The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-04-09
WASHINGTON CORREsPoNDENCE.
WASHINGTON, April 9th 1863

WASHINGTON, April 9th 1869.
EDrroR UNION & JoURSAL-"Winter still lin
gers in the lap of spring" Yesterday we ex-
pcrienced what is n,re in this section OF the coun-
try, at this season Of the year, snow squat.
The weather generally the past month has been
extremely ehangeabe, beautiful springlike
day, followed by cold, cherries, dreary rain,
reminding one forcibly of the uncomfortable
March Of your State. II Is said that the con-
tinuenee Of cold weather signifies good fruit
crop; If 50, we are willing to submit patiently
to be permitted by and bye to indulge in the
luxurious fruit
Congress has at last decided to adjourn next
Saturday, the 10th. and during the time inter-
yening, business will be hurried as II always is
at the close Of q session. Important matters
that require much deliberation and careful con-
sideration, are often postponed to the latter part
OF the session, and one reason why this Is done
is the fact that near its close, when things are
somewhat confused-members attending TO their
constituents, arranging business matters before
leaving; bills presented from Committee are not
investigated, amendments offered not scrutinized
as they would be, were there more time allow
ell; therefore this period is taken advantage Of
10 push through measures that would be defeat
cd at any other time. At the last session, the
Indian appropriation bill was not passed by
reason Of amendment that was made to II by
the Senate, and pushed through that body, to
which the House would not agree, therefore the
vote failed entire. Amendments were offered
in the Senate by certain Senators, whom one
would suppose were interested pecuniarily by
their eagerneSs in the work, Of nearly five mil
lions fdollars, and adopted, and afterwards Sem
ators themselves, who had voted for them, were
surprised at the amount added near the close OF
one of the sessions Of the 10th Congress, as they
had not sufficient time to arrange certain appro-
priations, and one million and half Of dollars
were appropriated for the Secretary Of War TO
expend upon public works when he thought
proper. II seems entirely wrong that such i'm
portant measures (and there are some more 50
than appropriation bills) should be postponed to
the closing hours Of Congress and then hurried
through in the manner in which they are.
I intimated in my last that the official gull
lotine would probably soon commence its work
in the different departments. The indications
have been verified by dismissals FROM most Of
the different bureaus, some one hundred from
the Register office, the most Of which are ladies;
and this is soon to be followed by still greater
reduction.
The decision by Attorney General Eyarts,
that eight hours constitute days work, and
for which the employee OF the Government
should receive, by the act Of Congress, the same
nav as though he worked ten hours, has been
reversed by Attorney General ,HOar, giving us
another illustration that 'grest minds will diff
fer" BY the latter decision those working for
the Government but eight hours will only re
receive eight-tenths Of what Is usually paid Or
n DAYS labor. This decision has Occasioned
some surprise and CONSERVATION among the
large number employed at Arsenals, Navy
Yards and other departments at the Govern
ment Numerous delegations have called upon
Gen. Banks, who is tho author Of the eight
hour law, TO urge him TO offer to Congress
resolution explanatory Of the act. IL was not
understood when the law was passed that II con-
templated reducing the pay Of the employees Of
the Government There is n law upon the
statute books that provides that the pay of Navy
Yard and Government workshop employees shall
be paid the same as Is paid by private establish
ments in the neighborhoo1. 1 have no doubt
but that Congress before il adjourus will take
some action in reference to ssubject, and that
favorable to the employees. .,.. .... h,
The speeches recently made by Mr.. Sprnguc
in the Senate have produced considerable sur
prise, owing TO the fact that until recently he
has paid but little attention to the business that
was transacted in that body. by many. 1t 4. Is
thought that he is preparing the way for d.
vision Of the Republican party, in which event,
his father-in-law, Chief Justice Chase would
undoubtedly like to be the leader. The Democ-
racy have, IL is evident, long before this time
regretted that he was not their candidate for the
Presidency and are now not slow TO congratulate
Mr.. Sprague, upon his recent efforts and will
take advantage Of every opportunity to makea
rupture. Senator Sprague said in one OF his
speeches that he thought there were too many
LAWYERS in the Senate, but some Of the recent
acts Of that body would lead me to suppose there
were not many there. The nomination OF Stew
art for Secretary Of the Treasury was confirmed
by that body although he was by law incapaci-
tatel from SLING the position.-Mr. Capp, edi-
tor Of the Buffalo Gazette, who was elected Con-
grcssional Printer, was also restricted by law
from holding the Office. But these are small in
comparison 20 the recent passage Of law al
lowing the Secretary Of the Treasury In antioi-
pate the interest upon Government bombs. Soc
rotary Boutwell, wishcl Senator Sherman chair
man OF the Committee upon Finance, TO present
a bin 10 the Senate authorizing him as above
stated-Thc bill was passed by the Senate and
adopted by the House, after which il was dis
covered that similar Law had been in existence
for Eve years. We hail the confirmation OF
Gen. Lourstrcet ne inslicitiye ofthe good wishes
Of the Northern people towards the law abiding
citizens Of the South. That beautiful sentiment
which Lincoln has immortaliici, "to err Is hui
man, TO forgive divine" had been displayed by
the generosity Of President Grant and the mag
nanimity Of the Senate. While perhaps we
cannot forget the past, for evidences OF the re-
sui, Of our civil war are all about, to remind us
Of Il, yet we should as people adopt that noble
sentiment and forgive. -...rr..
The New York train that leaves the city about
o O'Clock A. NJ, is called the SWEARING train,
owing to the fact that by this train the disap-
pointed Office seekers generally leave the city.
II Is said that Of late nearly enough ofthis class
leave every night TO make up train and that
they are not very choice Of their language and
NOT very particular upon whom they hurl their
epithets. This class say there are three divisions
in getting Office, LIST. The Prcsidents frienis
~, TX. Members Of CongresS ID, The friends
of Members Of Congress and ith, The INST OF
mankind. II Is at last settled that 0en Howard
will remain in the city and occupy the same