The New York Herald Newspaper, December 15, 1876, Page 7

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS From All Parts of the World. THE UNSETTLED EAST. Recent Peaceful Rumors Deemed Improbable. WAR CLOUDS RISING Turkey Determined to Resist Occupation. RUSSIA PREPARING TO MOVE. Progress of the Preliminary Meetings of the Conference. THE NEW FRENCH MINISTRY (Bx CABLE TO THE HERALD.] Lonpon, Dec. 15, 1876, BWotwithstanding the pacific rumors circulated here for thedas&dew days and the hopes created by the accounts of the preliminary deliberations of the Conference, an uneasy fecling 18 begin- ning to manifest itself again. People who are anxious to avoid war are nat- urally inclined to believe the first favorable reports that tend to gratify their wishes, but those who look at facts as they are have no Jaith in these peacerumors. Russia does not mobilize her army at enormous expense without a serious intention of using it in the fleld, and the Turks have evidently made up their minds not to submit to Russian dic- tation without a struggle. Russia will insist on the Occupation of Bulgaria ; the Porte will resist it, and, therefore, sooner or later war must come. THE PORTE WILL RESIST OCCUPATION. The HERALD correspondent at Vienna telegraphs that the peaceful reports which have lately come from Constantinople are considered by the best (nformed people in the Austrian capital to be illu- Bory. It is looked upon as certain that the Confer- ence will fail to bring about a peace, for the reason ‘that it can only agree on conditions which one or other of the contending parties must reject. Rus- sia will not be satisfied with anything short of occu- pation, and this the Turks will not submit to. Sooner than permit any interference in Bulgaria by “Bussia the Porte will certainly fight. THE RUSSIANS ABOUT TO MOVE. Russia has ordered the mobilization of 100,000 More troops, and intends crossing the Pruth in about ten days. The main army will occupy the eastern portion of Roumania and one army corps ‘will march into Servia. All this will be done with- out any formal declaration of war, the Czar aeclar- ing Roumania a friendly Power and no longer sub ject to Turkey. TCHERNAYEFF GONE TO KISCHINEFF. General Tohernaye/T went to Kischineff, the head- quarters of the Russian “army of observation,” It is understood that his business there is to conter with the Russian commanders on the plan of the coming campaign. RUSSIAN MOBILIZATION, In confirmation of the Hzzaxp special despatch from Vienna a telegram to the Daily News this morning says:—The Grand Duke Nicholas bas asked fora re- sorve force of 100,000 men. Their mobilization has already commenced at St, Poteraburg and Moscow. ROUMANIA INCREASING KR ARMY, Roumania is beginning to increase her little army so as to be ready for all emergencies. A despatch re- Beived last night trom Bucharest says the Oficial Ga- selte publishes a decreo creating eight new regiments pf infantry, the formation of which {sto begin on the Ast of January next, Tho present infantry force of ‘Roumania is only eight regiments. PREPARING IN EARNEST FOR WAR. A despatch from Pesth says the Servian government Degau on Wednosday to issue notes with a forced cir- elation. A telegram from Bucharest report that the Russians are forming a vast fortified camp at Bender, The work is going on night and day. Stores in grbat quantities are accumulating there and at Tiraspol, Large barracks are being constructed at Faletze and Unghenz. Immense quantities of hay are being — in Bucharest. IGNATIEFF AND SALISBURY NOT AGREED. The reported agreemont between the Marquis of Salisbury and General Ignatieff is denied by a despatch irom Constantinople. The despatch says:—‘‘It is not true that the Marquis of Salisbury and General Igna- bicffare agreed concerning the occupation of Bulgaria, This question has not even been discussed.” STOCK JORBING RUMORS. Adespatch trom Paris yesterday evening reported that it was rumored on the Bourse there that Con- stantipople advices have been received of a two months’ prolongation of the armistice, This ts highly improbable, and the rumor is regarded simply as a Gtock jobbing canard, RUSSIA AND MONTENEGRO According to a telegram from Vienna the Political Correspondence of that city says that Russia promised ber support to Moutenegro’s claims for an extcusion of territory and the possession of a seaport, Kussia at the camo time informed the Prince of Montenegro that the falfilment of these aspirations would be only pbtainable by an agreement between Russia and the Powers with whom she js most noarly allied. REPORTED PROGRESS OF THK CONPERENCR. A despatch from Constantinople states that the pre. Immary conferences are progressing rapidly. The plenipotentiaries tiemselves affirm that the Conference is in a fair way toward a success{ul issue, THE DIFFICULTY ABOUT BULGARIA, A Vienna correspondent reports that at Wednes- day’s sitting of tne Conference the question of the cession of Spizza to Montenegro was brought forward, but the proposition met with opposition frum several sides. With regardto the disarmament of the Mo- hammedans Russia's views (io not appear, from what General Ignaticif says, to be as absolute as was eup- posed, the tendeney being to place Christians and Mohammedans on the same footing. Ru views about Bulgaria, however, are more extreme. She seems to consider that all districts inbabited by Bul- garians should be considered as included in Bulgaria, If this view is accepted Bulgaria would comprise mure than balf of Turkey. THE NEW FRENCH MINISTRY. The now Fronch Premier seems to be getting along smoothly so far, and it is probable we shall not have another crisis for some time to come. A telegram jrom Paris says that M, Jules Simon, the new Presi- dent of the Council and Minister of the Interior, made a statement in the Chamber of Deputies to-day re- garding bis policy, which was well received, POLICY OF TRE MINISTRY. M. Simon declared himself profoundly a republican and conservative, and devoted to liberty of conscience, He als> had a sincere reverence for religion. He said President MacMahon bad endeavored on all occasions to act strictly in accordance with the principles of con- st:tutional government, The Ministers, united among themseives and with the Parliamentary mojority in tho desire to maintain a republican constitution, con- eluded to establish real liberty, A strong and united NEW YORK HKKALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1876.—TRIPLE SHEET. i authority is necessary. We must, therefore, have offl- cials who will not only execute orders and apply the Jaws, but set an example of respect for the govern- ment they serve. We shall be absolutely strict on that pomt ‘THE REPUBLICANS SATISFIED. This was, of course, understood as referring to cer- tain preiects and other functionaries who are hostile to the Republic, for the Deputies of the Lett repeatedly cheered:this concluding statement. It was remarked that M. Gambetta did not applaud. M. simon re- Peated the same statement in the Senate and was much applauded, especially by the Left. The Bonapartists resolved to observe an expectant and cautious attitude toward the new Cabinet, GAMBETTA IN BAD HUMOR, A Paris correspondent comments on what he de- scribes as the mocking, almost aggressive attitude of M. Gambetta and his immediate followers while Mints- ter Simon was making his statement before the Cham- ber yesterday. It is asserted that alter the sitting M. Gambetta declared the new Cabinot was made against Lim ana he would not forget it. GENERAL BERTHAUT’S POSITION. The latest news from Paris is that M. Simon has re- ceived perfectly satisfactory assurances from General Borshaut, Minister of War, on the question of military escorts at funerals, The order issued by General Ber- thaut on this subject was the ostensible cause of the late crisis. M. Martel's indisposition 1s not considered serious, and he will assume the office to which he ha been appointed. GERMAN IMPORT DUTIRG. A despatch from’ Beriin says that Parliament, by a ‘vote of 206 to 116, has rejected a motion to postpone the abolition of import duties on irom until the lst of January, 1879. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT YIELD. Special despatches from Berlin state that there is no prospect of compromise between the imperial govern- ment and the Reichstag on the judicial laws. The government, it is said, has absolutely refused to make any compromise. GERMAN RCCLESIASTICS IMPRISONED, A telegram from Muenster says that Bishop Brinck- man and Dr. Giest have been sentenced to imprison- ment, the former for one year and the latter for two yersinominally for withholding public documents and embezzlement. Their real offence was disobe- dience of the ecclesiastical laws. Two priests were also sentenced to short terms of imprisonment. A BELGIAN BANK PRESIDENT ABSCOXDS, From Brussels comes the news that the President of the Union da Credit Bank has absconded. Hoe had used the bank’s funds for private speculations, The Joss is very heavy, The directors of the leaaing finan- cial estaolishments will meet at the Ministry of Fi- nance to-day to organize a syndicate to assist the bank to continue operations, PARLIAMENTARY ACTION. The government was interpollated in the Chamber of Representatives to-day regarding the affair. M. Malon, Minister of Finance, said he bad already come to an understanding with the Bank of Belgium respecting measures tor continuing the operations of the embar- raused bank. He was convinced the crisis would be easily solved. Meantime the Tribune of Commerce had granted a motion of the Union du Credit Bank tor a temporary suspension, 4 DIRECTOR COMMITS SUICIDE. A Paris despatch says a report is published there that one of the directors of the Brussels Union da Credit Bank has committed suicid EGYPT AND ABYSSINIA. A special despatch from Alexandria states that the British Consul General has written to the King of Abyssinia offering to mediate between him and the Khedive, Major Barlow, an Englishmen, who, it was recently announced, was on his way to abyssinia to take command of the King’s army, has beem stopped by order of the Khedive. THE WEST INDIES. FRUITLESS SEARCH FOR THE MOCTEZUMA— EXHUMING THE REMAINS OF A FRENCH AD- MIBAL—HAYTI AND 8ST. DOMINGO TRANQUIL, Havana, Dee. 14, 1876. The French steamer bas arrived trom St. Thomas, and brings advices to the 9th inst The capture of tho steamer Moctezuma was arranged in Kingston, Ja- maica, Tho chiet of the captors, Leoncio Prado, a son of President Prado of Peru, was in Kingston upto. ‘within a few days of the capture, and was, opparently, there supplied with monoy. On the 22d ult, tho Span- ish man-of-war Pizarro arrived at Port au Prince in search of the steamer Moctezuma, but left the next morning, having bi anable to obtain any informa- tion concerning her. BXHUMING A FRENCH ADMIRAL’S REMAINS, The French man-of-war Sane, Commander Broselet, arrived at St, Thomas November 24 from Martinique, jor the purpose of exhuming the corpse of Rear ‘Ad. mirat Benic and shipping the same by the mail steamer Ville de Bordeaux to France. VESSELS IX DISTRESS, Business continued dull and the heat was intense. Six vessels had entered the harbor of St, Thomas in distress, among them being the American bark Mani- tou, Captain Frower, from Baltimore bound for Por- nambueo, with a cargo of flour consigned to Philips & Go. She had Jost her toremast, bowsprit and sails, and was leaking. HAYTI AND ST, DOMINGO TRANQUIL. Advices from St. Domingo to the 30th say tran- quillity reigns throughout that Republic, the ports of Azua and Monte Christi having surrenderea, Somo uneasy fecling, however, still prevaued throughout the country, Business was dull and money extremely scarce,. Advices from Jacmel to the 26th state that perfect tranquillity prevails in Hayti. Thecoffeecrop will {all vory sbort this year, on account of the dam- age done by the harricane, Coffee is now valued at $13 per quintal Ex-President Geffrard has arrived at Port au Prince, President Canal has adopted a very Hberal policy. He permits Haytians of all political do. Bominations to return to their country. THE INDIAN WAR. CROOK’S COLUMN RESTING AFTER A SEVERE MARCH. Nortu Fork, Bert Fourcar River, Dec. 10, via Cnerexxn, Wy. Dec, 14, 1876. General Crook’s force, which teft Buffalo Springs December 6 and arrived here on the 9th, 1s now in camp here. A train lenves to-day to bring up rations and forage from Buffalo Springs. The trail over which the army marcbod was a very bad one. No iniormation as to the present exact location ot the ‘hostiles” bas been obtained. The will remain bere several days to rest and recupe: the antinals, and then move to the mouth of 1 Poader River, Not much snow has fallen, and weather is comparatively mild. MIDNIGHT WEATHER REPORT. Wan Darartaxst, GENERAL Orrice oF THe Cume Sicxat Orricer, Wasuisatox, Dec, 15—1 A. M. Probabilities. For New England, the Middle States and lower lako region, decidedly colder northwest to southwest winds, Increasing in force, rising barometer and threatening weather, with light snow. In the South Atlantic aud Gulf States, colder north- east to northwest winds, rising barometer cast of the Lower Mississippi, partly cloudy weather and light local rains, For Tennessee and the Uhio Valley, decidedly colder clear or falg weather during the day, light norther!y winds shifting to westerly and southerly and rising followed by falling barometer. For the upper lake region, the Upper Mississippi and Lower Missouri valleys, clear or fair weather and southwest to southeast winds, slowly rising tempera- turo, falling barometer. ‘The Central Misstesippt will fall slowly, Cautionary signals continue on the Jowor lakes, the New Jersey coast and at New York, Indianola and Galveston. The display of cautionary signals will be discontin- wed at the lake tions, except at M ukeo and Grand Haven, on the 20th inst, THE WEATHER YESTERDAY. The following record will show the changes inthe temperature for the past twenty-four hours, in com- parison with the corresponding dato of last year, as indicated by the thermometer at Hudnut Heravo Buildin; 3AM WASHINGTON. The Influence of the More Moderate on the Electoral Question. A FATRER PROSPECT FOR THE COUNTRY Constitutional Methods Likely to Prevail Without Regard to Results. PARTISAN ACTION OF PROMINENT SENATORS. A Republican on the Authority of Con- gress to Examine the Vote. THE MANIPESTOES OF HEWITT AND CHANDLER. FROM, OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Wasmixatox, Deo. 14, 1876," VIEWS OF A PROMINENT REPUBLICAN ON THE PRESIDENTIAL MUDDLE—THE POWER OF CONGRESS TO EXAMINE THE ELECTORAL VOTE NEVER BEFORE QUISTIONED—MODERATE MEN OF BOTH PARTIES HARMONIZING—DISMAY OF THE EXTREMISTS. ? A prominent republican said, to-day, in conversa- tion “The real question is whother there is honesty enough in both partios in Congress to enable men to agree upon a magner in which to count the electoral vote. For my part Ihave no doubt there is, There area good many bitter and reckless partisans on both jes, on the republican as well as tne democratic side; but there are also a good many honest and faith- ful men on both sides, who, though silent and waiting now, will be heard from and felt when the time comes. It is shamefal that men should be ruled on this question of counting the vote by consideration of results and leanings toward a favorite candidate, There is a con- atitutional way, and no one who cares to know what that is needs to go uninformed. He needs only to look imto the proceedings and he will find that Congress has never in asingle stance, omitted to assert its power to ‘examine’ the elestoral voice, that this constitutional power of the two houses has never been doubted by any one whose opinions were of any account, and that, to take only a recent instance In the long debate last winter in the Senate on Senator Morton’s bill, now revived by Senator Edmunds, every repub- licam and every democrat with but one or two exceptions admitted this power, and no one asserted it so broadly and strongly as Senator Morton. Therefore, whatever men may now rashly say or pre- tend, 1 will not doubt that the two houses will como to an agreement on this question, and that men enouch will be found on both sit to agree upon a measure, whether joint rule or bill, which shall be clearly con- stitational and which will be adopted rogardless of the merely party consequences.” There is reason to believe that the gentleman who said this will prove to be right. The question who shall count the electoral voto was seen to be so impor- tant that the extreme republicans made haste to as- sume that the Vice President, and he alone, would, as @ matter of course, count it. Batwithin a few days & good many persons have been led to look into the question, and the more they look the more clearly they all see that it is a power conferred on the two houses, and a power which they ha’ ysasserted. The matter js so cloar that itis impossible to doubt that it will be decide properly, and it is understood that while the House will appoint acommittee to confer with the Senate committes on the subject, Senator Morton's bill will probably be ro. ferred to such a joint committee for consideration. Thus, there is now fair promiso that the one question = on which it was = feared the two houses might fatally disagree will be harmoniously settled before the day of the count Meantimo it is certain that the moderate and honest constantly coming into closer extremists with a rigor hardly kcown before, this in itself begins to create a revulsion of disgust among honorable men who are mado to feel the sting of this tyranny and resent it, Among the mere partisans the cry is only “Stick! stick!’’ But they are really alarmed, be- Cause they see that tocro is a large number of influe: tal men on both sides who mcan to “stick”? to their country and to justice rather than to party, and who will follow a constitational course, no matter whether this results in a party defeat or victory. The extreme partisanship of some conspicuous Sena- tors leads them to lengths which shock the fairer minds on the republican side, It is a matter of gen- eral remark and open criticism, for instance, that Senator Morton, having been uppointed on a commit- tee to investigate all cases in which Ineligible electors are found, including, conspicuously, the Oregon case, should have immediately, in his place im the Senate, denounced Governor Grover and bis ac- tions and elaborately argued them wrong. People say that it is indecent for a member of a committee, ap- pointed to investigate a certain case, should thus openly show that he had prejudged tho very mattor confided to his inquiry. Again, Senator Sherman’s speech to-day is similarly eriticised, and by republican members, As Senator he will have 40 judge of tho Louisiana election, but he has evidently anfitted him- self to sit in the seat of sober judgment, It ,was re- marked also that Mr. Sherman, to-day, proved rather too much in regard to Louisiana. To judge by his ac- count it would de a proper assumption that no real or valid election had been held there, THE LOUISIANA RETURNING BOARD SAID TO BE ACTING UNDER ADVICE OF SECRE- TARY CHANDLER—COMMENTS OF REPUBLI- CANS THEREON. 4 The report here this ovening that the Louisiana Re- turning Board, in refusing to reveal its acts in sccret session, Is acting under instructions from Secretary Chandler also cxeites comment. It is said by some republicans that if the Board has cone no wrong it can have pothing to conceal, but that i! it has done wrong the republican acthoritics here cannot dgcently sup- port itin concealment. Such matters begin to bo cussed here, FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT, Wasmixotox, Dec, 14, 1876, THE MANIFESTORS OF MR. HEWITT AND SECRE- TARY CHANDLER OTH PEACEFUL SOLUTION OF ALL DIFFICULTIES ANTICIPATED AT THE NATIOKAL CAPITAL, The manifestoos of Mr. Hewitt on the one side and of Secretary Chandler on the other, each proclaiming the victory of his own party in the Iate election, formed tho chief topics of conversation in this city to-day. ‘“Whatdo you think of the situation now?” was the question on the lips of nearly every one, and, in nine cases out of ten, the reply was a Jocular allusion to the bellicose attitude of both gentle- men. Mr, Hewitt’s card was generally regarded as bombastic and ridiculous, while thatof Mr. Chandler was condemned an ill-advised and imprudent, Thoughtial men in both parties censured these two valiant leaders for what they considered a needless and unnecessary attempt to inflame the public mind, with- out accomplishing a solitary praisewortny object, ‘The temper of the public mind in this city is entirely peaceable, and no one expects other than a quiet and orderly solution of the diMcultivs of the situation. There is even a good nature about it which goos as faras humor, Mr. Frye, of Maine, in jocosely on- weipating a civil war, said when it camo toa dght, a each republican was pitted against each democrat, he, for bis part, was going to pick out Mr. Cox of New York or Mr. Warren of Massachusetts for his antago- nist... The joke hes in tho fact that the two gentlemen last mentioned cre the most diminutive members of the House, In expla) f the brevity of the democratic CONDEMBRD—A | dros it is said that a first draft, which went fully into the merits of the present political dispate, was pre- pared, but at the last moment was thrown aside and the simple declaration of the election of Tilaen and Hendricks issued. The object of the address is said to be to keep up the courage of such democrats in the country as are disposed to be despondent and to show those who think the leaders are preparing to yield that such is not the case. The National Dem- ocratic Committee is receiving a great niany letters from various parts of the country, indicating intense feeling among democrats concerning the political situ- ation, amd the committee is doing its atmost to allay excitement, while at the same time maintaining that Tilden and Hendricks are elected, Secretary Chan- dier’s address is his individual production. A copy ef Ur. Howitt’s announcement was carried to Mr. Chan- ler as soon as it was issued and he then sent out what all the democrats denounce n impudent rejoinder, SENATOR SHERMAN NOT A CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SENATE—THE ALLEGED CONSPIRACY OF HIMSELF AND BROTHER, GENERAL SHERMAN, A SUBJECT OF MERRI- MENT, Senator Sherman says that the newspaper stories in regard to bis aspirations for the position of President of the Senate are all tudge, and he laughed heartily at the ambitious designs credited to him and his brother, General Sherman, in this conacction, He added, om- phaticaliy:— “I do not want the position of President ofthe Senate and would not take it if it wero offered me. 1 have never even thought of it, and do not want any other position than the one I hold, with which I am per- fectly content, As to tho newspaper paragraph about tho brothers Sherman, referring to General Sherman and mysolf, people will readily understand that we are not conspirators. The country is in no danger from us, The allusions made to us in that connection are so absurd and ridiculous as to be worth only laugh- ing at.” So saying, and still inughing merrily, he turned to enter the Senate and take part in the debate on the printing of the testimony about Loulsiana, which ac- companies the President’s Message. THE FEELING IN INDIANA CONSIDERED IN CABINET SESSION, At a special session of the Cabinet this afternoon the state of feeling in Indiana and tho resolutions of tho Indiana Democratic Committee wero under considera. tion and elicited a good deal of discussion, The sub- Ject will be discussed more fully at the regular session of the Cabinet to-morrow. 4 WAR ON TBE LOBBYISTS INITIATED BY MR. WILLIS, OF NEW YORK—HOW MERITORIOUS CLAIMS ARE DEFEATED BY THEIR ACTION. Representative Willis, of New York, struck a blow to-day inthe Naval Committee at an abuse of tong standing—namely, the practice of allowing lobbyists to appoar before Congressional committees as the agents of claimants and others who have demands upon the governmeut, Mr. Willis believes that claim- ants only should be allowed before a com- mittee, and that if a rulo of this charac- ter wero made general a severe blow ‘would be given to lobbying, a large amount of money saved to the Treasury and many meritorious and just claims, which are now unsettled because of the suspicion of corruption and jobbory, would be paid. There is a Jarge number of persons in this city, ex-mombors of Congress and ex-heads of bureaus, and even ex-members of the Cabinct of the presen, and former administrations, who are en- gaged in business of this kind, and who are employed because of thoir knowledge of the ma- cbinery of legislation and of the Executive dopart- ments of the government. The presentation of the petition of the naval officers who had been placed on balf pay by Secretary Robeson for reasons which they allege to be improper, and which was signed by an ex- Commissioner of Internal Revenue as their counsol, suggested to Mr, Willia the step to which reference is made above, SECRETARY ROBESON NOT LIKELY TO BE IM- PRACHED—OTHER AND MORE IMPORTANT BUSINESS TO BE ATTENDED TO. The friends and enemies of Secretary Robeson havo been speculating since the meeting of Congress upon the probable action of the Naval Committee of tho House in reuzard to bis ‘proposed impeachment, and conflieting reports upon the subject have found their way into the newspapers, A member of tne com- mittee, who 18 not a republican, hav- ing been questioned upon the matter to-day, said he did not believe any action would be taken upon tho case of the Secretary; that it was now before the Judiciary Committee, and that the Naval Committee could pot reopen the investigation without an order from the House; but if the session were to be a long one the Secretary would in all probability be placed upon trial As it is, the questions which now and must for the next two months occupy the attention of Congress are of too pressing and important a character to admit of postponement for the purpose of ascertain- ing his guilt or innocence. THE VENEZUELA CLAIM8—A NEW COMMISSION TO BE RECOMMENDED. The Venezuela elaims, which became the basis of so much legislative, diplomatic and political scandal last session and the evidence of the corruption which com- polled Godlove & Orth to retiro from the gubernatorial canvass at the last olection in Indiana, were considered in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House to-day, It was dotermined to report a bill appointing a now cominission and guspending all payments agreed upon by the old Boord.. Mr. Monroe, of Ohio, a republican member of the committeo, said the whole subject was 80 tainted with frand that he considered this the only proper and honorable course for Congress and the country to pursue. GENERAL WASHINGTON _ DESPATCHES. Wasntxerox, Dee, 14, 1876, A SOUTH CAROLINA MEMBER-ELECY OF THE HOUSE BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ELEC- TIONS—THE CERTIFICATE OF THE BOARD OF CANVASSERS AND THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUPREME COURT. The House Commitiew on Elections was called this morning, but had no quorum. The first caso before them is that of C. W. Buttz, of South Carolina, who has no contestant, but whoso credentials were roferred to the Committee on Elections on account of the re- ception of a protest from citizens of his district, Mr. Buttz has the certificate of the Board of Can- vassers and regular credentials from the Governor, whieh aro satis{actory to the republican mombers ot the committee, but the democrats demanded that he should exhibit the proceedings of the South Carolina Supreme Court. A transcript of these he bas obtained. A momber of the commitice demanded to see them this forenoon, but Judge Harris, Chairman of the Committe \d they were yet the private property of Mr, Buttz, it is understood that tho democrats aro willing to recognize the certificate of tne Supreme Court as sufficient to seat him, bat ho bas not ret been advised by his counsel to submit the papers, as this might be deemed an acknowledgment on his part of the validity of the action of the Supreme Court in the matter. THE POSTAL RAILWAY COMMISSION—A RE-ES- TABLIGHMENT OF THE FAST MAIL SERVICE TO BE RECOMMENDED. The United States Postal Railway Commission, whieh have been engaged for more than three months in the collection of valuable data bearing upon the question of mail transportation on railroads, have commenced the preparation of their report in this city. They have, in tho course of their investigations, visited nearly all important cities of the Union save Boston, which is yot to be added 10 the Ii and one of the incidents of their inquiries has been a general and nearly unanimous expression in favor of tho speody re-establishment of tho fust mail service, which brought New York and Chicago and New York and St. Lous within twenty-six hours of each other, The report of the Commission will bo submitted in tiie to be acted upon during the present session of Congress. THE CHILIAN MINISTER TO BB TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER POST. A letter was recently received by the Presidont from the President of the Republic of Chili, in which it was stated that Don Adolfo Ibanez, for some time -Minister of Chill in this country, woul. be trans- ferred to another post. The President, in reply, speuks [highly of the ability anq courtesy of the Chilian Miniter, and js pleased to know that his ability is appreciated at home. LITTLE ROCK BURNING. The Heart of the City in Flames. CITY HALL AND BANKS DESTROYED. Loss One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars. Littie Rock, Ark., Dec. 14, 1876. A terrible fire is now prevailing im the heart of this city. The Metropolitan Hotel has been burned, | cluding the Merchants’ National Bank, Gleason's res” tauraut The City Hall, in which are kept steam fire engines and book and ladder apparatus, and the city offices aro now burning. WATER GIVEN ovr. At this Bour (quarter-past ten P.M.) tho wat Biven out and there are great fears of the flames ex- tending across to the north side of Markham street. FIRE BEGUN IN AN ICR HOUSK. The fire originated in McCabe's icebouso at a quarter to nine P. M., near the river and communicated to the outhouses, thence to the laundry and across Water strees to the hotel, A heasy gale 18 prevailing, with the wind from the north blowing the sparks across Markham street to tho Denckla block, the finest building in the city. The Griffith block, corner of Markham and Main Btreots, opposite the Motropolitan Hotel, is on fre. There are somo hope of stopping tho flames at the Herald oMco building, which, with tho buildings nearest it, are being razed. SEVERAL MEN INJURED. Men are on top of McAlmont & Gibson’s drug store, the Stoddard Bank Building and Denckla Block, fighting the flames inch by inch, Several men have been se- verely injured by falling bricks. LOSS OXK HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS. The loss will be fully $150,000 {i the fro is confined to tho limits in which it was raging at ten o'clock. The telegraph line runs through the burning district, and itis expected that communication will be closed at any moment. Owing to the early hour at which the firo startea all the guests escaped trom the hotel; most of whom, however, lost their bagguge. THE GRIFFITM BLOCK IX DANGER. 10:20 P. M.—It is thought that the Griffith Block ‘Will be burned, and goods are being removed from the Stores, Should this building go, the German Savings Bank and the Equitable block, the best on Main street, will be destroyed. GRIFFITH BLOCK ON FIRE. 10:30 P, M.—The GriMth and Equitable blocks aro on fire at the upper corners. Grave fears are entertained that the flames will proceed up Main street to Second street. WILD EXCITEMENT—XO WATER. 10:35 P. M.—The streets are filled with people, and the wildest excitement prevails, It water is ob- tained now the edst side and the greater portion of the west sido of Main street can yet be saved. SKETCH OF TIE CITY. Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas, on the south bank of Arkansas River, connected by ferry with Huntersville, The city is situated on a rocky promon- tory, or bluff, fifty feet high (the first that occurs in ascending the river), and commands a delighttul and extensive view of the surrounding country. L'tue Rock is the most commercial town in the State, the seat of an extensive jobbing trade, and has in all about 260 general business firms, The Merchants’ National Bank has a capital of $150,000, ANOTHER TOWN ON FIRE. Cuar.ustox, 8. C., Dec. 14, 1876. A largo portion of the thriving town of Blackville, mm Barnwell county, was burned this morning. Tho fire started in H. Aser’s store and consumed over twenty stores and residences, with the South Carolina Railroad depot and sheds, tho telegraph. and express offices, Tho loss is estimated at $40,000; insurance unknown. There ts much excitement in the town, as tho fire is supposed to have been incendiary. Anincendiary fre occurred to-day at Florence and burned severa! buildings, including the store and dwelling of D, Sonbergor, which was insured for $6,500. The total loss was $11,000. STORES’ BURNED UP. A FORTY-EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLAR FIRE IN AUGUSTA, ME. Avausra, Dee. 14, 1876. Affre broke out this morning ina store on Water streetand extended rapidly, sweeping away the houscs on the east side of that street, from Hendee’s photo- graph rooms to Robin’s harness shop, and in- volving losses = aggre ing $48,000. on which thore is insurance amnouuting to about $20,000, The sufferers are J. 3. Hendel, photographer; Mrs. V. T. Blackwell, milliner; J. 4 lovey, musical ine strument dealer; George W. Jones, auctioneer; Vick= ery & Rogers, printers; R. Johnson, druggist; Georgo W. Quimby, Gospel Banner office, and Fuller & Capen, sowing machine agents. This is the most destractive fire bere sinco the great conflagration in 1865, which burned over a portion of the same ground. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE, WasutNotox, Dec, 14, 1876. Despatches dated as late as November 15, at Yoko- hama, bave been received at the Navy Department from Rear Admiral Reynolds, commanding tho Asiatic squadron, He left Chefoo September 22, on the Ton- nessee, in company with the Ashuelot, for the mouth of the Petho, and arrived off the entrance to the River Lian on the 24th. He then shifted his flag to the Ashue- Jot, proceeded up the river eighteen miles and anchored of tho town of Yinkoa, whero the foreign consuls re- side, Returning to the Tennessee, be stood for the mouth of tho Potho, the Ashuclot in company. VISITING THE GREAT WALL. September £8 the vessel anchored about two miles from the beginning of the great wall. Parties of of cers and men left the ships, and, landing at the very foot of the wall, spent the forenoon pleasantly on shore. The wall isin good ervation considering that repairs have not been mado on it since a perio®so remote as to be unknown. ‘A VISIT TO PERIX, The next morning the vessels anchored about ten miles from the mouth of tae ’etho, and in the afternoon Admiral Reynolds, with such officers asx desired to visit Pekin, went “aboard tho Ashbnelot, crossed the bar next morning and, with the Palos ‘in company, went up to the capital. ' The vessels remained a week there. On Octover 15 the party retarued to Tien- tein and, leaving the Asbuclot the: proceeded in the Palos and reached the Tennessee October 17, On October 25 the Tennessee satied for Simonoseki, thenco tu Kode and Yokohama, arriving at the latter place October 30, ATATIONS OF VESSELS, The Yantic was in port there, the Kearsarge at Hong Kong, the Ashuelot and Alert at Sbanghai and the Palos at Nagosak. AUDIENCE WITH A PRINCE, whe at Pekin Admiral Reynolds had an audionce with Prince Kang, accompavied by his personal stall, Commander Matthews and Lieutenant Commander Baker. ‘The interview was quite pleasant and not altogether formal. Refreshments were extended. At Tientsin Roar Admiral Reynolds visited the Viceroy and had a pleasant interview, MULLIGA N’S DIFFICULTY. Bautimore, Dec. 14, 1876, Ata hall on Baltimore street at an carly hour this morning, & ball was closing, a difficulty arose, originating, it is *aid, ina political discussion, Pi tols wero drawn and several shots were fired, ove of the balls striking Patrick Mulligan, a City Councilman from the Eiyhth ward, im the ab- domen, At the time Mulligan’s wound was not aupposed to be serious, but to-night bis physicians say he cannot recover. Thomas J. Hogan, one of the par- Jes in the Cross strect market riot im September iast, has been arrested, charged with the shooting of Mulli- gn. To-night the quarrel Was renewed ma saloon on farsh market space, and James Baxey and James Hogan were severely wounded, the former bemg shot in the face and the latter cut with a knile, HOTEL ARRIVALS, Attorney General Charies 8, Faircnild, of Albany, is at the Buckingham Hotel. John King, Jr., Vico Presi- dent of the Baltimore and Ohio Ratlroad Company, is at the Brevoort House, Senator Augustus Sehoon- maker, Jr., of Kingston, N. Y. at the Metropolitan Hotel. Protessor John Forsyth, of West Point, is at the Everett House. Trenor W. Park, of Vermont, is at the Astor House, Governor Person C. Cheney, of New Ne ee eae 7 Hampshire; General John Hammond, of Crown Potnt, N. Y.* Colonel William Goddard, of Rhode Island, and F. Gordon Dexter, of Boston, are at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll, of Illinois, and General James S, Whitney, of Boston, are at the St Nicholas Hotel. Clayton MacMichael, of Philadelphia, is at the Gilsey House. Colonel Dickinson Woodruff, United States Army, the New York Hotel. THE WEEKLY HERALD. THE CHEAPEST AND BEST NEWSPAPER COUNTRY—NOW READY. The Weexty Hxratv lor this week contains a full account of the late terrible disaster in Brooklyn, with a correct list of the ideatified dead, the burial of the 100 unrecognized at Greenwood, and the funeral sore vices over the remains of the dead actors; full particu- jars of the Conflagration in Burlington, N. J.; the eflects ot Saturday’s storm in this city and vicimt; the Political Situation im the Congested States; Views of Governor Hayes on the Presidency ; Collision on the New York Central Railroad; Cremation of the Body of Baron Von Palm; Dr, Sehhemann’s great discoveries on the site of ancient Troy; General Cesnola’s Dis- coveries of Cypriote Antiquities, and our regular Wash. ington correspondence. It also contains editorial articles on the prominent topics of the day; Reviows of the Horse, Catule and Dry Goods Markets; Financial and Commercial Reports; Agricultural and Sporting Matters, and the most important events of the week. ‘Terms—Ono dollar per year; single copies, three cents, An extra copy will be sent to every club of ten or more, A $3 HAT $1 00. —GENTLE EN’S. SILK HATS $3 80, worth mh LS New vs Up nti, A.—HOLIDAY PRESENT. Ta i THE CENTENe vextibition at KNOX'S, #1fth Avenue ltoe Brondwavy, corner of he Prize Hate of Tress & Co., Londo: nd the Pri: and Walking Sticks of W. HL. startin, London ; aante pres- ents for lady of gentleman, GRADUATED CHEST AND LUNG PROTECTORS ments for securing be heres Seld everywhere. uufacturer, 704 Broadway. "3 pica! PARTLY MADE DRESS SHIRTS, BO: sily an hem- 1 Arch st., Cc TAL FIRST PRIZE PALB xsly for family use and shipping by P. city Hall place, One doilar per dozen pints, POMERC TRU sks ARE BY FAR THE BEST in use; ask your phys POMBROY THUS COMPANY, 746 Broadway, HAVANA Extraordinary. jars will be drawn on December 16; SODA WAT! ser US FOR MAKING ALL nerated beveray JOUN SMATIURWS, | Ist av. and 26th at., city. hired Bee KETAIL AUCTION SALE OF REAL eneraitt'axcy Gos, , will he contined every day at 11 o'clock, as 740 Broadway, JHFUSS, PRACTICAL bles, Bandewux. 44 A QUARTET OF THE FOU! LEADING NOVELS OF THE DAY, MY KATE, THROWN LITTLE DANTON, N THE LOVE. ‘ORL! hy By By. May Julie Bertha Aunes P. M. Fleming, Smith, Clas. Author A Wi First ‘i. Those four novels have already, within « fow weeks of publication, proved enormous ‘successes. Edition after edition and thousends upon thousands are being sold. G. W. CARLETON & CO.. Pr verano lished fe tow MENAGERIE om cla P. T. BARNOM ARLETON & ©0., Publishers, Madison squar ‘ork, ARE M Price $190, benutitn ‘3 GW, rat N OFFICIAL LIST of Curable Diseases and how to troat them at hom: Tuniled tree. NEW YORK CHEMICAL COMPANY, 7 Broudway. } Baek DR. FOOTE'S” x ne TENCE IN STORY YOR THE to fatal PB with fall directions for (hele HEATI'S book ‘of 100 pages, gratis, at 206 or NEW TREATISE, SENT FREE: HOW wut knile or minerals. Dr. STODDARD, © OLIDAY GIFT BOOKS AT ALL PRICES AND FOR ALL AGES. SCRIBNER, ARMSTRONG & CO. Broadway, opposite Astor place. Will be open in the evenings ra until Christmas, bcs Bar it ALWOMR, peorer APPLETON & CO., Psghnnd sk Broadway, desiring to close out their entire stock of Photograph Albums, offer them at retail very low prices. The assortment comprises all o recent importation including every size an aiyle. ‘of binding. y, bh aad Pr Pius NS. ‘TS OF eit JANUARY NUMBER. 1. The Karlier Forme of Lite. By Prof. C,H. Hiteheoek, (iiastrated ) ‘of Primitive Marriage, By Herbert II. Theores of IIf, _(Tiustrated.) racer. Huxley's Lectures ndy and Teaching of Biology. By Prot. Hy Newell Martin, 3 |. B. Mel Konda ot Glea R (Tiastrat ok J. We a Da Robert Mo ang nt Prof, H. Maudsley, M. er IX, Abont Sharks, xX. A Modern Thought. gina Becrieoeiip. of 25 Pacific Coast. By Vil. mesial Overwerks B; 1 Profession in '* Tab ilanthropic Fanaticism against Nclence~Volliical Keowommy inthe Unites Statens. Prot, Martin on Setentitic Bdneation—Frof. Huxley Mi 's American Mechanical ‘xo of Elementary Practi- mies Religion of hyena ie Fp Mbatex of Am of jor—Kolimeyer's: ‘Shewsia uta — Notes om ‘Balding Construction, Popular Miscellan; becontelalty in Wood tion—Nexnal Selection Among the Bens ne, of Habit—Efforts to ination of Plagu ‘Proposes Interns ion Geological Com grees, de, T ess 0 tage free, mder. ° JF apne: q TE erONs TUCK AL and THE POPULAR SCF K MONTHLY, toxether, tor $7 aeaghrcocn vina he publishers D. APPLETON & CO., Pul 549 and S51 Broadwi ork. CHEAPEST AND MOSE KEADA\ os oF THe high. lave magazin ir “it hi ay ie one ‘current magazine I unibers amonz its contributors,’ F, “smo of | t itt ra.” anys tl awe most brillisnt names For Janu APPLETO a sUb mat, MONTHLY ILLUSTRATED MISCELLANY @B POVULAR LITERATU; NEW SERIES. BEGINNING OF A NEW VOLUME, sld-fashioned 9 ‘but very power- a ‘rritven andiuit of steikine Inctdente. ry in weree ee anon- An annesnal feature is a long he rid whieh ts * ertal picture of an incidens of ivtwe women, effectually cont contrasted charnctor, who are o way to Whatever one im ‘hes at Rd, ttle. jover wonnded f'n poem of this loueth in a popalar ni bei ‘tuporural without being enrried Oreathionsty to the ro an illustrated gn Northwestern waterfalls the continuation of George — * ee ‘Pereemont ; an exceliont On Helarich Heine: * xood short nH ory the continuation of ‘Sultan Hawthor w very striking description of a winter frozen iakes of the Northwest, v1 engen papers er Psst yeni pe yng haw. oF the Gaston =e ven and other them 2de, per