Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-01-11

e t'LIgERARY RE-UNI0H6 MRS. GRANTS REoEP-
--s-~ r-''.ss '.--'.
+. Special Correspondence of9te Commercial
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10.
With the opening OF this weeek came the re-
assembling of Congress-, and with the re-assem-
bling of Congress the beginning in reality Of the
busy life, politically and socially in Washington.
For, though the first Monday in December is the
time fixed by the Constitution for the assem-
bling of Congress. and the transaction Of bust
ness by 1t, it has nevertheless, by force Of GUS
tom, become a thing pretty generally understood
that it's labors are not assumed in earnest until
after the Holidays. To the credit Of thepreseht
Congress- however, be II known, that it started
10 with . WILL and accomplished much prior to
the adjournment; especially so as Eegatded the
appropriation bills for the ensuing fiscal year all
OF which had been considered by the Appropris-
ton Committee of the House sometime before
the assembling Of that body, and were, there
FORE prepared to be submitted without delay.
1t was hoped by so doing, that the pressof bus
mess might.be sufficiently disposed Of before the
closing days of the session. thereby avoiding the
unseeinly crowding through at that time Of mat
ters which, were they introduced in the usual
manner, would ia nsdy cases meet with an uh-
timely fate. .Il a.Ia tat Lss .1a tis9.ce 49,
The opening day in the House was q regular
held day over the Credit Mobilier, the ball hay
ing been set in motion by Mr.. Frye, of Me-, who
asked for a suspension Of the rules and tho pas
sage of q resolution directing the Committee in
yestig gating the subject to hold open sessions.
The scene was at once both exciting and smu-
sing, and was highly enjoyed by the spectators
in the galleries. Both the advocates and oppp-
nents Of the resoluhea, resorted to the fall9st
extent of parliamentary tactcs to stregthen their
cause.
For a time it looked very much as If the latter
would carry their point, but, finally, upon the
bringing of the question to direct issue by the
/ ooll Of ba and fAW a00m0d to
careto have their names recorded upon the
| journal as opposed to proposition 80 fair and
| Just and entirely in consonance with the wishes
of the parties alleged to be implicated, IS well IS
| of the public generally, who are extremely
/ loath to believe such grave charges as have been
preferred against some of the first Representatives
OF the country in standing. Experience thus
far has gone to show that Investigations don't
/ pay and it remains to be seen whether this one,
heralded abroad as Of 30 damaging q nature to
i Congressman, Ex-Oongressmen and others, will
be any more satisfactory IN its results.
The tenacity with which smallpox adheres to
our city, and its steady spread and increase, are
u q source of great perplexity and care to the
Board of Health, and OF uneasiness to the citi-
| zena. The former, composed of some OF our
| most prominent physicians and citizens, have
means would admit of towards checking the
dreaded disease, and have accomplished much,
but the unwelcome fact stares US in the face
wherever we go, that it's march is onward, and
something more must De 'uone 10 prevent u Do
coming epidemic. Congress has taken hold OF
the matter in the true spirit and II is expected
that liberal appropriation will shortly be
placed at the disposal Of the Board.
Civil Service reform seems to be growing more
palatable with Congressman, and some OF them
have supplied themselves with copies OF itE
rules which they return as answers to the ap-
plications for office made upon them by their
constituents. By this expedient, they are re-
Iieved from many journey to the several De
| pArtments, and a large amount OF CORES
pondence of the time occupied by i
formerly devoted to their more important legisla
ature duties. As stated above, with the reconyen'
ing of Congress, also begins the busy social, q
we'll as political life in Washington Hon. HoratiC
ito King may be fairly credited with the opening
| Of the season. Formerly Assistant PostmAa
| ter General, and since one of our most respectet
citizens, he introduced some few years ago what
he was pleased to style Literary Reunions, to b
| given weekly at his residence, and they have
proved most desirable relief from the fashion
able receptions 80 common to this city.
| The first one of the present year was not only
| entertaining and instructive but very enjoyable
small need Of praise for 80 happy an occasion
Mr.. King delivered few appropriate intro
ductory remarks, and was followed by Professo
Hayden in charge of the US. Geological Survey
= OF the Territories who gave the audience th'
benefit of some Of his experience while operating
in the Yellowstone Valley, where 1t ia proposes
that the Government set apart 316 square mile
and establish thereon q grand National Park
The country included embraces some orlthe mos
beautiful scenery and wonderful natural curios
tiles in the world.
| The regular weekly receptions of Mrs. Presi
1dent Grant and the ladies of the Cabinet an
Foreign Legations, have also been announced
tAnd from now until the setting in of the Lentel
season. there will be plenty OF that kind OF pleas
ure for those who desire to participate;
l. ~ ~ HENHAT,