The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-04-17
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON,
WAsHINGToN, D. c.,

DEAR WHIG:-Our National Capital has
sort of settled down to its old routine style
Of business now, and things are jogging
along at their accustomed pace. This week
promises to be one of interest to the little
folks, as also 10 those of larger growth
who are fond of animal shows, ring tumb
ling, and various other attractions that 60
to make up p. I. Barnum's great travelling
museum, menagerie and circus now in
Washington.
1t is probable that Barnum has reaped
sufficient fame and fortune to satisfy even
his "vaulling ambition" but his spirit Of
enterprise, as collector and exhibitor of
every animate and inanmate novelty upon
which he can lay his far-reaching hand,
seems as uncomfortable as the restlessness
of the Wandering Jew, and keeps him in
the "tented field" where he towers the
chosen knight of Marvel Land. Hence
the announcement that his great travelling
combination of twenty superior shows in
one would make their grand entrance into
Washington attracted much attention as
the procession passed up our great avenue
this morning, headed by the gilded chariot
for the band and the elephant-not Juve-
nile specimen, but a full-grown monster.
Judging from the number of cages, the
combination is an extensive one, and will
doubtless draw largely.
.YInasmuch as some of his carnivorons
animals have expressed decided prefer
ence for fresh cat meat, Mr.. Barnum has
directed his employees to admit any urchln
who will contribute cat to the bill OF fare
of the bloody beasts. And now is the
chance for enterprising young cat-hunters
to secure admission aud contribute some
what to the suspension of midnight cater
wauling.
REFRESHING SUIT.
Judging from our District papers, for
the past week, one would suppose that L.
T. Barnum, Charles Godfrey, celebrated
restdurdteur, and Peter Campbell, ex-
Speaker of the late District Legislature,
were about the best advertised men IN the
country. Godfrey's suit against Campbell,
to recover the amount of his bill for refresh
Notwithstanding a pack of playing cards
furnished by him to the District Legis
lature of 1878, is the immediate cause OF
the unexpected publicity of the two last
named gentlemen. There are many who
blame Campbell for not having paid the
bill out of the contingent fund under his
control while Speaker of the House OF
Delegates, and thereby burying the scandal,
which does not rebound to the credit OF
the District by any means.
But while some regret that this airing
of dirty linen" has occurred, others are
satisfied that the exposure is the best plan,
as it would not have been just or honest to
saddle the people with the expense OF the
numerous lunches served to their Solons (?)
during the wearisome hours of public SER
vice. But Godfrey must be paid, and the
honorable Peter may be called upon to do
it. In the meantime the inculpated Dele
gates congratulate themselves in the hooks
of private life which they are well fitted to
adorn, that stomach pumps would be use
less and that intestinal incisions would be
of no avail. Those who dance should pay
the fiddler, and those who eat should pay
the cook-an unpleasant duty, but never
theless a duty. Meanwhile the Detective
press of the country enjoys new feature
of it's assault upon District affairs generally,
and disinterested people will have their
little laugh over the ludicrous points which
BLACK HILLS AGAIN.
1t is no longer secret that negotiations
are on foot for the purchase of the Black
Hills country from the Indians, as the
Interior Department is now waiting to hear
from agents sent to the Sioux country for
the purpose of ascertaning the sentiment
of its people. Should these reports be
favorable, it is the intention of the Depart
ment to invite proper representatives OF
the tribe here to Washington, with view
of completing the terms of purchase.
DEATH OF A NOTED NAVAL OFFICER.
Lieut.. Commander Richard S. Chew died
here to-day. He was recently retired from
active duty in the navy in consequence of
loss of health from protracted service in
the tropics. He graduated from the Naval
Academy into the late war, beginning his
service in the battle with the rebel iron-clad
Merrimac and the ships in Hampton Roads,
where he received a wound. He partici-
pated in the memorable passage of the
forts in Mobile bay by Farragut's fleet, and
was present at the last naval action of the
war, the capture of Fort Fisher. His
intelligent and conscientious discharge of
duty, and high personal character rendered
him deservedly popular, and his death is
sincerely regretted in official circles.
"NEW - PUZZLE.
We have quite puzzle here in the
autograph of our "New," Treasurer of
the United States, which throws that of
his predecessor entirely in the shade. l
enclose it for your inspection, and l have
no doubt you will agree with me, in that
neither he nor Spinner would be bad man
to have around Chinese laundry to mark
packages. j. II. P.
Wickersham Institute.-This Institute