The New York Herald Newspaper, March 20, 1877, Page 7

form other functions necessary for the wel! being and j PRosperity of the State. But tho preparation of all ‘ills for tbe sanction of the Genera! Assembly are Placed in the hands of special commissions; sad, in fact, the Parliament will merely ratify ihe measures laid before it by the advisers of tho Sul- tan. Among the prerogatives of the Sultan are the following:—Hoe names and revokes the appointment of Ministers; he confers grades and decorations ; be gives Investiture to the chiefs of the privileged provinces in the form in which they bave been conceded to them; he can coin money; his name is pronounced in the Mosques during public prayer; he concludes treaties with foreign powers; he commands the armies by land And sea; he declares war and makes peace; he orders the military movements; ho executes the ‘sacred’ and All other laws; he pardons criminals and remits sen- ‘ences; he convokes and prorogues the General As- sombly, aud fiually he dissolves, it he thinks necessary, the Chamber of Deputies, but must proceed without delay to order the re-election of others, THY PIRST STUMBLING BLOCK, This fandamontas chartcr—a most extraordinary in- cident in Turkish history it is declared—secures the Uberty and political equality of all Ottomans before ‘the Jaw; the responsibility of the ministers; Parlia- mentary control over all departments of goveru- ment; the complete independence of the courts; the rostoration ot foancial concorns to a sound basis, and administrative decentralization in the Provinces, while reserving decisive action to the su- prome authority at Constantinople. No sooner, how- ever, was the constitution promulgated than emphatic Protests came from the semi-independent Danubian Principalities. The government of Roumania denied being considered one of the privileged provinces, as claimed by the Grand Vizier, aud insisted that what- ever change the Porte might introduce into its internal administration could not absorb political individuality guaranteca by European treaties, Roumania, it was insisted, had always been a state distinct trom the provinces and possessions of Turkey, and its sovereign could not be compared to the governor of any Otto- man territorial district, In any event the provisions of the charter, as tar as thoy affected tho Principalities, were pronounced nall and void, and it was plainly in- timated that any attempt to enforce them would be re- sisted by force. Tho Grand Vizier found it necessary to back down, and this part of the constitutition had 40 be abandoned. Ho announced that it “was not an International transaction, capable of having the effect of moditying treaties, nor of altering the conditions of political existence of any of the countrics which form am integral portion of the Ottoman Empire, It must suflice that the Sublime Porte affirms thatthe statas of the United Principalities remains what it was before the constitution was promulgated.”” This declara- tion, taken in connection with the following fm tho first articlo of the charter:—Tho Ottoman Empire comprises the actual countries and possessions and the priviloged provinces. It forms an Indivisible whole, of which no part, for any reason whatover, can bo detached, and lends to the impression thatthe whole thing has been brought forward as an excuse to put off tho evil day as distant as possiole. Indeed, as faras reform 1s concerned, the constitution ig regarded by the Powers as so much waste paper. ELECTION OY DEPUTIES. The election of delegates to tho Lower House com- menced earlyin January. Tho ignoranco of the rural population, which has to be educated in parliamentary representation, became at once evident, and it was found necessary to promulgate a provisional law to Meet the difficulty. In numerous places a short and easy method was adopted. The Pacha himself elected three Turks, and directed the Greck Bishop to elect two Greeks and the Jowish rabbi to choose a Jew in one district. But in other localities the selection of members was far more in favor of Moslem interests, It ts so arranged that there will always bo, directly or indirectly, a Mussulman majority in tho Chamber of Deputies, so it is difficult to consider this as reform ‘when applied to the Christian population. The attri- butes of the Sultan, as spiritual head of the established Teligion, are fully recognized in the constitutiou, and the dispositions of the Sheri—the sacred law es given in the Koran—are ulways to be respected and enforced, The great boon of canfonnel seli-government or home fule in the Provinces is lett to be arranged hereafter, and it is feared that after all the condition of the Christian subjects of the Porte will not be ameliorated in any way, even if the Provisions of the constitution were carried out to the Jotter. It may be said that if the Sultan’s government really believe that this measure will prove satizfactory ‘to the Western Powers it is greatly in error. No con- fidence is placed in its being ablo to eflect any goud. [ts promulgation and operation will in no way affect the issues of peuce or war; but the world will take some interost in watching the working of the experi- ment that commences its real work to-day in the Turkish capital Whatever may bo the opinion of the Powers intercsted in the wellare of the Christian subjects of the Sultan relative to the measure, the Grand Vizier indulges in grandiloquent language in speaking of the Diessings 1 is to bring down on Ottomans of all races and religions, He says:—‘This charter, which our gracious sovereign bas deigaed to grant us, is a subd. limo work, which will cause lis Majesty to be consid- ered the great reformer ot the empire and the regenera- tor of his nation. It will inaugurate a new era of durable prosperity for all the Ottoman subjects who live under the wegis of off? and the same sovereign and who have just received with the greatest union and the best concord the real rights of liberty. Our bompatriots ought then naturaily felicitate themselves bn having the honor of being counted among tho well-beloved subjects of a sovereign so enlightened as ours.’ It is only necessary to add that the upper chamber being the creation of the government, will be largely composed of Mohammedans and of course in- disposed to do justico to the Christians, THE MOUNT ARARAT ROUTE, It daily begins to look as if the Russian advance would be made simultancously, if made at all, across the Prath and through Asiatic Turkey, The readers of the Hxratp will recall the route as laid down several months ago, Tho great army at Tiflis is a constant menace to the whole Moslem popula- tion of Asiatic Turkey. Advices from Erzroom, the principal city of Armenia, one of Turkey’s largest Asiatic subdivisions, as lato as March 6, show that the authorities there were displaying much activity in preparations for the contingency of war between Rus- sia and Turkey, Thore was an incessant movement of troops toward the Russian frontier, The re- serves of the Fourth Army corps had been called out for rvice, The regulars numbered 60,000 men, exclusive of 12,900 stationed at Batoun. The fortress of Kars was strongly garrisoned. Ardaban, a few miles north of Kars, was held by’ 60,000 troops. Turkish forces were concentrating to resist any Russian advance on Erivan, [he second Nine of dotence at Saghanlee was strongly fortitied, The number of Russian troops on the frontier was estimated at 110,000. Reinforcements arrived daily for the Turkish forces from Tillis, THE VALUE OF A SIGNATURE, ‘Tho Ruesians appear to regard the protocol asa valua- blo concession obtained by Russia, The Golos expresses the bighost satistaction at the Anglo-Russian settlement. It declares that peace may now bo considered certain, as England has apparently decided to sign a protocol containing tho principle of cocrcion, The object of course is to make the people believe Russia has gained @ diplomatic victory. Tho anarchy now existing in Turkey may soon force Englund to change her policy. Russia only has to wait, and the impossibility of ab- Malning from intervention in Turkey will soon be Manilest even to Lords Beaconsfield and Derby, Un- leas the Powers can bring the Porte to ite senses all all tho diplomatic fictions in the world will not Prevent war. In the louse of Lords yesterday atter- noon Lord Derby, in reply to a question by Karl Gran ville, eatd that betore coming into the House ho was visited by Count Schouvatof, the itussian Aimbas sador, who brought propesgis of razious alterations of the protocol, whieh ho (Lord Derby) was not prepared to give an opinion about, as they had not yor been seon by bis colleagues. THE ASTUTE 1oNATIKER, Tho English havo tho samo traditional anxiety about the diplomatic acamen of at Kussian embas- sadors that they have tn rogard to the “cutoncss,” as | thoy call st, of the Yankeos. Thus feuling 1s constantly | creeping out in the newspapers. ‘hey “fear the Greeks bearing gilts.” Even poor, innocent Igna- tie, who nevor “bamboozled? anybody except the Marquis of Salisbury and Sir Henry Biilott, is now an ot ject of suspicion—almoat of batred. “The hopes excited by the acceptance in principle of Ignatiei’s Proposal seem to have settied-into confidence that peaco will bo secured,” says the Pall Mall Gazette, “Yow coufidence may be justified, but wo think it better not to tako 80 much for granted. As far as we know the NEW. YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, MARCA 20, 1877,-TRIPLE SHEET. cepted is mere guesswork. All this confidence may operate to tno disadvantage of tho English government and Enghsh policy. It is pre- pariog increased difficulty for them should the amendments avd stipulation for disarmament be not accepted outright, Should Russia adopt the amend: ments but demur to disarmament the English govern- ment might reasonably arguo that the two things should go together. Then the whole mass of specula- tors, investors and tradera would raise a cry of impa- tlence against the English objections, Therefore wo vary in feelings ot bope and contidence, Russia has succeeded in raising an issue trom # diplomatic point of view, aud if not turned to account the pro- verbial astuteness of Russian diplomacy will for once have fatled.’” CAN THIS MEAN PRACR? Orders nave been given trom Belgrade to prepare Provision for 1,000 horses at Serajovo, which are com- ‘ng with ammunition, The Bosnians assert that the Austrians have 160 cannon at Brod, and have prepared pontoons for crossing the Save, The oficial journal at Serajovo reports further conflicts with insurgents tn the Kozara mountains, and that considerable activity is observable on the part of the Turkish troops on the Servian and Drina frontiers. Ljubibratich, the Her- vegovinian leader, bas arrived at Belgrade. A tele- gram from Zara says a six hours’ obstinate fight took place between the Turks and Bosnians on Saturday be- tween Bonaventura and Drezgnail, Both sides suffered heavily. The Turks retired upon Livno, The Servian War Department has decided to retain the re- maining volunteer battalions in active service, but will grant furloughs and discharges freely. The Bosuian rayahs are anxiously expocting the occupation of the province by foreign troops, which would tormivate a state of unboarublo anarcby. Mr, Arthur J, Evans, a newspaper correspondent, who Visited the insurgent districts last year, writes to the Times, trom Ragusa, that ho has just visited the Bosuian insuégents, He states that they number 2,500 well armed men and hold excellent positions. There is no brigandage, but war @ Voutrance. The insurgerts aro native Bosnians, There are no foreign emissari among them, Tho reign of terror continues in the country districts of Bosnia and old Servia, TUR PROTOCOL, It is asserted that a stipulation relative to Russia’s disarming, which could not appear in tho protocol, is embodied in a special despatch addressed by the Rus- sian government to Count Schouvaloff, who is em- powered to read and give a copy of it to Lord Derby. The protocol will be signed in London by the various ambassadors, There is yet no agreement about the mode of communicating it to the Porte. It is thought, howover, that the communica- tion will be collective, and thet immediately afterward the Czar will i#suo a proclamation to the nation and army announcing the grounds for demobilization. ‘*We have reason to be- Neve," says the Post, in its leading editorial this morn- ing, “that t alterations which Russia desires are certainly at first sight of no great moment. What isol even moro interest than tho exact terms of the docu- ment is the assurauce which has been conveyed from St, Petersburg that Russia would consider tt a humiliation to sign concurrently with the protocol an engagement to disarm. If wo aro correctly informed, Russia cannot demobolize until three events have hap- pened—first, tho signaturo of the protocol; second, the conclusion of peace between Turkoy and Monto- negro, and third, @ preliminary demobilization of tho Sultan’s forces,’? The Standard, in its leader, ’s there is nothing In the amendmonts which Russia desires to introduce to the protocol to raigo any serious doubt that an agree- moot has virtually been reached, The Daily Telegraph's editorial, summing up the situation, confirms the report that Gortscha- kof’s changes tn tho wording of the protocol are not serious At the same time the nogotiations for Russian demobilization, on the succcss of which England’s adbesion to the protocol depends, aro still in progress and have not reached a practical issue, Allis not peaceful, Simultaneously with good news from the West comes nothing but bad news from the East. Tho intelligence in regard to the popular feel- ing in Constantinoplo inaicates a astute of things which experience has proved to be tho precurser of a great crisis. be A BAP OUTLOOK IX TURKEY. Tho political situation at Constantinopte is unim- proved, The governmont is quite powerless to aliay popular oxcitemént against Montencgro and Russa, In tho interfor of the Empire the government is so Jamentably weak that 1t cannot repress the evil or protect the good. Though General Ignatieff is no longer here his policy is being carried out by his agents precisely as ifhe were hero to direct them. Popular feeling in Constantinople agaist Mahmoud Damad is gaining ground. Thirty softas wero arrested on Tues- day. The Minister of Police nas been dismissed -pe- cause ho was insufficiently watchful. A largo body of sofias wont to the Palace on Wednesday to demand the release of their comrades. Threatening revolutionary placards are increasing and the peoplo within the Palace are becoming anxious. The statemonts about tho Sultan’s health aro fabrications. Ho is in good health, lvads a quiet orderly life, takes great interest in public sffairs, and does what he can to improve the condition of the country, Mahmoud Damad is the present danger atthe Palace, and Abraham Pacha is here to help him and to carry on his old schemos tor Egypt and Russia, But there isa strong party against Abrahatn Pacha, which will also endeavor to restrain Mahmoud Damad’s interference, and may possibly overthrow it altogothor. TURKEY'S DISOOURAGEMESTS AND STRENGTH, A deadlock is im the way of the final settlement ot the treaty of peace between Servia and Turkey. The Servian governmont declines to receive the imperial firman until the Turks, who still hola the tslaods fm the Drina and several villages, have completed tho evacuation, The Servians moreovor insist that the firman shall be presented as privately as possible, The Turkish envoy demands that the presentation bo pub- lic and ceremonious. It is probable that the aifler. ences will be arranged; bat in the prosent condition of the Turkish provinces one need not be surprised at any turo of affairs. A correspondent writes from Pera, undor date of March 13, that there are 3,000 softas in Constantinople well armed and ready for any movement. it is sald the leader of the battalion of soltas, who fought against the Servians during the late war, is umong the persons recently arrested. Several highly distin. tinguished European officers, who have long been dil- igontly Investigating tho strength of the Turk- ish army, state that tho official ostimates aro vastly exaggerated. The Turks really have on the Danubian frontier and in Bosnia and Herze- govina 169,000 men, with what seems hardly credible, 226 cannon, This force thoy are preparing to strengthen with a reserve of 25,000 men. They have on the Asiatic frontier about 75,000 men and 120 cannon, Altogether their army numbers 259,000. THE MONTENEGRING, The fairer prospects of tho negotiations in London seem to have already exerted an inflaence on tho ne- gotiutions in Gonstantrnople, Thu Montenegrin del who were threatening to leave, now soom in- to renounce their claim to Nicsics and territory on down to the frontier ‘These concessions would in- crease Montencgein territory about one-half 11s present extent, The Jand claimed, however, 18 principally of little agrienitural value, If Montenegro has made eon. | cessions about Nicsics it must be tn consequence of ad- vice from St, Petersburg. There, however, reinains the question of the Plain of Zeta, which the Turks clined to be satisfied with a cession ot the right) bank of the dforava Lake Scutari, and rectification of about Banjani end Piva, refuse to discuss, aod to whieh the Sonte. negrins now ouly cling more _tenactously, But as the SMontenegrins have given way | on one point, and all tho Powers are making every | effort, both at Cettinge and Constantinople, the chances | of an understanding have certainly increased, The | Montenegrin Minister of War bas arrived in Italy, on | his way to Brescia, to purchase arms. Tho Prince of Montenegro bas authorized his delegates to aban. | don the demand for the port of Spitza and the fortified islands on Lake Scutari, but has ordered then to tnsist upon the right to the free navigation ot the Bojana, A St. Petersburg correspondent tele- graphs (hat Intelligence from Montenegro confirms the statement that the Prinee bas abandoned his claim for | Spitza, but hoe maintams his demand for Nicsics, It is | said if the Porte rejects this arrangement the Princo wil} appeal to the European Powers for support, MORN NULGARIAN OUTRAGES, Dark tales of Musselman violence and rapino con- tinue to reach Constantinople from many provinces, especially Bulgaria, Maceuonia and Albania, whero | Ggeserioe that the Eneliab indmanta hava bean ate vubhia security. citucr on the highway or in isolatea | Pot houses or small hamlets, seems altogether at an end. Those who are willing to give Turkey one or three years to mature reforms may seo what elements aro at work for future improvement, either in government or among the people, Not one Zaptick has been dismissed the service; no titl gatberer has been stopped in his career of unlawful exaction, and no step is image toward the establish- ment of public security or the administration of lair and equal justice, ITALY AND THR VATICAN. The Italian Minister of Public Worship in o circular orders the authorities not to proceed against Journals which print the Allocution delivered by the Pope ab the recent Consistory. He declares that the govern ment, confident in the unity and treedom of Italy, wishes to give the world a solemn proof of ita senti- ments ot forbearance and tolerance, notwithstanding the violent language of tho Allocution, which appeal to bishops to incite foreign governments against Italy» THE TRANSVAAL REPUBLIC, ‘The latest advices trom Cape Town announce that the Volksrauad of the Transvaal Republic havo ap- proved the terms of peace with tho Chief Secocoent President Burgors, in his speech opening the session of the Volksraad, advocated union with Great Britain, THR BUROPKAN MAILS, On and after the 29th inst. the Inman line ofsteamers will carry the British mails for New York. From that dato thoir vessels will be despatched from Liverpool on Thursdays and Queenstown on Fridays, TUR POPR'S PREDICAMENT, The Pope has personally dictated a note which the Nuncios wil) present to the various governments, re- Presenting the condition to which his Holiness will be reduced if the Clerical Abuses b:!1 is passed, BETTING ON THE NOATING, Betting on the University boat race was six to tour ‘and seven to four in favor of Oxford yesterday, COMMUNISTS AND AMNESTY, The Extrome Left of the French Chamber have resolved to again introduce a motion for amnesty for the Communists. THK VALUS OF A LIRR, The Italian Chamber of Deputics has begun to de- bate the government’s proposal for an extraordinary grant of 15,000,000 lire for military purposes, LOUISIANA, PACKARD INCREASING HIS BLACK GUARDS— FEARS OF RIOTOUS VIOLENCE—THE YEOPLE PROMPTLY PAYING TAXES TO THE NICEOLL’S COLLECTons. [bY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. New On.gans, March 19, 1877. Alarge crowd of negroes assembled this morning around the Stato House, drawn there through Pack- ard’s efforts to recruit his militia, Upward ot 300 wero enrolled, making tho total force of men at the State Houso about 50, Some anxioty ts prevalent in consequence, it being fearcd that Packard will make an elfort ‘to create disturbances voth in the city and country for popular effect abroad, A strong squad ot Nicholls police was sent down to the neigh- burhood of the Stile House this morning, but beyond one or two arrests for disorderly conduct nowbing notable occurred, Governor Nicholls has privately announced hisintention to complete his appointments this week, The tux collectors state that taxes a being paid freely, and warrants sold on the street t day at 90to 95, “By tho end of the month all the ma- chinery of tho new State goverument will be tully in motion, LEGAL ACTION TO EJECL PACKi\RD FROM THE STATE HOUSK, New On.eays, March 19, 1877. Attorney General Ogden has filed in the Fifth District Court a petition fora writ of ejoctment against S. B. Packard, claiming to be Governor; G. B, Johnson, claiming to be Superintendent of Kducation, and others residing in the St. Louis Hotel building known as the State House, Tho petition sets forth that theso per- sons are unlawtully in possession of sald building, and, am the name of the State, asks that the present occu- pants be disposessed theretrom and the rightful claimants, the officers of the Nicholle’ government, be xiven possession, The Court bas not yct been calied upon to iake action in the promises, but it 18 likely such action will be invoked very soon. TUM SITUATION THREATENING, The Evening Democrat says:—*' Matters aro assuming a feverish cast around tho st. Louis Hotel, and things look more than ever like a conilict, By hult- past nine o'clock on Monday morning there were gathered about the St. Lows strect and Royal streot entrances about 8,000 nogrocs, who served to make the pluco a pandemunium, These negroes are evidently from the country, and are hero to join Packara’s militia, in recruiting which he is now engaged. Packard vow adinits that he will, as soon as possivle, take back the police siations, and says ho would not remain in the building two hours if he had all of his arms back. It can be put down as a settled fact that within @ very few days ut the larthest, Packard wail preak the peace. His buckers in the hotel are hot for war, and ‘nothing but, the probable outcome is talked about. It is reported he 1s already in negotiation for the purchase of arms and ali the funds comeatable are to be used in sec ing them. They boast down there ¢! they do not went tho troops to interfere, and they assert that if might makes right they have might. Our citizens shoud be prepared for the turning Joose on the streets of a gang of ignorant negroes led by bad men, for that now is evidently the policy ot Packard, The situation is assuming much more of a warlike attitude than ever betore since the 9th of January, and the responsibility‘of the matter will restupon Packard, and the fruits ho will gatuor will be most bitter.” ARREST OF SOME OF PACKARD’S MEN, Nicholls’ police have arrested some of Packard's re- cruiting officers and several have been locked up un a charge of attempting to create a riot and enlistiug men tojoverthrow the government of Louisiana, They will gota heuring to-morrow, THE OHIO + DEMOCRATS FAIL TO AGRES ON A CANDIDATE— THE VOLE TO BE CAST FOR BLANK, [By TELYGRAPA TO THE HERALD.) Co.umnvs, March 19, 1877, The democratic members of the General Assembly met to-night to bestow on some one the empty honor of # nomination for United States Senator, The meeting was of the Star Chamber order, no one but democratic members being admitted, Filty-three members wero present, Candi. dates wero as plenty as grasshoppera in a good season. Pendleton, Sam Ewing, William Allen, Frank Hurd, George Hoadley, E. W. Morgan, H. B. Banning, A. T, Walling, Barnavas Burns, John MeSweeny und G. W. Andrews wero placed in nomination, Bofore the balloting cummencod the correspondent of a leading democratic newspaper was discovered in the room and thrust out, Tueodore Cuok, ot Cincinnati, Peadleton’s special triend, was refused admittan as was J, D, Osborn, Supreme Court Judge. THK BALLOTING. After adopting resolutions pledging the members to secrecy relative to the ballots cast, balloting com- menced. On the first ballot Pendleton received 20 votes and Morgan 7, tho balance scattoring badly among all the candidates, On tho second ballot lendieton had 4, Morgan 10 and Ewing 6. On tho third ballot Pendleton hud 23, Morgan 10, Ewing 3, Allen 4, McSweeny 8, Walling 1 and Banning 1 | Pendleton continued to lead on the next three bailots, losing and gaining one or two each time, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, At the end of the sixth ballot George I. Convorso made an earnest speech favoring the plan of voting blonk in open session of the Assembly next Tuesday, Claiming that this would inspire all tie candidates to great exertion next fali, each hoping to secure the elec- {ion as Senator in case the democrats organized the next Assembly, ‘'wenty-cight votes were cast in favor of this proposition and 15 against it. A wrangle then arose as to What the question was, and flually to end it the Chair declared the motion Jost. It was now after NATORSHIP, | eleven o’clock. BLANK THE FAVORITE, The seventh bullot resuited:—lendleton, 14; Me- Blank, 29. The carcus finally decided to adopt Converse’s proposition and make no nomina- tion, by a vote of 33 to 19, ’ A SOLEMN PLEDGE OP PARTY TRTH, The small fry had charge of the caucus, hence the great secrecy altendibg i. The toliowing resoiution Was adopted “We, the democratic members of the General As- of Obto, In caucus assembled, hereby pledge 8 to Work, both individually and uniedly, for tho success of democratic meh and measures during the ensuing summer and fail campaign. As we Were franduleutly counted out of the Presidency, it W incumbent on every democrat In the State (0 exort his influence tor the success of democratic men and measures.” Having again sworn exch other to secrecy, the caucus adjourned, Pendleton’s friends aro much cbagrined ond disappointed at his failure to sceure the nomina- Lon or show greater strength on auy ballot, MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME COURT. APPOINTMENT OF AUGUSTUS L. SOULE TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY GENERAL DEVENS’ RUSIGNATION, (BY gELEGRAPH TO THR HERALD.) Bosrox, March 19, 1877, Augustus L, Soule, of Sp:ingtield, has been ap- ed to the Vacancy in the Massachusetts Supreme Court created by tho whee of General Devens bo Prewident Hayoa' Cabinow | WASHINGTON. Coming Development of Hayes’ Southern Policy. TRIBULATIONS OF THE OFFICE SEEKERS. Civil Service Reform in the Various Departments, THE STORY OF THE WASHINGTON CLUB. | And Now Comes Simon Cameron, and for Answer Says :— FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Wasminotox, March 19, 1877, THEE SOUTHERN QUESTION BEFORE THE CABI- NET—OFFICE SEEKING UNDER DIVFICULTIES. At the Cabinet meeting to-morrow the Southern question will be the principal topic of dehberation. The Presidents is gradually freeing himself from the pertinacity of office seekers. He has caused it to be understood by many of them that he is Bot inclined at the present time to be troubled with appeals for office at all, baving more important matters to attend to, and if tho notice thus inciden- tally given docs not suffice to keep place hunters from Washington it is possibie ho may presently give public and formal notice that for the next thirty or perbaps sixty days ho will hear no applications for office atall. There isstillquite a pressure for foreign ap- pointments and more or less intrigue for important places at home, but these matters get little attention, and gentlemen ambitions to serve their country, either hero or abroad, will be wise if they will ceaso having their claims pushed and modestly wait to be summoned, In fact, the oflico seeking business is pretty well exploded, The clerks and other people employed in the public offices here are no longer in drend of sudden removai, to give place to tho friends of Congrossmon and the “workers’’ of the party, and tho first step in civil wervico reform, keeping tho ‘Ins’? in and tho “outs” out, ts substantially taken, Political influence is understood to be unnecessary to keep a capable clerk in bis placo, and there is an alr of permanence about tho public offices which looks like business, FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT. Wasntxatox, March 19, 1877, THE SALE OF THE WASHINGTON CLUB HOUSE— A HISTORY OF THE ENTERPRISE, The salo of the Washington Club House building and furniture took place this morning, beginning at ten o'clock, At that hour a miscellancous crowd, com- posed for the most part of women, who were attractod by curiosity more than anything else, gathered in the parlors and reception rooms where the members of the late District Ring for so many years hold high rovelry. Nota single meme ber of the old Ring was present; not one of the hundreds of Congressmen, politicians and mem- bers of the old administration who for 80 many years were dined and wined within its walls, The furniture sold at ridiculously low figures. In fact, everything Imply sacrificed. ‘The two or three billiard tables, upon which the statesmen of tho Ring played the most Innocont of their games, and which cost each between $300 and $400, sold for about one third their value, Two sets of furniture, which cost $1,000, sold for less than $300, Card tables, carpets, bar furniture, &e., brought similarly low figures. A curious incident of the salo was the contest among some colored men for tho portraits of ex-Presidont Grant and Boss Shephord. They were largo imperial photographs. No one elso seemed to want them and they were knocked down for $1 and $2 apieeo, The salo took place under a mortgage held by the American Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia, amounting to $25,000, The furniture did not bring a very large amount, and the building was bid in by J G, Hammer, of Philadelphia, for $30,000, about $20,000 less than it is said to be worth on a fair valua- tion, Every effort was made to save the club, but tho King was too impoverished to perpetuate it, This was not the first of the club’s financial troubles, Some years ago it got into difficulty and toss Shep. herd came to the rescue, It was on the eve of the “burst up’? of the Ring. Contracts were nos as numerous as they used to be, Jay Cooke & Co, bad failed, the Freedmen’s Bank had become straitened, the pressure of the bard times was beginning to be felt allaround, The club house was the social rendezvous of the Ring, and Mr, Shepherd could not afford to let it godown. It was there that converts were mado among democratic mem- bers of Congress to tho improvement policy of the District managers, whore wealthy strangors were entertained and told of tho magnificent chancos for investment in District real estate, where all who had the least influence in legislation or in directing public opinion were invited and made to feel at home. Tt had a large outside honorary membership among the republican Ring politicians in different parts of the country, and no distinction whatevor was made ag regards party, It ombraced democrats us well as republicans. The Tammany man of New York was as welcomo as the intimate of Kellogg in Louisiana, It grow as the Ring grew and flourished as it flourished, anfi when the Ring began to show tho first signs of weak- ness, it began to totter, The faliuro of the Cookes was a tromondous blow to the Washington Ring, Ib was about this time that its first financial embarrassment began, and that Shepherd brought it out of 1 difficultics, One evening he in- vited forty or Mfty of the principal mem- bers of the club, numbering the richest contractors, the largest operators in real estate, to a dinner, Each one of them supposed that ho had been invited to one of the small and select partis which Shepherd had been in the habit of giving, When they had all assembled in tho large dining room of the club house cach one of them suspected that something unusual was on foot, and they waited pationtly the end of tho last course to bo toll what it was, Not a man knew ths purposo of the boss until, when the champagne began to circu. late, Shepherd read a short statement of the financial condition of the club, told them how some ot its cred. flors were pressing and that it was necessary that something bo done, He closed by informing his guests that he expected each ono ot them to make a contribution, and ina few minutes a large amount of money was raised and the club again put on the bigh tide of prosperity. The club was started about 1871, shortly after the now form of governmont in the district went Into oper. ation, There were at the time several organizations of the kind inthe city, but the members of them were not in sympathy with the new me. Some of them were too small, others too select, otbers were class organizations and it was determined to form a new elnb, With that object in view the lato club house was bought anid a stock company was formed, Its stockholders were for the moat part the favorite contractors of the ring, and no option was given them as to whother they should become members or not. They were given to understand that they should contribute, and they did to the extent of some $60,000 or $74,000, The contributions wore in pro- portion to their means and tho favors they obtained from the Board of Public Works, Where ali this money went bas been for some — years past a matter of specalation, It bas been charged that the club was badly managed, and that its failure is owing entirely to an utter absence of bust ness ability In its conduct. It is alleged that the books of tho club show that large amounts of monoy arc duo it by ity members, and that if all its dedts wero paid it would not owo a doliat to any one, But the trouble is that the ex-Rivg men who are indebiod to 1t have gone into bankruptey long aca, There 18 some talk thie aveuing about reviving it | Under a now orgsnization, but there is very little pros- pect that it will succeed. The old days of the Ring have departed, and the policy of the new administra ton ts fatal to the schemes upon which only an insti- tution of the kind could flourish, THE FEDERAL PATRONAGE IN MISSISSIPPI— REPUBLICAN POLITICIANS BECOMING ANXIOUS. Thero ts rather interesting contest going on be- tween some of the democratic and republican polie ticians of Mississippi 1m regard to tho federal patron- im thas 8) Owing to the fact that Mr, Lamar 18 one of the strongest supporters of the President's Southern policy, some of the followers of that gentile. man naturally suppose that tbe federal oflices in that Stato will be distributed pretty much ag he suggests, | ‘The colored Senator Mruce and the present republican office holders aro naturally worried, and are making the utmost exertions to retain possession of the offices they control or hold. ‘To-day s large delogation of the Bruce party, com- posed of District Attorney Walton, Robert Alcorn, Receiver of Public Moneys; James Hill, Secretary of State; J. B. Denson, Chancellor, and others, waited Upon tho President for the purpose of ascertaining his intentions tn regard tothe matter, The interview was Dot as satisfactory as these gentlemen could have de- sired, He threw no new light on his Southern policy, and they were as wise in regard to his intentions be- fore as alter their visit. THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH MISSIONS, A significant fact to office seekers are in search of foreign missions is the jatement «of Minister Washburn that he intends to return to Paris about the 20th of next month, Meantime he will visit his home and friends in Llinols, It is not improbable that Mr. Fish will receive the offor of the Kuglish mission, if it has not been tendered already, THE SURVEYORSHIP OF TUE PORT OF NEW YORK. In conversation on the subject of the Surveyorship of the port ot Now York, Mr. Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury, said to the Hxnann correspondent:— “General Sharpe’s commission expires, I believe, to- day, but I do not intend to do anything in re ce to Jt or apy other vacancies until about the Ist of April, General Sharpe will of course hold over until his suc- cessor is appointed. Whether he shall be his own suc cessor or not is an unsettled quostion,”? THE REMAINS OF GENERAL WASHINGTON NOT PETRIFIED, Mr. H. Hollingsworth, Superintendent at Mount Vernon, wishes the Hxkaun to do him the favor to deny the paragraph which has received so wide cur. rency in the newspapers siying that the remains of Washington had undergone petrifaction, Mr. Hol- lingsworth asserts that the report is both false and absurd, who GENERAL WASHINGTON DESPATCH WasminGtox, March 19, 1877. THE DUAL GOVERNMENTS—-REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH PARTIES INTEAVIEWING THE PRESI- DENT—AN EARLY DETERMINALION OF THE QUESTION PROMISED, Senator Jordan, ot Georgia; General Butler, of South Carolina, and Representatives Levy and Ellis, of Louis. jana, bad by appoimtment this afternoon an interview with Attorncy Genoral Devens on the situation in South Carolina aud Louisiana, Senator Gordon suggested that tho lozicul sequence of the Situation ompelicd eithor the withdrawal of the troops trom the State Houses ortho holding of the State Houses against both governments; that tho admiuistration refused to recognize either government jn its State, and that, therefore, if the troops wore not withdrawn thoy must of necessity and logically be used to keep those State Houses as neutral ground; that it was not and could not be logically consistent to say neither government should be recognized by the administration and to keep one government in possession of the Stato Houxes and the other government out, He insisted that there was no answer to this conclusion, but urged the withdrawal of the troops not from the States at all, but si:nply from the State Houses, as the only courso consistent with nov-intervention and treo from embarrassment. General Butler and all present united in the assertion that no disturbance could or would oc- cur, Allthese gentlemen stated that the agricultural interests of these States were seriously injured by de- lay. Immodiatoly after the iaterviow Senator Gordon saw the President and presented like considerations tor ‘as prompt a decision as possible, and was told hy tho Prosident that the question would at once be taken up and disposed of, It was the ono thing now to bo tirst considered, A delegation from South Carolina, consisting of Son- ator Patterson, Senator elect Corbin, J. C, Winsmith, &. G Bowen, H. G. Worthington, G. J. Cunningham (Mayor ot Charleston), J. P. Low, G. W. Waterman and T. M. Canton, bad an interview with the President this afternoon. General Worthington read from mano- script an argument urging that Chaimberlain should be recognized as the legal Governor of the State. Several of the other gentlemen presented ther views orally, and the President, at the conclusion of the audience said he would submit the whole matter tothe Cabinet, In reply to a question from Seuator Patterson whother it was true as stated im some newspapers that the troops were to be re- moved immodiately from the Columbia State House, the President said the etatement was not true. Tho statu quo would be maintained until a final decision should be reached, SIMON CAMERON’S ANSWER IN TEE WIDOW OLIVER SUIT. In tho case of Mary E. vliver vs. Senator Simon Cameron for breach of promiso, in which $50,000 damages are claimed, tho defendant has filed his ploa ag tollows:— And now comes the defendant, and for plea to tne declaration filed against him in the above entitled case, says that he never promised as alleged, (BY TELEGRAPH 10 THE HERALD. 1 WILKESHARRE, Pa., March 19, 1877, At an early hour this morning the dead body of a woman, bearing marks of violouco, was discovercd in a shed, near a coal shaft, on the outskirts of the city, ‘The body was frozen sti, The skin about the logs | was abrased, as though the body had been draggod some distance. Her dress had been torn, and parts ot it lay scattered about, Bits of false hair were also found in different places near where the body was found, Upon a subsequent examination she was iden- titied a8 a Womnn named Nell Williams, of German descent, about twenty-six years old, who came hero from Albany, N. Y., about six months ago, She was seen alive yesterday, and it is thought that she 1 the victim of a party of drupken roughs, who probvabiy assaulted hor last night. MIDNIGHT WEA HER REPORT, Wan DerantMxnt, | Orrick ov THe Crikey SiGNat Orricen, Wasuinctoxs, March 20—1 A. M. Indications, For the South Atlantic States, warmer and clear or fair weather, with southerly to westerly winds and falling barometer, except rising barometer in the ex- treme northern portion. For the Guif States, Tennessee and the Obio Valley, warmer cast to south winds, falling barometer and partly cloudy weather, with rain in the Southwest and Lower Mississippi Valley, For the upper lako region, the Upper Mississippi and Lower Missourt valleys, slowly rising temperature, falling barometer, cast to south winds aud tereasing cloudiness, followed by aroas of Nght rain or snow dur. ing the afternoon or evening. For tho lower lake region, slightly warmer and clear or fair weather, light east to south winds, ana failing barometer. For Now England, clearing end slightly warmer weather, northwe-| to southwest winds, and rising barometer, For tho Mi States, clear or fair weather and slowly rising temperature, with light variable winds, and rising followed by falling barometer, The Central Mississippi River will rise slowly and the Lower Ohio will fail, YESTERDAY. The following record will show the changes in the temperature for tho past twenty-four hours in com- parison with the corresponding date of last year, as indicated by the thermometer at Hudnut's pharmacy, Herarp Buridiog:— 1876, TROUBLE AT? certainty of them and with an old bunter named Spotting Jack, who being Averago temperature worday ae 10% ¥ to perature for corresponding date last year THE APACHES, DOUBLE MOUNTAIN, TEXAS—& FIGHT WITH THE APACHE BRAVES—MARSHALI> JEWELL, THE OLD HUNTER, KILLED, (B¥ TELEGRAPH TO TRE HERALD.] Sr. Lovis, Mo., March 19, 1877, The Apaches are raising the very mischiel down om tne Colorado River, near the town of Double Moustaia, Texas A short time ago a wagon belonging to Drange & Hopkins was fired upon by a party of Apache braves, but a determined stand being made the cowardly “reds"’ drew off. Tho afternoon succeeding the at. tack upon the wagon, a banter named Marshall Jewel) | was captured after a desperate resistance by the fame band, bis wagon burned, horses etolen and rnself killed and scalped and then horribly mutilated, Upon receiving mieliigence of Jewell’s murder at Double Mountain a party of eight of the murdered started out to avenge his death. Some- what tndiscrect, they found themselves surrounded by poarly 100 yelling, painted demons, who immediately charged upon them. Nothing daunted at this seemin, death the brave eight repelled the chargo and charged in return, cutting through the lines of the enemy, killing four of the loss of but man, wounded in the knee and having bis horse shet from under him, was left to tho tender mercy of the enemy, The party then returned to Double Mountain, when @ detachment of fifty men was raised, which immoe diately started on the trail, Nothing bas been heard of them since they started, but when they return they will no doubt have a good report to make. The Apaches in that region are very insolent and have several times threatened the safety of various ranched in that neighborhood, A SHAKEN SUDDEN DECLINE IN REAL ESTATE OVER & COAL MINE, [BY TELEGHArH To THE HERALD. ] Witkesnarre, Pa, March 19, 1877, Great excitement was caused at twelve o'clock last night among a large number of families who reside in the vicinity of what is known aa the Diamond mine, ono of tho largest and oldest collieries of the Lehigh and Witkesbarre Coal Company. For about ten days past there have been tudications that a cave-in might occur at any time, and great fear has existed that sert- ous if not fatal results would fotlow if those living im houses built on the surfaco directly ovor the mine should continuo to reside in thom, Last week many families moved away, buta great many more wore loft. The extent of ground threatened by the disaster covered about ten acres, 4 sUDDEX DroP. Last night the wholo surface suddenly dropped down from eight to ten inches, while in many places wide seains were opened us if mado by an earthquake. Those who felt the shock and went down with thetr houses wero terribly {rightened, and mon, wome! children rushed out Into the cold, dark night to sepae rato and fly in all directions, Fortunatety no fatal consequences followed. DAMAGE IN THR MINE. Tho mine, of course, cannot be entered, as apprehene sions are telt that the whole surface may drop further down, although somo miners are of the opinion that the crush inside is complete, Tne damages cannot be estimated at present. OUR RUSSIAN VISITORS, TOWN. THE ASKOLD COMING TO NEW YORE, (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Norvoug, Va., March 19, 1877. Bad weather and some repairs suddenly found to be necessary to the pars of the Askold have delayed the departure of the Russian fleet trom our wats but it is now determined that the squadron, vy order of Admiral Boutakoff, will drop down to Hampton Roade at daybreak to-norrow morning and promptly put to sea for New York. The ducal party may therefore be expected at the great metropolis within the next thirty-six hours, as the squadron will steam up the coust as rapidly as possible, THB POWWATAN TO CONVOY THR RUSSIANS. To-night tho United States steamer Powhatan, Captain John H. Russell, commanding, which bas been lying idle in the harbor for the past six months, re- cetved sailing orders from Washington, and will also leave at daybreak for New York as spocial convoy to the Russians. SALUTING THR STARS AND STAI The foreigners will salute the American flag with twenty-one guns as they leave the harbor, and the frigate Franklin will respond at noon to-day. PARTING SOCIAL COURTEAIRS, Admiral Boutakoff paid a formal farewell visit to Commodore Creighton and Rear Admiral Trenchard, at Gosport Navy Yard, and there was a very pleasant’ interchange of civilities 1or several hours, THE NEW DOMINION. TARIFY RECIPROCITY WITH THE UNITED BTATEM, Ortawa, Marob 19, 1877, In the Senate to-morrow Mr, Road will move the fole Jowing resolution :— Resolved, That in the opinton of this House the 1 otic: Dalted States 1s obtamed or reciprocity of by which either reciprocity of trade the ises, tablisned by Canada. A STEAMER BURNED, Quesec, March 19, 1877. Tho steamer Powerful was burned yesterday at Cape Biane, whero she was in winter quartera, Oaly the hall was eared, THE KINGAN INQUEST. Sr. Jon, N. B., Maréh 19, 1877, In the Kingan Inquest the jury adjourned for three weeks, in order to got more lence. HOTEL ARRIVALS, Assistant Quartormaster General Stewart Van Vilety. United Staves Army, 18 at the Hoffman. Professor John Forsyth, of the United States Military Academy, is at the Now York. Congressmen Eugene Hale, of Maine, and George W. Hendee, ot Vermont, and Char- Jemagne Tower, of Philadelphia, aro at the Fifth Aves nuo, Mayor CG. K. Parsons, of Rochester, t the Metropolitan. Jobn B, Gough, of Worcester, Mass., js at the Westminster. William L. Scruggs, recently United States Minister to Colombia, and R. J. Casiiu, ot Larttord, are at the Astor, Lieutenant Commander Frederick Rodgers, United States Navy, ts at the Gil- ney. Benjamin P. Cheney, of Boston, is at the Bree voort, Judge T. W, Bartley, of Washington, is at the St, Nicholas, Major George F. Barstow, United States Army, is atthe Brunswick. D. T, Vail, Prosident of the Troy and Buston Kailroad Company, ts at the Windsor. A COM PLETE ! always inetud A Mies Main Dre, biack or brown, 50a, LOVERS, T. WARNING, Wharever’ partiality Ci flowers and perfumed trewnss aversion tw odure less will never veut Dir, SaGe's Catannn Reweoy this disgusting disease. Dr. rierce’s are yciven away at all drug stores, vir — VIPER HEIDSTE and BH, PIPER & CO"S Bee CHaMraGnn Bold by all grocers and wine merchants throughout (he United States and Canad, A.—AS A RELIABLE REMEDY FOR COUGHS AND Ue. and Te. ENTLEMEN'S FINE Up starrn, HEVALIER'S LIF! A $3 OR $1 90 — silk Hars for 83 80, worth Si, DON'T LOSE YOUR BAIR Inu cut at ones, increas Wait beaut id by all druggists, SODA WATER APPARATUS FOR MAKING AN een wee TEN MAITHEWS, Int av. and 26th at. elty. = === i PUBLICATIONS ‘ AND THUSTWORTHY BOOK PitAD Arovory dyspeptic will bud jnetruetive and entervalning, By Seranus Bowen. D. Wwe, 4 y a tivo, paper, price 8, For gale by G, W. CARLETON & Co., 19 0th yeaa bouksellers generally. Peeks Boucuy: Lit JouN NEW OTHENTIFIG 2 : i : } 1 | : i ! }