New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-02-01
Especial Correspondence of the Republican,
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON: January %.


WASHINGTON, January %, 1876.
The action of the Senate Committee on
Privileges and Elections, to-day, declaring
that no vacancy existed in Louisiana, is
ten-strike for Mr.. Pinchback, and his friends
are confident tonight that be will be ad-
mitted if the matter is pressed to vote
next week. Mr.. Sharon, of Nevada, is still
absent but it is claimed that Mr. P;nchback
will receive the votes of all Republicans
and independents, with the exception of
Messrs. Edmunds and Christiancy. It is
hardly possible that the charges against Mr..
West will affect his case. These charges
are regarded as trumped-up affair, brought
in at this late day in order to influence the
votes Of certain Senators.
Representative Nash called on the Presi-
dent to-day, and the proceedings of the
mobs in Baton Rouge and the Feliciana
parishes were discussed. The President said
some effective means should DO adopted
whereby peace could be restored to that
section, but that he was unable to take any
steps until called upon officially by Govern
or Kellogg to do SO.
My. Gibson is preparing a strong argu-
| ment il favor of the appropriation of 200
for the New Orleans mint, which he will
deliver before the Committee on Coinage,
Weights and Measures. He ald Mr.. Levy
| are taking especial interest in this bill. All
| our members complain, and very justly, too.
! that they receive no encouragement from
| the press and public Of New Orleans and
say that strong moral support from these
| sources would aid them materially in secur-
| ing the desired appropriation.
The case CT Mrs. Myra CLARK Gaines vs..
| Joseph Fuentes ct al. has been argued be-
fore the Supreme Court the past three
| days. Judge Paschal opened the argument
| for plaintiff, and was followed by Messrs.
| Mcconnell and Durant Judge Black made
the closing argument. The most favorable
decision that Mrs. Gaines can hope for will
| only tend to open this case to endless litiga-
| ton.
The pension appropriation bill is the only
| one that has passed the House. The Mill
tary Academy appropriation has been under
! discussion the past two days, and has been
debated with much warmth. A good deal
of opposition was manifested, owing to the
| proposed reduction of the salaries OF pro-
fessors and cadets. Mr.. Townsend said
to-day that the time was not far distant
when none but rich mems sons could afford
to go to West Point.
The consular and diplomatic bill will be
next taken up. A wholesale reduction in the
salaries of cur ministers and consus is to
be recommended. Secretary Fish has op.
posed all changes in this branch, and long
debate may be expected.
spoke of the legislative, executive and
judicial bill in my last. Mr.. Randall's pro-
position tor sweeping reduction in the
salaries of all government officials. except
Cabinet officers and $1,000 clerks, will hard
ly be carried to the extent proposed. The
reduction Of ten per cent in salaries will
affect Senators and Representatives, and
this may prevent the passage os the whole
bill. There are few members who are will
ing to acknowledge that they receive ade-
Guate compensation. Mr.. Randall himself
voted for and pocketed his share OF the
salary grab. This alone is sufficient to
raise doubt as to the genuineness of his
motives, and gives coloring to the charge
that political capital and not actual re-
trenchment is the object really sought.
There are twelve other appropriation bills
to be passed. Add to this some currency
measure that will undoubtedly be offered
and over which there will be long debate
fer the purpose OF making presidential capi
tai, and it will be conceded that there is
little prospect Of an adjournment before
August.
The subject of the locality of the Demo
cratic National Convention is now agitating
the representatives of that party in Cor
gress. Some enthusiastic members suggest
Philadelphia and the fourth of July as the
place and time, but the more thoughtful op
pose this on the ground that it would enable
the capitalists Of Wall street to control it
and that the same disastrous results ould
follow as attended them in 1868 and 1872
Some Western city, probably st. Louis. will
be selected. This. it is claimed, will guar
antee the nomination of Western man.
The Postmaster General has selected a
design for the centennial postage stamp
This stamp will be used upon the "centen
NAL envelope" which will be manufactured
il the government buildings upon the
grounds during the exhibition. tits not ir-
tended to supersede the three-cent STAN ped
envelope in use at present, being only an ad
dition, and will be discontinued when the
exhibition closes. The stamp represents q
shield with the dates l776 and 1876 at the
top and bottom respectively. At the top,
within q scroll, appear the words United
States Postage" and at the bottom, also
within the scroll, the words "Three Cents.
post boy is represented at full speed on a
ground work of telegraph poles and wires,
and underneath is an engine and postal car
They will not be furnished any postofice
except Philadelphia.
The ordinary Congressman is not above
the foilies and foibles found among his less
fortunate fellow-mortals. He takes espe
cial care to doctor all remarks intended fol-
publication in the Record, and many an un
grateful constituency never know of the
sleepless hours passed in framing thunder
bolts designed to strike terror to the hearts
of political opponents, and cause admiring
friends to raise their hands in silent admira
ton The debate on the centennial bill de-
l mo n