Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-03-24
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP.

hr. Letchsr, Of Virginia An evening co..
temporary, noticing a news item in the Star
OF the day before yesterdays statement that
Mr. Psnnybacker from Mr. Letcher's Con:
sressional District had obtained clerkship in
tne Pension ofise-sspiss mares les. In the
TACT, and comments on IL as though under the
impression that the salary is other to 90 into
Mr. La pocket, or that il was expected that
the appointment referred to would secure Mr.
Letchsr's reelection to Congress! AS strange
as the idea that grown-up mSn can be biz
ten with such an impression may appear, our
talented and enthusiasts, but somewhat
''green" neigh Dor, seems to be 80 possessed.
We have to inform him that for many years
past, 1t has been the custom 10 awarding cler.
iosl Offices in Washington, to equalize them q:
near as possible among all the States and Cen
gressionsl Districts thereof. The plan is just
and proper In all respects, and Ii is to be re
GREETED that it has not been moro vigorously
followed. Now, the award of the olerkship In
question TO a resident of Mr. L 3 district was
Of course, made IN accordance With that rule;
and We announced the fact that it would 20 TO
that district, having accidentally obtained the
Information, only by way OF saving more or
less of cur Virginia readers in and from other
districts Of the State, from labor in vain to OBJ
tain the place. Ofices In Washington never
so begging There are an average Of per.
haps one hundred applications for every place
under the Government to be bestowed.
Writing of Mr.. Letcher in this connection,
reminds US of the fact that there was no other
member Of the last House of Representatives
whose absence from the Hall would be more
injurious to the public interest. He was by
long odds the most influential member Of the
last House of Representatives of the United
States, efectipg more than any one Of his com
peers. His enemies-and every man who had
design upon the Treasury of the United
States, which would not bear the test of severe
| scrutiny, became hostile to him 10 greater or
less degree-haye caused him to be roundly
abused and misreprcsentcd in the newspapers,
far and wide. In that way the country has
received wrong impressions with reference to
him. Among his fellow members, however,
he Wac signally Doted as a man Of great elm.
phasis Of character, clear and quick percep-
lions. convincing oratorical abilities, untiripg
industry, fne legal and parliamentary attain
inents, and integrity of purpose so abiding g.
that he invariably refused to 40 many things
in the course Of the sessions legislation to
crafty friends, which, though involving de
psrture from the duty Of stern justice to a
members trust, are, neSerthsle; 8, of common
occurrence in Washington.
| We repeat, he was the most effective member
OF tie last House Of Representatives, and was
80 acknowledged to be by all his composers in
The hall; his influence arising wholly from the
conhdsnes which all had in him, whose Dur
pose in being there was to discharge the du
ties OF their position with fidelity. George
W. Jones, Of Tenn, it seems, is about to de.
cline re election. While "ths GaIphins'
Will shout with joy over that fact, those know
ing washington we'll, who appreciate the ne
cesslty Tor economy discretion, and perfect
good faith in the legislation of Congress will
deeply regret his determination. The loss Of
the legislative services and influence of both
| M. Jones, OF Tennessee, and Mr. Lstcher. OF
Virginia, will be severe blow to the public
| interest. However, one must know how affairs
are managed here, to appreciate the value of
these two gentlemen to the public service.
Mr.. Letcher is candidate for reelection. So
there 10 no fear that he will shortly be lost to
Inc public service, though our talented and
enthusiastic neighbor seems to think other
wise. The wish, However, Is SO clearly fathe
to his thought on this point, that It is hardly
worth while to present facts to show that he
greatly undertakes the character Of Mr.. Lstch-
er's constituents.
The Africans Of Washington.-Ths fac.
that the cast iron work for the new domes for
the Capitol has been ordered out of Wash;no.