interest, namely: the title to a seat in thi of a Senator from the state of which they are citizens, with power to send for persons and papers and administer oaths.” Adopted. [This ts sup) to refer to the ac- tion of the majority of the Louisiana legislature in regard to the memorial of the minority of that body in relation to Mr. Kellogg’s seat in the Senate.} Mr. Bayard, from the committee on finance, reported favorably Senate bill to amend Section 3,020, Revised Statutes. Also, Senate bill for lef of Chester A. Arthur, collector of the port of New York. Placed on the calendar. Mr. Edmunds, from the committee on the faders. reported with amendments Senate ill to extend jurisdiction of justices of the eace in the District of Columbia and to regu- late proceedings before them. Placed on the calendar, Mr. Eaton, from the committee on foreign re- lations, reported as a substitute for various bills referred to the committee a bill to_author- ize certain persons to accept decorations from certain foreign powers. Placed on the cal- endar. Mr. Anthony, from the committee on_print- ing, reported favorably Senate resolution for printing for distribution of 500 copies of the an- nual report of the librarian of Congress, and it was considered and passed. Bilis were Introduced and referred as follows: By Mr. McPherson—To incorporate the Span- ish-American Commercial company. By Mr. Coke (by request)—To provide for better secur- ity of life on sea-going vessels. By Mr. Harris— Joint resolution to print 10,000 copies of the yellow fever commission report. ley (by request By M By Mr. Bat- To refund the national debt. Call—To amend the statutes relative to patent for inventions and for other pur- fo amend section 4439 Revised Mr. McMillan—To provide for lor public lands claimed under ad in cases ne. Also, to ald in the endowment of a school of forestry aL St. Paul. ‘The Senate proceeded to consider the calender, Hall itary > Dill tor the relief of Major P. P. Was recommitted to the committee on m ams The pill for the reliet of certain actual settlers on Kansas trast land was laid aside. ‘The bill Ter the relief of James Bu intendent of a natlonal cemeter employ Was pas of Charles s il for the relief of the heb B. Smith, late paymaster, was passed. The bill to restore to the public domain a part of the Fort Ripley (Minn.) military reservation Was lald aside. morning hour having expired the Senate resumed consideration of the unfinished busi- being the bill for the relief of Fitz John , the pending question being on the dment in the nature of a substitute sub- mitt d by Mr. Randolph. [The billannuls the findings of the court- martial and authorizes the restoration of Porter to the army with the rank of colonel; authorizes the President to retire him on that rank, which allows Porter pay of a major general on retired list. from January 2, 1863, to August 31, 1806, and pay of acolonel dn retired lst entitled to credit for twenty years service from September 1, 1566, to the passage of the act. Thesubstitute authorizes the President to nominate Porter as a colonel, his commission to date from January, ‘S63, and to retire him on that rank.} Mr. Logan opposed the bill. HOUSE.—A resolution was adopted author- izing the committee on inter-oceanic canal to employ a clerk, Mr. Cox, chairman of the committee on for- eign affairs, reported back resolution calling on the Secretary of State for tuformation as to what measures should be taken for the more frequent publication and circulation of ihe commercial reports received by the State de- partment from diplomatic and consular officers of the United States, Adopted. The morning hour was, on motion of Mr. Blackburn, dispensed with, and Mr. Blackburn then moved that the House proceed to the con- sideration of the report of the committee of the whole on the ab ect of the revisior of the rules. He stated thét it was his intention to imme- diately demand the previous question. Mr, Conger inquired whether Mr. Blackburn would allow a yea and nay vote upon an amend- ment striking. out from rule 21, the proviso al- lowing political riders on appropriation bills. On. revelving a negative answer Mr. Con; stated that if he understood the temper of side of the House they would have a vote upon it or they would remain in silent for a month or two months to prevent a vote being taken upon the rules, Mr. Blackburn stated that he was acting under authority of the committee on rules. Mr. Conger Called upon the republican mem- bers of that committee to state whether they had agreed to demand the previous question, Mr. House asked Mr. Blackburn to yield*to him to offer an amendment allowing individual members in case their bill are notreported from committee within sixty days to move to sus- pend the rules and pass the bills. ir, Blackburn, however, declined to yield. Frye stated, in reply to Mr. Conger, that ad agreed to’ the ordering of the previous question because he was confident that if the rules were again thrown open to amendment and debate amendments affecting the tariff and the Internal revenue would ve offered. ‘Mr. Garfield, in giving his reasons for agreetn; that the previous question should be demanded, Stated that he understcad, though without au- thority, that the democrats had retained rule 21 by promising some of their colleagues that if they voted to retain it no political riders would be put on at this session. The democrats had aac an appargnt victory with the reality of iefeat, feat, Mr. Blackburn, in reply, emphatically denied that apy such agreement as Mr. Gartield had al- luded to had been entered into. ‘The clerk then proceeded to read the amend- ments agreed to in committee of the whole. ‘The demand for the previous question on the new rules and the amendments thereto was seconded without division, and the House pro- ceeded to vote upon the admendments. THE QUESTION OF SQUATTER INVASION OF INDIAN TESRITORY Was again before the Cab- inet this afternoon. The information received by the Interior department indicates that the movement is very strong and very well organized. The question came up as to how far the U.S. rons couid go in oe arrests, It was decided that they shoul be first called upon by some officer of the Indian department before arresting would- be squatters; the call to partake of the nature of aformal demand for troops under the Presl- dent’s proclamation. A large meeting is to be held at Kansas City to-morrow in agitation of the raid on the territory. The cabinet decided that tac United States civil officers at that city should be directed to appear before the meeting and inform those taking parem it that the movement was against the law and against the President's proclamation, and that it would be resisted. Political Notes. Wilmington, Del, has a new daily paper, en- titled the evs, which Is to be, in its own lan- suage, ‘pronouncediy republican in politics.” ‘The first number appeared yesterday. This in- dicates a revival of republicanism in ree a ci ‘The Cincinnati Commercial (Sherman says:—“The nomination of Grant at Cl ano will, in our judgment, render the democratic a at Cincinnati equivalent to an elec- ion.” G ‘The presidential canvass of Amherst College e following result:—Sherman, 87; Blaine, ‘ard, 23; Seelye, 7; Garfield, 7; ‘ashburn, 3; Hawley, '2; Tilden, 2: Seymour, 1. The Cleveland (Ohio) <Anzeiger, contains an editorial wherem it {s under no circumstances republican, stated that will it support Gen. Telegrams to The Star. THE MAINE ELECTIONS. SAND LOT AGITATORS. THE TELEGRAPH WAR. SUICIDE OF A ONCE NOTED MAN. THE CZAR’S ANNIVERSARY, FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Persuading the Czar to Abdicate. New York, March 2.—A London special states, on the authority of a dispatch from St. Peters burg, that the Duke of Edinburgh, who latels ved to attend the ceremonies on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Czar's accession to the throne, is endeavoring to in- duce the Czar to abdicate. Persian Expedition to Herat Aban- doned. ned. Lonpow, March 2.—A dispatch from Teheran to Reuter’s Telegram Company says the idea of a Persian expedition to Afghan Siesta and even- tually to Herat has been abandoned on acceunt of political difficuities likely to result therefrom. ‘The Czar’s Decrees—A Congratula- tory Address, Sr. PETERSBURG, March 2.—The decrees grant- ing pardons to prisoners remitting arrears of taxes owing by the rural population and award- ing orders of distinction haye been published. All the members of the Council of the Empire, including the chancellor, Prince Gortschakom, will proceed at halt-past eleven o'clock this morning to the Winter Palace and present a congratulatory address to the Emperor. ‘The Oficial Mrssenges publishes a letter from the Emperor William. countersigned by Prince sismarck, congratulating the Czar In terms of warm and earnest friendship on the twenty-fifth anniversary of lls accession to the throne and on his escape from injury by the recent explo- sion in the Winter Palace. ‘fae Emperor William expresses lis gratification that that friendship which united their fathers has been maintained and bis confidence that {t will continue un- changed to the end ot his lite. ‘Whe Czar’s Amniversary—A Gala Day in St. Petersburg. The city is gaily decorated, and the day ts | being observed as a general holiday in honor of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Czar’s ac- cession, At ten o'clock this morning vast crowds assembled before the Winter Palace. The troops were massed i the central quadrangle of the palace and immediate vicinity. ‘The programme of the ceremonies heretofore given in these dis- patches was executed. The Czar appeared on the balcony of the p ce, where he remained twenty minutes, saluting the multitude amid great enthusiasin ” —— THE ™ iE ELECTIONS. Hallowell Decidedly Republican. HALLOWELL, ME., March 2.—The municipal election here resulted in the choice of Hon. J. R. Bodwell, the republican candidate for mayor, by a vote of more than three to one. , ihe mem- bers-elect of the city government are mostly republicans, THE TELEGRAPH WAR IN THE WEST. Petition for Injunction Granted. CmicaGo, March 2.—Yesterday afternoon a petition in behalf of the Western Union Tele- graph company against the Union Pacific Rail- Way company for an injunction was presented to the United Stages circuit court, Judge Mc- Crary, at Keoknk, and application made for ‘a temporaiy ‘injunction. Jud, Mc- Crary entered an order allowing an injunction as prayed for in the bill wit rovisions for hearing at St. Louis, April 6th, the same Ume fixed for the Atlantic and Pacifie Tele- graph companies’ hearing. The prayer of the petitioners Is that the defendants be restrained irom Iptermeddling in apy wise with the Lines of the Western Union company or with the agents In the working and repairs of said lines. —<—$—>> The Bad Shepherd Gone to the Peni- tenuary. NEw YorE, March 2.—Rev. Edward Cowley this morning left the toombs, en route for the penitentiary on Blackwell’s Island. He was spared the humiliation of riding in the -‘Black Maria” and was taken away in charge of the duputy sheriff. American Torpedo Boats for Eng- land. New York, March 2.—A Newport, R. L, special says: Captain Arthur, naval attache of the British legation at Washington has been vis- iting the torpedo station at this place. It is un- derstood that he has been instructed to pur- os one or more torpedo boats for his govern- ment. Wall Street To-Day. NEw YorK, March 2.—The Post, in its finan- cial article to-day, says: The stock exchange markets continue active. In the early dealings the market was frregular, but since the first board have all been strong. The features to-day are Pacific and the cOal shares. The first- early dealings advanced to 54‘; and has since fluctuated between that price and 523, being 54.as we write. Lake Shore is advanced to 109°; and fluctuated between that price and 1087j, be- ing at the highest price now. The coal stocks have advanced 13a2%, the latter Delaware and Hudson. The remainder of the list was weak in the early dealings, but has since advanced 4,41 per cent., the latter Erie. The proposed new arrangement for California traffic between the > Pacific roads and the Pacific up lines secures to the roads an exemption frum low rates and from competition, and not unlikely will be turned to speculative account in the stock market so far as the stocks of the roads are concerned. Government bonds are strong and ‘¢ higher for the 4s, 419s and the 6s of ’sI. It is thought that the offering for the sinking fund will be large to-morrow, and it will then be known whether the Treasury will buy bonds according to its means, or will adhere to the ge laid out in the middle of Feb- ruary. Railroad bonds are generally higher. Thé money market continues to attract attention. ‘The return of currency to this center during the first two months of the year has been much smaller than was calculated upon; the reason for this is that the volume of business is so large all over the country that that money and Lee bank facilities have been required. The high prices in this country and the “flush times” have stimulated eden of fore! goods and articles to an un degree, and the result is that the Treasury has drawn out of the money market unusually amounts for im- Nts as well as in the form of internal revenue. ‘he loan market may therefore be sald to de- pene very largely on the action of the Treas- uy. The Markets. ‘March 2.—Vi . . aie ey ss tcl are co jes, 29; do. past. due ‘coupons, ‘7736 (asked ;) do. new ten-forties, 40 bid to-day. SACHAIOME, "March 2.—Cotton -quiet—raid- 5. firm but unch niet and st ern winter Tp, and » 1. Bog ; April and May, 1.47%al.4774; June, 1.45%al. Corn, southern steady for white and yellow do. yellow, babes" wextere Pepe Starch, i ApH, 6 fore a steam 249; we 3 a 5 : without ‘change. jons ‘unchanged. firm. 6 to soft, 0 3 OB bushels; 100 ‘bushels. Shipments wheat, 16.200 bashes: Gorn, 16 600 307,660 bushels. tela corn, ments strong. NEW YORK, March. 2.—Flour dull. Wheat dull. steady —southern 43 605436: er, BU, aks jestern whit Dal Ds. 70, 100 Dusbils: corn 305 500 bushels. Sales — wheat, 264,700 NEW YORK, March 2.—Stocks buoyant. Money, exchange, long, 484; shore, 4s1- Goverdt Corn guiet. March 2, 2:30 p. m.—U. 8. eee 09%; 4 cents, 10%. Atiant we eater, 66%. my iatena. 10936. ih atiode ey p. m.. , And three children, who are comfortably pro- | Vided for by life insurance. Stockton was wholly | out of means, and board bills fell due to-day which he had nothing to meet. Mrs. Stockton 's a cousin of Mrs. Jeff Davis, and was once a | southern Woman of high social standing. | | TRE SAN FRANCISCD TROUBLE. | Dangerof Bloodshed Not Vet Avertea | New Yorx, March 2.—A San Francisco special | ays: It is yet hoped here that the danger which | has threatened this city from the Sand Lots agi- | tators may pass away, but the best informed | men do not believe that bloodshed will be | averted. | Society Notes. | Senator and Mrs. Blaine have issued cards for | certain Saturday evenings in March. | Senator and Mrs. Pendleton continue their Menday evening receptions. The evening “at | homes” during Lent are generally styled “teas,”” which seems to imply an informality consistent | with the season when large formal parties are | not usually given, | The Light Infantry Fair again attracted a large number of well-known ladles and gentle- men to Masonic Hall last evening. The ladies who preside over the tables are constantly de- voting themseves to their work, no matter what sacrifices must be made. Their task is no light one, for independent of the fatiguing duties of | the evenings they must visit the hall by day and dust the articles under their care, and put their tables in order. It is generally con among the older citizens of Washington, and even by strangers, that It is a duty to assist the members of the militia company, as their ser- vices may at some unexpected time be necessary to protect the city from a mob, especially if Congress does nothing towards strengthel the police foree. One of the retired officers of the regular U. 8. forces told his wife to be sure to spend $50 at the fair. Complaint ts frequently made by members of Congress of the national capital being so miser- ably lighted. Last week, on the evening when Mr. Singleton, of Illinols, gave his tea party to gentlemen, more than one member of the House complained of the darkness in the streets, en- countered in returning at 9 p.m. Tt was an evening When the moon was expected to be on ty, but was obscuredzby heavy clouds, and no S lighted in the streets. rrison’s young wife, who, as Washington ‘with from a dangero soon after her wovering illness which assailed her turn with her husband and parents to York, ater spending several | Months In Europe. On the first Christinas after their marriage, which was a year ago, Commo- dore Garrison ‘presented bis wife with the largest solitalre diamond of equal purity ever brought to this country. Itis nearly an inch square and cushion shaped. ale monds last summer, at Saratoga, sald it weighed | over thirty carats.’ It is worn as a pendant at- | tached to black ‘velvet. ‘The earrings Mrs. | Garrison wears with it. which are also diamond solitaires, presented by her husband, are valued at $6,000.’ Commodore Garrison spent last sum- mcr at Moulins, whose baths were recommended to him, as his ankles had been partially para- lyzed, and he has greatly improved in health. ; He and bis wife are at their superb residence in New York. His son was here last week as Sen- ator Burnside’s guest. Late letters from Nice speak in glowing terms of America’s contributions in the way of beautl- fuly oung ladies to the English Veen colony there. The daughter of Admiral Howell, of this city, is particularly spoken of by one writer, who also says:—‘But for real girlish loveliness, of that sort which Greuze delighted to paint, com- mend me to the witching face of Miss Mattie Mitchell, daughter of the ex-Senator from Oregon.’ As if the exquisite sweetness of her fifteen-year-old face were not enough, this little lady joing.to her attractions the ‘faculty of speaking French with a certain dainty ard somewhat besitating precision which 1s posi- yer nothing short of kissable whenever eared.” Mr. and Mrs. W, Scott Smith celebrated their “tin wedding” last night at their charming sub- urban residence, LeDroit Park. The com} naturally included a considerable number of the journalistic guild, who, being handsome men as a class, and invariably having bright. pretty | wives or sweethearts, made a showing for the profession in this colicctice eam: Quite | abumber of the agreeable LeDroit Park com- | munity were present, together with pleasant city people, and the result was what may be termed “a real good time.” The presents in tin, which filled a good-sized room, illustrated in a thousand’ unique forms how this material can \ be shaped into objects highly ornamental as: Mrs. Smith wore her beantifur wedding dress last night, which fitted her with very little alteration, but her husband who has gained forty or fifty pounds in his ten years of married life, was obliged to appear in a suit of more ample proportions, a ra well as useful, The District in Co The House committee on the District of Co- lumbia will hold a special meeting to-night to turther consider the question of the repeal of the charter of the Washington market com- pany. SUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN THE DISTRICT. Senator Edmunds to-day reported a bill front the judiciary committee to extend the juris- diction of justices of the peace in the District and tate proceedings before them. It pro- vides that actions of attachment and repicunn where the amount does not exceed $50 and the value of the property does not exceed $200, may be tried before justices, except where the title to the property ts at issue. No appeal shall.be taken in common law cases, except where an amount exceeding $20 is involved, and where the amount at issue exceeds $20, both sides to the case may be entitled to trial by uy. Hereafter there shall be no-removal of any cause from one ee to another and a supe- rior court, to which a case is appealed, may re- quire production of the original papers. In all other respects the regulations are substantially the same as now exist, POTOMAC UNION RATLROAD COMPANY. ‘The bill that Senator Withers introduced in the Senate yesterday, to Incorporate the Potomac Union Railway Company ¢f Washington, pro- vides that said railway shall commence at the northern terminus of the Aqueduct bridge tn Georgetown, thence rnn in an easterly or south- easterly direction by the most feasible route to Rock Creek; along said creek to its junction with the Potomac river; thence along said river bank to foot of 26th street of Washington; thence on south side of canal to its terminus; thence by mo3t direct and eligible route to foot of 141 street. The depot and other privil usually canes In such charters are contained in this THE CLAIMS BILL REPORTED. Senator Harris reported trom the Senate Dis- trict committee, yesterday, the “Claims” bill, Thentioned in last Saturday’s Star, as ready for report. The committee adopted several amendments, extending the provisions of the ‘bill. All such claims are referred to the Court of Claims to be adjudicated upon the usua! rules, except that Court may make new rules to save costs and A eater delays. The Interest" he secretary of the. ‘Treasury. fs in 4 e o ‘reasury directed to call upon the sinking fund commis- sioner for 3:65 bonds to awarded by the Court of Cl: and the com- in issuing hes bonds to pay such Judgrnents, ‘ nt pay jus the coupons shall be from the date of said bonds to the day upon which such claims (as judgment shall have rendered in favor of) were due and payable. This isto prevent the payment of interest for time before the claim was payable. The section of the bill with to cl defines the folior those