Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1872-12-12
Our Washington Letter.

Our Washington Letter.
THE MEETING OF OoNGREss-THE soRE
HEADS, SUMNER NOT YET SATISFIED
RICE WANTS MORE INFoRMATION-THR
| ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERs-wHAT is
THOUGHT OF GEN. BANKS REsIGNA-
TION. FARNswoRTH AND REPRESENTA-
TIVE BLAIR-CONGREssIONA PRINTER s
| REpORT-MONEY BROKERs-FINANCIAL,
! REPORT OF THE COMPTROLLER-ETC.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.
At an early hour the galleries of both
Houses of Congress were quite well fill
ed, and upon the floors the usual hand
shakings were observed The Liberal
Republicans were the centers of attrac-
ton in the different circles. With the
exception of Senators Sumner and Rice
none of the soreheads seemed out of
sorts, and all appeared reconciled to the
situation. The resolution of Mr.. Sum-
ner, in reference to striking from the
Army Register and regimental colors all
illusions to the battles of the late war,
and also Senators Rices calling upon the
President to explain why troops were
sent into Arkansas. created no little sur
prise.
On roll call in the House only 149 an
swered to their names. Although there
was quorum, much surprise was mani
tested on account of there not being
more members in their seats. In the
Senate however there was better rep
resentatiOn.
The refusal of the House to accept the
resignation of General Banks as chair
man of the committee on Foreign Af-
fairs, is the theme for discussion in every
circle. and generally the course of the
House is dissapproved.
II was expected that General Farms
worth and Blair would follow Banks
resigning the charmanships of their res
pec:ive committees: but no such good
luck was in store The refusal to ac-
cept the resignation of Mr. B. was con-
sdered by those two gentlemen $50 their
friends say) good excuse why they
should be retained.
There are. at least, dozen clerkships
held by Greeley men by virtue of the
sore-heads Republican Senators and
Representatives, places which will sure
lv be retained to the detriment and dis
appointment of ardent republicans who
have labornd hard with brain and money
in the cause of the Republican party.
The report of Hon. A. M. Clapp,
Congressional printer, furnishes the
following of interest:
The total amount of printing during the
past year authorized by law or by joint
resolution. has been S436, 449 80; total
authorized hv the Senate, 1926, ,645 As
total authorized by the House. $205,-
900 "a: total bv the use of the Library
of Congress, $lS, GAL; total for the
Commission to revise the T. S. Statutes,
&7141 SO: State Department, 1914, 106,-
10: Treasury $722, S61.50: Interior,
$225,79s 90; War, AZ. .4O6O9; Navy.
$sSS, 40; Judiciary $42, ,473.41; Post
Office. S167, 366. 35; Agriculture. $21,-
100, As; Congressional printing, 81, 1,O36,-
3O7O2.
The above statement of printing, i'll
cludes lithographing, cost of paper. dry
pressing. folding, engraving. binding,
etc. which is no small proportion of the
sums total.
In concluding his report, Mr.. Clapp
very appropriately calls attention to the
present and prospective necessities of his
Office and recommends an appropriation
sufficient to erect wing on the west line
of the present building similar to the one
erected on the east side one year ago;
also an increase of clerical force and an
encouragement of higher grade by an in
crease of pay.
The labors of the Government print
ing, it is conceded, are grea er for the
same salary than in the Government Of
fees
There are two ways resorted to by
money lenders in Washington to get
usuriOrs rates of interest out of the I'M
fortunate (distressed) borrower The
first. perhaps the less Objectionable way,
is from the banks which generally have
confidential agents who are generally de-
nominated ''real estate agents or brok-
ers" who also inform the public that
claims are collected, and money loaned
on good collateral at 10 per cent per an
mum, Gas per act of Congress some two
years ago, allowing such rate in special
cOntract) These agents are sought at
ter by hundreds needing money, who
are politely informed that they have
money to loan Oh desirable property,
but require an abstract title made by
certain party to whom the borrower is
respectfully referred. From $15 to S;25
he is charged for an examination. He
pays it with hope then on the presenta-
ton of his abstract to the agent, the
money will be forthcoming. But to his
he is told 81 am out of
money to-day, call again in day or two
and I'll accommodate you" He calls
again and again, and at last is told that
the money market is very tight and that
he can only act as agent for which he
shall be compelled to charge him from 5
to 10 per cent. according the amount
loaned) for procuring it for him. Cen
eraIly this offer is accepted as the only |
and the bank doubtless re-
ceives not only the 10 per cent, but a
of the agents fee. Your cores /
pondent will venture to say that one |
third Of the real estate in Washington is !
under similar loans, paying indirectly
20 per cent per annum.
The second way is practiced by par
ties who only make noney-broklng a
speciality, making short loans, and re-
1uiring no real estate security, but TO |
those outside of government employ,
rood endorsers are required, and these
notes are what is known as made note.
r. the note is made to confidential
tbird party, who winks for the sake OF
, division of the spoils, to a discount OF
rom 8 to 10 per cent per month. There
.x;,,A+o1 m ha fWantV OF these