The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1874-02-18
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PrrrsrIElp. MS. Dec. %. 1873.

pal theme Of conversation. The session opened
upon Monday the first day Of December. Pre-
vious TO assembling some opposition to the re-
election Of Speaker Blaine bad been manifested,
principally among the Southern members; bat at
The party caucus held upon the Saturday before
opening. it WIS unanimously voted TO present bis
name as the choice Of the Republican party.
The Democrats presented the name Of Fernando
Wood of New York city. Blaine was re-ehosen
BY large majority. Senator Carpenter Of Wis
cousin, was again chosen President Of the Senate
pro tempore, and the stories that were circulated
sgainst him last summer operated in his favor
Senators arguing that TO refuse TO re-elect him
would show that they placed credence IN these
reports. Blaine has re-appointed the principal
members Of the House 10 their old Guardianship,
though some opposition was made by those max
ing great professions OF virtue to the selection Of
any one in any way connected with credit Mobi-
lier for the important positions Thus far Con-
gTess has been oocupied principally with the Sal
airy Grab bill, the virginius matter, and the re-
peal Of the Bankrupt law. With regard to the
former. much debate has arisen and many views
been expressed. Personal debate has been freely
INDUCED as WELL and many excuses offered by
those who took the back pay. Among these ex-
cuses, one Of the best is that of Croker of Mas
saebusetts, who said, that shortly after the vote
be went to Europe. During his absence the
newspapers were attacking him virulently all the
while for having drawn the back pay. When be
returned he asked his private clerk if the pay had
been drawn, " No" was the reply, but it stands
to your credit. And there it will stand said Sir
Alvah, until the newspapers cease attacking me.
Which reminds one Of the sick man, who sup
posing himself near the point of death. requested
a neighbOr present to pray for him, adding that
there were two things for which be was especial
" sorry: = that the half bushel be had used was
too small and that his scales did not weigh quite
enoagh." He afterward recovered, bu: sill uses
the same measure and scales. And so Croker
will continue to use the Eve thousand dollars re-
ceived By the grab act.
Public opinion as expressed through the press
has never been more powerful than at present,
and even Ben ButIer. who has always sneered at
the influence of the press, acknowledged in
speech, that it had been pursuing him with forty
jacEass power.
Almost as many opinions were expressed as
there are members 10 Congress regarding the
best way Of disposing Of the back pay act. The
members favoring economy were DESTROYS to re-
turn to the old system of wages while some.
prominent among whom was Alexander H.
Stephens, Vice President Of the Confectionery,
favored no action at all. deem ming the pay as it
stands little enough. The House finally voted
to make the salary of members six thousand dol
lars per annum, and mileage for one trip to aud
from Washington. Further action upon it is ex-
pected, as many members think enough has not
yet been done. A bin was reported in the SEN
ate just before adj urnpent, recommending that
the salary shall be, as PRIOR to the act of March
81. 1873, and compelling the members who have
not so done to ret urn the money voted to them
BY that act into the Treasury, and it is very like
IL that the body viii insist on this restoration.
The trouble with Spain has blown over, the
Virgiuius has been restored with all the surviv-
ing members among her passengers and crew.
Thus the war that Secretary Robson scented
10 the distance has vanished, and the million Of
dollars expended in getting the navy into fighting
order seems to have been expended useIessly.
1t seems probable that the National Bankrupt
law will be repealed. or at least so far modified
that States may make their own statutes regard
ing it. At present almost any estate is eaten up
BY the various processes requisite to go INTO
bankruptcy, and some action is necessary to make
it less burdensome
In the early part OF the session, the name of
Attorney General Williams of Oregon was sent
to the Senate BY the President for the Office of
Chief Justice, bat the nomination has not been
confirmed. Universal regret is expressed at
Grants choice. and 1t is hoped that during the
Congressional recess he may withdraw Williams
name. The honesty and integrity of Williams
are well known, but it is not thought that be
possesses the legal ability requisite to ell the
highest Judicial position in our country.
Steamship disasters are becoming frightfully
common, and the collision Of the Loeb Earn and
the Vile du Havre ia mid-ocean, accompanied
By the total loss Of the latter and over two hun
bred lives, filed the country with horror. You
will have received full particulars ere this
~ 1AG ANSSAt uAHH4SiPA SiSIlAOu IL DOclOu
several women were chosen to positions upon
school committees. Boston also celebrated upon
the 10th inst, the one hundredth anniversary of
turning her harbor into mammoth tea pot.
The greatest affection the cause Of science has
met in this country has recently occurred in the
death Of Louis Agassiz, Professor at Harvard
University. He passed away on Sunday evening
Dec IA Agassiz vas born in Switzerland in
1907, and was of Hugaenot descent. 1t was in
1876 that be first came to this country, partly at
the suggestion of the King of Prussia and partly
to deliver course Of lectures before the Lowell
destitute Of Boston. Shortly after he removed /
to this country aud ever since bis career has been
a source Of national pride. Agassiz will be re-
membered by some because Of his medals, his /
prizes and awards BY Others because OF bis man
agemeut Of the Hassler Expedition, during which |
it vas 50 earnestly hoped he would visit Hawaii
again because Of the establishment Of his school |
at Penikese, that promised to be a source OF so
much instruction bat his strongest claim to 1
place among the scientists rests in his establish