Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1876-02-26
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, d. C.,
February 2lst. 1876,

EDITOR NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
the past week, from Monday morn
ing to Saturday night, thislittle world,
within the limits of the city of WASH
ington, has been in q perfect whirl
of dissipation and excitement arising,
from the mere receptions and
entertainments given all along the
line. Only one day in the week is
reserved for rest-the Sabbath-that
is, rest from calling, or card deposit
ing, not s%piritual-rest or contempla-
ton as enjoined in Holy Writ, for
this city possesses as many Sabbath
break ers as II other city in the
Union with the same number Of in-
habitants.
The Kellogg Opera contributed its
share of amusements, and while the
operas given were such as city people
are accustomed to-, yet they were
rendered in such q style a. to make
them particularly interesting. Ma
dame Van Zant has a splendidly cul-
tivated voice, aud would be the de-
clared equal of Kellogg in song, were
1t not for the immense popularity of
the latter, to which the former has
not, as yet, attained.
Legislation III congress this week
has not been very entertaining to an
outsider, although the matters dis
cussed are of vast importance.
The judiciary bill re%organizing the
courts of the United States, has
chiefly absorbed the ate ntion of the
House during the week numerous
amendments were offered aud dis
cussed, and without coming to any
final vote Oh the bill, the House ad-
jourDed for its further consideration
until Monday next, when the bill will
probably be passed.
The House on Thursday was
called to order by it's clerk, the
Speaker having obtained leave Of alb
sence for a week on account of sick
ness. Mr.. Cox, of New York, was
elected speaker pro tenn. with but
few dissenting voices. Mr.. Cox did
not congratulate himself upon his
temporary ~preferment, which he
hoped would be brief, and that Mr..
Kerr would soon return in improved
health.
Mr.. Rea, of NJ issouri, has introdu-
cod q bill providing that the chiefs
of all departments shall keep their
Offices open eight hours in winter
and ten in summer, all clerks and At
tendants to be on hand the same
length of time. in order to obtain full
salary. In case of neglect to COM
ply with the provisions of the act,
the salary of the offending party is
to be forfeited correspondingly to..the
number of days absent.
Gen. Sherman has been before the
committee on military affairs. He is
opposed to any reduction Of the
army. but is inclined to favor the
transferring of the Indian bureau to
the war department., and thinks if
that is carried out a large reduction
of the expenses of the army could
be effected by consolidation Of mill
tary posts, SC.
On Saturday Judge Kelly delivered
his soft money speech, which was at
tentively heard by all the members,
and crowded galleries. At the con-
clusion of his speech a fair admirer
complimented him by sending to his
desk q beautiful boquet of flowers.
His speech was in answer to the one
made by Mr.. Blaine some days ago iu
favor OF specie payments. Mr. Kelly's
speech had been in type for several
days, and he read from a printed
copy. He is confident that his theory
is gaining ground every day, and in
proof thereof he points to masses OF
kilograms and letters which he daily
receives, endorsing his ideas. The
question of finance is growing more
interesting every day, and its impor-
tsnce az a national matter is second
to none. AS far as politics are con-
cerned, it will form the main plank
in the platform of both political par.
ties in the coming national contest
when their addresses are set before
the people. for consideration. Contrac'
ton or Imitation will have more to dc
with political determinations than
people are just now inclined to be-
lieve unless the matter is euti rely
ignored and allowed to remain al
rest, which is not at oil probable.
A petition has been presented in
the Senate. signed by parties from
Wisconsin, praying congress TO pass
a law requiring the Treasurer of the
United States to pay to every man
woman and child residing within
the limits of the United States
without distinction of race,
color, &C., the sum of $40 pei
week, to be paid every Saturday night
at the postoffce nearest or mos
convenient TO the residence Of eact
person. If it should pass what a bles.
sing it would be to the father who
has a large family of eligible daugh.
teEs, aud who hasn't seen a young
mar about the place for an age.
In signing the Centennial bill, tn,
President used a pen made from
quill taken from the wing Of al
American eagle, furnished, for tina
purpose, by a gentleman of this city
The eagle, should it live until tn,
fourth of July, will not be a century
old. Neither was the ink used com
posed of the blood of heroes she,
upon the field of battle in the infan
days of the republic.
Elias Polk, of Tennessee,'a ~coloreG
man, aged II years, has. been appoint
ed to a position under the clerk o
the House. He served Presidep'
Polk in the capacity of body-servant
during his life, and was with hin
during his administration. Poll
claims to be a life long democrat, ant
thinks the party ought to provide to